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Add-In Install

Installing the Sibe SolidWorks Add-in


This guide provides step-by-step instructions for downloading and installing the Sibe SolidWorks add-in, along with recommended pre-installation best practices. By the end of this article, you will have the Sibe add-in installed, configured, and ready to use within SolidWorks.


Prerequisites


To install the Sibe SolidWorks add-in, you must have the following:

  • A Sibe account.
  • Administrative privileges on your Windows machine.
  • SolidWorks must be closed before you begin the installation.


Downloading the Add-in

  1. Log in to your Sibe Web Dashboard.
  2. On the left navigation panel, click add-ins.
  3. Click the download link to download the add-in installer file to your computer. The installation size is typically under 60 megabytes.



Pre-Installation Best Practices


Microsoft has a few recommendations for installing extensions into programs like SolidWorks. Following these steps before running the installer will help ensure a smooth installation.

  1. Restart Your Computer

    If you are following along, restart your computer now. This ensures all system components are ready for the installation.


  1. Clear the Local Temp Directory

    Clearing your temporary file directory is a recommended step to improve system performance.

  • Navigate to your local temp directory. By default, the path is "C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Local\Temp".
  • If you do not see the AppData folder, go to the Windows Explorer menu, click View, pull down to Show, and turn on Hidden Items. The AppData folder will then be visible.
  • Once in the Temp folder, select all files. You can press Control + A to select everything.
  • To permanently delete the files, hold down the Shift key and press Delete.
  • When Windows asks for confirmation, select Yes. If you have active programs running, some temporary files may be in use and cannot be deleted. Check the box to skip all active files and click Skip to delete only the files that can be removed.



Installing and Launching the Add-in

After you have restarted your computer and cleared your temporary files, you are ready to run the installer.

  1. Go to your downloads folder and double-click the Sibe add-in installer file.
  2. Windows will ask for your permission to run the setup; select Yes.
  3. In the setup wizard, click Next.
  4. Read the terms of agreement. Once you have read them, Accept the terms of the license agreement and click Next.
  5. Choose the default installation folder and click Install.
  6. Once the installation is complete, click Close.
  7. Launch SolidWorks. The Sibe add-in should load automatically and be visible on the Task Pane sidebar.





Configuring the Add-in in SolidWorks

Once the add-in is installed and SolidWorks is open, you must configure the connection to your Workspace and set a local folder for your files.


  1. In SolidWorks, open the Sibe PDM panel on the sidebar (also known as the Task Pane).
  2. Select your Workspace. You should only have one, unless you have been invited to a different Workspace by an external team.
  3. Select your local vault folder. This is the folder on your local drive where Sibe will store all the CAD documents you Check-out (this locks it so only you can edit it, preventing accidental overwrites by teammates). We highly recommend that you place this folder directly on your C drive in a plain folder (e.g., "C:\Sibe Vault").
  4. Sign in using the same credentials you use for the Sibe website.





Verifying the Add-in (If Not Visible)


If the Sibe PDM panel does not appear on your Task Pane when you launch SolidWorks, you may need to manually enable it.

  1. In SolidWorks, navigate to Tools from the top menu bar.
  2. Click Add-Ins.
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the list and find Sibe PDM.
  4. Ensure that both boxes are checked: the box under Active (to turn the add-in on for the current session) and the box under Start on Startup (to load the add-in automatically every time you launch SolidWorks).





Tips & Troubleshooting


  • Silent Install for IT Teams: If your IT department needs to manage the installation, Sibe provides silent install instructions. Contact Sibe support, and they will be happy to show you the FAQ with the instructions or email them to you directly.
  • Windows File Path Character Limit: Windows has a 255-character limit for the full file path (e.g., "C:\Path\To\Folder\File.SLDPRT"). Because Sibe will use this path, do not put your local vault folder inside a cloud-synced folder like Google Drive or OneDrive. This can create an extremely long path, causing files to no longer open.
  • Add-in Not Listed: If you go to Tools > Add-Ins and do not see Sibe PDM listed, repeat the entire installation process. If the issue persists, contact Sibe support.



What's Next?


With the Sibe add-in installed and configured, you are ready to begin collaborating on your CAD documents. The next article will guide you through the process of [Article on Check-out/Check-in and Versioning] to start tracking your design changes.






Updated on: 03/24/2026

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