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Game Development · head to head

Construct 3 vs OpenSCAD

Construct 3 logo

Construct 3

Game Development

Create games without coding. Powered by the Scirra engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenSCAD logo

OpenSCAD

3D & CAD

The programmers solid 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Construct 3 the free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account; OpenSCAD script-based workflow, not interactive design interface
  • They diverge on capability: Construct 3 covers Visual event system, OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Construct 3 and OpenSCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where Construct 3 and OpenSCAD differ
AttributeConstruct 3OpenSCAD
Pricing modelfreemiumopen-source
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly
CategoryGame Development3D & CAD
Founded20072009

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Construct 3

  • Visual event system
  • Drag-and-drop editor
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite editor
  • Particle effects
  • Sound effects
  • Web-based
  • HTML5 support

Only in OpenSCAD

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

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

Construct 3

  • Building 2D browser games without writing codenot OpenSCAD
  • Publishing HTML5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one projectnot OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

Construct 3

  • The free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account
  • Free projects are limited to 2 layers, 2 special effects, 1 timeline animation of up to 5 seconds and 1 web font
  • The free version can only publish to HTML5 and the Construct Arcade, so desktop, Android, iOS and Facebook Instant Games all need a paid plan
  • Licences are per seat and annual, at $129.99 for Personal, $168.99 for Startup Business and $468.99 for Business

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

Construct 3

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Web-based editor
    • HTML5 export
    • Asset library
  • Personal$99/year
    • All Free features
    • Offline editor
    • Advanced export

OpenSCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Construct 3 if

  • You need visual event system.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want drag-and-drop editor.
Construct 3 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 Construct 3 or OpenSCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. Construct 3 starts at Free and OpenSCAD at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Construct 3 or OpenSCAD?
Construct 3 starts at Free and OpenSCAD at Free.
Does Construct 3 or OpenSCAD run on more platforms?
Construct 3 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. OpenSCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly.
Can I use Construct 3 for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Construct 3 best used for?
Construct 3 is most often used for building 2d browser games without writing code, publishing html5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one project. Of those, building 2d browser games without writing code and publishing html5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one project are not what OpenSCAD is typically brought in for.
What can Construct 3 do that OpenSCAD cannot?
Construct 3 covers Visual event system, Drag-and-drop editor, Physics engine, Sprite editor. OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization. Both handle Windows support, Linux support.
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