Onshape vs SOLIDWORKS

by Gralio Feb 27, 2025

Onshape and SOLIDWORKS are both powerful CAD software, but their deployment models and feature sets cater to different needs. Onshape's cloud-based approach prioritizes accessibility and collaboration, while SOLIDWORKS' desktop-based system offers more advanced features and customization. Mid-sized businesses should consider their priorities in terms of collaboration, offline access, and design complexity when choosing between the two.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 1484 reviews and 60 websites, saving 8 hours, 44 minutes of reading.

Onshape

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SOLIDWORKS

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About

Onshape is a cloud-based design platform for creating and managing product designs. It combines powerful 3D modeling tools with built-in collaboration and version control features. This means your design team can work together in real-time, from any location, without worrying about file compatibility or data loss. Onshape aims to speed up the design process, improve collaboration, and eliminate the headaches of traditional design software.

SOLIDWORKS is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software primarily used by engineers and designers. It offers a range of tools for 3D modeling, design validation, and product data management. SOLIDWORKS is known for its user-friendliness and caters to various industries, with a strong focus on manufacturing. It helps businesses design better products faster by streamlining the design process and improving collaboration.

Summary

Main difference

Onshape is a cloud-based CAD software best suited for teams prioritizing real-time collaboration and version control, accessible from any device. SOLIDWORKS is a desktop-based CAD software known for its powerful features and extensive customization options, ideal for complex designs and simulations but requiring local installation.

Relative strengths of Onshape (compared to SOLIDWORKS)

Real-time collaboration and version control accessible from any device.
Easier learning curve and user-friendly interface for quicker onboarding.
Cloud-based platform eliminates installation and compatibility issues.

Relative weaknesses of Onshape (compared to SOLIDWORKS)

Limited offline functionality dependent on internet connectivity.
Less powerful features and customization options compared to SOLIDWORKS.
Potential performance limitations with poor internet connection.

Who should use Onshape VS. SOLIDWORKS

Onshape is a cloud-based 3D modeling software streamlining product design and development. Users praise its real-time collaboration and agile approach, enabling faster product development. It's ideal for businesses of all sizes, particularly design and engineering teams seeking cloud-based solutions. Some users mention challenges with internet dependency and limited drawing annotations.

SOLIDWORKS is user-friendly CAD software ideal for engineers, designers, and manufacturers. It excels at 3D modeling, 2D drawing, and boasts a range of add-ons for simulation and rendering. Users praise its intuitive interface and extensive features, but some experience performance issues with large assemblies and find advanced features challenging to learn.

Best for small to large businesses, especially in manufacturing, design, and engineering.
Ideal for Consumer Goods and Manufacturing industries, with good fit for Real Estate & Construction and Professional Services.

Excellent fit for small, medium, and large businesses.
Ideal for Manufacturing, Automotive, Aerospace & Defence, and Consumer Goods.

Onshape and SOLIDWORKS features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Drafting

Supported

Onshape allows creation of 2D drawings from 3D models, including annotations and DWG support.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports creating 2D drawings from 3D models, including section views and annotations.
Design Sharing

Supported

Onshape allows sharing designs with various stakeholders, including suppliers and customers.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports design sharing with various stakeholders via the Share and Markup feature.
3D Solid Modeling

Supported

Onshape supports creating solid models with extrusions, cuts, and revolves.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports 3D solid modeling with features like extrusions, cuts, and revolves.
Design review tools

Supported

Onshape supports commenting, markup, and review features.

Partially supported

Design review is supported via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform integration.
2D Sketching

Supported

Onshape supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS allows creating 2D sketches for defining part geometry.
Dimensioning

Partially supported

Onshape supports manual and automatic dimensioning during sketching, but not for finished 2D drawings.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports automatic and manual dimensioning tools for 2D drawings.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

+0.88

Strongly positive sentiment

-0.78

Strongly negative sentiment
Customer Service

+0.91

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Use

+0.93

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.68

Rather positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

+0.35

Rather positive sentiment

-0.54

Rather negative sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.78

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.17

Neutral sentiment
Scalability

+0.52

Rather positive sentiment

-0.54

Rather negative sentiment

Onshape and SOLIDWORKS Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive

+0.88

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Strongly negative

-0.78

We couldn't find a pricing page for SOLIDWORKS.

Onshape and SOLIDWORKS review insights

1483 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Real-time collaboration, perfect for startups and group projects.
Agile product design approach for faster product development.
Cloud-based access from any computer.
Simple user interface, easy to learn.
Integrated version control and file management.

User-friendly interface, easy to learn and use
Extensive features and customization options
Strong 3D modeling and 2D drawing capabilities
Wide range of add-ons and plugins for simulation, rendering, etc.
Large and active user community and readily available resources

Users dislike

Dependency on internet connectivity.
Limited drawing annotation features.
Occasional performance throttling with poor internet connection.
Challenges with importing SolidWorks files and drawings.
Mobile app functionality is underwhelming.

Performance issues and crashes, especially with large assemblies
Steep learning curve for advanced features, such as surfacing
High cost and subscription model, prohibitive for some users
Difficulty with file compatibility between versions
Limited capabilities for certain tasks like mesh and curve modeling

Onshape and SOLIDWORKS Ratings

G2

4.7/5

(656)
Capterra

4.5/5

(288)
TrustPilot

3.7/5

(1)

G2

4.4/5

(559)

Company health

Employee growth

No data

Web traffic

No data

Financing

No data

How does Onshape's cloud-based approach compare to SOLIDWORKS's desktop focus for remote team collaboration?

Onshape's cloud-based nature significantly enhances remote team collaboration compared to SOLIDWORKS's traditional desktop focus. With Onshape, multiple users can access and work on the same design simultaneously in real-time, eliminating the need for file sharing and version control headaches. SOLIDWORKS, being desktop-based, requires users to manage files and versions separately, which can hinder collaboration and introduce inefficiencies, especially for remote teams. While SOLIDWORKS offers collaboration tools, they are not as seamlessly integrated as Onshape's inherent real-time collaborative environment.

Which product, Onshape or SOLIDWORKS, better integrates with existing product data management systems?

SOLIDWORKS better integrates with existing Product Data Management (PDM) systems. SOLIDWORKS PDM is a tightly integrated data management tool specifically designed for SOLIDWORKS files and workflows. While Onshape offers data management through its cloud platform, SOLIDWORKS' established presence and wider adoption in enterprise environments have led to more mature and extensive integrations with various PDM systems from other vendors. This provides more flexibility and options for companies with complex or pre-existing PDM infrastructure.

What are the advantages of Onshape?

Onshape's primary advantage is its cloud-based nature, enabling real-time collaboration and version control, eliminating compatibility issues and data loss risks. This makes it ideal for distributed teams and agile workflows. Users also praise its ease of use and integrated file management.

What are the disadvantages of Onshape?

Onshape's reliance on internet connectivity can be a significant drawback, particularly in areas with unreliable internet service, leading to performance throttling and access issues. Some users find the drawing annotation features limited compared to other CAD software. Importing files, especially from SolidWorks, can present challenges, and the mobile app's functionality has been described as underwhelming.

Alternatives to Onshape and SOLIDWORKS

Altium 365

Altium 365 is a cloud-based platform designed for electronics development. It brings together PCB (printed circuit board) design, mechanical design, and data management tools, enabling better collaboration between teams throughout the entire design process. This means your electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing teams can all work together more efficiently, no matter their location.

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that's easy to use, yet powerful enough for professionals in architecture, interior design, and construction. Visualize projects of any size, create detailed 2D drawings from your models, and share your vision with colleagues and clients through presentations and immersive visuals. SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and is used by individuals and companies worldwide, from small design studios to large architectural firms.

SolidWorks Product Designer

SolidWorks Product Designer is cloud-based 3D design software that makes it easier for teams to work together on product development. It offers a user-friendly interface similar to the popular SolidWorks desktop software, combined with cloud storage and collaboration tools. This makes it a good choice for growing businesses that need powerful design tools and the flexibility of cloud access.

Inventor

Inventor is a 3D design software for professionals who need to create, simulate, and document mechanical designs. It's used across various industries by engineers and designers to build a digital prototype before physical production. Inventor helps reduce development costs and speed up time to market by letting you test form, fit, and function virtually. It offers powerful tools for 3D modeling, including standard 2D drawings, and can be integrated with existing design data.

SAP S/4HANA Cloud

SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a comprehensive, cloud-based business management software (ERP) designed for businesses of all sizes and industries. It brings together functions like financials, supply chain, and human resources into a single system. With built-in AI and analytics, it aims to provide real-time insights and automation to help your company become more efficient and responsive to change. It can be implemented as a standalone solution or integrated with other SAP products.

BricsCAD

BricsCAD is a cost-effective computer-aided design (CAD) software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and building information modeling (BIM). BricsCAD aims to be familiar to users of other CAD software, enabling a quick transition. It boasts innovative features like machine learning to improve drawing accuracy and efficiency. BricsCAD offers both permanent and subscription licensing options to fit various needs and budgets.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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