# Getting Started with Onshape

## Create an Account

Set up your free Onshape Educational account here:  <https://www.onshape.com/en/education>

## Where to begin?

Go to [www.onshape4frc.com](https://onshape4frc.com/getting-started).  Follow the instructions to install the **MKCad App**.  This app helps us easily access parts commonly used in FRC Robot assemblies.

A good introductory project is the Skateboard project.  [Open this Onshape Document](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/ce5ac8909ec93f2ab937afda/w/77af2f4715cd6b9dc0f3d968/e/1cf175a4a9e7faeb7db52e25), make a copy, and follow the steps to model a skateboard assembly!

## Onshape Self-Guided Courses

These courses are recommended.  They're located in the [CAD Basics Learning Pathway.](https://learn.onshape.com/learn/learning-path/introduction-to-cad)

* Introduction to Parametric Feature-Based CAD
* Introduction to Part Design
* Introduction to Assembly Design
* Introduction to 2D Drawings

![](https://3143031572-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MSTlPxAkbXFCKT1jTKl%2F-MSZK_q7TyF4VKV9Yo9J%2F-MSZOjSUgX0rBP3BPIbx%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-02-02%20at%203.19.39%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=8087f039-8f91-43d5-93d4-57a07d0da155)

## Next Steps

Ok, so you have completed all four courses in the CAD Basics Learning Pathway.  You're ready dive a little deeper...&#x20;

Continue to practice some of the most important skills by completing these courses, ***in order:***

1. [Introduction to Sketching](https://learn.onshape.com/learn/course/fundamentals-sketching)
2. [Part Design Using Part Studios](https://learn.onshape.com/learn/course/fundamentals-part-design-using-part-studios)
3. [Multi-Part Part Studios](https://learn.onshape.com/learn/course/fundamentals-multi-part-part-studios)
4. [Managed In-Context Design](https://learn.onshape.com/learn/course/managed-in-context-design)

Those last two are especially useful for designing a robot!

{% hint style="warning" %}
This is a lot, and it will take some time.  But if you want to design a robot, you really need to practice all of this!
{% endhint %}

Next, you'll learn all about the special ways Onshape works so well in the world of FRC.  Onward!