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Learn Solidworks-api - 10 Code Examples & CST Typing Practice Test

SolidWorks API is a COM-based programming interface that allows developers to automate, customize, and extend the SolidWorks CAD software, enabling tasks from simple macros to complex design automation and integration with external systems.

View all 10 Solidworks-api code examples →
Create a New Part DocumentAdd a Sketch on Front PlaneDraw a Line in SketchDraw a Circle in SketchExtrude a SketchCreate a Rectangle SketchApply Fillet to EdgeAdd Material to PartCreate a Circular PatternSave Part Document

Learn SOLIDWORKS-API with Real Code Examples

Updated Nov 27, 2025

Explain

Provides programmatic access to SolidWorks objects, documents, and features.

Supports automation of repetitive modeling tasks and drawing creation.

Allows integration with databases, PLM, and ERP systems.

Enables creation of custom add-ins, macros, and tools for engineers and designers.

Uses languages such as VBA, VB.NET, C#, and C++ through COM interop.

Core Features

Automation of sketching, features, assemblies, and drawings

Property and configuration management

Custom property and document manipulation

Interaction with SolidWorks events (e.g., file open, rebuild)

Support for both VBA macros and .NET add-ins

Basic Concepts Overview

COM Automation - core communication protocol with SolidWorks

Document types - Part, Assembly, Drawing

Features - extrude, cut, fillet, etc.

Sketches - 2D drawings used to create features

Configurations - variations of parts or assemblies

Project Structure

Macro files (.swp, .sldmacro) or .NET add-in projects

References to SolidWorks.Interop assemblies

Configuration files for custom tools

Unit tests for automation scripts

Documentation of API usage and custom workflows

Building Workflow

Identify repetitive task or required automation

Choose macro or add-in development approach

Access SolidWorks objects via API

Manipulate features, properties, and assemblies programmatically

Test and debug code within SolidWorks environment

Difficulty Use Cases

Beginner: simple macro to rename or export files

Intermediate: automate feature creation based on input parameters

Advanced: develop custom add-ins for assembly management

Expert: integrate SolidWorks with PLM/ERP systems

Architect: enterprise-level design automation frameworks

Comparisons

SolidWorks API vs Inventor API: both COM-based, SolidWorks uses SW object model, Inventor has Inventor-specific events

SolidWorks API vs Fusion 360 API: Fusion is cloud-based Python/JavaScript, SolidWorks is Windows COM/.NET

Macro vs Add-in: macros are simpler scripts, add-ins are compiled for deployment and events

SolidWorks API vs AutoCAD API: SolidWorks API more feature-tree focused, AutoCAD API drawing-object oriented

SolidWorks API vs OpenCASCADE: OpenCASCADE is geometry kernel; SW API automates SolidWorks

Versioning Timeline

1997 - Early SolidWorks API introduction

2000s - COM automation stabilized for parts, assemblies, drawings

2005 - .NET interop support added

2010 - Event handling and advanced object model enhancements

2015 - API improvements for large assembly performance

2020 - Cloud and PDM integration features enhanced

2025 - Latest SolidWorks API release with modern .NET support

Glossary

COM - Component Object Model

Macro - script automating SolidWorks tasks

Add-in - compiled code extending SolidWorks functionality

FeatureManager - tree representing model features

Event - notification triggered by SolidWorks action

Installation Setup

Install SolidWorks on Windows machine

Install VBA editor (bundled with SolidWorks) or Visual Studio for .NET add-ins

Ensure SolidWorks type libraries are registered

Set up project references to SolidWorks.Interop assemblies

Test API access with sample macro or add-in

Environment Setup

Install SolidWorks on Windows machine

Install VBA editor or Visual Studio

Reference SolidWorks.Interop assemblies in project

Configure macro security settings

Test access to SolidWorks API objects

Config Files

Add-in registration files (.reg or .addin XML)

Macro files (.swp or .sldmacro)

Configuration files for template and BOM paths

Project files for Visual Studio (.csproj, .vbproj)

External integration settings (Excel, database connections)

Cli Commands

swApp.OpenDoc -> open a document

swApp.NewPart -> create a new part

FeatureManager.AddFeature -> add feature programmatically

CustomPropertyManager.Add -> set custom property

swApp.RunMacro -> execute macro

Internationalization

APIs reflect localized document names and properties

Support for Unicode strings

Work with multi-language templates

Event messages adapt to SolidWorks language settings

Custom add-ins can implement multilingual forms

Accessibility

Accessible via VBA editor and add-ins

Task panes and forms can be navigated via keyboard

API supports automation without UI interaction

Dialogs and forms customizable for engineers

Supports localization through SolidWorks UI

Ui Styling

Custom task panes and property managers

Ribbon toolbar extensions for add-ins

Dialog forms for user input

Control SolidWorks view display styles

Programmatically update annotations and dimensions

State Management

Track active documents and selections

Feature tree and configuration states

Event subscription and handling states

Custom property values and updates

Macro or add-in runtime state

Data Management

SolidWorks part, assembly, and drawing files

Custom properties stored in documents

Exported BOMs and reports

Databases integrated via API

External file references for templates and macros

Architecture

COM interface exposing SolidWorks objects

Events system for hooking into SolidWorks actions

Macros: scripts executed inside SolidWorks

Add-ins: compiled .NET or C++ libraries

Property and feature tree manipulation through API objects

Rendering Model

Not directly applicable

API can manipulate model geometry and view orientation

Supports camera and view control

Control display styles (shaded, wireframe) programmatically

No custom rendering engine; relies on SolidWorks visualization

Architectural Patterns

COM-based object model

Event-driven programming

Macro-based automation

Add-in compiled modules for extensibility

Integration with external systems via COM or .NET

Real World Architectures

Automotive part and assembly automation

Industrial machinery design and BOM generation

Consumer product design with template automation

PLM-integrated engineering workflows

Custom add-ins for enterprise CAD standards enforcement

Design Principles

Expose all SolidWorks objects and features programmatically

Enable automation of repetitive design tasks

Provide event-driven architecture for customization

Support both scripting and compiled add-ins

Ensure backward compatibility across versions

Scalability Guide

Use modular add-ins for reusable automation

Batch process multiple documents for efficiency

Separate UI from automation logic

Optimize API calls for large assemblies

Maintain compatibility with multiple SolidWorks releases

Migration Guide

Legacy macros -> .NET add-ins for performance

Update API calls for newer SolidWorks versions

Refactor VBA scripts to handle configuration changes

Test automation on large assemblies

Integrate with modern PLM or database systems

Performance Notes

Large assemblies may slow macro execution

Avoid unnecessary feature rebuilds in loops

Use API bulk operations when possible

Minimize UI updates during automation

Test with different SolidWorks versions for compatibility

Security Notes

Macros can execute arbitrary code - use trusted sources only

Restrict access to sensitive CAD files

Ensure add-ins follow company security policies

Avoid writing directly to system directories

Backup models before automation runs

Monitoring Analytics

Log API automation events

Monitor performance of add-ins and macros

Track errors and exceptions in automation

Validate feature creation and property updates

Analyze execution time for batch processes

Code Quality

Follow COM best practices

Release API objects properly to avoid memory leaks

Modularize automation logic

Handle exceptions and SolidWorks errors

Document macros and add-ins for maintainability

Practical Examples

Automatically generate part drawings with title blocks

Create assembly configurations programmatically

Export BOMs to Excel or database

Custom feature creation based on design rules

Batch processing of files for standardization

Troubleshooting

Ensure correct SolidWorks version references in project

Check object hierarchy for null references

Verify event handlers are correctly hooked

Debug macros inside SolidWorks VBA editor

Use logs to track API operations for large assemblies

Testing Guide

Run macros on sample parts before batch execution

Verify feature creation and property updates

Check assembly configurations for correctness

Test add-in load and unload in SolidWorks

Validate integration with external systems

Deployment Options

Distribute VBA macros to engineers

Install compiled add-ins (.dll) on user machines

Package custom templates with add-ins

Integrate with corporate PLM or ERP servers

Automate batch scripts for server-side processing

Tools Ecosystem

VBA editor in SolidWorks

Visual Studio for .NET add-ins

SolidWorks API SDK and Interop assemblies

SWMacro Recorder

Third-party add-in development tools

Integrations

PLM systems like PDM/Enovia

ERP systems for BOM synchronization

Excel/Access for reporting

Custom databases for design automation

Other CAD/CAM software through API bridges

Productivity Tips

Start with macro recorder to learn API calls

Use Visual Studio for robust add-in development

Organize API code into reusable modules

Batch process repetitive tasks

Document all automation scripts and add-ins

Challenges

Understanding complex SolidWorks object model

Debugging in COM environment

Version compatibility between SolidWorks releases

Performance optimization for large assemblies

Maintaining code for multiple documents and templates

Learning Path

Learn SolidWorks fundamentals

Understand VBA or .NET programming

Explore SolidWorks object model

Develop simple macros

Advance to add-in development and external integrations

Skill Improvement Plan

Week 1: Simple macros for part and drawing properties

Week 2: Automate assembly operations

Week 3: Event handling and feature automation

Week 4: Add-in development with C# or VB.NET

Week 5: Integrate with Excel, databases, and PLM systems

Interview Questions

What is the difference between a macro and an add-in in SolidWorks API?

How do you automate assembly creation using the API?

Explain event handling in SolidWorks API.

How do you access custom properties programmatically?

How do you ensure API code is compatible across SolidWorks versions?

Cheat Sheet

swApp -> main SolidWorks application object

PartDoc, AssemblyDoc, DrawingDoc -> document types

Feature -> a modeling operation

Configuration -> variant of part or assembly

CustomPropertyManager -> access custom properties

Books

Mastering SolidWorks API

SolidWorks API Automation with VBA and .NET

SolidWorks 2025 API Programming Guide

Automating SolidWorks Tasks

SolidWorks Macro and Add-in Development Handbook

Tutorials

Getting started with SolidWorks API

VBA macros for automation

.NET add-in development

Feature and configuration automation

Integrating API with Excel and databases

Official Docs

https://help.solidworks.com

https://solidworks.com/developer/api

Community Links

SolidWorks API forums

Stack Overflow SolidWorks API

LinkedIn SolidWorks developer groups

SolidWorks user groups

CAD/PLM industry communities

Community Support

SolidWorks API forums

Stack Overflow SolidWorks API section

LinkedIn SolidWorks developer groups

SolidWorks user groups

CAD/PLM industry communities

Monetization

Custom SolidWorks add-in development services

Engineering automation consulting

PLM/ERP integration solutions

Macros and templates for enterprise use

Training engineers in API usage and automation

Future Roadmap

Expanded .NET Core and C# support

Enhanced integration with cloud PDM systems

Improved event handling and asynchronous API calls

Better support for large assemblies and complex features

Stronger security for add-ins and macros

When Not To Use

Small one-off manual edits not worth automation

Non-Windows environments

Cloud-only workflows outside SolidWorks

Highly graphical manipulations not supported via API

Projects where manual designer decision is needed for each feature

Final Summary

SolidWorks API enables automation, customization, and integration of CAD workflows.

Supports macros for simple automation and add-ins for complex tasks.

Uses COM-based object model and supports VBA, .NET languages, and C++.

Integrates with PLM/ERP, databases, and external systems.

Widely used in manufacturing, mechanical design, and engineering automation.

Faq

Can I use SolidWorks API on Mac? -> No, Windows only.

Which languages are supported? -> VBA, VB.NET, C#, C++ (COM interop).

Can API create new drawings? -> Yes, fully automatable.

Is macro recorder sufficient for complex automation? -> Only for simple tasks; add-ins needed for complex workflows.

Does API support assemblies and configurations? -> Yes, full support via object model.

Code Sample Descriptions

1

Create a New Part Document

Dim swApp As SldWorks.SldWorks
Dim swPart As ModelDoc2
Set swApp = Application.SldWorks
Set swPart = swApp.NewDocument("C:\ProgramData\SolidWorks\SOLIDWORKS 2023\templates\Part.prtdot", 0, 0, 0)

Opens a new part document in SolidWorks via API.

Let’s Try →
2

Add a Sketch on Front Plane

Dim swSketchMgr As SketchManager
Set swSketchMgr = swPart.SketchManager
swPart.Extension.SelectByID2 "Front Plane", "PLANE", 0, 0, 0, False, 0, Nothing, 0
swSketchMgr.InsertSketch True

Creates a new sketch on the front plane.

Let’s Try →
3

Draw a Line in Sketch

Dim line As SketchSegment
Set line = swSketchMgr.CreateLine(0, 0, 0, 0.1, 0.1, 0)

Draws a line between two points in the active sketch.

Let’s Try →
4

Draw a Circle in Sketch

Dim circle As SketchSegment
Set circle = swSketchMgr.CreateCircleByRadius(0, 0, 0, 0.05)

Creates a circle at a specified center with a given radius.

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5

Extrude a Sketch

swPart.FeatureManager.FeatureExtrusion2 True, False, False, 0, 0, 0.1, 0, False, False, False, False, 0, 0, False, False, False, False, True, False, False

Extrudes the selected sketch to create a 3D solid.

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6

Create a Rectangle Sketch

Dim p1, p2, p3, p4 As SketchSegment
Set p1 = swSketchMgr.CreateLine(0, 0, 0, 0.1, 0, 0)
Set p2 = swSketchMgr.CreateLine(0.1, 0, 0, 0.1, 0.05, 0)
Set p3 = swSketchMgr.CreateLine(0.1, 0.05, 0, 0, 0.05, 0)
Set p4 = swSketchMgr.CreateLine(0, 0.05, 0, 0, 0, 0)

Draws a rectangle using four lines in a sketch.

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7

Apply Fillet to Edge

swPart.Extension.SelectByID2 "Edge1", "EDGE", 0, 0, 0, False, 0, Nothing, 0
swPart.FeatureManager.InsertFeatureFillet 5, 0.01, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

Applies a fillet to a selected edge in a part.

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8

Add Material to Part

swPart.SetMaterialPropertyName2 "Default", "Steel"

Assigns a material to the active part document.

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9

Create a Circular Pattern

swPart.Extension.SelectByID2 "Boss-Extrude1", "BODYFEATURE", 0, 0, 0, False, 0, Nothing, 0
swPart.Extension.SelectByID2 "Axis1", "AXIS", 0, 0, 0, True, 0, Nothing, 0
swPart.FeatureManager.FeatureCircularPattern3 6, 360, False, True, True, True, False, 0, 0, False

Creates a circular pattern of a feature around an axis.

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10

Save Part Document

swPart.SaveAs "C:\Users\Public\Documents\SolidWorks\part1.sldprt"

Saves the active part document to a specified path.

Let’s Try →

Frequently Asked Questions about Solidworks-api

What is Solidworks-api?

SolidWorks API is a COM-based programming interface that allows developers to automate, customize, and extend the SolidWorks CAD software, enabling tasks from simple macros to complex design automation and integration with external systems.

What are the primary use cases for Solidworks-api?

Automate repetitive modeling or drawing tasks. Create custom add-ins for design processes. Integrate SolidWorks with PLM/ERP databases. Generate reports and BOMs automatically. Custom tools for design validation and rule enforcement

What are the strengths of Solidworks-api?

Reduces repetitive manual CAD operations. Enables company-specific design rules and standards. Improves design productivity and consistency. Integrates seamlessly with existing SolidWorks environment. Supports complex workflows for large assemblies

What are the limitations of Solidworks-api?

Requires knowledge of COM and SolidWorks object model. Performance can be limited for very large assemblies. Learning curve for VBA/.NET or C# integration. Limited cross-platform support (Windows only). API changes between SolidWorks versions can affect macros/add-ins

How can I practice Solidworks-api typing speed?

CodeSpeedTest offers 10+ real Solidworks-api code examples for typing practice. You can measure your WPM, track accuracy, and improve your coding speed with guided exercises.

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