# Onshape 3D CAD vs Design Materials

The clearest difference is rating: Design Materials at 4.5 against Onshape 3D CAD's 3.5. Onshape 3D CAD's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (416 vs 2). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Design Materials sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Onshape 3D CAD asks for nothing beyond the download.

Design Materials holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Onshape 3D CAD has 416 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 47% of Onshape 3D CAD's written reviews are positive against 33% of Design Materials's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Onshape 3D CAD ships an update every 3 weeks, Design Materials every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Onshape 3D CAD | Design Materials |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (416 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onshape-3d-cad/id923421284/reviews) | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/design-materials/id975764691/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **416** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **47.3% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 77 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PTC Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/501201404) | [Chrystian Enriquez](https://appshunter.io/developer/428286625) |

## What reviewers say

### Onshape 3D CAD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onshape-3d-cad/id923421284)

This professional CAD platform enables real-time collaboration on product design from any device. It offers parametric modeling tools, secure cloud storage, and version control, streamlining the design process for teams and individuals. Supports students and educators with free access for non-commercial projects.

**Highlights:** Parametric modeling tools, Real-time team collaboration, Cloud-based data management, Cross-device access, Version control and history, Commenting and feedback tools

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful CAD features
- 🌐 Accessible from any device
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 💡 Great for on-site work
- 🌟 Exceptional for a free app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 👎 Unintuitive and clunky UI
- 🔒 Requires account sign-up
- 💰 Expensive paid plans
- 🔍 Difficult to find/use key features

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Dimensions not visible/editable
- Rotation/view controls unreliable
- Unable to create account
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Add keyboard shortcuts
- Improve dimensioning tools
- Allow private file storage
- Optimize for iPad/Apple Pencil
- Provide better documentation/tutorials


### Design Materials

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/design-materials/id975764691)

This app serves as an offline reference guide for various design materials, including polymers and metals. It allows users to manage their own material data, view 3D models, and capture objects with their device's camera. Ideal for professionals and hobbyists involved in product design and 3D printing.

**Highlights:** Offline material reference guide, Custom material and resin management, 3D model viewer and import/export, Object capture via device camera, Favorites and notes section, Cross-device compatibility (iOS, macOS)

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bronze member | $7.99 | per month |
| Silver member | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| Gold member | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Onshape 3D CAD free?

Onshape 3D CAD is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Design Materials free?

Design Materials is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Onshape 3D CAD or Design Materials?

Design Materials is rated higher. Onshape 3D CAD averages 3.5 out of 5 from 416 ratings, while Design Materials averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do Onshape 3D CAD or Design Materials have ads?

Neither Onshape 3D CAD nor Design Materials shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Onshape 3D CAD or Design Materials?

Onshape 3D CAD ships an update every 3 weeks, and Design Materials every 3 months. Most recently, Onshape 3D CAD was updated on October 28, 2026 and Design Materials on October 18, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*