Part Design
Onshape delivers collaborative parametric modeling methods for solid, surface, frame, and sheet metal part designs.
Onshape delivers collaborative parametric modeling methods for solid, surface, frame, and sheet metal part designs.
What is a parametric design?
Parametric design is a process that enables the expression of parameters and rule-defining relationships among design elements. It's widely used in engineering and design, allowing for the rapid generation and modification of complex geometries and structures. This design method hinges on the principle that changing a parameter updates the design automatically, thereby enhancing efficiency and versatility in the design process. This is taken a step further with the Onshape “Part Studio” approach, where part relationships can be made in a cohesive and flexible manner.
Key Features
Part Studio Benefits
Onshape's Part Studios environment enhances parametric design, enabling the creation and editing of parts, surfaces, and sketches. It simplifies early design stages by using a single parametric history for reliable part relationships, facilitating top-down design. Parts from Part Studios integrate seamlessly into assemblies, BOMs, Release Management, and more.

Custom Features
Speed up your design process with Custom Features in Onshape. Automate complex or repetitive tasks using features written in FeatureScript. Create your own or integrate others into your toolbar for team-wide use.

Robust Features
Onshape's robust parametric design features streamline your workflow by performing multiple operations in one, cutting down on feature count. Choose features for solid, surface, frame, sheet metal design, and more as your product comes to fruition. Then easily preview a change's impact on the model before committing.

Risk-Free Design
Onshape's built-in PDM enables collaborative Part Studio design in real-time, while branch and merge and the “infinite undo” abilities support risk-free experimentation. Only Onshape provides a genuine cloud-native experience for product development to ensure design optimization.

Mixed Modeling
Discover the versatility of Onshape's Mixed Modeling, a powerful tool blending parametric and direct modeling. Effortlessly switch between methods to suit your design needs, enhancing flexibility and efficiency. Ideal for both precise, rule-based work, and quick intuitive modifications, Onshape's Mixed Modeling unifies your design process in a single environment. Perfect for engineers and designers seeking agile, adaptable modeling solutions.

Explore More
Kickstart your upcoming design project with our handpicked collection of Tech Tips and instructional videos, crafted by our very own experts.
4 Ways Part Studios Improve Design Speed
08.29.2023
Watch this video to learn how Onshape's Part Studios differs from traditional multi-part approaches, offering you a unified environment to manage multiple parts.
Watch Now
4 Ways Onshape Configurations Save Time
08.31.2023
Onshape's approach to configurations has always been different. Say goodbye to spreadsheets, leverage unlimited variability, and share your configured products with a link.
Watch Now
Tech Tip: Mastering Sheet Metal Bend Calculations in Onshape
11.21.2023
In this Tech Tip, we will explore the various bend calculation options available for sheet metal, namely K Factor, bend allowance, and bend deduction, and guide you on when to use each.
Read Tech Tip
Tech Tip: How to Use Parts to Quickly Build Frames
04.11.2023
Did you know the Onshape Frame tool allows you to select the edges of parts and surfaces? Learn about it in today’s Tech Tip.
Read Tech Tip
Tech Tip: How to Import and Edit 3D CAD Geometry in Onshape
09.12.2023
This Tech Tip explains how to import and edit CAD file formats, like STEP, IGES, or Parasolid, in Onshape.
Read Tech Tip
Tech Tip: Converting Legacy Sheet Metal in Onshape
09.21.2021
Learn how to convert old legacy sheet metal into Sheet Metal parts that you can unfold in Onshape.
Read Tech Tip
Learn how easy Parts Design in Onshape can be
The Learning Center is the destination for anyone seeking comprehensive, interactive training, offering a blend of self-paced learning, instructor-led courses, and hands-on exercises to enhance your design skills.



Onshape’s FeatureScript is game-changing for us. This is something I've never seen in any other CAD system. Our software engineers can create our own custom CAD features that are unique and suited just for our applications.
