DesignSpark Mechanical vs Onshape: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
DesignSpark Mechanical and Onshape are both home & construction design tools, compared here side by side. DesignSpark Mechanical is free, with limits (Paid) and is a desktop install with no browser version; Onshape is free, with limits (Paid) and runs in any web browser with nothing to install. The main difference is where they run: Onshape works in the browser with nothing to install, while DesignSpark Mechanical is a desktop app.
Free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026.
Pick DesignSpark Mechanical if…
Free, with limitsFree gesture-based 3D modeling
Pick Onshape if…
Free, with limitsHobbyists and learners wanting cloud CAD
Side by side
DesignSpark Mechanical
Free, with limitsThe Explorer plan is permanently free with no hidden fees, importing STEP/IGES/STL and exporting; advanced tools require paid Creator/Engineer plans.
Onshape
Free, with limitsFree plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
Read the full reviews
DesignSpark Mechanical
The Explorer plan is permanently free with no hidden fees, importing STEP/IGES/STL and exporting; advanced tools require paid Creator/Engineer plans.
Onshape
Free plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
DesignSpark Mechanical vs Onshape: questions, answered
What is the main difference between DesignSpark Mechanical and Onshape?
The main difference is where they run: Onshape works in the browser with nothing to install, while DesignSpark Mechanical is a desktop app.
Is DesignSpark Mechanical or Onshape free?
DesignSpark Mechanical is free, with limits and Onshape is free, with limits. DesignSpark Mechanical: The Explorer plan is permanently free with no hidden fees, importing STEP/IGES/STL and exporting; advanced tools require paid Creator/Engineer plans. Onshape: Free plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.