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Onshape

Onshape

Overview

What is Onshape?

Onshape is a cloud-native product development platform with integrated CAD, data management and analytics. Onshape aims to accelerate time to market and improve innovation by:1) Access: Unlike file-based CAD which is on-premise only, Onshape enables remote access for designers and…

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Recent Reviews

TrustRadius Insights

Onshape has established itself as the go-to CAD tool for product design and R&D in the robotics and automation industry, offering …
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Awards

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Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Pricing

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Standard

1,500

Cloud
per year per user

Professional

2,500

Cloud
per year per user

Enterprise

Contact sales team

Cloud
per year per user

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.onshape.com/en/pricing

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Starting price (does not include set up fee)

  • $1,500 per year per user
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Product Details

What is Onshape?

Onshape is a cloud-native product development platform with integrated CAD, data management and analytics. Onshape aims to accelerate time to market and improve innovation by:

1) Access: Unlike file-based CAD which is on-premise only, Onshape enables remote access for designers and engineers from anywhere, and on any internet-connected device -including tablets and smart phones.

2) Collaboration: Onshape aims to eliminate the version control problems and blocking of file-based CAD and PDM systems by enabling real-time, simultaneous access and collaboration for designers and engineers.

The vendor boasts over 2 million users who work in Onshape to modernize and streamline their product development cycle. According to the vendor, Onshape users in 170+ countries have logged over 6 million hours modeling advanced robotics, biomedical devices, industrial machinery, agriculture equipment, and consumer products. Onshape is designed to be an anywhere, anytime CAD system. The vendor reports that 1 in 8 sessions occur on mobile devices.

Founded in 2012, the Onshape leadership team includes the original creators of SOLIDWORKS® and other leaders in cloud infrastructure, data security, and mobile. PTC purchased Onshape in 2019.

Onshape Features

  • Supported: Parts (top-down or bottom-up solid and surface modeling)
  • Supported: Assemblies (design in-context, built-in standard hardware and parts linked from documents, single mate)
  • Supported: Drawings (fully detailed drawings of parts and assemblies, import/export DWG, DWT and DXF file formats)
  • Supported: Data Management (built-in version control and release management tools)
  • Supported: Collaboration (real-time simultaneous design, follow mode, comments)
  • Supported: Workflow (automate workflows to manage release and revision, custom workflows)
  • Supported: Bill of Materials (manage while simultaneously editing and assembly with real-time updates)
  • Supported: Configurations (separate tables for each configuration option, configuration variables enable infinite product variations with unique release history)
  • Supported: Analytics (monitor project status with Activity, Release, Project and User dashboards, security reviews, global permissions)
  • Supported: Integrations (robust REST API, App Store with ERP, PLM, SSO, simulation, CAM)
  • Supported: Support (contact support directly in the product, Learning Center with tutorials and instructor led training )
  • Supported: Security (role-based access control, AES-256 encryption, optional 2FA and audit logs, SOC 2 Type 2 compliant)

Onshape Videos

Onshape Technical Details

Deployment TypesSoftware as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based
Operating SystemsUnspecified
Mobile ApplicationApple iOS, Android
Supported CountriesGlobal
Supported LanguagesEnglish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions

Onshape starts at $1500.

SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Fusion 360, and Autodesk Inventor are common alternatives for Onshape.

Reviewers rate Implementation Rating highest, with a score of 9.2.

The most common users of Onshape are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(75)

Community Insights

TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!

Onshape has established itself as the go-to CAD tool for product design and R&D in the robotics and automation industry, offering real-time collaboration and version control. Users from various industries, such as 3D printing service companies, machine design companies, and startups, have highlighted its usefulness and efficiency in their workflows. For instance, a 3D printing service company relies on Onshape for file conversion needs, particularly when converting SolidWorks files to the .stl format. Onshape's support for parts, assemblies, drawings, simulations, and renderings has made it a preferred full CAD suite for machine design companies collaborating with vendors and customers.

The ease of use and time-saving aspects of Onshape have resonated with users across industries. An early-stage startup values Onshape for its simplicity, design traceability, and lack of technical glitches compared to other CAD programs. Similarly, in sensor and microcontroller development, Onshape aids in the rapid development of lab fixtures and enclosures by supporting import/export of part files and collaboration features. Additionally, Onshape is being used extensively in the automotive industry, serving as the primary CAD system for a company providing automation solutions. The advantages of version management, sharing designs with customers, and collaboration have been instrumental in improving their processes.

Another significant benefit of Onshape is its accessibility from any computer or mobile device due to its cloud-based infrastructure. This feature allows users to work on designs anytime, anywhere without the need for expensive hardware or IT support. It simplifies collaboration within teams as well as with outside suppliers worldwide by providing easy tracking of changes and versions. Furthermore, organizations have found that Onshape addresses file management challenges associated with traditional systems by simplifying collaboration among cross-functional design teams and maintaining document management architecture.

Onshape's versatility is evident in its application across multiple industries such as marine, opto-mechanical engineering, product development, industrial automation, and vertical farming. It has become the preferred CAD system for designing 3D printed products and prototypes, thanks to its cloud and collaboration features along with multi-CAD import capabilities. Moreover, Onshape has proven to be a cost-effective and powerful solution for small teams and individuals, offering ease of use and sufficient capabilities for various projects.

The cloud-based nature of Onshape makes it convenient for sharing information with other departments, vendors, clients, and coworkers, improving communication and collaboration. Users appreciate the ability to work in the same document simultaneously, enabling real-time collaboration, especially beneficial for remote teams. It simplifies the process of converting customer designs into manufacturable components by streamlining communication and collaboration.

Furthermore, Onshape's permission-based access ensures secure sharing of CAD data while minimizing the need for CAD administration and support. Its tutorial videos and responsive support staff make it easy for users to learn and navigate the software. Onshape's unique configuration capabilities provide efficiency and control in designing similar models with different dimensions, unlocking potential that might be limited by other CAD packages.

The cloud-based system of Onshape revolutionizes CAD by enabling easy sharing and collaboration with customers, coworkers, and suppliers, involving a broader audience in the design process. It is widely used in various industries such as selling through configurators, manufacturing, CAM software, and modeling industrial automation, highlighting its versatility and integration capabilities.

Overall, Onshape's cloud-based infrastructure, collaborative features, user-friendly interface, and versatile applications have made it a preferred choice for professionals across industries. Its ability to simplify design processes, streamline collaboration, improve communication, and enhance accessibility from any device has proven to be invaluable in achieving efficient product development and solving customer challenges.

Cloud-based infrastructure and collaboration capabilities: Many users have expressed their appreciation for Onshape's cloud-based infrastructure, which allows them to access their data from anywhere and on any device without the need for software installation or file management. This feature has been highly praised by reviewers who value the flexibility and convenience it offers.

Clear version control and change tracking: The ability to clearly see versions and change history in Onshape has received positive feedback from users. This feature enables them to track and manage their design progress effectively, ensuring that they are always working with the most up-to-date information.

In-application support and assistance: Users have praised Onshape's in-application support, mentioning that they have received rapid assistance whenever they needed help. They appreciate the ability to share their models with the support team, which greatly aids in getting the necessary help. This responsive support system has been highlighted as a valuable asset by many reviewers.

Confusing User Interface: Some users have expressed frustration with the confusing and difficult-to-navigate user interface of Onshape. They find it challenging to locate certain features or accomplish specific design tasks, often having to rely on external resources like Google and forums for assistance.

Lack of Advanced Features: Several users have mentioned that Onshape lacks certain advanced features that are available in other CAD packages. These missing features include basic simulation, rendering, and animations, which can be a drawback for users who heavily rely on them for their design work.

Steep Learning Curve: The software's lack of a traditional file-based data structure has resulted in a steep learning curve for some users. They have to adapt to the versioning, revisions, releases, and branches system, requiring extra thought and effort to align with their workflow.

Users of Onshape have provided several recommendations based on their experience with the CAD tool. Here are the three most common recommendations:

  1. Try Onshape for a project and consider the cost vs. value: Many users suggest giving Onshape a try for a specific project. They highlight the importance of evaluating the software's features and learning how it works during the trial period. Additionally, users emphasize considering the cost-effectiveness of Onshape compared to other CAD tools.

  2. Start slow and work on simple projects first: Users advise starting with smaller and simpler projects when using Onshape. By gradually familiarizing yourself with the software, you can better understand its capabilities and optimize your workflow.

  3. Utilize Onshape support and forums for assistance: Users recommend taking advantage of Onshape's support resources, including their support team and online forums. They suggest reaching out to tech support for guidance on migrating from another software, determining the Bill of Materials (BOM) structure, and organizing parts effectively. Engaging with the user community in forums allows for discussions with other users and developers to ensure that your specific needs are met.

It is important to note that these recommendations showcase users' perspectives on how to get the most out of Onshape and maximize its benefits for their CAD needs.

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-25 of 61)
Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
Gaurav Chakraborty | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Onshape shall be used by organizations where cost is a major factor as the license is relatively competitive than the competition.
Where Onshape , excels the most is the ability to be operational on any device with internet connection and webbrowser.
Onshape doesn't require your hardware to be beefed with Graphic cards (if added better).

Where onshape can be better. If they are able to include simulation packages bundled like SOLIDWORKS.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Out of all the CAD platforms used over the years Onshape combines all the benefits from ease of use to more complex engineering. The two great benefits is no requirements for specific computer hardware besides a good internet connection and access from any computer or workstation including phones.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Onshape has been great as a learning platform for students as they are typically using fairly basic functions and smaller projects. As projects get more complicated or documents contain more parts or larger assemblies the program does use more bandwidth and processing power, which has let to some lag and loading issues.
Terran Gerratt | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
The ability to work on my projects no matter where I am or what computer I have with me makes Onshape incredibly valuable. I love being able to pull up models on my phone to show colleagues and to quickly reference dimensions. The built-in source control makes sure I never lose my work.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Onshape is very useful when used by several members of a team, allowing for easy access to view and edit progress of a project - with all aspects of a project contained in a workspace.

For individual use for simple individual projects, however, it can be overly complex for amateur users and enthusiasts - and the online requirement could be limiting for some.
Keegan Schoch | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Onshape's cloud-based infrastructure has set us apart as web-based mechanical engineering contractors. Our ability to collaborate, communicate, and efficiently support our clients is unparalleled in Onshape. The versions and revision control are powerful and effective, though, like any file management system, require training to use properly.

Additionally, for any clients working in Onshape's Enterprise accounts, we can quickly be granted permission to various projects and begin immediate work without any file exchange of static documents.

The interrelations of the features within a document (in-context editing, derived parts, etc.) and improvements to the assembly mating process are all fantastic - we have found this to be very beneficial in helping us outpace standard engineering times.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
OnShape is well suited for scenarios where collaboration and real-time access to designs is important. For example, in our organization, OnShape is ideal for coordinating the design process between different departments and team members, as it allows multiple users to work on the same design at the same time, and it also allows for easy version control. On the other hand, OnShape may not be the best choice for companies that have a need for advanced simulation capabilities such as structural, thermal, and fluid simulations.
Mike Hudzik | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Onshape is a 3D CAD modeling software. If you are a designer collaborating with customers or fellow engineers, Onshape is certainly the way to go!
Mauro Hassan Tanure | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
For any modern company, where you have people working together remotely, web-based software is a must. Having no worries regarding hardware compatibility and server connection just makes everything simpler. It allows you to concentrate on what it is most important.
It takes the best from well-know platforms like SolidWorks, SolidEdge and Inventor and brings it to the modern age where you just access a cloud platform and do what you need, without installation and different software versions.

Plus, the git-base version control apllied to CAD models is just brilliant. Why nobody thought it before?

For both big and complex assemblies to less complicated products, onshape document-structure helps you avoiding the usual mess around parts and assemblies, sharing and obsolete files. So, for any startup or even big companies with well-structured workflows, onshape can be tailored to meet the demands.

Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Onshape is incredibly well suited to situations where many individual contributors are working on a single project and revisions are made frequently. The built-in PLM aspect of Onshape, especially the versioning feature makes tracking changes incredibly easy. Onshape is less appropriate for any models where analysis will be required outside of just modeling, such as FEA analysis or simulation, which other programs offer. Onshape is great for fast, iterative, collaborative modeling.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Onshape is well suited to replace any other design suite as long as you have a dependable internet connection and don't need special design modules like electric design. It shines when working in a collaborative way with other persons, when the computer has reliability problems, when it's needed to explore several design ideas, and when it's needed to share a design and retain control of the IP, among many others. I definitely wouldn't use any traditional design software again, even when those other companies are in fact, offering some incomplete on-the-cloud "solutions".
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
For most mechanical CAD needs, ad-hoc or medium size products it is awesome. Especially I would recommend Onshape for small ops and start-ups because it is so easy to deploy, learn and start to use. Literally, you can start modeling in 5 minutes. And yet it is versatile and performant enough to accommodate the majority of use cases. If you are worried about having your data hostage to the fortunes of a CAD company that might go bust (not likely but possible) and potentially be inaccessible any time (again unlikely) then perhaps this is not for you. Also, legacy CAD systems and habits may prevent you from effectively utilizing cloud-based systems.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Onshapes main competitors are Autodesk Inventor and SOLIDWORKS. I won't go too far into the 3D capabilities as they are easily on par with these 2 programs. Where Onshape makes everything better compared to others

It will never crash - The others are notorious for crashing
No Long Updates so no down time
inbuilt PDM makes revision control a breeze
Access from anywhere
Don't need an expensive PC as everything is cloud based
Aristotle Infante | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Onshape is a web-based 3D software that allows you to work from anywhere, but it has a disadvantage when your internet connection is slow. Overall, Onshape is a fantastic software program in general. All you need to do is ensure a good connection, and everything will be fine. Onshape is excellent for creating 3D parts and assemblies. However, at some points, we tend to encounter drawing glitches. Lines or elements are not always completely generated.
Hans Leirvik | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
The unique configuration capabilities make Onshape very well suited when you have many similar versions of your designs. After having designed a configured assembly you can make one drawing and just change the configuration in it and the drawing will update to this new version. This can save you a lot of work with many drawings.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
One ideal scenario for using OnShape is collaborative design by a distributed team: the modest hardware requirements and excellent versioning capabilities are great for shared work on parts and assemblies.

OnShape isn't ideal if you have extensive simulation requirements, it's not built for that.
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