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✦ Free & open sourceEngineering

sand3d

Write 3D models as short Python programs built for LLMs over Blender.

3D modeling in Python, built for LLMs

Write 3D objects as short programs over Blender's bpy for AI generation

Free forever · open source · Apache-2.0
✓ Light setup✓ Browser-based✓ Real-time collaboration
7
ZEKAI
LLM-native 3D Python modeling
Free & open source · Engineering
Ease of setup4
Usefulness8
Maintenance9.5
Community6.5
★ 1,049
GITHUB
Nov 2026
UPDATED
Apache-2.0
LICENSE
🛠 Don't want to self-host? We can set it up →
⚡ Quick answer

sand3d is a Python library that lets you define 3D objects as compact code using Blender's bpy engine. It suits engineers and developers looking to prompt LLMs to generate precise 3D geometry and articulated assemblies without manual coordinate math.

Runs on
Cross-platform
Hosting
Desktop
Languages
HTML
License
Apache-2.0

What it is

The library provides a flat s3d API covering profiles, solids, edits, framing, and articulation that fits entirely within an LLM prompt. It outputs deterministic meshes and handles exports to formats including GLB, URDF, USDA, OBJ, and STL.

Who it's for

It suits AI engineers, mechanical designers, and developers building procedural 3D generation pipelines. It does not suit traditional CAD artists who rely strictly on direct GUI manipulation.

Key features

Low Token Footprint

Parts take significantly fewer tokens than equivalent Blender Python, CadQuery, or FeatureScript code.

Named References

Access parts, edges, and faces by name instead of hand-computed coordinate math.

Multi-Format Export

Export directly to GLB, URDF, USDA, OBJ, and STL formats with a single function call.

Built-in Articulation

Declare joints and assemblies directly within your programmatic workflow.

How to start

Up and running in 3 steps

1
Install the library via pip install sand3d or add it to your uv project
2
Include the API documentation in your LLM system prompt for code generation
3
Write your procedural Python script and export your model to GLB, URDF, or USD
Real talk

Our honest verdict

What's great

  • Entire API fits inside a prompt of about 3,600 tokens for LLM context windows
  • Produces bit-for-bit deterministic meshes from identical program inputs
  • Includes datasets covering Objaverse, CAD, Articraft, SimReady, and AutoMate
  • Directly integrates with Blender's bpy engine for robust underlying geometry operations

Where it falls short

  • Requires managing Python and Blender environment dependencies like specific bpy wheels
  • Python 3.12 and Intel Mac environments have specific installation restrictions
  • Requires writing procedural code rather than using visual 3D modeling tools
Cost

Pricing & license

Free under its open source licence, with the only cost being your own compute and setup time.

Paid work

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767 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 14, 2026; most pay $20–$175 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.

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Alternatives

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Use it, or have us set it up

📄 Free PDF: sand3d for Engineering
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Questions

FAQ

What Python versions are supported?

Python 3.13 is recommended, with Python 3.11 supported for environments lacking bpy wheels like Intel Macs.

What file formats can sand3d export?

It supports GLB, URDF, USDA, OBJ, and STL, with additional formats like USD derived through USD tools.

How does sand3d handle object joints?

You can declare joints and motion ranges directly in your code, which export into URDF and GLB node extras.

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