OpenSCAD vs BRL-CAD: catalog facts
OpenSCAD | BRL-CAD |
|
Free Free and open source, funded through Open Collective. |
Free Free and open source under the LGPL. |
|
Windows, macOS, Linux |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
- A script is a design, so parameterised objects and version control come for free
- Constructive solid geometry and 2D extrusion, aimed squarely at CAD rather than art
|
- Constructive solid geometry with genuine analysis and ray tracing tools
- Decades of development and a stable, scriptable command set
|
- The last tagged stable release is 2021.01, so in practice people run development snapshots
- Not an interactive modeller: you cannot click and drag geometry
|
- The interface is unlike commercial CAD and takes serious effort to learn
- Not aimed at mechanical drafting or 3D printing workflows
|
|
Downloadable app |
Downloadable app |
|
Open source |
Open source |
|
License: GPL-2.0 |
License: LGPL-2.1 |
|
No account needed |
Not stated if an account is needed |
|
Works offline |
Not stated if it works offline |
Checked September 20, 2026 | Checked September 22, 2026 |
Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.
Copy comparison link