Onshape

Active

Country: United States (US)
Founded: 2012
Developer: Onshape Inc.
Pricing: Freemium
Open source: No
Platforms: Web

Indexes

3D Modelling

Overview

Onshape is a cloud-native 3D CAD platform that enables creation of parts, assemblies, and drawings with integrated data management and collaboration tools.⁴⁶ It targets engineering and design professionals, as well as students and educators via a free access option, operating entirely in the browser without installations.⁴⁶ Key distinctions include anywhere access, no crashes from installs, and cloud-based versioning and sharing.⁶⁸

Key Features

Profile Inspector - Identifies and highlights open sketch profiles for quick repair, useful for imported DXF files.
Custom Frame Profile Libraries - Allows creation and sharing of profile libraries for frame features, including personal or company-wide options.
Cloud Data Management - Provides built-in PDM for versioning, sharing, and durability without file-based workflows.
REST APIs - Supports integration via REST interfaces for file exchange, live links, and in-tab apps.
Part, Assembly, and Drawing Tools - Familiar CAD workflows for building models with faster cloud-optimized processes.
Real-time Collaboration - Enables seamless team access and editing from any device.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	Free	For education and non-commercial use; access on any device.
Professional	Paid (details on site)	Commercial CAD with data management, collaboration, and analytics.
Government	Paid (details on site)	Tailored for U.S. agencies with ITAR/EAR compliance on AWS GovCloud.

Platforms & Requirements

Onshape runs exclusively as a web application in modern browsers on any device with internet access, requiring no downloads or installations.⁴⁶ It supports desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers without platform-specific minimums beyond standard web capabilities. Limitations include dependency on internet connectivity and no direct browser API access for security reasons.¹

Integrations & Ecosystem

REST APIs for custom apps
OAuth authentication
File import/export (DXF, standard CAD formats)
Live link integrations for desktop apps
In-tab web app integrations
AWS GovCloud for government

Alternatives

App	Difference
SolidWorks	Desktop-based CAD requiring installation, unlike Onshape's cloud-native no-install model.
AutoCAD	Traditional file-based workflow versus Onshape's integrated cloud PDM and collaboration.
Fusion 360	Hybrid cloud/desktop app with some local processing, while Onshape is fully browser-based.
Inventor	Windows-only desktop software lacking Onshape's multi-device web accessibility.

Reputation

Onshape is recognized for its cloud-native architecture that eliminates installation issues and enables real-time collaboration, appealing to professionals seeking reliable access.⁶⁸ Users appreciate features like Profile Inspector for sketch troubleshooting and frame libraries for structural design.³⁵ Criticisms may involve reliance on internet connectivity and potential performance limits in browsers for very complex models, though it addresses desktop CAD shortcomings effectively.⁶

Sources (8)