Onshape is a browser based (cloud) 3D CAD software, cloud means that you don’t have to download any software to your computer to use the software, and browser based means that unlike Autodesk Fusion 360 you don’t have to download a client to your computer in order to start using it.

Onshape comes jam packed with features that makes it a fully fledged 3D CAD software, the most significant feature is assemblies which is only available in more expensive 3D modelling software like SolidWorks. Onshape has a free tier which is a huge deal for enthusiasts and makers in general, the free tier is also a chance for CAD professionals to try the capabilities of Onshape.

Learning Onshape is very helpful for tinkerers specially those who are working with 3D printers, so if you’re a student, engineer, hobbyist, teacher or an enthusiast (bottom line, a maker) learning Onshape is a must for you and it would be a very useful tool in your toolbox.

The aim of this post is to present and compare between free online sources that beginners can rely on to learn Onshape, the sources stated here are full-structured courses that beginners can follow along.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn Onshape) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Getting Started with Onshape Online for Free from Scratch

Onshape Website

Onshape Website is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning Onshape through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the tutorials.

Structure: The training is divided into 13 video lessons, each video lesson covers certain tools in Onshape.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the lesson you’re interested in and it’ll start right away.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
3. The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using Onshape.

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover every aspect of the software, though that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning Onshape through video tutorials.

SolidProfessor

SolidProfessor is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning Onshape through video tutorials, you’ve to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 38 video lessons, each video lesson covers some tools available in Onshape, it’s worth noting that these video lessons are available on Onshape YouTube channel but they’re organized in a better way on SolidProfessor.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the lesson you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to a new page where the video lesson resides.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
3. The training covers more topics and tools than the first outlet.

Cons

1. You can have access to this training on Onshape website and YouTube channel without registration, but again the training on this outlet is well organized.

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning Onshape through video tutorials.

Nextin3D

Nextin3D is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning Onshape through a text based tutorial, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 3 tutorials, it’s a learn by doing style where you’ll learn to use the various tools in Onshape through creating a 3D model. It’s worth noting that Nextin3D has a YouTube channel that you might visit if you’re interested.

Interface: The interface is simple, just click on the tutorial you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to the page where the tutorial resides.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured for beginners.

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover every tool available in Onshape.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning Onshape through a text based tutorials.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning Onshape:

1. SolidProfessor is the best outlet for beginners to start learning Onshape through video tutorials.
2. Nextin3D is the best outlet for beginners to start learning Onshape through text based tutorials.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in learning Onshape.