OpenSCAD
Enables AI assistants to render 3D models by providing tools to execute OpenSCAD code and generate single or multi-perspective views. It returns high-quality PNG renderings directly to LLM applications for visual feedback and 3D model visualization.
What is OpenSCAD?
OpenSCAD is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to enables ai assistants to render 3d models by providing tools to execute openscad code and generate single or multi-perspective views. it returns high-quality png renderings directly to llm application...
Enables AI assistants to render 3D models by providing tools to execute OpenSCAD code and generate single or multi-perspective views. It returns high-quality PNG renderings directly to LLM applications for visual feedback and 3D model visualization.
This server falls under the Developer Tools category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- Enables AI assistants to render 3D models by providing tools
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx openscad-mcp-serverConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD MCP Server enables AI assistants to create, render, and visualize 3D models by executing OpenSCAD code and returning high-quality PNG images directly in the conversation. It supports single-view and multi-perspective rendering, AI-driven 3D model generation from text prompts or images via Gemini, optional CUDA Multi-View Stereo for depth reconstruction, and remote 3D printer discovery and printing. Developers and makers use it to iterate on parametric 3D designs using natural language without leaving their AI assistant.
Prerequisites
- Python 3.10+ with pip and venv support
- OpenSCAD installed (Ubuntu: `sudo apt-get install openscad`; macOS: `brew install openscad`; Windows: download from openscad.org)
- A Google Gemini API key if you want AI-driven text-to-3D or image-to-3D generation
- Optional: CUDA-capable GPU and CUDA toolkit for multi-view stereo 3D reconstruction
- An MCP client such as Claude Desktop
Clone the repository
Clone the OpenSCAD MCP Server repository and enter the project directory.
git clone https://github.com/jhacksman/OpenSCAD-MCP-Server.git
cd OpenSCAD-MCP-ServerCreate a virtual environment and install dependencies
Set up an isolated Python environment and install all required packages from requirements.txt.
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate # Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
pip install -r requirements.txtConfigure environment variables
Create a .env file in the project root with your API keys and optional remote rendering settings. GEMINI_API_KEY is required for AI-driven generation; the REMOTE_CUDA_MVS variables are only needed if you have a remote multi-view stereo server.
GEMINI_API_KEY=your-gemini-api-key
VENICE_API_KEY=your-venice-api-key
REMOTE_CUDA_MVS_ENABLED=False
REMOTE_CUDA_MVS_API_KEY=
REMOTE_CUDA_MVS_USE_LAN_DISCOVERY=False
REMOTE_CUDA_MVS_SERVER_URL=Start the MCP server
Launch the server. It will listen for MCP connections over stdio by default.
python src/main.pyConfigure Claude Desktop
Add the server to your Claude Desktop configuration file. Use the full absolute path to your virtual environment's Python binary to ensure the correct interpreter is used.
{
"mcpServers": {
"openscad": {
"command": "/absolute/path/to/OpenSCAD-MCP-Server/venv/bin/python",
"args": ["/absolute/path/to/OpenSCAD-MCP-Server/src/main.py"]
}
}
}OpenSCAD Examples
Client configuration
Claude Desktop config using the venv Python interpreter to run the MCP server script directly.
{
"mcpServers": {
"openscad": {
"command": "/Users/yourname/OpenSCAD-MCP-Server/venv/bin/python",
"args": ["/Users/yourname/OpenSCAD-MCP-Server/src/main.py"],
"env": {
"GEMINI_API_KEY": "your-gemini-api-key"
}
}
}
}Prompts to try
Once connected, use these prompts to generate and visualize 3D models interactively.
- "Generate a 3D model of a low-poly rabbit and show me a PNG render."
- "Create an OpenSCAD model of a simple gear with 20 teeth and render it from 4 angles."
- "Write OpenSCAD code for a parametric phone stand and render a preview image."
- "Generate a 3D model from this text description: a cube with a cylindrical hole through the center."
- "Export the last generated model as an OBJ file."Troubleshooting OpenSCAD
Server fails to start with 'openscad: command not found'
Ensure OpenSCAD is installed and on your system PATH. On macOS with Homebrew run `brew install openscad`; on Ubuntu run `sudo apt-get install openscad`. You can verify with `openscad --version`.
Gemini-based generation returns an API error or authentication failure
Check that GEMINI_API_KEY is set correctly in your .env file and that the key has access to the `gemini-2.0-flash-exp-image-generation` model. Obtain or verify your key at https://aistudio.google.com/apikey.
PNG renders are generated but not displayed in Claude Desktop
Make sure Claude Desktop supports image content in tool responses (requires Claude Desktop version 0.7+). Also verify the output directory is writable and that the absolute paths in your config are correct.
Frequently Asked Questions about OpenSCAD
What is OpenSCAD?
OpenSCAD is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables ai assistants to render 3d models by providing tools to execute openscad code and generate single or multi-perspective views. it returns high-quality png renderings directly to llm applications for visual feedback and 3d model visualization. It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install OpenSCAD?
Follow the installation instructions on the OpenSCAD GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with OpenSCAD?
OpenSCAD works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is OpenSCAD free to use?
Yes, OpenSCAD is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Quick Config Preview
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