PDMShell documentation

Automate SOLIDWORKS PDM from a shell, a script, or right inside the vault.

Commands, scripting guides, add-in setup and AI integrations for SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, organized by what you are trying to do.

Download PDMShell for Windows Installation and update guide →

Signed installer · ZIP download · Current release: 4.0.94

Search commands, placeholders, guides… Ctrl K

Popular: checkin setvar search syntax placeholders license pool

Standalone and vault scripts, one editor

Updated through PDMShell 4.0.92. Create, open and save both script types from the main toolbar. Configure vault Script settings beside the visual workflow; the add-in handles execution.

See the new workflow →

PDMShell 4.0.85 controls shown with sample data.

Start where you are

Four paths, each a short reading list in order.

New to PDMShell

Install and run your first command

1. Install PDMShell 2. Activate a license 3. Learn the first commands 4. Free vs Premium

Script author

Write repeatable .pdmshell scripts

Scripting basics Standalone and vault scripts in one editor Search syntax Placeholders and functions Conditions

PDM administrator

Roll out the add-in to your team

Install and deploy the add-in Manage vault licenses from standalone Settings Import scripts into PDM tasks Permissions Event trigger points Moving off Dispatch

AI and MCP

Use AI in your PDMShell session

ChatGPT, Claude and Ollama inside PDMShell Saved AI connections and models Claude Desktop setup Codex and ChatGPT setup Review commands before they run

Common tasks

Where to start for the jobs people automate most.

Bulk-set a data card variablesearch · setvar · checkin Rename files from a CSV listrenamefromsource Check in everything in a folder treecheckin -search % -recursive Run a SOLIDWORKS macro on search resultssearch · runswmacro Replace a Dispatch action with the add-inadd-in · trigger points Upgrade file versions after a PDM upgradeversionupgrade · versionupgradefromsource

Command reference

Every command with its alias, license tier and the version it shipped in.

Browse all commands →

Vault10 File operations17 Variables8 CSV source9 Automation10 Revision and version5 Document Manager2 Utilities14

What’s new

All release notes →

4.0.92 · Oct 6, 2026Run from a visual action or run one action, with matching Run menus and explicit confirmation. 4.0.91 · Oct 6, 2026Find processes blocking an update, review safe close options, and avoid installer self-locks. 4.0.90Explicit vault add-in repair, clearer diagnostics, and complete AI expression discovery.

Need help planning automation?

Blue Byte Systems designs PDMShell scripts, add-in workflows and migrations for SOLIDWORKS PDM.

Enterprise Support Servicesbluebyte.biz Book a migration callcalendly.com Read the FAQLicensing, install, add-in, support