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SynapsCAD

SynapsCAD is a Rust-based CAD application for editing and evaluating OpenSCAD source, viewing resulting models in a Bevy 3D viewport, and exporting STL, OBJ or 3MF files. It can also use local or hosted language models to revise the current design, and exposes its compiler as a Rust library.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

SynapsCAD — OpenViST project profile in AI Developer Tools & SDKs.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use SynapsCAD when a source-based CAD workflow benefits from an integrated 3D preview, mesh export or language-model-assisted design revisions. Developers can use the Rust compiler when they need to process OpenSCAD source programmatically.

Who it is for

  • People who create or revise 3D designs in OpenSCAD source.
  • CAD users who want an interactive viewport alongside code editing.
  • Rust developers who want to compile OpenSCAD source into meshes and preview views.

Documented uses

  • Edit OpenSCAD source and compile it into a 3D model.
  • Inspect a model by orbiting, panning and zooming the viewport.
  • Export a compiled design as STL, OBJ or 3MF.
  • Ask a local or hosted language model to revise the current design.
  • Call the compiler from Rust to obtain mesh parts and preview views.
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The repository documents a web demo and prebuilt Linux, macOS and Windows releases. The web build omits native persistence, clipboard-image capture and model export. The Rust compiler crate is not yet published.

  • OpenSCAD compatibility is incomplete; the project describes itself as an early prototype.
  • Ollama is listed as a local model option that works without a key. Desktop cloud providers can use AI Settings or environment variables.
  • Browser-based provider requests go directly to the provider, which must permit browser CORS or be reached through an appropriate proxy.
  • The compiler returns mesh parts, preview views and warnings on success, and represents errors and cancellation separately.

Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.

Source-based practical guide

Build and open the desktop editor from source

Start SynapsCAD locally from its repository.

Before you start

  • A stable Rust toolchain.
  • The repository cloned beside the Hyper dependencies named in Cargo.toml.

Steps

  1. Clone the SynapsCAD repository beside the required Hyper dependencies.

  2. Run the command below from the project.

    Documented command
    cargo run --locked

  3. Edit the source in the left-hand editor and select Compile.

  4. Use mouse gestures to orbit, pan and zoom the viewport.

Expected outcome

The editor opens with a 3D viewport for compiling and inspecting an OpenSCAD design.

Guide limitations

  • OpenSCAD compatibility is incomplete because SynapsCAD is an early prototype.
Documentation 1 ↗
Source-based practical guide

Compile OpenSCAD source with the Rust library

Use the compiler crate to request meshes and preview views from OpenSCAD source.

Before you start

  • A Rust project using SynapsCAD through a Git or path dependency; the crate is not yet published.

Steps

  1. Import compile_scad_code and CompilationResult from synaps_cad::compiler.

  2. Pass source text, an optional global $fn override and an optional cancellation flag to compile_scad_code.

  3. Handle the returned success, error or canceled result; on success, inspect the parts, views and warnings.

Expected outcome

The caller receives compiled mesh parts and preview views on success, with warnings available in the result.

Guide limitations

  • The crate is not published, so downstream users currently need a Git or path dependency.
  • OpenSCAD compatibility is incomplete.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
Source availability
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Sources checked
18 October 2026
Original website title
timschmidt/synaps-cad · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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