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Learning OpenSCAD for 3D Modelling

Name: Learning OpenSCAD for 3D Modelling
Rating: 4.6 (4 reviews)

Learning OpenSCAD for 3D Modelling: Your First Steps into Code-Based Design

Created byXiaoqi Zhao

Last updated 2/2026

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Get to know and familiar OpenSCAD software
Understand and grasp the key programming approach for 3D modeling
Learn by practicing of building 3D model via programming/coding
Able to build variable 2D/3D shapes through following the hands-on demo
Well prepared for further 3D modeling and 3D printing field

Course content

10 sections • 37 lectures • 10h 53m total length

Opening and Introduction5:52
Learn to model with OpenSCAD through code-based design for 3D printing, starting with installation on Windows 11, exploring documentation, tutorials, and hands-on exercises from a reference book.
Download and Install OpenSCAD (Windows OS)9:04
Download and install OpenSCAD on Windows, then explore the basic UI, create a cube, render to an STL, and use F5, F4, and F6 shortcuts for preview and export.

Chapter 2 - Part 1 - Scaling Parts13:46
Explore scaling in OpenSCAD by applying scale to car body parts, grouping objects in curly braces, and mastering rotate-before-translate, with STL preview in Visual Studio Code.
Chapter 2 - Part 2 - Parameterizing20:50
Practice parameterizing an OpenSCAD model by defining variables for wheel radius, base height, and top height, linking components with translate and rotate for a flexible pyramid rising design.

Chapter 4 - Part 1 - Defining Modules10:47
Chapter 4 - Part 2 - Parameterizing Modules15:04
OpenSCAD teaches parameterizing modules by defining parameters inside the module and passing values when calling, enabling dynamically configurable wheel radii and heights for car models.
Chapter 4 - Part 3 - Default Values in Modules9:56
Learn to define and override default values for module parameters in OpenSCAD 3D modeling, using examples like sphere radius, cylinder radius, and hub thickness to control a wheel model.
Chapter 4 - Part 4 - Separating Model into Modules18:21
Learn how to structure OpenSCAD models by separating a car into reusable modules, such as body and wheels, with default values, parameters, and translation, to simplify customization and reuse.

Chapter 5 - Part 1 - Modules as Separate Scripts23:32
Learn how to modularize OpenSCAD projects by placing modules in separate scripts, load them as modules, and compare include versus use for reusable components.
Chapter 5 - Part 2 - Script with Multiple Modules35:57
Learn to structure an OpenSCAD script with multiple modules in one file, creating reusable parts like wheels and a car body. Build a ten-wheel vehicle by composing vehicle parts modules.
Chapter 5 - Part 3 - Use MCAD Library14:50
Explore using the MCAD library in OpenSCAD to load modules and create parameterizable 3D models. Learn to locate libraries, call rounded box modules, and tailor designs for reuse.
Chapter 5 - Part 4 - More Parameterizable Modules23:25

Chapter 6 - Part 1 - OpenSCAD Variables5:13
Explore OpenSCAD variables in chapter 6 part 1 by defining height and radius for a cylinder, using translate to position it, and showing that later assignments override earlier ones.
Chapter 6 - Part 2 - Conditional Variables16:20
Explore conditional variables in chapter six part two to dynamically control car body and wheel choices in OpenSCAD using boolean conditions.
Chapter 6 - Part 3 - More Conditional Variable Assignment10:30
Chapter 6 - Part 4 - Conditional Creation - IF Statement24:42
Use if statements to conditionally create the car body in OpenSCAD. Define parameters, translate parts, color features, and assemble base, top, cylinder, sphere, and bumper.
Chapter 6 - Part 5 - Update Car Model by Variables Usage12:01
Update a car model in OpenSCAD by applying variables, value assignment, and conditional logic to build a highly parameterized car script with body parts and wheels.

Chapter 7 - Part 1 - FOR Loops15:18
Chapter 7 - Part 2 (1) - More Complex Patterns - Car Circle28:47
Chapter 7 - Part 2 (2) - More Complex Patterns - Spoked_Wheel12:27
Create a spoked wheel in OpenSCAD by using difference of two cylinders and a for loop to place and rotate spokes, tuning radius, inner radius, thickness, and number of spokes.
Chapter 7 - Part 2 - More Complex Patterns - Car with Spoked_Wheels10:23
create a car with spoked wheels by integrating the spoked wheel module, translating components, and tuning wheel radius, track, and coil parameters with defaults to render correctly.
Chapter 7 - Part 3 - Nested FOR Loops20:11

Chapter 8 - Part 1 - Rotationally Extruding 3D Objects from 2D Objects16:21
Explore how to turn 2D profiles into 3D models with rotate_extrude in OpenSCAD, building donut shapes and wheels from 2D primitives and cylinders in chapter eight.
Chapter 8 - Part 2 - Rotationally Extruding on Wheels24:30
Explore rotationally extruding to create wheel geometry from 2D shapes in OpenSCAD, using translate, rotate, and difference to form a donut tire with an axle hole.
Chapter 8 - Part 3 - Linearly Extruding 3D Objects from 2D Objects12:49
Chapter 8 - Part 4 - Car with Rounded Body from 2D Extruding14:36

Chapter 9 - Part 1 - Math Calculations8:42
Learn OpenSCAD math calculations with parameters, including +, -, *, /, and transform polar to Cartesian coordinates using cosine and sine, to position a car model with wheelbase and body.
Chapter 9 - Part 2 - Polygon 2D Object25:08
Learn how to draw 2D polygons in OpenSCAD, define points and coordinates, extrude to 3D, apply rotation and translation, and export STL for 3D printing and sharing on GitHub.
Chapter 9 - Part 3 - Racing Car Body18:33
Create a racing car body in OpenSCAD by turning a 2d polygon into a 3d extrusion using defined points and parameters, then export to STL.
Chapter 9 - Part 4 - Create "Heart" - No. 19:03
Build a three-dimensional heart in OpenSCAD by mapping x and y with sine and cosine, forming a polygon from parametric points, then extruding, scaling, and twisting for a heart model.
Chapter 9 - Part 4 - Create "Heart" - No.29:14
Learn to generate lists using for loops in OpenSCAD, then build a heart shape with functions and modules, and customize coordinates and points with parameters.
Chapter 9 - Part 5 - Aerodynamic Spoiler for Racing Car27:47
learn to design an aerodynamic spoiler for a racing car in OpenSCAD using NASCAR four-digit airfoil formulas, modular code, and parameterized coordinates.

Requirements

Basic programming knowledge, no specific language required

Description

Stop clicking & dragging. Start designing with code. Master the core principles of OpenSCAD to create precise, customizable, and reusable 3D models from scratch.

Why Learn OpenSCad?

Tired of the limitations of visual, click-and-drag 3D modeling? OpenSCAD is different. It's a programmer's solid 3D CAD modeler, where your design is defined by code. This gives you:

Ultimate Precision & Control: Create models with exact dimensions and perfect alignments.
Easy Customization: Change a variable to resize a part, instantly.
Design Reusability: Build libraries of parts and functions to use across projects.

This course is your structured and frustration-free entry point into this powerful world. We break down the concepts step-by-step, ensuring you build a rock-solid foundation.

By the end of this course, you will confidently:

Understand the OpenSCAD Interface & Workflow.
Write code to create and combine 3D primitives (cubes, spheres, cylinders).
Use transformations (translate, rotate, scale) to position objects precisely.
Apply programming logic like variables, loops (for), and conditionals (if) to automate designs.
Create your first custom, parameterized modules – the building blocks of complex models.
Export your models for 3D printing or further use.

Your Path to Becoming an OpenSCAD Expert

This course is Part 1 of a two-part mastery series designed to take you from absolute beginner to proficient practitioner.

Part 1 (This Course: The Foundation): You are here. Build the essential skills—syntax, logic, and basic modular design. This is your indispensable starting point.
Part 2 (The Natural Next Step): In the sequel course, "Mastering OpenSCAD in 10 Projects", you will apply these fundamentals to build complex, real-world projects like gear systems and parametric furniture, transforming your skills from basic to professional.

Complete this foundation first. Then, take on advanced challenges and build an impressive portfolio in the next course.

Course Curriculum: A Structured Learning Journey

Section 1: Welcome & Setup – Install OpenSCAD and tour the interface.
Section 2: Your First Lines of Code – Create 2D shapes and extrude them into 3D.
Section 3: Core 3D Primitives & Transformations – Master cubes, spheres, cylinders and how to move them.
Section 4: Boolean Operations - The Heart of CAD – Use union(), difference(), and intersection() to combine shapes.
Section 5: Introducing Programming Logic – Automate designs with variables, loops, and conditionals.
Section 6: Creating Reusable Modules – Define your own parts and functions, the key to efficient design.
Section 7: Final Project & Next Steps – Combine all skills in a capstone project and prepare for advanced learning.

Who This Course Is For:

Absolute Beginners to OpenSCAD and code-based CAD.
3D Printing Enthusiasts who want more control over their designs.
Makers, Engineers, and Hobbyists interested in a logical, precise approach to 3D modeling.
Programmers curious about applying their skills to tangible design.

No prior experience in OpenSCAD or advanced programming is required. All you need is a willingness to learn a new, powerful way to create.

(Instructor Note)
As your instructor, my goal is to demystify code-based design. I provide clear explanations, practical examples, and hands-on exercises to ensure you not only follow along but truly understand the concepts. Let's build your first model!

Who this course is for:

Anyone interests on 3D printing
Anyone interests of building hands-on 2D / 3D shapes
Anyone interests on learn new tool for building 3D CAD models via coding

Learning OpenSCAD for 3D Modelling

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Opening, Introduction and Initialization2 lectures • 15min

OpenSCAD Tutorial - Chapter 12 lectures • 45min

OpenSCAD Tutorial - Chapter 22 lectures • 35min

OpenSCAD Tutorial - Chapter 33 lectures • 1hr 24min

OpenSCAD Tutorial - Chapter 44 lectures • 54min

OpenSCAD Tutorial - Chapter 54 lectures • 1hr 38min

OpenSCAD Tutorial - Chapter 65 lectures • 1hr 9min

OpenSCAD Tutorial - Chapter 75 lectures • 1hr 27min

OpenSCAD Tutorial - Chapter 84 lectures • 1hr 8min

OpenSCAD Tutorial - Chapter 96 lectures • 1hr 38min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: