The cloud-native product development platform that integrates 3D CAD, PDM, and advanced AI-driven analytics.
Onshape is a disruptive force in the engineering landscape, representing the shift from file-based legacy CAD systems to a database-driven, cloud-native architecture. By 2026, Onshape has solidified its position as the primary platform for distributed hardware teams, utilizing a proprietary 'Single Source of Truth' model that eliminates versioning conflicts and file locking. Built on a globally distributed cloud infrastructure, it provides real-time collaborative modeling, integrated Product Data Management (PDM), and advanced simulation tools within a single browser environment. Its technical superiority lies in its Git-like branching and merging capabilities for physical parts, allowing engineering teams to explore design variations in parallel without risk to the master assembly. As of 2026, Onshape has heavily integrated AI-assisted generative design and predictive assembly workflows, significantly reducing the manual labor associated with complex bill of materials (BOM) management and stress analysis. This tool is uniquely positioned to serve both high-growth hardware startups and enterprise entities looking to modernize their legacy PLM stacks with a zero-footprint IT solution.
Design multiple related parts in one environment using shared sketches and geometry references.
Verified feedback from the global deployment network.
Post queries, share implementation strategies, and help other users.
A proprietary open-source programming language for creating custom CAD features tailored to specific industry needs.
True version control for 3D geometry allowing engineers to merge changes from different design branches.
Multiple users can work on the same model or assembly at the exact same time with no lag or locking.
Direct integration of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) that runs on the server side, not on the user's local GPU.
Photorealistic rendering using NVIDIA Iray technology computed entirely in the cloud.
Controlled sharing of specific versions of documents with external vendors or customers.
Eliminating IT costs and PDM overhead for small teams.
Registry Updated:2/7/2026
Iterate version
Ensuring contract manufacturers always have the latest revision.
Optimizing part geometry for aerospace components.