AutoCad Plant 3D

AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011
The User Interface

Before you work in AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011, it is important that you understand how the drawing environment is organized and learn
some tips for working in this environment.
Topics in this section

• Workspaces
A workspace is a set of menus, toolbars, palettes, and ribbon control panels that are grouped and
organized so that you can work in a custom, task-oriented drawing environment.
• Ribbon
The ribbon contains the commands that you need to create and modify a piping model.
• Welcome and Welcome Back Screens
The Welcome Screen and Welcome Back screens provide shortcuts to creating projects and
opening recent projects and drawings.
• Project Manager
The Project Manager provides an organized project environment in which to work.
• Properties Palette
The AutoCAD Plant 3D Properties palette provides quick access to component and line data.
• Data Manager
You can view, modify, import, and export drawing and project data, and generate various reports
using the Data Manager.
• Spec Viewer
You can add pipe or pipe fittings to a model using the Spec Viewer.
• Tool Palettes
The AutoCAD Plant 3D tool palettes display standard and custom component and line symbols
that you place to create your drawings.
• Quick Properties
Quick Properties provide access to commonly used properties for an object or a set of objects.
• Shortcut Menus
With shortcut menus (also called right-click or context menus), you can perform tasks that are
related to the selected component or line.
• Grips
You use grips to perform actions on objects in a drawing.
• Tooltips
Tooltips are descriptive messages that are displayed near the cursor when it hovers over a ribbon,
toolbar, panel button, or menu item.
• Drawing Tooltips
After you add a component or line segment to a drawing or 3D model, you can perform a quick
query of component or line segment data by moving the crosshairs over it.
• Application Menu and Toolbars
The Application menu and toolbars provide access to many frequently used commands.
• Understand the Work History Dialog Box
If your administrator activates the Work History option, the Work History dialog box is displayed
either when you open a drawing from the Project Manager or when you close the drawing.
• Understand the Assign Tag Dialog Box
If your administrator has set up tag formatting, the Assign Tag dialog box displays when you add a
component or line that requires a tag.
• Control the Display of the Drawing Space
By controlling the display of dockable windows and toolbars, locking the position of toolbars and
dockable windows, and using two monitors, you can optimize your drawing environment
Workspaces
A workspace is a set of menus, toolbars, palettes, and ribbon control panels that are grouped and organized so that you can work in a
custom, task-oriented drawing environment.
You maximize the screen area available for those interface elements that you want to display.
When you use a workspace, only those menus, toolbars, palettes, and ribbons that are relevant to a task are displayed.
NoteYou can switch workspaces to reset the interface to default settings.

• Work with the AutoCAD Plant 3D Workspaces
When you create 3D piping models, you can use the 3D Piping workspace, which contains only
3D-related toolbars, menus, and palettes.
• Switch Workspaces
You can switch to another workspace whenever you need to work on a different task. You can
also reset the current workspace to default settings.
Work with the AutoCAD Plant 3D Workspaces
When you create 3D piping models, you can use the 3D Piping workspace, which contains only 3D-related toolbars, menus, and
palettes.
Interface items that you do not need for 3D pipe modeling are hidden, which maximizes the screen area available for your work.
NoteIf you attempt to use a command that is not compatible with the current drawing, you are prompted to switch to the workspace
that supports the command.
3D Piping Workspace
The 3D Piping workspace includes the tools required to create a 3D plant model. The drawing area displays the 3D piping ribbon and
the 3D drawing area.
P&ID Workspaces
P&ID workspaces include P&ID PIP, P&ID ISO, P&ID ISA, P&ID DIN, and P&ID JIS/ISO. Each of these workspaces is based on a
P&ID industry standard used for your project. The tool palettes for each workspace contain the symbols based on the industry
standard for that workspace.
AutoCAD Workspaces
AutoCAD workspaces include 2D Drafting & Annotation, 3D Modeling, and AutoCAD Classic. For more information about these
workspaces, see “Create Task-Based Workspaces” in the AutoCAD Help system.
When you make changes to your drawing display (such as moving, hiding, or displaying a toolbar or a tool palette group) and you
want to preserve the display settings for future use, you can save the current settings to a workspace.
Switch Workspaces
You can switch to another workspace whenever you need to work on a different task. You can also reset the current workspace to
default settings.
You can easily switch between workspaces when you want to access tools or commands that are not accessible in the current
workspace.
Opening an existing project of any standard causes AutoCAD Plant 3D to switch to the workspace for that standard if it differs from the
current workspace. Also, creating a new project switches the workspace to the standard you specify in project settings if that standard
differs from the current workspace.
Procedure
To switch workspaces
1. On the status bar, click Workspace Switching.
2. In the list of workspaces, click a workspace.
A check mark indicates the current workspace.
Ribbon
The ribbon contains the commands that you need to create and modify a piping model.
The ribbon is composed of a series of panels that are organized into tabs labeled by task. Ribbon panels contain many of the same
tools and controls available in toolbars and dialog boxes. By default, the ribbon is displayed horizontally at the top of the drawing
window when you create or open a drawing.
If you drag a panel from a ribbon tab and into the drawing area or onto another monitor, that panel remains where you placed it. The
panel remains open until you return it to the ribbon, even if you switch ribbon tabs. For more information about using ribbons, see “The
Ribbon” in the AutoCAD Help system.
3D Piping Home Tab

The 3D Piping Home tab contains panels with the commands that you need to create and modify a piping model. This tab includes the
following panels:
• Project panel
• Part Insertion panel
• Ortho Views panel
• Compass panel
• Elevation & Routing panel
• Slope panel
• Pipe Supports panel
• Equipment panel
• Visibility panel
• View panel
• Layers panel
• Plugin panel
The 3D Piping Home tab is part of the 3D Piping workspace.
For more information about 3D piping, see Create and Modify Piping.
Isos Tab
The Isos tab displays options for working with isometrics. This tab includes the following panels:
• Create Iso panel
• Isogen panel
• Export panel
The Isos tab is part of the 3D Piping workspace.
For more information about isometrics, see Create and Modify Isometric Drawings.
Structure Tab
The Structure tab displays options for working with structures. This tab includes the following panels:
• Parts panel
• Modify panel
• Cutting panel
• Visibility panel
• Export panel
• Views panel
• Layers panel
The Structure tab is part of the 3D Piping workspace.
For more information about creating structure, see Create and Modify Structure.
Ortho Editor Contextual Ribbon

When you enter the specialized orthographic environment by clicking the Create Ortho View button on the home tab, a contextual
ribbon tab is available. It contains commands specific to the ortho editing environment. This contextual tab and associated panels
display in green to provide visual feedback that you are in a specialized environment. The contextual tab is closed when you exit that
environment.
The Ortho Editor tab displays options for working with orthographic view configurations. The tab includes the following panels:
• General panel
• 3D Models panel
• Boundary Geometry panel
• Output Size panel
• Confirm/Cancel panel
The Ortho Editor contextual tab is part of the 3D Piping workspace.
For more information about orthographic drawings, see Create and Modify Orthographic Drawings.
Ortho View Contextual Ribbon

When you enter the specialized orthographic environment by creating or opening a drawing on the Orthographic DWG tab of the
Project Manager, this special contextual ribbon tab is available. It contains commands specific to the ortho view environment. The
contextual tab and associated panels display in green to provide visual feedback that you are in a specialized environment. The
contextual tab is closed when you exit that environment.
The Ortho View tab displays options for working with orthographic drawings. The tab includes the following panels:
• Ortho Views panel
• 3D Models panel
• Annotation panel
• Dimensions panel
• Viewports panel
• Layers panel
The Ortho View contextual tab is part of the 3D Piping workspace.
For more information about orthographic drawings, see Create and Modify Orthographic Drawings.
P&ID Home Tab

The P&ID Home tab displays options for working with P&ID drawings. This tab includes the following panels:
• Project panel
• P&ID panel
• Schematic Line panel
• Line Group panel
• Validate panel
• Layers panel
• Block panel
• Annotation panel
• Properties panel
• View panel
• Utilities panel
The P&ID Home tab is part of the P&ID PIP, P&ID ISO, P&ID ISA, P&ID DIN, and P&ID JIS/ISO workspaces.
For more information about creating P&IDs, see P&ID - Create and Modify Drawings.
AutoCAD Tabs
When you switch from an AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 workspace to an AutoCAD workspace, additional AutoCAD ribbons are displayed.
Following is an example of the 3D ribbon that is displayed when the AutoCAD 3D Modeling workspace is selected.
The AutoCAD tabs are part of the AutoCAD workspaces, including 2D Drafting & Annotation, 3D Modeling, and AutoCAD Classic.
The Model and Render tabs from AutoCAD are also included as part of the 3D Piping workspace.
For more information about using AutoCAD ribbons, see “The Ribbon” in the AutoCAD Help system.
Welcome and Welcome Back Screens
The Welcome Screen and Welcome Back screens provide shortcuts to creating projects and opening recent projects and drawings.
The Welcome and Welcome Back screens display during startup and whenever you close all of your drawings. They provide quick
access to recent projects and drawings. You can open and create projects using either screen.
Welcome Screen
When you launch AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 for the first time, the Welcome Screen displays with tools to help you open a project or
work with the included Sample Project.
The Welcome Screen includes the following sections:
• Get Started with a Sample Project: Includes a link to the sample project provided with the product.
• Get Started with Your Own Files: Displays tools to help you navigate to the project files and
drawings. It also includes tools to display Project Manager, open a drawing file, and create a new
project.
Welcome Back Screen

After your first session working with AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011, the Welcome Back Screen displays with tools to help you work more
effectively with recent files.
The Welcome Back Screen includes the following sections:
• Most Recent File: Includes a link to project and drawing files that you worked with in your previous
session.
• Other Recent Projects/Files: Displays links for recently opened project files and drawings. It also
includes tools to display Project Manager, open a drawing file, and create a new project.
NoteIf you don’t see the New Project button in the Getting Started with Your Own Files or Other Recent Projects/Files pane, your
administrator has disabled this function.
Other Resources
The Other Resources pane displays a link to the AutoCAD Exchange Plant Group.
Quick Reference
System Variables
PLANTWELCOMENEWPROJECT
Project Manager
The Project Manager provides an organized project environment in which to work.
You can open, add, and create drawings using the Project Manager. You also perform other tasks such as exporting and importing
data, creating project reports, including referenced drawings (xrefs), and linking or copying files to the project folders.
The Project Manager contains three tabs; the Source Files tab, the Orthographic DWG tab, and the Isometric DWG tab. For more
information about these tabs and other details about the Project Manager, see Overview: Organize Project Drawings.
The Project Manager also provides access to the Data Manager and the Project Setup dialog box. For more information about the
Data Manager, see Manage Data and Generate Reports. For more information about setting up a project, see your system administrator.
Properties Palette
The AutoCAD Plant 3D Properties palette provides quick access to component and line data.
In the Properties palette, you can change the data of an object (such as a pipe specification, an insulation type or thickness, and so
on). The Properties palette also allows access to the Assign Tag dialog box, where you can alter tag information.
Some of the ways you can access the Properties palette include:
• Double-clicking an object in a drawing
NoteWhen you double-click an annotation, the Edit Annotations dialog box is displayed instead of
the Properties palette.
• Selecting an item in the drawing and pressing CTRL+1
• Right-clicking an item in the drawing and clicking Properties
• At the Command prompt, entering PROPERTIES
For more information about the Properties palette, see “Display and Change the Properties of Objects” in the AutoCAD Help system.
Data Manager
You can view, modify, import, and export drawing and project data, and generate various reports using the Data Manager.
Using the Data Manager, you can export data for drawings and projects, modify the data externally, and import it back into the Data
Manager.
You use a hierarchical tree in the Data Manager to filter and view data, and to generate reports.
You can export data and reports that contain P&ID and Plant 3D data, and export to Microsoft® Excel®, comma-separated value
(CSV), or PCF (Piping Component Format) files.
You can zoom directly to a Plant 3D object from its record in the Data Manager data table.
In P&ID drawings, you can drag annotations from the Data Manager data table into the drawing area.
For more information about the Data Manager, see Manage Data and Generate Reports.
Spec Viewer
You can add pipe or pipe fittings to a model using the Spec Viewer.
The Spec Viewer uses spec files to control part size, selection, and routing priorities. After opening a spec file in AutoCAD Plant 3D,
you can view spec sheets, add items to a 3D model, and customize tool palettes.
You can insert a sized part or an unsized part. If you use an object snap to connect to an open port, the size of the port is used. You
can set AutoCAD Plant 3D to update a 3D model when changes are made to the spec file.
For more information about using the Spec Viewer, see Use a Spec in a Plant 3D Model.
Tool Palettes
The AutoCAD Plant 3D tool palettes display standard and custom component and line symbols that you place to create your drawings.
The standard you choose when you create a project dictates which tool palette is displayed when you start the program. For example,
if you create a project using the ISA standard, the initial tool palette displayed is the P&ID ISA palette.
You can switch to another tool palette by right-clicking the tool palette title bar and selecting a tool palette. However, not all P&ID
symbols that are available in one standard are the same in other standards.
For example, you have created a project using the PIP standard and have begun adding lines and components from the P&ID PIP tool
palette. If you change to the P&ID ISA tool palette and attempt to add a 4-way valve, you receive a warning in the status bar stating
that the ISA 4-way valve symbol cannot be found in the current palette. To add a 4-way valve, return to the P&ID PIP tool palette and
select the 4-way valve from that set of symbols.
NoteIf you are working in a project using the ISA standard, you can add lines and components from the PIP standard. Also, if you are
working in a project using the DIN standard, you can add lines and components from the ISO standard. In both cases, you might
receive a warning for specific lines or components, but you can use most symbols without restriction.
You can also create your own custom tool palette by right-clicking the title bar of the tool palette and clicking New Palette. You can
then add tools to the palette. For more information about creating a tool palette, see “Customize Tool Palettes” in the AutoCAD Help
system.
You can add individual items from a spec sheet to a custom tool palette. For more information, see Use a Spec in a Plant 3D Model.
NoteIf you do not see the P&ID workspace interface elements in your drawing area, it is likely that you are not displaying a P&ID
workspace. Verify that you are using a P&ID workspace by clicking Workspaces on the status bar and clicking a P&ID workspace.
Quick Properties
Quick Properties provide access to commonly used properties for an object or a set of objects.
Quick Properties are enabled by default. When you select an object, you can view and modify a list of properties for the selected
object.
For more information about using or disabling Quick Properties, see “Work with Object Properties” in the AutoCAD Help system.
You can easily customize the Quick Properties for any object in the Customize User Interface (CUI) editor. To customize the display of
Quick Properties, see “Customize User Interface Elements” in the AutoCAD Help system.
Shortcut Menus
With shortcut menus (also called right-click or context menus), you can perform tasks that are related to the selected component or
line.
For example, when you right-click a schematic line, a shortcut menu is displayed for quick access to relevant schematic line editing
tasks.
Grips
You use grips to perform actions on objects in a drawing.
Grips are displayed at strategic points on objects when you select them. You can click these grips to perform the actions described in
the following table.
Grip
Grip Name Description
Symbol
Continuation
grip Starts or continues routing pipe.
Elevation grip Moves a pipe line up or down to set an elevation.
Rotation grip Displays the compass and allows a component to be rotated.

Stretch grip Appears at the midpoints of schematic line segments; it moves a line orthogonally.
Endline grip Lengthens or shortens a schematic line.
Connects a schematic line or pipe line to a component, pipe line, or another schematic
Connection grip line.
Gap grip Breaks a schematic line between the gap symbols.
Flip grip Flips a component in the opposite direction.
Displays a palette with similar components that you can substitute for the one you
Substitution grip originally placed.
Add nozzle grip Adds a nozzle to existing equipment or converted 3D solids.
Edit nozzle grip Edits all nozzles (standard, line, and virtual).
Tooltips
Tooltips are descriptive messages that are displayed near the cursor when it hovers over a ribbon, toolbar, panel button, or menu
item.
Tooltips provide pop-up information for the commands associated with interface elements. Initially, a basic tooltip is displayed. If you
allow the cursor to hover over the interface element, the tooltip may expand to display a second level of descriptive information for the
command.
You can customize the display and content of a tooltip. For more information about customizing the display of tooltips, see “Display
Tab (Options Dialog Box)” in the AutoCAD Help system.
Drawing Tooltips
After you add a component or line segment to a drawing or 3D model, you can perform a quick query of component or line segment
data by moving the crosshairs over it.
When you position the crosshairs over a component, the values stored in the Class Name and Tag fields for the component are
displayed in a tooltip.
If you position the crosshairs over a line segment, the Pipe Line Type, Tag, and To and From data are displayed in a tooltip.
Objects in 3D models that have data assigned to them or the capability to have data assigned to them display a tooltip with whatever
data is currently assigned. If there is no data assigned to an object, the tooltip displays only the object name.
Application Menu and Toolbars
The Application menu and toolbars provide access to many frequently used commands.
Using the Application Menu

The Application menu, located in the top-left corner of the program, replaces the traditional menu structure you might be familiar with
in previous releases of AutoCAD Plant 3D.
Instead of a horizontal menu display across the top of the program, the application menu presents the menus in a vertical list. You
click the Application button to display the menus within.
For more information about using menus, see “The Application Menu” in the AutoCAD Help system.
Using Toolbars
You can use buttons on toolbars to start commands, display flyout toolbars, and display tooltips. You can display or hide, dock, and
resize toolbars. There are no AutoCAD Plant 3D-specific toolbars, but you can access AutoCAD toolbars from the Quick Access
Toolbar Tools menu.
For more information about toolbars and other AutoCAD tools such as the status bar and the classic menu bar, see “Other Tool
Locations” in the AutoCAD Help system.
Understand the Work History Dialog Box
If your administrator activates the Work History option, the Work History dialog box is displayed either when you open a drawing from
the Project Manager or when you close the drawing.
You are prompted to provide details about the drawing file that you or another designer can refer to at a later date (such as revision
information, review status, and so on).
For more information about the Work History dialog box, see Manage Work History Tracking.
Understand the Assign Tag Dialog Box
If your administrator has set up tag formatting, the Assign Tag dialog box displays when you add a component or line that requires a
tag.
You add components and lines to a drawing or model from a ribbon or tool palette. If you do not know the tagging data at the time you
insert a component or line, you can add the data to a 3D model later by clicking Home tab Part Insertion panel Assign Tag and
clicking the component or line.
For more information about assigning tags to components and lines, see Tag Components and Lines.
Control the Display of the Drawing Space
By controlling the display of dockable windows and toolbars, locking the position of toolbars and dockable windows, and using two
monitors, you can optimize your drawing environment.
Control the Display of Dockable Windows

Many windows, such as the Project Manager, the tool palettes, and the Data Manager, are dockable. Each window can be docked,
anchored, or floating.
Commands for changing the display of dockable windows are available on a shortcut menu. You can change the following options for
dockable windows:
• Size. You can change the size of a window and resize the panes.
• Allow Docking. Dock or anchor a dockable window. A docked window adheres to one side of the
application window, causing the drawing area to be resized.
• Anchor. Attach, or anchor, a dockable window or palette to the left or right side of the drawing
area. An anchored window rolls open and closed as the cursor moves across it. When an
anchored window is open, its content overlaps the drawing area. An anchored window cannot be
set to stay open. The Allow Docking option must be selected before you can anchor a window.
• Auto-hide. Display a floating window that opens and closes as the cursor moves across it. When
this option is cleared, the window stays open.
• Transparency. Display a window as transparent so that it does not obscure objects under it. This
option is not available for all windows or when hardware acceleration is turned on.
Control the Display of Toolbars
You can display or hide toolbars and control whether they are docked or floating in the drawing area.
A docked toolbar is attached to any edge of the drawing area. You can resize, and reposition undocked toolbars.
Lock the Position of Toolbars and Dockable Windows

After you have arranged toolbars and windows the way you want to display them, you can lock their positions. Locked toolbars and
windows can still be opened and closed, and items can be added and deleted.
Use Keytips to Access Common Tools

You can use the keyboard to access the Application Menu, Quick Access tool bar, and ribbon.
Press the ALT key to display shortcut keys for common tools in the application window.
When you select a keytip, more keytips are displayed for that tool.
Use Dual Monitors to Optimize the Drawing Area

To create a larger drawing space, you can use two monitors. For example, you can use one monitor to display the drawing area, while
the other monitor displays the tools for working in the drawing area such as the tool palette, Project Manager, Data Manager, and so
on.
For more information about setting up dual monitors, see the instructions provided with your monitors.
Create and Configure a Project
You use the Project Setup wizard to create a project, then configure the project setup options to meet your client needs.

• Overview: Create and Configure the Working Environment
The working environment is set up for ease in creating and managing drawings, models, and
other related files.
• Create a New Project
You can create a project and then change the project settings.
• Configure General Settings
You can configure general settings, including project details, drawing properties, and reports.
• Configure AutoCAD P&ID DWG Settings
As part of your AutoCAD P&ID DWG setup, you can configure certain behaviors to which all
designers using this project adhere.
• Configure Plant 3D DWG Settings
As part of your Plant 3D DWG setup, you can configure certain behaviors to which all designers
using this project adhere.
• Point Users to the Project Location
When you have completed the project configuration, you are ready to point users to the project
location to start their designing.
Overview: Create and Configure the Working Environment

The working environment is set up for ease in creating and managing drawings, models, and other related files.
When you start AutoCAD Plant 3D for the first time, a default project is set as the current project. You can either modify this project or
create a new one, depending on your requirements.
Both the default project and any new projects that you create include standard settings for paths, drawings, Data Manager
configuration, and so on. These default settings are often appropriate for most tasks throughout a project cycle. However, you can
configure these settings to make them specific to the needs of your organization or your client. You can configure your drawing
environment in the Project Setup dialog box.
NoteIt is strongly recommended that you avoid changing the project setup while others are using the project. Any changes you make
will be visible only after users close and open the project again.
Create a New Project

You can create a project and then change the project settings.
You can specify basic settings as you create a project with the Project Setup wizard.
Procedure
To create a new project
1. On the ribbon, click Home tab Project panel Project Manager New Project.
2. Complete the Project Setup wizard.
3. If you want to change the default project settings, select the check box labeled Edit Project
Properties After Creating Project.
4. Click Finish.
NoteIt is strongly recommended that you set security measures to prevent users from
accessing or changing certain project folders or files. Using Microsoft security settings, you
can lock the project files that you do not want users to modify. For more information about
Windows security settings, see Windows Help.
To create a new project from the Welcome Screen
1. On the Welcome Screen, under Get Started with Your Own Files, click New Project.
4. Click Finish.
To create a new project from the Welcome Back Screen

1. On the Welcome Back Screen, under Other Recent Projects/Files, click New Project.
4. Click Finish.
Quick Reference
Commands
NEWPROJECT
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Configure General Settings

You can configure general settings, including project details, drawing properties, and reports.
NoteYour administrator can lock project files to prevent changes to project-specific settings and options.

• Set or Change Project Details
You can change details of the default project settings.
• Configure Drawing Properties
You can configure drawing properties so that each drawing added to the project has the same
properties available.
• Configure Report Settings
AutoCAD Plant 3D provides several report templates for viewing, printing, exporting, and
importing reports.
• Configure File Name Formats
You can set up a format to ensure consistent file naming within a project.
Set or Change Project Details
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
You can change details of the default project settings.
You can specify a variety of settings, including additional project properties, work history prompts, paths, the default tool palette group,
and the data manager zoom factor.
Procedure
To add a new property to the existing set of project details
1. On the ribbon, click Home tab Project panel Project Manager Project Setup.
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand General Settings. Click Project Details.
3. On the Project Details pane, under General Properties, do any of the following:
• In the Project Description box, add or change the project description.
• In the Project Number box, add a project number.
NoteThe Project Name was set when the project was created. You cannot edit this name.
4. Under Custom Properties, in the Custom Categories list, click Project Data.
5. Click Add Row.
6. In the Add Row dialog box, enter a name (for example: Lead designer) and a value (for
example: Rich Robins) for the new property.
7. Click OK.
8. Click OK.
To add a new category of project details
3. On the Project Details pane, under General Properties, do any of the following:
• In the Project Description box, add or change the project description.
• In the Project Number box, add a project number.
NoteThe Project Name is set when the project is created. You cannot edit this name here.
4. Under Custom Properties, click Add.
5. In the Add Category dialog box, enter a name for the new category (for example: Other
Information). Click OK.
6. Under Properties Of Selected Category, click Add Row.

7. In the Add Row dialog box, enter a name (for example: Project Manager) and a value (for
example: A. Taylor) for the new property. Click OK.
8. Continue adding properties as necessary (for example: PM Phone, 415-555-1212 and

Process Lead, D. Quinn).
9. To add additional categories, click Add and repeat the steps for adding a category and its
properties.
10. Click OK.
To configure work history prompts
3. On the Project Details pane, under Work History Prompts, click one of the following options to
specify when designers must enter work history information about their drawings:
• Opening Project Drawings
• Closing Project Drawings
• Never
To configure general paths and file locations
3. Under General Paths and File Locations, do the following:

• In the User-defined Reports Directory box, enter the file path for the reports directory. Or
click the [...] button, and in the Select Reports Directory dialog box, browse to the location
where you want to place the reports directory.
• In the Related Files Directory box, enter the file path for the related files directory. Or click
the [...] button, and in the Select Related Files Directory dialog box, browse to the location
where you want to place the related files directory.
4. Click OK.
To configure tool palette group association
3. Under Tool Palette Group Association, in the drop-down lists, click tool palette groups to
display when a project is opened.
4. Click OK.
NoteIf the name of a tool palette group is displayed in red, the tool palette group exists but is
not available on your system. You can make the group available by importing it. See Save
and Share Tool Palettes in AutoCAD Help. For information on how to customize and share
tool palette groups, see Customize Tool Palettes and Save and Share Tool Palettes in
AutoCAD Help.
To configure the Data Manager interactive zoom factor
3. Under Interactive zoom, in the box labeled Data Manager Interactive Zoom Factor, enter a
number between 0.0 and 1.0 to set the zoom factor when designers zoom to a component
from the Data Manager.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Project Details (General Settings Tree Node)
Configure Drawing Properties
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
You can configure drawing properties so that each drawing added to the project has the same properties available.
You can change the property value for an individual drawing or model.
Procedure
To add a new category of drawing properties
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand General Settings. Click Drawing Properties.
3. On the Drawing Properties pane, under Custom, click Add.
4. In the Add Category dialog box, enter a name for the new category (for example: Additional
Information). Click OK.
5. Click Add Row.
6. In the Add Row dialog box, do the following:
• Under Name, enter a name for the property (for example: Project Name).
• Under Description, enter a description (for example: The project to which this drawing
belongs).
• Click OK.
7. In the Project Manager tree view, right-click a drawing. Click Properties.
In the Drawing Properties dialog box, the properties that you added are displayed. If
necessary, use the scroll bar to display the properties.
8. Click OK.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Project Manager
Project Setup Dialog Box
Drawing Properties (General Settings Tree Node)
Configure Report Settings
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
AutoCAD Plant 3D provides several report templates for viewing, printing, exporting, and importing reports.
You can export and import report data to and from Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (XLS/XLSX) or comma-separated value (CSV) files.
You can create new report types based on existing report templates. The templates include lists of equipment, lines, line summaries,
instruments, valves, nozzles, and so on.
After you configure a report, the properties you specify are queried. You can view the results in the Data Manager.
Setting Up Reports Containing Plant 3D Data

The existing report templates contain P&ID classes and properties. You can create Plant 3D templates for the following report types:
• Equipment List
• Line Summary List
• Nozzle List
• Valve List
Procedure
To configure a new report based on an existing report
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand General Settings. Click Project Reports.
3. On the Project Reports pane, click a report on which to base the new report (for example:
Equipment List). Click New.
4. In the New Report dialog box, enter a name for the new report (for example: New Equipment
List).
5. (Optional) To replace the family tables, do the following:

• Click Replace Table(s).
• In the Replace dialog box, select the check box next to the tables you want to replace (for
example: select the Equipment check box).
• In the drop-down list, click a replacement class table. Click Continue.
• On the Create Report Template dialog box, click Continue.
NoteThe name you entered in the New Report Name box on the New Report dialog box is
displayed as the title of the subsequent dialog box.
6. In the [New Report Name] dialog box, in the Report Properties pane, in the Select Properties
To Include tree view, expand the class definition whose fields you want to configure (for
example: Equipment).
NoteIf you are creating a Plant 3D report template, you can specify Plant 3D object or
drawing properties and order them appropriately. The Plant 3D data is included in the report
only if a corresponding P&ID object with an identical tag exists in the project.
7. Click the properties you want queried in the new report.
8. On the Priority Order pane, in the Fields list, click a field whose location you want to change.
Use the Up or Down arrows to rearrange the order in which the fields are displayed in the
Data Manager. The top-to-bottom order in the Fields list is displayed left-to-right in the Data
Manager.
9. Repeat steps 7-8 for each of the available properties that you want reported.
10. Click OK.
To modify an existing report
3. On the Project Reports pane, under Defined Reports, click the report you want to modify.
Click Modify.
4. In the Modify Report dialog box, in the Select Properties To Include tree view, expand the
class definition whose fields you want to configure (for example: Equipment).
NoteIf you are creating a Plant 3D report template, you can specify Plant 3D object or
drawing properties and order them appropriately.
5. Click the properties you want queried in the report.
6. On the Priority Order pane, in the Fields list, click a field whose location you want to change.
Use the Up or Down arrows to rearrange the order in which the fields are displayed in the
Data Manager. The top-to-bottom order in the Fields list is displayed left-to-right in the Data
Manager.
7. Repeat steps 5-6 for each of the available fields that you want reported.
8. Click OK.
To preview, sort, and filter a report
3. On the Project Reports pane, under Defined Reports, click the report you want to preview.
4. In the Report Preview data view, do any of the following:
• To sort the data, click a column header to change the sort order.
• To view only items with the same value as the selection, right-click a cell that contains the
value by which you want to search. Click Filter By Selection.
• To view all the selected items, right-click a cell that contains the value you want to exclude
from the filtered view and click Filter Excluding Selection.
• To filter for field values and ranges of values, right-click a cell for the property where you
want to set a filter. Click the Filter For Field.
In the Filter For Field box, enter a value and press ENTER. You can use the following
conditions cumulatively:
Conditions Purpose Examples
• <> ‘700’ displays only rows with cells containing

strings other than 700
Angle brackets to display values not • <> ‘’ displays rows with cell data not equal to an
(< >) equal to your entry empty string, thus eliminating rows with empty cells
Asterisk (*) to display any value in its Like ‘*SCH40* displays all fields continuing the text “SCH 40” regardless of
place the characters that come before or after the specified string
to display values that

Equal signs (=) match your entry = ‘Bosch’ displays only cells containing the string Bosch
IS NULL to display only empty cells Displays only rows with empty cells
IS NOT NULL to exclude empty cells Displays only rows with data
Question mark to display any single

(?) character in its place LIKE ‘SCH?0’ displays SCH20, SCH30, SCH40, and so on
• To remove all filters, right-click a cell and click Remove Filter.

5. Do either of the following:
• To save the filtered or sorted view into a report template to be displayed in the Data
Manager, click Save.
• To restore the default view, click Reset.
6. Click OK.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Reports (General Settings Tree Node)
Configure File Name Formats
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
You can set up a format to ensure consistent file naming within a project.
After you have configured the file name format, all files created within a project follow the pattern you set. The file-naming format is not
enforced, however, and designers creating new drawings can override the format if they wish.
Following is a sample file name format as it would appear in Project Setup.
This format would display the following dialog. If the Override check box is selected, a designer can revise the filename.
Procedure
To configure a file name format
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand General Settings. Click File Name Format.
3. On the File Name Format pane, do the following to specify entry fields on the New DWG
dialog box:
• Under Name, enter a name. This name appears as the label for an entry box in the New
DWG dialog box.
• Under Type, click the drop-down list to select a type. For example: select String, Numeric,
or NominalDiameter.
NoteYou can also specify a newly-created property with a selection list of values (for
example: if you add the property Pump_Manufacturers and create a selection list of
specific pump manufacturers, you can specify the new property under Type).
• Under Length, click the drop-down list to select a number from 1 to 9. This number
determines the required number of characters to be entered into the box.
• Under Delimiter, enter a character (for example: a dash or comma).
• Click Add as many times as required for your format.
4. When finished, click Apply or OK.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Reports (General Settings Tree Node)
Configure AutoCAD P&ID DWG Settings
As part of your AutoCAD P&ID DWG setup, you can configure certain behaviors to which all designers using this project adhere.

• Configure End Connections and Line Behavior
You can assign an end connection to a valve or an inline instrument.
• Configure Settings for Export and Import
Create custom settings for export and import that include any combination of AutoCAD P&ID
classes.
• Set P&ID Paths
You can change the default locations for accessing P&ID project data (such as drawings and
templates).
• Configure Customized Views for the Data Manager
You can customize the way the Data Manager displays data for P&ID projects or drawings.
• Set Up Class Definitions for Components and Lines
Class definitions specify the attributes and properties of a component or line. To create most
equipment, instruments, lines, inline items, and nozzles, you start with an existing component and
edit its properties.
Configure End Connections and Line Behavior
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
You can assign an end connection to a valve or an inline instrument.
You can also assign an end connection after a valve or inline instrument is placed in a drawing. If the symbol for an end connection
changes, the change is displayed in the drawing.
End connections display the type of connection (flanged, socket welded, or welded) for a valve or inline instrument in an AutoCAD
P&ID drawing. The type of connection is tracked as a property. End connections inherit their graphical properties (such as layer, color,
and line weight) from the valve or inline instrument with which they are inserted.
You can configure settings that control how lines display when they cross each other and the behavior of grips for a selected
schematic line.
Drawing behaviors you can configure include:
• End connection behavior for valves and inline instruments
• Display style of crossing lines
• Behavior of a gap symbol and scale
• Standoff distance between a line and a component
• Orthogonal and implied cornering behavior of schematic lines
• Display behavior of vertex grips
• Connection behavior of inline components when the component moves
Procedure
To define a new end connection
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand P&ID DWG Settings. Click End Connections.
3. On the End Connections pane, click Add Block.
4. In the New End Connection dialog box, under End Connection Name, enter a name for the
new end connection.
5. Click Browse.
6. In the Select Block Drawing dialog box, locate and click a drawing that contains the block you
want to use for the end connection symbol. Click Open.
7. In the Select Block dialog box, in the Available Blocks list, click a block to use for the end
connection.
The Preview pane displays a preview image of the block you selected.
8. Click OK.
9. In the New End Connection dialog box, click OK.
10. In the Project Setup dialog box, click OK.
To modify a block used for an end connection
3. On the End Connections pane, in the drop-down list, click an end connection to modify.
4. Click Edit Block.
5. In the Block Editor, edit the block representing the selected end connection.
NoteIf you are not familiar with editing a block, see “Use the Block Editor” in the AutoCAD
Help system.
6. When you are finished modifying the end connection block, click Close on the Block Editor.
The changes you made to the block are saved in projSymbolStyle.dwg.
7. Click OK.
To remove an end connection

When you remove an end connection block, you also delete the end connection from the project. You can delete only end connections
that are not assigned to a valve or inline instrument.
NoteYou cannot remove default end connections such as Flanged, Socket Welded, Unspecified, and Welded.
3. On the End Connections pane, in the drop-down list, click an end connection to delete.
4. Click Remove Block.
5. In the Confirm Delete message, click Yes.
To assign an end connection to a valve or inline instrument
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand P&ID Class Definitions.
3. Continue to expand the list until you find the valve or inline instrument to which you want to
assign the end connection.
4. Select a valve or inline instrument (for example: Ball Valve).
5. On the Class Settings pane, under Properties, in the Property Name column, locate
EndConnections.
6. In the EndConnections Default Value property, in the drop-down list, click an end connection
type.
7. Click OK.
To configure line behavior
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand P&ID DWG Settings. Click Line Settings.
3. On the Line Settings pane, under Line Crossing Style, click Gap or Loop.
4. In the Gap/Loop Width box, enter a number to represent the amount of space, in units,
between two crossing lines. (Units refers to project units, such as inches for imperial or
millimeters for metric.)
5. Under Manual Gap Symbol, in the Symbol drop-down list, click a gap symbol to use to
represent a gap between lines.
6. Under Standoff Distance, in the Standoff X box, enter a number to set the shortest possible
distance, in units, that designers can draw between a 90-degree elbow and a piece of
equipment.
7. Under Schematic Line Grips, in the Grip Settings drop-down list, click a grip behavior option.
8. To control automatic cornering behavior of orthogonal lines when they connect to a
component, select the check box labeled Create Ortho Schematic Lines.
If this option is selected, ORTHO is temporarily turned on when the SLINE command is used,
and corner points are implied. If this option is cleared, ORTHO is turned off temporarily when
a designer enters the SLINE command.
9. To control whether inline components are moved with schematic lines, select the check box
labeled Maintain Sline Connection When Moving Assets.
If this option is selected, inline components move with the schematic line to which they are
connected. If this option is cleared, inline components become detached when schematic
lines are moved.
10. Click OK.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
End Connections (P&ID DWG Settings Tree Node)
Line Settings (P&ID DWG Settings Tree Node)
Configure Settings for Export and Import
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
Create custom settings for export and import that include any combination of AutoCAD P&ID classes.
Share AutoCAD P&ID data with other applications by mapping AutoCAD Plant 3D properties to correspond with similar properties in
other programs.
You can export and import data using the default Displayed Data setting. This setting exports and imports data for the active node in
the Data Manager tree view, with or without child node data.
You create export and import settings at the project level in Project Setup. You use one setting for both export and import, which
simplifies the process of exporting data, externally editing the data, and importing the data back. After you create an export and import
setting, you can later modify or delete it.
Export to and Import from Other Programs

One common reason to create a custom export and import setting is for exporting and importing data to and from other programs. For
example, you want to export data to AutoCAD Electrical. Because the two programs have different data structures, you map the
classes and properties in AutoCAD Plant 3D to the classes and properties in the other program.
Set up External Data Mapping

You can set up external data mapping in the Export and Import Settings dialog box when creating or modifying an export and import
setting.
A one-to-one mapping between every class and property is not required. Many Plant 3D objects can be mapped to the same external
object.
In some cases, applications can contain erroneous or duplicate data. The import and export process uses a unique identifier (UID) to
identify specific records. AutoCAD Plant 3D generally prohibits duplicate records. However, if AutoCAD Plant 3D encounters duplicate
records, it exports them as multiple records and the importing application coordinates them.
Procedure
To create export and import settings
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand P&ID DWG Settings. Click Export and Import Settings.
3. On the Export and Import Settings pane, click New.
4. In the New Export and Import Settings dialog box, under Name, enter a name for the export
and import setting (for example: Pipe Lines and Signal Lines).
5. Under Description, enter a description for the setting (for example: Export only pipe lines and
signal lines).
6. In the P&ID Classes tree view, expand the nodes to display the P&ID Classes you want to
export and import (for example: expand Engineering Items and Lines. Select all check boxes
under both Pipe Line Segments and Signal Line Segments).
7. If this setting is for exporting to and importing from another program, see “To set up external
data mapping.” Otherwise, click OK.
To set up external data mapping
You can map property values when creating export and import settings or by modifying an existing setting.
3. On the Export and Import Settings pane, click an existing setting. Click Modify.
4. In the Modify Export and Import Settings dialog box, do the following:
• Under Name, enter a new name (optional).
• Under Description, enter a new description (optional).
• In the tree view, expand the classes and select the check box for the class you want to
configure for external data mapping.
• Under External Data Mapping, in the External Class Name box, enter a name that
corresponds to similar classes in the other program. For example, if the program equates
Pipes with Pipe Lines, select the Pipe Lines check box in the tree view and enter Pipes in
the External Class Name box. Repeat this process for each class you want to configure for
external data mapping.
• Under Properties, in the External Property column, click the external property you want to
change. Enter the new name (for example: click the ModelNumber external property and
enter Model).
Repeat this process for each external property you want to change.
• To make a property a unique identifier (UID), select the UID check box corresponding to
the property. PnPID is a UID by default. If the other program recognizes a different
identifier, you can change this setting.
• In the Value Mapping column, click the cell corresponding to the property you want to
map. Click the [...] button.
5. In the Map Property Values dialog box, do the following:
• In the P&ID Property column, enter the P&ID property values (for example: in the P&ID
Property Model Number column, enter P1, P2, S1, and S2).
• In the External Property column, enter corresponding property values for the other
program (for example: enter Model1, Model2, Model1, and Model2).
6. Click OK.
7. In the Modify Export and Import Settings dialog box, repeat the value mapping process for
each property you want to map. When you finish mapping, click OK to close the Modify
Export and Import Settings dialog box.
NoteWhen you use this Export and Import Setting for exporting data to another program, all
Pipe Line ModelNumber P&ID properties correspond with the Model properties of the other
program. The P1, P2, S1, and S2 P&ID values associated with the ModelNumber P&ID
properties correspond with the Model1, Model2, Model1, and Model2 values associated with
the Model properties in the other program, respectively.
To modify an export and import setting

2. On the Export and Import Settings pane, click an existing setting. Click Modify.
3. In the Modify Export and Import Settings dialog box, you can:
• Edit the name of the Export and Import Settings. For example, under Name, change Pipe
Lines and Signal Lines to Pipe Lines.
• Edit the description. For example, under Description, change Export only Pipe Lines and
Signal Lines to Export only Pipe Lines.
4. In the P&ID Classes tree view, modify the P&ID Classes to export and import. For example,
you can clear the check boxes for Signal Line Segments and all its child classes.
5. On the External Data Mapping pane, modify the class name in the External Class Name box,
if necessary. Make other changes, as needed, to the external data mapping settings.
6. Click OK.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Export and Import Settings (P&ID DWG Settings Tree Node)
Set P&ID Paths
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
You can change the default locations for accessing P&ID project data (such as drawings and templates).
The Paths panel includes:

• P&ID DWG directory. Sets the location of the project drawing directory.
• Project package. Defines the P&ID classes and properties used in a project.
WarningIt is strongly recommended that you do not manually change the project package file
(ProcessPower.dcfx) and reload the changed file. You can edit the file and reload it, but you do so
at the risk of corrupting your project.
• Symbols and styles. Displays (read-only) the location where symbols are stored.
• Drawing template (DWT) file. Defines the template file that is used when new drawings in a
project are created.
NoteIt is strongly recommended that you set your project library locations and paths to a shared network location and set security
measures to prevent users from accessing or changing certain project folders or files. Using Microsoft security settings, you can lock
the project files that you do not want users to modify. For more information about Windows security settings, see Windows Help.
Procedure
To set or change the project file location
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand P&ID DWG Settings. Click Paths.
3. On the Paths pane, do one of the following:

• Enter location paths for the P&ID drawing directory and the drawing template file directory.
• Click the [...] button to the right of each box to browse to the location where you want to
store the directory and file.
NoteThe other paths were set when the project was created. You cannot edit those paths
here.
4. Click OK.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Paths (P&ID DWG Settings Tree Node)
Configure Customized Views for the Data Manager
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
You can customize the way the Data Manager displays data for P&ID projects or drawings.
You can create customized views for both P&ID and 3D project and drawing data. This section describes the process for P&ID data.
For 3D modeling information, see Configure Customized Views for the Data Manager.
You can view data in the default class hierarchy or create new views that display the data arranged in a property-based hierarchy.
Procedure
To create a customized view for the Data Manager
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand P&ID DWG Settings. Click Data Manager
Configuration.
3. On the Customized Views pane, click Create View.
4. Under A New Customized View, do the following:
• In the Name box, enter a name for your view. This name replaces the name A New
Customized View.
• To define the scope of your view, in the Scope drop-down list, click either Project Data or
Drawing Data.
• Click New Level.
5. In the Select Class Property dialog box, do the following:
• In the Class tree view, expand the appropriate node and child nodes to locate and click a
class for Level 1 (for example: Engineering Items).
• In the Properties list, click a class property (for example: Manufacturer).
• Click OK.
6. Click New Level and repeat the previous step to add the number of levels you want in the
customized view. When you finish adding levels to the customized view, in the Project Setup
dialog box, click OK.
NoteFor best results, select properties shared by all components to be displayed in the
customized view.
To delete a customized view for the Data Manager
2. In the Project Setup tree view, expand P&ID DWG Settings. Click Data Manager
Configuration.
3. On the Customized Views pane, click the customized view you want to delete. Click Delete
View.
4. In the Delete Customized View message, click Yes.
To open a customized view in the Data Manager
1. On the ribbon, click the Home tab Project panel Data Manager.
2. In the Data Manager, click in the drop-down list and select a customized view.
The Data Manager tree view displays the customized data view.
3. To display relevant component details on the right pane, click a node in the tree view (for
example: ModelNumber-100).
Quick Reference
Commands
DATAMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
New Customized View (Data Manager Configuration)
Set Up Class Definitions for Components and Lines
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
Class definitions specify the attributes and properties of a component or line. To create most equipment, instruments, lines, inline
items, and nozzles, you start with an existing component and edit its properties.
Class definitions are divided into the following four families:

• Engineering Items. Includes equipment, nozzles, instrumentation, inline assets, and lines.
• Non Engineering Items. Includes items that cannot be purchased, or are not counted in reports
(including flow arrows, gap, actuators, connectors, annotations, line breakers, and so on).
• Pipe Line Groups. Includes pipe lines.
• Signal Line Groups. Includes signal lines used with instruments.
You can modify existing class definitions or create your own based on existing class definitions. For example, if your company uses a
pump symbol that is not provided with the program, you can create your own customized pump symbol.
When you create class definitions based on a family or parent, the new definition inherits the properties and settings of the family or
parent.
You can modify the following properties for class definitions:
• Symbol or line settings. The name of the symbol or line style; the name of the block controlling
the geometry that is displayed in the drawing after a component is inserted; the layer, color,
linetype, linetype scale, and plot style; the lineweight of a component when it is inserted; and other
settings that affect the insertion of a component or how a schematic line is drawn.
• Properties. The values assigned to a component or line class definition to determine how it looks
and behaves in a drawing, and the values that are attached to a component or line (such as
default value, description, substitution, supported standards, and so on).
• Tag format. The information that comprises a unique tag for a component or line.
• Annotation. The text and symbol settings that annotate a component or line.
You can also create and rename class definitions, and purge any that are not used in a project drawing.
Procedure
To create a class definition for a component or line
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the class definition you want to use as
the basis for the new class definition.
NoteSelect a class definition that most closely represents the class definition you want to
create. The node you select is used as the template for the new class definition.
4. Right-click the selected class definition. Click New.
5. In the Create Class dialog box, enter a class name and a display name (if necessary) for the
new class definition.
NoteUse only letters, numbers, and underscores for class names. Limit names to 31
characters. Longer class names can cause problems during export and import.
Also, do not start a class name with a number.
6. Click OK.
7. In the tree view, expand the node where the new class definition is added, and click the new
class definition.
8. On the Class Settings pane, make the desired changes.
9. Click OK.
To modify a class definition for a component or line

3. Continue to expand the list until you find the purchasable item whose definition you want to
change (for example: Engineering Items Equipment Blowers Centrifugal Blower).
4. On the Class Settings pane, do either of the following.

• If you are modifying a class definition, under Symbol, add, modify, or remove the symbols
for the selected class definition.
• If you are modifying a line definition, under Line, edit the properties for the selected line
style.
5. In the Properties, do the following (as needed):
• In the Display Name column, change the value for the Display Name property. (This
information is displayed in the Data Manager.)
• In the Default Value column, change the value for the Default Value property.
• Add or remove custom properties as needed for the class or line definition.
• Change the values of other properties as needed (such as tagging format, annotation
style, acquisition, substitution, supported standards, graphical style name, and so on).
6. Under Tag Format, add, modify, or remove tagging formats associated with the selected
class or line definition.
7. Under Annotation, add, modify, or remove annotation styles associated with the selected
class or line definition.
8. Click OK.
To rename a class definition for a component or line
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the class whose definitions you want to
rename (for example: Engineering Items Equipment Blowers Centrifugal Blower).
4. NoteYou can rename only those class definitions that do not have a plus sign (+) next to
them under P&ID Class Definitions. For example, you cannot rename Blowers under
Equipment but you can rename Centrifugal Blower under Blowers.
5. Right-click the class definition you want to rename. Click Rename.
6. Enter the new class name for the class definition. Press ENTER.
NoteIt is recommended that you use class names that are not greater than 31 characters.
Longer class names can cause problems during export and import.
NoteIf a class definition is used in a drawing that is part of the project, a message is
displayed indicating that it cannot be renamed.
7. Click OK.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
P&ID Class Definitions (P&ID DWG Settings Tree Node)

• Set Up Symbol and Line Settings
Class definitions for components and lines control their graphical display in a P&ID drawing.
• Set Up Properties
Properties store information about a component or line that is in a P&ID drawing.
• Set Up Tag Formatting (P&ID)
You can set up tag formats to help designers apply tag elements consistently throughout a project
cycle.
• Set Up Annotations
You can use annotations to place text on a drawing to describe a component.
• Set Up Off-Page Connectors
Off-page connectors create a continuance of a line from one project drawing to another. You can
use an existing off-page connector to create a new one.
Set Up Symbol and Line Settings
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
Class definitions for components and lines control their graphical display in a P&ID drawing.
Class definitions for components and lines contain two types of settings and properties—graphical and non-graphical. The graphical
settings and properties control how the component or line is represented in a P&ID drawing.
Non-graphical properties distinguish one component or line from another.
• For a component, you can specify the symbol and settings that control the insertion behavior of a
component.
• For a line, you can specify whether flow arrows indicate the flow direction through a pipe.
You can create class definitions for both components and lines for general graphical properties such as layers, colors, schematic line
types, linetypes, and lineweights.
You can also set the tagging prompt for both components and lines.
Procedure
To change the tagging prompt for components and lines
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the component or line whose linetype
you want to change.
4. On the Class Settings pane, do one of the following:
• If you are modifying a component, under Symbol, in the drop-down list, click the symbol
you want to modify. Click Edit Symbol.
• If you are modifying a line, under Line, click Edit Line.
5. In the Settings dialog box, under General Style Properties, locate and click Tagging prompt.
In the drop-down list, click one of the following options:
• Prompt for tag during component creation
• Automatically assign an auto-generated tag
• Not a tagged component
6. Click OK.
When designers place the component in a drawing or create a schematic line, it is displayed
with the linetype you defined here.
To change linetypes for components and lines
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the component or line whose linetype
you want to change.
5. In the Settings dialog box, under General Style Properties, locate and click Linetype. In the
drop-down list, click a new linetype.
NoteIf your project is based on the DIN 2481 standard, and the pipe line you want to change
has multiple lines, change Smart Line Type to Mline. Then click Mline style. In the drop-down
list, click a new multiline style. The DIN standard uses multiple lines to represent oil, air, solid
fuels, and so on.
6. Click OK.
with the linetype you defined here.
To change layers and colors for components and lines
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the component or line whose color or
layer you want to change.
5. In the Settings dialog box, under General Style Properties, locate and click Layer. In the drop-
down list, click a new layer. Locate and click Color. In the drop-down list, click a new color.
6. Click OK.
on the layer and in the color you defined here.
To change lineweights for components and lines
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the component or line whose lineweight
you want to change.

5. In the Settings dialog box, under General Style Properties, locate and click Line Weight. In
the drop-down list, click a new lineweight.
6. Click OK.
with the line weight you defined here.
To change line style for a pipe line that is represented by multiple lines (DIN standard)
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the component or line whose linestyle
you want to change.
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Line, click Edit Line

5. In the Line Settings dialog box, do the following:
• Under General Style Properties, locate and click Smart line type. In the drop-down list,
click an Mline.
• Under General Style Properties, locate and click Mline style. In the drop-down list, click a
new multiline style.
6. Click OK.
with the line style you defined here.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Symbol (P&ID Class Definitions Tree Node)
Line (P&ID Class Definitions Tree Node)
Symbol Settings Dialog Box (Symbol)
Line Settings Dialog Box (Line)

• Configure Symbols for Components
Symbols represent components in a P&ID drawing.
• Configure the Appearance of Lines
You can set up the arrow and flag behavior of lines.
Configure Symbols for Components
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
Symbols represent components in a P&ID drawing.
You can import blocks to create a library of symbols.

You can create new symbols for a component or modify existing symbols. Use the Block Editor to edit a symbol block or to define
settings that control how the symbol is inserted.
You cannot remove a symbol that is assigned to a class definition.
Scale Components
When defining the scale factor for a component, you choose whether the component is scaled uniformly. Most blocks are scaled
uniformly along the X and Y axis. If, however, you want to create multiple tank components with different widths while using a single
block for the different-sized tank components, you can choose not to scale uniformly.
Understand Attachment Points on Components

Attachment points are snap points on a component that connect multiple components and connect a schematic line to a component.
Attachment points validate that when a component is placed in a drawing, it is actually connected with schematic lines.
Attachment points help to define the placement and orientation for a component. When you select a component for placement on a
drawing, you place it by its block origin (0,0) by default. You can switch from the origin to an attachment point before placing the
component by pressing the spacebar or ENTER key. Attachment points define directional information for components that have an
upstream and downstream direction associated with them (for example: check valves).
Attachment points are required to specify, label, and correctly apply end connections. They are used in components such as pumps
and blowers to determine that the connections in a drawing represent the available connections on the real-world items. Inline
components such as valves have attachment points that provide precise control over line connections. When you place an inline
component on a schematic line, its attachment points ensure that the schematic line is properly broken.
Attachment points serve as the recommended connect points for a component. If you do not use attachment points, the extents of the
block determine where the line is trimmed to connect to the component. It is recommended that you use attachment points in the
symbols that you create. Also, do not remove or change the order of the attachment points in the blocks that are included with
AutoCAD Plant 3D.
Define Attachment Points

You define attachment points in a block with the Block Editor and Point parameters. Each Point parameter that you want to use as an
attachment point must follow a specific labeling convention, "AttachmentPoint" + [Numeric Suffix]. For example, the first attachment
point for a block would be labeled AttachmentPoint1, the second attachment point would be labeled AttachmentPoint2, and so on.
If you are defining an attachment point in a block for a valve or inline instrument, also define the rotation angle of the end connection
by using the labeling convention "AttachmentPoint" + [Numeric Suffix] + ":EndCode" + [Rotation Angle in Degrees].
For example, a block has a Point parameter with the label AttachmentPoint1:EndCode90 for one of its attachment points. The label
AttachmentPoint1:EndCode90indicates that it is the first attachment point for the block and that the end connection at the attachment
point is rotated 90 degrees. If you do not want to use end connections with a block for a valve or inline instrument, use the labeling
convention "AttachmentPoint" + [Numeric Suffix].
Node points are added to all attachment points to make drawing and connecting lines easier. To snap to an attachment point on a
component, you use the Node snap. The Node snap also snaps to a point object, dimension definition point, or dimension text origin
contained in a block or drawing.
Orient Attachment Points

Most inline components, such as those on the Fittings and Valves tabs of the PIP tool palette, are horizontally oriented by default.
Their attachment points fall on the X axis, following the flow of a horizontal line either to the left or right. Some components, however,
are oriented by default along the Y axis. If you place such a component (for example: a flame arrestor) on a horizontal line, it
automatically rotates to align with the line direction.
When you configure symbols for components, remember the following guidelines:
• The imaginary vector drawn from Attachment Point 1 (AP1) to Attachment Point 2 (AP2) defines
the direction of the component.
• Most components are horizontally oriented, with the vector along the X axis.
• Some components, such as Flame Arrestors, have AP1 to AP2 along the positive Y axis. These
components are vertically oriented.
• If the vector does not follow the X or Y direction, it is ignored.
Understand Join Types

The Join Type property setting for a component symbol defines whether the component can be inserted into an existing line. Join type
settings also define how a line breaks when a component is inserted and whether adding the component to an existing line creates a
new line group.
Symbol properties for join type include the following options:
• Endline. Typically used for components that are placed at the end of a line (for example: caps or
blind flanges), or placed in a drawing before connecting lines to them. Symbols with this property
setting do not insert into lines.
• Inline. Setting for components that are regularly inserted into pipe or signal lines. Components
with this join type move when the line is moved, behaving as part of the line. If the line is deleted,
the component is deleted along with the line.
• Segment Breaker. Symbols with this join type can be inserted into lines. When these
components are inserted, they break a line, and the line group and line number are retained for
both line segments. For example, a reducer or a relief valve can break a line so that the line has
different properties on either side of the component.
• Segment Group Breaker. Components with this join type (for example: ISO pumps,
compressors, and blowers) can be inserted into a line and breaks the line into two line groups with
different line numbers.
• No Join. Does not connect with lines (for example: agitators).
Procedure
To add a symbol to a component class definition
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the component or line whose symbol you
want to change.
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Symbol, in the drop-down list, click a symbol to use as the
template for the new symbol.
5. Under Symbol, click Add Symbol.
6. In the Symbol Settings dialog box, under Symbol Properties, click Symbol Name. Enter a new
name for the symbol.
7. Under Symbol Properties, click Block. Click the [...] button.
8. In the Select Block Drawing dialog box, browse to and select the drawing that contains the
block you want to use. Click Open.
9. In the Select Block dialog box, click a block in the Available Blocks list. Click OK.
10. In the Symbol Settings dialog box, under General Styles Properties and Other Properties,
modify the properties as needed. Click OK.
To set the default symbol for a component class definition
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the component whose default symbol
you want to edit.
4. On the Class Settings pane, in the Property Name column, locate GraphicalStyleName.
5. In the Default Value column, in the drop-down list, click the symbol you want to use as the
default symbol when inserting the component into a P&ID drawing.
6. Click OK.
To edit a symbol for a component class definition
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the component whose symbol you want
to edit.
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Symbol, in the drop-down list, click the symbol that you
want to edit.
5. Click Edit Symbol.
6. In the Symbol Settings dialog box, modify the properties for the symbol.
7. Click OK.
To remove a symbol for a component definition
to remove.
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Symbol, in the drop-down list, click the symbol that you
want to remove.
5. Click Remove Symbol.
If the symbol is already assigned to a class definition, a message is displayed informing you
that the symbol cannot be removed.
6. Click OK.
To edit the block associated to a symbol
to edit.
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Symbol, in the drop-down list, click the symbol that
contains the block that you want to edit.
5. Under Symbol, click Edit Block.
6. In the Block Editor, edit the geometry for the block as needed.
7. Click Close Block Editor.
8. Click OK.
To set the scale factor for a component
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the component whose scale factor you
want to change.
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Symbol, in the drop-down list, click the symbol whose
scale factor you want to change.
5. Click Edit Symbol.
6. In the Symbol Settings dialog box, under Other Properties, locate and click Symbol Scale.
Enter a scale factor.
7. To set prompting behavior for designers to scale a component when they insert it in a
drawing, click Scale on Insert. In the drop-down list, click Yes.
8. To set scaling behavior, click Scale Mode. In the drop-down list, click either of the following:
• Uniform scaling: Sets the component to scale proportionately both vertically and
horizontally.
• XY independent scaling: Sets the component to scale independently both vertically and
horizontally, depending on which direction you move the cursor.
9. Click OK to close each dialog box.
When designers place this symbol in a drawing, the symbol has the scaling behavior you
defined here.
To create a component and add it to the tool palette

NoteBefore you start this procedure, make sure the P&ID tool palette is displayed and that the active tool palette tab is the one where
you want to add the new component. For example, if you are adding a pump to the tool palette, make sure that the Equipment tab is
active.
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the component whose properties most
closely match the component you want to create.
The component that you select is used as the template for the new component definition.
4. Right-click the selected class definition. Click New.
5. In the Create Class dialog box, enter a name for the new class definition.
6. Click OK.
7. In the Project Setup tree view, expand the list until you locate where the new class definition
was added. Select the new component definition.
8. On the Class Settings pane, make the desired changes to the new definition symbol settings,
properties, tag format, and annotation style.
9. Under Symbol, click Add to Tool Palette.
The new class definition is added to the active tool palette. The new tool can be used just like
the default tools provided with AutoCAD Plant 3D, and is included in reports.
NoteIf the tool palette is not open when you click Create Tool, the component is added to the
bottom of the tab last displayed.
10. Click OK.
To create a component with attachment points and add it to the tool palette
The following procedure illustrates how to create a pump (an endline component) and define two attachment points (where schematic
lines will snap). You can create other components using the same general steps. Not all components require attachment points (for
example, tanks do not require them) unless you want to define them.
NoteBefore you start this procedure, make sure the P&ID tool palette is displayed in your drawing and that the active tool palette tab is
the one where you want to add the new component. For example, if you are adding a pump to the tool palette, make sure that the
Equipment tab is active.
1. Create a new block (for example: a horizontal centrifugal pump) and save the drawing file. If
you do not know how to create a block, see “Create and Store Blocks” in the AutoCAD Help
system.
2. On the ribbon, click Blocks & References tab Block panel Block Editor.
3. In the Block Editor dialog box, click Current Drawing. Click OK.
4. Turn off Midpoint snaps if they are on.
5. On the Parameters tab of the Block Authoring palette, click Point Parameter, and place a
parameter (for example: on the inlet of the pump).
6. Right-click the parameter. Click Properties.

7. In the Properties palette, under Property Labels, click Position Label. Enter
attachmentpoint1.
8. Click a blank space in the drawing, and then press ESC.
9. Create another parameter (for example: at the outlet of the pump), and label it
attachmentpoint2.
10. Save the changes and close the Block Editor.

to edit (for example: Equipment Pumps Centrifugal Sump Pump).
13. Right-click the class definition. Click New.
NoteInstead of creating a new class definition, you can also add a new symbol to an existing
class definition. To add a new symbol to an existing class definition, see “To add a symbol to
a component class definition.”
14. In the Create Class dialog box, enter a name for the new class definition (for example:
horizontal centrifugal pump).
15. Click OK.
16. Expand the node where the new class definition was added, and select the new class
definition.
17. On the Class Settings pane, under Symbol, click Add Symbol.
18. In the Symbol Settings dialog box, under Symbol Properties, do the following:
• In the Symbol Name box, enter a name for the symbol that is added to the new class
definition.
• Click Block, and then click the [...] button. Browse to the drawing you created in step 1.
Click that drawing and in the Select Block dialog box, click a symbol name (block) in the
list. Click OK.
• (Optional) Make other changes to the settings of the component you created.
• Click OK.
19. On the Class Settings pane, change the properties, tag format, and annotation style for the
new class definition.
20. Under Symbol, click Add to Tool Palette.
The new component is added to the active tool palette. The new tool can be used like the
default tools provided with AutoCAD Plant 3D. It is also included in reports.
NoteIf the tool palette is not open when you click Create Tool, the component is added to the
bottom of the palette tab that was last displayed. You can move it by dragging and placing it
in a new location in the palette. You can also copy or cut it and paste it to another P&ID tool
palette.
21. Click OK.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Configure the Appearance of Lines
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
You can set up the arrow and flag behavior of lines.
You set up whether a flow arrow is displayed when a line is added to a drawing, the type of flow arrow symbol displayed, and whether
to prompt for the insertion of a flag.
Procedure
To set up line arrow behavior
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the line style whose line arrow behavior
you want to set (for example: Equipment Lines Pipe Line Segments Primary Line
Segment).
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Line, click Edit Line.

5. In the Line Settings dialog box, under Symbol Properties, click Flow Arrow Style. In the drop-
down list, click a symbol in the list. Click OK.
6. Click OK.
To set up automatic prompting for flag insertion (DIN standard only)

3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the line style whose line behavior you
want to set (for example: Equipment Lines Pipe Line Segments Primary Line
Segment).
4. In the Class Settings pane, under Line, click Edit Line.

5. In the Line Settings dialog box, under Symbol Properties, click Flag Prompt. In the drop-down
list, click Automatically Prompt to Insert Flag. Click OK.
6. Click OK.
To add a flow arrow symbol
3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click Flow Arrow (for example: Non-
Engineering Items Flow Arrow).
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Symbol, click Add Symbol.
5. In the Symbol Settings dialog box, Symbol Properties, locate and click Symbol Name. Enter a
new name for the symbol.
6. Under Symbol Properties, locate and click Block. Click the [...] button.
7. In the Select Block Drawing dialog box, browse to and click the drawing that contains the
block you want to use. Click Open.
NoteYou cannot use a drawing file as a block for the symbol. The block you want to use must
be in the drawing file that you select.
8. In the Select Block dialog box, under Available Blocks, select a block. Click OK.
9. In the Symbol Settings dialog box, under General Styles Properties and Other Properties,
change the properties as needed. Click OK.
To create a line and add it to the tool palette

Notemake sure the P&ID tool palette is displayed in your drawing and that the active tool palette tab is the one where you want to add
the new line.
3. Continue to expand the list until you find Pipe Line Segments or Signal Line Segments
(Engineering Items Lines Pipe Line Segments or Signal Line Segments).
4. Right-click either Pipe Line Segments or Signal Line Segments. Click New.
5. In the Create Class Definition dialog box, enter a name for the new line definition.
NoteYou can create a line class definition under Pipe Line Segments or Signal Line
Segments only.
6. Click OK.
7. In the Project Setup tree view, expand the tree until you reach the new line class definition,
and click it.
8. On the Class Settings pane, change the settings, properties, tag format, and annotation style
for the new line class definition.
9. Under Line, click Add to Tool Palette.
The new line class definition is added to the active tool palette. It can be used just like the
default tools provided with AutoCAD Plant 3D, and is included in reports.
NoteIf the tool palette is not open when you click Create Tool, the component is still added to
the bottom of the last-active tool palette.
10. Click OK.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Symbol (P&ID Class Definitions Tree Node)
Line (P&ID Class Definitions Tree Node)
Set Up Properties
Bottom of the Page

• Procedure
• Quick Reference
Properties store information about a component or line that is in a P&ID drawing.
Both components and lines have properties that control how the component and line look when placed into a P&ID drawing.
Properties also store non-graphical information that can be extracted from the drawing. Properties for a component or line class
definition can be defined as one of the following data types:
• String. Permits a free-form text value for a property.
• Numeric. Verifies that only a positive or negative number is entered for a property.
• Boolean. Permits a choice between true and false.
• Symbol List. Defines a list of choices that control the symbol for a component in a P&ID drawing.
This option is available only for P&ID objects when more than one symbol is associated with a
class.
• Selection List. Defines a list of property values. If a value is not displayed in the predefined list, it
can be entered as free-form text.
• Acquisition. Defines a rule stating that a component property acquires its value from another
property. For example, a rule states that a hand valve acquires its size from the corresponding
property of a line. The source can be chosen from class, project, or drawing properties.
NoteWhen you set up properties for a project, make sure no one else is accessing that project. If
others are working in the project, your changes are not saved.
Procedure
To add a property to a class definition

3. Continue to expand the list until you locate and click the class definition whose property you
want to add.
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Properties, click Add.
5. In the Add Property dialog box, do the following:

• Under Property Name, enter a name for the new property. The name cannot contain any
spaces.
• Under Display Name, enter the name you want to be displayed for the new property when
using the Data Manager or Properties palette.
• Under Choose a Type, select one of the available data types.
6. Click OK.
If you selected Selection List or Symbol List, the appropriate dialog box is displayed to let you
create either a selection list or symbol list.
If you selected Acquisition, the Select Data Source dialog box is displayed, where you select
the source from which the property value is acquired.
7. Click OK.
To modify a property for a class definition
want to edit.
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Properties, locate and click the property you want to edit.
Do one of the following:
• Under Property Description, click the box and enter a new description.
• Under Default Value, either click the box and enter a new value or, in the drop-down list,
click a value. If the default value is Acquisition, in the drop-down list, click an appropriate
item.
• If the property type is List, click Edit to change the selection or symbol list that is assigned
to the property.
• Under Acquisition, click the [...] button and select Add acquisition rule. In the Select Data
Source dialog box, select the source where the property value is acquired.
NoteTo change the name of the property or its type, delete the property and then add it
again.
5. Click OK.
To delete a property from a class definition
want to delete.
4. On the Class Settings pane, under Properties, locate and click the property you want to
delete. Click Remove.
5. In the Confirm Delete message, click Yes.
6. Click OK.
Quick Reference
Commands
PROJECTMANAGER
PROJECTSETUP
Properties (P&ID Class Definitions Tree Node)

• Set Up Property Acquisition (P&ID)
When you select Acquisition as a property type, you set up a rule stating that the property
acquires its value from another property.
• Set Up Selection Lists and Symbol Lists
Use selection lists and symbol lists to enforce standard sizes for items such as pipe specs, pipe
sizes, and instrument types, or when you want designers to choose from a predefined set of
options.
http://docs.autodesk.com/PLNT3D/2011/ENU/filesPUG/WS1a9193826455f5ff5f7e8f111d4851871-5b57.htm

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What are workspaces in AutoCAD Plant 3D?

What are workspaces in AutoCAD Plant 3D?

What are the different types of workspaces available in AutoCAD Plant 3D?

What are the different types of workspaces available in AutoCAD Plant 3D?

AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011

The User Interface

Topics in this section

Topics in this section

Work with the AutoCAD Plant 3D Workspaces

1. On the status bar, click Workspace Switching.

2. In the list of workspaces, click a workspace.

A check mark indicates the current workspace.

3D Piping Home Tab

Ortho Editor Contextual Ribbon

Ortho View Contextual Ribbon

P&ID Home Tab

Welcome and Welcome Back Screens

Welcome Back Screen

The Project Manager provides an organized project environment in which to work.

You use grips to perform actions on objects in a drawing.

Elevation grip Moves a pipe line up or down to set an elevation.

Rotation grip Displays the compass and allows a component to be rotated.

Endline grip Lengthens or shortens a schematic line.

Gap grip Breaks a schematic line between the gap symbols.

Flip grip Flips a component in the opposite direction.

Add nozzle grip Adds a nozzle to existing equipment or converted 3D solids.

Application Menu and Toolbars

Using the Application Menu

Understand the Work History Dialog Box

Understand the Assign Tag Dialog Box

Control the Display of the Drawing Space

Control the Display of Dockable Windows

Lock the Position of Toolbars and Dockable Windows

Use Keytips to Access Common Tools

Use Dual Monitors to Optimize the Drawing Area

Create and Configure a Project

Topics in this section

Overview: Create and Configure the Working Environment

Create a New Project

To create a new project

To create a new project from the Welcome Screen

To create a new project from the Welcome Back Screen

Configure General Settings

Topics in this section

Set or Change Project Details

Bottom of the Page

To add a new property to the existing set of project details

To add a new category of project details

4. Under Custom Properties, click Add.

6. Under Properties Of Selected Category, click Add Row.

8. Continue adding properties as necessary (for example: PM Phone, 415-555-1212 and

To configure work history prompts

To configure general paths and file locations

3. Under General Paths and File Locations, do the following:

To configure the Data Manager interactive zoom factor

Configure Drawing Properties

Bottom of the Page

To add a new category of drawing properties

Configure Report Settings

Bottom of the Page