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Onshape has established itself as the go-to CAD tool for product design and R&D in the robotics and automation industry, offering …
Starting at $1,500 per year per user
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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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Pricing
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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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 Competitors
Onshape Technical Details
| Deployment Types | Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Unspecified |
| Mobile Application | Apple iOS, Android |
| Supported Countries | Global |
| Supported Languages | English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Spanish |
Onshape Downloadables
Frequently Asked Questions
Onshape starts at $1500.
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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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:
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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.
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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.
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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
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Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
As an early-stage startup, our priorities are always time and ease of use. With many moving parts and hats to wear, we are burdened with too much work to handle and constantly shifting priorities. For these reasons, it is critical that our 3D modelling software simply works and creating partnerships with companies is not a hassle. The Onshape entrepreneur program ticked all of our boxes. We had a free account with Onshape for very sporadic use, but needed a more secure solution and a few extra features as our proprietary work began to take shape. Our team is more familiar with SOLIDWORKS, so we applied to the Dassault startup program. This process took more than a week, required an hour-long training call to learn, and within a few weeks we started having technical glitches causing huge issues. After spending many hours and delaying our work for more than a week, we gave up and turned back to Onshape. Within 24 hours of completing a 30-second form, the Onshape team had already upgraded our account to Premium, sent us an informational email on where to find further resources, and set up a call to help us understand their system functionality better. Not only were we surprised at how much simpler the software was, with better design traceability and ease-of-use features, but we have not been plagued with glitches either. A big thank you to the Onshape team!
- Quick, easy, & friendly onboarding.
- Design history traceability.
- Clean & easy organizational structure.
- Nothing so far
April 03, 2023
Onshape is the best engineering tool I have switched to
Collaboration and design sharing with outside suppliers around the world is made very easy with Onshape. Being able to access Onshape anywhere anytime so long as you have an internet connection is a huge advantage over other systems out there. The ability to track changes and versions with ease of a google document is extremely useful and time saving.
- Sharing and working with outside companies
- Ease of use for no users
- Online live collaboration
- Surfacing could have some additional functionality for organic shapes
- Converting shapes to engineering manufacturing methods, like flattening basic surfaces
- More apps linked to Onshape, apps that perform useful design and engineering functions outside of CAD
March 09, 2023
Onshape review and one year of use.
We use Onshape for the design of a prototype of a machine to produce electricity.
- Quick and easy to learn.
- No IT overhead.
- Never loose your work in crashes again!
- New features and improvements every three weeks.
- Integrated FEA
- Internal libraries for materials, threads and standard items like beams too much focused on US standards.
- It took a while for Onshape to add total weight calc on assembly drawings. (fixed now)
- Some tutorials don't always keep pace with the three week update cycle.
March 09, 2023
Best Basic Design for Learning
Students use Onshape to learn basic CAD skills and designing parts for additive manufacturing. They use mostly basic functionality of the software, but do utilize the collaborative component. As the teacher the monitoring and support aspects are developing and getting much better than when I was first introduced to the program. I can now send students starter documents and set up collaborate groups. I don't limit available features, but I know that is also available. The biggest problem for me that this program addresses is it's capability to operate completely within a web browser. Most students only have school chromebooks that don't have the memory space to support a downloaded program so being able to access through a web browser is a big plus despite any limitations that creates.
- Ability for user to collaborate on documents.
- Ease of access to all documents from any web connected device.
- Straightforward and easy to navigate user interface within document.
- Administrative page for enterprise users is hard to add users or change user permissions.
- Alerts for failed features are sometimes difficult to find.
February 07, 2023
An intuitive and versatile, modern take on CAD
Connecting with fellow employees abroad and sharing CAD documents has been made much easier and frequent by using the shared workspaces that Onshape offers. A cloud based system enables a team orientated workflow previously unavailable to us, with edits and reviews of designs and drawings commonplace and straight forward.
Furthermore, the addition of custom features enables more intuitive development of designs that would otherwise be held back by a less mainstream CAD package.
Furthermore, the addition of custom features enables more intuitive development of designs that would otherwise be held back by a less mainstream CAD package.
- Cloud sharing and version control
- Custom features
- Helpful learning centre
- A detailed 3D wiring feature
- Part studios and assemblies offering good component organisation control
- Some features not available or lacking depth
- Part importing and document control not always intuitive
- Online only
January 30, 2023
OnShape review for E-Mobility
Our use case for OnShape includes all aspects of the product design process, from initial concept sketches to final production-ready designs. It also allows us to easily share and review designs with our suppliers and manufacturers. Overall, OnShape has greatly improved the design process for our organization and has helped us to bring new products to market more quickly.
- Handle 3D modelling and design.
- Large-scale projects and multiple team members working simultaneously
- Collaboration features, and design shares with external suppliers, stakegolderds and manufacturers.
- Availability to use hardware integration to run faster 3d designs.
- Assembly modeling capabilities.
- Rendering
- Simulation capabilities.
January 25, 2023
Why Onshape is making Poindexter by Design, an on demand mechanical engineering service provider, successful in 2023 and beyond!
Poindexter By Desing utilizes Onshape to seamlessly collaborate design work with other company's engineers in real time.
- Second to none streamlined design collaboration. There is no down time waiting for files to be saved and shared or emailed. Whether you're working with a fellow engineer in the same office or across the globe, it is all the same with Onshape!
- There are several unique features Onshape provides that other CAD software will never be able to. The big one that comes to mind is the in-context editing. Have you ever found yourself designing and flipping back and forth from part to assembly and then back to the part to take measurements to drive part level features for fit? No more my fellow engineers! Onhsape allows you to do what is called in-context editing, it is a tool that allows you to drive part level features and dimensions directly from the assembly level! I highly recommend you learn more about this and the many other features only Onshape can provide your engineering toolbox!
- Documentation management! I cannot say enough good things about how Onshape gives you the ability to organize a design into tabs, folders, documents, and document folders. The ability to control different permissions such as editing, or view only is fantastic! Easily apply these permissions to teams or individuals to employees within your organization or more importantly, with customers who don't even have an Onshape account!
- Dimensioning a hole feature in a drawing when there are multiple holes, the hole count does not parametrically update. For example, when there are 3x of the same hole, Onshape forces you to manually type in 3x instead of parametrically populating the hole count. This gets very dangerous if say, one of the 3x holes changes but you forget to update the 3x to 2x. Other CAD software does provide this.
- I know Onshape provides guidance on performance considerations and how to structure a project through their literature, however, a dedicated video from Onshape that directly addresses the guidelines on how to minimize file load and reload times would be beneficial to all future and current Onshape users. I think they should incorporate this directly in their training. Poindexter by Design went through the growing pains of this issue but through the Onshape literature and our own experiences we've developed guidelines on how to keep our Onshape performance maximized!
December 16, 2022
Onshape Shapes My Work and Ideas, Helping Me to Sell My Ideas
I use Onshape to develop and study new product concepts and prototypes. This typically consists of building models for parts or sub-assemblies of larger products. One of the key things for me is that it is a matter of seconds to fire up Onshape and start sketching, I use it for even the most trivial tasks because it is so convenient. At the same time, it covers almost all my more complex modeling needs. The no-install cloud-based approach really sold it to me. The ability to just whip up your phone or pad to showcase your design or ideas to co-workers or friends is huge.
- No install, use any where, any device, instant access to my data
- Ease of use, the UI just works for me
- In application support, in the very few cases I've needed help it has been rapid and the ability to share your model with support is tremendous in getting help
- I'm a Pro-user but I would like to have the possibility to have a pay-as-use option in some form. Now it is all or nothing (the public sharing of models - and model rights!) is not an option for many not-for-profit projects.
- On-site hosting might help to sell the cloud concept to the more paranoid management.
- Basic CAM generation would be awesome
- Nonparametric modeling in some form or making it easier to use assemblies for those use cases where you want to model some parts and just play around moving things when you are exploring different configurations.
- Doing Industrial Design type sketching and experimenting is not really a strong point on Onshape
December 14, 2022
Best 3D CAD package compared to Solidworks and Inventor
One of the biggest issues I had with other CAD programs was a lack of easy implementation PDM and access to the software while away. Generally, most CAD PDM's have to be stored on the company network and they can't be implemented without significant cost. Onshape has this built in and makes revision control and releasing documents simple with no hassle.
With other CAD programs you have to have a network license or VPN to use it on another machine or at home. With onshape I can use it at work on my desktop and on my home desktop whenever I need it. If I am really in a pinch, then I can use the android app as well.
With other CAD programs you have to have a network license or VPN to use it on another machine or at home. With onshape I can use it at work on my desktop and on my home desktop whenever I need it. If I am really in a pinch, then I can use the android app as well.
- Great 3D design package
- NEVER CRASHES
- Updates are constant and they listen to users
- Accessible from anywhere at anytime
- The PDM implementation is a life saver
- 2D Drawings - This has gotten a lot better but they need to add more features to drawings
- Renders - This is a recent addition but still has a long way to go
- No feature identify tool for imports
December 02, 2022
Couldn't be happier!
We use Onshape to develop solutions for the vertical farming industry. The ability to have multiple engineers work on a unified model of our grow room has streamlined our process and allowed us to catch potential engineering issues at a very early stage in the design. We currently have 6 engineers that work on different aspects of the design that can each access and update their components as soon as changes are made. In other CAD software, there is typically a backend data management system (think NX -> Teamcenter) that handles CAD files and project files. For a smaller company like ours, having Onshape's "all-in-one" approach to both CAD and data management has meant a huge cost savings and overall simplification of our process.
- Cloud storage
- Github-style version control
- simultaneous editing with multiple users
- Coordinate systems are difficult to see and work with. Assemblies should start with coordinate systems
- Mate connectors work well in theory, but in practice have introduced extra work in some cases where geometry is complex. It would be great to have the option to create assemblies in a more traditional fashion.
- Part and Assembly studio delineation is confusing. Part studios seem to offer a lot of the same capability as assemblies (in that each part studio can contain multiple solid bodies) but lack some key functionality (moving parts within the part studio being the largest opportunity for improvement -> the current "transform" button does not have a "freeform" move which would be useful in cases where the design of one part is driven by geometry of a moving part.
August 06, 2022
Onshape for Industrial Design
We have been using Onshape for 3 years now, and we witnessed the continuous improvement of its features. Overall, it has a user-friendly environment and is similar to other CAD software. It is not ideal though for creating detailed wire harness models.
- "Where used" feature is a great add-on.
- Simplified constraints.
- Data Management helped us checked and approved the files easily.
- Wire harness or cabling features.
- Auto-display of Checker/Approver's name on the drawing file.
- Adding thread lines on threaded parts (2D).
June 01, 2022
Onshape is THE tool
I provide mechanical engineering and product development services to OEMs in medical, aerospace, consumer products, and industrial applications. Onshape has proven to be the only contender for the future of CAD. With the modern era of cloud services, remote work, and dispersed teams, Onshape has completely redefined how I interact with and share 3D data with customers, coworkers, and suppliers.
Historically, CAD data has been siloed to a handful of engineers, yet inputs from a much broader audience are needed. Giving everyone in your company the ability to see and comment on CAD is the first large step in breaking down barriers and getting eyes on the product earlier in development. Onshape empowers all users to interact with the data, and at the same time.
Onshape continues to amaze me in what it can do.
- CAD
- Collaboration
- Versions
- Features present in other CAD platforms but not in Onshape (yet).
April 21, 2022
Great Program. Major improvement over SW
System design and integration. Machine design. Share files with prospective and existing customers. Illustrating some proposals.
- Maintaining designs, and updates
- Ease of going back if changes are discarded.
- Mating of the components
- Measurement tool
- Automatic mate connector pick up
- Mate positive negative direction selection
- Ability to save whole project with mates and parts locally.
April 02, 2022
Onshape review. Great capability vs cost.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Onshape is a capable, professional, CAD software solution that operates in the cloud. I can access and work on files from any computer. It is efficient and easy to use.
- Standard sketch driven CAD models
- Assemblies for fit and movement verification
- File and project management
- Drawing and drafting module is advancing but behind
- A native CAM solution would be welcome
- A native photo rendering solution would be nice
February 21, 2022
Onshape for product development
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We use Onshape for product development. Onshape has help us with agility of the product development since the beginning. It save us time and cost to fully develop our functional prototype, and now we are working towards production. We have developed full size functional prototype for a type of unmanned underwater vehicle with Onshape. We carried through conceptual design, finalized design and fabrication drawings, and BOM.
- Conveniently launched from web browser from anywhere in the world
- Cost is very low compared to other CAD software
- No crashes for large assemblies
- Revision feature is great for keep track of everything
- Rendering (new feature)
- small features in drawings that comply with drawing standards
- Built in BOM feature
February 21, 2022
Onshape - Cloud-based CAD
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
I use Onshape as a 3d design tool. Because of the cloud nature of the software, I can use it anywhere, at anytime w/o the overhead of expensive hardware or an IT department. Software updates are done automatically and version updates and compatibility issues are a non-existent.
- Takes advantage of hardware and software in the cloud.
- Version and feature updates are seamless.
- Collaboration with customers and design associates.
- PDM is built in.
- Not as feature rich as some established CAD programs.
- Some features are so new and revolutionary they are are confusing.
February 18, 2022
Great Value for Great Design Collaboration
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Onshape addresses the problems associated with file management woes that come with traditional file management vaulting systems. Sharing of files outside the vault, check-in/-out, and syncing up designs amongst cross-functional design teams does not allow for easy collaboration. Onshape's document management architecture removes those complexities and creates easy collaboration flows with design teams by allowing multiple users to access the same workspace in the CAD model, by allowing notes/comments to exchange ideas and assign tasks, all while still maintaining permissions and access control for various types of users.
- Real-time design collaboration with multiple users.
- Faster loading times for complex assemblies.
- Easier to use assembly mate features.
- Sheet Metal Features
- Sheet Metal Flat Pattern Post Processing tools
- Need for granular control for sheet metal bend allowances
February 17, 2022
The future of CAD
Onshape is our single source of truth for the specification of our standard products, custom products, and our projects. Onshape's cloud capabilities allow us to creatively develop our product without the struggles that come with traditional file management systems.
- Cloud Storage
- Collaboration
- Mechanical Design
- 2D Drawings
- CAM
January 01, 2022
Onshape is built for the User, Manager and the Admin!
We use Onshape as our primary CAD system and converted over from another major CAD system just in time for the COVID lockdowns. Very glad we did due to the ability to work remotely with other team members. I haven't looked back. I've used CAD systems for 20 years and Onshape is by far my favorite of the past 20 years. I've admin'd other CAD systems in the past which has always been a headache, whether it's managing the files, shared hardware, user controls, revision, ... All of it is better in Onshape.
- Remote Work Enabled
- Multi-User Design
- Administration
- Revision Control
- Search Function
December 23, 2021
Onshape ~ CAD for the companies of the future
Our design team of 12 professional CAD users needs to communicate design throughout our company and beyond to suppliers and customers. Onshape is ideal to easily and widely share CAD, yet retain secure permission-based access to data. For a company our size, the CAD administration team would usually be one or two full-time employees. With SaaS CAD, there is minimal administration and Onshape handles support questions. Onshape support is outstanding; they exceed my expectations every time!
- Collaboration
- Security
- User interface
- Improve granular data sharing
- Adding features for weldments, renders and simulations
- Expanding data management to include ECRs, ECOs
November 25, 2021
A CAD Tool Built for Modern Times
Onshape is my go-to CAD package for all of my projects. I use it at home on my Windows Desktop machine and bring a Chromebook with me to site visits and can access and edit my latest CAD without issues. Onshape has a basic PDM feature built into the standard tier, which allows for basic version control. I am using the Professional plan, which is a little more expensive but provides access to full release management. This is incredibly helpful for tracking production drawing and part releases, and tracking when parts were sent for prototyping. Since Onshape works in the Cloud, I can send view-only links to clients and give them access to the latest CAD files without having to export and share files via email or Google Drive. Multiple users can be actively working in the same Onshape document simultaneously, which is a revolution compared to older check-in check-out solutions, like Arena or Solidworks Vault. This allows for real-time collaboration, which is especially helpful when working remotely with a team.
- Parametric modeling
- Platform agnostic
- 3-Week update cycle
- File management
- Drawing tools are lacking some features.
- Occasional slowdowns resolve themselves after waiting a few minutes.
January 28, 2020
OnShape is a perfect cloud CAD solution for design teams.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
My company MiniFabrikam is an online 3d printing service located in Izmir, Turkey. MiniFabrikam is a small company uses desktop 3d printing technics. I use OnShape's free version and mostly I use it for my file conversion needs. OnShape is the real solution for converting SolidWorks file format to .stl file format which is native file format for 3d printers. If one of my customers would send me a SolidWorks file which doesn't work on 3d printers, then I could easily change that file's format to .stl via OnShape.
- No need for installation. Thus, you could use it without powerful hardware configurations on your PC or any other devices.
- It runs on cloud platform which enables device free work environment.
- Its solid design approach allows users for creating error-free 3d printing files.
- It depends on a full internet connection. OnShape should provide its customers to choose whether online or offline usage.
March 02, 2019
On budget On time and On shape
At Kuhns Mfg we are moving from SOLIDWORKS to Onshape as our CAD platform. We are using it for any new projects that we take on. Because of the cloud based nature of the software it is very easy to share information with other departments and we plan to be using it to share information with vendors. One of the main reasons we switched was because of the incredibly collaborative nature of the software. It is seamless for other users to jump in to the same model at the same time. This is a huge difference from the previous problems we had with conflicting files with SOLIDWORKS.
- Collaboration. Multiple users can simultaneously view and edit the same model at the same time. This feature is even powerful enough that one user can "follow" another user as he manipulates and edits the model. The user that is following sees everything the other user does. This is useful when showing features or developing new ones. Onshape is commonly compared to Google Docs in it collaborative prowess.
- Information Management. Onshape does not use a traditional file structure for the information it handles. It is instead based on database infrastructure so it can easily handle concurrent users. There is also no need to save what you are working on because when you work, you are committing to a database. Literally everything you do is saved as you do it. Onshape can also handle traditional files so it is possible to store pictures and other documents along with the model and accompanying drawings.
- Ease of Access. Because Onshape is truly cloud based, it is possible to use any platform, including Apple and Android based mobile devices. Modern browsers can pretty easily handle the software on pretty much any fairly recent computer. Your internet connection doesn't even need to be that great for it to work well.
- Features. Onshape does not yet have feature parity with leading CAD software packages. That being said, they are on an aggressive development schedule and the team is quite capable of producing them. It is only a matter of time until this is no longer an issue.
February 22, 2019
Save time and get the design done
OnShape is the 3D CAD software I have chosen to use for new product development. We are two users working with injection molded parts, machined parts, purchased parts, and large assemblies. For larger assemblies, I save a lot of time with the convenient mate tools. We also take advantage of the integrated release management system to save a ton of time not using a vault check in check out system.
- Part modeling is clean convenient and user-friendly.
- Assembly mates are amazingly quick and robust.
- Working on the cloud allows us access from anywhere.
- I would like to see more functionality and options for dimensioning drawings. Customizing text positioning can be critical to optimizing a layout that has a lot of tightly packed features, unfortunately, there are not many options.
- Version history is great in theory, but it needs a search function to make it useful. Example: There is no way to find a list of changes to "Extrusion 1" without manually going through. And the problem is that my team and I use CAD as a development tool to get an idea into 3D space, then review details with the team once there is a visual. The result is hundreds to thousands of line items in the version history, so manual searching is not feasible.
- I don't believe that branching is useful (yes I have reviewed the self-guided material about it, and have gone through the instructor lead training).
February 22, 2019
Onshape: With you wherever you go.
We're using Onshape to design critical components of our system, conduct high-level FEA analysis (using a plugin), and to run simulations for component/assembly integrations from multiple different suppliers. We also use the software to generate .stl files for 3D printing functional components for our robotics and automation systems.
- Fantastic that it's browser-based
- Love the iPhone app (can actually model and the interface is super intuitive)
- Works great with multiple users in the same model
- Revision control is easy and straightforward
- Lag in the browser can cause models to take longer than desired to load