SOLIDWORKS PDM TIP: Creating Submenus in SOLIDWORKS PDM with IEdmCmdMgr5::AddCmd

If you’re developing custom add-ins or commands for SOLIDWORKS PDM, you may want to improve the user experience by organizing your commands into submenus. Fortunately, this is entirely possible using the IEdmCmdMgr5::AddCmd method. As you add more commands, a cluttered context menu can quickly become overwhelming. Creating submenus allows you to group related commands under a parent label, keeping the interface clean and intuitive.

How to Create a Submenu

To create a submenu, use the double backslash (\\ in C# if not escaped) separator in the menu name when registering your command with AddCmd.

Example

This code registers a new command under: Right-click > ParentMenu > ChildMenu

Important Notes

Context Menu Only
Submenus created this way will only appear in the right-click (context menu) in Windows File Explorer.
No Modification of Built-In Menus
You cannot add your submenu to any of SOLIDWORKS PDM’s existing menus or built-in add-ins. This technique is reserved strictly for custom commands.
Use submenus to:
- Group related automation tools
- Separate user vs admin functions
- Clean up large sets of utility commands

Need help building PDM tools or structuring your add-ins? Reach out to Blue Byte Systems Inc. — we specialize in SOLIDWORKS PDM automation and custom development.

Amen Jlili

Amen Jlili is the founder and technical director of Blue Byte Systems Inc., a software company in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in automating SOLIDWORKS and PDM. With over a decade of experience, he has authored several courses and open-source frameworks related to the SOLIDWORKS API. His leadership ensures that Blue Byte Systems prioritizes customer satisfaction and delivers high-quality software and CAD design solutions.

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