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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
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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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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!
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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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September 13, 2023
Onshape the design engineers relief tool
Modular software, great customer support, easy to work, doesn't consume much data space easy to communicate between various simulation softwares.
- Design
- Analysis
- Optimization
- Importing SOLIDWORKS documents without issues
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.
March 03, 2023
Perfect Web-based Design Suite
I use it for 3D printing. It is especially useful as I run a Linux machine and most other CAD software doesn't work on Linux. The web-based nature of onshape makes it very unique and portable. I also like the ability to view and make small edits from my phone.
- Version control
- Collaborative
- Accessable from various devices
- 3D sketches
- Assemblies can get very confusing
- Working better in mobile app
January 31, 2023
For Web-Based Engineering, Choose Onshape
We are a web-based mechanical engineering services company, providing anything from technical drawings through complex machine design and analysis. In order to seamlessly integrate with companies' teams, having cloud-based CAD is almost a necessity. Passing local copies of files back and forth is inefficient, error-prone, and, frankly, just not fun. Onshape's cloud-based CAD system addresses all of these issues. Additionally, the transition from other nodal-based CAD was easy and we now prefer it over any other software we have used, not just for its cloud-based infrastructure.
- Cloud-based infrastructure and collaboration is a primary benefit.
- The available documentation is extremely thorough.
- The ability to integrate with other software for simulation, renderings, etc. is fantastic.
- Not having to save and being able to clearly see versions and change history is excellent.
- Some of the hole callout features in drawings are very limited.
- I have noticed some speed issues in larger assembly drawings.
- Click responsiveness of dimensions within drawings.
- Cut list flexibility is constrained to frames-only components.
January 02, 2023
Onshape brought CAD and PDM to the modern era.
We are a OEM for unmanned aerial logistics. We are using onshape to design the aircrafts but also for the sake of organization, profissionalism, revision control, manufacturing team access, PDM, etc.
One of the problems that onshape solved was to work via cloud instead of local server. Another very import thing is the very low hardware requirement, as the system works on browser. The tool simply works perfectly.
One of the problems that onshape solved was to work via cloud instead of local server. Another very import thing is the very low hardware requirement, as the system works on browser. The tool simply works perfectly.
- Cloud accessibility and processing
- CAD design
- PDM
- Customer support
- Part Number creation
- Catalogue visualization (for all PNs created)
- Draft is a bit slow, but not a big deal
December 19, 2022
Most innovative design software ever!
We are providers of automation solutions to the auto industry in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Onshape has been a great resource to help with the design of fixtures, jigs, and machines for our customers, which is our main business. We previously used other design platforms like Solid Works and Inventor, but after using Onshape, there was no looking back. Those other platforms make a mess when managing versions of a design and depend on files for sharing, which creates another set of problems. Sharing a view-only design with a customer is a breeze with OS, and since no software installation is required, all of our customers are able to access the system and review the design.
- Not needing to save a file.
- Working in the clod.
- Super easy to share.
- Real time team collaboration.
- Excellent management of versions.
- You absolutely need an internet connection (not really a con).
- It lags behind in some areas regarding specialty functions like electric or mold design.
August 06, 2022
Onshape: The Game-changer
It facilitates our design work. Because it is web-based, we can work from anywhere and deliver effectively. We can easily check for interferences, improve designs, and even construct wiring routes.
- Interference Check
- Wiring/ Cable
- 3D Design
- Drawing
- Incomplete lines generated in drawing.
- Difficulty in selection of drawing elements, views, pick point of dimensions.
- Bug in creating multiple broken views inside a single view.
I use Onshape every single day, and can't say enough great things about this product. I have clients all over the country/ world and Onshape makes collaborating and working with clients EASY. There is nothing for my clients to install, no phone calls from them to retrieve their files, and no stress or worry that if my computer crashes their files are safe. Onshape has to be by far the most incredible web application I have ever seen. I also really love the fact that I can steer people to learn Onshape for free. They have amazing tutorial videos and super great responsive support staff. I love Onshape!
- CAD Solid Modelling
- Importing and Exporting 3D models in almost any format
- Public documents catalog needs updating
- Motion study mechanics could be improved
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We use Onshape to design special remotely operated tools for our customers in the oil & gas industry, as well as our own in-house equipment for the mineral processing industry. The unique configuration capabilities of Onshape make it very well suited for our in-house flotation machines which are very similar, except for capacity, hence they are all designed from one model where dimensions are controlled by configurations.
- Parts can be modeled together inheriting geometry from each other
- Mating using mate connectors is much easier and faster than other cad systems
- Cloud storage eliminates file backup procedures, all data are managed by Onshape
- Onshape stores everything in a database, never looses track of a file or a folder.
- In drawings (2d) we miss the possibility to specify line type (hidden/dashed) for specific parts/subassemblies
- In drawings we would like to draw lines based on coordinates or snap to grid
- We miss one command to switch all views in a drawing to reference a specific version or to the main workspace.
I use OnShape for rapid development of lab fixtures and enclosures for sensors and microcontrollers. We can go quickly from design to 3D printing using OnShape, thanks to extensive support for import and export of part files. We also take advantage of OnShape's collaboration features and parameterization.
- Collaboration: OnShape's versioning is sophisticated and powerful, yet easy to use.
- Browser-based: there's no client to install and thus minimum setup, and it even runs on fairly low-spec laptops
- Excellent UI: OnShape looks great! It's pleasing to the eye and has very clear layout of objects and tools.
- More native support for mechanical features like threads and gears (currently requires third-party plugins)
- Better support for applying surface textures and text
- Quality rendering of parts
May 01, 2022
Just test it and you maybe love it!
Onshape SAAS is used to make 3d models for our customer's needs and we can send those models for real-time inspections for them. We also make suggestions to our customers for different kinds of assemblies where this tool is marvelous. We have also designed some own products and can show them easily in anywhere where we want PDA or mobile phone etc.
- Web based
- Full 3d modelling cad
- Reliable
- Some missing function that I was used in other 3D cads, but after updates, a lot of them has been added
April 17, 2022
Onshape - The next generation of 3-D modeling
We are an FDA-regulated department within the health system. Onshape allows us to very nicely track revision history as part of our design control process.
- Revision History
- Web-based storage of native files
- Collaborative access
- Sandbox designing
- Mating objects are a little difficult to work with
- The mirror tool is limited to parts, removing the ability to "add" to the existing part
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
January 08, 2020
Great cloud based CAD for hyper-mobile team!
We use Onshape as our primary 3D CAD software. We do a bit of physical prototyping work for research purposes and Onshape's portability and ease of use allow us to make rapid prototypes no matter what device we are using. Our team was typically hypermobile, not usually behind a powerful desktop or laptop, so the ability to use almost any device, no matter the system specs, was fairly important to us.
Onshape's use of cloud based rendering fit the bill, allowing even old and aging devices to access the full power of the cloud. Files are automatically saved and synced, similar to Google Drive, and collaboration is easy between members.
Onshape's use of cloud based rendering fit the bill, allowing even old and aging devices to access the full power of the cloud. Files are automatically saved and synced, similar to Google Drive, and collaboration is easy between members.
- Great file versioning system
- Very easy to pick up and deploy
- Not the most rich feature set
- Interface may be a little clunky to some
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
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
December 19, 2017
Onshape makes design and collaboration easy
We are using Onshape in the design of wind turbine devices. We have used it both to create models to feed into CFD analysis in SimScale and to design more-detailed components, prototype mounting frames, etc. It is used across the whole organization.
- Assemblies - the new assembly tool is much faster and easier to use than any other CAD system that I have used.
- Collaboration - Onshape is specifically designed for collaboration, and allows teams to create whole projects and share them with each other. Advanced version control, and the ability to send view-only links through a web browser, even to people who don't have the tool, makes collaboration very useful.
- Updates - because it is hosted in the cloud, OnShape is able to more quickly push software updates without having to worry about developing for a large number of operating systems and computer versions.
- I'm learning the sheet metal tool right now, and I found it to be not particularly intuitive. Still haven't reached out for support, but a lot of the automatic features do not seem to be working the way that I would expect.
- Minor point, but I wish it was easier to import different file formats. When working with companies who use different CAD systems, it has taken time to figure out how to share and import files that they provided. Imports of assemblies from solidworks goes ok, but requires that it be pre-packaged into the pack and go tool before import.
- Can't think of another con - overall it's a great tool and I have had very few problems with it!
December 19, 2017
OnShape is an excellent value
We're a small team, and I'm currently the only user. OnShape was our choice mainly because it's affordable, but coming from a SolidWorks background (8+ years previously), I find it very easy to use and more than powerful enough for our projects.
- Ease of use. If you've used SolidWorks or other similar packages, it will be easy to pick up. Plus, being cloud and browser based, I've experienced pretty much zero issues. It doesn't crash or freeze or ever lose data.
- Speed. Loading times are quick, and design time is fairly streamlined. I'm honestly not sure how they do it. I'm used to SolidWorks where it's a massive install requiring powerful hardware, and still running into lag or other issues.
- Support. I've reported one small bug, and it was fixed in the next update, within probably a week. I didn't have to do anything, the software is just always up to date. Plus it seems they're always adding new features and functionality, so I'm confident it will stay current.
- One thing I've been running into is revision control. They use versions and have a version tree, but to me it hasn't been very intuitive. I need to take the time to look up some tutorials and get that under control, so it's partially on me.
December 19, 2017
Onshape is the leader in innovative professional CAD
We use Onshape in the engineering organization. The great thing about Onshape is that we can share our CAD information with anyone and receive feedback and they don't need to have an Onshape account. The biggest solution Onshape offers is professional grade, engineering CAD. It is used to create designs for tooling fixtures, production line layouts, and representative models of equipment on the manufacturing floor. It is a useful tool for communicating visual information to upper management when working on projects.
- One strength of Onshape is that it is truly portable. Onshape runs in a web browser, so it isn't tied to a specific computer and doesn't require specialized hardware. Also, Onshape has full CAD functionality in a mobile app as well, so I can take my designs on the production floor and edit them on my smartphone.
- Onshape also allows complete collaboration. Multiple designers/engineers/CAD users can be designing in the same workspace at the same time. Everything is updated in real time, so I always know what is happening and what changes are being made.
- Onshape can accept many different file types and can export the most common file types. There isn't any issue with file incompatibility, ever.
- Onshape is fairly new, so it is still adding features. There is a new, relevant update about every 3 weeks.
- Since Onshape is run in the cloud, if you lose internet connection, as my company does fairly frequently, you are stuck until connection is restored.
- There are some very useful features that other CAD systems have that Onshape hasn't yet implemented. The drawings in Onshape are the weakest point so far. There are many features that I would like to see implemented in drawings, but things are still in development.
- Because of how Onshape is written and run, it does not run in microsoft browsers.