OpenSCAD Preview Skill
Render OpenSCAD files to PNG images so you can visually verify your work.
Usage
/preview-scad <file.scad> [options]Workflow
- After creating or editing a
.scadfile, run this skill to render a preview - Read the generated PNG image to visually inspect the result
- If the result doesn't look right, fix the code and re-render
- Repeat until the design matches the requirements
Running the Render Script
.claude/skills/preview-scad/scripts/render-scad.sh <input.scad> [options]Options
--output <path>- Custom output path (default:<input>_preview.png)--size <WxH>- Image dimensions (default:800x600)--camera <x,y,z,tx,ty,tz,d>- Camera position (default: auto-center)--colorscheme <name>- Color scheme (default:Cornfield)--render- Full render mode (slower, more accurate)--preview- Preview mode (faster, default)
Example
After creating phone_stand.scad:
.claude/skills/preview-scad/scripts/render-scad.sh phone_stand.scadThen read the generated phone_stand_preview.png to see the result.
Visual Feedback Loop
When working on OpenSCAD designs:
- Write/edit the.scad file
- Render preview with this skill
- Read the PNG image to see what was created
- 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:
- Export to STL: Use
/export-stlto convert to printable format with geometry validation
Full Pipeline
/openscad → /preview-scad → /export-stl (with validation)