Open source CAD in the browser (Solvespace)

phkahler 314 points 101 comments March 31, 2026
solvespace.com · View on Hacker News

Discussion Highlights (14 comments)

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. Neat that they got it working in the browser.

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. 0: https://github.com/solvespace/solvespace/issues/149 1: https://dune3d.org/

TheJoeMan

I scrolled with the mouse wheel and the origin drifts off screen. Is there an open-source "cleanroom" re-implementation of the Parasolid kernel? I just like the way Solidworks does things vs. Autodesk.

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! [0]: https://GrandpaCAD.com

steveharing1

Currently I'm comfortable using FreeCAD but i'll try this one for sure.

JoshTriplett

Impressive work! 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.

mclau153

onShape does this already

contingencies

Ahh, but can it do a clean self-reversing diamond thread including the reversing portion? See https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47580583

ecto

Here's my take on CAD in the browser! https://vcad.io I implemented a full kernel in rust and compile it to wasm https://github.com/ecto/vcad

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!

henrebotha

So stoked to see the movement on this project. Once lofts are possible, it'll be so over for FreeCAD

Jaco07

I’ve been relying on FreeCAD more frequently, though SolveSpace has remained an excellent lightweight option for designing parts for laser cutting through services like SendCutSend and OSHCut. It is impressive to see that they have now made it work directly in the browser.

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. Anyhow, salutes to the author of this web port, very slick.

gouggoug

I recently got into 3D printing and, of course, after seeing countless ads on YouTube for OnShape, that was my first choice. Anyone having used both can share their thoughts about how solvespace and OnShape compare? 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.

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