Can you record a macro to automate a repetitive task in SolidWorks?

Short Answer

Yes — in SolidWorks, you can record a macro to automate a repetitive task using Start Recording Macro, which captures common command actions and saves them as a VBA macro for reuse. This is the fastest and most common professional method for simple workflow automation in SolidWorks. It does not reliably capture every interactive selection or add-in-specific action.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Recorded macros in SolidWorks are often fragile if they depend on exact model names, feature order, or selection sequences. A macro that works on one part may fail on another if faces, dimensions, or configurations are different.

How to Record a Macro in SolidWorks

• Command: Start Recording Macro

• Shortcut: No default keyboard shortcut

• Quick Steps:

  1. Go to Tools > Macro > Record from the top menu, then choose a save location for the .swp macro file.
  2. Perform the repetitive task in SolidWorks using the normal UI workflow; keep the steps simple and consistent.
  3. Go to Tools > Macro > Stop, then test it with Tools > Macro > Run and select the saved macro file.

Variables & Settings

• Key Setting: Save macro as .swp

• Expert Setting: Saving the macro as a standard .swp file lets you rerun it from Tools > Macro > Run or assign it to a toolbar button or keyboard shortcut. For more reliable results, use stable selections and avoid recording unnecessary view changes.

Why it Fails

• Cause 1 (Geometry): The macro references model faces, edges, or features that no longer exist or have changed after edits or rebuilds.
• Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The target document may be read-only, not active, or controlled by PDM state restrictions, preventing the macro from making changes.
• Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Some actions are not fully captured by the recorder, especially complex PropertyManager interactions, external add-ins, or unpredictable selection sequences.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

• Quick Fix: Re-record the workflow using fewer steps, then run the macro on a clean test file before using it in production.
• Manager’s Verdict: Use recorded macros for simple, repetitive SolidWorks tasks like exports, property edits, or standard command sequences. Avoid them for geometry-dependent operations unless the macro is cleaned up and stabilized in the VBA editor.

FAQ

Can SolidWorks macros be edited after recording?
Yes, recorded macros can be edited in the VBA editor.

Can you assign a solidworks macro to a button?
Yes, you can add a macro button through Customize.

Do SolidWorks macros work on all file types?
No, some macros only work correctly on parts, assemblies, or drawings depending on what was recorded.

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