3D & CAD · head to head
OpenSCAD vs Alibre Design
The short version
- Only OpenSCAD has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: OpenSCAD script-based workflow, not interactive design interface; Alibre Design perpetual licences do not include updates; maintenance is a separate yearly plan starting at $50 per year for CAD support and updates
- They diverge on capability: OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, Alibre Design covers Parametric modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which OpenSCAD and Alibre Design actually diverge.
| Attribute | OpenSCAD | Alibre Design |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $29/month |
| Pricing model | open-source | one-time |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly | Windows |
| Category | 3D & CAD | Unknown |
| Founded | 2009 | 1997 |
Identical on both: 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 OpenSCAD
- Script-based modeling
- CSG operations
- 2D to 3D extrusion
- Parameterization
- STL export
- Preview
- 3D printers
- Slicers
Only in Alibre Design
- Parametric modeling
- Assemblies
- Sheet metal
- 2D drawings
- BOM
- Rendering
- CAM software
- PDM
Both cover
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
OpenSCAD
- Parametric 3D design for manufacturing and 3D printingnot Alibre Design
- Technical design with scripted control over geometrynot Alibre Design
- Procedural model generationnot Alibre Design
Alibre Design
- Parametric 3D solid modelling for mechanical partsnot OpenSCAD
- Producing 2D manufacturing drawings from 3D modelsnot OpenSCAD
- Designing parts for 3D printing and small shop machiningnot OpenSCAD
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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)
Alibre Design
- Perpetual licences do not include updates; maintenance is a separate yearly plan starting at $50 per year for CAD support and updates
- Sheet metal, PDM data management and rendering are Design Expert only at $1,999
- Scripting is excluded from the $199 Atom3D edition
- CAM capability is sold as separate EZ-Mill, EZ-Turn and EZ-EDM products costing up to $2,999
- A dedicated account manager is excluded from Atom3D
Pricing, plan by plan
OpenSCAD
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD review.
Alibre Design
$29/month- Atom3D$199/month
- Basic modeling
- Design$999/month
- Professional CAD
- Expert$1999/month
- Full features
Which should you pick?
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.
Choose Alibre Design if
- You need parametric modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want assemblies.
Questions people ask
- Is OpenSCAD or Alibre Design better?
- Neither clearly leads. OpenSCAD starts at Free and Alibre Design at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, OpenSCAD or Alibre Design?
- OpenSCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OpenSCAD and $29/month for Alibre Design.
- Does OpenSCAD or Alibre Design run on more platforms?
- OpenSCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly. Alibre Design runs on Windows.
- Can I use OpenSCAD for free?
- Yes. OpenSCAD has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Alibre Design starts at $29/month.
- What is OpenSCAD best used for?
- OpenSCAD is most often used for parametric 3d design for manufacturing and 3d printing, technical design with scripted control over geometry, procedural model generation. Of those, parametric 3d design for manufacturing and 3d printing and technical design with scripted control over geometry are not what Alibre Design is typically brought in for.
- What can OpenSCAD do that Alibre Design cannot?
- OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization. Alibre Design covers Parametric modeling, Assemblies, Sheet metal, 2D drawings. Both handle Windows support.
Related pages
More on Alibre Design
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