I made a free browser-based CAD tool specifically useful for minis — custom bases, terrain pieces, no install needed
Hey r/PrintedMinis 👋
I've been building a free 3D CAD tool called NASSCAD and wanted to share it here because I think it fits what a lot of you do.
What it is: A browser-based 3D modeler — works online AND offline (single HTML file, no install, no account). → nasscad.com
Why it's useful for mini makers specifically:
- Custom bases — design round/hex/square bases with exact dimensions, add recesses for magnets, bevel edges, export STL in seconds
- Terrain & scatter pieces — boolean CSG (union/subtract/intersect) for combining shapes non-destructively, like cutting doorways into walls or drilling bolt holes into terrain tiles
- Watertight geometry — everything exports print-ready, no Meshmixer cleanup needed
- Threaded inserts — built-in ISO M2–M20 threads if you're building modular terrain with screw-fit connectors
- No subscription, no cloud, no login — just open the page and start modeling
What makes it different from Tinkercad: Tinkercad is great for beginners but it stagnates. NASSCAD has a non-destructive CSG tree (edit your booleans after the fact), a proper snap system down to 0.1mm, and dimension handles you can drag directly on the model — same workflow but more control.
It's not Blender or ZBrush — it won't sculpt organic shapes. But for hard-surface stuff like bases, terrain inserts, conversion bits, movement trays, or custom tokens, it's fast and precise.
Still early — v4.2.35 just dropped. Would love feedback from people who actually print minis.
Drop a question or a base design challenge in the comments, happy to see what it handles 🎲