CadQuery
Open-source Python library for building parametric 3D CAD models in code.
Recommended as a Python take on OpenSCAD with cleaner syntax and a B-rep geometry kernel123, and used for exporting to CAD formats and generating many similar parts programmatically.45 Complaints are rare, though one commenter recommends build123d over it6; it suits people who want CAD-as-code for projects like 3D-printing prototypes.78
Why people recommend it
Python-based syntax · 3
Commenters describe it as OpenSCAD for Python, with cleaner, more expressive syntax and helper functions.
“It's essentially OpenScad for Python. The big plus is b-rep modeler.”
“I find the latter be effectively the same but with a cleaner more expressive syntax”
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“have a look at CadQuery”
Generally recommended · 3
Several commenters call it neat or fantastic and suggest trying it.
“CadQuery is not at all as bad a foundation (I think it's quite neat, and I think it could work).”
“Build123d (and CadQuery) are fantastic”
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“Or perhaps take a look at cadquery? It’s also pretty neat”
Geometry kernel · 2
Its B-rep kernel makes operations like filleting simple compared with OpenSCAD.
“It's essentially OpenScad for Python. The big plus is b-rep modeler.”
“have a look at CadQuery”
Programmatic generation · 2
Used to generate models for about 1000 slightly different parts, saving days of manual work, and as a target for converted KiCad geometry.
“It literally saved me days of manual work.”
“convert kicad geometry primitives to cadquery”
CAD exports · 1
Valued for easy exports to standard CAD formats such as STEP.
“finally CadQuery for easy exports to CAD formats”
3D-print prototyping · 1
Described as handy for prototyping things for 3D printing.
“CadQuery and build123d have been very handy for prototyping stuff for 3d printing.”
Caveats and dissent
build123d preferred · 1
One commenter building an AI CAD tool recommends build123d over CadQuery.
AI script generation · 1
One user says AI still isn't good enough to generate correct scripts, though autocomplete helps with small snippets.
“CadQuery and build123d have been very handy for prototyping stuff for 3d printing.”
Often compared with
Who recommends it in their own words
Threads where it came up
- CadQuery is an open-source Python library for building 3D CAD models 3 mentions
- Ask HN: CAD for wood working with LLM support? 2 mentions
- OpenSCAD the Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller 2 mentions
- Benchmark: CadQuery vs. OpenSCAD for agentic CAD work 1 mention
- Show HN: I'm a 15 Year Old Wannabe Engineer, This Is a Cycloidal Gearbox I Built 1 mention
- I Like Small Keyboards 1 mention
Also written as cadquery. Data: cadquery.json. Quotes are verbatim; the verdict and theme labels are written by a model from these comments, and every clause links to its sources.
All comments 14
“It's essentially OpenScad for Python. The big plus is b-rep modeler.”
“finally CadQuery for easy exports to CAD formats”
“I find the latter be effectively the same but with a cleaner more expressive syntax”
“have a look at CadQuery”
“CadQuery is not at all as bad a foundation (I think it's quite neat, and I think it could work).”
“I like using OpenSCAD and CadQuery...”
“convert kicad geometry primitives to cadquery”
“Use build123d > cadquery.”
“Build123d (and CadQuery) are fantastic”
“It literally saved me days of manual work.”
“CadQuery and build123d have been very handy for prototyping stuff for 3d printing.”
“I recommend using https://github.com/CadQuery/cadquery as the CAD language”
“Or perhaps take a look at cadquery? It’s also pretty neat”
“There are a few python cad things already as well: SolidPython, PythonSCAD and CadQuery.”