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PTC Creo vs Onshape: catalog facts
PTC Creo	Onshape
Best for: Mechanical engineers and product design teams needing parametric CAD tied to manufacturing	Best for: Fully browser-based parametric CAD platform with real-time collaboration
Paid Paid licences on-premises or as the Creo+ subscription, with a free trial.	Free + paid options Free tier available; paid plans add private documents and more storage.
Windows	Web
Fully associative model links design, analysis and manufacturing Built-in simulation and model-based definition All 4 strengths for PTC Creo Fully associative model links design, analysis and manufacturing Built-in simulation and model-based definition Covers CNC, additive manufacturing and generative design On-premises or SaaS licensing	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
Expensive professional licensing Steep learning curve for advanced modules All 3 limitations for PTC Creo Expensive professional licensing Steep learning curve for advanced modules Windows only	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, Hosted service	Web application
Not open source	Not open source
License: Proprietary	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 PTC Creo ptc.com/en/products/creo Catalog checked October 1, 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.