JSCAD — The Complete Guide: 3D Models Written in JavaScript
JSCAD (formerly OpenJSCAD) describes 3D solids as JavaScript. Instead of drawing with the mouse you write a function that takes dimensions and returns a body — so every part is parametric by construction and easy to regenerate at another size.
JSCAD
JSCAD Project
Build 3D models by writing code, in the browser or from the command line.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Code-based modelling — primitives, Boolean operations, extrusion and revolution.
- Parameters in the interface — input fields that change the model without touching the code.
- Browser and command line — interactive work, or automated generation in Node.js.
- Export — STL, 3MF, OBJ, DXF, SVG and more.
- MIT licence — free for any use, commercial included.
Who it suits
Engineers who already write JavaScript, anyone who needs dozens of variants of a part from a table of dimensions, and anyone building a part generator for a website. For complex parts with precise fillets and chamfers, a tool with a B-rep kernel such as CadQuery is the better fit.
Related tools
For the same approach in a dedicated language — OpenSCAD. For modelling in Python with STEP export — CadQuery. To prepare the file for printing — PrusaSlicer.
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD
Code-based 3D modelling where every dimension is a real parameter. Popular in 3D printing.
Get it from the vendor
CadQuery
CadQuery Project
Parametric CAD scripted in Python, on a proper solid-modelling kernel.
Get it from the vendor
PrusaSlicer
Prusa Research
Turns a 3D model into printable G-code, with full parameter control.
Get it from the vendor
JS.Sketcher
xibyte
A parametric 2D and 3D CAD sketcher that runs in the browser.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
JSCAD turns a mechanical part into a function. For people who think in code, it is a fast, transparent way to make parametric parts for printing and cutting.