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JSCAD

What JSCAD is
JSCAD is a free, open-source toolset for creating parametric 2D and 3D CAD designs with JavaScript. Design scripts can expose runtime parameters, allowing users to adjust models without changing the code. Browser-based modeling requires no installation, and the web editor supports writing designs directly or dragging and dropping local files. Editor options include dark mode, axis and grid display, smooth rendering and zoom to fit. Projects can contain a main JavaScript file, supporting modules, package.json and importable assets. The project guide describes importing STL, AMF and SVG files, among other formats, while listed export formats include STL, AMF, DXF, JSON and X3D. JSCAD is especially useful for 3D-printing applications. A command-line tool is available through its CLI package; the desktop app is described as pre-pre-alpha work in progress. Packages are available on NPM under the @jscad name. The project uses the MIT License unless otherwise specified, and volunteers maintain its packages and source code.
Who it suits
It suits JavaScript users creating adjustable CAD models, especially for 3D printing. Browser users can start without installation, while command-line users can use the CLI package.
What it does well
- Free open-source toolset
- Parametric models use runtime parameters
- Browser editor needs no installation
- Exports STL, AMF, DXF, JSON and X3D
- Command-line package available
What to know first
- Desktop app is pre-pre-alpha
- Requires JavaScript-based design scripts
- Volunteer-maintained project
- Browser, CLI and API access only
Verdict
JSCAD offers code-driven parametric CAD with browser and command-line workflows, broad import and export support, and no listed cost. Its unfinished desktop app and JavaScript-centered approach may shape how you use it.
Facts from JSCAD's own pages
- 3D printing
- The documentation says JSCAD is especially useful for 3D printing applications. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Browser use
- The documentation says browser-based modeling requires no installation. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Command line
- JSCAD is available as a command-line tool through its CLI package. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Contributions
- The JSCAD project says its packages and source code are maintained by volunteers and accepts contributions through GitHub pull requests. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Desktop app
- The documentation describes the desktop app as pre-pre-alpha work in progress. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Editor
- The web editor supports creating designs in the editor or dragging and dropping local files. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Editor controls
- The app lists dark mode, axis and grid display, smooth rendering, and zoom to fit as options. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- The getting-started guide lists STL, AMF, DXF, JSON, and X3D as output formats. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · jscad.app, 22 Sept 2026
- Imports
- JSCAD projects can import STL, AMF, and SVG files, among other formats described in its multi-file project guide. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The documentation says JSCAD uses the MIT License unless otherwise specified. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Maintainers
- The JSCAD packages and source code are maintained by a group of volunteers. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Open source
- JSCAD describes itself as an open-source set of modular browser and command-line tools. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Other usage options
- The documentation lists a command line interface and a desktop app as other usage options. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Package ecosystem
- JSCAD packages are available on NPM under the @jscad name for custom combinations. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Parametric designs
- Design scripts can define runtime parameters so models can be adjusted without changing the code. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Parametric modeling
- Yes · jscad.app, 22 Sept 2026
- Platform access
- both · jscad.app, 22 Sept 2026
- 3D print export
- Yes · jscad.app, 22 Sept 2026
- Project structure
- A JSCAD project can contain a main file, other JavaScript modules, a package.json file, and importable assets. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- JSCAD creates parametric 2D and 3D CAD designs using JavaScript code. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The documentation directs usage questions to the JSCAD User Group and bug reports to GitHub issues. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- Web editor
- The app lets users create designs in its editor or drag and drop local files. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
- What it does
- JSCAD is a tool for creating parametric 2D and 3D CAD designs using JavaScript code. · jscad.app, 12 Oct 2026
Where JSCAD stands on Freedom251
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