Free online SCAD to SVG converter

SVG is useful when a SCAD design must be opened in a browser, edited in a vector editor, sent to a laser cutter workflow, or embedded in documentation. The conversion evaluates the OpenSCAD source and produces a two-dimensional drawing; it does not preserve the parametric SCAD model.

What the SCAD format is

SCAD is the source format used by OpenSCAD, a script-based solid-modeling application. A SCAD file contains code that defines primitives, transformations, Boolean operations, modules, variables, and imported geometry rather than storing only a finished mesh.

OpenSCAD users create SCAD files for configurable 3D-printing parts, mechanical prototypes, enclosures, fixtures, and technical models. You may encounter them when a design is shared as editable source code or when a model must be regenerated with different dimensions.

What the SVG format is

SVG is an XML-based vector-graphics format. It stores paths, shapes, fills, strokes, and metadata, so drawings can be scaled without rasterization and edited in applications such as Inkscape, Illustrator, and browser-based SVG viewers.

SVG is appropriate for a flat outline, diagram, icon, documentation figure, or cutting path. It is not a 3D-model format and cannot retain OpenSCAD parameters, modules, Boolean history, or arbitrary depth information.

How to actually convert SCAD to SVG

Direct export from OpenSCAD

1. Open the file in OpenSCAD and confirm that the intended geometry renders with Design → Preview or Design → Render.
2. Make sure the design is 2D, or create a 2D projection. For a top view of a 3D model, use code such as projection(cut = false) { model(); }. Replace model() with the module that creates the part.
3. Export the result with File → Export → Export as SVG, if that menu item is available in your OpenSCAD version. Choose an output filename such as part.svg.
4. Open the SVG in Inkscape or another vector editor and verify the page size, scale, stroke width, and path direction before using it for cutting or machining.

For a command-line conversion, use:

openscad -o part.svg part.scad

On versions that require an explicit format, use openscad --export-format svg -o part.svg part.scad. If SVG is not accepted, update OpenSCAD or use the DXF route below.

DXF intermediate conversion

1. Prepare a 2D object or projection in OpenSCAD.
2. Export it with File → Export → Export as DXF, producing part.dxf.
3. Open part.dxf in Inkscape with the appropriate DXF import scale, then save it through File → Save As and select Plain SVG or Inkscape SVG.

For a no-installation option, use the SCAD-to-SVG converter on 101convert.com and download the generated SVG.

Quality and compatibility limitations

SVG represents a 2D view. A 3D SCAD file therefore needs a selected projection; projection(cut = true) shows a cross-section at the projection plane, while projection(cut = false) produces the visible outline of the projected geometry.

OpenSCAD must successfully evaluate the source, including all include files, use libraries, variables, and imported assets. A missing library or undefined parameter prevents conversion.

Check dimensions after export because SVG viewers and import dialogs may interpret units differently. Set a known document unit, inspect a measured reference edge, and remove duplicate or overlapping paths before sending the file to a cutter. Curves and Boolean edges may also be converted into many path segments, increasing file complexity.