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Onshape

Paid

Create precise 3D models, collaborate on designs, and analyze simulations in real-time.

Type
Saas

About Onshape

Onshape is the leading cloud-based CAD software designed to make product design faster, easier, and more collaborative. It’s a comprehensive 3D modeling platform with powerful tools and an intuitive user interface that enable teams of all sizes to work together in real time. With Onshape, users can quickly create, share, and edit 3D models, assemblies, and drawings with the click of a button. It also offers powerful simulation and analysis capabilities, along with advanced collaboration tools that enable teams to access the same data from anywhere at any time. Onshape is the perfect solution for product designers, engineers, and manufacturers who need to create and collaborate on complex designs. It’s fast, easy to use, and 100% cloud-based, so users can access their models from any device. Onshape offers an end-to-end solution for product development, from concept to production. It’s the perfect tool for streamlining the design process and creating more efficient workflows.

Key Features

Create 3D models with precision tools.
Share and collaborate on designs from anywhere.
Analyze and simulate designs in real-time.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • True cloud-native platform eliminates CAD crashes and data loss
  • Real-time collaboration enables multiple users to work on the same model simultaneously
  • Built-in PDM with branching/merging streamlines version control without file locking
  • No local hardware requirements or IT maintenance – runs in any browser
  • Always on the latest version with automatic updates every 3 weeks
  • Complete undo and audit trail provides full design history and rollback capability
  • Free plan available for non-commercial personal projects
  • Generous free trial for professionals (up to 6 months with Discovery Program)
Cons
  • Requires internet connection for full functionality (no full offline mode)
  • Free plan limited to non-commercial use with all documents publicly accessible
  • Subscription cost can be high for small teams ($1,500-$2,500/user/year for commercial use)
  • Learning curve for users transitioning from traditional desktop CAD due to cloud-native workflow and branching/merging concepts

Best For

Create 3D models with precision tools.Share and collaborate on designs from anywhere.Analyze and simulate designs in real-time.

Alternatives to Onshape

FAQ

What is Onshape?
Onshape is a cloud-native CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and PDM (Product Data Management) platform that runs entirely in a web browser. It enables real-time collaboration, eliminates crashes and data loss, and provides integrated version control with branching and merging.
Is Onshape free?
Yes, Onshape offers a free plan for non-commercial personal projects. It includes unlimited public storage, CAD tools, real-time collaboration, version control, mobile apps, and online training. For commercial use, paid plans start at $1,500/user/year for Standard and $2,500/user/year for Professional. Enterprise plans with custom pricing are also available.
How does Onshape handle data management?
Onshape has built-in PDM with full version history, release management, and a unique branching and merging system similar to software development. It provides a complete audit trail with infinite undo, so every change is tracked and can be rolled back instantly. There are no locked files or check-in/check-out issues.
What industries use Onshape?
Onshape is used across many industries including aerospace, automotive, consumer products, medical devices, robotics, electronics, energy, machine design, government, and education. It also has a dedicated Government edition on AWS GovCloud for ITAR/EAR compliance.