JS.Sketcher — The Complete Guide: Parametric CAD in the Browser With Nothing to Install
JS.Sketcher is an open-source parametric CAD tool that runs entirely in the browser. You sketch with constraints and turn the sketch into a simple 3D body with nothing to install — handy on a lab computer, a client’s machine or anywhere software cannot be installed.
JS.Sketcher
xibyte
A parametric 2D and 3D CAD sketcher that runs in the browser.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- A constraint solver — parallel, perpendicular, tangent, radius and angle constraints.
- 3D operations — extrude, cut and Boolean operations.
- Export — STL for printing and SVG for drawings.
- No server — computation runs on your own machine.
- Open source — free for any use, no registration.
An important tip
Projects are saved in the browser’s local storage, so clearing browsing data or moving to another computer can lose them. Export files regularly. In capability terms it is a light tool for trying ideas, not a replacement for a full modeller with assemblies and drawings.
Related tools
For full CAD in the browser — Onshape. For a light desktop parametric modeller — SolveSpace. For modelling in code in the browser — JSCAD.
Onshape (free plan)
PTC
Parametric CAD in the browser with version control. On the free plan every document is public.
Get it from the vendor
SolveSpace
SolveSpace Project
Lightweight parametric modeller with a strong constraint solver, for mechanical parts and mechanisms.
Get it from the vendor
JSCAD
JSCAD Project
Build 3D models by writing code, in the browser or from the command line.
Get it from the vendor
FreeCAD
FreeCAD Project
Open-source parametric 3D modeller with workbenches for solid modelling, FEM, drafting and BIM.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
JS.Sketcher is the fastest way to sketch a parametric part when you cannot install anything. For serious work, move to a desktop tool.