Common batch processing jobs
- Updating title blocks, company logos or property values across many drawings.
- Converting file formats: DWG versions, STEP, PDF, DXF, IFC.
- Applying new layer standards or text styles to legacy DWGs.
- Renaming files to a new numbering scheme while keeping references intact.
- Validating models and drawings before a PDM migration.
- Extracting data (properties, attributes, block counts) into reports.
- Upgrading files to a new CAD version.
Designing a robust batch tool
Input selection
Select files by folder, file list, search query or PDM view, with filters by type, date or property.
Processing engine
Open each file silently, perform the operations, save and close. Release memory regularly and restart the CAD session periodically to avoid slowdowns on long runs.
Error handling
One bad file must never stop the batch. Log the error, skip the file and continue. Support resuming from where the run stopped.
Logging and reporting
Produce a report listing each file, what changed, warnings and errors, ideally in Excel for easy filtering.
Dry-run mode
Preview changes without saving, so you can verify results before touching production data.
Technology options
| Option | When to use |
|---|---|
| AutoCAD scripts / ScriptPro / accoreconsole | Simple DWG batch jobs, very fast without the full UI |
| RealDWG or ODA libraries | DWG processing without an AutoCAD licence per run (licensing applies) |
| CAD API standalone apps | SOLIDWORKS, Inventor, Creo batch jobs with full model access |
| SOLIDWORKS Document Manager | Reading and updating properties without opening SOLIDWORKS |
| APS Design Automation | Cloud processing for AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit |
Safety first
- Always run on a copy or with PDM check-out and versioning.
- Test on a representative sample before the full run.
- Keep the log as an audit trail.
A batch tool that is 99% correct can still damage 50 files in a 5,000-file run. Test carefully.
Need a batch tool?
ENGIMANDI builds safe, fast batch processing tools for AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, Revit and Creo.