SolveSpace is a free and open-source 2D/3D constraint-based parametric computer-aided design (CAD) software that supports basic 2D and 3D constructive solid geometry modeling.
It is a constraint-based parametric modeler with simple mechanical simulation capabilities. Version 2.1 and onward runs on Windows, Linux and macOS. The Linux version is shipped as a snap and native packages. It supports STEP and DFX for import and export. By default, SolveSpace utilizes its own CAD file format called .slvs for model storage. It is possible to export models as a whole or in part to various formats such as PDF, SVG, or Encapsulated PostScript (EPS).
It was initially created by Jonathan Westhues and as of 2022 is maintained by a community of volunteers.
Development of SolveSpace started in 2008 as commercial proprietary software for Microsoft Windows. A previous software package called SketchFlat, also developed by Westhues, was replaced by SolveSpace.
What is SolveSpace?
SolveSpace by SolveSpace (developed by Jonathan Westhues) is open-source Windows software in the 3d & cad category. It ranks 13th by popularity among 3d & cad in this catalogue. The first release dates back to 2008. It is written in C++. Besides Windows, it is available for Linux and macOS.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides Portable installers for 32-bit Windows. It runs without installation (portable).
Updates and version history
The current version is 3.2, released on March 27, 2026. The version history goes back to June 1, 2022: 2 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 0.5 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 1,555 times. The source code on GitHub (solvespace/solvespace) has 4,210 stars. Wikipedia has an article about it in 3 of our languages. Similar programs include PrusaSlicer, MeshLab and Bambu Studio.
Project description on GitHub: “Parametric 2d/3d CAD”
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- Portable: runs without installation
- Also runs on Linux and macOS
- Mature project (since 2008)
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- 32-bit only
In short: SolveSpace is an open-source 3d & cad tool for 32-bit PCs.
Key features
- Modeling 3d parts — draw with extrudes, revolves/helix, and Boolean operations
- Modeling 2d parts — draw the part as a single section, and export; use 3d assembly to verify fit
- Modeling 3d-printed parts — export the STL or other triangle mesh expected by most slicers
- Preparing 2D CAM data — export 2d vector art for a waterjet machine or laser cutter
- Mechanism design — use the constraint solver to simulate planar or spatial linkages
- Plane and solid geometry — replace hand-solved trigonometry with a live dimensioned drawing
AppStream · Flathub
Is SolveSpace safe to download?
- The file is served by github.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
D9DBED4E557AE2749A77D0E941F3CC7A61FC900D8FF787AC126D291E8BF78C42· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link has not been checked yet
- The source code is public
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Security practices (OpenSSF Scorecard)
Automated checks of the solvespace/solvespace repository on GitHub by the Open Source Security Foundation, last run on October 19, 2026.
- Actively maintained10
- No dangerous workflows10
- Licence declared10
- Published packages10
- No binaries in the repository9
- Code review4
- Restricted token permissions0
- Pinned dependencies0
- OpenSSF Best Practices badge0
- Security policy0
- Fuzzing0
- Signed releases0
- Branch protection0
- Static code analysis0
The score rates how the project is developed and released, not whether the program is safe to install. scorecard.dev
Recent versions
All 2 versions ›2 versions over 4 years · about 0.5 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2Latest | March 27, 2026 | — | 32-bit Portable |
| 3.1 | June 1, 2022 | — | 32-bit Portable32-bit Portable |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id SolveSpace.SolveSpace -echoco install solvespace -yscoop install extras/solvespaceRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Also for other systems
brew install --cask solvespaceflatpak install flathub com.solvespace.SolveSpaceInformation
- Publisher
- SolveSpace
- Developer
- Jonathan Westhues
- Category
- 3D & CAD
- Licence
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Source code
- github.com/solvespace/solvespace
- Written in
- C++
- Content rating
- All ages
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 32-bit
- Installer
- Portable
- Other platforms
- Linux, macOS
- Version
- 3.2
- Released
- March 27, 2026
- First release
- 2008
- Added to the catalogue
- October 2, 2023
- Versions listed
- 2
- Updates / year
- 0.5
- Chocolatey downloads
- 1,555
- GitHub stars
- 4,210
- GitHub forks
- 606
- Website
- github.com
- winget ID
- SolveSpace.SolveSpace
- Chocolatey package
- solvespace
- Scoop package
- extras/solvespace
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to SolveSpace
See all ›-
Open source82.3K ↓ -
Open source36.1K ↓ -
Bambu Studio02.08.02.61Bambu Studio is a cutting-edge, feature-rich slicing software. It contains project-based workflows, systematically optimized slicing algorithms, and an easy-to-use graphic interface, bringing users an incredibly smooth printing experience.Open source35K ↓ -
Open source197.7K ↓ -
Open source9K ↓ -
Open source30.1K ↓ -
Open source640K ↓ -
OpenModelica1.26.3OpenModelica is an open-source Modelica-based modeling and simulation environment intended for industrial and academic usage.Open source8.4K ↓
Frequently asked questions
Is SolveSpace free?
Yes. SolveSpace is open-source software under the GPL-3.0 licence.
Is SolveSpace safe to download?
The download comes from github.com, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install SolveSpace with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Does SolveSpace run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 32-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of SolveSpace?
The versions page lists all 2 versions with links to their official installer files, back to June 1, 2022.
Can I use SolveSpace without administrator rights?
Yes, it is portable: unpack and run it.
What are alternatives to SolveSpace?
PrusaSlicer, MeshLab, Bambu Studio, Ultimaker Cura and OpenToonz. The alternatives page compares them.
