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About Onshape
What is Onshape?
Onshape is a cloud-native product development platform that combines professional-grade CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and built-in PDM (Product Data Management) in one system. It solves the problem of desktop CAD limitations—crashes, file corruption, and collaboration bottlenecks—by running entirely in the browser with real-time collaboration, version control, and automatic updates. No hardware requirements, no installation, and no data loss.
Who is it for?
Onshape is designed for engineers, designers, and product teams across industries like aerospace, automotive, consumer products, electronics, robotics, and medical devices. It's especially valuable for distributed teams that need instant access to design data and for companies moving away from legacy CAD like SOLIDWORKS. It's also a strong fit for students and educators (with special programs) and startups. It may not be ideal for users needing advanced offline capabilities or heavy customization.
Key capabilities and use cases
With branching and merging, teams can explore design alternatives without risk. Onshape's real-time collaboration enables multiple users to edit the same document simultaneously, eliminating the need to email files or manage copies. Built-in PDM provides a full audit trail, release management, and version control for regulated industries. Use cases include concept design, detailed engineering, ECAD-MCAD collaboration (via Altium Connector), and managing data for compliance (ITAR/EAR with Onshape Government).
Onshape is known for its 24/7 reliability and zero-IT overhead, with updates delivered every 3 weeks. It's a modern alternative to desktop CAD, helping teams design up to 10x faster.
Key features
- Cloud-Native CAD — Runs on any device with a browser, no crashes or corrupted files; always up-to-date.
- Built-In PDM — Integrated version control with branching and merging, release management, and full audit trail.
- Real-Time Collaboration — Multiple users can design simultaneously with instant sharing and communication tools.
- Powerful Data Management — Company-managed data, custom release workflows, and analytics dashboards (on higher plans).
- Simulation and Rendering — Built-in tools for testing and visual presentation (in Professional plan).
- ECAD/MCAD Exchange — Seamless data exchange between electrical and mechanical design teams (e.g., Altium Connector).
- Mobile Access — View and edit designs on mobile devices for on-the-go productivity.
SaaSpartout Score
7.8
/10
Editorial score from our review methodology — not user ratings.
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Onshape Pricing
Onshape pricing: from $1,500/user/year.
For comparison: the median starting price in Design & Creative is $12/month, measured across 274 tools we track. See the full SaaS Pricing Index →
Free Plan
Price: $0 (free forever). Best for personal projects. Includes unlimited public storage, CAD tools, real-time collaboration, version control, mobile apps, and online training. For non-commercial use only; all documents are public.
Standard Plan
Price: $1,500 per user per year. Best for individuals. Includes all Free plan features, unlimited private storage, and direct in-product support. Professional CAD for commercial use with built-in data management.
Professional Plan
Price: $2,500 per user per year. Best for teams. Includes everything in Standard, plus company-managed data, release management, advanced PDM, simulation, rendering, ECAD/MCAD exchange, and CAM. Qualified pros can try it free for up to 6 months via the Discovery Program (no credit card required).
Enterprise Plan
Price: Contact sales for custom pricing. Includes everything in Professional, plus custom release management, analytics dashboards, Arena PLM connection, advanced admin and security (SSO), guest access (full and light user licensing), and priority support. Built for large companies.
Note: Onshape also offers special programs for startups and students/educators.
Frequently asked questions
Is Onshape free to use?
Yes, Onshape offers a free plan with unlimited public storage and core CAD features, but it's for non-commercial use only and all documents are public.
How much does Onshape cost?
Onshape pricing starts at $1,500 per user per year for the Standard plan. The Professional plan is $2,500 per user per year. Enterprise pricing is custom and available on request.
Does Onshape have a free trial?
Yes, qualified professionals can try Onshape Professional free for up to 6 months through the Discovery Program. No credit card is required.
Who is Onshape best for?
Onshape is best for engineering and design teams, especially those that are distributed and need real-time collaboration. It's also popular among startups, students, and educators.
What are the top alternatives to Onshape?
Common alternatives include SOLIDWORKS, Fusion 360, and PTC Creo. Onshape is often chosen for its cloud-native architecture and no-install, no-crash reliability.
What is the main limitation of Onshape?
Onshape requires a persistent internet connection to work fully; offline access is limited or not available, which can be a drawback for teams with poor connectivity or strict security policies.
