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Software · head to head

OnShape vs OpenSCAD

OnShape logo

OnShape

Software

Full-cloud 3D CAD platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenSCAD logo

OpenSCAD

Software

The programmers solid 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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; OpenSCAD script-based workflow, not interactive design interface
  • They diverge on capability: OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OnShape and OpenSCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where OnShape and OpenSCAD differ
AttributeOnShapeOpenSCAD
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly
Founded20122009

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 OpenSCAD

  • Script-based modeling
  • CSG operations
  • 2D to 3D extrusion
  • Parameterization
  • STL export
  • Preview
  • 3D printers
  • Slicers

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

OpenSCAD

  • Parametric 3D design for manufacturing and 3D printingnot OnShape
  • Technical design with scripted control over geometrynot OnShape
  • Procedural model generationnot 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

OpenSCAD

  • Script-based workflow, not interactive design interface
  • Limited to constructive solid geometry and 2D extrusion modelling
  • Not suitable for artistic 3D modelling or computer animation
  • Complex build dependencies (Qt, CGAL, Boost)

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

OpenSCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD review.

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 OpenSCAD if

  • You need script-based modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly.
  • You also want csg operations.
OpenSCAD review

Questions people ask

Is OnShape or OpenSCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. OnShape starts at Free and OpenSCAD at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OnShape or OpenSCAD?
OnShape starts at Free and OpenSCAD at Free.
Does OnShape or OpenSCAD run on more platforms?
OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android. OpenSCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly.
Can I use OnShape for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 OpenSCAD is typically brought in for.
What can OnShape do that OpenSCAD cannot?
OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios. OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization.
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