SolidWorks — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Automates parametric CAD modeling in an active SolidWorks session on Windows, verifying part mass, dimensions, and volume at each step.
claude mcp add solidworks-mcp -- uvx solidworks-mcpWhat SolidWorks does
This server links an assistant to a desktop SolidWorks process via Windows COM. It exposes 86 typed tools covering extrusions, sweeps, lofts, ISO metric threads, Hole Wizard operations, and multi-part assemblies with mate evaluations. After each step, the tool reports actual mass, bounding limits, and measured volume. The agent verifies geometry against requirements instead of guessing.
Sketches remain fully constrained from the origin, keeping named dimensions intact for manual adjustments. There is no arbitrary code execution. The toolset also supports STEP, STL, and 3MF generation along with viewport screen captures.
You must have a licensed SolidWorks session running before connecting; the tool attaches to the process and cannot launch one on its own. It requires Windows, Python 3.11+, and default Y-up part templates. Parts configured with a Z-up orientation fail immediately. Run uvx solidworks-mcp --selftest to inspect compatibility across your local CAD setup.
What it helps with
- build fully constrained parametric CAD parts from coordinate specs
- verify part volume, bounding box, and mass against manual calculations
- add standard ISO metric threads and counterbored mounting holes
- evaluate assembly mates and scan for body interferences
- export verified solid geometry into STEP, STL, or 3MF formats
Example prompts for the agent
- Design an 8 mm mounting plate sized 100 by 80 mm with M5 counterbored corners, verify its mass, and save an STL file.
- Check the volume of the current active component and report discrepancies with my target specification.
- Apply an ISO metric thread along the selected cylinder and generate a capture of the model.
How to install SolidWorks
Platform CLI
claude mcp add solidworks-mcp -- uvx solidworks-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from solidworks-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add solidworks -- uvx solidworks-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from solidworks-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"solidworks": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"solidworks-mcp"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from solidworks-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"solidworks": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"solidworks-mcp"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from solidworks-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add solidworks uvx solidworks-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from solidworks-mcp <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about SolidWorks
How to install SolidWorks for Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add solidworks -- uvx solidworks-mcp in your terminal. Ensure SolidWorks is already active and running on your Windows machine first.
What does the SolidWorks MCP server do?
It connects AI clients to a local SolidWorks instance via COM. The server provides 86 specific CAD operations, returning mass and dimension measurements to let the model verify its work.
What are the system requirements for SolidWorks MCP?
It requires Windows, an active licensed SolidWorks instance, Python 3.11+, and default Y-up part templates. Parts created in Z-up orientation trigger an explicit rejection error.
