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OpenSCAD vs Substance 3D Painter

OpenSCAD logo

OpenSCAD

Software

The programmers solid 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Substance 3D Painter logo

Substance 3D Painter

Software

3D texture painting software

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; Substance 3D Painter the Internet Archive's capture of Adobe's Substance 3D Painter page on 23 June 2021 priced the Substance 3D Collection plan (which bundles Painter, Stager, Sampler, Designer and Modeler) at US$39.99/month for the first year.
  • They diverge on capability: OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, Substance 3D Painter covers 3D painting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OpenSCAD and Substance 3D Painter actually diverge.

Attributes where OpenSCAD and Substance 3D Painter differ
AttributeOpenSCADSubstance 3D Painter
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, WebAssemblyWindows, MacOS, Linux
Founded20091982

Identical on both: 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 Substance 3D Painter

  • 3D painting
  • Smart materials
  • Generators
  • PBR workflow
  • Baking
  • Export presets
  • Scripting
  • Maya

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • MacOS support
  • Linux 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 Substance 3D Painter
  • Technical design with scripted control over geometrynot Substance 3D Painter
  • Procedural model generationnot Substance 3D Painter

Substance 3D Painter

  • Game texturingnot OpenSCAD
  • Film assetsnot OpenSCAD
  • Product visualizationnot 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)

Substance 3D Painter

  • The Internet Archive's capture of Adobe's Substance 3D Painter page on 23 June 2021 priced the Substance 3D Collection plan (which bundles Painter, Stager, Sampler, Designer and Modeler) at US$39.99/month for the first year.

Pricing, plan by plan

OpenSCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD review.

Substance 3D Painter

$29/month
  • Substance 3D Texturing$19.99/month
    • Painter + Sampler
  • Substance 3D Collection$49.99/month
    • All Substance apps

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 Substance 3D Painter if

  • You need 3d painting.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want smart materials.
Substance 3D Painter review

Questions people ask

Is OpenSCAD or Substance 3D Painter better?
Neither clearly leads. OpenSCAD starts at Free and Substance 3D Painter at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OpenSCAD or Substance 3D Painter?
OpenSCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OpenSCAD and $29/month for Substance 3D Painter.
Does OpenSCAD or Substance 3D Painter run on more platforms?
OpenSCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly. Substance 3D Painter runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
Can I use OpenSCAD for free?
Yes. OpenSCAD has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Substance 3D Painter 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 Substance 3D Painter is typically brought in for.
What can OpenSCAD do that Substance 3D Painter cannot?
OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization. Substance 3D Painter covers 3D painting, Smart materials, Generators, PBR workflow. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
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