This article is going to show you how to use a simple VBA macro to automate the convert entities tool for inner loops only. This makes the whole sketching process faster and easier.

The VBA Macro: One-Click Access to Inner Loops

As mentioned earlier, this macro gives you a direct shortcut to the Convert Entities feature of your SolidWorks. It helps you target specifically the inner loops of the sketch you’re working on. Also, it allows you to automate the selection of the inner loops process. As a result, you’ll be able to quickly and easily convert inner contour edges in a sketch.

How Does This Macro Function?

Basically, the macro calls up the swSketchManager.SketchUseEdge3 method, a convenient SolidWorks API utility. By calling up the SelectInnerLoops parameter to True, the macro gets SolidWorks to automatically tag and select all inner loops of the active sketch. That one line of code shortens what would be an otherwise laborious multi-step operation.

System Requirements

• SolidWorks Version: 2014 or newer.
• Operating System: Windows 7 or newer.

Pre-Requisites

• Active Document: Either a Part (.sldprt) or an Assembly (.sldasm) document.
• Sketch Status: Make sure you’re in an active sketch. That’s a must before running the macro.

The VBA Macro Code

The following is your VBA code, which can also be interpreted as the engine behind this macro. Go through each section and refer to the breakdown later in this content to understand its functionality at a deeper level of clarity.

' Disclaimer:
' The code provided should be used at your own risk.  
' Blue Byte Systems Inc. assumes no responsibility for any issues or damages that may arise from using or modifying this code.  
' For more information, visit [Blue Byte Systems Inc.](https://bluebyte.biz).

Option Explicit

Sub main()

    ' Declare and initialize necessary SolidWorks objects
    Dim swApp As SldWorks.SldWorks             ' SolidWorks application object
    Dim swModel As SldWorks.ModelDoc2          ' Active document object
    Dim swSketchManager As SldWorks.SketchManager  ' Sketch manager object to manage sketch-related functions
    Dim boolstatus As Boolean                  ' Status variable to check the success of the operation

    ' Initialize SolidWorks application and get the active document
    Set swApp = Application.SldWorks
    Set swModel = swApp.ActiveDoc

    ' Check if there is an active document in SolidWorks
    If swModel Is Nothing Then
        MsgBox "No active document found. Please open a part or assembly and activate a sketch.", vbCritical, "No Active Document"
        Exit Sub
    End If

    ' Check if the active document is either a part or an assembly
    If swModel.GetType <> swDocPART And swModel.GetType <> swDocASSEMBLY Then
        MsgBox "This macro only works with part or assembly documents. Please open a part or assembly and try again.", vbCritical, "Invalid Document Type"
        Exit Sub
    End If

    ' Get the Sketch Manager object from the active document
    Set swSketchManager = swModel.SketchManager

    ' Use the SketchUseEdge3 method to select only inner loops
    ' Syntax: SketchUseEdge3(ConvertAllEntities As Boolean, SelectInnerLoops As Boolean) As Boolean
    ' ConvertAllEntities: Set to False to avoid converting all entities in the sketch.
    ' SelectInnerLoops: Set to True to select only inner loops for conversion.
    boolstatus = swSketchManager.SketchUseEdge3(False, True)

    ' Check if the operation was successful and notify the user
    If boolstatus Then
        MsgBox "Inner loops have been successfully selected for conversion.", vbInformation, "Operation Successful"
    Else
        MsgBox "Failed to select inner loops for conversion. Please ensure you are in an active sketch.", vbExclamation, "Operation Failed"
    End If

End Sub

Getting Started: Download & Installation

1. Download Macro: Download the ConvertInnerLoop.swp macro file from here.
2. Save File: Save the file in your preferred easy-to-find location. If you wanna follow best practice, a directory dedicated to SolidWorks macros would be perfect.
3. Add the Macro to your SolidWorks:

Need a Custom Macro?

Do you have a specific, repeated task in mind for SolidWorks that you’d like to automate? For modeling, drawing, or PDM, at Blue Byte Systems Inc., we can help you better meet your specific needs and work more efficiently. Contact us for custom macro development that is designed for your specific workflow.