OpenSCAD Preview Skill
Render OpenSCAD files to PNG images so you can visually verify your work.
Usage
code
/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
bash
.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:
bash
.claude/skills/preview-scad/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:
- •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
code
/openscad → /preview-scad → /export-stl (with validation)