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Software · head to head

OnShape vs PrusaSlicer

OnShape logo

OnShape

Software

Full-cloud 3D CAD platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PrusaSlicer logo

PrusaSlicer

Software

Feature-rich 3D printing slicer

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; PrusaSlicer limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • They diverge on capability: OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OnShape and PrusaSlicer actually diverge.

Attributes where OnShape and PrusaSlicer differ
AttributeOnShapePrusaSlicer
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2012).

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 PrusaSlicer

  • Automatic supports
  • Multi-material
  • Variable layer height
  • Custom G-code
  • Paint-on supports
  • Ironing
  • Prusa printers
  • Most FDM printers

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

PrusaSlicer

  • Preparation of STL models for 3D printingnot OnShape
  • Multi-material printing preparationnot OnShape
  • G-code generation and customisation via macrosnot 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

PrusaSlicer

  • Limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • Designed for RepRap-based printers; compatibility with other printer architectures varies

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

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer 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 PrusaSlicer if

  • You need automatic supports.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want multi-material.
PrusaSlicer review

Questions people ask

Is OnShape or PrusaSlicer better?
Neither clearly leads. OnShape starts at Free and PrusaSlicer at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OnShape or PrusaSlicer?
OnShape starts at Free and PrusaSlicer at Free.
Does OnShape or PrusaSlicer run on more platforms?
OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android. PrusaSlicer runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
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 PrusaSlicer is typically brought in for.
What can OnShape do that PrusaSlicer cannot?
OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios. PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code.
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