| name | preview-scad |
| description | Render OpenSCAD (.scad) files to PNG images for visual verification. Use this after creating or modifying .scad files to see the 3D result and self-correct if needed. |
| allowed-tools | ["Bash(*/render-scad.sh*)","Read"] |
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
.scad file, 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.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-stl to convert to printable format with geometry validation
Full Pipeline
/openscad → /preview-scad → /export-stl (with validation)