openscad

Script-based 3D CAD modeler for parametric design

TLDR

Open file in GUI

$ openscad [model.scad]

Render to STL

$ openscad -o [output.stl] [model.scad]

Render to PNG

$ openscad -o [output.png] [model.scad]

Set parameter

$ openscad -D "[var=value]" -o [output.stl] [model.scad]

Preview mode image export

$ openscad --preview -o [output.png] [model.scad]

Export with camera angle and image size

$ openscad -o [output.png] --camera [0,0,0,25,0,35,500] --imgsize [1920,1080] [model.scad]

Auto-center and fit object in exported image

$ openscad -o [output.png] --autocenter --viewall [model.scad]

openscad is a script-based 3D CAD modeler for creating parametric models using Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG). Unlike interactive CAD tools, models are defined programmatically in a scripting language. It can export to STL, OFF, AMF, 3MF, DXF, SVG, and PNG formats.

PARAMETERS

FILE

OpenSCAD source file.

-o OUTPUT

Output file.

-D ASSIGNMENT

Set variable value.

--preview

Preview render mode.

--render

Full render mode (CGAL).

--camera params

Camera parameters: translatex,y,z,rotx,y,z,dist or eyex,y,z,centerx,y,z.

--imgsize x,y

PNG image dimensions.

--projection type

Projection type: ortho or perspective.

--autocenter

Adjust camera to look at object's center.

--viewall

Adjust camera to fit the entire object.

--colorscheme scheme

Color scheme for rendering.

-v, --version

Display version information.

-h, --help

Display help information.

INSTALL

sudo apt install openscad

sudo dnf install openscad

sudo pacman -S openscad

sudo apk add openscad

sudo zypper install openscad

nix profile install nixpkgs#openscad

CAVEATS

Full CGAL rendering can be very slow for complex models. The -o output format is determined by the file extension. Preview mode is faster but less accurate than full render.

HISTORY

OpenSCAD was created by Marius Kintel and Clifford Wolf, first released in 2010 as an open-source tool for script-based 3D CAD modeling using Constructive Solid Geometry.