Onshape

Onshape is a web-based CAD design program that can be used on a computer or iPad app. The app does work, but it's much easier to use on a computer. Since it's web based, you can access your Onshape designs from any computer. It has a steeper learning curve compared to Tinkercad, but it allows you to design much more complex 3D models.

Onshape offers a free education account. It’s equivalent to their “Standard” account, which normally costs $1,500/year.

You must register and verify your school email in order to use the education plan.

1. Sign Up for FREE Education Account

Click here to sign up for Onshape's Education Plan.

2. Verify Your School Email

After submitting the form, check your school email for a new email from Onshape. You must click on a link to verify your account. You will then be prompted to make a password for your new Onshape account.

Do NOT use the same password as your school Google account! You should never use the same password for different accounts in case one gets hacked.

Some tips for remembering your passwords:

Use a free password app on your phone such as LastPass.
Write your passwords down using the Notes app, Notability, or some other app on your iPad.
Write it on a piece of paper and attach it to the back of your iPad under the case.
Email the password to yourself so if you forget it, you can check your email to remember it.

3. Log Into Onshape

Click here to sign in to the Onshape website using your school email account and new password.

4. Visit the Onshape Learning Center

The Onshape Learning Center is a valuable resource for learning how to use Onshape. You will not learn how to use it properly if you don't access these resources.

The Learning Center includes self paced courses, which contain helpful videos for designing models in Onshape.

Visit the Onshape Fundamentals: CAD Learning Pathway. This pathway includes six different courses that teach you all of the fundamental skills:

Navigating Onshape **
Introduction to Sketching **
Part Design Using Part Studios **
Multi-Part Studios
Onshape Assemblies
Detailed Drawings

** These three courses are a great beginner intro to Onshape. You do not need to view courses 4-6 until you want to create more advanced designs.

5. Start Designing!

The best way to learn Onshape is to watch the videos and practice what you learn. Have the Learning Center open in one tab and the Onshape workspace open in a different tab.

Watch one video, then practice that skill for at least five minutes. When you're ready, move on to the next video.

I'm sure you're excited to make a 3D model, but I strongly encourage you not to rush through this process. It's better to take your time and learn how to use Onshape well rather than trying to quickly make something in one day.