CADshift Documentation

Welcome to the CADshift for SOLIDWORKS documentation. Learn how to export DXF and PDF files with advanced features for manufacturing.

CADshift is a SOLIDWORKS add-in that streamlines your DXF and PDF export workflow. Whether you're exporting sheet metal flat patterns for laser cutting or creating professional drawing packages, CADshift saves time and reduces errors.

Key Features

CADshift provides powerful export capabilities beyond what SOLIDWORKS offers natively.

DXF Export

Export from parts, assemblies, and drawings with full control over the output:

• Custom file naming using tokens like <MATERIAL>, <THICKNESS>, and <MODEL_TITLE>
• Batch export from assemblies and drawing BOMs
• Layer control for different geometry types (profile, bend lines, hidden edges)
• Metadata embedding with part information as text annotations

Sheet Metal Processing

Advanced features specifically for sheet metal manufacturing:

• Bend line trimming - Convert full bend lines to stubs for laser etching
• Laser cutting optimization - Remove intermediate nested contours automatically
• Bounding box export - Add material size rectangles for nesting
• Thin part detection - Export non-sheet metal flat parts

PDF Export

Create professional drawing packages:

• QR code embedding - Add scannable codes with part data
• Watermarks - Brand your drawings or mark draft status
• Multi-sheet support - Different settings per sheet

Getting Started

Step 1: Access CADshift

1. Open SOLIDWORKS
2. Look for the CADshift tab in the Command Manager ribbon
3. Click DXF Export or PDF Export to begin

Step 2: Select What to Export

Depending on your document type:

Step 3: Configure Settings

Use the Settings tab to configure:

• File naming pattern with tokens
• Output directory
• Sheet metal options (bend lines, hidden edges, etc.)
• Advanced features (laser optimization, metadata)

Step 4: Configure Layers

Use the Layers tab to set layer names matching your laser software or CAM system.

Step 5: Export

Click the green checkmark to export. Your DXF files are created with the configured settings.

Document Types

Exporting from Parts

When you open a part document, CADshift can export:

• Sheet metal bodies - Automatically exports the flat pattern
• Solid bodies - Exports the widest face (thin part detection)
• Specific faces - Select exact faces to export

Exporting from Assemblies

Select components in your assembly to export:

• Sheet metal components export their flat patterns
• Components are processed individually
• Each gets its own DXF with appropriate naming

Exporting from Drawings

Two export modes are available:

1. Drawing Views - Export selected views as DXF
2. Bill of Materials - Export all parts listed in a BOM

Professional vs Standard Edition

Some features are exclusive to CADshift Professional:

Quick Links by Task

I want to...

Set up file naming → Export with Custom Names

Configure layers for my laser → Layer Configuration

Add material size boxes → Bounding Box Export

Embed part info in DXF → Metadata Export

Create bend line stubs → Trim Bend Lines

Export non-sheet metal flat parts → Thin Part Detection

Clean up nested geometry → Laser Cutting Optimization

Add QR codes to PDFs → PDF Export

Getting Help

If you need assistance with CADshift:

• Documentation - Browse this help site for detailed guides
• Support - Contact us through the CADshift website
• Updates - Click the Update button in SOLIDWORKS to check for new versions