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Head-to-head · Diy Makers

BlocksCAD vs Silhouette Studio

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score BlocksCAD #6 in Diy Makers 7.6/10 Open source · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit BlocksCAD
Silhouette Studio #8 in Diy Makers 7.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit site

BlocksCAD leads on 0 checks, Silhouette Studio on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBlocksCAD · 7.6/10
  • Free planonly Silhouette Studio
  • Free trialonly BlocksCAD

BlocksCAD scores higher on our rubric for diy makers: 7.6 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.

BlocksCAD is the better fit for block-based 3D modeling, especially for classrooms. Silhouette Studio is the better fit for designing projects for Silhouette cutting machines.

  • BlocksCAD fits best

    Block-based 3D modeling, especially for classrooms

  • Silhouette Studio fits best

    Designing projects for Silhouette cutting machines

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature BlocksCAD 7.6/10 Visit ↗ Silhouette Studio 7.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.6 7.4
Ranking #6 in Diy Makers #8 in Diy Makers
Best for Block-based 3D modeling, especially for classrooms Designing projects for Silhouette cutting machines
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Open source · 30-day trial —
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud Desktop
Platforms Web Windows, macOS
Support Community, Docs Docs, Tickets
Integrations 1 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features BlocksCAD 0/3 · Silhouette Studio 0/3
Project templates Not checked yet Not checked yet
Commercial use Not checked yet Not checked yet
Team collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Customization depth Not checked yet Advanced
Export formats Not checked yet SVG, PDF (Business Edition)
Platforms Not checked yet Windows, macOS
Our review
Pros
  • Combines block programming with parametric primitives and Boolean operations
  • Exports models to STL, AMF, and X3D for 3D printing
  • Education tools include student work review and Google Classroom integration
  • Basic Edition includes design and text tools at no charge.
  • Vector editing, layers, tracing and print-and-cut support varied projects.
  • Business Edition adds SVG workflows and multi-cutter support.
Cons
  • The editor is browser-based, so it depends on web access
  • Education features require a paid teacher or school/district license
  • Support is centered on documentation and community channels
  • Designed around Silhouette cutting machines rather than a broad machine ecosystem.
  • Advanced import, export and workflow tools require paid edition upgrades.
  • Available only as desktop software for Windows and macOS.
Our verdict

BlocksCAD is a browser-based 3D modeling tool for educators, students, makers, and parents who want to create solid models through drag-and-drop programming blocks. Its combination of visual coding and geometry makes it particularly suited…

Read the review →

Silhouette Studio is desktop design software for makers preparing decals, stickers, T-shirts and paper crafts for Silhouette cutting machines. Its Basic Edition is free and includes design and text tools, with the ability to create…

Read the review →
  1. BlocksCADDiy Makers 7.6Open source · 30-day trial
  2. Silhouette StudioDiy Makers 7.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • BlocksCAD — where it wins

    • Combines block programming with parametric primitives and Boolean operations
    • Exports models to STL, AMF, and X3D for 3D printing
    • Education tools include student work review and Google Classroom integration

    Where it doesn't

    • The editor is browser-based, so it depends on web access
    • Education features require a paid teacher or school/district license
    • Support is centered on documentation and community channels

  • Silhouette Studio — where it wins

    • Basic Edition includes design and text tools at no charge.
    • Vector editing, layers, tracing and print-and-cut support varied projects.
    • Business Edition adds SVG workflows and multi-cutter support.

    Where it doesn't

    • Designed around Silhouette cutting machines rather than a broad machine ecosystem.
    • Advanced import, export and workflow tools require paid edition upgrades.
    • Available only as desktop software for Windows and macOS.
  • BlocksCAD7.6/10 · Open source · 30-day trial

    A visual route into parametric 3D modeling, with classroom tools and print exports.

    Visit BlocksCADFull verdict →
  • Silhouette Studio7.4/10 · Free plan

    Free desktop design tools for preparing craft projects for Silhouette cutters.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

More comparisons

All diy makers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update