SelfCAD

SelfCAD is an online CAD and 3D design platform for creating, editing, rendering, sculpting, and preparing models for 3D printing.

The software combines browser-based modeling with Windows and macOS desktop applications. Users can store projects locally, in the cloud, or through a hybrid workflow.

SelfCAD serves students, educators, hobbyists, professional designers, makers, and small businesses. Its education offering includes organization accounts, license management, and interactive learning materials.

SelfCAD also includes an experimental AI assistant. It can generate functional assemblies, organic models, and profile-based designs from text instructions, with reference images supported in the workflow.

SelfCAD provides both technical and artistic modeling tools. These include shape generators, sketching, extrusion, transformations, boolean operations, fillets, chamfers, lofts, revolves, and follow-path modeling.

The sculpting workspace supports brush-based editing and organic model creation. Image to 3D and SVG import tools help users build models from visual references or two-dimensional profiles.

The integrated slicer prepares designs for 3D printing. Users can configure supports, infill, and other print settings, then generate printer-ready G-code.

SelfCAD includes rendering and animation features in its paid plan. Its Magic Fix and geometry-cleaning tools help identify or repair common mesh problems.

The AI assistant supports three generation modes: Functional Assembly, Organic Model, and Profile. Generated results can be added to the scene, edited with standard tools, and prepared for printing.

SelfCAD offers a limited free account and a 10-day trial of the full feature set. After the trial ends, accounts can continue on the free plan or upgrade to SelfCAD Pro.

The official pricing materials identify SelfCAD Pro at $14.99 per month and $139.99 per year. Education plans use custom pricing, with discounts advertised for students and teachers.

The free plan includes core modeling tools and the slicer, but restricts some advanced capabilities and direct file-export options. Users should confirm current prices on the official pricing page before purchasing.

SelfCAD’s main strength is its end-to-end workflow. Users can model, sculpt, repair, render, and slice without changing applications.

The browser interface and interactive tutorials reduce the initial learning burden for students and first-time CAD users. Windows and macOS desktop versions provide offline storage options.

The free tier supports basic modeling, but advanced tools and some export functions require a subscription. The product also depends on capable hardware and WebGL support for smooth performance.

SelfCAD supports many mesh and 3D exchange formats, but it does not currently provide a public plugins API. Its workflow is less focused on advanced parametric engineering than specialized mechanical CAD systems.

Tinkercad is a simpler browser-based option for introductory education and basic solid modeling. Blender offers deeper sculpting, animation, rendering, and open-source customization.

FreeCAD provides open-source parametric CAD capabilities for users who need more engineering-oriented workflows. Fusion 360 offers broader professional design, manufacturing, simulation, and collaboration features.

Meshy is a closer alternative for users primarily seeking AI-generated 3D assets from text or images. SelfCAD differs by combining AI generation with manual editing and integrated slicing.

Does SelfCAD have a free trial?
Yes. New registrations receive access to the full toolset for 10 days before downgrading to the limited free account.

Which platforms support SelfCAD?
SelfCAD runs in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. Dedicated desktop applications are available for Windows and macOS.

Does SelfCAD have a mobile app?
No dedicated mobile application is documented. The browser version can be accessed from phones and tablets, although performance depends on device capability.

Does SelfCAD provide an API?
A public plugins API and related documentation were planned, but the official FAQ states that they had not been released.

What integrations does SelfCAD provide?
SelfCAD integrates with MyMiniFactory for accessing and sharing printable models. It also supports import and export through numerous common 3D file formats.

Can SelfCAD prepare files for 3D printing?
Yes. Its built-in slicer generates G-code and provides controls for supports, infill, and other print settings.