Onshape is a powerful cloud-based CAD platform that offers a wide range of features to designers and engineers. One of the most important features is the ability to set the default measurement system to metric or imperial. This can be a critical setting, as it can affect the accuracy and consistency of your designs. In addition to setting the default measurement system, Onshape also allows you to specify the default units for length, angle, and mass. This gives you the flexibility to work with the units that are most familiar to you and your team.
There are several reasons why you might want to set metric as the default measurement system in Onshape. First, metric is the most commonly used measurement system in the world. This means that you will be able to communicate your designs more easily with other engineers and designers around the globe. Second, metric is a more precise measurement system than imperial. This is because metric units are based on the decimal system, which makes it easier to make precise measurements and calculations. Finally, metric is a more consistent measurement system than imperial. This means that you will be less likely to make mistakes when working with metric units.
To set metric as the default measurement system in Onshape, simply click on the “Settings” tab in the top right corner of the screen. Then, click on the “Units” tab and select “Metric” from the drop-down menu. You can also specify the default units for length, angle, and mass in this menu. Once you have made your changes, click on the “Save” button to save your settings.
Accessing the Units Settings
To begin, access Onshape’s document properties. This can be done in several ways:
- Click on the “File” menu in the top left corner of the Onshape window.
- Select “Document Properties” from the drop-down menu.
- A dialog box will appear with various settings for the current document.
Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + P” (Windows) or “Cmd + P” (Mac) to quickly open the document properties dialog box.
Once the document properties dialog box is open, navigate to the “Units” tab. This tab contains various settings related to the units used in the document, including the default units for length, angle, and temperature.
To set the default units to metric, select “Metric” from the “Default Units” drop-down menu. Metric units include millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilometers for length; degrees Celsius for temperature; and radians or degrees for angles.
Additional Units Settings:
In addition to setting the default units, the “Units” tab also allows you to customize the following settings:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Decimal Precision | Sets the number of decimal places displayed in measurements. |
| Angle Display | Specifies whether angles are displayed in degrees or radians. |
| Mass Units | Sets the units used for mass, such as grams, kilograms, or pounds. |
| Force Units | Sets the units used for force, such as newtons or pounds-force. |
Once you have made your desired changes to the units settings, click “OK” to save your changes and close the document properties dialog box.
Adjusting Units for Imported Files
Saving the Document as a Metric Document
To save a document as a metric document, click on the File menu and select Save As. In the Save As dialog box, select the Metric option from the Units drop-down menu. Click on the Save button to save the document.
Changing the Units of an Imported File
To change the units of an imported file, click on the Insert menu and select Import. In the Import File dialog box, select the file you want to import. Click on the Options button and select the Metric option from the Units drop-down menu. Click on the Import button to import the file.
Adjusting the Units of an Imported File
To adjust the units of an imported file, right-click on the file in the Feature Tree and select Units. In the Units dialog box, select the Metric option from the Units drop-down menu. Click on the OK button to adjust the units of the file.
You can also adjust the units of an imported file by using the Units command in the Edit menu. To do this, click on the Edit menu and select Units. In the Units dialog box, select the Metric option from the Units drop-down menu. Click on the OK button to adjust the units of the file.
Changing the Default Units
To change the default units for all new documents, click on the Tools menu and select Options. In the Options dialog box, select the Metric option from the Units drop-down menu. Click on the OK button to change the default units.
The following table summarizes the different ways to adjust the units for imported files:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Save the document as a metric document | Saves the document as a metric document. |
| Change the units of an imported file | Changes the units of an imported file. |
| Adjust the units of an imported file | Adjusts the units of an imported file. |
| Change the default units | Changes the default units for all new documents. |
Verifying the Metric Setting
To verify that the metric system is now set as the default, follow these steps:
- Create a new document in Onshape.
- Click on the “Insert” menu and select “Part Studio”.
- In the “Units” drop-down menu in the top-right corner, make sure that “Metric” is selected.
- Create a new sketch and draw a line segment.
- In the “Dimensions” panel, check the unit of the line segment. It should be in millimeters (mm) or another metric unit.
- If the line segment is not in metric units, click on the “Units” drop-down menu in the “Dimensions” panel and select “Metric”.
You can also verify the default units setting in the Document Settings dialog box. To do this, click on the “File” menu and select “Document Settings”. In the “Units” tab, make sure that “Metric” is selected.
| Measurement | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Inch | 25.4 mm |
| Foot | 304.8 mm |
| Yard | 914.4 mm |
| Mile | 1.609 km |
Benefits of Using Metric Default
Adopting metric as the default system in Onshape offers numerous advantages, including:
Enhanced Collaboration
Metric units are widely used in the global engineering community, facilitating seamless collaboration with partners and colleagues across borders. By setting metric as the default, Onshape ensures that all users operate on the same unit system, minimizing misunderstandings and ensuring accurate communication.
Improved Data Interoperability
Many external resources and industry standards are based on metric units. By utilizing metric as the default, Onshape allows for effortless data exchange with other software programs and ensures compatibility with third-party components and suppliers.
Simplification of Calculations
Metric units follow a decimal-based system, making calculations and conversions much easier and quicker. This reduces errors and streamlines the design process, especially when working with complex assemblies and large-scale projects.
Increased International Exposure
Setting metric as the default aligns Onshape with the majority of the world’s engineers and scientists, expanding the potential reach of designs and attracting a wider audience for collaboration and innovation.
Specific Examples of Metric Unit Benefits
| Units | Metric |
|---|---|
| Length | Meter (m) |
| Mass | Kilogram (kg) |
| Force | Newton (N) |
| Pressure | Pascal (Pa) |
Temperature
Celsius (°C) is the metric unit of temperature. It is used in most countries around the world, except for the United States, which uses Fahrenheit (°F). Celsius is a more convenient unit for everyday use because it is based on the freezing and boiling points of water. Zero degrees Celsius is the freezing point of water, and 100 degrees Celsius is the boiling point of water.
Onshape How To Set Metric As Default
First, log in to your Onshape account. Then, click on the “Settings” tab in the top right corner of the screen. On the “Settings” page, click on the “Units” tab. Under the “Units” tab, you will see a drop-down menu labeled “Default Units.” Click on the drop-down menu and select “Metric.” Finally, click on the “Save” button at the bottom of the page.
People Also Ask
How do I set metric as default in Onshape?
To set metric as default in Onshape, log in to your account and click on the “Settings” tab. Then, click on the “Units” tab and select “Metric” from the “Default Units” drop-down menu. Finally, click on the “Save” button.
What are the benefits of using metric units?
There are many benefits to using metric units, including:
- Metric units are based on a decimal system, which makes them easy to use and convert.
- Metric units are used by most countries in the world, which makes them a more global standard.
- Metric units are more precise than imperial units, which makes them better for scientific and engineering applications.
