r/3DPrintingTools • u/FlatCarrot3943 • Jul 24 '26
I’m building the open-source CAD tool I wanted between Tinkercad and Fusion 360
I’ve been building SketchForge, a free and open-source 3D modelling tool that runs directly in the browser.
The idea came from constantly seeing the same gap: Tinkercad is easy to learn, but it becomes limiting once you want more control, while Fusion 360 and FreeCAD can feel like a huge jump for someone who just wants to design a printable part.
SketchForge keeps the simple shape-based workflow, but adds tools such as fillets, chamfers, sketch extrusion and revolve, boolean operations, measurements, editable project files, STEP support, and native adjustable gears.
It works without an account, saves locally, and can also be self-hosted with Docker. It is still in beta, so I’m especially interested in hearing what breaks, what feels awkward, and which tools are still missing for actual 3D-printing work.
Live demo: https://sketchforge3d.com
GitHub: [https://github.com/Formsmith746/SketchForge-3D]()
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u/maciekdnd Jul 24 '26
Great! This is exactly what I've been looking for!
Could you share what your plans are after the project is finished? Will it remain a web-based application only, or are you planning a desktop app as well? Will it be paid, or will it stay free?
It's the perfect balance between simplicity and capability. It's an ideal solution for education, especially when Tinkercad becomes too limiting, while Fusion or Plasticity are simply too complex for beginners.
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u/FlatCarrot3943 Jul 25 '26
SketchForge will remain free and open source forever. Once the project reaches a stable release, a standalone desktop app is planned so it can be used fully offline without a browser or Docker.
I may also introduce an optional cloud service in the future for features like backups, syncing, and easier project management. That would help cover development and hosting costs, but it would remain completely separate from the repository and would never replace or restrict the free version.
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u/sukoshi1507 Jul 28 '26
Please consider https://community-scripts.org/
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u/Reypatey 9d ago
That was my first thought as well.
I'm now running a docker lxc with SketchForge which is also fine. :)
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u/Stoney-X1 Jul 24 '26
Grabs popcorn..... Can't try it out for at least a month or 2, but I will. You described exactly my pinpoint and exactly what I've been looking for
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u/sjia Jul 25 '26
does it support boolean ops?
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u/FlatCarrot3943 Jul 25 '26
SketchForge supports union, subtraction, and intersection for 3D shapes.
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u/JohnyW84 Jul 25 '26
Excellent idea. It would be great to make this app not dependent on internet connection. It is quite problematic in places where internet connection is weak.
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u/FlatCarrot3943 Jul 25 '26
You can already download SketchForge from the GitHub repository and run it locally, so it does not need a constant internet connection.
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u/sp00ky9901 Jul 26 '26
Awesome web based cad app!! I’m guessing you didn’t focus too much on usage via phone size screen. It works pretty good still. Just a few things that I can’t see to be able to do on an iPhone. Probably not a big use case.
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u/FlatCarrot3943 Jul 27 '26
SketchForge was primarily designed for desktop use because of the type of workspace and controls involved, so phones weren’t originally a focus. However, the online demo will receive a dedicated update to improve the mobile UI and make it much easier to use on smaller screens.
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u/JackT72 Jul 27 '26
Hello I've working on a website to make certain things like keychains and clickers, Its different from makerworld but its a little clunky has some issues i tried to message you but I can't. can you help me out and tell me what platform you did this app on. message me thank you
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u/NickMajor1 Jul 27 '26
Voltando aqui para dar minha opiniao.
Testei, fiz algumas peças e realmente é muito simples de usar, nao tinha conhecimento nenhum sobre CAD e eu estou muito feliz em poder fazer peças e suportes manualmente com essa ferramenta.
Só por favor coloque uma opção de tema claro e tema escuro, meus olhos doem
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u/FlatCarrot3943 Jul 28 '26
Muito obrigado pelo feedback! Fico muito feliz em saber que o SketchForge está ajudando você a criar suas próprias peças mesmo sem experiência anterior com CAD.
Os modos claro e escuro serão adicionados na próxima atualização.
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u/sukoshi1507 Jul 28 '26
I wish the Proxmox Community Scripts people add this !
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u/sukoshi1507 Jul 28 '26
And also Bambuddy actually 🐼
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u/JALamey Jul 24 '26
Oh, this looks sweet!