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CAD · head to head

OpenSCAD vs SolveSpace

OpenSCAD logo

OpenSCAD

CAD

The programmers solid 3D CAD modeler

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: OpenSCAD script-based workflow, not interactive design interface; 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: OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, SolveSpace covers Constraint solver.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OpenSCAD and SolveSpace actually diverge.

Attributes where OpenSCAD and SolveSpace differ
AttributeOpenSCADSolveSpace
Pricing modelfreeOpen source, no licence fee
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, WebAssemblyWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded2009Unknown

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 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.

OpenSCAD

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

SolveSpace

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

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

OpenSCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD review.

SolveSpace

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

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 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 OpenSCAD or SolveSpace better?
Neither clearly leads. OpenSCAD 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, OpenSCAD or SolveSpace?
OpenSCAD starts at Free and SolveSpace at Free.
Does OpenSCAD or SolveSpace run on more platforms?
OpenSCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly. SolveSpace runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
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 SolveSpace is typically brought in for.
What can OpenSCAD do that SolveSpace cannot?
OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization. SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Solid modelling, Assemblies, Export formats.

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
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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