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Software · head to head

OnShape vs CATIA

OnShape logo

OnShape

Software

Full-cloud 3D CAD platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CATIA logo

CATIA

Software

World's leading solution for product design

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; CATIA pricing page discloses no figures and instead asks buyers to "Speak with a CATIA expert" or "Contact us" through a how-to-buy form, making pricing available only by quote
  • They diverge on capability: OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, CATIA covers Surface modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OnShape and CATIA actually diverge.

Attributes where OnShape and CATIA differ
AttributeOnShapeCATIA
Starting priceFree$29/month
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidWindows, Linux (some)
Founded20121981

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 CATIA

  • Surface modeling
  • Class A surfacing
  • Systems engineering
  • Simulation
  • Composites design
  • Electrical design
  • Knowledge-based engineering
  • ENOVIA PLM

Both cover

  • Enterprise security

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 CATIA
  • Collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documentsnot CATIA

CATIA

  • Complex surface designnot OnShape
  • Aerospace engineeringnot OnShape
  • Systems designnot 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

CATIA

  • Pricing page discloses no figures and instead asks buyers to "Speak with a CATIA expert" or "Contact us" through a how-to-buy form, making pricing available only by quote

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

CATIA

$29/month
  • Design$6600/month
    • Core design capabilities
  • Engineering$11000/month
    • Design + simulation
  • Experience$16500/month
    • Full suite with collaboration

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.
OnShape review

Choose CATIA if

  • You need surface modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux (some).
  • You also want class a surfacing.
CATIA review

Questions people ask

Is OnShape or CATIA better?
Neither clearly leads. OnShape starts at Free and CATIA at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OnShape or CATIA?
OnShape has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OnShape and $29/month for CATIA.
Does OnShape or CATIA run on more platforms?
OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android. CATIA runs on Windows, Linux (some).
Can I use OnShape for free?
Yes. OnShape has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. CATIA 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 CATIA is typically brought in for.
What can OnShape do that CATIA cannot?
OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios. CATIA covers Surface modeling, Class A surfacing, Systems engineering, Simulation. Both handle Enterprise security.
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