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DesignSpark Mechanical vs Onshape: catalog facts
DesignSpark Mechanical	Onshape
Best for: Engineers and makers who need quick 3D models and edits without a full parametric CAD package	Best for: Fully browser-based parametric CAD platform with real-time collaboration
Free + paid options A free Explorer plan is available, with paid Creator and Engineer plans adding more tools.	Free + paid options Free tier available; paid plans add private documents and more storage.
Windows	Web
Push-pull direct modelling that suits non-specialists Imports and exports STEP, IGES, STL and DXF All 3 strengths for DesignSpark Mechanical Push-pull direct modelling that suits non-specialists Imports and exports STEP, IGES, STL and DXF Free plan with no project limit	No desktop install needed since the entire CAD environment runs in the browser Real-time collaboration and built-in version history simplify team design work
Assembly tools require the paid Engineer plan Some import and export features depend on the plan	Requires a stable internet connection since there is no offline desktop mode Free tier makes projects publicly viewable, which is not suitable for private work
Downloadable app	Web application
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for DesignSpark Mechanical rs-online.com/designspark/mechanical-software Catalog checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Onshape onshape.com Catalog checked September 22, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.