Side by side
Onshape vs OpenSCAD
Both stand on 3d cad software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
Onshape combines parametric CAD with collaboration and built-in design-data management. Check the plan terms carefully if you need private documents or commercial use.
Visit Onshape
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
| Onshape | OpenSCAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Standard Plan: $1,500 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Onshape | Not published |
| Website | onshape.com | openscad.org |
| On 3d cad software | #5 of 79 | #1 of 79 |
Onshape: what it does well
- Parametric modeling for solids, surfaces, and sheet metal
- Multi-user editing and real-time communication
- Built-in version control and release management
- Simulation and CAM tools are included
- Available on web, iOS, and Android
What to know first
- Free use is non-commercial only
- Free-plan documents are publicly accessible
- Standard costs $1,500/user/yr
- Enterprise pricing is custom
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 Onshape Alternatives to OpenSCAD The whole list