Side by side
MoI 3D (Moment of Inspiration) vs OpenSCAD
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 trial MacWindows
MoI 3D focuses on accurate NURBS modeling, CAD interchange and mesh export rather than sculpting or rendering. The cross-platform license and trial help evaluation, but buyers should account for the absent render engine and OBJ import limit.
Visit MoI 3D (Moment of Inspiration)
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
Choose OpenSCAD for script-driven, parameterized CAD work, particularly designs such as machine parts. Look elsewhere if sculpting tools or an artistic modeling focus are central to your work; its experimental browser build also has substantial limitations.
Visit OpenSCADThe facts
| MoI 3D (Moment of Inspiration) | OpenSCAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Moment of Inspiration v4, upgrade version: $100 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | moi3d.com | openscad.org |
| On 3d modeling software | #126 of 153 | #3 of 153 |
MoI 3D (Moment of Inspiration): what it does well
- Exports n-gon meshes for 3D printing
- Supports 3DM, IGES, STEP and SAT formats
- One license key works on Windows and Mac
- Version 4 adds annotation tools
- 90-day trial available
What to know first
- No sculpting tools
- No render engine
- OBJ meshes cannot be read
- No free plan
OpenSCAD: what it does well
- Free software under the GNU General Public License version 2
- Parametric modeling supports configurable designs
- Reads and creates STL and OFF models
- Exports models for 3D printing
- Runs on Linux, macOS and Windows
What to know first
- It does not include sculpting tools
- The experimental browser build is slow and lacks preview, fonts and a GUI
- Modeling is script based rather than focused on artistic modeling
Alternatives to MoI 3D (Moment of Inspiration) Alternatives to OpenSCAD The whole list