Complete Onshape for Beginners: Project-Based Approach

Sign in to Onshape, create and name a new document from the documents page, call it Suspension System, and begin in the Part Studio to design 3D parts.

Learn to set and change Onshape units for your project with the workspace units dialog, and save defaults in your account to apply to future documents.

Open the sketch toolbar in Onshape, select a sketch plane (top, front, or right), align the view, and reference the origin to start sketching the base feature.

Draw lines in Onshape using the line tool to create single lines or continuous segments in sketches. Activate with L or the sketch toolbar, click points, then escape.

Switch between line and tangent arc tools in Onshape to create a smooth, connected sketch. Use shift plus a or hover to switch, then press escape to finish.

Learn to draw rectangles in Onshape using the corner rectangle, center point rectangle, and aligned rectangle tools to define your sketch. Choose the method that best fits your design needs.

Learn to draw circles in Onshape using the CenterPoint circle and the three point circle tools, specifying center and circumference or three boundary points.

Draw an ellipse in Onshape by using the ellipse tool in the sketch toolbar, defining center, major axis, and minor axis, with the tool remaining active for more ellipses.

Learn to draw various Onshape arcs with the sketch toolbar, including three point, tangent, center point, elliptical, and conic arcs, using step-by-step tools and the row value rules.

Learn to draw inscribed and circumscribed polygons in Onshape by setting construction circles, selecting center points, adjusting the number of sides (3 to 50), and exiting with escape.

Learn to draw and edit splines in Onshape using the Spline and Bezier tools, and add control points with the Spline Control Point tool to refine curves.

Create construction geometries in Onshape as a reference for sketch layouts, not the solid. Use the construction tool (Q) to draw dashed lines and circles, converting entities to construction geometry.

Create sketch fillets in Onshape by selecting two connected lines to form a tangent arc of a radius. Drag radius or enter a value, then confirm and repeat for intersections.

Learn to use the chamfer tool in a 2D sketch in Onshape to create beveled edges between two lines, with equal or different distances, for cleaner joints and finished parts.

Trim sketch entities in Onshape using the trim tool to the nearest intersection, including multiple selections; use M to activate and escape to exit for clean sketches.

Extend sketch entities in Onshape using the extend tool to reach the nearest intersection or a chosen endpoint, and learn keyboard shortcuts like X and Esc.

Learn to split sketch entities in Onshape using the split tool, dividing open or closed sketches into multiple segments by placing split points, and press escape to finish.

Offset sketch entities in Onshape using the offset tool to apply a distance to open or closed loops. Activate the tool from the sketch toolbar or press O.

Learn to create slots in Onshape using the slot tool on lines, arcs, or splines (including construction lines/arcs), adjust the slot diameter, and finalize by escaping the tool.

Learn to mirror sketch entities in Onshape using the mirror tool across a mirror line. Create a mirrored copy, preview instantly, and exit with escape.

Apply linear and circular pattern tools to create multiple instances of sketch entities in Onshape. Adjust spacing, instance counts, and center points to generate precise patterns and layouts.

Learn to move, rotate, and scale sketch entities with Onshape's transform tool in the graphics area. Enter precise translation, rotation, or scaling values and apply the transformation.

Apply constraints in Onshape to control the position, alignment, and behavior of sketch entities. Learn types like coincident, concentric, parallel, tangent, horizontal, vertical, and perpendicular, with a preview before applying.

Apply dimensions in Onshape to control sketch size, position, and angles with the dimension tool. Learn linear, angular, diameter, radius, arc length, and centerline dimensions to drive parametric models.

Switch to the part studio environment to transform 2D sketches into 3D parts using extrude, revolve, sweep, and loft, with tools accessible from the sketch toolbar.

Learn to create a fully defined two-dimensional sketch in Onshape by applying constraints, dimensions, and sketch tools like circle, arc, line, and rectangle; set millimeter units.

Learn to create a fully defined 2D sketch in inches by applying constraints and dimensions to produce a ready-for-3D model in Onshape.

Create an extrude feature in Onshape with the extrude tool, selecting end types such as blind and up to next, and operations (new, add, remove, intersect) to build solid geometry.

Create a revolve feature in onshape by rotating a closed sketch around an axis, selecting full, one-direction, symmetric, or two-direction options for precise 3d geometry.

Navigate a 3d model in Onshape using the view cube, arrow keys, and other tools to rotate, zoom, and pan. Use zoom to fit and zoom to selection.

Learn to manipulate Onshape’s 3D view with the view cube, switch between front, top, isometric, trimetric, and perspective views, and save named views with rotate, zoom, and pan.

Explore how to change the display style in Onshape, toggle shading and edge visibility, including visible, hidden, tangent edges, and translucent modes for clearer design analysis.

Learn to create a 2D sketch on the top plane, draw concentric circles and a center-point rectangle, apply dimensions, and extrude 18 mm symmetrically in Onshape; save a version.

Create a sketch and revolve it around a vertical axis to form a symmetrical circular component with a through slot and angled walls at 125 degrees, revolved 270 degrees.

Create construction planes in Onshape using the plane tool with options like offset, parallel through a point, angle, normal, three points, midplane, and tangent.

Explore add, remove, and intersect options in extrude and revolve tools to control material, cut features, and retain only overlapping volumes on an existing Onshape model.

Project edges or faces from existing features onto an active sketch plane with Onshape's Use Project Convert tool to create reference geometry for precise, aligned features.

Create a section view in Onshape to visualize internal features without modifying geometry, using a plane or planar face with a live preview, including or excluding parts in multi-body models.

Display an earlier model stage in Onshape using the rollback bar to hide later features, then reorder features to improve organization and ensure dependent features stay after their parents.

Edit features and sketches in Onshape by right-clicking the item and choosing edit, opening the relevant dialog to adjust parameters and confirm with the green check.

Delete features in Onshape by right-clicking and selecting delete; dependent child features are removed, and you can delete the associated sketch or undo with Ctrl Z.

Learn to assign appearance to parts, features, faces, and sketches in Onshape using color palettes, RGB values, and the mixer for advanced adjustments.

Assign standard or custom materials to a part in Onshape using the material library to enable accurate mass calculations and simulations, with properties like density, Poisson's ratio, and Young's modulus.

Use Onshape to compute mass properties, including mass, volume, surface area, center of mass, and moments of inertia, for parts or multi-body assemblies, with material and unit settings.

Learn how to build a complete Onshape model using a revolve and three extrudes, translating a two-dimensional drawing to a three-dimensional part with millimeter units and construction planes.

Analyze a bearing block base in Onshape, from 2D views to a 3D model, focusing on the curved inner cavity, radii, and eight 1.5 in holes.

Learn to create sweep features in Onshape by sweeping a profile along a path to add or remove material, with solid, surface, and thin sweep options, and orientation controls.

Create a loft feature in Onshape by blending multiple sketch profiles across planes, choosing solid, surface, or thin lofts and applying start and end profile conditions.

Master the thicken feature in Onshape to add or remove material from faces, controlling thickness, direction, midplane, and operation type (new, add, remove, intersect) to create solids.

Create a 90-degree flanged pipe elbow in Onshape by using a sweep, extrude, and cut workflow with millimeter dimensions, a four-hole flange pattern, and technical drawings.

Create a complete Onshape model using extrude and loft features to design a bracket with a filleted base, mounting holes, an elliptical arm, and a cylindrical head.

Use the Onshape fillet tool to smooth sharp edges into rounded geometry, creating constant radius fillets, variable radius fillets, and asterisk all round fillets with precise control.

Learn to create variable radius fillets and full round fillets across three faces in Onshape to produce smooth edge transitions, with point-based control along edges.

Create chamfers in Onshape to replace sharp edges with beveled surfaces using the chamfer tool, adjusting equal distance options, or distance and angle, and tangent propagation for precise edge control.

Add draft angles in Onshape with a neutral plane or parting line to taper faces for mold release and for injection molding, casting, or 3d printing with supports.

Create rib features in Onshape to reinforce models using open or closed sketches and thickness. Extend ribs parallel or normal to the sketch plane and merge them with the part.

Learn to create a shell feature in Onshape to convert a solid into a thin-walled hollow model by removing faces and setting wall thickness.

Create simple holes, counterbore holes, and countersinks in Onshape, placing them at sketch points or with mate connectors, and adjust diameters, depths, and angles before confirming.

Create a 3d model in Onshape using extrude, fillet, chamfer, and shell to form a tapered body with a circular pocket, slot, and 8 mm wall thickness.

Create a 3d model in Onshape by extruding a base, performing cuts, and drilling four countersunk through-holes for a mounting block with concentric bores for a shaft.

Master the linear pattern tool in Onshape to create multiple instances of a feature or part along one or two directions, with distance, instance count, and centering.

Learn to create a circular pattern in Onshape by selecting the pattern type, choosing features such as rib and extruded cut, and defining the axis for even, symmetric instance distribution.

Learn to create a curve pattern in Onshape by placing multiple instances along a path, choosing pattern type (part, feature, or faces), and adjusting spacing and orientation.

Learn to mirror parts, features, or faces in Onshape using the mirror tool, selecting a plane and mirror type, and using add, merge, remove, or intersect to build the model.

Model a perforated cylindrical base with three equally spaced flanges in Onshape, using revolved geometry, multiple extrudes, and circular and linear patterns to create patterned cutouts.

Create a projected curve by projecting one sketch onto another or onto a model face, using Onshape's projected curve tool, then finalize for sweeps or lofts.

Learn to create 3d fit splines in Onshape from points or edge paths, with start/end direction and magnitude, plus optional curvature matching.

Create an intersection curve in Onshape by selecting two groups of entities (faces, surfaces, parts, or planes), previewing the curve, and confirming to add it to the model.

Create a composite curve in Onshape by selecting multiple sketches, edges, or helices to form one continuous curve, then use it for sweeps, lofts, or reference geometry.

Master the split tool in Onshape to divide a part into multiple bodies and split a face into individual faces, using planes, surfaces, or mate connectors as tools. Learn to use the trim to face boundaries option, keep or remove sides, and preview results before applying the split for downstream modeling, simulation, or creating multi-body parts.

Create a double torsion spring in Onshape by combining helices with sketch curves and a composite curve, then sweep a profile along the path to build the 3d model.

Master assembling components in Onshape by using the assembly environment, inserting parts from one or more documents, applying mates to control motion, and preparing for manufacturing.

Insert the first component into an Onshape assembly using the insert tool from current or other documents or standard content, then fix its position to constrain movement.

Insert the first component into an Onshape assembly and fix it in place to constrain its degrees of freedom, creating a stable reference for accurate mating of additional components.

Insert components into an Onshape assembly using the insert tool, the source tab, and place parts without overlap while understanding degrees of freedom with the triad manipulator and applying mates.

Explore applying fastened, revolute, slider, planar, cylindrical, pin slot, ball, parallel, and tangent mates in Onshape to control motion, with connectors, offsets, limits, and motion preview.

Group components in an Onshape assembly to lock their relative positions and move as a single unit. Use the group tool, select parts, and confirm to create a rigid assembly.

Activate snap mode in Onshape to automatically apply mates between components by snapping to a face, edge, or vertex, selecting the mate type, and confirming with the green check mark.

Learn to use show mate mode in Onshape to view and understand mates applied to components in an assembly, using the H key to toggle and hover to visualize constraints.

Learn to create linear and circular patterns of components in an assembly using Onshape's assembly pattern tools, defining directions, spacing, axis, rotation, and previewing updates to ensure consistent design.

Establish mechanical relationships in Onshape using gear, rack and pinion, screw, and linear relations to simulate realistic motion between mates.

Model and assemble a complete reciprocating mechanism in Onshape, creating crankcase, crankshaft, connecting rod, piston, and piston pin from reference drawings, applying revolute and slider mates to animate motion.

Learn to access Onshape's drawing environment, create 2D drawings from 3D models using existing ANC/ISO or custom templates, and place base and projected views for parts or assemblies.

Access the drawing environment from a part studio or assembly in Onshape, and quickly place base and projected views using templates or a four-view option.

Create a base view for a part or assembly in Onshape using the insert view dialog, set orientation and scale, place on the drawing sheet, and add projected views.

Master creating projected views in Onshape by setting a parent view and placing orthogonal views from top, front, and side. Understand angles: ISO uses first angle; ASME uses third angle.

Differentiate first angle and third angle projections, arrange front and top views in 2D drawings, compare their layouts, and use the correct projection symbol in Onshape templates.

Control a drawing view in Onshape by showing hidden lines, displaying shaded views, and adjusting tangent edges and scale; set orientation and edge styles (solid, hidden, phantom) in View properties.

Learn to edit drawing properties in Onshape using the drawing properties panel, adjusting units, precision, dimensions, annotations, views, and projection angles to standardize and customize your drawings.

Create an auxiliary view in Onshape to accurately represent inclined features by projecting normal or aligned to a selected edge, with default naming and placement on the drawing sheet.

Create an aligned section view in Onshape by setting the center point and revolved plane to unfold a cross section. Inspect features along angled profiles while reducing visual clutter.

Learn to create a broken out section view in Onshape by sketching a closed profile with the spline tool, setting depth from a reference point, and applying optional offset.

Create a detail view in Onshape to magnify a drawing area for better visualization and dimensioning. Draw a closed profile with circle, spline, or polygon, then place the magnified view.

Create a break view in Onshape to shorten a long view without changing overall dimensions. Select vertical or horizontal, adjust the gap, and choose break line styles.

Create a crop view in Onshape by sketching a closed boundary with circle, spline, or polygon tools, then confirm to hide outside while preserving scale and simplify the drawing layout.

Use Onshape to edit sheet properties, adjusting sheet size, zone layout, numbering direction, and borders via the sheet panel to control scale and presentation.

Add and manage multiple drawing sheets in Onshape to organize complex designs, using the sheet panel to insert new sheets, switch active sheets, and rename, duplicate, move, or delete sheets.

Delete a drawing view in Onshape using the keyboard or sheet panel, removing dimensions, center lines, and section lines; note that parent views affect dependents, while projected views stay.

Move a drawing view on the sheet in Onshape and control its alignment with the parent view. Suppress alignment to move independently; dependent views stay aligned when moving the parent.

Move a drawing view to another sheet in Onshape by right-clicking the view, selecting move to sheet, and confirming with the green check to organize complex drawings.

Edit hatch properties in a section view in Onshape by adjusting the pattern, scale, angle, and color for one or multiple hatches using the Edit Hatch dialog.

Apply dimensions in Onshape drawings to convey exact size, location, and features, using the dimension tool to place diameter, linear, radius, arc length, chamfer, ordinate, and hole and thread callouts.

Learn to add a surface finish symbol to a drawing view in Onshape, specify roughness, waviness, and lay, and connect it with a leader line to edges.

Learn to add a weld symbol in Onshape drawings, selecting the standard (Asme or ISO), setting type, size, process and joint details, and placing symbols with leader lines.

Add and format notes in Onshape drawings using the note tool to place text on the sheet and attach notes to edges with a leader line, adjusting font style.

Learn to edit Onshape sheet formats by unlocking the title block and editing key fields like project name, drawn by, date, and sheet number. Also adjust borders and line thickness.

Create a bill of materials (BOM) in Onshape after placing assembly views. Choose a BOM template and type (flattened, structured top level, or multi-level), then anchor a corner and place.

Learn to edit and customize the bill of materials in an Onshape drawing by adding, removing, and rearranging columns, then refresh the BOM using keyboard or toolbar updates.

Learn to add balloons in Onshape drawings using the callout tool to label components with item numbers and quantities from the bill of materials.

Create a fully detailed engineering drawing in Onshape by combining front, top, section, detail, and isometric views, showing hidden lines, applying dimensions, hole callouts, and clear annotations.