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OpenSCAD vs Shapr3D

OpenSCAD logo

OpenSCAD

Software

The programmers solid 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Shapr3D logo

Shapr3D

Software

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.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OpenSCAD and Shapr3D actually diverge.

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

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 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
  • FreeFree
    • 2 active designs
    • Basic features
  • Pro$25/month
    • Unlimited designs
    • All export formats
  • Business$199/month
    • Team features
    • Visualization

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.
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