AI SummaryThis booster enables developers to build SOLIDWORKS CAD desktop add-ins using the ISwAddin interface, handling COM registration, lifecycle management, and UI integration. It's essential for engineers and software developers creating custom tools that extend SOLIDWORKS functionality.
Install
Copy this and paste it into Claude Code, Cursor, or any AI assistant:
I want to install the "solidworks-cad-addin-iswaddin" skill in my project. Please run this command in my terminal: # Install skill into the correct directory (2 files) mkdir -p .claude/skills/skills && curl --retry 3 --retry-delay 2 --retry-all-errors -o .claude/skills/skills/SKILL.md "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kilwizac/solidworks-addin-skills/main/skills/solidworks-cad-addin-iswaddin.skill.md" && curl --retry 3 --retry-delay 2 --retry-all-errors -o .claude/skills/skills/solidworks-pdm-addin-epdm.skill.md "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kilwizac/solidworks-addin-skills/main/skills/solidworks-pdm-addin-epdm.skill.md" Then restart Claude Code (or reload the window in Cursor) so the skill is picked up.
Description
Create a SOLIDWORKS (CAD) desktop add-in using the SOLIDWORKS API SDK templates or by implementing ISwAddin/SwAddin manually; includes COM/registry registration, ConnectToSW/DisconnectFromSW lifecycle, CommandManager UI, callbacks, icons, and toolbar considerations.
When to use this skill
Use when you need to create a SOLIDWORKS desktop add-in (loaded by SOLIDWORKS itself; not a PDM vault add-in), implemented as a COM-visible DLL that SOLIDWORKS loads via ISwAddin.
What you should produce (outputs)
• A C# (or VB.NET / C++/CLI / C++) add-in project that: • Implements SolidWorks.Interop.swpublished.ISwAddin (ConnectToSW, DisconnectFromSW) • Registers itself so it appears in Tools > Add-ins... • Adds at least one command (menu/toolbar/CommandManager) with correct callback/enable signatures • Has proper icons (including scaled icons if using .NET templates)
Authoritative documentation (SOLIDWORKS 2025)
• Add-in creation routes (templates/wizards): https://help.solidworks.com/2025/english/api/sldworksapiprogguide/Overview/SolidWorks_API_Add-Ins,_Project_Templates,_and_Wizards.htm?id=1.2.3.0 • Use .NET add-in templates: https://help.solidworks.com/2025/english/api/sldworksapiprogguide/Overview/SolidWorks_CSharp_and_VB.NET__Project_Templates.htm?id=1.2.3.1 • Manual “SwAddin” approach (ISwAddin + registry): https://help.solidworks.com/2025/english/api/sldworksapiprogguide/Overview/Using_SwAddin_to_Create_a_SolidWorks_Addin.htm?id=1.2.3.5 • CommandManager & command groups: https://help.solidworks.com/2025/English/api/sldworksapiprogguide/Overview/CommandManager_and_CommandGroups.htm?id=e695b1d69d874993be07528d907b2e75 • Callback/enable method signatures: https://help.solidworks.com/2025/English/api/sldworksapiprogguide/Overview/Add-in_Callbacks.htm • Scaled add-in icons: https://help.solidworks.com/2025/English/api/sldworksapiprogguide/Overview/Add-in_Icons.htm • Toolbar behavior/IDs: https://help.solidworks.com/2025/English/api/sldworksapiprogguide/Overview/Add-in_Toolbars.htm • Concrete reference implementation (C#): https://help.solidworks.com/2025/english/api/sldworksapi/Create_TaskPaneView_Add-in_Example_CSharp.htm ---
0) Install the SOLIDWORKS API SDK templates
Follow the “Create Task Pane View Add-in Example (C#)” prerequisites: • Install the SOLIDWORKS API SDK templates (the docs reference running SOLIDWORKS API SDK.msi from the SOLIDWORKS installation’s apisdk folder): https://help.solidworks.com/2025/english/api/sldworksapi/Create_TaskPaneView_Add-in_Example_CSharp.htm
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