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Defold vs OpenSCAD

Defold logo

Defold

Software

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenSCAD logo

OpenSCAD

Software

The programmers solid 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine; OpenSCAD script-based workflow, not interactive design interface
  • They diverge on capability: Defold covers Lua scripting, OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Defold and OpenSCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where Defold and OpenSCAD differ
AttributeDefoldOpenSCAD
Pricing modelfreeopen-source
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly
Founded20052009

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

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 Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Particle effects
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight

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.

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot OpenSCAD
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot OpenSCAD
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

Defold

  • The Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • The licence forbids commercialising original or modified versions of the Defold editor or engine itself
  • Significant changes made to the Defold source must be documented under the licence terms

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

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

OpenSCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Defold if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want physics engine.
Defold 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 Defold or OpenSCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. Defold 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, Defold or OpenSCAD?
Defold starts at Free and OpenSCAD at Free.
Does Defold or OpenSCAD run on more platforms?
Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. OpenSCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly.
Can I use Defold for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Defold best used for?
Defold is most often used for building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project, shipping small-footprint html5 games, teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on games. Of those, building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project and shipping small-footprint html5 games are not what OpenSCAD is typically brought in for.
What can Defold do that OpenSCAD cannot?
Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Particle effects. OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization. Both handle Windows support, Linux support.
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