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Learn Solidworks-addins - 2 Code Examples & CST Typing Practice Test

SolidWorks Add-ins are extensions or plugins for Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks CAD software, enabling users to add specialized features, automate repetitive tasks, and integrate SolidWorks with other engineering and business applications. They are used to enhance productivity, customize workflows, and connect SolidWorks to external systems.

View all 2 Solidworks-addins code examples →
VBA Macro Hello WorldC# Add-in Example

Learn SOLIDWORKS-ADDINS with Real Code Examples

Updated Nov 27, 2025

Explain

Add-ins allow automation of repetitive modeling, drawing, and assembly tasks.

Enable integration with PDM/PLM systems and other enterprise software.

Can provide custom tools, features, or UI elements within SolidWorks.

Support VBA, C#, VB.NET, or C++ for development of complex automation routines.

Widely used in mechanical, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries for engineering productivity.

Core Features

Add-in interface for registering commands in SolidWorks UI

Access to SolidWorks API for geometry and feature manipulation

Event handling for document open, save, or rebuild

Custom dialogs and forms for user input

Interfacing with external databases or files for automation

Basic Concepts Overview

API - Application Programming Interface for SolidWorks automation

Event - Trigger that executes code when something changes

Command - Action provided by the add-in in UI or workflow

Task Pane - Custom UI panel added by the add-in

Document - SolidWorks file (Part, Assembly, Drawing) manipulated by API

Project Structure

Core add-in DLL or project code

UI components (forms, panes, buttons)

Event handlers and API interactions

Configuration files for settings or preferences

Documentation for installation and usage

Building Workflow

Define the automation or feature enhancement requirement

Write the add-in code using SolidWorks API

Add UI components if necessary (ribbon, task pane, buttons)

Subscribe to relevant events for dynamic behavior

Test and deploy add-in in production SolidWorks environment

Difficulty Use Cases

Beginner: Automating simple drawing exports or file naming

Intermediate: Adding task panes or custom menus

Advanced: Event-driven automation for assemblies or complex parts

Expert: Integration with PDM/PLM or ERP systems

Architect: Enterprise-wide automation and cross-software workflows

Comparisons

Add-ins vs Macros: Add-ins are more permanent, scalable, and can provide UI elements

Add-ins vs Manual Tasks: Automates repetitive or complex workflows

Add-ins vs Third-party tools: Can be custom-developed to fit enterprise needs

Add-ins vs API scripts: API scripts may run ad-hoc, Add-ins run continuously

Add-ins vs PDM rules: Add-ins provide more flexible automation than simple rules

Versioning Timeline

Early 2000s - Add-in support introduced in SolidWorks

2005 - Expanded API access and event handling

2010 - Task pane and ribbon integration support

2015 - Enhanced PDM/PLM integration APIs

2020 - .NET and C# support standardized

2025 - Modern SDK with advanced UI and cloud integration

Glossary

Add-in - Extension to SolidWorks for automation or features

Macro - Script or small automation routine

Event Handler - Function triggered by SolidWorks events

PDM/PLM - Product Data / Lifecycle Management systems

Feature - SolidWorks geometric or modeling element

Installation Setup

Develop the add-in in supported language (VBA, VB.NET, C#, or C++)

Compile to a DLL or macro-enabled project

Register the add-in with SolidWorks Add-in manager

Enable add-in in SolidWorks via Tools -> Add-ins

Test functionality on sample parts, assemblies, or drawings

Environment Setup

Install SolidWorks with developer SDK

Set up development IDE (Visual Studio recommended)

Reference SolidWorks interop libraries

Compile Add-in DLL

Register and enable in SolidWorks Add-in manager

Config Files

Add-in DLLs

Configuration or settings files for automation options

External data or database connections

UI form resources

Documentation and help files

Cli Commands

Register/unregister Add-in with SolidWorks

Enable/disable Add-in via Add-in manager

Debug Add-in via IDE attachment

Export or update configuration files

Monitor Add-in load and event execution

Internationalization

Support Unicode and multi-language UI

Custom messages and forms can be localized

Enterprise deployment across global teams

Regional formatting for numbers, dates, and units

Custom workflows adaptable to local practices

Accessibility

Accessible via SolidWorks UI once Add-in is loaded

Developer access via IDE for customization

Remote deployment possible in enterprise environments

Role-based access to add-in features supported

Documentation and tutorials widely available

Ui Styling

Add custom task panes, ribbons, and menus

Use dialogs and forms for input/output

Provide dynamic feedback based on model state

Update properties and features visually

Maintain consistent look with SolidWorks native UI

State Management

Track document, part, or assembly state via API

Maintain UI component state across sessions

Cache frequently used data for performance

Store global add-in settings

Handle event-driven updates dynamically

Data Management

Access part, assembly, and drawing data via API

Read/write custom properties and configurations

Integrate with PDM/PLM or external databases

Log operations and user interactions

Ensure data consistency across multiple documents

Architecture

Add-ins are DLLs loaded by SolidWorks at startup

Communicate with SolidWorks via the COM-based API

Can subscribe to document, feature, or application events

May provide UI elements like ribbons, menus, or task panes

Can access local files, databases, or network services

Rendering Model

Add-in loaded as DLL in SolidWorks process

UI components rendered within SolidWorks interface

Event handlers trigger code on document/feature changes

External data accessed via API or database connections

Supports both interactive and automated workflows

Architectural Patterns

DLL-based add-ins

Event-driven programming

Custom UI integration

External system connectivity

Modular and reusable code structure

Real World Architectures

Automotive design automation with batch drawing generation

Aerospace assembly validation and property updates

Industrial machinery with automated BOM creation

Consumer product design with ERP integration

Energy sector CAD automation and reporting

Design Principles

Modular, reusable automation components

Event-driven execution

Seamless integration with SolidWorks UI

Support for enterprise workflows

Extensibility via standard APIs

Scalability Guide

Modularize code for multiple add-ins

Optimize API calls for large assemblies

Distribute add-ins via network or enterprise deployment

Implement global settings for enterprise use

Plan integration with PDM/PLM for large teams

Migration Guide

Legacy macros -> Add-ins: refactor code for DLL deployment

Update API references for new SolidWorks versions

Recreate custom UI elements in task panes or ribbons

Test all automation functionality across parts and assemblies

Document deployment and usage instructions

Performance Notes

Optimize API calls to avoid slow feature updates

Cache repeated computations rather than recalculating

Minimize event handlers for high-frequency triggers

Unload add-ins when not needed to save resources

Profile large assembly operations for responsiveness

Security Notes

Validate input to avoid invalid geometry or file paths

Secure connections to databases or external services

Use proper code signing for enterprise add-ins

Backup add-in source and configuration

Follow SolidWorks best practices for automation safety

Monitoring Analytics

Track Add-in performance and event execution

Monitor batch processing and automation logs

Analyze API call efficiency

Validate consistency across multiple documents

Review UI usage patterns for optimization

Code Quality

Modularize functions and event handlers

Document API calls and custom features

Test Add-ins on sample projects before deployment

Follow SolidWorks API best practices

Implement error handling and logging

Practical Examples

Batch generating PDFs of all drawings in a project folder

Custom property updater for parts and assemblies

Automated BOM extraction and formatting for ERP import

Creating custom geometry features with complex parameter rules

Synchronizing CAD models with PDM/PLM or Excel-based BOMs

Troubleshooting

Ensure correct API references are included in project

Check for proper registration of add-in DLL

Verify event subscriptions are firing as expected

Debug using Visual Studio attached to SolidWorks process

Validate UI components are correctly loaded

Testing Guide

Test add-in on sample part, assembly, and drawing files

Validate UI components and event triggers

Check data read/write accuracy to external systems

Profile performance on large assemblies

Verify compatibility across SolidWorks versions if needed

Deployment Options

Install DLL on user machines and enable via Add-in manager

Deploy via network or enterprise software distribution

Include configuration files for settings

Provide documentation and usage guide

Update versions centrally and notify users

Tools Ecosystem

SolidWorks API and SDK

Visual Studio or VBA editor for development

SolidWorks Add-in manager for enabling/disabling add-ins

PDM/PLM systems for integration

Documentation and sample projects from SolidWorks Developer Network

Integrations

SolidWorks PDM or PLM systems

ERP software for BOM synchronization

Microsoft Excel for data import/export

External databases via ODBC/ADO

Other engineering or simulation software via API

Productivity Tips

Automate repetitive tasks to save time

Use event-driven programming instead of polling

Modularize Add-ins for reuse across projects

Document all features and API calls

Optimize large assembly handling for performance

Challenges

Managing API changes across SolidWorks versions

Debugging event-driven add-ins

Optimizing performance for large assemblies

Ensuring smooth UI integration

Maintaining enterprise deployment and version control

Learning Path

Learn SolidWorks basics and API concepts

Start with simple macros and automation scripts

Advance to event-driven automation and add-in development

Integrate add-ins with PDM/PLM or ERP systems

Develop enterprise-ready add-ins with UI and database integration

Skill Improvement Plan

Week 1: SolidWorks API basics and macro creation

Week 2: Simple add-in with button or menu command

Week 3: Event handling and custom task panes

Week 4: Integration with Excel or database

Week 5: Advanced workflows and multi-user deployment

Interview Questions

What is a SolidWorks Add-in and why is it used?

How do Add-ins interact with the SolidWorks API?

Explain event-driven automation in SolidWorks Add-ins.

How can you integrate a SolidWorks Add-in with PDM/PLM?

Describe a practical example of an automation Add-in you developed

Cheat Sheet

API - SolidWorks Application Programming Interface

Event - Trigger for executing code (e.g., document open, rebuild)

Command - Action in SolidWorks UI via add-in

Task Pane - Custom panel added by add-in

DLL - Compiled Add-in loaded by SolidWorks

Books

Mastering SolidWorks API

SolidWorks Add-ins Development Guide

Automation with SolidWorks and VBA/C#

Customizing SolidWorks for Enterprise Workflows

Advanced SolidWorks Add-in Programming

Tutorials

Getting Started with SolidWorks API

Developing Your First SolidWorks Add-in

Event-Driven Automation in SolidWorks

Integrating Add-ins with PDM/PLM Systems

Advanced Add-in Development with Custom UI

Official Docs

https://help.solidworks.com/2025/English/api/sldworksapiprogguide/

https://www.solidworks.com/product/api

https://www.solidworks.com/support

https://www.solidworks.com/developer-network

https://forum.solidworks.com/

Community Links

SolidWorks Developer Network (SDN)

SolidWorks forums and community

Stack Overflow CAD/engineering tags

LinkedIn SolidWorks Developer groups

Third-party CAD/automation training providers

Community Support

SolidWorks Developer Network (SDN)

SolidWorks forums and knowledge base

Stack Overflow / Stack Exchange CAD communities

LinkedIn SolidWorks developer groups

Third-party training and tutorials

Monetization

Enterprise automation solutions with Add-ins

Custom PDM/PLM integration services

Add-in development consultancy

Training for CAD automation and API use

Distribution of specialized engineering Add-ins

Future Roadmap

Cloud and web-based SolidWorks integration

Enhanced API features for simulation and design validation

Support for AI-assisted automation

More prebuilt templates and reusable Add-ins

Enterprise deployment and monitoring improvements

When Not To Use

For small or one-off tasks where a macro suffices

If no programming expertise is available

For minor UI tweaks that do not need full add-in

When SolidWorks environment is restricted or cannot load DLLs

If enterprise integration is unnecessary

Final Summary

SolidWorks Add-ins provide extensibility to the SolidWorks CAD environment, allowing automation, integration, and workflow customization.

They use SolidWorks API for geometry, assembly, drawing, and event automation.

Support for custom UI, batch processing, and enterprise integration increases engineering productivity.

Event-driven design enables real-time response to user or process actions.

Widely adopted in industries to streamline CAD processes and integrate with PDM/PLM and ERP systems.

Faq

Can Add-ins run without SolidWorks? -> No, they depend on SolidWorks runtime.

What languages can be used? -> VBA, C#, VB.NET, C++.

Can add-ins manipulate assemblies automatically? -> Yes, via API.

Do add-ins support custom UI? -> Yes, menus, ribbons, task panes.

Is Add-in development documented? -> Yes, through SolidWorks SDK and SDN.

Code Sample Descriptions

1

VBA Macro Hello World

Dim swApp As Object

Sub main()
    Set swApp = Application.SldWorks
    swApp.SendMsgToUser "Hello World from SolidWorks VBA!"
End Sub

A SolidWorks VBA macro that prints 'Hello World' in the CAD status bar.

Let’s Try →
2

C# Add-in Example

using SolidWorks.Interop.sldworks;
using SolidWorks.Interop.swconst;
using System;

public class HelloWorldAddIn
{
    public void ConnectToSW()
    {
        SldWorks swApp = new SldWorks();
        Console.WriteLine("Hello World from SolidWorks C# Add-in!");
    }
}

A SolidWorks C# add-in that connects to SolidWorks and writes a message to the console.

Let’s Try →

Frequently Asked Questions about Solidworks-addins

What is Solidworks-addins?

SolidWorks Add-ins are extensions or plugins for Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks CAD software, enabling users to add specialized features, automate repetitive tasks, and integrate SolidWorks with other engineering and business applications. They are used to enhance productivity, customize workflows, and connect SolidWorks to external systems.

What are the primary use cases for Solidworks-addins?

Automating repetitive CAD modeling tasks. Integrating SolidWorks with PDM/PLM systems. Customizing the SolidWorks user interface. Generating reports, BOMs, and drawings automatically. Creating specialized engineering tools for internal processes

What are the strengths of Solidworks-addins?

Greatly increases productivity by automating repetitive tasks. Customizable to department or enterprise needs. Can enhance collaboration via PDM/PLM integration. Allows developers to create specialized CAD functionality. Widely supported and documented within SolidWorks ecosystem

What are the limitations of Solidworks-addins?

Requires programming knowledge for development. Performance may vary based on script or add-in complexity. Compatibility issues may occur between SolidWorks versions. Debugging complex Add-ins can be challenging. Some enterprise integration may require licensing or APIs

How can I practice Solidworks-addins typing speed?

CodeSpeedTest offers 2+ real Solidworks-addins code examples for typing practice. You can measure your WPM, track accuracy, and improve your coding speed with guided exercises.

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