simple-3d-modeling-mcp

An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that lets anyone create, iterate on, and export 3D models through natural conversation with an LLM. Works with any MCP-compatible client — Claude, ChatGPT, Codex, and more. Zero setup — the OpenSCAD engine is bundled via WebAssembly. No system install needed.

Features

• Zero-setup — npm install simple-3d-modeling-mcp and go. OpenSCAD runs via bundled WASM.

• Inline previews — rendered PNG images appear directly in the chat

• Turntable animations — 360 degree animated previews (APNG) for first-look at new models

• Multi-view grids — front, right, top, and perspective in a single image

• Live browser viewer — interactive 3D viewer with rotate/zoom/pan, auto-updates on each render

• Print-ready exports — STL, 3MF, AMF, and more formats for 3D printing

• Native OpenSCAD support — optionally install OpenSCAD for faster rendering and library support (BOSL2, MCAD)

Related MCP server: OpenSCAD MCP Server

Quick Start

This server uses the standard Model Context Protocol over stdio, so it works with any MCP-compatible client. Pick yours below:

Claude Desktop

Easiest: Download simple-3d-modeling.mcpb and double-click to install.

Or manually add to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "simple-3d-modeling": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "simple-3d-modeling-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

claude mcp add simple-3d-modeling -- npx -y simple-3d-modeling-mcp

ChatGPT Desktop (macOS)

Go to Settings → MCP Servers → Add Server, then enter:

• Name: simple-3d-modeling

• Command: npx -y simple-3d-modeling-mcp

OpenAI Codex CLI

codex mcp add simple-3d-modeling -- npx -y simple-3d-modeling-mcp

Other MCP Clients (Cursor, Windsurf, etc.)

Any client that supports MCP over stdio can use this server. The command to run is:

npx -y simple-3d-modeling-mcp

Consult your client's documentation for how to register an MCP server with that command.

That's it. No OpenSCAD install. No PATH configuration.

Tools

Live Browser Viewer

On first render, an interactive 3D viewer automatically opens in your browser:

• Live updates — model refreshes automatically on every render

• Model history — sidebar shows every version, click to revisit

• Dimensions — bounding box and volume computed from geometry

• Export — download STL directly from the viewer

• Controls — rotate (drag), zoom (scroll), pan (right-drag), wireframe, auto-rotate, grid

Compatibility Notes

Tip: Even if a client doesn't render inline images, the live browser viewer (open_viewer) works everywhere — it opens a standalone browser tab with full 3D interaction.

Native OpenSCAD (Optional)

For faster rendering and library support, install OpenSCAD. The server auto-detects it on your PATH and uses it when available.

Environment Variables

Example Conversation

You: Make me a phone stand that holds the phone at 60 degrees

LLM: calls render — Here's a phone stand with a 60 degree viewing angle. The base is 80mm wide with a 3mm lip. The interactive 3D viewer is open in your browser too. Want me to adjust anything?

You: Make it thicker and add a cable slot in the back

LLM: modifies code, calls render — Updated! Wall thickness is now 4mm with a 12mm cable slot. Check the viewer to spin it around.

You: Perfect! Export it for my 3D printer

LLM: calls export(format="3mf") — Exported to ~/Desktop/phone-stand.3mf (42 KB). Ready to slice and print!

Development

npm install
npm run build        # compile TypeScript
npm test             # run tests
npm run dev          # watch mode

License

GPL-2.0 (required by the openscad-wasm dependency)