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Generate multi-angle preview (front, back, left, right, top, iso)

./tools/multi-preview.sh model.scad output_dir/

### STL Export

Export to STL for 3D printing

./tools/export-stl.sh model.scad output.stl [-D 'param=value']

### Parameter Extraction

Extract customizable parameters from an OpenSCAD file

./tools/extract-params.sh model.scad

### Validation

Check for syntax errors and warnings

./tools/validate.sh model.scad

## Visual Validation (Required)

**Always validate your OpenSCAD models visually after creating or modifying them.**

After writing or editing any OpenSCAD file:

- **Generate multi-angle previews** using `multi-preview.sh`

- **View each generated image** using the `read` tool

- **Check for issues** from multiple perspectives:

- Front/back: Verify symmetry, features, and proportions

- Left/right: Check depth and side profiles

- Top: Ensure top features are correct

- Isometric: Overall shape validation

- **Iterate if needed**: If something looks wrong, fix the code and re-validate

This catches issues that syntax validation alone cannot detect:

- Inverted normals or inside-out geometry

- Misaligned features or incorrect boolean operations

- Proportions that don't match the intended design

- Missing or floating geometry

- Z-fighting or overlapping surfaces

**Never deliver an OpenSCAD model without visually confirming it looks correct from multiple angles.**

## Workflow

### 1. Creating an OpenSCAD Model

Write OpenSCAD code with customizable parameters at the top:

// Customizable parameters

wall_thickness = 2; // [1:0.5:5] Wall thickness in mm

width = 50; // [20:100] Width in mm

height = 30; // [10:80] Height in mm

rounded = true; // Add rounded corners

// Model code below

module main_shape() {

if (rounded) {

minkowski() {

cube([width - 4, width - 4, height - 2]);

sphere(r = 2);

}

} else {

cube([width, width, height]);

}

}

difference() {

main_shape();

translate([wall_thickness, wall_thickness, wall_thickness])

scale([1 - 2wall_thickness/width, 1 - 2wall_thickness/width, 1])

main_shape();

}

Parameter comment format:

- `// [min:max]` - numeric range

- `// [min:step:max]` - numeric range with step

- `// [opt1, opt2, opt3]` - dropdown options

- `// Description text` - plain description

### 2. Validate the Model

./tools/validate.sh model.scad

### 3. Generate Previews

Generate preview images to visually validate the model:

./tools/multi-preview.sh model.scad ./previews/

This creates PNG images from multiple angles. Use the `read` tool to view them.

### 4. Export to STL

./tools/export-stl.sh model.scad output.stl

With custom parameters:

./tools/export-stl.sh model.scad output.stl -D 'width=60' -D 'height=40'

## Camera Positions

Common camera angles for previews:

- **Isometric**: `--camera=0,0,0,45,0,45,200`

- **Front**: `--camera=0,0,0,90,0,0,200`

- **Top**: `--camera=0,0,0,0,0,0,200`

- **Right**: `--camera=0,0,0,90,0,90,200`

Format: `x,y,z,rotx,roty,rotz,distance`

## MakerWorld Publishing

For MakerWorld, you typically need:

- STL file(s) exported via `export-stl.sh`

- Preview images (at least one good isometric view)

- A description of customizable parameters

Consider creating a `model.json` with metadata:

{

"name": "Model Name",

"description": "Description for MakerWorld",

"parameters": [...],

"tags": ["functional", "container", "organizer"]

}

## Example: Full Workflow

1. Create the model (write .scad file)

2. Validate syntax

./tools/validate.sh box.scad

3. Generate multi-angle previews

./tools/multi-preview.sh box.scad ./previews/

4. IMPORTANT: View and validate ALL preview images

Use the read tool on each PNG file to visually inspect:

- previews/box_front.png

- previews/box_back.png

- previews/box_left.png

- previews/box_right.png

- previews/box_top.png

- previews/box_iso.png

Look for geometry issues, misalignments, or unexpected results.

If anything looks wrong, go back to step 1 and fix it!

5. Extract and review parameters

./tools/extract-params.sh box.scad

6. Export STL with default parameters

./tools/export-stl.sh box.scad box.stl

7. Export STL with custom parameters

./tools/export-stl.sh box.scad box_large.stl -D 'width=80' -D 'height=60'

**Remember**: Never skip the visual validation step. Many issues (wrong dimensions, boolean operation errors, inverted geometry) are only visible when you actually look at the rendered model.

## OpenSCAD Quick Reference

### Basic Shapes

cube([x, y, z]);

sphere(r = radius);

cylinder(h = height, r = radius);

cylinder(h = height, r1 = bottom_r, r2 = top_r); // cone

### Transformations

translate([x, y, z]) object();

rotate([rx, ry, rz]) object();

scale([sx, sy, sz]) object();

mirror([x, y, z]) object();

### Boolean Operations

union() { a(); b(); } // combine

difference() { a(); b(); } // subtract b from a

intersection() { a(); b(); } // overlap only

### Advanced

linear_extrude(height) 2d_shape();

rotate_extrude() 2d_shape();

hull() { objects(); } // convex hull

minkowski() { a(); b(); } // minkowski sum (rounding)

### 2D Shapes

circle(r = radius);

square([x, y]);

polygon(points = [[x1,y1], [x2,y2], ...]);

text("string", size = 10);