JSCAD Free Programmatic Online 3D Modeler

CAD, 3D Graphics

Free
No Download/Install required
No registration

Previously named openJSCAD, JSCAD is another online derivative of the OpenSCAD 3D solid programmatic modeler.

The link we provide her is one of the most complete clone implementation of JSCAD, with various helpers, documentation and format import (STL, DXF, X3D …).

The source can be found on GitHub: https://github.com/jscad/OpenJSCAD.org and includes the standard, version, a web version, so as a desktop version.

Tip #1: documentation:

the JSCAD full documentation for the 3D scripting can be found here: https://openjscad.xyz/dokuwiki/doku.php
while a 1-page summary of all functions and primitives here: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenJSCAD_Quick_Reference

Tip #2: the online “original” openSCAD version can also be found in this directory, providing more compatibility the the desktop openSCAD, but less practical from our experience if the compatibility is not required.

Disciplines: Mechanical engineering, 3D printing, Product design, Software engineering.

Free alternative to OpenSCAD, Autodesk Fusion, SolidWorks.

JSCAD Free Programmatic Online 3D Modeler compared with OpenSCAD, Autodesk Fusion and SolidWorks
JSCAD Free Programmatic Online 3D Modeler	OpenSCAD	Autodesk Fusion	SolidWorks
Modelling approach: Models are written as JavaScript code and rendered in the browser. The geometry is parametric, so changing a variable regenerates the part.	Modelling approach: Models are written in its own scripting language and rendered by a desktop program. It is described as a programmers solid 3D CAD modeller.	Modelling approach: A cloud-based CAD application where features are drawn and edited with a graphical interface.	Modelling approach: A graphical CAD package, with a browser-based variant (xDesign) and desktop licences.
File formats: The openjscad.com mirror imports and exports JSCAD, STL, AMF, DXF and SVG (all but JSCAD marked experimental). It exports X3D and imports OpenSCAD .scad files.	File formats: The page consulted does not list formats.	File formats: The personal licence has fewer supported import and export file types than the paid version.
Licence and cost: Open source under the MIT licence, free to use online, offline and from the command line.	Licence and cost: Free software, available for Linux, Windows and Mac OS X.	Licence and cost: The personal licence is for non-commercial projects below a small annual revenue threshold and excludes company use. Commercial use needs a paid subscription.	Licence and cost: Design licences are term-based (yearly or quarterly) online, and resellers can sell perpetual licences. A free trial is available.
Status: The openjscad.com page identifies itself as a JSCAD v1 mirror provided by BuildBee. The jscad.app site presents the library as the JSCAD modeling package.	Status: Listed as active software with tutorial and library pages.	Status: Active as a product, with personal and full subscriptions.	Status: Active as a product, sold by term or through resellers.
When to choose: Choose it for quick parametric parts without installation, or when the model must be generated by JavaScript code.	When to choose: Choose it for scripted solid models in a desktop program, and for compatibility with .scad libraries.	When to choose: Choose it for free-form mechanical design with CAM and electronics, if the personal licence conditions are met.	When to choose: Choose it when production drawings and a commercial design workflow are required.

Topics covered: JSCAD, OpenSCAD, 3D modeling, programmatic modeling, STL, DXF, X3D, GitHub, documentation, scripting, primitives, web version, desktop version, compatibility, online modeler, clone implementation, standard ISO 10303, ISO 14739, ISO 24978, ISO 19107, and ISO 13584..