Free online SCAD to GLTF converter

What the SCAD format is

SCAD is the native script format of OpenSCAD, a constructive solid geometry modeller. A SCAD file describes objects with code using primitives, transformations, boolean operations, modules, variables, and external libraries rather than storing a finished polygon mesh.

You encounter SCAD files in parametric 3D-printing projects, generated mechanical parts, and repositories containing OpenSCAD source code. OpenSCAD must evaluate the script before another program can receive the resulting geometry; referenced files from include or use statements must also be available.

What the GLTF format is

glTF is a runtime 3D format maintained by the Khronos Group. It stores mesh geometry, node transforms, cameras, animations, and PBR materials in a structure intended for web pages, game engines, AR applications, and 3D viewers.

A .gltf file normally references a separate binary buffer and optional texture files. .glb packages the JSON, binary data, and commonly the textures into one file, which is usually easier to distribute. glTF does not preserve OpenSCAD parameters or editable CSG operations.

How to convert SCAD to GLTF

1. Render the SCAD model. Open the file in OpenSCAD, resolve missing libraries, and use Design → Render (CGAL) to check for geometry errors. Increase the model's $fn value, or adjust $fa and $fs, if curved surfaces are visibly faceted.
2. Export an intermediate mesh. In OpenSCAD, choose File → Export → Export as STL. For a repeatable command-line export, use openscad -o model.stl model.scad. STL is a practical intermediate format because OpenSCAD and Blender both support it reliably.
3. Import the STL into Blender. In Blender, choose File → Import → STL. Check the object scale and orientation; OpenSCAD generally treats dimensions as millimetres, while glTF does not enforce a universal unit system.
4. Prepare the mesh. Apply the required transforms, inspect the normals, and add materials if the model needs visible colour or surface properties. STL normally contains geometry only, so OpenSCAD colour assignments are not reliably carried into this workflow.
5. Export glTF. Choose File → Export → glTF 2.0, then select .glb for one self-contained file or .gltf when separate buffers and textures are preferable. Enable the option to export only selected objects when the Blender scene contains unrelated geometry.

For a no-install attempt, the free converter on 101convert.com can be used when its SCAD and GLTF conversion route is available. Validate the resulting mesh in a glTF viewer because direct automated conversion may not preserve OpenSCAD libraries, colours, scale, or complex geometry.

Quality and compatibility limitations

The conversion changes a parametric solid into a polygon mesh. Higher $fn values produce smoother cylinders and spheres but increase polygon count, file size, import time, and rendering cost. STL also loses object hierarchy, named parameters, CSG editability, and most material information.

OpenSCAD models with several separately coloured parts may need to be exported as separate meshes or rebuilt with materials in Blender. Boolean failures, non-manifold surfaces, inverted normals, and extremely dense tessellation can cause problems in glTF viewers and game engines. Test the exported .glb or the complete .gltf package in the target application before distribution.