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Game Development · head to head

LÖVE vs SolveSpace

LÖVE logo

LÖVE

Game Development

Framework for making 2D games in Lua

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

SolveSpace

CAD

Open source parametric CAD with a constraint solver in a few megabytes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: LÖVE lOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline; SolveSpace the in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • They diverge on capability: LÖVE covers Lua scripting, SolveSpace covers Constraint solver.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LÖVE and SolveSpace actually diverge.

Attributes where LÖVE and SolveSpace differ
AttributeLÖVESolveSpace
Pricing modelfreeOpen source, no licence fee
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryGame DevelopmentCAD
Founded2008Unknown

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 LÖVE

  • Lua scripting
  • Graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Box2D)
  • Audio support
  • Input handling
  • File I/O
  • Vector math
  • Animation support

Only in SolveSpace

  • Constraint solver
  • Solid modelling
  • Assemblies
  • Export formats
  • Cross-platform
  • Small footprint

What people use each for

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

LÖVE

  • Making 2D games in Luanot SolveSpace
  • Rapid prototyping of 2D gameplaynot SolveSpace
  • Shipping small 2D games to desktop and mobile from one Lua codebasenot SolveSpace

SolveSpace

  • Designing 3D printed parts on a machine that cannot run mainstream CADnot LÖVE
  • Teaching constraint-based parametric modelling without buying licences for a classroomnot LÖVE
  • Checking that a mechanical linkage moves as intended before cutting metalnot LÖVE
  • Producing dimensionally accurate STEP or STL output from a small open source toolchainnot LÖVE

Where each one falls short

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

LÖVE

  • LOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • Games must be written in Lua, with no other supported scripting language
  • Supported platforms are limited to Windows Vista and later, macOS 10.11 and later, Linux, Android and iOS
  • The iOS build is distributed as source and libraries rather than a ready installer
  • There is no commercial support offering; help is through community forums, Discord and a subreddit

SolveSpace

  • The in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • There is no proper drawing and dimensioning workflow, so manufacturing documentation has to be produced in another application.
  • Development is volunteer-led and intermittent; long gaps between releases are normal and there is no support contract available at any price.
  • Assembly-level import of external CAD is very limited, so it does not fit a supply chain that exchanges native or assembly-level models with suppliers.
  • The interface follows its own conventions rather than mainstream CAD ones, so existing SolidWorks or Fusion users spend time unlearning habits for a tool with a lower ceiling.

Pricing, plan by plan

LÖVE

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • Lua scripting
    • Cross-platform support

SolveSpace

Free
  • SolveSpaceFree
    • Full application under the GPL
    • No seat limit
    • Windows, macOS and Linux builds

Which should you pick?

Choose LÖVE if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
LÖVE review

Choose SolveSpace if

  • You need constraint solver.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want solid modelling.
SolveSpace review

Questions people ask

Is LÖVE or SolveSpace better?
Neither clearly leads. LÖVE starts at Free and SolveSpace at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LÖVE or SolveSpace?
LÖVE starts at Free and SolveSpace at Free.
Does LÖVE or SolveSpace run on more platforms?
LÖVE runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. SolveSpace runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use LÖVE for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is LÖVE best used for?
LÖVE is most often used for making 2d games in lua, rapid prototyping of 2d gameplay, shipping small 2d games to desktop and mobile from one lua codebase. Of those, making 2d games in lua and rapid prototyping of 2d gameplay are not what SolveSpace is typically brought in for.
What can LÖVE do that SolveSpace cannot?
LÖVE covers Lua scripting, Graphics rendering, Physics engine (Box2D), Audio support. SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Solid modelling, Assemblies, Export formats.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SolveSpace: Is it really free for commercial work?

Yes. It is released under the GPL with no licence fee and no seat limit. Support is community only.

SolveSpace: Can it replace Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?

No. It handles parts and simple assemblies well. Complex geometry, drawings and supply chain interoperability are outside its range.

SolveSpace: What hardware does it need?

Very little. It runs on old laptops and small Linux machines where mainstream CAD will not start.

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