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CAD · head to head

OpenSCAD vs Shapr3D

OpenSCAD logo

OpenSCAD

CAD

The programmers solid 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Shapr3D logo

Shapr3D

CAD

CAD software for iPad and Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: OpenSCAD script-based workflow, not interactive design interface; Shapr3D the free Basic plan is limited to 2 projects
  • They diverge on capability: OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, Shapr3D covers Direct modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OpenSCAD and Shapr3D actually diverge.

Attributes where OpenSCAD and Shapr3D differ
AttributeOpenSCADShapr3D
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, WebAssemblyIPadOS, MacOS, Windows
Founded20092015

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

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

Only in Shapr3D

  • Direct modeling
  • Parametric history
  • Visualization
  • 2D drawings
  • Apple Pencil support
  • Import/export
  • Annotations
  • Fusion 360

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • MacOS 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 Shapr3D
  • Technical design with scripted control over geometrynot Shapr3D
  • Procedural model generationnot Shapr3D

Shapr3D

  • Direct modelling CAD on iPad with Apple Pencilnot OpenSCAD
  • Producing manufacturable solid models and technical drawingsnot OpenSCAD
  • Sharing CAD projects with collaborators on desktop and tabletnot 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)

Shapr3D

  • The free Basic plan is limited to 2 projects
  • Free plan exports only basic resolution 3MF and STL, so no STEP or IGES output
  • Free plan caps generative renders at 3 per day; Pro raises this to 50 per day and only Enterprise is unlimited
  • Importing SLDPRT and SLDASM SolidWorks files requires Pro
  • Importing NX, JT, CREO, Solid Edge and Rhino files requires Enterprise
  • Exporting ACIS, FBX, Parasolid and PRC requires Enterprise
  • On premises and single tenant data storage is Enterprise only
  • Enterprise pricing is by quote with no published rate

Pricing, plan by plan

OpenSCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD review.

Shapr3D

Free
  • BasicFree
    • 2 projects
    • cloud storage
    • basic import/export (XT, STEP, IGES, DWG, STL)
  • Pro$299/year
    • unlimited shared team projects
    • up to 2 contributors
    • high-resolution exports
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • granular access control
    • flexible data storage (single tenant/private cloud/on-premises)
    • unlimited renders

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.
OpenSCAD review

Choose Shapr3D if

  • You need direct modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows.
  • You also want parametric history.
Shapr3D review

Questions people ask

Is OpenSCAD or Shapr3D better?
Neither clearly leads. OpenSCAD starts at Free and Shapr3D at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OpenSCAD or Shapr3D?
OpenSCAD starts at Free and Shapr3D at Free.
Does OpenSCAD or Shapr3D run on more platforms?
OpenSCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly. Shapr3D runs on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows.
Can I use OpenSCAD for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Shapr3D is typically brought in for.
What can OpenSCAD do that Shapr3D cannot?
OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization. Shapr3D covers Direct modeling, Parametric history, Visualization, 2D drawings. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

OpenSCAD: What is the cost of OpenSCAD?

OpenSCAD is free software with no licensing fees, subscriptions, or costs of any kind. The software is available as open-source with no restrictions on commercial or non-commercial use.

Source
Shapr3D: How much does Shapr3D cost?

Shapr3D Basic tier is free. Pro tier is $299 per year or available monthly with price not specified on the pricing page. Enterprise pricing is custom and requires contacting sales.

Source
Shapr3D: Is there a free trial for Shapr3D Pro?

Yes, Shapr3D offers a 14-day free trial for Pro tier that requires a credit card, plus a 14-day money-back guarantee on purchases.

Source
Shapr3D: What is the difference between Shapr3D Pro and Enterprise?

Pro tier includes up to 2 contributors on unlimited shared team projects, 50 renders daily, technical drawings, and AR on iPad. Enterprise provides granular access control, flexible data storage options (single tenant, private cloud, on-premises, or cloud off), unlimited renders, extended import/export formats, and dedicated account management.

Source
Shapr3D: Does Shapr3D offer educational pricing?

Yes, Shapr3D is free for students and educators with annual license renewal through an in-app application form.

Source
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