PDMShell is a modern automation and scripting platform for SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, built as a powerful alternative to Dispatch. Automate repetitive vault operations, create advanced workflows, update metadata, manage files and folders, perform state changes, and execute complex automation using an easy-to-use scripting engine and command-line interface.
To get started with PDMShell, visit https://pdmshell.com.
PDMShell is a SOLIDWORKS PDM automation tool that helps teams run cleanup, validation, batch processing, workflow, and data card tasks through simple commands and reusable scripts.
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Choose the installer or deployment option that matches your environment.
| Option | Use This When | Download |
|---|---|---|
| PDMShell Installer | Install the standalone PDMShell desktop application on a workstation. | Download installer |
| PDMDeploy | Deploy Blue Byte Systems add-ins into a SOLIDWORKS PDM vault. | Download PDMDeploy |
| PDMShell PDM Add-in | Download the PDMShell add-in .cex file from the Microsoft-hosted SharePoint Download Center. | Open Download Center |
PDMShell comes in two editions: Free for evaluation and lightweight command-line use, and Premium for production automation in SOLIDWORKS PDM.
| Edition | Best For |
|---|---|
| Free | Evaluation, quick validation, and small command-line jobs. |
| Premium | Production automation, unlimited scripting, workflow integration, and PDMShell add-in deployment. |
| Feature | Free | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Search result limit | 5 items | Unlimited |
| Runscript script length | 5 lines | Unlimited |
| Command-line use | Yes, with Free limits | Yes, without Free limits |
| Workflow transitions | No | Yes |
| PDMShell add-in | No | Yes |
| Automation scripting | Limited to 5 script lines | Unlimited |
| Priority support | No | Yes |
| Commercial use | Yes, non-resellers only | Yes |
| Reseller use | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Seat-based annual pricing |
Premium licensing is seat-based. A seat can be activated on a single machine through the standalone PDMShell application, or managed through the PDMShell add-in license manager when you want pooled vault access.
| Option | Activation Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single machine | Standalone PDMShell application installed on the workstation | One workstation or one administrator |
| License pool | PDMShell add-in license manager in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Tool | Teams using PDMShell add-in automation from a shared PDM vault |