How to Export All Parts as One File in Onshape

Exporting files from a CAD platform like Onshape can sometimes be a little confusing—especially when you’re trying to export all parts in a document into one single file rather than as individual parts. Whether you’re handing off models to a manufacturer, sharing with a teammate, or preparing for 3D printing, knowing how to consolidate all your parts into a cohesive file is incredibly useful. This guide clears up the confusion and walks you through each step.

TL;DR

If you’re using Onshape and want to export all parts in a document as a single file, you can do this by creating an assembly or part studio that contains all the parts and then exporting from there. The recommended formats for such exports are STEP, Parasolid, or STL depending on your application. Be sure to select the right export settings like units, format, and whether to include referenced geometry. It only takes a few minutes once you’ve done it the first time.

Why Exporting All Parts as One File Is Useful

Before jumping into the “how,” let’s briefly talk about the “why.” Exporting all parts as a single file can:

• Streamline team workflows: You reduce the chance of missed parts.
• Facilitate manufacturing: Some CNC machines and 3D printers require a single file for job setup.
• Ease sharing: Clients and collaborators appreciate getting one file instead of juggling multiple parts.

Understanding Onshape’s Part Studio and Assemblies

Onshape’s unique modeling approach integrates features and parts into something called a Part Studio, which is different from older CAD systems where each part typically lives in its own file. This makes the idea of exporting “everything at once” both easier and trickier, depending on how your document is set up.

In Onshape, you usually have:

1. Part Studio(s): Where multiple related parts are designed together.
2. Assemblies: Where parts are put together to simulate motion or spatial relationships.

Step-by-Step Guide to Export All Parts as One File

Follow these steps depending on how your project is structured:

Option 1: Exporting All Parts from a Single Part Studio

If all the parts exist in one Part Studio, here’s how to export them together:

1. In the left-hand panel, right-click on the Part Studio tab at the bottom of the screen.
2. Select Export from the context menu.
3. In the Export dialog box:
   • Choose a multi-part compatible format like STEP (.step), Parasolid (.x_t), or IGES (.igs).
   • You can also select STL if you’re preparing files for 3D printing, but note that STL files are mesh-based and lose parametric data.
   • Make sure the checkbox for Export parts in one file is selected.
   • Select additional settings such as units, scale, and version name if needed.
4. Click OK or Export. Your file will then be available for download.

Option 2: Exporting from an Assembly

Sometimes your project spans multiple part studios, and you’ve compiled everything into an assembly. In this case, here’s how to proceed:

1. Go to the Assembly tab at the bottom.
2. Right-click on the tab and choose Export.
3. Pick your desired format as in Option 1—typically STEP or Parasolid for multi-body files.
4. Enable the setting for Export as a single file.
5. Confirm other settings like version, colors, and units.
6. Export and save the file to your local system.

Note: When exporting from an assembly, keep in mind that positional information and mate relationships may be preserved depending on the file type chosen.

Tips for a Clean Unified Export

Here are some best practices to ensure your export goes smoothly:

• Check Part Names: Clean up any part names or duplicate names to prevent confusion during import into another system.
• Use Versions: Exporting from a version instead of the workspace ensures no unintended changes sneak in during collaboration.
• Minimize Derived Features: Avoid unnecessary derived parts across studios, which may complicate exports.
• Validate Geometry: Run interference checks in assemblies to ensure exported parts fit well together.

Export Settings Explained

When you’re at the export dialog in Onshape, you’re presented with a variety of options. Understanding them helps you tailor the export to its destination application.

• Format: STEP and Parasolid are widely compatible with most downstream platforms.
• Version: Use this to freeze designs and make your export repeatable and traceable.
• Export Options: Check whether you want to include assembly transformations and mate connectors.
• Coordinate System: Choose whether to use the part studio origin or a custom coordinate system.

What to Do If You Have Parts in Multiple Part Studios

If your document contains multiple Part Studios and you want all parts from all studios in one export, your best option is to create a new Assembly and insert all the parts manually before exporting.

Here’s how:

1. Create a new Assembly tab.
2. Go to the Insert menu and import the parts from each Part Studio.
3. Arrange or ignore mates unless positional relationships matter.
4. Once all parts are included, use the same export workflow as before—right-click the Assembly tab and export as a single file.

Supported File Types and Their Use Cases

The type of export file you choose depends heavily on what you need it for:

• STEP (.step): Ideal for sharing with manufacturers or other design teams. Maintains geometry and hierarchy.
• Parasolid (.x_t): Great for importing into programs like SolidWorks or NX with high fidelity.
• STL (.stl): Best for 3D printing. Mesh-based with no parametrics.
• IGES (.iges): Older format, good compatibility but lacks feature information.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned Onshape users bump into a few common mistakes:

• Exporting only the active part: Don’t just select a part and use “Export”—this way, only that part gets exported.
• Choosing STL for assemblies: STL exports can’t always represent assemblies accurately, and Onshape may prevent the export.
• Forgetting machine units: Mismatched units (millimeters vs inches) often lead to incorrectly scaled parts on import—always double-check.

Conclusion

Once you know your way around Onshape’s exporting options, outputting all your parts into a single file becomes quick and effortless. The key is identifying whether your parts are in one Part Studio or scattered across multiple ones, and choosing the appropriate strategy: export directly from the Part Studio or compile an Assembly. With just a few clicks and the right file type, you’ll be ready to send your design to a manufacturer, teammate, or client with full confidence.

Mastering these export techniques not only saves time but also ensures accuracy and consistency as your designs move further down the development pipeline.