# Install the CADABRA add-in for SOLIDWORKS

> Download the installer, run it with SOLIDWORKS closed, enable CADABRA under Tools then Add-Ins, and open it from the task pane on the right.

URL: https://cadabrai.com/docs/getting-started/install/
Updated: 2026-08-15

---

- [Getting started](https://cadabrai.com/docs/getting-started/) [Install](https://cadabrai.com/docs/getting-started/install/)
- [Your First Prompt](https://cadabrai.com/docs/getting-started/first-prompt/)
- [How It Works](https://cadabrai.com/docs/getting-started/how-it-works/)

- [All Five Modes](https://cadabrai.com/docs/modes/all-modes/)
- [Agent Mode](https://cadabrai.com/docs/modes/agent-mode/)
- [Ask Mode](https://cadabrai.com/docs/modes/ask-mode/)
- [Drawings Mode](https://cadabrai.com/docs/modes/drawings-mode/)

- [Writing Prompts](https://cadabrai.com/docs/prompts/writing-prompts/)
- [Prompt Library](https://cadabrai.com/docs/prompts/prompt-library/)

- [Drawing Standards](https://cadabrai.com/docs/standards/drawing-standards/)
- [Components and Fasteners](https://cadabrai.com/docs/standards/libraries-and-plm/)

- [Plans and Limits](https://cadabrai.com/docs/account/plans-and-limits/)
- [Preferences](https://cadabrai.com/docs/account/preferences/)
- [Billing](https://cadabrai.com/docs/account/billing/)

- [Data Handling](https://cadabrai.com/docs/security/data-handling/)

- [CADABRA Issues](https://cadabrai.com/docs/troubleshooting/cadabra-issues/)
- [SOLIDWORKS Errors](https://cadabrai.com/docs/troubleshooting/solidworks-errors/)

# Install CADABRA

Three steps, about five minutes, on the SOLIDWORKS license and files you already have.

Requires

**SOLIDWORKS 2024, 2025 or 2026**, 64-bit Windows 10 or later, administrator rights, and an internet connection. The installer stops with a message if it does not find a supported SOLIDWORKS, so an older seat cannot be installed onto.

The download is about 200 MB. It also installs the .NET 9 Desktop Runtime if you do not already have it.

## Install it

1. 01 Download and run the installer Get it from the [download page](https://cadabrai.com/download/) or from the dashboard. **Close SOLIDWORKS before you run it**, because the installer registers the add-in and cannot do that while SOLIDWORKS holds it open.
2. 02 Enable the add-in Open SOLIDWORKS, go to **Tools** in the top menu, then **Add-Ins**. Scroll to **Other Add-Ins** and tick the box next to CADABRA. Tick the second column too if you want it to load every session.
3. 03 Open CADABRA A CADABRA icon appears in the add-in panel on the right side of the SOLIDWORKS window. Click it to open the panel and sign in with the account you created.

## Check that it worked

Open any part and ask a question that does not change anything, for example `what material is this part` or `how many features are in this tree`. A correct answer means the add-in is loaded, signed in, and reading your document.

If the panel says it cannot reach CADABRA, the add-in is installed but not connected. See [CADABRA will not connect](https://cadabrai.com/docs/troubleshooting/cadabra-issues/).

## What installing changes

Nothing about your existing setup. Your license, files, templates, libraries, and PDM vault are untouched, and CADABRA reads from them rather than replacing them.

- No file conversion, and no new file format.
- No changes to PDM state. CADABRA respects checkout and revision.
- Uninstalling removes the add-in and leaves your files exactly as they are.

On this page

- [Install it](#steps)
- [Check that it worked](#verify)
- [What installing changes](#what-changes)