OpenSCAD Cheat Sheet

OpenSCAD is a script-based 3D modeling software that allows you to create parametric designs using a programming language. Here’s a basic cheat sheet to help you get started with OpenSCAD:

Basic Commands

Cube:

cube([width, length, height]);

Sphere:

sphere(radius);

Cylinder:

cylinder(h = height, r = radius, $fn = resolution);

Polyhedron:

polyhedron(points = [...], faces = [...]);

Transformations

Translate:

translate([x, y, z]) {
    // your object here
}

Rotate:

rotate([x_angle, y_angle, z_angle]) {
    // your object here
}

Scale:

scale([x, y, z]) {
    // your object here
}

Boolean Operations

Union:

union() {
    // multiple objects here
}

Difference:

difference() {
    // multiple objects here
}

Intersection:

intersection() {
    // multiple objects here
}

2D Operations

Linear Extrusion:

linear_extrude(height, center = false) {
    // 2D shape here
}

Rotate Extrusion:

rotate_extrude(angle, $fn = resolution) {
    // 2D shape here
}

Custom Modules

Module Definition:

module myObject() {
    // your object here
}

Module Instance:

myObject();

Variables and Constants

Variables:

x = 10;

Constants:

PI = 3.14159;

Comments

Single-line Comment:

// This is a comment

Multi-line Comment:

/* 
This is a
multi-line comment
*/

Special Variables

Special Variables:

  • echo() – Print messages to console.
  • version – OpenSCAD version information.

File Operations

Include File:

include <filename.scad>;

Remember to consult the OpenSCAD documentation for a comprehensive reference guide and examples. OpenSCAD is a powerful tool, and this cheat sheet covers only the basics to help you start creating parametric 3D designs.