how to insert an image into onshape

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

05-02-2025

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Adding images to your Onshape designs can significantly improve communication and documentation. Whether you're illustrating a concept, providing visual references, or creating detailed instructions, images can make your models much clearer. This guide will walk you through the process of inserting images into Onshape, covering different methods and use cases.

Understanding Image Use in Onshape

Before we dive into the "how," let's understand why you might want to insert images. Images in Onshape primarily serve as annotations or references, not as part of the 3D model itself. They're incredibly helpful for:

• Illustrating Concepts: A picture can often convey information more effectively than words. Use images to clarify complex shapes or features.
• Providing References: Include images of physical prototypes, competitor products, or texture examples for accurate design replication.
• Creating Detailed Instructions: Supplement your design with images showing assembly procedures, material specifications, or other vital information.
• Improving Communication: Images help bridge the communication gap between designers, engineers, and manufacturers.

Method 1: Inserting Images as Decals

This method lets you place an image directly onto a face of your part. The image becomes a visual part of the model's appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open your Onshape part: Begin by opening the part you wish to add the image to.
2. Select the face: Choose the face where you want to apply the decal. Make sure it's a flat surface for optimal results.
3. Navigate to the "Insert" menu: In the Onshape interface, locate and click on the "Insert" menu.
4. Select "Decal": From the dropdown, choose the "Decal" option.
5. Choose your image: A file browser will appear, allowing you to select the image file (JPG, PNG, etc.) from your computer.
6. Adjust the decal: Once inserted, you can resize, rotate, and position the decal using the manipulation tools. Experiment with scaling to ensure it fits appropriately on the chosen face.
7. Save your changes: Don't forget to save your work!

Important Considerations for Decals:

• Image Resolution: Use high-resolution images for the best results. Low-resolution images will appear pixelated.
• File Format: Onshape supports various common image formats, including JPG and PNG. PNGs generally offer better quality for images with sharp lines or text.
• Surface Flatness: Decals work best on flat surfaces. Applying them to curved surfaces might lead to distortions.

Method 2: Adding Images as Drawings

This method is ideal for including images within your Onshape drawings, providing a context for your model views.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open your Onshape drawing: Open the drawing document where you want to add the image.
2. Create a new view: Add a new view of your part if needed.
3. Insert the image: Similar to inserting a decal, navigate to the "Insert" menu and select "Image."
4. Choose your image file: Browse and select the image you wish to add to the drawing.
5. Position and scale: Adjust the size and position of the image within the drawing sheet.
6. Save your drawing: Save the drawing to preserve your changes.

Important Considerations for Drawings:

• Image Placement: Carefully position the image to complement the existing drawing views.
• Annotation: Use annotation tools within Onshape to connect the image to specific features or dimensions in the drawing.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Image not displaying: Ensure the image file is in a supported format and is not corrupted.
• Distorted image: Check that the surface you're applying the decal to is relatively flat. For curved surfaces, consider using the drawing method.
• Large file sizes: Use image optimization tools to reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality. This improves load times.

By mastering these techniques, you can effectively utilize images within Onshape to enhance your designs and improve communication. Remember to always choose the method that best suits your specific needs, whether it's a decal for a visual representation on the part itself or an image within a drawing for documentation purposes.