Automate PDM work with commands, scripts, and add-in workflows.
PDMShell is a command-line and automation platform for SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional. Use it for one-off commands, repeatable .pdmshell scripts, visual workflows, and administrator-controlled add-in automation directly inside PDM.
Choose the workflow that fits the job
PDMShell can be used as an interactive command shell, a script runner, an add-in automation layer, or a visual workflow editor.
Command Reference
Browse commands for vault navigation, file operations, variables, automation, search, and migration.
Scripts
Save repeatable .pdmshell scripts and run them from PDMShell, pdmcli.exe, or integrations.
PDMShell Add-In
Run scripts from PDM right-click menus and trigger points with permissions and conditions.
Visual Code Editor
Build, validate, and reuse PDMShell workflows visually.
Placeholders
Use file, folder, variable, date, global, and string function placeholders in scripts.
Expression Evaluator
Test placeholders, PDM variables, and string functions before running automation.
Conditions
Use the same condition syntax in IF statements, waiting, and add-in rules.
Advanced Search
Find PDM files with tokens, variables, favorites, result shaping, and recursive filters.
Built for PDM administrators and migration work
Use PDMShell to automate repetitive vault work, reduce manual clicks, and standardize batch operations across teams.
- Check in, check out, rename, move, copy, delete, and recover files.
- Run SOLIDWORKS macros and PDM tasks against search results.
- Read and write variables, revisions, references, BOMs, and file history.
- Use the add-in to expose approved scripts inside SOLIDWORKS PDM.
- Build reusable script templates for users and administrators.
- Run automation from scripts, command menus, transitions, or scheduled jobs.
Get started
Start with the basics, then move into scripts, add-in automation, and the visual editor as your workflows grow.
Need help planning automation?
Blue Byte Systems can help design PDMShell scripts and add-in workflows for your SOLIDWORKS PDM environment.
Schedule a call or visit the contact page.
Legacy PDMShell overview
Watch the December 2025 overview for a quick look at the command-line workflow that started the product. Some screens may look different from the current version.