SolidWorks vs OnShape

Not sponsored. Just my experience.

This one is more for my fellow designers out there. I’ve been using SolidWorks since 2009 (and PTC Wildfire before that). I’d like to think I’m quite proficient with it. Most of the projects in my Showcase were created in SolidWorks. But after 16 years, I’ve officially made the switch to OnShape, a cloud-based 3D CAD platform, and I’m not looking back.

This wasn’t an easy decision. Many, many reviews were read, and I trialled OnShape solidly for 6 months before making the switch. SolidWorks has been a foundational tool in my career, and it’s still a powerful platform. I have it so well setup that its now muscle memory. But with the way I work, and the projects I work on - and the way the industry is evolving with AI - called for a more agile, collaborative, and essentially cloud-native tool. Here’s why OnShape now fits my workflow better:

1. Cloud-Native Workflow

No installs. This cannot be overstated, how simple this makes things. No licenses tied to specific machines. OnShape runs entirely in the browser. I can pick up right where I left off on any device, whether I’m at my desk, on a train, at a client site, or on holiday (do not encourage this). No more version mismatches, file corruption, or clunky VPN access to remote servers.

2. No More Crashes

Maybe this should be number 1. I no longer need to worry about software updates, hardware issues, or crashing workstations. I’ve not had one crash in OnShape since the day I started using it. It was a daily ritual in SolidWorks. OnShape’s updates happen automatically, every few weeks. And by and large, they seem to be good, useful feature updates! And everything runs in the cloud. For a solo designer (or small team), that’s massive time and cost savings.

3. It’s Built for Collaboration

One of the most frustrating parts of working with clients and remote teams in SolidWorks was managing files - versions, copies, email attachments, Dropbox links, etc. OnShape eliminates that entirely. Everyone can work in the same document, in real-time, with full version control and a clear design history. The versioning capability in itself is brilliant. It’s like Google Docs for CAD, and that’s a game-changer.

4. A More Agile CAD Experience

OnShape’s modelling function is comparable to SolidWorks, but its interface is simpler, faster, and arguably more intuitive (once you get the hand of it). Especially for multi-part modelling and complex assemblies, although mates in assemblies required some new learning, (I tend to now create the mate connectors in the part, where applicable, before assembling). BOMs are better, and update always. Material are easier to manage. Even global variables are now managed better. And FeatureScript (custom feature creation) opens new doors for design automation.

5. Client Transparency

I can now give clients real-time access to their project progress. No more screen-shared walkthroughs or exported screenshots (which take forever). Clients can log in and explore the model directly (in view-only or comment mode). It creates trust and keeps projects moving.

As a freelance industrial designer, I’m always looking for ways to deliver better results, faster, more collaboratively, and with fewer roadblocks. Switching to OnShape has made my workflow more responsive, modern, and scalable. While SolidWorks still has its place, especially in certain enterprise settings, OnShape is clearly the future for freelancers and small teams who need to move fast without compromising quality.

So what does that mean for you, as a client?

Faster Turnarounds

Because OnShape is cloud-native, I can design anywhere, anytime, whether I’m in the studio or on the move. This flexibility translates into quicker iteration cycles and faster delivery of prototypes, revisions, and final designs.

Real-Time Collaboration

No more waiting for file exports or email attachments. With OnShape, you get secure, real-time access to your project. You can view progress, leave comments, and stay in the loop throughout the design process, without needing any special software.

Clearer Communication

Whether you’re a technical stakeholder or completely new to CAD, OnShape makes it easy to review 3D models online. I can walk you through changes live, or you can explore designs on your own time.

Reliable and Secure

Because everything is stored and backed up in the cloud, there are no risks of lost files or version conflicts. You’ll always be reviewing the most current design, without the hassle.

Designed Around Your Feedback

The switch to OnShape lets me work faster and stay more agile. That means I can respond to your input quickly, test ideas efficiently, and keep your project moving forward without delays.

In short: You get faster results, clearer communication, and a smoother design experience.

If you're exploring a new product idea or need support with concept development, prototyping, or production-ready CAD, I’d love to show you what working together in OnShape can look like.

And if you're a designer considering making the switch yourself, feel free to reach out, I’d be happy to share more about my experience.

---

Lucas Lastman

Freelance Industrial Designer Melbourne | CAD Minimalist | Collaboration-Obsessed