Learn SOLIDWORKS-API with Real Code Examples

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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