OpenSCAD Preview Skill

Render OpenSCAD files to PNG images so you can visually verify your work.

<skill-dir> below is this skill's own folder (the base directory Claude Code shows when the skill loads).

Usage

/preview-scad <file.scad> [options]

Workflow

1. After creating or editing a .scad file, run this skill to render a preview
2. Read the generated PNG image to visually inspect the result
3. If the result doesn't look right, fix the code and re-render
4. Repeat until the design matches the requirements

Running the Render Script

<skill-dir>/scripts/render-scad.sh <input.scad> [options]

Options

• --output <path> - Custom output path (default: <input>_preview.png)
• --size <WxH> - Image dimensions (default: 800x600)
• --camera <params> - Camera (default: auto-center). 6 values = eye x,y,z + center x,y,z (e.g. 60,-90,80,0,0,0); 7 values = translate x,y,z + rotate x,y,z + distance (gimbal)
• Preview mode can draw intersection() of hollow parts as solid; see "Preview Pitfalls" in the openscad skill
• --colorscheme <name> - Color scheme (default: Cornfield)
• --render - Full render mode (slower, more accurate)
• --preview - Preview mode (faster, default)

Example

After creating phone_stand.scad:

<skill-dir>/scripts/render-scad.sh phone_stand.scad

Then read the generated phone_stand_preview.png to see the result.

Visual Feedback Loop

When working on OpenSCAD designs:

1. Write/edit the .scad file
2. Render preview with this skill
3. Read the PNG image to see what was created
4. Evaluate: Does it match what the user asked for?
   • If yes: You're done
   • If no: Identify what's wrong, fix the code, and repeat from step 2

This iterative process helps ensure the final design meets requirements.

Next Steps

Once the preview looks correct:

1. Export to STL: Use /export-stl to convert to printable format with geometry validation

Full Pipeline

/openscad → /preview-scad → /export-stl (with validation)