About
SK8CAD is a free, web-based skateboard and longboard design application created by Open Source Skateboards with the goal of democratizing board fabrication. It provides an intuitive visual interface for crafting highly customized deck shapes — including nose and tail geometry, kick angles, rocker/camber profiles, wheel flares, and drop decks — without requiring any CAD or engineering background. Once a design is complete, users can export fabrication-ready digital files suitable for CNC routing, 3D printing molds, or ordering directly from Open Source Skateboards. The built-in mold designer lets builders create press molds with optional alignment features, while the CSV converter and board price calculator streamline the production workflow. The Maker Map is a standout community feature: an interactive global map where designers, builders, and riders can share their work and location, and where skateboard material suppliers and equipment providers are listed for easy discovery. SK8CAD is free to use, powered partly by OpenJSCAD, and sustained through optional subscriptions. Lite ($9/month) and Pro ($29/month) plans unlock time-saving features like save/load designs, Shape Library access, faster support, and business profile listings on the Maker Map. An active Discord community, user guides, tutorials, and virtual workshops make it accessible to beginners and seasoned board builders alike.
Key Features
- Custom Board Shape Designer: Visually design deck shapes with precise control over nose, tail, kick angles, width, length, and concave profiles — no CAD experience required.
- Mold & Fabrication File Export: Generate CNC-ready and 3D-printable mold files with optional alignment features, enabling full production of your designed board at home or in a shop.
- Maker Map: An interactive global map connecting board designers, builders, and riders, and listing suppliers of board-building materials, equipment, and services.
- Shape Library: Access a curated library of pre-built deck shapes as a starting point for customization, available to Lite and Pro subscribers.
- Board Price Calculator & CSV Converter: Built-in tools to estimate build costs and convert design specifications, streamlining the journey from design to production.
Use Cases
- A DIY skateboard enthusiast designing a one-of-a-kind deck shape and exporting CNC files to cut it at a local makerspace.
- A small board manufacturer creating press molds with alignment features for consistent production of custom longboard shapes.
- A skate shop owner listing their business on the Maker Map to attract local builders seeking materials and fabrication services.
- A board builder community organizer hosting a virtual build workshop and using SK8CAD as the shared design environment.
- An independent designer creating fully defined, shareable 'open source' skateboard designs and distributing them to riders worldwide.
Pros
- Free to Use: The core design tool is provided at no charge, making professional-grade board design accessible to hobbyists and independent builders.
- End-to-End Workflow: Covers the full fabrication pipeline from deck shape design to mold creation and direct ordering, all within one platform.
- Active Maker Community: The Maker Map and Discord server foster a global network of skateboard builders, sharing knowledge, designs, and supplier recommendations.
Cons
- Screen Size Limitation: The application requires a sufficiently large screen; small devices must be rotated or swapped, limiting mobile usability.
- Key Features Locked Behind Subscription: Saving and loading designs, Shape Library access, and priority support require a paid Lite or Pro plan.
- Niche Use Case: Designed exclusively for skateboard and longboard fabrication, so it has no utility outside this specific domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SK8CAD free to use?
Yes, SK8CAD's core design functionality is free. Optional Lite ($9/month) and Pro ($29/month) subscriptions unlock additional features like saving/loading designs, Shape Library access, and faster support.
What file types does SK8CAD export?
SK8CAD exports digital fabrication files suitable for CNC routing and 3D printing molds. STEP files are also available for purchase for more advanced manufacturing workflows.
Can I order a board I designed in SK8CAD?
Yes. You can order boards generated in SK8CAD directly from Open Source Skateboards through the platform.
What is the Maker Map?
The Maker Map is an interactive global map where SK8CAD users can publicly share their location and link to their work, find other builders and riders, and discover local or international suppliers of board-building materials and equipment.
Does SK8CAD support longboards and fingerboards as well as skateboards?
Yes. SK8CAD supports multiple board types including skateboards, longboards, and fingerboards, each with appropriate default dimensions and truck hole patterns.
