Onshape vs SolveSpace: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
Onshape and SolveSpace 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; SolveSpace is truly free (Free) and is a desktop install with no browser version. The biggest difference is cost: SolveSpace is truly free, while Onshape is free, with limits (from Paid).
Free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026.
Pick Onshape if…
Free, with limitsHobbyists and learners wanting cloud CAD
Pick SolveSpace if…
Truly freeLightweight free parametric modeling
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.
SolveSpace
Truly freeFully free and GPLv3 open source with no install required on Windows; geared to mechanical/geometric parts rather than full BIM.
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.
SolveSpace
Fully free and GPLv3 open source with no install required on Windows; geared to mechanical/geometric parts rather than full BIM.
Onshape vs SolveSpace: questions, answered
What is the main difference between Onshape and SolveSpace?
The biggest difference is cost: SolveSpace is truly free, while Onshape is free, with limits (from Paid).
Is Onshape or SolveSpace free?
Onshape is free, with limits and SolveSpace is truly free. Onshape: Free plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone. SolveSpace: Fully free and GPLv3 open source with no install required on Windows; geared to mechanical/geometric parts rather than full BIM.
Can you export CAD files from Onshape or SolveSpace?
Onshape exports —; SolveSpace exports DXF, PDF, SVG, STL. Only SolveSpace exports CAD (DWG/DXF).