Onshape vs QCAD: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
Onshape and QCAD are both home & construction design tools, compared here side by side. Onshape is free, with limits (Paid) and runs in any web browser with nothing to install; QCAD is free, with limits (Paid) and is a desktop install with no browser version. The main difference is where they run: Onshape works in the browser with nothing to install, while QCAD is a desktop app.
Free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026.
Pick Onshape if…
Free, with limitsHobbyists and learners wanting cloud CAD
Pick QCAD if…
Free, with limitsFree 2D drafting with optional pro upgrade
Side by side
Onshape
Free, with limitsFree plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
QCAD
Free, with limitsThe open-source Community Edition is free forever for 2D drafting; the Professional add-on runs only 15 minutes at a time in trial mode until purchased.
Read the full reviews
Onshape
Free plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
QCAD
The open-source Community Edition is free forever for 2D drafting; the Professional add-on runs only 15 minutes at a time in trial mode until purchased.
Onshape vs QCAD: questions, answered
What is the main difference between Onshape and QCAD?
The main difference is where they run: Onshape works in the browser with nothing to install, while QCAD is a desktop app.
Is Onshape or QCAD free?
Onshape is free, with limits and QCAD is free, with limits. Onshape: Free plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone. QCAD: The open-source Community Edition is free forever for 2D drafting; the Professional add-on runs only 15 minutes at a time in trial mode until purchased.
Can you export CAD files from Onshape or QCAD?
Onshape exports —; QCAD exports DXF, DWG, PDF. Only QCAD exports CAD (DWG/DXF).