CAD automation for repetitive design steps
In short
CAD automation means software carries out repetitive, rule-based CAD steps through the CAD system's API, such as deriving drawings, filling title blocks, exporting BOMs or batch exporting STEP and PDF files. We build these tools with you for Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA and AutoCAD and start with one task in a fixed-price Sprint.
Updated 27 Oct 2026
Creating the same drawing views, typing properties into title blocks or exporting STEP and PDF files for every release takes time without moving the design forward. When the rules behind these steps are clear, a tool inside the CAD system does them the same way every time.
- Start with
- Sprintone use case · €9,900
- Systems
- Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, AutoCAD
- Result
- A tested tool inside your CAD system
How it works
- 01
Pick the task
A task that runs often and follows clear rules, such as drawing derivation, BOM export or placing standard parts. Its current steps and exceptions are written down.
- 02
Macro or add-in
A macro or a small program is enough for one user and a simple task, for example a .NET program on the Solid Edge API, a VBA macro in SolidWorks, an iLogic rule in Inventor, CATScript in CATIA or AutoLISP in AutoCAD. Tools for a whole team, with a user interface and settings, are built as add-ins on the Solid Edge API, the SolidWorks API, the Inventor API or the AutoCAD .NET API.
- 03
Build and test
The tool is built on the API of the CAD system and tested on your own parts and drawings, including the unusual ones.
- 04
Rollout and maintenance
Distribution to the workstations, a short training session and a test run before every update to a new CAD release.
What you get
Drawing and title block tools
Drawing views, sheet format and title block filled from model properties, following your drawing standard.
Export and BOM
Batch export to STEP, PDF and DXF, and a BOM export in the format your ERP or PDM expects.
Checks before release
Rule checks for missing properties, broken references, wrong materials or outdated templates, with a clear report.
Documentation and release tests
A short user guide and a test list for each new CAD release, so the tool keeps working after updates.
Limits
Automation only works where the rules are clear and the input data is consistent. Missing properties, inconsistent templates or models that every designer builds differently have to be fixed first, often with a CAD standard. Tasks that need design judgement, such as choosing section views for a complex casting, stay with the designer or go to AI applications whose result an engineer confirms. Each CAD release can change the behaviour of the API, so every tool needs a test before the update reaches the workstations.
Systems
- Solid Edge
- SolidWorks
- Inventor
- CATIA
- AutoCAD
Frequently asked questions
What is CAD automation in mechanical design?
CAD automation is the use of programs that carry out repetitive CAD tasks through the API of the CAD system instead of by hand. Typical tasks are drawing derivation, filling title blocks and properties, BOM export, batch export to STEP or PDF, placing standard parts and model checks. Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA and AutoCAD all provide such an API.
Which APIs are used to automate Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA and AutoCAD?
Each system has its own interface. Solid Edge has a COM-based API that is used from .NET programs and add-ins. SolidWorks has the SolidWorks API for VBA macros and .NET add-ins. Inventor has the Inventor API and iLogic rules written in VB.NET. CATIA V5 has the Automation interface for VBA and CATScript macros and CAA for C++ applications. AutoCAD has AutoLISP, the .NET API and ObjectARX. All of them read and change models, drawings and properties.
What is the difference between a CAD macro and a CAD add-in?
A macro is a short script, for example a VBA macro in SolidWorks or an AutoLISP routine in AutoCAD, that a user starts for one task. An add-in, for example for Solid Edge or SolidWorks, is a compiled extension that loads with the CAD system, brings its own commands and settings and can be installed on many workstations. Macros are quick to build but hard to maintain across a team. Add-ins take more effort and are easier to version, distribute and test.
What happens to CAD automation when the CAD system is updated to a new release?
Usually the tools keep working, since CAD APIs are largely backward compatible, but individual calls can change or be removed. Add-ins may need to be recompiled against the new version, and macros can fail when commands change. A test list with reference parts, run on the new release before it reaches the workstations, finds these problems early.
Talk to us about your task.
In the free 45-minute intro call we show a live demo on comparable geometry. Someone from our team replies personally within one working day.