openscad

name openscad description Create and render OpenSCAD 3D models. Generate preview images from multiple angles, extract customizable parameters, validate syntax, and export STL files for 3D printing platforms like MakerWorld. OpenSCAD Skill Create, validate, and export OpenSCAD 3D models. Supports parameter customization, visual preview from multiple angles, and STL export for 3D printing platforms like MakerWorld. Prerequisites OpenSCAD must be installed. Install via Homebrew: brew install openscad Tools This skill provides several tools in the tools/ directory: Preview Generation # Generate a single preview image ./tools/preview.sh model.scad output.png [--camera=x,y,z,tx,ty,tz,dist] [--size=800x600] # Generate multi-angle preview (front, back, left, right, top, iso) ./tools/multi-preview.sh model.scad output_dir/ STL Export # Export to STL for 3D printing ./tools/export-stl.sh model.scad output.stl [-D 'param=value' ] Parameter Extraction # Extract customizable parameters from an OpenSCAD file ./tools/extract-params.sh model.scad Validation # Check for syntax errors and warnings ./tools/validate.sh model.scad Visual Validation (Required) Always validate your OpenSCAD models visually after creating or modifying them. After writing or editing any OpenSCAD file: Generate multi-angle previews using multi-preview.sh View each generated image using the read tool Check for issues from multiple perspectives: Front/back: Verify symmetry, features, and proportions Left/right: Check depth and side profiles Top: Ensure top features are correct Isometric: Overall shape validation Iterate if needed : If something looks wrong, fix the code and re-validate This catches issues that syntax validation alone cannot detect: Inverted normals or inside-out geometry Misaligned features or incorrect boolean operations Proportions that don't match the intended design Missing or floating geometry Z-fighting or overlapping surfaces Never deliver an OpenSCAD model without visually confirming it looks correct from multiple angles. Workflow 1. Creating an OpenSCAD Model Write OpenSCAD code with customizable parameters at the top: // Customizable parameters wall_thickness = 2; // [1:0.5:5] Wall thickness in mm width = 50; // [20:100] Width in mm height = 30; // [10:80] Height in mm rounded = true; // Add rounded corners // Model code below module main_shape() { if (rounded) { minkowski() { cube([width - 4, width - 4, height - 2]); sphere(r = 2); } } else { cube([width, width, height]); } } difference() { main_shape(); translate([wall_thickness, wall_thickness, wall_thickness]) scale([1 - 2*wall_thickness/width, 1 - 2*wall_thickness/width, 1]) main_shape(); } Parameter comment format: // [min:max] - numeric range // [min:step:max] - numeric range with step // [opt1, opt2, opt3] - dropdown options // Description text - plain description 2. Validate the Model ./tools/validate.sh model.scad 3. Generate Previews Generate preview images to visually validate the model: ./tools/multi-preview.sh model.scad ./previews/ This creates PNG images from multiple angles. Use the read tool to view them. 4. Export to STL ./tools/export-stl.sh model.scad output.stl # With custom parameters: ./tools/export-stl.sh model.scad output.stl -D 'width=60' -D 'height=40' Camera Positions Common camera angles for previews: Isometric : --camera=0,0,0,45,0,45,200 Front : --camera=0,0,0,90,0,0,200 Top : --camera=0,0,0,0,0,0,200 Right : --camera=0,0,0,90,0,90,200 Format: x,y,z,rotx,roty,rotz,distance MakerWorld Publishing For MakerWorld, you typically need: STL file(s) exported via export-stl.sh Preview images (at least one good isometric view) A description of customizable parameters Consider creating a model.json with metadata: { "name" : "Model Name" , "description" : "Description for MakerWorld" , "parameters" : [ ... ] , "tags" : [ "functional" , "container" , "organizer" ] } Example: Full Workflow # 1. Create the model (write .scad file) # 2. Validate syntax ./tools/validate.sh box.scad # 3. Generate multi-angle previews ./tools/multi-preview.sh box.scad ./previews/ # 4. IMPORTANT: View and validate ALL preview images # Use the read tool on each PNG file to visually inspect: # - previews/box_front.png # - previews/box_back.png # - previews/box_left.png # - previews/box_right.png # - previews/box_top.png # - previews/box_iso.png # Look for geometry issues, misalignments, or unexpected results. # If anything looks wrong, go back to step 1 and fix it! # 5. Extract and review parameters ./tools/extract-params.sh box.scad # 6. Export STL with default parameters ./tools/export-stl.sh box.scad box.stl # 7. Export STL with custom parameters ./tools/export-stl.sh box.scad box_large.stl -D 'width=80' -D 'height=60' Remember : Never skip the visual validation step. Many issues (wrong dimensions, boolean operation errors, inverted geometry) are only visible when you actually look at the rendered model. OpenSCAD Quick Reference Basic Shapes cube([x, y, z]); sphere(r = radius); cylinder(h = height, r = radius); cylinder(h = height, r1 = bottom_r, r2 = top_r); // cone Transformations translate([x, y, z]) object(); rotate([rx, ry, rz]) object(); scale([sx, sy, sz]) object(); mirror([x, y, z]) object(); Boolean Operations union() { a(); b(); } // combine difference() { a(); b(); } // subtract b from a intersection() { a(); b(); } // overlap only Advanced linear_extrude(height) 2d_shape(); rotate_extrude() 2d_shape(); hull() { objects(); } // convex hull minkowski() { a(); b(); } // minkowski sum (rounding) 2D Shapes circle(r = radius); square([x, y]); polygon(points = [[x1,y1], [x2,y2], ...]); text("string", size = 10);