Pythonocc-core
Python package for 3D geometry CAD/BIM/CAM
Pythonocc-core is an open-source 3D and CAD project on GitHub under the LGPL-3.0 license (weak copyleft), with 2k stars. It is built with CPython. Its last push was today.
- Stars
- 2k
- License
- LGPL-3.0
- Activity
- Active
- Latest release
- 8.0.1.2
Judgement
- What it is
- Building block
- What it does
- Python bindings for the OpenCascade kernel for 3D modelling, data exchange and visualisation in CAD, PLM, BIM and CAM applications.
- Adopt it when
- You build CAD or engineering tools in Python and need full OpenCascade access.
- Watch out
- Mostly maintained by one person, and installation is easiest through conda.
- Ready for
- Production-ready
- Runs as
- Library
- Built with
- Python, C++, SWIG and OpenCascade
- How established
- Established: started 12 years ago, latest release 8.0.1.2.
- What the license allows
- You can use it inside a product you sell; changes you make to its own files must be shared.
Judged on 2026-11-03 from the project's README and GitHub data. The license and age lines are worked out directly.
Built from
Follow it down: Pythonocc-core → CPython → GCC → LLVM project → runs on a microchip
Open-source alternatives to Pythonocc-core
-
1
FreeCAD FreeCAD
Official source code of FreeCAD, a free and opensource multiplatform 3D parametric modeler.
Complete system Production-ready Engineers, makers or small firms need free parametric CAD without SolidWorks or Fusion licences.
★ 35k LGPL-2.1 C++ Active, pushed today -
2
Editor pascalorg
Open-source 3D architectural editor with a local CLI, MCP tools, and practical workflows for humans and AI agents.
Complete system Usable You want to sketch building layouts in 3D and let AI agents help.
★ 25k MIT TypeScript Active, pushed today -
3
Text-to-cad earthtojake
Design physical products with AI
Integration Experimental You design simple mechanical parts and want an AI agent to produce manufacturable files.
★ 25k MIT Python Active, pushed today -
4
SolidCraft tangency-labs
SolidCraft: an open-source parametric 3D CAD application built in pure Rust. Desktop, web, and automation through MCP.
Complete system Experimental You want to try a new open parametric CAD tool for hobby parts.
★ 13k Apache-2.0 Rust Active, pushed today -
5
CADAM Adam-CAD
CADAM is the open source text-to-CAD web application
Complete system Usable Makers want quick printable parts from a description and simple parameter tweaks.
★ 5.4k GPL-3.0 TypeScript Active, pushed 19 days ago -
6
Chili3D xiangechen
A browser-based 3D CAD for AI-assisted, parametric and direct modeling.
Complete system Usable You want real B-rep CAD in a browser without installing anything.
★ 5k AGPL-3.0 TypeScript Active, pushed yesterday -
7
SolveSpace solvespace
Parametric 2d/3d CAD
Complete system Production-ready You want a small, fast constraint-based CAD tool for simple mechanical parts.
★ 4.2k GPL-3.0 C++ Active, pushed 2 days ago -
8
Atopile atopile
Design circuit boards with code! ✨ Get software-like design reuse 🚀, validation, version control and collaboration in hardware; starting with electronics ⚡️
Developer tool Usable Your hardware team wants software-style reuse, validation and version control for electronics.
★ 4k MIT Python Active, pushed 19 days ago
Commercial 3D modeling and CAD software
-
1
AutoCAD Autodesk
Computer-aided design and drafting software
Complete system Production-ready You produce technical drawings in architecture, engineering or construction and must exchange DWG files with others.
3.7k readers a month Since 1982 Commercial -
2
SketchUp Trimble Inc.
Architectural 3D modelling CAD software
Complete system Production-ready Architects, builders or designers need quick 3D concept models rather than full engineering CAD.
3.5k readers a month Since 2000 Commercial -
3
Autodesk Maya Autodesk
3D computer graphics software
Complete system Production-ready You work in or train for film, TV or game animation pipelines where Maya is the expected tool.
2.7k readers a month Since 1998 Commercial -
4
SolidWorks Dassault Systèmes
Desktop software for 3D modeling
Complete system Production-ready A manufacturing or product engineering business designs mechanical parts and wants the most common desktop CAD for hiring and suppliers.
1.9k readers a month Since 1995 Commercial -
5
Onshape PTC
Onshape is the most customizable production CAD system. Cloud-native CAD and built-in PDM with AI-powered customization, on any device, with zero IT required.
Complete system Production-ready A product team wants mechanical CAD without installs or file juggling, and values branching and real-time collaboration.
800 readers a month Commercial -
6
Autodesk Fusion Autodesk
Computer-aided design (CAD) software application
Complete system Production-ready A small manufacturer, startup or maker wants design and CNC toolpaths in one affordable package.
699 readers a month Since 2013 Commercial
Stars, license and activity come from GitHub and refresh on a rolling hourly schedule. The project's own description is quoted as written.