Onshape vs. PTC Creo

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
N/A
Onshape is a cloud-native product development platform with integrated CAD, data management and analytics. Onshape aims to accelerate time to market and improve innovation by: 1) Access: Unlike file-based CAD which is on-premise only, Onshape enables remote access for designers and engineers from anywhere, and on any internet-connected device -including tablets and smart phones. 2) Collaboration: Onshape aims to eliminate the version control problems and blocking of file-based…
$1,500
per year per user
PTC Creo
Score 5.6 out of 10
N/A
PTC offers Creo, the company's line of computer-aided design (CAD) products that support the product lifecycle management (PLM) process with 2D and 3D design kits (Creo Elements and Creo Direct), an augmented reality module, Creo Illustrate for technical illustrations, Creo Sketch, Creo Schematics and Creo View for diagramming and sharing information, Creo simulate for running simulations, and other modules.
$2,480
Pricing
OnshapePTC Creo
Editions & Modules
Standard
1,500
per year per user
Professional
2,500
per year per user
Enterprise
Contact sales team
per year per user
Design Package
$2,480.00
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
OnshapePTC Creo
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
YesNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsNo dedicated hardware is required. Works on all web-connected devices including tablet, Chromebook, iPhone, Android.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
OnshapePTC Creo
Considered Both Products
Onshape
Chose Onshape
Better: Similar user interface and control scheme. Much better multi-body modeling. Real-time flattened sheet metal views. Faster to create robust models due to features like mate connectors and allowing fillets to work on multiple bodies. Doesn't need an expensive …
Chose Onshape
We chose Onshape for its ease of use and ultimately its mobility. Our mobile team wanted to be able to do work anywhere with a solid internet connection, instead of having to rely on bulky and tethered desktop machines or high powered laptops. All of Autodesk's products, while …
Chose Onshape
Onshape does not have complete feature parity with SOLIDWORKS. But neither does SOLIDWORKS have all the features Onshape has. The reasons we went with Onshape was the ability to collaborate and the lack of need for file management. There is also no need for an initial purchase. …
Chose Onshape
Onshape is quickly becoming the CAD software I recommend over any other. SolidWorks and Inventor are feature rich and leaders in the industry, however, Onshape is beginning to match them with constant updates and is already as feature rich as the two mentioned.
Chose Onshape
For us, we made the permanent switch from SOLIDWORKS to Onshape. SOLIDWORKS is a great product that we used for many years, but the file management and the transfer of large files were often hampering our progress. Onshape is just a little more agile for us!
Chose Onshape
Onshape is better than Solidworks for online / collaboration. Solidworks is better for the feature set and integration with other tools.
Rhino3D is better at surfacing and workflow with my optical design programs.
I have not used Fusion360 except for evaluating in general so I …
Chose Onshape
I have used Solidworks for over four years, and the vault system is time intensive for control of design history, and revision management. I have used Pro-E for over four years, and this has the capability but is not user-friendly. Not needing high-end computers is another …
Chose Onshape
OnShape was lower cost, with a reasonably comparable set of tools to Inventor and SolidWorks. The cost and ease of assimilation (ability to change mouse and keyboard shortcuts to Solidworks or Inventor controls) made the choice easier.
Chose Onshape
When we started the business we knew we wanted to use Macs for our day to day computer as we do a lot of programming both robot software as well as mobile apps and embedded firmware. This choice limited the number of selections we could look at as companies such as Solidworks …
Chose Onshape
We chose Onshape for a couple of reasons - the first is pricing. We were looking for a light-weight program that packs a heavyweight punch. The ability to access from any computer (Mac or PC) from anywhere is ultimately what sealed the deal for us. For our needs, there wasn't …
Chose Onshape
OnShape is a solid type design tool. Besides that, it provides working on the cloud environment.
Chose Onshape
OnShape is based in the cloud, which comes with all the benefits one would expect vs. desktop based software.

The two main things that lead me to select OnShape were cost and ease of adding new users/working as a team.
Chose Onshape
I've kind of already touched on this, but here's another take:

Onshape vs. Solidworks - Onshape is much cheaper, more usable, and does certain things much much better. It also removes many pain points I feel with Solidworks (SW). However, SW has decades of development and …
Chose Onshape
Onshape is in a different league than sketchup and is multiple times more powerful
Chose Onshape
Ease of use, the fact that it's in the cloud (so fast and always accessible) and intuitive design without clutter. TinkerCAD is only for beginners, Blender is for design and art, fusion 360 is cluttered and confusing, and SolidWorks is pretty close to onshape but its cost and …
Chose Onshape
Onshape wins out by far when it comes to the cloud and syncing aspect. I've had a lot of issues with SW epdm or trying to use Dropbox, or email, and anything that isn't stupidly easy to use is going to get used incorrectly. Onshape developed all of that right in, and it works …
Chose Onshape
I've used Solidworks for Cad and it is very heavy/intense software. Onshape is lightweight and easy to use. Solidworks has more add-ons like simulation and stress analysis which Onshape doesn't.
Chose Onshape
We also use Fusion 360 which is more appropriate for certain projects. We were all SolidWorks users, and we still use it from time to time as well.
Chose Onshape
The main reason that I selected Onshape over Solidworks is that it is significantly cheaper. Additionally, with the cloud-based updates, they are able to add functionality more quickly through updates, so in the long term I think their functionality will outpace that of …
Chose Onshape
Very easy to pick up coming from a SolidWorks background. Clearly it doesn't have quite as much high end functionality, but for basic needs it's just as good.
Chose Onshape
Onshape is a good competitor against other CAD systems. Solidworks and Solidedge still have more features than Onshape, but the gap is shrinking every 3 weeks. There are still some drawing features that have kept my supervisor from switching completely to Onshape himself, but …
PTC Creo
Chose PTC Creo
Less cost
Best user interface
Large user community
Chose PTC Creo
Due to its simple interface & it is versatile.
Chose PTC Creo
Learning curve of SolidWorks is higher compared to Creo, however, stability and more design control is provided by Creo. Creo also have more robust and stable interfaces. For larger assemblies, Creo works better than SolidWorks. New upgrades of Creo has given liberty to open …
Chose PTC Creo
It is very easy for a person to learn the software if the person just started to create 3d product. It create a fluid product design. Design of product can be complex but this doesn't concern when I use creo.
Chose PTC Creo
PTC Creo is much better than other software at allowing collaboration across multiple users, even multiple plants/locations. We went from an older non-parametric industry standard software to PTC Creo because we could save massive amounts of time by using the parametric …
Chose PTC Creo
If a client uses PTC Creo as their primary product development tool, we know we have an edge in productivity in our engagement. All clients desire productivity gains, and with PTC Creo, we know we can deliver.
Chose PTC Creo
We were required by DoD to use this software, but we also like it because it is professional. Many people in the field use it and want kids to be familiar with professional software vs. things like TinkerCAD even though it is a good resource. We also had PC computers and worked …
Chose PTC Creo
CATIA is another design software we had used before PTC Creo. The user interface of both PTC Crea and CATIA are very different. Part modeling is very user-friendly in PTC Creo, whereas drafting and sheet metal operations are easy in CATIA. PTC Creo has seamless flows while on …
Chose PTC Creo
As a service provider, we provide our services on many platforms. My client is using this software for manufacturing their products and this software helps them a lot.
Chose PTC Creo
PTC Creo has two main advantages. First, large assemblies with lots of different parts files, and its file structure that can handle these large assemblies without bogging the software done. Second, its ability to do advanced simulations without having to export the files to do …
Chose PTC Creo
In my career, I’ve used a few different CAD packages. I started using Pro Engineer Wildfire 4, a predecessor to Creo which had all of the same problems as Creo, plus more. Creo has changed some things since then, but it seems to be built on the same base, so some things that …
Features
OnshapePTC Creo
Computer-Aided Design Software
Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of Product A and Product B
Onshape
-
Ratings
PTC Creo
4.0
Ratings
56% below category average
3D Modeling00 Ratings4.00 Ratings
2D Drafting00 Ratings1.00 Ratings
Rendering and Visualization00 Ratings6.00 Ratings
Parametric Design00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Collaboration and Sharing00 Ratings6.00 Ratings
Compatibility with other software and formats00 Ratings2.00 Ratings
Assembly Design00 Ratings3.00 Ratings
Documentation and Annotation00 Ratings2.00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
OnshapePTC Creo
Small Businesses
ARCHICAD
ARCHICAD
Score 8.6 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
DraftSight
DraftSight
Score 9.3 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
Enterprises
Rhino
Rhino
Score 9.1 out of 10
Rhino
Rhino
Score 9.1 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
OnshapePTC Creo
Likelihood to Recommend
9.3
(0 ratings)
2.2
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
8.6
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.3
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
OnshapePTC Creo
Likelihood to Recommend
Onshape shall be used by organizations where cost is a major factor as the license is relatively competitive than the competition. Where Onshape , excels the most is the ability to be operational on any device with internet connection and webbrowser. Onshape doesn't require your hardware to be beefed with Graphic cards (if added better). Where onshape can be better. If they are able to include simulation packages bundled like SOLIDWORKS.
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I wouldn't suggest it to my worst enemy. My colleagues worked with other CADs and, in my experience, complain every day about this CAD, about how much things it doesn't have or do, etc. One of them keeps telling me, in their opinion, how even CREO Direct is far superior, easy to use, faster and better. In my opinion, it's a CAD that requires constant attention at what you do, how you do, when you do because it doesn't do it for you.
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Pros
  • Cloud-based infrastructure and collaboration is a primary benefit.
  • The available documentation is extremely thorough.
  • The ability to integrate with other software for simulation, renderings, etc. is fantastic.
  • Not having to save and being able to clearly see versions and change history is excellent.
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  • PTC Creo contains many advanced tools with better optimization for creating part models and other production related drawings.
  • The initial concept designs can be done more adequately.
  • The parameters of 2D drawings can be changed easily by editing the 3D model.
  • The productivity can be increased by customized tools for modeling.
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Cons
  • I'm a Pro-user but I would like to have the possibility to have a pay-as-use option in some form. Now it is all or nothing (the public sharing of models - and model rights!) is not an option for many not-for-profit projects.
  • On-site hosting might help to sell the cloud concept to the more paranoid management.
  • Basic CAM generation would be awesome
  • Nonparametric modeling in some form or making it easier to use assemblies for those use cases where you want to model some parts and just play around moving things when you are exploring different configurations.
  • Doing Industrial Design type sketching and experimenting is not really a strong point on Onshape
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  • Providing guidance through using tools is lacking in Creo. There is a small area where the text is displayed at the bottom that is supposed to help guide you, but many times the guidance doesn't make sense.
  • Layers are a hassle in Creo. Unless you know how to set up your config file to do it automatically, you have to add each item to the appropriate layer.
  • There is a lack of automation in Creo. In some other CAD packages, you can add holes or the like on a pattern of features. Not so in Creo.
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Likelihood to Renew
Familiarity and ability to work from any location. Also easy to cooperate with potential customers, existing customers, systems users, and fabricating shops. Most of the standard designs are now in On Shape and I would like to continue using it. It is easier to run versions to clarify imrovements to the previous designs
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No answers on this topic
Usability
Onshape is great software and I have no trouble recommending it to CAD users and companies that need to do design work
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No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Been fairly standard experience with support team. Issues have always been addressed, but is understandably focused on business side applications which typically has different issues than education applications. I have very few IT issues with the design side of the software, my issues are more often with the control of users and access
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I liked the training manuals I used to learn some, as I didn’t have CAD background in college or before this job. My coworkers were able to share with me what they learned in PTC training and I was able to get support online and through reading.
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Online Training
I might be biased by coming from using three different CAD softwares in the past, so I already understood many modeling concepts, but the training OS offers is really good. Videos are clear, they explain operations in good detail and besides that OS has a really good help system that explains even more how every tool works.
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No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
Onshape is revolutionary. Its advantage is that it can be used without having to download it. You are free to work wherever you want. This means that even if you take a vacation or attend a family event, your work will not be interrupted. You can still bring your work and complete it quickly.
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No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
I have used SOLIDWORKS for over four years, and the vault system is time intensive for control of design history, and revision management. I have used Pro-E for over four years, and this has the capability but is not user-friendly. Not needing high-end computers is another great reason to choose Onshape
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PTC Creo is much better than other software at allowing collaboration across multiple users, even multiple plants/locations. We went from an older non-parametric industry standard software to PTC Creo because we could save massive amounts of time by using the parametric assembly features of PTC Creo along with the the Windchill drawing organization functions.
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Return on Investment
  • Poindexter By Design provides on demand mechanical engineering services and Onshape is directly responsible for a large portion of our customer base because of how easy it is to share and collaborate design projects. In most cases, we are literally up and running on new projects within an hour directly due to Onshape.
  • It is inevitable that a project will go through some level of scope creep. Poindexter By Design had a project with a 4-week deadline. Initially, we scheduled two engineers on the project but when the project's scope creep set in and the original deadline didn't change, we were very quickly and easily able to bring on a 3rd Poindexter By Design engineer on the project to handle the scope creep and still meet the deadline. Onshape gives our company the ability to very quickly increase our capacity on design projects with little to no effort and to us, this is priceless.
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  • Having PTC Creo as our primary tool positions us as forward thinking and creative in the eyes of our clients.
  • PTC Creo constantly evolves in the ability to increase our productivity; new capabilities and features are added, which reduce our level of effort for some tasks.
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ScreenShots