Onshape vs SelfCad 

AutoCAD

Altium Develop

SolidWorks Premium

AutoCAD is a design and drafting platform which supports automated design tasks and offers features such as 2D drafting, drawing and annotation, 3D modeling and visualization, and more.

Altium Develop is a collaborative environment that unifies every stage of electronic product creation, seamlessly connecting requirements, design, supply chain, and manufacturing to streamline workflows, enhance visibility, and accelerate innovation.

SolidWorks Premium is the leading 3D design solution in the industry. It seamlessly integrates powerful design tools-including industry-leading part, assembly, and drawing capabilities with built-in simulation, rendering, animation, product data management, and cost estimation. 

SolidWorks will help you get work done faster and easier than before, using innovative phases of product creation to achieve a more productive 3D design experience.

This review is based entirely on my own long-term experience using Onshape since 2015, with ChatGPT only assisting in structuring the text.

Onshape is a cloud-based 3D CAD solution for agile design & engineering teams, with tools for version control, collaboration, analytics, reporting, and more

2D Drawing

3D Design & Modeling

3D Imaging

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Dashboard

Animation

Annotations

Bill of Materials Management

Bills of Material

CAD Tools

Change Management

Collaboration Tools

Component Library

Configurable Workflow

Configuration Management

Content Library

Customizable Branding

Customizable Templates

Data Import/Export

Data Visualization

Design Analysis

Design Management

Document Management

Electrical

File Management

For 3D Printing

For Manufacturers

For Solar Companies

Manufacturing Design Data

Mechanical

Mechatronics

Modeling & Simulation

Multiple Format Support

Multiple Projects

Product Data Management

Project Templates

Real Time Comparisons

Real-Time Updates

Reference Management

Reporting/Analytics

Role-Based Permissions

Rules-Based Workflow

Secure Data Storage

Sketching and Annotation Tools

Solar Design

Template Management

Third-Party Integrations

Version Control

Visual Analytics

Workflow Management

Most reviewers indicate that Onshape offers strong value for money, especially for startups and students, and they appreciate the free plan’s robust features. However, some users say commercial subscriptions are expensive and wish for more flexible pricing options.

Value for money

By industry, Onshape reviewers are most commonly professionals in mechanical or industrial engineering (23%). The most frequent use case for Onshape cited by reviewers is 3D CAD (64% of reviewers).

Onshape

Web-based

iPad

Android

iPhone

Windows

Chromebook

Linux

Autodesk Fusion

Creo

Standard

Professional

Enterprise

Startups

Variable speed and performance

60% of reviewers feel negative about Onshape’s performance and speed. Reviewers report that the platform can be slow, especially when handling large assemblies or complex models. They indicate that speed is often affected by internet quality and computer power, leading to lag, slow uploads, and occasional workflow interruptions. Some users say that loading documents or linking files takes longer than expected, and frequent page refreshes are sometimes necessary. Users find these performance issues hinder smooth operation and can be frustrating during intensive design sessions.

Dependency on stable internet

76% of reviewers feel negative about Onshape’s reliance on a stable internet connection. Reviewers indicate that needing constant connectivity can be problematic when working in areas with poor or unstable internet, such as cafes or remote locations. They report difficulties during network outages, slow loading times, and limited functionality when offline. Some users say the requirement for internet access restricts usage during travel or in regions with unreliable service. Users find that slow connections negatively impact productivity and can make it frustrating to work on large files or collaborate remotely.

Limited drawing and sketch tools

41% of reviewers feel negative about Onshape’s drawing and sketching capabilities. Reviewers indicate that creating 2D drawings is less intuitive compared to other CAD programs, with some features missing or difficult to use. They report frustration with dimensioning in sketches, limited isometric views, and challenges updating drawings after part changes. Some users say drawing templates are hard to customize and that the resolution while working is subpar. Users find the drawing tools lacking in robust documentation features, which complicates engineering workflows and collaboration.

Cross-device mobile usability

97% of reviewers feel positive about Onshape’s mobile access. Reviewers indicate that the ability to use the software on any device with a browser—including phones, tablets, and computers—offers unmatched flexibility. They appreciate designing and reviewing projects from anywhere, which supports remote work and quick communication. Some users report that the mobile app and browser interfaces are intuitive and reliable, making it easy to check, edit, and present models on the go. Users think mobile access is a game changer for dispersed teams and enhances productivity outside traditional office settings.

Flexible cloud-based platform

The cloud setup eliminates file issues, ensures everyone works on the right data, and keeps projects organized.

97% of reviewers feel positive about Onshape’s cloud access. Reviewers appreciate being able to access their CAD projects from any device or location, which simplifies file management and eliminates concerns about versioning or saving. They find cloud storage offers peace of mind and ensures everyone works with the most up-to-date data. Some users say the platform’s cloud integration supports secure collaboration with clients and suppliers, while others highlight that frequent updates and robust sharing options make teamwork more agile. Users think cloud access is essential for modern, connected workflows.

Comprehensive design capabilities

Systems Engineer

The 3D design tools are very responsive, and the ability to model multiple parts in the same studio is extremely useful for developing related components.

96% of reviewers feel positive about Onshape’s design features. Reviewers say the platform offers responsive 3D tools, efficient modeling for multiple parts, and supports complex design workflows. They appreciate simultaneous access for team members, which speeds up project completion and enables rapid prototyping. Some users report that the intuitive interface and robust toolset make parametric design straightforward, while others highlight the ease of managing and presenting designs in collaborative environments. Users find Onshape suitable for both conceptual and production-level projects, supporting a wide range of engineering needs.

Real-time collaborative workflows

100% of reviewers feel positive about Onshape’s collaboration features. Reviewers indicate that real-time collaboration allows multiple team members and clients to work together seamlessly, eliminating version control issues and streamlining project development. They appreciate the ease of sharing documents, simultaneous editing, and the ability to involve remote teams across different locations and time zones. Some reviewers find that collaborative sessions accelerate design processes and make group projects more efficient. Users say the platform’s intuitive environment and robust data management further enhance teamwork, making it convenient for both internal and external stakeholders.

CAD manager

The thing I like most about Onshape is the simplicity of the Part Studio, The intuitiveness of the functions of the commands, the clean not cluttered toolbar, and the power and speed of simple mate connections in assembly.

Mechanical engineer

The option to share the design between one person to the other and the branch option the let you build various solution for the same design

Director of Engineering

I like that it runs on any computer with a web browser so I can use a lightweight laptop vs a high powered windows computer for other cad programs.  

There are a lot of things missing such as mate option (in S.W. you can mate axis ) and threads , also the import option for surfaces is not good

There are some solid core features but items such as lofted sheet metal and being able to switch from the default outside angle call out to inside angle call out is still missing just to name a couple.

We maintain a living best-practice document and hold weekly Onshape meetings to stay aligned, especially when projects involve large assemblies, many dependencies, and complex configuration structures.

Freelancer

The Standard Plan does not include Company managed data and release management to fundamental things for everybody using CAD seriously, although they are lonesome riders!-)

Project Engineer

Sometimes it's hard to find the features you need, because they do feature updates every three weeks. But the search functions for finding features helps with that.

An other great features is the import/ export options, you can export in every filetype you could need or print out drawing to give in Production.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Have been daily user for 7years, more than happy with the dirrection and performance of this CAD solution, newer stops improving.

Unlike some of its competitors, there is no initial "purchase" required, and the annual subscription is very competitive with other annual subscriptions.

Natively cloud CAD means you can do design work in your browser.

Mechanical Engineer

That it cant read IFC data and the sheet metal tool is not fully developed.

Project Manager

I love not losing any data, how OnShape handles mates in assemblies, and their sheet metal tools.

Sharing the same documents live with a colleague or customer and making changes real time.

RnD Engineer

I've been using Onshape for the last year and a half, used several tools from it and opened it from different computers without the need to a local installation.

Large assembly performance, I understand it is a difficult issue to manage, but still that is what can feel in day to day use.

Continuous Improvement and Digital Transformation Manager

Being able to hand a fresh CAD user Onshape and they can turn around and understand our product immediately has proven to be exactly what we needed to make our company move in the right direction

Principal engineer

For my purposes (product design and analysis) it is every bit as capable as any other tool I’ve used in my career (mostly CREO, some solidworks).

Mechanical design engineer

I work on onshape from 3 years straight and I can see, the progress that you made on a weekly/ monthly basis and that's great.

After more than 10,000 hours in the platform, Onshape has proven exceptionally stable (it never crashes), extremely easy to collaborate in, and universally accessible—I have even exported a STEP file directly from my phone while standing in a workshop.

Team Lead

Not having native rendering or useful CAM at all paid levels is disappointing.

I don’t give myself a title

It tends to get confused about what was most recently opened, and I wish there were a way to tag and catalog classifications of parts and search for them rather than just by the name.

It is a fantastic platform, with the ability to be used on any computer, tablet, or phone.

Owner   Operator

Almost every project requires some type of detail work that we need to add

Information Technology Technician

It works perfectly well, does everything I need it to, syncs over email account as well.

There had been always an online course or description for me to help me going on to my designproblem!-)

Engineering Support

D drawing and sheetmetal modules seems a bit less powerful comparing to software such as Solidworks.

Its integrated PDM is one of its biggest advantages.

It has a multitude of support videos to assist learning

Sometimes work is little slower, but this is because of a various reasons and it's fixable I think.

It’s really enabled me to take on projects and do things that would have been more expensive and time consuming with most other tools.

Multiple parts designing in the same "part" document.

Engineer

Sometimes its really slow and makes workflow not smooth.

Designer

Constant improvements like the constrained surface feature.

Automation Engineer europe

I'm really satisfied with it, nothing major I would consider, something which is negative is that when you don't have an enterprise licence everything that you do is public

I teach classes to help absolute newbies learn Onshape.

I’ve been very impressed with onshape’s capabilities for mechanical design, especially the sheetmetal tools.

Research and Development Engineer

I would like to share this insight to my relations that this product is so useful for team designing.

Easy to use and modern CAD system for parametric design.

We are a company that exists in 2D CAD and our transition to 3D has been very straightforward.

No missing references, very powerful on automation and parametrization and alot of other modern functions.

Onshape reflects real engineering complexity, so teams must follow good practices and stay trained.

One of the most used tools in our fabrication shop.  

Most integrations require vast implementation costs compared to counterparts.

Very easy to navigate, the user interface is clean and uncluttered.

Really a great free platform for CAD work.

Surface and Sheet Metal

Pricing

Design

Project Development

Performance and Speed

Ease of Use

Mating

Assembly

Cloud Access

Collaboration

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Large Enterprises

Freelancers

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Hover

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Onshape vs SelfCad Comparison (2026)

Onshape

SelfCad

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives