Photo to OpenSCAD: Generate Parametric 3D Models from Any Image

Published: February 21, 2026

What If You Could Get Source Code from a Photo?

Most photo-to-3D tools give you an STL file—a static mesh you can print but can't easily modify. But what if you could get actual source code instead? That's exactly what 3DMyPhoto's OpenSCAD export does.

With OpenSCAD output, you get a .scad file containing the actual instructions for creating your 3D model. Variables, functions, boolean operations, transformations—everything you need to modify, customize, and iterate on your design.

Why OpenSCAD Source Code > Compiled Meshes

Think of the difference like this: an STL file is like a finished cake—you can eat it, but you can't change the recipe. An OpenSCAD file is the recipe itself—you can adjust ingredients, scale quantities, and bake a completely different cake.

Benefits of OpenSCAD Export:

Full Parametric Control: Change dimensions, scale, and proportions by editing variables. No need to re-generate from scratch.
Learn How It's Made: See exactly how the AI constructed your model. Great for learning OpenSCAD concepts.
Combine and Extend: Import your generated code into larger projects. Boolean operations, arrays, transformations—all standard OpenSCAD features work.
Version Control Friendly: Unlike binary STL files, .scad files are text that plays nicely with Git.
Reproducible Builds: Share the code, not just the mesh. Anyone can regenerate your exact model.

How 3DMyPhoto Generates OpenSCAD Code

Our AI-powered pipeline doesn't just trace edges—it understands geometry and constructs proper CSG (Constructive Solid Geometry) operations:

Image Analysis: AI examines your photo to identify shapes, depth, and structural elements.
Geometric Decomposition: The system breaks down complex shapes into primitive operations (cubes, cylinders, spheres, etc.).
CSG Construction: Boolean operations (union, difference, intersection) combine primitives into your final model.
Code Generation: Clean, readable OpenSCAD code is generated with sensible variable names and comments.
Optimization: The code is optimized for both readability and render performance.

What You Can Do With Your Generated .scad File

Modify Dimensions

Change a single variable to resize your entire model. Generated code uses parametric variables like base_width, height, and depth that you can adjust to your exact specifications.

Add Features

Need a mounting hole? A text label? A different base shape? With source code, you can add these features using standard OpenSCAD syntax—no need to learn complex mesh editing in Blender.

Combine Multiple Models

Generate multiple models from different photos and combine them in a single OpenSCAD project. Use union(), difference(), and intersection() to create complex assemblies.

Create Variations

Use OpenSCAD's for loops and modules to create arrays, patterns, or size variations of your model automatically.

Best Use Cases for OpenSCAD Export

Signs and Logos: Convert company logos to 3D signs you can customize with different text, sizes, or mounting options.
Mechanical Parts: Generate base geometry from photos, then add precise mounting holes, threads, or tolerances.
Educational Projects: Learn OpenSCAD by studying AI-generated code—see real examples of CSG operations.
Rapid Prototyping: Quickly generate a starting point, then iterate on dimensions before printing.
Parametric Products: Create products that can be customized per-customer by adjusting parameters.

Getting Started

Ready to generate your first OpenSCAD model from a photo? Here's how:

Upload your photo to 3DMyPhoto
Select the OpenSCAD export option
Download your generated .scad file
Open it in OpenSCAD (free download)
Press F5 to preview, F6 to render, and export to STL when you're happy

Generate OpenSCAD from Your Photos

3DMyPhoto is the only photo-to-3D tool that gives you OpenSCAD source code, not just compiled meshes. Get the parametric control you need.

Try OpenSCAD Export Free