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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Instead of generic scripts, it understands:

• Assembly structure

• Selected components

• Active document type

It likely generates:

• VBA macros (initially)

• Possibly with explanations or annotations

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

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.

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

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

You won’t need to:

• Learn VBA

• Dig through API documentation

Teams could quickly:

• Build repeatable workflows

• Enforce naming conventions

• Automate tedious cleanup tasks

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Both 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS (SOLIDWORKS Connected) and the Design with SOLIDWORKS connector can be removed directly from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. If platform access is no longer available, they can also be uninstalled through Windows.

Below are the recommended methods, starting with the simplest approach.

Option 1: Uninstall from the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

This is the preferred method when you still have access to your 3DEXPERIENCE tenant.

1. Log in to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

2. Click the Compass (image) icon in the upper-left corner.

3. Under My Roles, select:

• • 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS (for SOLIDWORKS Connected), or

  • Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS (for the Design with SOLIDWORKS connector)

4. Locate the SOLIDWORKS app under the selected role.

5. Click the down arrow next to the app and select Uninstall.

You’ll be prompted to confirm the uninstall twice. Confirm both messages to proceed.

Once complete, a confirmation message will appear at the bottom of the apps window indicating the uninstall was successful.

Option 2: Uninstall from the Windows Control Panel

If access to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform has been discontinued, you can uninstall using Windows.

1. Open the Windows Control Panel

• • The quickest way is to click Start and search for Control Panel

2. Select Uninstall a program

• • If using icon view, go to Programs and Features

3. Locate one of the following:

• • Dassault Systèmes R20XXx SOLIDWORKS (for SOLIDWORKS Connected)

  • Dassault Systèmes xCAD Connectors (for the SOLIDWORKS Connector)

4. Select the application and click Uninstall/Change

5. Confirm the uninstall when prompted

A progress dialog will appear. Once it closes, the uninstall is complete.

Performing a Clean Uninstall (Advanced)

In rare cases typically when reinstalling or resolving persistent issues a clean uninstall may be required.

Important: This process involves removing system components and editing the Windows registry. We strongly recommend working with your IT team or Solidxperts Technical Support before proceeding.

Step 1: Remove Prerequisites

After uninstalling SOLIDWORKS Connected or the SOLIDWORKS Connector, return to Control Panel → Uninstall a program and remove only the following items.

⚠️ Do not uninstall other Microsoft Visual C++ versions, as they may be required by other applications.

• 3DEXPERIENCE Launcher

• CEF for SOLIDWORKS Applications

• Dassault Systèmes Software VC10 Prerequisites x86-x64

• Dassault Systèmes Software VC11 Prerequisites x86-x64

• Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x86 & x64)

• Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x86 & x64)

• Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2019 Redistributable (x86 & x64)

• Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Applications 2019

• WPTx64

• Visual Basic (VBA) 7.1

Step 2: Delete Remaining Folders

Some folders may be hidden. In File Explorer, enable View → Show → Hidden items.

Delete the following folders if they exist:

Step 3: Clean the Registry (Advanced)

⚠️ Caution: Incorrect registry changes can cause serious system issues. Always consult an IT professional before proceeding.

Remove the following registry keys if present:

Step 4 and Final Step: Restart

Once all steps are complete, restart the computer to finalize the cleanup.

Final Thoughts

In most cases, uninstalling directly from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform or Windows Control Panel is all that’s required. A clean uninstall should only be used when troubleshooting or preparing for a fresh installation.

If you have questions or run into issues, your Solidxperts Technical Support team is here to help just reach out.

Looking to go further?

• Check out more tips and tutorials on our YouTube channel.

• Explore best practices with our experts.

• Or reach out to our team, we’re here to help you get the most out of your platform.

Your platform should work the way your team works and we’re here to help make that happen.

More and more organizations are moving to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to streamline collaboration, improve data management, and connect their teams. One of the most important pieces of a successful rollout is understanding how Roles work, how they’re assigned, and how licensing is managed.

In this article, we’ll walk through the full lifecycle of Role management, from inviting members to your tenant to assigning Roles individually or by group.

Platform Administrator Access

The steps outlined below require you to be a 3DEXPERIENCE Platform Administrator for your company tenant.

If you don’t see the Platform Management or Members Management dashboards:

• Reach out to your internal 3DEXPERIENCE administrator, or

• If you are the admin and still can’t access them, contact your technical support team to help resolve the issue.

Members Control Center

Once you have the appropriate permissions, open the Members Control Center from:

• The Members Management Dashboard, or

• The Members tab within the Platform Management Dashboard

This is your main workspace for:

• Reviewing existing members

• Viewing available Roles and license counts

• Managing additional apps assigned to the tenant

Licensing Options (Before You Assign Roles)

Before assigning any Roles, it’s a good idea to review the licensing behavior for your tenant.

From the Members Control Center, select Configure Members Options.

There are two key settings to review:

1. License Expiration

We strongly recommend enabling Automatically ungrant expired roles from members or groups.
This ensures that:

• Roles are automatically removed when licenses expire

• Users don’t encounter access errors due to expired licensing

2. Invitations from Administrators

The option Allow administrators to grant roles without assigning automatically the associated license controls how external users access Roles:

• Enabled: external users can use their own licenses

• Disabled: licenses must come from your tenant

Taking a moment to configure these options upfront can prevent licensing issues down the road.

Understanding Member Role Assignments

To see how these settings affect a specific user:

1. Go back to Invite & Grant Roles

2. Select Details for a member

Each Role represents a purchased license and unlocks access to specific apps and capabilities.

Key options include:

Assign License:

• Enabled → license is consumed from your tenant
• Disabled → external user uses a license from another tenant

Restrict Usage to the Platform:

• Enabled → license can only be used on this tenant
• Disabled → license can be used across tenants

Assigning Roles to Members

To assign Roles:

1. Click View All to see every available Role

2. Use search if needed, by Role name or trigram (for example, UES for Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS)

3. Set the licensing options for the Role

4. Select the checkbox to grant it

If a Role requires prerequisites, you’ll be prompted to add them automatically. Simply confirm to proceed.

Inviting New Members

Roles can also be assigned during the invitation process. You can invite users from:

• My Platform Control Center

• Members Control Center

Steps to Invite a Member:

1. Click Invite Member

2. Enter one or more email addresses

3. Choose user rights:

• Member
• Tenant Administrator (always a good idea to have a backup admin)
• External User

4. Optionally include a personal message

5. Click Next to select Roles

Choose the Roles to assign, review any prerequisite requirements, and configure licensing options if needed.

In the final step, select any available apps and click Invite to complete the process.

Requesting Roles (User-Initiated)

Users can also request Roles directly from the platform:

1. Open the Compass

2. Go to Company

3. Select a Role and click Request

The administrator will receive both a platform notification and an email.

Approving Role Requests:

1. Open the Members Control Center

2. Select Manage Requests

3. Open the request tile

4. Click Accept to grant the Role

Assigning Roles Using Groups

Groups are a powerful way to manage Roles at scale.

Creating a User Group:

1. Open the User Groups app (via the Compass)

2. Click Create Group

3. Enter a name and description

• Tip: name the group after the Role it will receive

4. Click Create

5. Add members to the group and save

Assigning Roles to a Group:

1. Go to Members Control Center → Invite & Grant Roles

2. Open Details for the desired Role

3. Switch to the Groups tab

4. Select the appropriate group and confirm any prerequisite Roles

Any user added to the group will automatically receive the assigned Role.

Removing Members from the Tenant

When a user no longer needs access:

1. Open the Members Control Center

2. Select Details for the member

3. Go to Settings

4. Remove the user from the tenant

Make sure to remove any roles that have been assigned to that user before removing them from the platform to avoid any issues with future re-assignment.

The best practice is to use User Groups to assign roles, that way you can simply remove a user from the User Group to remove their roles.

Final Thoughts

Managing Roles effectively is key to getting the most value from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. With the right setup, you can ensure users have exactly the tools they need no more, no less while keeping licensing clean and manageable.

Looking to go further?

• Check out more tips and tutorials on our YouTube channel.

• Explore best practices with our experts.

• Or reach out to our team, we’re here to help you get the most out of your platform.

Your platform should work the way your team works and we’re here to help make that happen.

On the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, Derived Outputs such as PDFs, DXFs, STEP files, and other neutral formats are created from your CAD data for downstream use. These files are often shared with customers, suppliers, or partners who don’t have access to your platform tenant.

In this article, we’ll walk through a few practical ways to package and export Derived Outputs so they’re ready to send outside your organization.

Note: Dassault Systèmes provides general documentation on Derived Outputs. If you need help with setup, automation, or best practices, our technical support and implementation teams are always happy to help.

Choosing the Right Method

There are a couple of different apps and workflows you can use, each with its own advantages depending on:

• The number of files involved

• Whether you’re working with a single assembly or many

• How much cleanup you want to do afterward

Let’s take a look at the most common approaches.

Using the Product Explorer App

Method 1: Download Derived Outputs from a Single Assembly

1. Open the assembly in Product Explorer that already has Derived Outputs.

2. Select the top-level assembly node (it will highlight in blue).

3. Click the Information (i) icon in the lower toolbar.

This opens the information side panel.

4. Navigate to Derived Formats.

5. Click Download All Derived Outputs.

6. Choose which 2D and 3D formats you want to include.

7. Name the ZIP file and click Download.

If you’ve added multiple assemblies to Product Explorer, you’ll need to repeat this process for each one.

Trade-off:

• ✔ Clean output (Derived Outputs only)

• ✖ One assembly at a time

Method 2: Export Multiple Assemblies at Once

If you need to collect outputs from several assemblies or even unrelated parts, this method is much faster.

1. Add assemblies or parts to Product Explorer.

2. Select multiple items using checkboxes or Shift + Select.

3. Click Export As from the bottom toolbar.

4. Name the export, enable Expand All, and set the Derived Format Options.

5. Click Export.

A background job will start.

Once complete:

• A notification appears in the upper-right corner.

• Click the notification to open the CAD Data Processor Monitoring app.

• Use the Download button to retrieve the ZIP file.

This ZIP will include both CAD files and Derived Outputs. To keep only the outputs, simply open the ZIP in Windows Explorer, sort by file type, and remove any files you don’t need.

Trade-off:

• ✔ Multiple assemblies or mixed files at once

• ✖ Manual cleanup required

Using the Bookmark Editor App

Method 1: Download Outputs from a Single Assembly

1. Locate the assembly in a bookmark (or add it to one).

2. Right-click the assembly and choose Information, or open the side panel

3. In the window or side panel, navigate to Derived Outputs.

4. Click Download All Derived Outputs.

This workflow mirrors the single-assembly method in Product Explorer.

Trade-off:

• ✔ Simple and clean

• ✖ One assembly at a time

Method 2: Export Multiple Items from a Bookmark

This method works the same way as the multi-selection approach in Product Explorer.

1. Add all required assemblies or parts to a bookmark.

2. Select the files you want.

3. Click Export As from the upper toolbar.

4. Configure the Derived Format options and start the export.

As before, the resulting ZIP will include CAD data along with the Derived Outputs, so some cleanup may be required.

Trade-off:

• ✔ Ideal for large batches or mixed content

• ✖ Requires removing CAD files afterward

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sending a single PDF or packaging dozens of STEP and DXF files, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform gives you flexible ways to get the right data out securely and efficiently.

The key is choosing the method that best fits your situation:

• Single assembly, clean output → Download All Derived Outputs

• Multiple files, faster packaging → Export As

Looking to go further?

• Check out more tips and tutorials on our YouTube channel.

• Explore best practices with our experts.

• Or reach out to your Solidxperts team we’re here to help you get the most out of your platform.