Onshape’s Top 10 Best and Newest CAD Design Software Features of 2025

It’s that time of year again: Time for THE LIST of the 10 best new CAD design software features added to Onshape's already-robust capabilities.

2025 marked a pivotal year for Onshape, delivering 17 major releases packed with hundreds of improvements. From expanding core CAD capabilities to introducing entirely new functionalities, these updates demonstrate Onshape’s commitment to both depth and breadth of what’s possible within a cloud-native platform and beyond.

1. CAM Studio

CAM Studio brings professional-grade computer-aided manufacturing directly into Onshape's cloud-native environment. Available to Professional, Enterprise, and Education Enterprise users since late January, this fully integrated solution eliminates the traditional disconnect between design and manufacturing.

CAM Studio leverages Onshape’s cloud architecture to deliver computational power without taxing local machines. Generate complex toolpaths on a Chromebook with the same performance as a high-end workstation. The platform supports complete work-holding definitions, fixture modeling, and stock specifications all within Onshape’s familiar document structure.

Built-in verification and machine simulation capabilities set CAM Studio apart, allowing engineers to validate toolpaths against fixtures and simulate full machine kinematics before sending jobs to the shop floor.

2. Assembly Mirror

Engineers working on symmetric designs finally have the sophisticated mirroring capability. Assembly Mirror intelligently analyzes components to determine whether parts are symmetric (and can be transformed) or asymmetric (requiring new derived parts to be created).

The feature maintains complete parametric control and handles complex scenarios involving configurations and linked documents. Bills of materials remain accurate, with quantities correctly reflecting transformed versus derived components. The interface provides full override capability, letting you control exactly how each part behaves in the mirrored assembly.

Most importantly, Assembly Mirror is fully parametric. Edit your mirror operation later to add components or adjust strategies without starting from scratch.

3. Onshape Government

Defense and aerospace companies with ITAR compliance requirements now have a dedicated solution. Onshape Government runs on AWS GovCloud, providing the same powerful cloud-native CAD experience while meeting strict regulatory requirements for data storage and security.

While visually identical to standard Onshape, the backend infrastructure ensures compliance with government regulations, opening new markets and enabling secure collaboration on sensitive projects.

4. Onshape AI Advisor

Learning Onshape just got easier with real-time AI assistance built directly into the platform. Available since April in the Learning Center and integrated into documents since October, AI Advisor answers questions by searching through Onshape’s comprehensive learning materials.

Ask anything from basic operations (“How do I create an extrude?”) to complex workflows (“How do I prevent collisions in CAM Studio?”). The AI Advisor provides relevant answers with citations to source materials, letting you dive deeper into documentation, webinars, or tutorials as needed.

This feature represents the beginning of a new way of interacting with Onshape, with more AI-powered capabilities planned for 2026.

5. Query Variables

Query Variables fundamentally change how engineers approach parametric modeling. Instead of embedding arbitrary selections that become “magic numbers” in your feature list, Query Variables let you define logic-based selections that adapt automatically.

Define a variable to capture all solid bodies, all concave edges, or all components created by a specific feature. When your design changes, i.e., add more blades to a propeller, adjust configurations, features referencing Query Variables update automatically without error.

This approach mirrors software development best practices, making design intent clearer and models more robust. It’s what parametric modeling should have been doing all along.

6. Configuration Visibility

Onshape Configurations got even more powerful with the ability to apply rules and logic that control which options appear based on other selections. Create sophisticated product configurators entirely within Onshape, no third-party software required.

Define rules like “if the front spring is pink, only show these rear spring options.” Configuration visibility works seamlessly with Onshape’s existing configuration capabilities, enabling complex assemblies with millions of possible variations while maintaining accurate bills of materials and proper engineering relationships.

7. Constrained Surface

Scan-to-CAD workflows received a major boost with Constrained Surface, which converts mesh data (from 3D scans or OBJ files) into parametric surfaces. Select individual mesh points or entire meshes, set your tolerance, and generate surfaces that conform to your scanned geometry.

Applications range from creating custom-fit protective films to designing mounting solutions that match complex organic shapes. The resulting surfaces become parametric references you can use throughout your model, maintaining full control and editability.

8. Cosmetic Threads

Engineers can now see cosmetic thread representations directly in 3D model space. Creating tapped holes or external threads will automatically detect edge diameters, suggest appropriate fitting standards, and include options for chamfers and undercuts, all while displaying realistic thread geometry.

This feature goes beyond simple callouts, providing visual clarity that improves design communication and reduces manufacturing errors.

9. Parametric Sketching in Drawings

Creating annotations, keepout zones, or custom views in Drawings now works just like sketching in Part Studios. Use familiar sketch tools with full constraint and dimension capabilities to create parametric geometry at the drawing level.

Sketched elements update automatically when underlying views change, maintaining design intent and reducing manual rework on drawing updates.

10. Document Notes

Sometimes the simplest improvements make the biggest impact. Document Notes provides a built-in notepad that supports Markdown formatting, perfect for documenting design decisions, explaining configuration inputs, or leaving instructions for team members.

Users have embraced Document Notes for countless applications, from explaining pneumatic cylinder configurations to capturing design rationale. It’s an understated feature that has become surprisingly popular for improving collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Get Excited for 2026

Beyond these Top 10, Onshape delivered hundreds of additional improvements across PDM, drawings, simulation, rendering, and core CAD functionality. With 17 releases in 2025 alone, Onshape’s three-week development cycle continues to deliver consistent innovation.

2026 promises even more breakthroughs as Onshape builds on this foundation of cloud-native CAD excellence.