Editor’s Note (Updated): This article captures our initial observations after discovering the AI Macro Generation interface in an early SOLIDWORKS 2026 release. Since then, the feature has been officially introduced in SOLIDWORKS 2026 FD03. We’ve left this article online for historical context, but we recommend reading our updated guide for the most current information and feature walkthrough.

Is SOLIDWORKS About to Generate Macros for You?

If you’ve been exploring the latest updates in SOLIDWORKS 2026 SP2.1 and 3DEXPERIENCE FD02, you might have noticed something… unexpected.

Buried under Tools > Macro, there’s a new option:
“Auto-generate”, complete with the AURA logo.

At first glance, it doesn’t do much (yet). But it raises an interesting question:

👉 Is SOLIDWORKS getting ready to generate macros for you using AI?

Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on, and what it could mean for your day-to-day work.

What We Found in the Interface

Here’s where things get interesting.

Inside the Macro menu, alongside familiar options like Record and Edit, there’s now:

  • Auto-generate

  • Marked with the AURA icon

At the same time, digging into the AI Labs tab reveals something even more telling:

Macro Generation listed as a competency

That’s not placeholder language. That’s a capability label.

So… What Is AURA, Exactly?

If you’ve followed recent updates on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, you’ve probably heard of AURA.

AURA is Dassault Systèmes’ push into context-aware AI assistance, not just generating content, but actually:

  • Understanding what you’re doing

  • Anticipating next steps

  • Helping automate repetitive tasks

In other words, it’s not just “AI for show.” It’s meant to sit inside your workflow.

Macro generation fits that direction perfectly.

Why This Matters (More Than It Looks)

Let’s be honest, macros in SOLIDWORKS are powerful, but:

  • Most users don’t write them

  • Many rely on recorded macros (which are fragile)

  • Editing VBA code isn’t exactly user-friendly

Now imagine this instead:

👉 You describe what you want:

“Rename all selected components using this convention”

👉 And SOLIDWORKS builds the macro for you.

That’s the gap this feature is aiming to close.

What AI Macro Generation Could Look Like

While the feature isn’t active yet, we can make some realistic assumptions based on current AI direction:

1. Prompt-Based Automation

You type a request, similar to how you interact with AI tools today.

2. Context Awareness

Instead of generic scripts, it understands:

  • Assembly structure

  • Selected components

  • Active document type

3. Editable Output

It likely generates:

  • VBA macros (initially)

  • Possibly with explanations or annotations

4. Iterative Refinement

Not quite right? Adjust the prompt instead of rewriting code.

Is This Feature Live Yet?

Short answer: No, not fully.

Right now:

  • The Auto-generate option appears in the UI

  • But doesn’t execute (at least in SP2.1 environments we’ve tested)

This strongly suggests:

  • It’s either feature-gated

  • Or not yet connected to backend AI services

So no, you’re not missing a setting, it’s just not ready.

Not an Easter Egg, A Direction

It’s tempting to think this was accidentally left in the UI.

But given:

  • The AURA branding

  • The AI Labs “Macro Generation” competency

  • The broader AI rollout in FD02

This looks intentional.

👉 More likely: a preview of what’s coming next

What This Means for SOLIDWORKS Users

If (or when) this becomes active, it could shift how teams approach automation:

Less Dependency on API Expertise

You won’t need to:

  • Learn VBA

  • Dig through API documentation

Faster Process Standardization

Teams could quickly:

  • Build repeatable workflows

  • Enforce naming conventions

  • Automate tedious cleanup tasks

Lower Barrier to Entry

More users can leverage automation, not just power-users.

A Practical Example

Let’s say your team regularly:

  • Imports vendor models

  • Needs to clean up feature trees

  • Apply materials

  • Rename files

Today:

  • That’s either manual

  • Or handled by a fragile macro

With AI macro generation:

You could describe the workflow once, and reuse it reliably.

Where This Fits in the Bigger Picture

This isn’t happening in isolation.

Dassault Systèmes is clearly moving toward:

  • AI-assisted modeling

  • Context-aware recommendations

  • Automation without coding

Macro generation is just one piece of that puzzle.

Should You Be Excited?

Cautiously yes.

But with realistic expectations:

  • First versions will likely be limited

  • Output may need validation

  • Complex workflows might still require manual refinement

Still, even a 50% time savings on repetitive tasks is meaningful.

Final Thoughts

Right now, the Auto-generate macro button is more promise than product.

But it tells us something important:

👉 SOLIDWORKS isn’t just adding AI features, it’s rethinking how users interact with automation.

And if this lands the way it’s intended, it could make one of the most underused features in SOLIDWORKS… actually usable.

Want to Stay Ahead of What’s Coming?

At Solidxperts, we keep a close eye on updates like this—not just what’s announced, but what’s emerging.

If you want help:

  • Identifying automation opportunities

  • Preparing your team for AI-assisted workflows

  • Or getting more out of your SOLIDWORKS environment

Reach out at info@solidxperience.com, we’re always happy to talk shop.

dfdfd