Large Assemblies

A. Large Assembly Optimization

As your robot model grows more complex, the part count can reach hundreds or even thousands. At that point, Onshape's rendering and computation performance may slow down. Here are some practical optimization tips.

Everyone feels this way when large assemblies get complex

Show/hide parts and simplified display mode

Show/Hide Parts

In an assembly, hiding parts you don't currently need to view can significantly speed up rendering. In the feature tree on the left, click the eye icon next to a part to toggle its visibility.

Simplified Display Mode

Simplified display only shows the outer shell of each part, omitting internal details. This is ideal during the overall layout stage.

Sub-Assembly Architecture

Properly splitting sub-assemblies is key to managing complex models. We recommend splitting by functional module:

• Drivetrain — wheels, motors, transmission
• Intake — intake mechanism
• Shooter — launching mechanism
• Lift — lifting mechanism (if applicable)

Each sub-assembly is managed independently, then combined in the top-level assembly.

Lightweight Mode

Onshape's lightweight mode loads only the minimum data needed for rendering, dramatically improving load times. Use it when opening large documents.

B. OneIPM (Real-Time Collaboration)

Multiple people editing the same document in real time

OneIPM is one of Onshape's most powerful collaboration features — multiple people can edit the same document simultaneously, seeing each teammate's cursor position and changes in real time.

Key Features

• Real-time sync — All changes are automatically saved and synced; no manual "save" needed
• Visible collaboration — You can see where your teammates are currently editing
• No conflicts — Onshape automatically handles concurrent edits

OneIPM Task Management

OneIPM integrates task management directly into Onshape. You can create tasks, assign them to teammates, and track progress — all within the CAD environment.

Creating and managing tasks in OneIPM

Want to know what to work on today? Open the OneIPM panel and check the task list under My Tasks > "Due Now".

Viewing your personal task list and current to-dos

BOM and Assembly View

OneIPM's document viewer provides an intuitive view of large assemblies and supports creating interactive BOMs (Bills of Materials) to organize, sort, and filter parts.

Managing assembly parts with an interactive BOM

Tree and node views let you intuitively understand the assembly structure and how parts connect. You can also create tasks directly from these views.

Tree and node views showing assembly structure

Documenting Design Iterations

During the robot design process, it's important to document each iteration and modification. OneIPM helps you track design history and showcase your team's work.

Recording and showcasing the design iteration process

Multi-User Collaboration Best Practices

When multiple people are editing an assembly at the same time, we recommend:

• Divide work by sub-assembly — One person handles the drivetrain, another handles the intake system
• Avoid editing the same part simultaneously — Onshape can handle it, but it adds merge complexity
• Use comments to communicate — When design decisions need discussion, leave comments directly on the model

Comments Feature

Onshape's built-in comment feature makes team communication more efficient. Click the comment icon on the left to open the comment panel and annotate directly on the model.

Click the comment icon to open the comment panel

Viewing and managing comments in the document

Use the @ symbol to mention teammates in comments and assign tasks. Mentioned users will receive notifications.

Mention teammates with @ and assign tasks

Comment notifications and task tracking

When comments pile up, use the filter feature to quickly find what you need. You can also reply to comments and mark tasks as complete.

Filtering and managing a large number of comments

Comments are linked to branches — switching branches also switches the comments