Gmsh

A three-dimensional finite element mesh generator with built-in pre- and post-processing

Gmsh is an open source three-dimensional finite element mesh generator with a built-in CAD engine and post-processor, designed for parametric input and visualization of mesh and simulation results. It addresses the workflow of creating geometry, generating meshes, running solvers, and inspecting output within a single tool.

The software is organized around four modules: geometry, mesh, solver, and post-processing. It can be driven through a graphical user interface, the command line, .geo script files, or the C++, C, Python, Julia, and Fortran APIs. Gmsh uses OpenCASCADE for constructive geometry, interfaces with the optional Netgen and Mmg3d mesh libraries, and implements a ONELAB server for external solvers such as GetDP. Its GUI is built on FLTK and OpenGL, with vector output in PostScript, PDF, and SVG produced by GL2PS. Gmsh and GetDP are bundled in the ONELAB app for iPhone, iPad, and Android.

Gmsh is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), with binaries available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, and an SDK installable via pip. A commercial license is available for integrating parts of Gmsh into closed-source software.

12 alternatives to Gmsh

Ranked by how well each tool replaces Gmsh: shared features, audience, price and popularity.

OpenSCAD
The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller
Covers 6 of 15 key features.
Open sourceFile creation and editingCustomizationOpen sourceCross platform
64 out of 100 match—
GIMP
The Free & Open Source Image Editor
Covers 6 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen sourceUi designPrototypingVector editingTemplates
63 out of 100 matchFree
Shapr3D
3D modeling software for iPadOS, Windows and macOS.
Covers 7 of 15 key features.
Free planFile creation and editingCollaborationCustomizationCross platform
62 out of 100 matchFree
BRL-CAD
Open source solid modeling.
Covers 3 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen sourceOpen sourceCross platformDocumentation
61 out of 100 matchContact sales
KediCAD
CAD, CAM and FEA software for Linux, available in 2D and 3D versions.
Covers 2 of 15 key features.
Free planDocumentationOpen source
60 out of 100 matchFree
Sandbox Game Maker by Platinum Arts
A free open source easy to use standalone 3D game maker and 3D game design program
Covers 6 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen sourceOpen sourceCollaborationCross platformTemplates
60 out of 100 matchFree
KiCad
A Cross Platform and Open Source PCB Design Suite
Covers 7 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen sourceOpen sourceCross platformFile creation and editingPrototyping
60 out of 100 matchFree
FreeCAD
Your own 3D parametric modeler.
Covers 2 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen sourceOpen sourceCross platform
59 out of 100 matchFree
eSim
A free/libre and open-source EDA tool for circuit design, simulation, analysis, and PCB设计
Covers 7 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen sourcePrototypingUi designVector editingOpen source
59 out of 100 matchContact sales
SolveSpace
Free open-source parametric 2D/3D CAD tool
Covers 0 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen source
59 out of 100 matchFree
Rhinoceros 3D
Design, model, present, analyze, realize.
Covers 1 of 15 key features.
Cross platform
58 out of 100 match—
CircuitMaker
The Community for Creative Electronics
Covers 7 of 15 key features.
Free planCollaborationCustomizationDocumentationDesign systems
58 out of 100 matchContact sales