Free online SCAD to STEP converter

What the SCAD format is

SCAD is the source format used by OpenSCAD, a script-based 3D CAD program. A file contains declarative geometry instructions such as primitives, transformations, Boolean operations, modules, variables, and included libraries; it does not directly store a conventional B-rep solid model.

OpenSCAD creates .scad files, which are common in parametric, programmatically generated, and 3D-printing projects. The model is regenerated by running the script, so the result can depend on the OpenSCAD version, command-line parameters, included files, custom libraries, and conditional code.

What the STEP format is

STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data, usually .step or .stp) stores CAD geometry in a standardized exchange format defined by ISO 10303. STEP files commonly contain precise B-rep solids, surfaces, assemblies, and product metadata.

STEP is suitable for opening a model in FreeCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion, Inventor, CATIA, and other mechanical CAD systems. Unlike STL, it preserves analytic faces such as planes, cylinders, and cones instead of reducing the model to triangles.

How to convert SCAD to STEP

OpenSCAD does not natively export STEP. The most reliable desktop workflow is to import the SCAD source into FreeCAD through its OpenSCAD workbench, then export the resulting solid with the Part workbench.

1. Install OpenSCAD and FreeCAD. FreeCAD's OpenSCAD importer normally calls the OpenSCAD executable, so configure its path if FreeCAD cannot find it.
2. Open the source in FreeCAD with File → Open and select model.scad. Alternatively, activate the OpenSCAD workbench and use its import command.
3. Allow FreeCAD to process the script. Resolve missing use or include libraries, undefined variables, and unsupported OpenSCAD constructs before exporting.
4. Inspect the generated object in the tree and 3D view. Select the final solid or the required solids, then recompute with Edit → Refresh or the recompute command provided by your FreeCAD version.
5. Switch to the Part workbench and choose File → Export. Set the output filename to model.step or model.stp, then select STEP as the export type if FreeCAD presents a format list.
6. Open the exported file again in FreeCAD or another CAD program and check that the solid is closed, has the expected dimensions, and contains the intended bodies.

For a free conversion without installing software, use the converter on 101convert.com. The desktop workflow is preferable when the SCAD file has dependencies, sensitive geometry, or a result that must be checked and corrected locally.

Quality and compatibility limitations

The conversion can only reproduce the evaluated geometry. Parameters, modules, comments, loops, and the original editable OpenSCAD logic are not retained in STEP; the result is a static CAD model.

Use the same OpenSCAD version and library files used to create the source when possible. Paths in include and use statements may need correction, and customizer variables may require explicit values before import.

If FreeCAD cannot import the SCAD file, export an STL from OpenSCAD with File → Export → Export as STL, import it into FreeCAD, use Part → Create shape from mesh, and export the resulting shape as STEP. This fallback produces a faceted approximation, can create a large or invalid solid, and does not recover the original analytic surfaces; it is inferior to direct solid import for manufacturing or precise mechanical exchange.