Real-Time Collaboration: Why Onshape Redefines Teamwork in CAD

Modern engineering moves fast – and teams that can’t collaborate instantly risk falling behind. Traditional CAD systems, like SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Inventor, were designed for single-user, file-based workflows. That means engineers are often forced to wait, check out files, and merge changes manually, creating a constant drag on productivity.

Onshape, the first fully cloud-native CAD and PDM platform, eliminates those barriers. It gives engineering teams the ability to design together, in real time, from anywhere in the world – just like working in Google Docs, but for complex 3D design.

Work Together, Not in Sequence

In traditional CAD, only one person can safely edit a file at a time. Others must wait, check out copies, or risk overwriting each other’s work.

With Onshape, multiple users can open the same document simultaneously and see every update as it happens. Whether you’re adjusting geometry, reviewing sketches, or commenting on assemblies, everyone stays perfectly in sync.

No file check-ins. No version conflicts. Just true real-time collaboration.

TECH TIP: Simultaneous Editing, Sharing and Real-Time Collaboration in Onshape

Automatic Alignment Across Your Team

Keeping everyone up to date is a constant headache in file-based CAD. Each workstation may be running a different software version, leading to compatibility issues, lost data, and wasted time.

Because Onshape is cloud-native, every user is automatically on the latest release. Updates happen seamlessly. No installs, patches, or IT downtime required. Your entire team always works from the same current version, ensuring a single source of truth.

Cross-Functional Visibility by Default

Sharing designs in traditional CAD typically means emailing files, using shared drives, or exporting neutral formats, all of which create duplicates and security risks.

Onshape makes sharing effortless and secure. You can grant controlled access to internal teammates or external partners with a few clicks, specifying whether they can view, comment, or edit.

Need stakeholder input? Onshape’s built-in commenting and task assignment tools let reviewers give feedback directly on the model, keeping conversations organized and projects moving forward.

READ: Key Benefits and Use Cases for Onshape Tasks

Inclusive Collaboration for Every Stakeholder

One of the biggest challenges with traditional CAD systems is limited licensing, making it difficult for non-engineers to participate in design reviews.

Onshape solves that by allowing you to invite users without licenses for view-only access. Marketing, manufacturing, and management can all see the latest design instantly, from any browser, without additional software or installations.

This openness makes collaboration more inclusive and eliminates bottlenecks caused by software access or version mismatches.

TECH TIP: Adding ‘View Only’ Users to Onshape Professional Data

Why Real-Time Collaboration Matters

• No file check-in or check-out
• No overwriting or conflicting edits
• Instant access for every stakeholder
• Seamless updates – no installs or patches
• Live feedback and task tracking

With Onshape, your team moves faster, communicates better, and makes decisions in real time. Collaboration isn’t a feature, but the foundation.

The Future of Team-Based Design

Traditional CAD tools were built for a world where engineers worked alone on local machines. Onshape was built for a world where teams design together, across disciplines and time zones, with instant visibility into every change.

No emails, no waiting, no confusion – just synchronized, connected design.

Work smarter. Work faster. Work together.

Ready to Collaborate Without Limits?

Experience the difference of true real-time collaboration. Discover how Onshape’s cloud-native CAD connects your entire team and keeps your projects moving securely, efficiently, and in sync.

Try Onshape or explore the Onshape Learning Center to see how modern engineering teams collaborate without boundaries.