Seamless version control that works from day one.
Version control stands as one of the most essential — yet often cumbersome — features across CAD systems. In traditional CAD systems, versioning is treated as an add-on, requiring dedicated PDM systems, check-in/check-out procedures, and constant manual intervention.
But what if there was a better way?
The Magic of Built-In Version Control
Onshape redefines how designers and engineers approach version management. Unlike conventional systems, version control in Onshape isn't something you activate or implement — it's woven into the fabric of the platform itself.
From the moment you create your first sketch, every action you take is automatically tracked, stored, and made accessible. There's no save button to press, no files to manage, and no versioning system to configure. You simply design, and Onshape handles the rest.
How It Actually Works
When you sketch a simple profile, extrude a feature, or reposition a hole, Onshape records these actions in a comprehensive timeline. This creates what is essentially a "time machine" for your design process. Each change becomes a node in your version graph — a visual representation of your design's evolution.
This automatic versioning happens silently in the background, never interrupting your creative flow or engineering process. The system is so lightweight and efficient that you might forget it's even there — until you need it.
Practical Applications for Real Engineers
Let's consider some scenarios where Onshape's version control proves invaluable:
Design Comparison
Need to see what your model looked like last week? Or how it's changed since the initial concept? Simply access the version graph and use the compare tool to visualize differences side by side.
TECH TIP: Comparing Design Changes
Fearless Experimentation
Want to try a radical design change without committing to it? Make your changes freely, knowing you can always revert to earlier versions if needed. This freedom encourages innovation without the anxiety of "breaking" something important.
Streamlined Collaboration
Traditional PDM systems force engineers to check files in and out, creating bottlenecks and delays. With Onshape, changes are immediately available to team members. When you update a part, assemblies using that part are notified of the change, allowing for parallel workflows that dramatically accelerate development cycles.
Beyond Basic Versioning
Onshape's version control goes beyond simple change tracking. It creates a foundation for:
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Branch and Merge Workflows: Explore design alternatives in separate branches before merging the best ideas back into the main design.
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Release Management: Clearly mark approved versions for manufacturing or downstream processes.
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Audit Trails: Maintain complete documentation of who made what changes and when — critical for regulatory compliance in many industries.
The Bottom Line
Version control shouldn't be an afterthought or a separate system that adds complexity to your design process. With Onshape, it's just how design works — built-in, automatic, and powerful.
By embedding version control at the core of its architecture, Onshape frees engineers to focus on what matters: creating great designs. The platform handles the bookkeeping, so you can handle the innovation.
And it all starts with your very first sketch.
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