Onshape is a cloud-based Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software system, operating on a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. Founded in 2012, it was created by former SolidWorks CEOs Jon Hirschtick and John McEleney, along with a team of engineers, and is now owned by PTC. Onshape distinguishes itself by performing compute-intensive processing and rendering on internet-based servers, allowing users to interact through a web browser or mobile apps. As a SaaS platform, updates are directly released to the web interface, reducing the need for user maintenance.
The software is primarily focused on mechanical CAD (MCAD) and is utilized across various industries such as consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial equipment. Onshape facilitates real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on a single design simultaneously via the cloud. It offers a range of capabilities including CAD, parametric drawing, workflow management, and collaboration tools. Onshape is popular in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). For beginners in 3D printing, Onshape is a smart starting point due to its accessibility and consistent behavior across devices. Onshape also provides different options for professionals, enterprises, hobbyists, students, and educators.