Softwr

CAD · head to head

OnShape vs Vectr

OnShape logo

OnShape

CAD

Full-cloud 3D CAD platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Vectr logo

Vectr

Design

Free vector graphics editor for everyone

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; Vectr performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs
  • They diverge on capability: OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Vectr covers Vector drawing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OnShape and Vectr actually diverge.

Attributes where OnShape and Vectr differ
AttributeOnShapeVectr
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook
CategoryCADDesign
Founded20122014

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

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
  • Version control
  • Part studios
  • Assemblies
  • Drawings
  • FeatureScript
  • Mobile access
  • Arena PLM

Only in Vectr

  • Vector drawing
  • Shape tools
  • Typography
  • Gradient tools
  • Cloud storage
  • Export options
  • Simple interface
  • Google Drive

Both cover

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Web support

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

Vectr

  • Logo designnot OnShape
  • Vector illustrationnot OnShape
  • Web graphicsnot OnShape
  • Learning 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

Vectr

  • Performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs
  • Limited advanced features: lacks some features available in paid tools like Adobe Illustrator including complex shape manipulation
  • Internet dependency: requires constant internet connection with no offline capabilities limiting use in unreliable connectivity areas
  • Limited export options: fewer export formats compared to other vector graphics software
  • Limited integration: does not offer seamless integration with other design tools and lacks third-party extension support

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

Vectr

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1GB storage
    • Basic tools
    • Limited AI credits
  • Plus$1.99/month
    • 1GB storage
    • 600 AI credits
    • Single-session access
  • Premium$4.99/month
    • 5GB storage
    • 2,400 AI credits
    • Three concurrent sessions

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 version control.
OnShape review

Choose Vectr if

  • You need vector drawing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook.
  • You also want shape tools.
Vectr review

Questions people ask

Is OnShape or Vectr better?
Neither clearly leads. OnShape starts at Free and Vectr at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OnShape or Vectr?
OnShape starts at Free and Vectr at Free.
Does OnShape or Vectr run on more platforms?
OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android. Vectr runs on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook.
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 Vectr is typically brought in for.
What can OnShape do that Vectr cannot?
OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Version control, Part studios, Assemblies. Vectr covers Vector drawing, Shape tools, Typography, Gradient tools. Both handle Real-time collaboration, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

OnShape: How much does Onshape cost?

Onshape Standard is $1,500 per user per year and Professional is $2,500 per user per year, both billed annually. Enterprise is quoted by sales. A free plan exists for non-commercial use.

Source
Vectr: Is Vectr free to use?

Vectr offers a free plan with 1GB storage, basic tools, and limited AI credits for essential vector editing. Paid Plus and Premium plans provide additional storage, AI credits, and concurrent sessions.

Source
OnShape: Is the free version of Onshape usable for commercial work?

No. Onshape states the free plan is for non-commercial use only, and every document created on it is publicly accessible. Private storage requires the Standard plan at $1,500 per user per year.

Source
Vectr: Can you collaborate in real-time with Vectr?

Yes, Vectr features built-in real-time collaboration with live workspace sharing through custom URLs and integrated chat for team communication, enabling distributed creative teamwork.

Source
OnShape: What does Onshape Professional add over Standard?

Professional adds company managed data, release management, advanced PDM, simulation, rendering, ECAD to MCAD exchange and CAM, for $2,500 per user per year against $1,500 for Standard.

Source
Vectr: Does Vectr require an internet connection?

Yes, Vectr requires constant internet connection as it is cloud-based. It does not have offline capabilities, which can be limiting for users in areas with unreliable connectivity.

Source
OnShape: Can I try Onshape Professional for free?

Onshape states that qualified professionals can try Onshape Professional free for up to 6 months through its Discovery Program, with no credit card required.

Source
Vectr: What file formats can you export from Vectr?

Vectr supports exporting in SVG, PNG, JPG, and Vectr SVG formats. Compared to other vector graphics software, export options are somewhat limited.

Source
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