Free online SCAD to GLB converter

GLB is required by many web viewers, AR tools, game engines, and 3D asset pipelines, while OpenSCAD saves designs as editable source code in SCAD files. The usual conversion route is to render the SCAD model to a mesh such as STL, then export that mesh from Blender as GLB.

What the SCAD format is

SCAD is OpenSCAD's script-based source format for parametric solid models. Files contain geometry commands, modules, variables, transformations, and references to included libraries rather than a directly stored polygon mesh.

OpenSCAD creates and opens SCAD files, which commonly appear in 3D-printing projects, configurable mechanical parts, enclosures, brackets, and other models generated from dimensions. A SCAD file may depend on external files referenced with include or use; those dependencies must remain available when rendering.

What the GLB format is

GLB is the single-file binary form of glTF 2.0. It stores polygon geometry, scene structure, transforms, materials, textures, and animations in one portable file, making it suitable for browsers, WebXR, AR viewers, game engines, CAD previews, and asset sharing.

Unlike SCAD, GLB is not parametric source code: the receiving application gets a rendered mesh and cannot edit the original OpenSCAD logic or dimensions. GLB normally provides smaller, easier-to-distribute assets than a separate glTF file plus binary and texture files.

How to actually convert SCAD to GLB

Using OpenSCAD and Blender

1. Open the SCAD file in OpenSCAD and resolve any missing include or use dependencies.
2. Set model parameters and preview the result. Use Design → Render (CGAL), or press F6, because the preview may not include all boolean geometry.
3. Export the rendered mesh with File → Export → Export as STL. For command-line conversion, use openscad -o model.stl model.scad. Replace the input and output filenames as needed.
4. Open Blender and choose File → Import → STL, then select model.stl. If the model appears at the wrong size, check the unit scale during import and compare it with the dimensions expected by the target application.
5. Select the imported object and correct its orientation, origin, scale, and normals. Apply the final transform with Object → Apply → All Transforms when the receiving software expects baked transforms.
6. Choose File → Export → glTF 2.0. Set the format to GLB, enable selected-object export if only part of the scene is required, and export the result as model.glb.

You can also convert the file on 101convert.com for free without installing software, if the site supports the SCAD input and GLB output for the file.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

OpenSCAD's $fn, $fa, and $fs values control curve tessellation. Increase these values, or set a suitable $fn, before rendering if cylinders and rounded surfaces look faceted; excessive values increase polygon count and GLB size.

STL generally carries geometry only, so colors, named materials, cameras, and lights from the SCAD source do not survive this route. Assign materials in Blender before exporting if the GLB needs appearance data. STL units are not reliably embedded, so verify dimensions after import.

Non-manifold geometry, coincident faces, very thin walls, and failed OpenSCAD boolean operations can produce holes or invalid surfaces. Inspect the rendered mesh in Blender and use Mesh → Clean Up tools where necessary. GLB export does not restore parametric editing; retain the original SCAD file for future dimensional changes.