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3D & CAD · head to head

DraftSight vs OpenSCAD

DraftSight logo

DraftSight

3D & CAD

Professional 2D CAD drafting

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenSCAD logo

OpenSCAD

3D & 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: DraftSight there is no free version any more, only a 30 day trial; DraftSight was previously free for personal use; OpenSCAD script-based workflow, not interactive design interface
  • They diverge on capability: DraftSight covers DWG/DXF support, OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DraftSight and OpenSCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where DraftSight and OpenSCAD differ
AttributeDraftSightOpenSCAD
Starting price$29/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, MacOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly
Founded19812009

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (3D & 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 DraftSight

  • DWG/DXF support
  • 2D drafting
  • 3D modeling
  • Batch printing
  • PDF import
  • Layer management
  • SolidWorks
  • CATIA

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.

DraftSight

  • 2D drafting and annotation on DWG filesnot OpenSCAD
  • Opening and editing DWG drawings without AutoCADnot OpenSCAD
  • Architectural and engineering drawing productionnot OpenSCAD
  • Working alongside SOLIDWORKS in a Dassault toolchainnot OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

DraftSight

  • There is no free version any more, only a 30 day trial; DraftSight was previously free for personal use
  • Split into Professional, Premium and Enterprise tiers, with prices not shown on the product page
  • Primarily a 2D CAD application, with 3D limited to DWG file handling rather than full modelling

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

DraftSight

$29/month
  • Standard$99/month
    • 2D drafting
  • Professional$199/month
    • 2D + 3D
  • Premium$499/month
    • Advanced features

OpenSCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose DraftSight if

  • You need dwg/dxf support.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want 2d drafting.
DraftSight 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 DraftSight or OpenSCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. DraftSight 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, DraftSight or OpenSCAD?
OpenSCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for DraftSight and Free for OpenSCAD.
Does DraftSight or OpenSCAD run on more platforms?
DraftSight 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. DraftSight starts at $29/month.
What is DraftSight best used for?
DraftSight is most often used for 2d drafting and annotation on dwg files, opening and editing dwg drawings without autocad, architectural and engineering drawing production, working alongside solidworks in a dassault toolchain. Of those, 2d drafting and annotation on dwg files and opening and editing dwg drawings without autocad are not what OpenSCAD is typically brought in for.
What can DraftSight do that OpenSCAD cannot?
DraftSight covers DWG/DXF support, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, Batch printing. OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
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