Side by side
Gmsh vs Part3D
Both stand on 3d modeling software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+1
Gmsh provides a broad geometry, meshing, solver, and post-processing toolkit across desktop platforms and programming APIs. Its GPL terms and discrete-geometry limitation matter when planning commercial distribution or STL-based workflows.
Visit Gmsh Free plan iPhoneMac
Part3D combines parametric modeling and 3D-print export in an iOS and macOS app. Its free plan covers basic work, while Pro expands projects, tools, and file formats.
Visit Part3DThe facts
| Gmsh | Part3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Windows | iPhone, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Pro yearly subscription: $39.99 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 7 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | gmsh.info | part3d.app |
| On 3d modeling software | #69 of 147 | #65 of 147 |
Gmsh: what it does well
- Free open-source distribution
- Generates 1D, 2D, and 3D meshes
- Built-in and OpenCASCADE CAD kernels
- Graphical, command-line, scripting, and API use
- Binaries available for major desktop systems
What to know first
- Closed-source distributed integration requires a commercial license
- Discrete model entities lack geometric operations
- Binary releases require specified operating systems
- No sculpting or animation tools
Part3D: what it does well
- Parametric, non-destructive feature tree
- Exports STL and OBJ files
- Free plan supports three projects
- On-device operation
- Bridge connects to network slicers
What to know first
- iPad requires Apple Pencil or compatible stylus
- Free plan limited to three projects
- STEP export requires Pro
- Complex projects may need desktop CAD