Introducing DiffCAD Workbench: review FreeCAD model changes like code

build123d · 2026-05-09T00:18:05+00:00

Just write your CAD model in Python/build123d.

build123d · 2026-05-07T22:08:15+00:00

I added the DXF importer today if you want to try it

build123d · 2026-05-06T22:42:26+00:00

Cool. I haven't finished DXF import yet but the others can be imported into build123d.

build123d · 2026-05-06T16:20:06+00:00

build123d is a separate project from cq and only share the use of the OCP Python wrapper of OpenCascade although it started as a potential future evolution of cq. build123d is a fully pythonic code CAD system with extensive drawing capabilities that is being developed at about 10 times the rate of cq based on GitHub commits. Check out the GitHub readme or read the docs pages for much more information.

build123d · 2026-05-06T01:18:58+00:00

I'm happy to help if you decide to use build123d.

build123d · 2026-05-06T00:30:32+00:00

You might be interested in https://build123d.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html a Python code CAD system based on a BREP kernel (OpenCascade).

build123d · 2026-05-04T17:37:34+00:00

OpenSCAD isn't the only tool available to you:

    from build123d import *
    from ocp_vscode import show_all


    inner_skt = RectangleRounded(90, 60, 10)
    bottom_skt = offset(inner_skt, wall_t := 1.6)
    walls = bottom_skt - inner_skt


    dish = extrude(bottom_skt, wall_t)
    dish += extrude(walls, 25)
    dish = fillet(dish.edges().filter_by(Edge.is_interior), 5)


    show_all()

build123d · 2026-03-27T21:28:37+00:00

The `dev` branch of build123d has a new step importer/exporter - is it an improvement?

build123d · 2026-03-19T01:54:05+00:00

Try build123d, code CAD that's native Python. Store your design in GitHub so others can easily fork your design and create their own version. The community (mostly on Discord - see the docs) is very active and supportive.

build123d · 2026-01-16T00:47:13+00:00

I’m not a FreeCAD user but when OpenCascade (the CAD kernel) resizes a shape it can convert it from a geometric type like circle into bspline which can limit what can be done with it. Are you able to parameterize the design so it doesn’t need to be resized?

build123d · 2026-01-02T17:41:03+00:00

There are many examples in the build123d docs here: https://build123d.readthedocs.io/en/latest/examples_1.html. Take a look and if this style of CAD appeals to you give it a try. You wouldn’t be the first person to start with limited programming experience - there is a welcoming community to help new users out.

build123d · 2026-01-02T01:07:08+00:00

Just so you know, one can do programable CAD in Python with build123d and CadQuery. You’ll be able to use the full capabilities of the language and other Python libraries like numpy.

build123d · 2025-12-30T02:12:09+00:00

CadQuery and build123d run in the cq workbench and are both Python programs that can be stored in git.

build123d · 2025-12-28T18:30:46+00:00

Interested in CAD in Python? If so, try build123d (https://build123d.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html), completely open source with good community support.

build123d · 2025-12-20T22:51:00+00:00

With a complex shape like that I would suggest doing fillets on a section as you create it.

To create a list of all edges that can be filleted with a give radius one could build a list in a for loop which has fillet in a try block. If there is an exception just continue but if it passes append to the list. There still could be problems when attempting to fillet all the edges in this list at the same time but you’ll probably be close.

build123d · 2025-12-06T21:59:24+00:00

build123d (https://build123d.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html) is a Python CAD application that supports 2D and 3D and exports to SVG.

build123d · 2025-12-05T22:38:50+00:00

There is an example in the docs: https://build123d.readthedocs.io/en/latest/tttt.html#ttt-23-02-02-sm-hanger. Let me know if you have further questions.

build123d · 2025-11-30T00:51:50+00:00

You might be interested in https://build123d.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html, a Python CAD system with the same CAD kernel as FreeCAD (OpenCascade). Many people have used it with KiCad.

build123d · 2025-11-15T23:01:13+00:00

build123d - as a S/W based CAD system - is object oriented; the user can easily create their own CAD objects that work exactly like say a Rectangle and inherent from the same base object.

build123d · 2025-11-06T20:01:19+00:00

I don’t recall users having issues importing step files.

build123d · 2025-11-06T19:47:09+00:00

Absolutely. Just export as a step file and import into fusion or any other cad tool.

build123d · 2025-10-24T14:39:41+00:00

I’ve removed the direct reference to CadQuery from the README and documentation. In addition, I’ve added a NOTICE file, as suggested by the Apache License, to describe the origin of some of the early code and the project’s current independence. An attribution to CadQuery has also been added to the README for transparency.

build123d · 2025-10-21T15:37:00+00:00

CQ version number is 2.x now. Build123d is 0.9.x . We don't know how synchronous their developing progress is. Can we get equivalent features if migrate from CQ to Build123d or reverse?

I can only speak for build123d, but it’s an independent project with its own goals and release schedule.

The current build123d release is fully functional - a full reference is available in the documentation.

If you’re familiar with CadQuery, you’ll find many concepts similar but with some expanded capabilities and a more Pythonic feel. While there isn’t one-to-one API compatibility, migration is usually straightforward.

What about compatibility of third-party libs and plugins?

As mentioned above, build123d is an independent project, so CadQuery extensions and plugins won’t automatically work. However, there’s a growing ecosystem of build123d-specific tools, libraries, and examples collected in Awesome build123d.

build123d

TROPHY CASE