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CAD · head to head

3D-Coat vs OpenSCAD

3D-Coat logo

3D-Coat

CAD

Digital sculpting for game artists

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenSCAD logo

OpenSCAD

CAD

The programmers solid 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OpenSCAD has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: 3D-Coat specific pricing not disclosed on website; OpenSCAD script-based workflow, not interactive design interface
  • They diverge on capability: 3D-Coat covers Voxel sculpting, OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3D-Coat and OpenSCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where 3D-Coat and OpenSCAD differ
Attribute3D-CoatOpenSCAD
Starting price$29/monthFree
Pricing modelone-timefree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, MacOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly
Founded20072009

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (CAD).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in 3D-Coat

  • Voxel sculpting
  • Surface sculpting
  • Retopology
  • UV mapping
  • Texture painting
  • PBR materials
  • Smart materials
  • Baking

Only in OpenSCAD

  • Script-based modeling
  • CSG operations
  • 2D to 3D extrusion
  • Parameterization
  • STL export
  • Preview
  • 3D printers
  • Slicers

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • MacOS support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

3D-Coat

  • Voxel sculpting from a digital clay blocknot OpenSCAD
  • Retopology of high-density sculpts into production meshesnot OpenSCAD
  • UV mapping and PBR texturingnot OpenSCAD
  • Preparing print-ready models for 3D printingnot OpenSCAD
  • Node-based material authoring on the GPUnot OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD

  • Parametric 3D design for manufacturing and 3D printingnot 3D-Coat
  • Technical design with scripted control over geometrynot 3D-Coat
  • Procedural model generationnot 3D-Coat

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

3D-Coat

  • Specific pricing not disclosed on website
  • 3DCoatPrint free version limited to 40K triangles on export
  • Requires contacting sales or visiting store for pricing details

OpenSCAD

  • Script-based workflow, not interactive design interface
  • Limited to constructive solid geometry and 2D extrusion modelling
  • Not suitable for artistic 3D modelling or computer animation
  • Complex build dependencies (Qt, CGAL, Boost)

Pricing, plan by plan

3D-Coat

$29/month
  • Amateur$99/month
    • Non-commercial use
  • Professional$379/month
    • Full commercial license
  • Floating$568/month
    • Network licensing

OpenSCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose 3D-Coat if

  • You need voxel sculpting.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want surface sculpting.
3D-Coat review

Choose OpenSCAD if

  • You need script-based modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly.
  • You also want csg operations.
OpenSCAD review

Questions people ask

Is 3D-Coat or OpenSCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. 3D-Coat starts at $29/month and OpenSCAD at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3D-Coat or OpenSCAD?
OpenSCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for 3D-Coat and Free for OpenSCAD.
Does 3D-Coat or OpenSCAD run on more platforms?
3D-Coat runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. OpenSCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly.
Can I use OpenSCAD for free?
Yes. OpenSCAD has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. 3D-Coat starts at $29/month.
What is 3D-Coat best used for?
3D-Coat is most often used for voxel sculpting from a digital clay block, retopology of high-density sculpts into production meshes, uv mapping and pbr texturing, preparing print-ready models for 3d printing. Of those, voxel sculpting from a digital clay block and retopology of high-density sculpts into production meshes are not what OpenSCAD is typically brought in for.
What can 3D-Coat do that OpenSCAD cannot?
3D-Coat covers Voxel sculpting, Surface sculpting, Retopology, UV mapping. OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

3D-Coat: Is there a free version of 3D Coat?

Yes, 3D Coat offers multiple free options. 3DCoatPrint is a special free version designed for 3D print-ready models, limited to 40K triangles on export. Additionally, a 30-day unlimited trial is available for the full version.

Source
OpenSCAD: What is the cost of OpenSCAD?

OpenSCAD is free software with no licensing fees, subscriptions, or costs of any kind. The software is available as open-source with no restrictions on commercial or non-commercial use.

Source
3D-Coat: What is the 30-day trial period for 3D Coat?

3D Coat provides a 30-day trial with unlimited learning resources. The trial grants full access to all tools needed to create production-ready, fully textured 3D models.

Source
3D-Coat: Does 3D Coat offer specialized versions?

Yes, 3D Coat offers 3DCoatTextura as a specialized version focused on texturing and rendering at a more affordable price than the full 3DCoat version.

Source
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