Onshape is a tool for designing objects in 3D, known as computer-aided design, or CAD. Unlike traditional software that you install on a computer, Onshape runs entirely in your web browser. This means you can access your projects from any device, anywhere, without worrying about saving files or installing updates.

It’s also a parametric modeling tool. This simply means that your design is built from a series of steps, like a recipe. If you need to change the size of a hole you made ten steps ago, you can just go back and edit that single step. The rest of your model will update automatically to reflect the change. This makes editing complex designs much easier.

To get started, you'll need to create an account. Onshape offers a free plan for hobbyists and makers, which is perfect for learning. All your work on this plan will be public.

After logging in, you'll land on the Documents page. Think of this as your main dashboard or file cabinet. It’s where all your projects, which Onshape calls "Documents," are stored and organized.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Create Button: This is where you'll go to start a new project.
• Navigation Panel: On the left, you can filter documents. "My Onshape" shows your projects, while "Public" lets you browse designs created by others.
• Document List: The main area displays all your design files. You can click on any of them to open the workspace and start editing.

When you create or open a document, you enter the modeling workspace. This is where the magic happens. It might look complex at first, but it's organized into a few key areas.

Let's walk through the main sections:

1. Toolbar: At the top of the screen is a list of all your design tools. This is where you’ll find commands to create sketches, extrude shapes, and modify your model.

2. Feature List: On the left side, this panel shows every action you've taken to build your part. This is the "recipe" of your parametric model. You can go back and edit any feature in this list.

3. Graphics Area: The large central space is where you interact with your 3D model. You can rotate, pan, and zoom to see your design from any angle.

4. View Cube: In the top-right corner, this cube helps you quickly snap the camera to standard views like Top, Front, or Right.

5. Studio and Assembly Tabs: At the bottom, you'll see tabs like "Part Studio" and "Assembly." A Part Studio is where you design individual components. An Assembly is where you bring multiple parts together to see how they fit.

Now that you're familiar with the layout, you're ready to start designing. Take a moment to click around and get a feel for navigating the space.