# Onshape vs SolidWorks PDM Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Onshape excels in user experience, with a highly intuitive interface that operates entirely within the browser. Users appreciate the ability to access their work from any device without the need for heavy software installations, making it ideal for those who prefer flexibility.
- **Users say** SolidWorks PDM provides a robust solution for file management, with all design files stored in a single controlled vault. This centralized approach helps users keep their projects organized and makes it easier to collaborate with team members on shared projects.
- **Reviewers mention** that Onshape's implementation process is notably quick and straightforward, with many users highlighting the effective onboarding support. The help center is praised for its responsiveness, often replying within a day, which enhances the overall user experience.
- **According to verified reviews** , SolidWorks PDM offers customizable electronic workflows that cater to various file types, which users find beneficial for maintaining an organized data structure. However, some users feel that the interface could be more user-friendly compared to Onshape's streamlined design.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** Onshape's superior support quality, with users noting that the platform is a reliable partner in business. The high ratings for support and product direction indicate that users feel confident in the ongoing development and assistance provided by Onshape.
- **Users report** that while SolidWorks PDM is effective for managing design files, it faces challenges in ease of setup and administration compared to Onshape. Many users find Onshape's setup process to be significantly easier, allowing them to focus more on their projects rather than technical hurdles.



| | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.2 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 695 | 81 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (79.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (50.0% 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)

### SolidWorks PDM

Pros:
- CAD Integration (1 reviews)
- Document Management (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Configuration Issues (1 reviews)
- Difficult Setup (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.4 (597 reviews) | 8.6 (60 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 9.0 (601 reviews) | 8.0 (61 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.3 (179 reviews) | 6.6 (23 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 9.1 (127 reviews) | 7.2 (20 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 9.3 (587 reviews) | 8.0 (55 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.3 (126 reviews) | 8.0 (20 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.5 (578 reviews) | 8.3 (56 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

### SolidWorks PDM

#### 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 |
| **SolidWorks PDM** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **SolidWorks PDM** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

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

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

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

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **SolidWorks PDM** | 8.0/10 | 46 |

#### Metadata

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Repository** | 9.2 (40 reviews) | 8.1 (40 reviews) | 
| **Taxonomy** | 7.8 (37 reviews) | 7.2 (28 reviews) | 
| **Types** | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 7.9 (35 reviews) | 

#### Data Management

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Version Control** | 9.2 (47 reviews) | 8.7 (38 reviews) | 
| **Alignment** | 8.3 (40 reviews) | 7.7 (28 reviews) | 
| **Workflows** | 8.3 (43 reviews) | 8.3 (37 reviews) | 
| **Lifecycle** | 8.0 (41 reviews) | 7.8 (35 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **SolidWorks PDM** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Options

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

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Onshape** | N/A | N/A |
| **SolidWorks PDM** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

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

#### Tools

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

#### Library

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Layers** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Customization

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **SolidWorks PDM** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.0 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 8.7 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering tools** | 7.7 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | 3.7 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Finite element analysis** | 5.8 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | 5.6 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Work

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | 5.3 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | 4.4 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | 6.0 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | 4.8 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Integrate** | 6.8 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.0 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task** | 8.1 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.3 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 8.4 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

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

#### New Product Introduction

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **SolidWorks PDM** | N/A | N/A |

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

| Feature | Onshape | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **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):** [Product Data Management (PDM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-data-management-pdm)

**Unique to Onshape (8):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [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), [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [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 | SolidWorks PDM | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 79.0% | 50.0% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 16.7% | 33.3% | 
| **Enterprise** | 4.3% | 16.7% | 

### 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%

#### SolidWorks PDM

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 22.2%
- **Design:** 9.7%
- **Automotive:** 8.3%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 6.9%
- **Machinery:** 6.9%
- **Oil & Energy:** 5.6%
- **Medical Devices:** 4.2%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.2%
- **Computer Software:** 2.8%
- **Construction:** 2.8%
- **Other:** 26.4%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Onshape

- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 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 (599 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 (1324 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1930 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (996 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (191 reviews)

### Alternatives to SolidWorks PDM

- [Teamcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (938 reviews)
- [Windchill](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-windchill/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (121 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion Manage](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion-manage/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (114 reviews)
- [Aras Innovator](https://www.g2.com/products/aras-innovator/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (119 reviews)
- [Synergis Adept](https://www.g2.com/products/synergis-adept/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (201 reviews)
- [Autodesk Vault](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-vault/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (54 reviews)
- [GrabCAD Workbench](https://www.g2.com/products/grabcad-workbench/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (27 reviews)
- [OpenBOM](https://www.g2.com/products/openbom/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (783 reviews)
- [Kinetic](https://www.g2.com/products/epicor-kinetic/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (725 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (996 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"

### SolidWorks PDM

- Title: [Do you manager NON CAD files with PDM?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/28115-do-you-manager-non-cad-files-with-pdm) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "We also manage Excel files, PDF's and pictures using PDM."
- Title: [What is PDM software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/solidworks-pdm-what-is-pdm-software) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "PDM stands for Program Document Management. However, it goes beyond what a regular file explorer does and allows for a version history as well as review and..."
- Title: [What is Solidworks PDM system?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-pdm-system) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Solidworks PDM is an advanced version of file explorer in windows PC. It allows you to manage all your files and projects. One can easily manage workflow and..."

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