Free online SCAD to OFF converter

What the SCAD format is

.scad is the source format used by OpenSCAD, a script-based 3D modeling application. A SCAD file contains text commands for primitives, transformations, Boolean operations, modules, variables, and imported geometry; it does not normally contain a finished polygon mesh.

OpenSCAD creates SCAD files, and users commonly encounter them in parametric CAD projects, 3D-printing repositories, and projects that generate configurable parts. The final shape depends on the script, included files, parameter values, and the rendering process.

What the OFF format is

OFF, or Object File Format, is a plain-text format for polygonal 3D meshes. It stores a vertex list and polygon faces, making it suitable for mesh viewers, geometry-processing libraries, academic computer-graphics software, and applications that do not interpret OpenSCAD scripts.

OFF is simpler and more portable than SCAD because it describes the resulting surface directly. It does not preserve modules, parameters, Boolean history, comments, or editable CAD operations. Standard OFF also has limited support for material and color information, so it is best used for geometry rather than presentation.

How to convert SCAD to OFF

Using OpenSCAD

1. Open the SCAD file in OpenSCAD.
2. Set any required variables or Customizer parameters, then preview the model with Design → Preview.
3. Use Design → Render (CGAL) to create the final evaluated solid. Resolve compilation errors, non-manifold geometry, and missing include files before exporting.
4. Choose File → Export → Export as OFF, select an output filename such as model.off, and save it.

For batch conversion, run OpenSCAD from a terminal:

openscad -o model.off model.scad

On systems where the model depends on a parameter, pass a command-line definition before the input file:

openscad -D 'size=25' -o model.off model.scad

The exact variable name and value must match the SCAD script. Use a separate output filename for each parameter set.

Using 101convert

You can convert the file on the 101convert.com website for free without installing software. Upload the SCAD file, choose OFF as the output format, start the conversion, and download the generated mesh. This option is suitable when OpenSCAD cannot be installed or when only a one-time conversion is needed.

Quality and compatibility limitations

The OFF result is a mesh generated from the evaluated SCAD model, not a conversion of the source code. Parametric controls and future editability are lost, so keep the original SCAD file and any included dependencies.

OpenSCAD’s export resolution depends on rendering settings. Lower $fn values produce visibly faceted cylinders and spheres; higher values create more polygons and larger files. $fa and $fs also affect curved-surface tessellation. Set these values before rendering when surface smoothness matters.

OFF files generally contain vertex coordinates without explicit units. Treat the values as the same numerical scale used by the SCAD model, commonly millimetres, and verify the scale after importing into the target application.

Some OFF readers accept only triangular faces, although OFF can represent polygonal faces. If the destination rejects the exported file, triangulate the mesh with a compatible mesh-processing application and check for inverted faces, duplicate vertices, holes, or non-manifold edges.