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.
Learn SOLIDWORKS-API with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 27, 2025
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
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.