DeskWare Next

A modular, fully parameterized fork of DeskWare (design by Hands on Katie, OpenSCAD by BlackjackDuck). Same design language, new architecture: every part is generated from parameters, so storage systems of any dimensions can be produced — no more fixed 196 mm plates. With default settings, parts remain print-interchangeable with original DeskWare.

Requirements

• OpenSCAD (recent version; developed against 2026.06)
• BOSL2 on the OpenSCAD library path
• The experimental roof feature enabled (GUI: Preferences → Features → roof; CLI: --enable=roof) — the end caps use it, and OpenSCAD silently renders them incomplete without it

Quick start

include <deskware-next.scad>

//a whole system in one call...
storage_system(sections = 2, width = 196, depth = 196.5, total_height = 107.5);

//...or any single part at any size
base_plate(width = 250);
drawer(height_units = 2, rows = 2, columns = 3);

//too big for your printer? cut it, with mating connectors at the seams
split_part(size = [420, 211, 9.5], gap = 20)
    top_plate(width = 420, anchor=BOT);

Or open examples/customizer.scad in OpenSCAD and use the Customizer panel: pick a part, set the dimensions, export.

Defaults live in config.scad — including your print bed size (MAX_PRINT_WIDTH/MAX_PRINT_DEPTH); parts warn when they exceed it. The full API is documented in docs/reference.md.

Single-file build

Platforms like MakerWorld's parametric maker lab accept only one .scad file. tools/flatten.py inlines all project includes (keeping the BOSL2 ones, which such platforms provide) into a self-contained, geometrically identical build. Framework internals are hidden from the Customizer panel; --expose keeps a file's sections visible — exposing config.scad gives the full options panel (walls, top plate, drawer mounting, colors, …):

python3 tools/flatten.py examples/customizer.scad -o build/deskware-next-makerworld.scad \
    --expose config.scad \
    --hide-section "Core Dimensions" --hide-section "Print Bed" \
    --hide-section "End Style" --hide-section "Curve Sections" --hide-section "Connectors"

(The hidden sections are the ones the customizer entry re-exposes with its own parameters, plus ones meaningless on an online platform.)

Examples

multi_section_desk — the classic two-section desk system, one storage_system() call	compact_system — the same modules at 140 mm: every part prints whole on a small bed
monitor_shelf — a 300 mm shelf, plates and backer auto-split with dovetail keys	customizer — interactive part generator via the OpenSCAD Customizer
core_section_demo — one full core section, placements derived from config	divided_drawer_demo — built-in rows × columns compartments and the drop-in divider_insert()
split_demo — a 420 mm top plate split two ways (dovetails / hidden dowels)	connector_fit_test — printable fit coupons for every seam connector style
inlay_drawer_front — recessed drawer front with a printable contrast inlay	plates_demo — base + top plates at default and arbitrary dimensions
test_print_200 — a complete 200 mm test system pre-split for a 175 mm bed: 2×2 grid splits with hidden dowels, puzzle glue seams for thin walls

Structure

Path	Contents
config.scad	User-facing parameters (dimensions, clearances, print bed, connectors, colors)
core/	Fixed system constants, pure derivation functions, print-fit checks, split system
geometry/	2D cross-section profiles and sweep helpers
connectors/	HOK connectors, dovetails, dowels, magnets, tabs, slides, screws, seam joint API
modules/	The parts: plates, end caps, drawers + fronts, handle, riser, backer, dividers, storage_system()
vendor/	openGrid tiles (by David D), ported verbatim
tools/	Build helpers: flatten.py single-file build for MakerWorld-style platforms
examples/	Ready-to-render demos (see gallery above)
docs/	Reference and gallery images
legacy/	The original monolithic sources, unmodified — the regression oracle

Milestone status

• M1 — project structure, configuration system, shared utilities
• M2 — dynamic base/top plate generators
• M3 — dynamic drawer generator (plus riser and backer, completing the core section)
• M4 — dynamic divider system (drawer(rows, columns) + drop-in divider_insert())
• M5 — connector system (CONNECTOR_STYLE-dispatched seam joints: dovetail, dowel, magnet)
• M6 — accessories: skipped by design — the plates carry standard openGrid fields, so the existing openGrid accessory ecosystem drops straight in
• M7 — automatic split generation for oversized parts (split_part() with seam connectors)
• M8 — documentation and examples

Fidelity to the original

Every ported part was verified against the original sources (preserved in legacy/): STL exports at default dimensions match with zero volume and bounding-box deltas, so DeskWare Next parts mate with original DeskWare prints. See the provenance section of the reference.

AI disclosure

The DeskWare Next refactor was written with substantial help from Claude Code, Anthropic's coding agent — under human direction, with every part verified against the original sources and validated in test prints.

License

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, inherited from the original DeskWare. See LICENSE.md for attribution.