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C# Add-in Example - Solidworks-addins Typing CST Test
C# Add-in Example — Solidworks-addins Code
A SolidWorks C# add-in that connects to SolidWorks and writes a message to the console.
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!");
}
}Solidworks-addins Language Guide
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.
Primary Use Cases
- ▸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
Notable Features
- ▸Event-driven automation for part, assembly, and drawing changes
- ▸Custom task panes, property managers, and menus
- ▸Batch processing for files and features
- ▸Integration with PDM/PLM and ERP systems
- ▸Supports multiple programming languages (VBA, C#, VB.NET, C++)
Origin & Creator
Developed by Dassault Systèmes as part of the SolidWorks platform, Add-in support was introduced to enable customization and workflow automation within the CAD environment.
Industrial Note
SolidWorks Add-ins allow engineers to extend the base CAD capabilities to meet project-specific, departmental, or enterprise-level needs, such as batch drawing generation, BOM extraction, or ERP integration.
Quick 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
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
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
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
Strengths
- ▸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
Limitations
- ▸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
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
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
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.
30-Day Skill 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
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.
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
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
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
Basic Concepts
- ▸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