# Onshape vs OpenFOAM Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Onshape excels in user experience, with many praising its intuitive interface and ease of access. Users appreciate that it operates entirely within the browser, allowing them to work from any device without the need for heavy installations, which is a significant advantage for those who prefer flexibility.
- **According to verified reviews** , Onshape's support quality stands out, with users noting quick response times from the help center. One user mentioned that they typically receive replies within a day, which enhances their overall satisfaction and confidence in the software.
- **Users say** that OpenFOAM offers great customization options and is a cost-effective solution since it is open-source and free. This flexibility appeals to users who want to modify the software to fit their specific needs, particularly in academic or research settings.
- **Reviewers mention** that Onshape's collaborative features are a strong point, with everything centralized for easy tracking. This is particularly beneficial for teams, as it simplifies project management and enhances productivity.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that while OpenFOAM is powerful for fluid analysis, it may not be as user-friendly as Onshape. Users have noted that the learning curve can be steep, which might deter those looking for a more straightforward solution.
- **According to recent feedback** , Onshape's high ratings in ease of use and setup make it a preferred choice for small businesses. Users appreciate the straightforward onboarding process, which allows them to get started quickly without extensive training.



| | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 695 | 35 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (79.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (63.6% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $1,500.00 1 User Per Year | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Onshape

Pros:
- Ease of Use (28 reviews)
- Collaboration (22 reviews)

Cons:
- Missing Features (18 reviews)
- Lack of Features (10 reviews)

### OpenFOAM

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.4 (597 reviews) | 8.0 (26 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 9.0 (601 reviews) | 6.7 (26 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.3 (179 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 9.1 (127 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 9.3 (587 reviews) | 6.1 (21 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.3 (126 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.5 (578 reviews) | 6.1 (24 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Onshape

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Onshape Standard

Price: $1,500.00 1 User Per Year

Description: For the individual user or small team who only needs basic data management.

Key Features:
- Part & Assembly Modeling
- Drawings
- Runs on Web & Mobile

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### OpenFOAM

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Onshape** | 8.4/10 | 240 |
| **OpenFOAM** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.8 (233 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Modeling** | 9.3 (236 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Visualize ** | 9.0 (231 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 7.4 (194 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.6 (230 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.1 (195 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Views** | 8.9 (225 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Grips ** | 7.9 (198 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.2 (211 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.3 (221 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.1 (204 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Onshape** | 7.9/10 | 169 |
| **OpenFOAM** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **STL Compatible** | 8.6 (160 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3MF Compatible** | 7.9 (78 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **OBJ Compatible** | 7.9 (100 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mesh Repair** | 6.0 (84 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Editing** | 8.4 (125 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Standalone Slicer** | 5.7 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | 8.8 (130 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cloud-based Platform** | 9.6 (160 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Downloadable Application** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Material Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Building Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Slicing Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Product Data Management (PDM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Onshape** | 8.5/10 | 48 |
| **OpenFOAM** | N/A | N/A |

#### Metadata

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Repository** | 9.2 (40 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Taxonomy** | 7.8 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Types** | 8.4 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Data Management

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Version Control** | 9.2 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Alignment** | 8.3 (40 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Workflows** | 8.3 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Lifecycle** | 8.0 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **AI Image-to-Text** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

### CAD Viewers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Onshape** | 8.7/10 | 155 |
| **OpenFOAM** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Options

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | 8.9 (146 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Export files** | 9.1 (147 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 2D files** | 8.1 (135 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 3D files** | 9.3 (145 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Batch convert files** | 7.8 (98 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 8.5 (133 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | 8.8 (149 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Change units** | 9.1 (142 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | 9.1 (145 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Design

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.7 (150 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Onshape** | N/A | N/A |
| **OpenFOAM** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Schematic editor** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Component placement** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Library

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Layers** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Customization

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom interface** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Onshape** | 6.8/10 | 23 |
| **OpenFOAM** | 6.9/10 | 16 |

#### Design

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.0 (22 reviews) | 6.2 (11 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 8.7 (23 reviews) | 6.1 (11 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | 6.8 (11 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | 7.7 (22 reviews) | 7.1 (12 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | 3.7 (22 reviews) | 8.8 (13 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | 5.8 (22 reviews) | 6.5 (8 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | 5.6 (20 reviews) | 6.3 (8 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | 5.3 (20 reviews) | 6.7 (8 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | 4.4 (20 reviews) | 6.9 (9 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | 6.0 (19 reviews) | 7.1 (8 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | 4.8 (20 reviews) | 6.4 (7 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | 6.8 (19 reviews) | 6.9 (9 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.0 (18 reviews) | 7.1 (8 reviews) | 
| **Task** | 8.1 (17 reviews) | 6.8 (10 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.3 (17 reviews) | 7.4 (7 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | 8.4 (18 reviews) | 7.2 (12 reviews) | 

### Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Onshape** | 7.7/10 | 17 |
| **OpenFOAM** | N/A | N/A |

#### New Product Introduction

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Ideation** | 8.0 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Time-to-market** | 8.0 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Cost estimating** | 6.9 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Product approval** | 8.2 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### CAD

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **CAD Models** | 9.3 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD Options** | 8.0 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Conversion** | 8.3 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Supplier alignment** | 7.9 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Communication** | 8.3 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Development** | 8.5 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Document Management** | 8.5 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Product Data Management

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Product Metadata** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Data Quality** | 8.2 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Version Control** | 8.5 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Bill of Materials

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **BOM management** | 8.8 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-level BOM** | 8.8 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **BOM Types** | 8.5 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **BOM visualization** | 8.1 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Engineering Change Management

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **ECR Workflows** | 8.5 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Change Management** | 8.5 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **ECO Management** | 8.0 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Simulation

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Virtual Testing** | 6.3 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Analysis** | 6.4 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Optimization** | 6.8 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Analytics

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Reporting** | 7.0 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Costing** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Product Intelligence** | 7.1 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Quality management

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Quality planning** | 6.8 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Traceability** | 6.7 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance** | 6.9 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integration

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **ERP** | 6.9 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **MES** | 6.1 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **PIM** | 6.7 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Maintenance** | 7.4 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **AI Image-to-Text** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Onshape** | 8.5/10 | 39 |
| **OpenFOAM** | N/A | N/A |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 8.9 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 7.5 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 8.2 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.9 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 7.1 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 9.1 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | 8.6 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.6 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 8.9 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 8.7 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | 8.6 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | 8.6 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | 8.1 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | 8.2 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.9 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | 8.5 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.6 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 9.1 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae)

**Unique to Onshape (8):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Product Data Management (PDM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-data-management-pdm), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Onshape | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 79.0% | 63.6% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 16.7% | 18.2% | 
| **Enterprise** | 4.3% | 18.2% | 

### By Industry

#### Onshape

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 19.7%
- **Design:** 10.1%
- **Medical Devices:** 6.5%
- **Machinery:** 6.2%
- **Industrial Automation:** 5.7%
- **Consumer Goods:** 4.8%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 4.6%
- **Automotive:** 3.8%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 3.5%
- **Manufacturing:** 2.9%
- **Other:** 32.2%

#### OpenFOAM

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 30.3%
- **Automotive:** 18.2%
- **Research:** 12.1%
- **Higher Education:** 9.1%
- **Oil & Energy:** 6.1%
- **Renewables & Environment:** 3.0%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 3.0%
- **Government Administration:** 3.0%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 3.0%
- **Design:** 3.0%
- **Other:** 9.1%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Onshape

- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (644 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews)
- [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (600 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1008 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (256 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (192 reviews)

### Alternatives to OpenFOAM

- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (771 reviews)
- [SimScale](https://www.g2.com/products/simscale/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (282 reviews)
- [Ansys Fluent](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (122 reviews)
- [COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (36 reviews)
- [SolidWorks Flow Simulation](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-solidworks-flow-simulation/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (35 reviews)
- [Autodesk CFD](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-cfd/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (31 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (644 reviews)
- [GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/products/gnu-octave/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (55 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Onshape

- Title: [What is Onshape used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-onshape-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Collaboratively design products and solutions for problems using a browser on nearly any computer. Manage the data for the parts you design and prepare them..."
- Title: [When can we expect some better surfacing tools or plugins.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/when-can-we-expect-some-better-surfacing-tools-or-plugins) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You should really try some of the custom feature scripts like sculpt, Plane, 3D sketch and surface extend. Also, I'm sure there are more since I looked into it."
- Title: [Does this product have the capability to show stress/strain, show transfer of heat, and airflow?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/42157-does-this-product-have-the-capability-to-show-stress-strain-show-transfer-of-heat-and-airflow) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "No, only through partner apps"
- Title: [Onshape's 2D drawing platform doesn't let you make a sketch aside from line or spline.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/34202-onshape-s-2d-drawing-platform-doesn-t-let-you-make-a-sketch-aside-from-line-or-spline) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "It has many basic sketch features"
- Title: [What is the fastest way to deselect multiple items when zoomed into a design?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/33946-what-is-the-fastest-way-to-deselect-multiple-items-when-zoomed-into-a-design) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Tapping the Space Bar"

### OpenFOAM

- Title: [Is OpenFOAM free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-openfoam-free) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Yes! It's open source"
- Title: [What do you use as mesher? Are there free ones that are good for complex geometries?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/30233-what-do-you-use-as-mesher-are-there-free-ones-that-are-good-for-complex-geometries) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "I used snappyHexMesh to mesh a complicated geometry and it did well. Many like cfMesh too. If snappyHexMesh is used, can use blockMesh to generate background..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-openfoam)