Technischer Tipp: So importieren und exportieren Sie mit Onshape

Summary: Onshape offers flexible file support, from importing and exporting everything like native CAD and STEP files to PDFs, images, and MBD data.

Seamless file exchange is essential in modern product development. Designers frequently collaborate across different CAD systems, suppliers, and manufacturing teams, making reliable import and export workflows a critical part of any design process.

Whether you are bringing external geometry into your workspace or preparing deliverables for others, this Tech Tip will show you how to efficiently import and export files while using the latest platform capabilities.

Importing Files

Onshape provides several ways to bring files into your documents, so you can choose the method that best fits your workflow:

On the Onshape Documents page, click Create, then choose Import to bring files into a document. You can import files from your local device or upload them from cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

Note: If your accounts are already connected, click on your cloud-source. Otherwise, click Connect service, and a wizard will lead you through the integration process. See the help documentation on Integrations for more information.

You can also drag and drop files straight into the interface.

Inside a document, click the + button in the bottom-left corner, then select Import to add files directly.

Each method is designed to support different workflows and file scenarios.

During import, there are several different approaches you can take, depending on your workflow.

Check out this Tech Tip on import options to see which method works best.

Supported File Formats

Onshape supports a wide range of standard CAD formats that can be imported, translated, and viewed directly in the browser.

In addition to CAD files, any file type can be uploaded into a document, making each Onshape document a complete project container. You can store:

• CAD models
• PDFs
• Images
• Videos
• Reference files

Certain formats, such as PDFs, images, and videos, can even be previewed directly within Onshape without leaving the platform.

For a full, always-updated list of supported import formats, see the list of Onshape-supported file formats.

Managing Imported Data

Imported files appear as tabs inside your document. Depending on the file type, they may be:

• Editable geometry
• Reference geometry
• Linked external data

Imported models can be organized, versioned, and updated just like native content, ensuring traceability and collaboration continuity.

Note: Editing imported geometry requires specific workflows depending on file type and structure. Learn more by following this step-by-step Tech Tip.

Exporting Files

Onshape supports a variety of export formats, including STEP, IGES, STL, DWG, DXF, PDF, and many others, so you can deliver files in the format that works best for manufacturing, collaboration, or archival purposes.

For the complete and always-updated list of supported file formats, see the supported file formats documentation.

To export: Right-click a tab, whether a Part Studio, Assembly, or Drawing, then select Export.

Exports run in the background, so you can keep working while large batches are processed.

You can also export individual parts directly from within Part Studios or Assemblies.

Use the Tab Manager to export multiple elements at once, making it easier to prepare deliverables for collaboration or production.

For a detailed walkthrough, see this Tech Tip on multi-tab exporting.

Note: You can export data from multiple locations, including search results, the structure view, within documents, release candidates, and Publications.

Export Settings

When exporting, you can set the file format (STEP, IGES, STL, DWG, PDF, and more), choose a file name, specify units and resolution, and adjust other options.

Previously saved export presets can be loaded instantly to speed up repetitive workflows.

Export rules can also be applied to automatically name files and control other aspects of the output. For a detailed walkthrough on setting up export rules, see this Tech Tip on using export rules effectively.

Exporting MBD Data to STEP (AP242)

Model-Based Definition (MBD) data can be exported from Onshape to STEP AP242 while preserving annotations.

• Enable “Export models oriented Y axis up”.
• For large models, enable “Use custom annotation text height for MBD export” and set an appropriate text height.
• Geometric tolerances with multiple frames are exported with upper text linked to the top frame and lower text to the bottom frame.

Sharing and Publishing

Thanks to Onshape’s native cloud infrastructure, you can give others access to your work directly within the platform. You can share the entire document with collaborators, granting them access to all elements, or use Publications to selectively share specific elements while restricting access to the rest of the document.

To learn more about how to publish and control access to elements, check out this Tech Tip on using Publications.