Onshape Basics

Loveland CreatorSpace — 3D Modeling Guide

Onshape is a browser‑based parametric CAD tool ideal for members who want professional design capabilities without installing software. It’s powerful, collaborative, and excellent for mechanical parts, assemblies, and precise 3D‑printable designs.

This page introduces the fundamentals needed to begin designing in Onshape.

1. What Onshape Is

• A cloud‑based parametric CAD system

• Runs entirely in a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

• Similar in workflow to Fusion 360 and SolidWorks

• Ideal for mechanical parts, assemblies, and collaborative projects

Onshape is perfect for members who want precision and parametric control but prefer a lightweight, cloud‑based workflow.

2. Getting Started

Create an Account

• Visit onshape.com

• Sign up for a free Onshape Free account (public documents)

Start a New Document

• Click Create → Document

• You’ll see:

  • Feature Tree (left)

  • Toolbar (top)

  • Graphics Area (center)

  • Tabs (bottom) for Parts, Assemblies, Drawings

3. Navigation Basics

• Right mouse drag: Orbit

• Middle mouse drag: Pan

• Scroll wheel: Zoom

• View Cube: Quick orientation changes

4. Sketching Fundamentals

Sketches are the foundation of all parametric models.

Create a Sketch

1. Select a plane (Top, Front, Right)

2. Click Sketch

3. Draw shapes using:

   • Line

   • Rectangle

   • Circle

   • Arc

Constrain Your Sketch

Use constraints to lock geometry:

• Horizontal / Vertical

• Parallel / Perpendicular

• Tangent

• Equal

• Coincident

Dimension Your Sketch

• Use Dimension (D) to set exact sizes

• Fully constrained sketches turn black

5. Turning Sketches Into 3D Parts

Extrude

• Extrude → Add to create solid geometry

• Extrude → Remove to cut material

Revolve

• Spin a sketch around an axis to create round parts

Fillet & Chamfer

• Strengthen corners or improve printability

Shell

• Hollow out a part with a uniform wall thickness

6. Parametric Design

Onshape is fully parametric.

Create Variables

• Click Variable in the toolbar

• Example:

  • #wall = 2 mm

  • #width = 40 mm

Use variables in sketches and features for easy updates.

7. Assemblies

Onshape excels at multi‑part assemblies.

Create an Assembly

• Add components from your Part Studio

• Use mates to define relationships:

  • Fastened

  • Revolute

  • Slider

  • Planar

Assemblies help test fit, motion, and alignment.

8. Preparing Models for 3D Printing

Check Geometry

• Ensure parts are fully enclosed solids

• Avoid extremely thin features

Export

• Right‑click a part → Export

• Choose STL or Parasolid

• Import into Bambu Studio

9. Common Beginner Mistakes

• Leaving sketches under‑constrained

• Forgetting to select Add vs Remove in Extrude

• Mixing Part Studios and Assemblies unintentionally

• Not using variables for parametric control

10. Learning Resources

Official Onshape Tutorials

• Onshape Learning Center (highly recommended)

• Beginner CAD courses

• Sketching and part‑studio fundamentals

Community Resources

• YouTube tutorials for Onshape basics

• Maker‑focused CAD channels

CreatorSpace Support

Members experienced with Onshape can help with:

• Parametric workflows

• Assemblies and mates

• Exporting clean STLs

11. Orientation Completion

Members should demonstrate:

• Ability to create and constrain sketches

• Use of extrude, revolve, fillet, and shell

• Understanding of variables and parametric design

• Exporting a clean STL for printing