Navigating Onshape

Here are the basics of Onshape's pages and features

This is Onshape Document Page where you can do the following:

• Create documents, folders, labels, and import files
• Find team documents
• Find folders
• Filter documents
• Find public files
• View notifications

My Onshape - Here you can:

• Access documents last opened by you (denoted in blue)
• Access folders
• Access documents

You can access documents or folders by simply clicking on the name of the file or folder or double clicking

Filters:

• Recently opened - Here you can access documents you have recently opened
• Created by me - Here you can access documents you created
• Shared with me - Here you can access documents that have been shared with you

The screenshot on the left depicts what all three filters will look like with parts that fall under their respective filters

When looking at teams you can view the documents and folders for that specific teams

With the Public filter you can view files available to the public

The trash filter allows you to view files and folders you have deleted within 30 days, after which the files are permanently deleted

Profile: By clicking on your name in the top right you are able to sign out and find your profile settings (red)

Notifications: Clicking on the bell allows you to see notifications for comments and uploads

Searching: The search bar at the top of the dashboard allows you to search for parts in the current filter

By clicking on the box for a document or folder you have the option to view the following:

• General information
• Sharing information
• Part history

What is an Onshape Document?

 

 

Onshape documents are like project containers that store information. To create one, head over to your Onshape Dashboard.

Click on the blue “Create” button. Then click “Document” and name your document. After clicking “OK”, you will have opened your document.

Part Studio Overview

 

 

Part studios are a type of file in Onshape where you can create virtually any single three dimensional object

Part studios can be used to create entirely new custom parts or edit pre-existing parts

Assembly Overview

 

 

Assemblies are a file type with multiple parts. These parts are generally constrained together

Assemblies can be used to create complex systems such as a car or something as simple as a pen

Drawing Overview

 

 

Drawings are a type of file that allow you to create a 2D representation of a part or assembly

Drawings can be used to convey information including (but not limited to):

• Dimensions
• Hidden Views
• Bill of materials

Other Media

 

 

You can upload the following:

• Documents
• Images
• Videos

These can be used to include any necessary information such as a brief description of the document or other project resources for the document

Downloading and Importing Files

 

 

Starting the process, find the part you are looking to import, generally most robotics parts will have a cad download on their product page

Scroll down to the bottom of the product page to ‘CAD’ and download the STEP File

Save your file in a spot you can remember and name the file something recognizable

Press the ‘+’ button in the document you want to import the file into and choose the file

Complete the final step of importing the file into Onshape and press ‘OK’

CAD Imports folder is a folder where the STEP files will be kept, you don’t need to worry about this folder

A notification will appear saying the translation is complete and you are done importing the file!

Other Features

 

 

Onshape has some other useful features. Here’s just some of them:

Teams- You can create teams with multiple people where everyone can access the same documents and folders.

Sharing- You can easily share documents by clicking the blue “Share” button in the top right corner. Options include individuals where you enter individual emails, teams, making it public for all Onshape users, or link sharing.

Versions- Allows for you to see the history of a document. This is great for viewing progress.

Comments- They are a helpful and effective way of communicating. You can include attachments and markups.

Following another person’s screen/Follow Mode- A feature that allows one to follow another person’s screen in real time. You are basically viewing their screen. This is great for collaboration.