How to Share CAD Files Without Exposing Your Intellectual Property

Sharing CAD data with external partners – suppliers, manufacturers, clients – is essential. But it's often a tightrope walk between effective collaboration and protecting your valuable intellectual property (IP). Traditional methods like emailing files or granting broad folder access can lead to version chaos and IP exposure. 

Onshape Publications offer a smarter way.

What Exactly Are Onshape Publications?

Think of an Onshape Publication as a secure, curated package of specific design information. Instead of sharing an entire, complex Onshape Document, you create a Publication containing only the elements you want to share:

• Specific Part Studios, Assemblies, or Drawings
• Relevant files like PDFs or images
  
  

All content in a Publication comes from a versioned Document or a formally released item. This means you're sharing a stable, immutable snapshot – not work-in-progress.

Recipients get view-only access, allowing them to inspect, measure, and review notes, but never alter the original design data or see its full history.

Why You Should Be Using Onshape Publications

The benefits of integrating Publications into your workflow are significant:

1. Bulletproof IP Control: This is paramount. Share only what's necessary. The "Insert Released Parts" feature is a game-changer, allowing you to share individual parts without revealing the entire Part Studio context or the sensitive feature history (how it was designed).
2. Simplified External Collaboration: Provide a clean, focused data package. External teams get exactly what they need, without navigating complex internal documents or seeing irrelevant information.
3. Crystal-Clear Communication: Because data is version-controlled and curated, the risk of using outdated or incorrect designs plummets. Everyone works from the same, approved information.
4. Precise Sharing & Access Control: Share with individuals, teams, or even via a public link. You can enforce export rules, deciding if recipients can download files (like STEP or PDF) from the Publication.
5. Always Up-to-Date (When You Want It To Be): If your source designs are updated (e.g., a new version or release), Onshape notifies you. You can then choose to update the Publication, ensuring your partners always have the latest approved data.
   
   

Getting Started is Easy

Creating a Publication is straightforward:

1. From your Onshape Documents page, click "Create" > "Publication."
2. Give it a clear name and description.
3. Populate it by inserting tabs (Part Studios, Assemblies, Drawings, files) from your versioned or released Onshape Documents.
4. Use Publication Notes (Markdown supported!) to add context, instructions, or specifications directly alongside the design data.

TECH TIP: Using Publications to Share Design Data

Publication Features to Leverage

• "Insert Released Parts": Your go-to for maximum IP protection when sharing individual components.
• Publication Notes: Provide essential context and instructions within the share.
• Export Controls: Decide if and what recipients can download.
• Update Mechanism: Keep shared data current with source design revisions.
  
  

Common Scenarios Perfect for Publications

• Technical Data Packages (TDPs) for Manufacturing: Bundle specific released parts, drawings, and manufacturing specs into one clear package.
• Design Reviews with Clients/Consultants: Share specific design views and drawings for feedback, capturing comments directly within the Publication if enabled.
• Request for Quotes (RFQs): Ensure all potential suppliers receive the exact same, controlled dataset.
  
  

Elevate Your Collaboration Strategy

Onshape Publications transform external data sharing from a risky necessity into a controlled, strategic advantage. You protect your IP, streamline communication, and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Ready to take control of your external design sharing? Explore Onshape Publications and experience a more secure and efficient way to collaborate.