Open source CAD in the browser (Solvespace)
by phkahler on 3/31/2026, 12:50:23 PM
https://solvespace.com/webver.pl
Comments
by: MrDOS
SolveSpace is a wonderfully different take on parametric CAD, but development has really slowed, and it seems fundamentally incapable of some pretty rudimentary features (like chamfers[0]). Dune 3D[1] seems like a pretty effective spiritual successor.<p>0: <a href="https://github.com/solvespace/solvespace/issues/149" rel="nofollow">https://github.com/solvespace/solvespace/issues/149</a><p>1: <a href="https://dune3d.org/" rel="nofollow">https://dune3d.org/</a>
3/31/2026, 2:25:53 PM
by: masonhensley
I've been using FreeCad more and more, but solvespace has been a great, lightweight tool to design parts for laser cutting by SendCutSend/Oshcut.<p>Neat that they got it working in the browser.
3/31/2026, 2:23:20 PM
by: __natty__
Looking at stream events, the event type is so long and often repeated for each event with little extra payload it could be potentially easy win for Anthropic to optimize system bandwidth by using shorthands.<p>> {"type":"content_block_delta","delta":{"text":" search"}}
4/1/2026, 6:15:05 AM
by: gouggoug
I recently got into 3D printing and, of course, after seeing countless ads on YouTube for OnShape, that was my first choice.<p>Anyone having used both can share their thoughts about how solvespace and OnShape compare?<p>On my end I’ve been loving OnShape and find it pretty intuitive. I also tried fusion360 but closed it after 5 minutes, it felt too sluggish.
4/1/2026, 5:48:30 AM
by: ecto
Here's my take on CAD in the browser! <a href="https://vcad.io" rel="nofollow">https://vcad.io</a><p>I implemented a full kernel in rust and compile it to wasm <a href="https://github.com/ecto/vcad" rel="nofollow">https://github.com/ecto/vcad</a>
3/31/2026, 5:17:19 PM
by: somat
I love solvespace, it is hard to describe but despite it's limitations and problems (and there are many) it feels joyous to use if that makes sense. Something about it's simple and straightforward interface just makes it fun. To the point that my biggest gripe is the modal dialogs that pop when a constraint is deleted or it's conditions cannot be met. It is quite awkward compared to the rest of the workflow.<p>Anyhow, salutes to the author of this web port, very slick.
3/31/2026, 10:21:21 PM
by: JoshTriplett
Impressive work!<p>Minor nit: why does the rendered in-window text use a really awful pixelated font? It looks like what happens when a font gets rendered onto a pixel grid without any hinting or snapping.
3/31/2026, 2:52:02 PM
by: ponyous
Does this use its own backend/engine? I've been working on LLM to CAD tool[0] and have realised there are so many backends and options to choose from. Since the realisation I'm trying to find the best representation for an LLM. I think OpenSCAD is currently the best and most feature complete choice, but I definitely need to dig a bit deeper. If anyone has any pointers I welcome them!<p>[0]: <a href="https://GrandpaCAD.com" rel="nofollow">https://GrandpaCAD.com</a>
3/31/2026, 2:34:53 PM
by: GorbachevyChase
I’ve wondered how feasible it would be to start building browser-based CAD/design products to replace our expensive and poorly supported paid plugins and niche products. Seems promising!
3/31/2026, 6:07:54 PM
by: henrebotha
So stoked to see the movement on this project. Once lofts are possible, it'll be so over for FreeCAD
3/31/2026, 6:45:47 PM
by: landsman
Impressive
4/1/2026, 6:14:53 AM
by: steveharing1
Currently I'm comfortable using FreeCAD but i'll try this one for sure.
3/31/2026, 2:36:02 PM
by: TheJoeMan
I scrolled with the mouse wheel and the origin drifts off screen.<p>Is there an open-source "cleanroom" re-implementation of the Parasolid kernel? I just like the way Solidworks does things vs. Autodesk.
3/31/2026, 2:32:25 PM
by: contingencies
Ahh, but can it do a clean self-reversing diamond thread including the reversing portion?<p>See <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47580583">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47580583</a>
3/31/2026, 5:09:24 PM
by: Jaco07
[flagged]
3/31/2026, 8:08:03 PM
by: mclau153
onShape does this already
3/31/2026, 4:08:19 PM
by: mandarwagh
Crazy
3/31/2026, 2:54:17 PM