Onshape lets engineers build custom CAD features with natural language

An engineer needs a custom CAD feature, but the first step no longer has to be writing code. PTC has announced the availability of a new FeatureScript MCP Server capability in Onshape Labs that lets engineers describe the feature in natural language while AI helps build, test, debug and refine it in FeatureScript.

FeatureScript is Onshape’s programming language for CAD automation. It allows companies to capture engineering knowledge, automate repetitive design tasks and create custom tools for their own workflows. The new server connects that code directly to coding large language models—LLMs, software that can generate and work with code—such as Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini.

The connection relies on the Model Context Protocol, or MCP, which lets the AI interact with Onshape FeatureScript code. In practice, an engineer can explain the functionality needed, then use AI assistance through the cycle of construction, testing, debugging and refinement rather than treating a generated answer as finished engineering software.

That matters because a successful custom feature can become a reusable tool. PTC says organizations can share proven design practices across teams and projects, expanding access to automation beyond engineers who already know how to program in FeatureScript. Reuse also means the same tool does not have to be recreated through repeated prompts or ongoing AI interactions.

And so what, concretely? Teams using Onshape could turn more of their established design knowledge into custom CAD features, while reducing the coding barrier to creating them. The capability is still distributed through Onshape Labs, so it should be read as an early offering rather than evidence of a mature, production-wide deployment. PTC positions it within its broader product-data strategy, where AI is applied to product development and better use of engineering data can support faster product launches, product-complexity management and regulatory or compliance work.