What’s New: Query Variables, Notes Panel, PCB Tree

This update to Onshape delivers groundbreaking improvements to parametric design intent with Query Variables in Part Studios. It also includes highly requested drawing enhancements and a new Notes panel to capture and share design context more clearly.

CAD Improvements

Query Variables

The new Query variable tool allows you to create parametrically-defined selections. These selections are available to be used downstream as input selections in virtually all Onshape features. Since they automatically update and rebuild based on design changes to your model, they maintain design intent in ways that previously would not be possible.

Query variables are incredibly powerful, have wide-reaching use cases, and a large depth of functionality. Please be sure to review the Help Documentation for more information.

Derived Properties

When using Derive, there is now a checkbox to include properties from the derived part, and if they are not included, the properties are automatically cleared in the new Part.

Drawings Improvements

Trim Sketch

The new Trim tool in Drawings quickly cleans up excess geometry by trimming to intersections or removing entire entities and points.

Cosmetic Thread Properties

Onshape Drawings now includes controls for cosmetic thread style and appearance. Choose ANSI, ISO, or JIS standards, and adjust color or line thickness to match your templates.

Revision Table Callout Notification

Onshape Drawings now provides a blue notification when revision callouts are hidden. Right-click the revision row and select Show Revision Callouts to unhide them, giving you clear visibility and control.

Data Management Improvements

Document Notes

Document Notes bring design context directly into your work. Add text, Markdown, and links inside any document, and see the same notes on the Documents and Search page. Notes are for the entire Document, and are not version or workspace specific.

Import Improvements

When importing files in Onshape, you'll now find a more detailed status notification. This shows the specific steps required, and if an error occurs, you can more clearly understand where in the process it occurred.

DXF Export With Workspace Units Option

When exporting DWG and DXF files from Part Studios, there is now an option to use the workspace units. You can uncheck this option and choose any other units you prefer.

Workspace Update

When Onshape pushes a new release, all documents and workspaces must also be updated. This process is automatically completed in the hours just after the release. In fact, you may have noticed this statement at the bottom of our forum post always accounts for this by including the following statement:

Remember: The updates listed here are now live for all users when creating new Documents. Over the next few days, these features will also be available in Documents created before this update.

The upgrade process applies only to active workspaces, not older versions or workspaces. In cases like restoring or branching from an older version or workspace, a manual update option is available in the Document menu when needed. This option does not replace, nor is it a substitute for automatic document updates, which will still occur as normally scheduled after an Onshape update is released. It is only advised to use this option in the rare scenarios that it is required.

CAM Studio Improvements

Progressive Selection Filter for Holes

CAM Studio now includes powerful selection tools for machining. Quickly select all blind or through holes, then filter by diameter or depth to set up drilling operations faster.

New Machine Support

New posts available for these machines.

• Haas VF-2SSYT vertical mill
• Thermwood CS45 5 x 10 foot router

To have a post included in Onshape CAM Studio, simply file a support request.

PCB Studio Improvements

PCB Studio Tree

PCB Studio now displays a full feature tree for imported ECAD data. IDF data show boards, components, and keep-in/out areas, while IDX data also includes layers, stack-ups, and regions.

Please take a moment to try out these new features and improvements and leave your comments in the Onshape Forums post. For a detailed list of all the changes in this update, please see the changelog.

Remember: The updates listed here are now live for all users when creating new Documents. Over the next few days, these features will also be available in Documents created before this update.