Software · head to head
OnShape vs Modo
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; Modo foundry announced on November 7, 2024 that it is winding down development of Modo after the Modo 17.1 release, with no further feature or maintenance releases anticipated
- They diverge on capability: OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Modo covers Polygon modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which OnShape and Modo 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 Modo
- Polygon modeling
- Subdivision surfaces
- Sculpting
- UV tools
- Procedural modeling
- Rendering
- Animation
- MeshFusion
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 Modo
- Collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documentsnot Modo
Modo
- Polygon and subdivision surface modelling for media and entertainment assetsnot OnShape
- Look development and rendering of product and character modelsnot 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
Modo
- Foundry announced on November 7, 2024 that it is winding down development of Modo after the Modo 17.1 release, with no further feature or maintenance releases anticipated
- Support continues only until each customer's current contract term expires
- Foundry does not guarantee that Modo will keep working on future operating system updates because no patches will be issued, and recommends customers migrate to alternative 3D workflows
- Perpetual licences keep working but receive no further updates, bug fixes or support
- The Modo forums closed in December 2024 and downloads, docs and the support knowledgebase were committed only until November 2025
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
Modo
$29/month- Indie$599/month
- Full Modo
- Revenue limit $100K
- Modo$1898/month
- Full commercial license
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 Modo if
- You need polygon modeling.
- You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- You also want subdivision surfaces.
Questions people ask
- Is OnShape or Modo better?
- Neither clearly leads. OnShape starts at Free and Modo at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, OnShape or Modo?
- OnShape has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OnShape and $29/month for Modo.
- Does OnShape or Modo run on more platforms?
- OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android. Modo runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- Can I use OnShape for free?
- Yes. OnShape has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Modo 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 Modo is typically brought in for.
- What can OnShape do that Modo cannot?
- OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios. Modo covers Polygon modeling, Subdivision surfaces, Sculpting, UV tools.