Free online SCAD to X3D converter

SCAD files contain OpenSCAD source code, while many 3D viewers, web applications, and visualization tools accept X3D geometry. Converting the file makes the rendered model available in an XML-based 3D format without requiring the recipient to install OpenSCAD.

What the SCAD format is

SCAD is OpenSCAD's plain-text, script-based format for defining parametric solid models. It stores primitives, transformations, boolean operations, modules, variables, and functions rather than a finished polygon mesh. OpenSCAD creates SCAD files, and they are commonly used for configurable 3D-printing parts, mechanical designs, and models maintained as editable source code.

A SCAD file must be rendered before export. The preview command F5 may show incomplete geometry, whereas F6 performs the full CGAL render used for reliable export.

What the X3D format is

X3D is an XML-based scene-graph format for describing 3D geometry, materials, viewpoints, lights, and transformations. It is used by compatible 3D viewers, browser-based visualization systems, virtual-reality applications, and archival workflows that need a structured, text-readable scene format.

X3D can preserve scene-level information more effectively than a basic triangle-only format, but an OpenSCAD export primarily contains the rendered model and its available appearance data; it does not preserve the original SCAD parameters or editable modules.

How to convert SCAD to X3D

1. Install and open OpenSCAD, then open the source file with File → Open.
2. Set any required variables or customizer values. For command-line-defined parameters, use a definition such as -D '$fn=96'.
3. Run the full render with F6, or use Design → Render (CGAL). Correct syntax errors, undefined variables, and non-manifold geometry before exporting.
4. Choose File → Export → Export as X3D, select an output filename such as model.x3d, and save it.

For batch conversion, use OpenSCAD's command line:

openscad -o model.x3d model.scad

On systems where the installed version requires an explicit format, use:

openscad --export-format x3d -o model.x3d model.scad

To export a parameterized variant, supply definitions before the input file, for example openscad -D 'diameter=40' -o model.x3d model.scad. The exact variable name must exist in the SCAD source. You can also convert the file for free on the 101convert.com website without installing software.

Quality and compatibility limitations

The exported X3D is a tessellated result of the rendered SCAD model, not a parametric CAD model. Curves and circles become polygonal surfaces; increase $fn, or reduce $fa and $fs, when the output has visible faceting. Higher mesh resolution increases file size and rendering time.

OpenSCAD coordinates normally use millimetre-based design conventions, but X3D does not universally enforce a physical unit. Confirm the receiving application's unit interpretation before using the model for measurement or fabrication. Check the generated file in an X3D-compatible viewer because support for materials, colors, viewpoints, and other scene nodes varies between applications.