Geometry & modeling
CAD configuration
Definition
A CAD configuration is a named or parameter-defined variation of a part or assembly stored within one native model document. Configurations can change dimensions, features, components, materials, or properties while sharing the model's underlying design definition.
Also known as: model configuration, design configuration
Updated
What can vary#
Onshape's configuration documentation supports inputs that control dimensions, feature suppression, custom features, part properties, materials, assembly instances, mates, and patterns. A list can define approved named variants, a checkbox can toggle an option, and a bounded variable can allow a controlled numeric range.
SOLIDWORKS Design Help 2026 likewise describes part families with different dimensions, features, and properties, and assembly families with different components, component configurations, and assembly parameters.
Configuration, part identity, and revision#
A configuration is a model state, not automatically a separate orderable item. Some configurations represent distinct sizes or materials and need their own part number. Others represent positions, simplified displays, or temporary states of the same physical item.
It is also not a revision. A revision records an approved change to an identified item. Onshape's release guidance can treat selected configurations as unique revisionable objects, but only the configurations included in a release become available from that released version.
What does not normally survive exchange#
Neutral formats usually carry the geometry of the selected configuration, not the native configuration table, suppression logic, named inputs, or full application-specific metadata. Export each required result explicitly and verify its identity, geometry, and release data in the receiving system.
Use separate native files when configurations require incompatible design logic, independent ownership, or a downstream lifecycle that cannot represent configured items safely.
Sources
Related terms
Feature tree
A feature tree is the ordered list of operations, such as sketches, extrudes, cuts, fillets, and patterns, that builds a parametric CAD model. Editing an early feature replays every feature after it, which makes controlled changes possible and also makes the model depend on each earlier step.
Design intent
Design intent is the reasoning built into a model's structure: which dimensions drive others, what stays centered or symmetric, and what should move when something changes. Two models that look identical can behave very differently when edited because of how their intent was captured.
Engineering revision
An engineering revision is an identified, approved state of a part, assembly, drawing, or release package. Unlike an ordinary saved version, a revision communicates a controlled design change to manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and other downstream users.
PDM
Product data management (PDM) is the controlled system used to store, version, relate, review, and release engineering files and their metadata. In CAD work it keeps models, drawings, assemblies, BOM information, permissions, and approval history tied to identifiable design states.
Part number
A part number is a controlled identifier assigned to a specific item or design variant so it can be referenced consistently in drawings, bills of materials, purchasing, manufacturing, inspection, and service. A part number identifies the item; a revision identifies an approved state of that item.