Advanced File Output Macro with Archive

This SolidWorks VBA macro automates the export of the active drawing and its referenced model to multiple file formats, while intelligently archiving previous revisions to maintain version history.

Quick download (recommended)

Most CAD / SolidWorks users don’t live in GitHub every day—so here are the easiest ways to grab the macro file.

Option A — Direct download link (1 click)

Click this link to download the macro as a file (not a GitHub webpage):

• Download: https://github.com/kilwizac/sw-advanced-output-archive/raw/main/Advanced%20File%20Output%20with%20Archive.swp

If your browser opens a page instead of downloading, right‑click the link and choose Save link as….

Option B — Download the whole repo as a ZIP

1. Click Code (green button near the top of the repo)
2. Choose Download ZIP
3. Unzip it, then use the macro file:
   • Advanced File Output with Archive.swp

Features

• Drawing Export: Exports the current drawing to DXF (with company-wide preferences) and PDF formats.
• Model Export: Exports the referenced part or assembly to STEP format.
• Smart Filenames: Constructs filenames using custom properties (Part Number, Description, and optional Revision) from the model and drawing.
• Filename Sanitization: Automatically cleans filenames to ensure Windows compatibility by replacing invalid characters.
• Automatic Archiving: Before exporting, moves older revisions of exported files to an "Archive" subdirectory, preserving version history.
• Overwrite Protection: Checks for existing files and prompts the user before overwriting current revisions.
• Error Handling: Validates exports and reports success or failure with detailed messages.

Archiving Behavior

• Creates an "Archive" folder in the same directory as the drawing if it doesn't exist.
• Archives files with older revision numbers (e.g., "Part, Desc, Rev A.dxf" if current is "Rev B").
• Also archives revision-less files that match the base name.
• Handles filename collisions in the archive by appending timestamps.

Usage

1. Prerequisites:

   • SolidWorks must be installed and running.
   • Open a drawing document that references a part or assembly.
   • Ensure the drawing is saved to disk.
   • The referenced model must have "Part Number" and "Description" custom properties set. "Revision" is optional (from the drawing).

2. Running the Macro:

   • Load and run Advanced File Output with Archive.swp in SolidWorks.
   • The macro will automatically archive old revisions and then export files to the same folder as the drawing.

3. Output Files:

   • <Part Number>, <Description>[, Rev <Revision>].dxf (drawing)
   • <Part Number>, <Description>[, Rev <Revision>].pdf (drawing)
   • <Part Number>, <Description>[, Rev <Revision>].step (model)

Installation

1. Download the macro:

   • Direct download (recommended): https://github.com/kilwizac/sw-advanced-output-archive/raw/main/Advanced%20File%20Output%20with%20Archive.swp
   • Or download the repository ZIP (Code → Download ZIP)

2. In SolidWorks:

   • Go to Tools → Macro → Run…
   • Select Advanced File Output with Archive.swp

3. (Optional) For persistent access:

   • Assign it to a toolbar button or menu.

Requirements

• SolidWorks 2013 or later (due to DXF format version).
• VBA support enabled in SolidWorks.

Notes

• The macro temporarily modifies DXF export preferences but restores them afterward.
• If no referenced model is found or required properties are missing, the macro will display an error and exit.
• All exports must succeed for the macro to complete; otherwise, it stops at the first failure.
• Archived files are moved to prevent accidental loss, but can be manually restored if needed.

Contributing

Feel free to fork and improve the macro. Pull requests are welcome.