OpenSCAD describes itself as a 3D compiler rather than an interactive modeler: you write a script, and it renders the solid the script describes. FreeCAD is a parametric modeler you work in with the mouse, sketching constrained 2D shapes and turning them into features you can edit later.
Both suit people who print functional parts, and they connect directly. FreeCAD 1.1.4 includes an OpenSCAD workbench that imports .csg files, imports .scad files when an OpenSCAD executable is installed, and exports both formats.
OpenSCAD and FreeCAD side by side
| Feature | OpenSCAD | FreeCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | OpenSCAD open-source project; maintained by Marius Kintel | FreeCAD open-source project; builds signed by the FreeCAD project association AISBL |
| License | GPL-2.0, with an exception for linking the CGAL library | LGPL-2.1 |
| Price | Free | Free; no sign-up |
| Operating systems | Windows 7 or later (32- and 64-bit), macOS 10.9 or later (Intel), Linux (distribution packages, x86-64 and ARM64 AppImage), BSD | Windows 10 or later, macOS 12 or later (Intel and Apple Silicon), Linux (x86_64 and aarch64 AppImage) |
| Latest stable version | 2021.01 (published February 7, 2021) | 1.1.4, released September 28, 2026 |
| Upcoming release | 2026.11-RC0 release candidate, posted November 1, 2026 | 26.3 release candidate 2, October 18, 2026 |
| Modeling approach | Script only: constructive solid geometry and extrusion of 2D outlines | Interactive parametric modeling from constrained sketches; OpenCASCADE kernel |
| Parameters | Script variables, editable in the Customizer panel with sliders and drop-downs; parameter sets saved as JSON | Editable model history; broad Python API |
| 3D file formats | Imports STL, OFF, AMF and 3MF; exports STL, OFF, AMF and 3MF | Reads and writes STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ, DAE and others |
| 2D file formats | Imports DXF and SVG; exports DXF, SVG, PDF and PNG | Reads and writes SVG and DXF |
| Working with the other | Exports CSG, a simplified representation of the script | OpenSCAD workbench imports .csg, imports .scad when OpenSCAD is installed, and exports .csg and .scad |
| Other tools | Libraries of ready-made building blocks; command-line export | Workbenches for FEM, CAM/CNC, BIM and production drawings |
Checked November 2, 2026 against OpenSCAD 2021.01 (published on GitHub February 7, 2021, and still the stable download on openscad.org) and FreeCAD 1.1.4 (released September 28, 2026). OpenSCAD 2026.11-RC0 release candidate files were posted November 1, 2026, and FreeCAD 26.3 was at its second release candidate (October 18, 2026); neither had a final release when checked.
Code versus sketches
OpenSCAD reads a script and renders the model it describes, which its developers say gives you full control over every modeling step and makes designs driven by configurable parameters easy. It focuses on the CAD side of modeling, such as machine parts, rather than artistic modeling. Its Customizer panel turns variables in the main file into sliders and drop-downs, and you can save parameter sets as JSON.
FreeCAD lets you sketch constrained 2D shapes and build 3D features from them, then go back into the model history to change parameters. It also produces drawings and adds workbenches for finite element analysis, CAM/CNC and BIM, plus a Python API for scripting.
Release status
OpenSCAD's stable release is still 2021.01. Its downloads page also offers release candidates and nightly builds; a 2026.11-RC0 candidate was posted on November 1, 2026, and the page suggests enabling the new Manifold geometry engine in nightly builds, which the developers say gives a large speedup. The home page links to a prototype OpenSCAD Playground that runs in a web browser.
FreeCAD 1.1.4, released September 28, 2026, is the last planned maintenance release of the 1.1 series and fixes two security issues with maliciously crafted FCStd files. FreeCAD 26.3 was at its second release candidate when checked.
Files for printing
OpenSCAD exports STL, OFF, AMF and 3MF. The OpenSCAD manual marks 3MF export as available since 2019.05, and the 2021.01 release made binary STL the default with an ASCII option. It does not list STEP among its import or export formats.
FreeCAD reads and writes STL, OBJ and STEP, among others. STEP keeps true solid geometry, which matters if you share parts with users of other CAD programs.
Using them together
FreeCAD 1.1.4 ships an OpenSCAD workbench. Its source shows that .csg import and .csg and .scad export always work, while .scad import and the hull, Minkowski and Add OpenSCAD element tools appear only when FreeCAD finds an OpenSCAD executable. That lets you bring an OpenSCAD part into FreeCAD and continue there, for example to add drawings or export STEP.
Which should you choose?
Choose OpenSCAD if…
- You want the whole model defined in a text script that you can parameterize and reuse.
- You want people to adjust your design through Customizer sliders without touching the code.
- You need to batch-export models from the command line.
Choose FreeCAD if…
- You prefer drawing constrained sketches with the mouse.
- You need STEP files or production drawings.
- You want FEM, CAM or BIM tools, or a native Apple Silicon build.
Common questions
Can FreeCAD open OpenSCAD files?
Yes. FreeCAD's OpenSCAD workbench imports .csg files directly and imports .scad files when an OpenSCAD executable is installed. It can also export both formats.
Is OpenSCAD still developed if the stable release is from 2021?
Yes. Its downloads page offers nightly builds and a 2026.11 release candidate posted on November 1, 2026, alongside the 2021.01 stable release.
Can OpenSCAD export 3MF?
Yes. The OpenSCAD manual lists 3MF export starting with version 2019.05, so the 2021.01 stable release includes it, along with STL, OFF and AMF.
Sources
- About OpenSCAD (license, maintainer, technology) OpenSCAD · Checked 2026-11-02
- FreeCAD 1.1.4 release notes FreeCAD project on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- OpenSCAD repository, README and COPYING OpenSCAD (GitHub) · Checked 2026-11-02
- FreeCAD repository, README and LICENSE FreeCAD project on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- OpenSCAD home page OpenSCAD · Checked 2026-11-02
- FreeCAD official website FreeCAD project · Checked 2026-11-02
- OpenSCAD downloads (supported systems) OpenSCAD · Checked 2026-11-02
- FreeCAD downloads (supported systems) FreeCAD project · Checked 2026-11-02
- OpenSCAD 2021.01 release notes OpenSCAD (GitHub) · Checked 2026-11-02
- OpenSCAD release candidate files (2026.11-RC0) OpenSCAD · Checked 2026-11-02
- FreeCAD 26.3 release candidate 2 notes FreeCAD (GitHub) · Checked 2026-11-02
- OpenSCAD User Manual: Customizer OpenSCAD User Manual (Wikibooks) · Checked 2026-11-02
- OpenSCAD User Manual: importing geometry OpenSCAD User Manual (Wikibooks) · Checked 2026-11-02
- OpenSCAD User Manual: export OpenSCAD User Manual (Wikibooks) · Checked 2026-11-02
- FreeCAD 1.1.4 OpenSCAD module file types (Init.py) FreeCAD (GitHub) · Checked 2026-11-02
- FreeCAD 1.1.4 OpenSCAD workbench commands (InitGui.py) FreeCAD (GitHub) · Checked 2026-11-02
This comparison summarizes the cited documentation; it is not a lab test. Features and prices change between releases; check the developer’s site for the current version.