How to Use Macros in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

In SolidWorks, you use macros to automate repetitive tasks by recording actions or writing VBA code. You can create a macro via the Tools > Macro > Record menu, then run it anytime from Tools > Macro > Run.

Syntax

A SolidWorks macro is typically written in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) or recorded as a sequence of actions. The basic syntax for running a macro is:

• Tools > Macro > Run to execute an existing macro file (.swp or .swb).
• Tools > Macro > Record to start recording actions as a macro.
• Tools > Macro > Stop to end recording.

Macros can be edited in the VBA editor to customize behavior.

vba

Sub Main()
    ' Example: Select all faces in the active document
    Dim swApp As Object
    Dim swModel As Object
    Dim swSelMgr As Object

    Set swApp = Application.SldWorks
    Set swModel = swApp.ActiveDoc
    Set swSelMgr = swModel.SelectionManager

    swModel.ClearSelection2 True
    swModel.Extension.SelectAllFaces
End Sub

Example

This example macro selects all faces in the current SolidWorks part document. It demonstrates how to access the SolidWorks application object, the active document, and perform a selection operation.

vba

Sub Main()
    Dim swApp As Object
    Dim swModel As Object

    Set swApp = Application.SldWorks
    Set swModel = swApp.ActiveDoc

    If swModel Is Nothing Then
        MsgBox "No active document found."
        Exit Sub
    End If

    swModel.ClearSelection2 True
    swModel.Extension.SelectAllFaces
    MsgBox "All faces selected."
End Sub

Output

A message box appears with text: "All faces selected." and all faces in the active document become selected.

Common Pitfalls

• Not having an active document: Macros fail if no part or assembly is open.
• Incorrect object references: Using wrong SolidWorks API objects causes errors.
• Not stopping recording: Forgetting to stop macro recording leads to incomplete macros.
• Running macros without permissions: Macros may be blocked by security settings.

vba

Sub WrongExample()
    ' This will cause error if no document is open
    Dim swModel As Object
    Set swModel = Application.SldWorks.ActiveDoc
    swModel.Extension.SelectAllFaces
End Sub

Sub CorrectExample()
    Dim swModel As Object
    Set swModel = Application.SldWorks.ActiveDoc
    If swModel Is Nothing Then
        MsgBox "Open a document first."
        Exit Sub
    End If
    swModel.Extension.SelectAllFaces
End Sub

Quick Reference

Action	Menu Path	Description
Record Macro	Tools > Macro > Record	Start recording your actions as a macro.
Stop Recording	Tools > Macro > Stop	Stop recording and save the macro.
Run Macro	Tools > Macro > Run	Execute a saved macro file.
Edit Macro	Tools > Macro > Edit	Open the VBA editor to modify macro code.
Save Macro	File > Save As (in VBA editor)	Save your macro script file.

Key Takeaways

Use Tools > Macro > Record to capture repetitive tasks as macros.

Edit macros in the VBA editor to customize automation.

Always ensure a document is open before running macros to avoid errors.

Stop recording macros properly to save complete scripts.

Run macros anytime via Tools > Macro > Run to speed up your workflow.