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Introducing - The Onshape Desktop Client
Caden_Armstrong
Member Posts: 256 PRO
You asked, and we answered!
Now available from SmartBench Software - the industry leaders in Onshape automation, integrations, and FeatureScript - the world's first Onshape Desktop Client.
The Onshape Desktop Client [ a SmartBench experience ] has been a passion project for us, combining our expertise in the Onshape API and interest in porting new software to outdated technology.
This new, yet somewhat derivative, tool features:
Unexpected Crashes
When was the last time Onshape crashed on you? Maybe never! As a result, your CAD can no longer be an excuse for missing deadlines. The Onshape Desktop client introduces random crashes that absolutely ensure data loss. As part of this desktop specific error logging, we encourage users to ship their laptop to our headquarters in order to replicate the issues. In the event of extreme cases - we will ship users a developer’s computer because “it works on my machine”.
We also included a convenient “Uninstall” button so that users can more easily ditch their Desktop CAD and move to the cloud. We’re hoping this button becomes a trend in the industry.
A Vintage User Interface
Bringing you the best of Windows XP styling, the Onshape Desktop Client is made exclusively with Microsoft Winforms. That's right, the Onshape Desktop Client is built on a technology older than your newest hires. That nostalgic look will trigger all those memories of looking at loading bars, while you look at loading bars. And for those junior designers, this client will provide a bit of a history lesson in how things use to be "in the good ol days".
Slower Load Times
Did you know Onshape doesn’t even have a loading time estimate? Unbelievable. With the Onshape Desktop Client, we had to create a proprietary file format to replace all that cloud-interconnected-fileless-data just to work with the version history graph. As a result, our slower load times ensure that you will get plenty of coffee breaks during the day. To aid in opening very large and difficult assemblies, we've also introduced 13 different assembly view modes so you can mix and match performance and usability. Introducing the lightweight assembly mode, flyweight assembly mode, super lightweight assembly mode, featherweight assembly mode, and more. We recommend spending a few days testing each one to figure out how you can even get your assembly to open.
More Menus - More Value
In order to keep the interface clear from clutter, we’ve leveraged the Winforms menu technology to give an incredible 7 layers of menus. While they can be a bit finicky, we can assure you that the feature you are looking for is there somewhere.
The Onshape Desktop Installer
Picture this - it's your first day at a new job. It’ll be easy; you’re going to spend all day getting your new laptop setup. Except, the company uses Onshape! There's no installation, your account is set up in under 5 minutes. It's 9:10am and you’re now expected to do actual work.
The Onshape Desktop Client is here to help! Downloading and installing the desktop client takes so long, you’ll likely be promoted before it even finishes. With an average install time of 92 hours, starting on a Friday means you won’t even have to show up on Monday. And the best part? With Onshape updates rolling out every 3 weeks, the Onshape desktop client needs to be reinstalled 16 times per year! I hope you budgeted for extra hard drive space, as these downloads are beefy. While this is an offline ready client - it will still require a mostly constant internet access for license checks and downloading of files.
System Requirements
While Onshape is supported by Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, and probably smart fridges, we weren't able to get the same compatibility with the Onshape Desktop Client.
- Only available for Windows Vista - 32 bit
- 64gb of RAM
- 12 Qubits of quantum computing power
- 3kw power supply
- 10gb of something
- A Graphics card from our pre-approved list
- Requires Microsoft Excel 2007 to be installed
- A specifically 1080p monitor connected at all times
Competitive Pricing
You can now buy the Onshape Desktop Client exclusively through mail order with expedited shipping (3-4 weeks, 5-7 overseas). Pricing available after purchase.
Keep an eye out for the Onshape Desktop Client service pack 2, expected to arrive sometime in August, but until then keep submitting those "business critical" bug reports, someone might actually read them!
We want to hear from you! What features are you excited to see in the Onshape Desktop Client?
Custom FeatureScript and Onshape Integrated Applications
Comments
As former Catia user this is the update i have been waiting for.
first request …due to the beefy size and need for huge amounts of hard disk space perhaps you can separate all the help and how to data into a separate installation that is not included with the main desktop client?
If you tell me I can have it on 5.25" floppy disks, I'm in! 🤩
@michael_stalls There is no help documentation included. The help docs are only available in physical media or through in person training sessions in a hotel conference room.
@STEG - Sorry, its only available on laser disk.
Custom FeatureScript and Onshape Integrated Applications
Could it include floating licence support please, so that I can spend an hour walking round the office looking for who has a seat checked-out but isn't using it?
@harmanpa We're working on a new type of floating license called a "lottery license" where every hour of the day the seat is randomly assigned to a user in the company. This will force all employees to equally contribute to the work load, and prevents anyone from hogging it for too long.
Custom FeatureScript and Onshape Integrated Applications
This is ground breaking! I just ordered a copy.
Can't wait for it to arrive, ty Caden! 😎
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CADSharp - We make custom features and integrated Onshape apps! Learn How to FeatureScript Here 🔴
I can't work with anything other than this.
Huh, nice job, Caden! We didn't think it was possible to build a CAD system that you install on your desktop…
Never thought of that, did you?! Caden is a visionary
Independent Onshape Consultant | Industrial Designer
Credible desktop CAD software should support Irix and Solaris!
Jokes aside, it would be interesting whether the devs can actually run a functional version of Onshape locally on one dev-computer?
If yes - That would be a Desktop version that I'd actually want to have! :)
The key is to really lower your standards.
Custom FeatureScript and Onshape Integrated Applications
You know I'm really excited about this new desktop release, but I was really hoping for a cloud version of the same product with zero interoperability, missing half of the features, and a pay-by-module pricing structure with all of the tools spread between confusing classifications of user roles. Any word on when we can expect OnshapExperience?
Onshape Desktop Client Connected Cloud+ is coming eventually, but a subscription for it will be included with all limited-time perpetual licenses of the Onshape Desktop client.
Custom FeatureScript and Onshape Integrated Applications
@Caden_Armstrong What about the license server? How should I install it?
Will we be sent a dongle for node locked seats? Do we get it from Onshape or our current VAR?
Twitter: @BryanLAGdesign
Our software uses the desktop CAD industry standard license check method of "vibes". Upon startup, the Onshape Desktop Client will decide if its "feeling it" or not. While we are seeing a 10% failure rate, this does appear to be an improvement over competitors in the space.
Custom FeatureScript and Onshape Integrated Applications
If it requires a license dongle, Will I need a DB9 serial port?
Twitter: @BryanLAGdesign
Sorry, one more question, will it display better with a CRT monitor?
Twitter: @BryanLAGdesign
Twitter: @BryanLAGdesign
better be green text based.
So cool that Onshape Desktop is compatible with old monitors.
@Caden_Armstrong So I wanted to send my collegue some onshape desktop files with pack-and-gone-wrong, but something isn't working.
He says he can't open them and I suspect he is not running the same version of Onshape desktop?
How did you pack your computer for him? Cardboard box or wood crate? Laptop or desktop?
Custom FeatureScript and Onshape Integrated Applications
Can I please have a copy to install on the boss's desktop tower PC? That way, we could tell him he could now remotely check on what everybody is currently doing at any time, which will make him super happy, while at the same time he could be kept fully occupied all day and would not ask silly whiny questions.
I prefer Macs. Can you get it to work on a Macintosh 128K.
I'm a day or two late but this made me laugh :) brilliant.
Can we call it Offshape?
Independent Onshape Consultant | Industrial Designer