Alternatives to Onshape
Fully browser-based parametric CAD platform with real-time collaboration. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Onshape
Fully browser-based parametric CAD platform with real-time collaboration.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Onshape.
Autodesk Fusion 360
Cloud-connected parametric CAD, CAM, and CAE platform with a free personal tier.
Autodesk Fusion 360 is a cloud-connected desktop app for Windows and macOS that adds CAM and simulation, with a free personal tier limited in features and projects.
SolidWorks
Industry-standard parametric CAD software for 3D design and product development.
SolidWorks is an industry-standard Windows desktop CAD package with deep assembly and simulation features, but it lacks browser collaboration and has costly commercial licensing.
FreeCAD
A parametric 3D modeller for real objects: design by sketching constrained 2D shapes, then change the parameters later.
FreeCAD is free, open source and works offline on Windows, macOS and Linux, keeping projects private, though it has a long learning curve and no real-time collaboration.
Shapr3D
Touch-first parametric CAD app originally built for iPad, now on desktop.
Shapr3D is a touch and stylus-first parametric CAD app for iPad, Windows and macOS, installed locally rather than running in a browser, with a limited free tier.
Solid Edge
Mainstream parametric CAD software with a free Community edition.
Solid Edge is Windows-only desktop parametric CAD from Siemens with a free Community edition, while the full feature set requires a paid commercial tier.
Siemens NX
High-end CAD, CAM, and CAE suite used in aerospace and automotive design.
Siemens NX is a high-end CAD, CAM and CAE suite for aerospace and automotive teams, with enterprise pricing and interactive use limited to Windows.
SolveSpace
A tiny parametric 2D and 3D CAD program built around a constraint solver, for designing real parts.
SolveSpace is a small free open source desktop program with parametric constraint solving and STEP export, but it is not suited to large assemblies or team collaboration.
Alibre Atom3D
Design mechanical parts and assemblies with a desktop CAD application.
Alibre Atom3D is a paid Windows desktop CAD application for parametric parts aimed at hobby fabrication, with advanced capabilities held in other Alibre editions.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Onshape as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Alibre Design
Parametric 3D CAD software for designing mechanical parts and assemblies, with optional CAM add-ons.
Onshape moves parametric CAD into the browser with real-time collaboration and version history, but needs a stable internet connection and its free tier makes projects public.
Autodesk Inventor
Parametric 3D CAD software for mechanical design, simulation and engineering documentation.
Onshape runs entirely in the browser with real-time collaboration and version history, but needs a stable internet connection and its free tier projects are public.
DesignSpark Mechanical
A direct-modelling 3D CAD program with push-pull tools, aimed at engineers and makers without deep CAD experience.
Onshape runs parametric CAD fully in the browser with real-time collaboration, but it needs a stable connection and its free tier makes projects publicly viewable.
Dune 3D
Design constrained 3D parts with a parametric CAD editor.
Onshape is browser-based parametric CAD with real-time collaboration, but closed source and its free tier makes projects public.
IronCAD
Commercial 3D and 2D mechanical CAD software with drag-and-drop design and hybrid modelling.
Onshape moves parametric CAD into the browser with real-time collaboration and version history, but it needs a stable connection and free projects are public.
Tinkercad
Create simple 3D designs and explore electronic circuits in a browser.
Onshape keeps browser access but offers full parametric CAD with real-time collaboration, and its free tier makes projects publicly viewable.
VariCAD
A 3D and 2D CAD program for mechanical engineering design on Windows and Linux.
Onshape runs parametric CAD entirely in the browser with real-time collaboration, but needs a stable connection and makes free-tier projects publicly viewable.
Zoo Design Studio
A mechanical CAD application on Zoo's own geometry engine, with a built-in conversational CAD agent.
Onshape runs parametric CAD entirely in the browser with real-time collaboration and version history, but its free tier makes projects publicly viewable.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
OpenSCAD
A 3D modeller you write rather than draw: a script describes the object, and the program compiles it into a solid.
CQ-editor
Build parametric CAD models with Python scripts in CQ-editor.
SketchUp Free
Browser-based 3D modeler that offers an easy start into 3D design.
