Learn SOLIDWORKS-ADDINS with Real Code Examples

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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