Importing and Exporting Drawings with Microsoft Excel

You can use the Excel Automation option to generate schematics automatically from a Microsoft Excel file by adding data and macros.

The contents of the Microsoft Excel file needs to be in a specific SOLIDWORKS Electrical format. The Excel Automation option lets you:

  • Automatically create and insert a drawing from a Microsoft Excel file. You can redefine any macros later.
  • Provide information on where to insert macros. For example, you may want to insert a macro in one or multiple drawings, or insert various macros in several drawings.
  • Insert file and book descriptions, define the location and function of each macro.
  • Define variables such as symbols or new marks. The respective properties of these symbols or marks are part of the macros and are associated with the drawings.

To import or export drawings with Microsoft Excel:

  1. Click Excel Automation (Export/Import toolbar).
    Alternatively, you can click Excel Automation > Create new Excel file for automation to open a template and make a new file.
  2. In the dialog box, select the custom Excel file and click Open.
  3. Select an option:
    • Change book association. Creates a new association as mentioned in the selected Microsoft Excel file. For example, if the Excel file creates a new location, a new book is created and appears in the document tree. The drawings are associated with the newly created book.
    • Do not change book association. Keeps the association with the current book in the project.
    • Cancel. Exits the current command.
    Selecting either of the first two options creates the drawings and displays a summary dialog box.
For additional information, see SOLIDWORKS Electrical Help.