Software · head to head
OnShape vs Inventor
The short version
- Only OnShape has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: OnShape the free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private; Inventor autodesk publishes no licence price through UK G-Cloud: every listing found there is reseller delivered training at 750 to 1,500 pounds per day rather than software licensing, and neither AWS Marketplace nor GSA carries the product
- They diverge on capability: OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Inventor covers Parametric modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which OnShape and Inventor actually diverge.
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in OnShape
- Cloud-native CAD
- Real-time collaboration
- Version control
- Part studios
- Assemblies
- Drawings
- FeatureScript
- Mobile access
Only in Inventor
- Parametric modeling
- Assembly design
- Sheet metal
- Simulation
- Rendering
- Technical documentation
- Frame generator
- AutoCAD
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
OnShape
- Cloud based parametric CAD without local workstation installsnot Inventor
- Collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documentsnot Inventor
Inventor
- Mechanical designnot OnShape
- Product developmentnot OnShape
- Manufacturing documentationnot OnShape
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
OnShape
- The free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private
- The Standard plan is $1,500 per user per year and Professional $2,500
- Simulation, rendering, CAM and advanced PDM all require the Professional plan
- SSO, analytics and advanced administration are Enterprise only with no published price
Inventor
- Autodesk publishes no licence price through UK G-Cloud: every listing found there is reseller delivered training at 750 to 1,500 pounds per day rather than software licensing, and neither AWS Marketplace nor GSA carries the product
Pricing, plan by plan
OnShape
Free- FreeFree
- Limited features
- Public documents
- Standard$1500/month
- Private documents
- Full features
- Professional$2100/month
- Advanced simulation
- Enterprise features
Inventor
$29/month- Inventor$2085/month
- Full mechanical design
- Simulation
- Documentation
- Product Design & Manufacturing Collection$2475/month
- Inventor + AutoCAD + more
Which should you pick?
Choose OnShape if
- You need cloud-native cad.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, IOS, Android.
- You also want real-time collaboration.
Choose Inventor if
- You need parametric modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want assembly design.
Questions people ask
- Is OnShape or Inventor better?
- Neither clearly leads. OnShape starts at Free and Inventor at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, OnShape or Inventor?
- OnShape has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OnShape and $29/month for Inventor.
- Does OnShape or Inventor run on more platforms?
- OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android. Inventor runs on Windows.
- Can I use OnShape for free?
- Yes. OnShape has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Inventor starts at $29/month.
- What is OnShape best used for?
- OnShape is most often used for cloud based parametric cad without local workstation installs, collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documents. Of those, cloud based parametric cad without local workstation installs and collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documents are not what Inventor is typically brought in for.
- What can OnShape do that Inventor cannot?
- OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios. Inventor covers Parametric modeling, Assembly design, Sheet metal, Simulation.