Question 1

What does it mean that Onshape’s PDM is built in?

Accepted Answer

Under the hood, Onshape is both a CAD and PDM system. Onshape eliminates the need to manage files or have separate CAD and PDM software communicating, thus removing manual and non-value-added tasks like check-in/out.

Question 2

How is Onshape’s cloud database approach better than file-based data management?

Accepted Answer

Unlike traditional PDM systems, Onshape does not store its CAD data in files (eg, a black box). This means that Onshape’s built-in PDM can actually operate on the CAD data because it understands it. This unlocks functionality such as: You never have to check in or out a file, all data is versioned implicity. You can compare and merge designs from different branches without conflict or manual effort. You can release a specific configuration of a design. There are no duplicate, rev-controlled design variants. You can start the release process from a drawing, and this will gather all the necessary product information to create the release candidate for you.

Question 3

What is an Onshape Document?

Accepted Answer

Onshape Documents are containers keeping all of your CAD data, including parts, assemblies, drawings, BOMs, and other media like images, videos, or PDFs in one place. Documents can be easily linked, creating relationships between designs so that you can manage projects efficiently. Onshape Documents allow users to create, share, and store CAD designs online while also providing the ability to inspect an entire edit history, identify contributors, and revert to any earlier version as needed.

Question 4

Is there a data storage limit?

Accepted Answer

No. Onshape offers secure and unlimited cloud storage.

Question 5

How can I share CAD data or an Onshape Document?

Accepted Answer

Onshape modernizes how you share and manage access to your CAD data using URLs. All data is encrypted and securely retained in your account, where access can be granted or revoked instantly. You can share Documents or even parts of a document with specific permissions and generate view-only URLs that can be transformed into QR codes for easy access.

Question 6

Can I customize Onshape’s data management?

Accepted Answer

Whether it's custom Drawing and BOM templates, custom properties and categories, company Material libraries, or customized Release Management workflows, Onshape gives you the flexibility to tailor CAD and data management to your specific business needs.

Question 7

What Analytics are available?

Accepted Answer

Onshape’s Enterprise Plan offers  comprehensive analytics  so you can monitor design activity, review Document access, and better manage your projects and resources. Every interaction with your company's data, by employees or external suppliers is recorded in detail and presented in dashboards with easy-to-read tables and charts. By turning data into insight, Onshape helps companies make more informed decisions and accelerate time to market.

Question 8

Is Onshape’s PDM fully cloud-based, or does it require any downloads or local servers?

Accepted Answer

Onshape’s PDM is 100% cloud-native SaaS. It requires absolutely no downloads, installations, or local servers. Zero Install:  You access the full system (CAD and PDM) through any standard web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) with online access or via the iOS/Android mobile app. No Expensive Local Hardware:  All data is stored and processed on Onshape’s secure cloud servers. There is no need to buy or maintain a database server or vault. Automatic Maintenance:  Updates occur automatically in the cloud every three weeks. Everyone is always on the latest version, eliminating compatibility issues and IT overhead.

Question 9

How is Onshape’s PDM different from file-based and on-premise systems like SOLIDWORKS PDM, or Autodesk Vault?

Accepted Answer

The core difference is architecture: Onshape is a cloud-native, CAD Integrated PDM platform, whereas traditional systems (SOLIDWORKS PDM, Autodesk Vault) are file-based managers that add a layer of control over local files. Traditional PDM is a "vault" that protects files by locking them away, which ends up creating siloed teams with serial workflows. Onshape manages CAD data in cloud-native databases and allows for git-like branching and merging of product designs, enabling collaboration between individuals and teams, and promoting an agile workflow.

Question 10

Can Onshape’s PDM manage data from other CAD tools?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Onshape can manage data from other CAD tools. You can import files from various CAD systems, including Autodesk and SOLIDWORKS. You can also import neutral format files into Onshape. Imported files are managed alongside natively created CAD data. In fact, image files, or pdf files, can also be imported and managed in an Onshape document. Onshape offers powerful direct editing tools, for working with imported geometry.

Question 11

How does version and release management work in Onshape’s PDM system?

Accepted Answer

Versions (Immutable Snapshots):  At any point, you can capture a "Version" of your design. This creates a read-only, unchangeable bookmark in history. It prevents accidental overwrites and preserves the design exactly as it was at that moment. It’s a Release Management (Immutable snapshot with formal control):  You can formally issue a "Release Candidate" for parts or assemblies. This triggers a built-in approval workflow to assign a Revision (e.g., Rev A, Rev B). If approved, the data is permanently locked and stamped. Non-Blocking Workflow:  Unlike file-based PDM, releasing a design in Onshape does not lock the team out. Because the release is tied to a specific Version (snapshot), engineers can continue working on the active document immediately, even while the approval process is still pending.

Question 12

How does Onshape’s PDM integrate with PLM, ERP, or MES, CAM, and CAE systems?

Accepted Answer

PLM  (Product Lifecycle Management) Native Integration:  The Onshape-Arena Connection allows for a direct, zero-install sync of BOMs and release data between Onshape and Arena PLM (both owned by PTC). ERP & MES  (Enterprise Resource Planning / Manufacturing Execution) API:  Onshape’s robust REST API allows your IT team to write custom scripts to pull Bill of Materials (BOM) and part data directly into any proprietary ERP or MES system automatically. CAM  (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) Native Integration:  Onshape CAM Studio (currently in Beta) provides fully integrated machining directly within the Onshape interface. CAE  (Simulation & Analysis) Native Integration:  Onshape Simulation offers built-in structural analysis that provides instant feedback as you design. Partners : For advanced CFD or multiphysics, partners like SimScale offer cloud-native simulation that works directly with Onshape data. App Store:  Several Onshape partners have developed applications available in the appstore that will work directly with Onshape data.

Question 13

How much does PDM software cost, and what pricing models does Onshape offer?

Accepted Answer

Onshape does not sell PDM as a separate add-on; it is built into every license and directly integrated into the CAD workflow. Standard ($1,500 / user / year):  Includes basic PDM (Version control, History, Branching/Merging). Best for freelancers who do not need formal approval workflows. Professional ($2,500 / user / year):  Adds Formal Release Management, automatic part numbering, and company-wide administrative controls. This is the standard choice for professional design teams. Enterprise (Custom Pricing):  Adds advanced security (SSO), analytics dashboards, custom release management workflows, advanced PLM connections, and more. More pricing details are available  here .

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