Why it is worth attention

It offers a full-featured parametric CAD environment with Python scripting and AI-assisted modeling, all under the permissive Apache 2.0 license, making it accessible for hobbyists, educators, and developers.

Who it is for

CAD enthusiasts and makers seeking a free open-source tool
engineering and design students learning 3D modeling
software developers who want to script or extend a 3D modeler
professionals needing a lightweight parametric modeler with AI integration

Use cases

Rapid prototyping of 3D parts using parametric sketches and boolean operations
Teaching and learning CAD principles with hands-on Python scripting examples
Automating repetitive modeling tasks through the Python API
Generating initial 3D concepts by describing designs in natural language via Claude Code

Strengths

Comprehensive modeling features: primitives, sketching, extrusions, revolved solids, booleans, fillets, patterns, and datum planes
Python scripting with full API for programmatic model creation and modification
AI-assisted modeling integrated through Claude Code for natural-language-to-3D workflows
Open-source under Apache 2.0 with a clean, modular architecture based on OCCT, Qt 5, and OSG

Considerations

The WYAF application framework requires a commercial license for commercial use (free for non-commercial)
Building from source on Windows requires downloading prebuilt dependency bundles, adding complexity
AI feature depends on an external Claude Code subscription and TCP/IPC setup, not fully self-contained

README quick start

Yi3D

Yi3D is a simple and easy-to-use open-source 3D modeling application, available on Windows and Linux.

wangyaosoft.com

Sketch-based parametric modeling — create extrusion, revolution, sweep, and loft features from 2D sketches.
Primitive-based Boolean modeling — combine built-in shapes such as box, cylinder, and sphere with union, difference, and intersection operations.

Features

Primitives: Box, Cylinder, Sphere, Cone, Torus, Tube
Sketching: Line, Circle, Arc, Ellipse, Ellipse Arc, Spline, Point, Centerline, Text
Part Modeling: Extrusion, Revolution, Loft, Sweep, Helix
Boolean Operations: Union, Difference, Intersection
Solid Modifications: Fillet, Chamfer, Draft, Shell
Patterns: Linear Pattern, Circular Pattern
Transformations: Move, Rotate, Scale, Mirror
Datum Planes: Coincident, Parallel, Perpendicular, Angular, Tangent, Three-Point
Python Scripting: Full Python API for programmatic model creation and modification
AI-Assisted Modeling: Natural-language-to-3D via integrated Claude Code skill
File Formats: Binary .wy3db and text .wy3dt model files

Architecture

Yi3D
├── src/wy3d/       Core modeling library (DLL) — OCCT-based parametric engine
├── src/wy3dApp/    Desktop application (EXE) — Qt 5 + OSG graphical interface
├── src/wy3dPY/     Python bindings (wy3d.pyd) — built with pybind11
├── inc/            Public C++ headers
├── scripts/        Python modeling script examples
├── samples/        Sample model files (.wy3db / .wy3dt)
├── 3rdParty/       Third-party dependencies and prebuilt bundles
├── doc/            Design documentation
└── skills/         Claude Code AI-assisted modeling skill

Dependencies

Dependency	Purpose
OpenCASCADE (OCCT)	3D geometry kernel
Qt 5	GUI framework
OpenSceneGraph (OSG)	3D rendering engine
WYAF	Application framework (free for non-commercial use; commercial license required)
Python 3.10	Scripting runtime
pybind11	C++/Python bindings
Google Test	Unit testing framework
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Description

Official source code of Yi3D, a free and opensource multiplatform 3D modeler.

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