Onshape vs Inventor

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Our analysts compared Onshape vs Inventor based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Manufacturing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Inventor Software Tool

Product Basics

Onshape is a cloud solution that integrates CAD, data management, real-time collaboration and KPI management. It connects stakeholders, business executives, product designers and other key players in one centralized location to share updates seamlessly. It stores designs and tracks every change made.

It includes data management, workflow, parts, analytics and reporting. It establishes email and alert triggers. It offers concurrent BOM creating, managing and editing.
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Inventor is a Windows-based CAD solution with mechanical 3D designing, documentation and product simulation modules. It intertwines parametric, direct and other design protocols in one centralized place. It enables collaboration with key players across the company with the ability to use any CAD tool.

It includes drawing creation, parametric modeling, sheet metal and instant frame design. It employs particular accessories needed for sheet metals, frame blueprints, tubing and piping. It can also merge with other modules to complete mechanical and BIM assignments.
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$1,500/User, Annually
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$310 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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On-Premise
Mobile
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Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
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Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Expedites Market Times: Experiment with design substitutes as a group or individually to allocate and deliberate on feedback. When approved, share designs with manufacturers and suppliers quickly to meet production and deadlines, boosting productivity and customer satisfaction. 
  • Enhances File Protection: Upkeep design version histories and activate role-based authorization controls to protect creations. All associated designers, engineers, contractors and suppliers gain specific permissions and rights. 
  • Keeps Everyone on the Same Page: Any team member around the world can make the most minor design change. Everyone involved in the project will know about changes in real time, reducing communication silos and pricey mistakes. 
  • Simplifies Data: Obtain straightforward tables and charts to evaluate design actions, file admissions and project and resource management. Pinpoint and fix bottlenecks, track work hours and distribute resources more efficiently. 
  • Specializes Filters: Examine CAD drawings with part, surface, assembly or sketch views on one or several sheets. Annotate designs with ANSI and ISO drawing regulations to ensure plans are up to par. 
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  • Cloud-Based Design Evaluations: Garner constructive criticism from vital stakeholders and collaborators in real time from any location to save time and boost productivity. 
  • A Single Data Model: Follow the complete product development procedure via one data model instead of accessing more interfaces. 
  • Automation: Conduct designs, recordkeeping and processing automatically via iLogic to diminish manual entries and human errors. 
  • Cloud Operations: Implement the forge design automation API to carry out jobs via the cloud instead of relying on company servers. 
  • Distinguished Tools: Initiate specialized modules for tubing, piping, sheet metals and other materials to handle them with special care. 
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  • Data Management
    • Release Management and Approval Workflows: Unleash locations, validations and archives of multiple design files in minutes rather than hours. Reference contents for any specific release for any timeframe.
    • Real-Time Analytics: Employ the activity overview dashboard to gain a simplified review of employee or external vendor information. Make better thought-out decisions when issuing resources. 
    • Edit History: Govern infinite undo and redo options during any phase of the editing process. Gain a thorough list of performed actions made to the drawing document and return to an earlier version as necessary. 
    • Compare: See design modifications in written and visual forms and compare two versions side by side. 
  • Collaboration
    • Branching and Merging: Discover variant designs with branches from the core blueprint. Combine the ideal traits of various plans into one drawing. 
    • Live Comments/Assigning Tasks: Share comments within the design document seamlessly. Delegate tasks to specific employees or a team rapidly. 
    • Markups: Mark up designs and parts in one place easily without clarification emails. 
  • Workflow
    • Automatic Part Number Creation: Utilize sequential part numbering automatically. When a new object is released, the following part number appears. Replicated numbers are blocked. 
    • Automation: Use automatic workflows to supervise all approval and revision control part phases. Automate assemblies, blueprints and imported documents and develop tailored workflows explicitly linked to business processes. 
    • Non-Blocking Releases: Develop and release candidates for verification without blocking projects from further editing. 
  • Part Studio
    • FeatureScript: Execute intricate rules based on recurring design assignments to expedite designing operations. Write and share custom features with other teammates. 
    • Import Data: Upload multiple CAD files, including STEP, Parasolid, SOLIDWORKS, JT, CATIA, NX, Creo and Inventor. 
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  • Product Design
    • Parametric Modeling: Access a perceptive interface to maintain concentration on creating and editing 3D models. 
    • Assembly Modeling: Review how designs will adhere during the assembly stage. 
    • Drawing Creation: Produce clear, precise, in-depth manufacturing drawings swiftly. 
  • Collaboration
    • Shared View Collaboration: Cooperate with others on models and designs through the internet. Review and comment on shared views and filters. 
    • Non-Native Data: Upkeep related links with non-native CAD information. 
    • BIM Interoperability: Transform CAD models into BIM objects effortlessly. 
  • Design Automation
    • Design Configurations: Permit quick customizations via iLogic. 
    • Automated Frame Design: Craft and assess frame structures rapidly. 
    • Sheet Metal: Build and plan intricate sheet metal products for manufacturing. 
  • Modeling
    • Model-Based Definition: Add manufacturing details in 3D models for downstream programs. 
    • Content Center: Pick standard elements from an adjustable library. 
    • Shape Generator: Develop and analyze high-quality design choices instantly. 
    • Direct Modeling: Establish push/pull controls to shift, rotate, rescale or expand details from other shapes. 
  • Connected Data
    • Printed Circuit Board Interoperability: Merge electronics with mechanical blueprints in a centralized complete product definition. 
    • Data Management: Alter, grow or downsize models with the ideal pull or push tools efficiently. 
  • Simulation and Visualization
    • Simulation: Assess designs with motions, speed and other conditions. 
    • Stress Analysis: Perform fast part checks or product performance evaluations during any product lifecycle phase. 
    • Views and Animations: Employ several filters and animations for intricate product assemblies in reports, manuals and assembly instructions. 
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Product Ranking

#26

among all
Manufacturing Software

#36

among all
Manufacturing Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 595 reviews
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90%
of users recommend this product

Onshape has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 595 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

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4.49 (297)
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4.5 (298)
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Awards

Onshape stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Version Control: Eliminates the need for manual file management, ensuring everyone on the team is always working with the latest design iteration. This streamlines collaboration and prevents version conflicts.
Cloud-Based: Provides access to design files from any location with an internet connection, enabling remote work and collaboration. This is particularly beneficial for teams with members in different geographic locations or those who travel frequently.
Parametric Modeling: Allows for easy modification of designs by changing parameters, such as dimensions or features. This makes it simple to explore different design options and iterate quickly.
Collaboration Tools: Offers features such as real-time co-editing and commenting, which facilitate communication and collaboration among team members. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that feedback is incorporated efficiently.
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Powerful Modeling: Inventor offers a robust set of tools for 3D mechanical design, including parametric, freeform, and direct modeling capabilities. This allows users to create complex parts and assemblies with a high degree of precision.
Comprehensive Documentation: Inventor excels in creating detailed 2D drawings and documentation directly from 3D models. This streamlines the design process and ensures that manufacturing has accurate information.
Integrated Simulation: Built-in simulation tools let engineers test their designs virtually for stress, strain, and other factors before any physical prototyping. This can save time and reduce costly errors.
Streamlined Workflow: Integration with other Autodesk products, like AutoCAD and Fusion 360, creates a unified ecosystem for design and manufacturing. This interoperability can significantly improve efficiency for businesses already invested in Autodesk solutions.
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Limited Offline Functionality: Onshape's cloud-based nature presents challenges for users with unreliable internet access or those who require offline editing capabilities, hindering productivity in certain work environments.
Learning Curve and Complexity: Onshape's extensive feature set and unique approach to parametric modeling can lead to a steep learning curve for new users accustomed to traditional CAD software, potentially requiring additional time investment for proficiency.
Performance Considerations: While Onshape generally performs well, users with complex assemblies or resource-intensive operations may experience occasional performance lags or delays, particularly when working on lower-spec systems or with limited internet bandwidth.
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Steep Learning Curve: New users often find it challenging to learn and navigate Inventor's extensive feature set, requiring significant time investment for proficiency.
Performance Issues: Large and complex models can lead to sluggish performance, including slow opening times, lag, and occasional crashes, impacting productivity.
File Compatibility: Inventor's compatibility with non-Autodesk file formats is limited, potentially causing difficulties when collaborating with external partners or clients using different CAD software.
High System Requirements: Running Inventor effectively, especially with complex models, necessitates a powerful computer with high-end specifications, which can translate to increased hardware costs.
Subscription Costs: Inventor's subscription-based pricing model, while offering flexibility, can become expensive, particularly for small businesses or freelancers who may not require constant access to all features.
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Get ready to "shape" your perspective on product development software! Onshape has been making waves in the industry, but is it the right fit for your needs? Let's dive into what users have been saying over the past year. Onshape's cloud-based nature is a major draw, offering seamless collaboration and version control that outshines traditional desktop-based CAD software like SolidWorks. Users rave about the real-time updates and the ability to work on projects simultaneously without stepping on each other's toes. The parametric modeling tools are also a hit, allowing for easy design modifications and iterations. However, some users find the interface less intuitive than other CAD software, leading to a steeper learning curve. Additionally, Onshape's reliance on a stable internet connection can be a drawback for those working in areas with unreliable connectivity. So, who is Onshape perfect for? Teams that prioritize collaboration and real-time design updates will find Onshape to be a game-changer. Its cloud-based platform and parametric modeling capabilities make it ideal for fast-paced environments where agility and version control are crucial. However, individuals or teams who prefer a more traditional CAD experience or those with limited internet access may want to explore other options.

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Can Inventor help users invent 3D models with ease, or will it leave them feeling lost in a digital labyrinth? User reviews from the last year suggest that Autodesk Inventor is a powerful and versatile 3D CAD software with a lot to offer, particularly for experienced users in mechanical engineering and related fields. Users consistently praise Inventor's robust feature set, highlighting its intuitive interface for solid modeling and assembly design. The software's ability to handle complex assemblies efficiently and generate detailed drawings is a significant plus. Additionally, its seamless integration with other Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD, is frequently cited as a major advantage, streamlining workflows for users already within the Autodesk ecosystem. However, there are some drawbacks. One common criticism is Inventor's steep learning curve, which can be intimidating for beginners. Some users have also reported occasional performance issues when working with very large or intricate models. Inventor's strengths lie in its professional-grade design and engineering solutions for 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization, and documentation. Its comprehensive features and intuitive interface make it well-suited for experienced users in fields such as mechanical engineering, product design, and manufacturing. However, its complexity and the occasional performance hiccups might pose challenges for beginners or those working with massive, resource-intensive models.

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