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OpenSCAD vs BRL-CAD: catalog facts
OpenSCADBRL-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.