PT21675

AutoCAD Plant 3D: Tricks of the Trade 2

Scott Hallmark
Applied Software Technology, Inc.

Learning Objectives
 Easily model various complex pipe routes
 Gain some structure and platform creation tricks
 Learn equipment creation tricks
 Get pipe support placing tricks
 AND BONUS TRICKS to make your job easier!

Description
In this class, you will learn tricks to route complex pipe runs, more-efficient ways to develop
platforms and structures, tricks to equipment creation using Inventor software for simplifying,
and some pipe support placing tricks.

Your AU Expert
Scott Hallmark is a Sr. Applications Specialist in Plant and Manufacturing for Applied Software
Technology, Inc. (www.asti.com) headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Scott works out of his home in
Birmingham, Alabama. Prior to being at Applied Software, Scott was a Lead Piping Designer
for Robins & Morton, a multidiscipline engineering and constructions firm based in Birmingham.
Scott has been in the Autodesk Reseller Channel for over 8 years working for Applied Software
and Alacad. As a Sr. Application Specialist, Scott has traveled the eastern U.S. and Canada
instructing users on Plant 3D and Inventor, performing installations, implementations, and
customizations for many industries utilizing the applications. In addition to being a 3-time
speaker at Autodesk University, listed below are some of Scott’s qualifications.

AutoCAD Plant 3D
- User, Instructor and Consultant since 1st release in 2008
- Traveled Southeast and Eastern U.S., including Canada to train, consult and implement
- Embedded Consultant for ADSK at Fluor in Greenville, SC from April to August 2016
- Developer of “Steel Supports Bundle for Plant 3D” (currently being sold by Applied
Software) using Python Scripting Language
Autodesk Inventor
- Inventor Certified Professional, 2012-2016
- User, Instructor and Consultant since 2007

Contact: [email protected] Twitter: @SPlant3D @Applied_SW @scottscs71

** Additional page at the end for notes! **

AutoCAD Plant 3D: Tricks of the Trade (2013) – Video: http://au.autodesk.com/au-online/classes-on-
demand/class-catalog/2013/plant-design-suite/pd2297#chapter=0

Page 1
Complex Pipe Routing
Trick #1: Connecting Two Lines at a Tee from a Given Angle
T1-01 shows two vertical nozzles connections with pipe coming off of a tank. One pipe would
turn right at a higher elevation than the second pipe. The second pipe would turn at 45 degrees
and tee into the bottom of the first pipe's horizontal run.

T1-01

On the surface, this looks easy until you attempt it. You will see that Assisted Routing will not
connect it correctly by adding several more fittings than you need, nor will eye-balling it work. It
requires some construction lines and a Line-to-Pipe method of routing. In T1-02, you will see
what we are starting with.

T1-02

Page 2
Delete the horizontal pipe and replace with a simple line using the LINE command (node to
node) (image T1-03)

T1-03

Draw a line (LINE command) from the 2nd nozzle using the @36(TAB)135. This means drawing
a line 36” long at an angle of 135° from the node of the elbow. (image T1-04)

T1-04

Page 3
Flip to a TOP view using the predefined views on the ViewCube. (image T1-05)

T1-05

Trim the line indicated in image T1-06.

VERSION TIP:
 AutoCAD Plant 3D 2016 requires you to select “Project” then “UCS” in the command line
to trim the line.
 AutoCAD Plant 3D 2017 does not. Just select the line to trim. (NICE!)

T1-06

Page 4
Draw a line (LINE command) from the end of the trimmed line PERPENDICULAR to the
horizontal line. (image T1-07)

T1-07

Be sure to have your LINE NUMBER, SIZE and SPEC entered correctly. If it is not set correctly,
you may end up setting the wrong line number, size and/or spec to the converted lines in the
middle of your route. (image T1-08)

T1-08

Page 5
From the HOME tab, choose LINE-TO-PIPE and select the lines with a crossing window or
individually. (image T1-09)

T1-09

The route is complete. (image T1-10)

T1-10

Page 6
Trick #2: Resting Pipe on Steel or Concrete Pad (2 methods)
T2-01 shows a vertical pipe that has turned horizontally to lie on top of steel. In other words, the
TOS and BOP are the same elevation. The same could apply for a concrete pad or other
structure. Below are two methods for accomplishing this. The first is using the TOGGLE
ELEVATION SNAP and the other is using POINT FILTERS.

T2-01

Page 7
The first method for doing this is to use the TOGGLE ELEVATION SNAP in the ribbon. (image
T2-02)

T2-02

You will need to ID the TOS in case you do not know the elevation. (image T2-03)

T2-03

Enter the elevation from the ID in the box provided. (image T2-04)

T2-04

Page 8
Click the + on the end of the pipe to continue the pipe and drag down. Do not click after
dragging. (image T2-05)

T2-05

Click the and notice the pipe will then lengthen to that elevation. By turning the route, you
will see the center of the pipe be at the same elevation as the TOS. (image T2-06)

T2-06

Page 9
Change the SET ROUTING LINE to BOP. (image T2-07)

T2-07

Change the Compass either by selecting PLANE in the command line (image T2-08) or by
CTRL+RightClick until you see the Compass is horizontal and the BOP resting on the TOS.
(image T2-09) Drag the length of pipe needed or type in a value for the length.

T2-08

T2-09

Page 10
The second method uses POINT FILTERS to accomplish the same result. You will start by
selecting the pipe’s continuation “+” and drag down. Right-click and select the POINT FILTERS
flyout menu, then look at your UCS to see the direction/point filter you need to choose. In this
example, the UCS direction/point filter I need to select is X. (image T2-10)

T2-10

Page 11
The POINT FILTER will want a point selected. Select the TOS using the NEAREST OSnap and
then drag the pipe down. You will see the pipe stop at the TOS. (image T2-11)

T2-11

Refer back to T2-07 thru T2-09 using SET ROUTING LINE (BOP) and changing the PLANE
(horizontal) to complete this method.

Page 12
Trick #3: Routing from Pumps with Eccentric Reducers
On many pump suction nozzle configurations, you will need to add an eccentric reducer on the
end of a flange. This trick will show you how to use fewer steps to accomplish this.
(image T3-01)

T3-01

Begin by setting your size (reduced), spec and line number, then select the eccentric reducer
from the Dynamic Tool Palette or Spec Viewer. Place the reducer on the nozzle. It will
automatically place the prioritized Flange from the spec. You will need to rotate the reducer to a
flat on top (FOT) by pulling the cursor down. Many users will place the flange, then the reducer.
No need to do that. Let the software do it for you. (image T3-02)

T3-02

Page 13
Click the reducer and select the “+” to continue the route. Drag a length or type in a value.
(image T3-03)

T3-03

Select the node of the 2nd reducer to let Plant 3D do the Assisted Routing method.
(image T3-04)

T3-04

Select the “+” on the pipe to create a branch. (image T3-05)

T3-05

Page 14
If the branch needs to change size, do this in the command line by clicking SIZE and typing the
new size. (image T3-06)

T3-06

If the branch does not need to be on center, you can TAB between the DYNAMIC INPUT fields
to enter in new values. Remember to TAB after entering a new value to see the new branch
position. (image T3-07)

T3-07

Page 15
If the tee needs to be the same size as the branch, there is no need to delete the reducer above
the tee or replace or add any other fittings. Right-click on the tee and go to PROPERTIES and
change the size of the tee to the branch size. (image T3-08)

T3-08

The reducer above the tee is removed automatically and the tee is resized. Additional reducers
are automatically added to the horizontal ports of the tee. (image T3-09)

T3-09

Page 16
Trick #4: Rolled Offset Piping
The easiest method for rolled offset piping is to use the Line-To-Pipe method. To use this
method efficiently, you will need to know when and why to use the 3 line commands.

 LINE: Using the LINE command will allow you to draw in all directions, and is the best
solution for the actual rolled offset geometry. When you are ready to convert to pipe, you
have to select all lines drawn either by picking each one or by a window or crossing.

 PLINE (polyline): Using the PLINE or polyline to route only allows you to route in the XY
Plane. If the XY Plane is set to horizontal (by default – Z is vertical) then you will not be
able to create a vertical run using PLINE. When you are ready to convert to pipe, you
will only need to select the one polyline as it is one entity. Not ideal for the actual rolled
offset geometry.

 3DPOLY (3D polyline): Using 3DPOLY allows routing in all directions and allows you to
select one entity to convert to pipe. Not ideal for the actual rolled offset geometry.

In this example, we will use all 3 of the various line commands listed above. (image T4-01)

T4-01

Page 17
Start with the PLINE command since we will be staying on the XY plane. Begin the PLINE from
the Elbow node and route. (image T4-02)

T4-02

Next you will use the LINE command to draw the rolled offset box and pipe line. (image T4-03)

T4-03

Next you will use the 3DPOLY command to draw the rest of the route in any direction or plane.
(image T4-04)

T4-04

Page 18
Lastly, you will set your Line Number, Size and Spec then select LINE-TO-PIPE. Your
selections will be the 3 lines created. (image T4-05)
1 – PLINE (XY Plane routing)
2 – LINE (connecting the box corners – Do not select the box lines)
3 – 3DPOLY (Any direction routing)

T4-05

Completed route. (image T4-06)

T4-06

The properties of the elbow will show the Cutback Angle. (image T4-07)

T4-07

Page 19
Structure and Platform Creation Tricks
Trick #5: Member Placement
There are plenty of tricks for creating structures and platforms that will save you time and clicks.
The commands will most likely not be new to you, but the order of how you do them will be the
true time saver. (image T5-01)

T5-01

If you set the PLANTSTEELSETREP to LINE MODEL, you will find it easier to add members to
the grid on the endpoints. The selection is in the STRUCTURE tab of the Ribbon.
(image T5-02) See Trick #17 at the end of this document to see another way to speed up this
process.

T5-02

Page 20
Placing Steel Members at a particular insertion point will require going to Member Settings
either from the command line after selecting MEMBER from the Ribbon or by typing
PLANTSTEELSELECTSHAPE at the command prompt. (image T5-03)

T5-03

After the first column is placed, you can copy the remaining columns using the COPY
command. A trick is to copy a complete row, then copy the row for the remaining columns
(image T5-04)

T5-04

Page 21
Place a horizontal beam on the first level and use the Structure Cutting Tools (CUT BACK
MEMBER, image T5-05) to trim up the member between the columns. Doing this now will save
you several picks and clicks editing than if you wait to do this afterwards.

T5-05

Also be sure to adjust your insertion points, angle and/or orientation for proper placement of the
members in MEMBER SETTINGS.

Change the PLANTSTEELSETREP to OUTLINE MODEL or SHAPE MODEL, then

ARRAYRECT the remaining beams to all levels (assuming they are equal spacing). The
Command line will offer the following prompts on image T5-06 and the directions are shown on
image T5-06.

T5-06

T5-06

Page 22
Change the PLANTSTEELSETREP back to LINE MODEL to place a horizontal beam on any
level in the opposite direction of the ARRAYRECT from before. Use the Structure Cutting Tools
(CUT BACK MEMBER) to trim up the member between the columns. If you wait to do this after
all of the members are copied/arrayed, you will waste time and use several picks and clicks of
cutting and editing. Copy the new member from endpoints in (1) direction then copy those
members in the (2) and (3) direction. Lastly, select the members just copied and copy in the (4)
direction for the number of levels you have. (image T5-07)

T5-07

When completed, change PLANTSTEELSETREP to SHAPE MODEL to see your structure.

(image T5-08)

T5-08

Page 23
A BONUS TRICK for this topic is to use the “Explode Method” for placing members. It places
the members much faster but you have more clean-up/trimming to do. To begin this procedure,
place the grid and then EXPLODE it. (image T5-09)

T5-09

Place a Member (PLANTSTEELMEMBER) and use the “LINE” option from the command line.
Use a Window or Crossing to select multiple lines at once. Press ENTER and the members will
appear. (image T5-10)

T5-10

The drawback to this method is that the Grid can no longer be modified with the EDIT
STRUCTURE (PLANTSTEELEDIT) command.

Page 24
Trick #6: Footing Placement
Placing footings is not a difficult task. But again, it is how you place them that will save you time
and clicks. (image T6-01)

T6-01

Change the PLANTSTEELSETREP to LINE MODEL and then select FOOTING from the
STRUCTURE Tab in the Ribbon. On the command line, you can select SETTINGS to get to
this dialog box. Make the changes you need in this dialog. (image T6-02)

T6-02

Page 25
When you start to place the footings in LINE MODEL mode, you will not see the Depth of the
footing, but rather only the Length and Width. You will have to go back to the OUTLINE
MODEL or SHAPE MODEL to see the Depth of the footing. (image T6-03)

T6-03

When placing the footing, it is easier to select the endpoint of a Grid line. Also, if you are
placing more than one Footing, you will want to keep a finger on the SPACEBAR of the
keyboard to continue initiating the command. You can also COPY or ARRAY the footings to
speed up the process.

A useful TRICK is to place the footing on the first column prior to doing any COPY / ARRAY so
that you only have to run the COPY / ARRAY command once to duplicate both the column and
footing. (image T6-04)

T6-04

Page 26
Trick #7: Stair Placement
Placing stairs will require some construction geometry. In this example, we will sketch out a
landing at the top and middle of the structure, then draw a single construction line to create the
stairs. (image T7-01)

T7-01

We will start by changing the PLANTSTEELSETREP to LINE MODEL. This helps in drawing
the landings and stair construction geometry. Start the line and use ORTHO and DYNAMIC
INPUT to draw a 4’x4’ rectangle. (image T7-02)

T7-02

Page 27
On the middle landing, we are going to have 2 stairs connection so drawing two 48” lines where
you see the two red arrows in the image will make it easier to select MIDPOINTS when drawing
the stair geometry. (image T7-03)

T7-03

On the floor, you will want to draw two 48” lines where you see the two red arrows in the image,
which again will make it easier to select MIDPOINTS when drawing the stair geometry. (image
T7-04)

T7-04

Page 28
On the floor, you will want to draw two 48” lines where you see the two red arrows in the image,
which again will make it easier to select MIDPOINTS when drawing the stair geometry.
(image T7-05)

T7-05

Next you will draw a single line from the top landing MIDPOINT to the middle landing
MIDPOINT. Then another line from the middle landing MIDPOINT the floor MIDPOINT. This is
recommended so you can see the angle of the stairs prior to actually placing them. This is not a
necessary step to create the stairs. You could simply select the MIDPOINTs. (image T7-06)

T7-06

Page 29
We will place steel members now and then place the stairs using the STAIR command in the
Ribbon. When placing the steel members, we will be changing the insertion point to that the
edge of the member where the stair is located at is on the construction line. The others
members will be located on center-top. Repeat this on the middle landing. (image T7-07)

T7-07

The stairs can now be placed using the 2 construction lines (or MIDPOINTs if not using
construction lines). (image T7-08)

T7-08

Page 30
You can turn off the construction layer if you used it placing the construction lines. Change back
to a SHAPE MODEL to see the finished structure. (image T7-09)

T7-09

Page 31
Trick #8: Handrail Placement
Now that all of the members and stairs are placed, handrail is next on the agenda. Handrail
placement can be a simple task if you follow a few simple procedures to help you save time and
clicks. (image T8-01)

T8-01

Page 32
First we want to look at the handrail settings either by selecting RAILING from the Ribbon and
then SETTINGS on the command line, or by selecting the SETTINGS dropdown menu in the
Ribbon, or by typing PLANTSTEELSETUPRAILING. The dialog box will allow you to make
changes to the handrail. (image T8-02)

T8-02

Page 33
Draw the handrail in a clockwise direction if you want the Kick Plate to the inside of the railing
posts. (image T8-03)

T8-03

Make any adjustments you need to make by selecting the handrail grips. (image T8-04)

T8-04

Page 34
To place the handrail on the stairs, we will set the KICK PLATE HEIGHT to zero in the
SETTINGS dialog box (image T8-05) and then draw the handrail back in the LINE MODEL view.
The image shows it changed back to the SHAPE MODEL to show the kick plate missing from
the stair handrail because the KICK PLATE HEIGHT was set to zero. (image T8-06)

T8-05

T8-06

Page 35
COPY the handrail to the other levels and adjust with the railing grips and add any new railing
required. (image T8-07)

T8-07

Page 36
Equipment Creation Tricks
Trick #9: Vendor Equipment – the “Box” Method
From time to time, you will have equipment that comes from a vendor or manufacturer that
needs to be inserted in the model. You preferably do not want to recreate the equipment in
Plant 3D if you don’t have to so it is a good idea to reduce the amount of detail and file size
(See Trick #10) and then insert it in the model. The problem you run into though is after
converting this 3D model to a Plant 3D intelligent equipment piece, you may receive changes or
modifications to the equipment from the vendor and have to go through the conversion and
nozzle placement tasks again.

The “Box” Method of creating intelligent equipment is a huge time saver if this is routine for you.
The Box Method is nothing more than creating a small box, converting it to Plant 3D equipment,
and then attaching the vendor equipment to the box. Simply add the required nozzles and then
you are ready to route pipe to/from it. If a new model is delivered from the vendor, simply detach
the old model, attach the new model and fix any nozzles that are now incorrectly located. Let’s
get started! (image T9-01)

T9-01

Create a box that will be about the size of something on the equipment. In this example, the box
created is just about the same height as the pump stand/pad. The box is 6”x6”x6” in size. We
will locate the box on the back corner of the stand/pad. You want to insert at a position on the
equipment that is LEAST LIKELY TO CHANGE in the event the vendor sends a new 3D model.
(image T9-02)

T9-02

Page 37
Next you need to convert the box to Plant 3D equipment (PLANTEQUIPMENTCONVERT)
(image T9-03)

T9-03

You will need to select the box and select the equipment class it belongs to. (image T9-04)

T9-04

Page 38
You will need to select the insertion point. Again, this a common location for the equipment in
the event it will be replaced with a new vendor model. (image T9-05)

T9-05

Attach the vendor model using the button below (PLANTEQUIPMENTATTACH). (image T9-06)

T9-06

Page 39
Select the box first, then the vendor model. (image T9-07)

T9-07

Add nozzles to the equipment. . (image T9-08)

T9-08

Page 40
Select CENTERs of the nozzles and pull away from the equipment. Repeat for all nozzles.
(image T9-09)

T9-09

You can now route your pipe lines to/from the pump. (image T9-10)

T9-10

A new vendor model for this pump has arrived and you need to replace the existing model. Had
you converted the pump model without using the “Box” Method, you would have to convert to
equipment and then reselect ALL of the nozzle locations, and not just the one or two that have
changed. On a pump with a suction and a discharge, you are only dealing with two nozzles, but
on a tank, vessel, heat exchanger, or other equipment, you could be dealing with 5, 10, 15 or
more nozzles. You do not want to have to replace all the nozzles every time there is a
modification to the equipment.

Page 41
In this example, only one nozzle location has changed. (image T9-11)

T9-11

We need to detach the old model and attach the new model. The Detach button is shown below
or you can type PLANTEQUIPMENTDETACH. (image T9-12)

T9-12

When prompted to “detach all attached objects” select YES. (image T9-13)

T9-13

Page 42
Delete the detached old model and INSERT or MOVE the new model into place (corner of Box
to corner of pump stand/pad). Attach the new model to the Box just as you did a few steps
earlier. Notice the misaligned pipe/nozzle. Let’s fix that now. (image T9-14)

T9-14

Select the pump then select the Pencil on the nozzle that needs to be relocated. (image T9-15)

T9-15

Page 43
Click on the CHANGE LOCATION button, then select CHANGE. (image T9-16)

T9-16

Select the new CENTER of the nozzle and pull away from the equipment. (image T9-17)

T9-17

Page 44
Reroute or redraw your pipe line to the new nozzle location. (image T9-18)

T9-18

Page 45
Trick #10: Vendor Equipment – Simplify / Shrinkwrap in Inventor
Vendor files that can be downloaded from vendor websites tend to be very detailed and very
large in file size. This is a killer in AutoCAD Plant 3D. We love to see the detail of the pump
and motor in the model but the computer’s resources takes a hit and AutoCAD Plant 3D begins
to slow down and could potentially crash. You need to remove the detail and get back to a
simplified version of the equipment. We can do this in Autodesk Inventor with just a few steps.
(image T10-01)

T10-01

In this example, a STEP file was downloaded from a vendor site. It shows entirely too much
detail for Plant 3D and is unnecessary in the big picture. In Inventor, open the STEP file and
then find the SIMPLIFY tab in the Ribbon. If it is not there, you can turn it on by selecting
on the far right side of the Ribbon. (image T10-02)

T10-02

Page 46
Use DEFINE ENVELOPES to replace complex Motor Housing with a cylinder. You may use a
BOX shape for other components on the pump. (image T10-03)

T10-03

Use FILL VOIDS to fill any holes. Bolt holes are unnecessary in Plant 3D. (image T10-04)

T10-04

Page 47
File size comparison: This file has 2 versions saved. A simplified version and the original
version with all the detail. Notice the size of the Inventor file after Simplifying. (image T10-05)

T10-05

Use BIM EXCHANGE to convert the file into an ADSK file. (image T10-06)

T10-06

If the model is too complex, the CHECK DESIGN tool will indicate that. (image T10-07)

T10-07

Page 48
Insert the equipment into the model by using PLANTINVENTOREQUIPMENTCONVERT or by
selecting this button. (image T10-08)

T10-08

After creating the nozzles (image T10-09), it is ready to route pipe to and from. (image T10-10)

T10-09

T10-10

Page 49
For an example of the file size differences you can experience by simplifying or shrinkwrapping
in Inventor, see the file sizes created after saving the IPT and BIM EXCHANGE to an ADSK file.

T10-11

See the following details on this drawing PRIOR TO having the pump inserted.
(image T10-12)

T10-12

The same drawing AFTER inserting the NON-simplified ADSK. +11.82MB (image T10-13)

T10-13

The same drawing AFTER inserting the simplified ADSK. +0.15MB. (image T10-14)

T10-14

Page 50
Pipe Supports Placing Trick
Trick #11: Placing Supports with the Toggle Lock Point of Support and
Point Filters
This next trick will save you several picks and clicks! Using Point Filters with the Toggle Lock
Point of Support Mode turned ON allows you to quickly place supports with minimal
adjustments. In this example, we will have several pipes at different elevations. We will place
one Hanger, adjust it to B.O.S. and then use the GRIP COPY and POINT FILTERS to place the
rest while the support automatically adjusts to the B.O.S. (image T11-01)

T11-01

Page 51
Place your Pipe Support Hanger on any of the pipes using the Point Filter to locate it in the
center of the horizontal beam it is attaching to. In the image below (image T11-02) select the
Hanger to place, then before selecting the location, RIGHT-CLICK and choose POINT
FILTERS, .X. You are choosing .X because the pipe is running in the X direction on the UCS.

T11-02

Select the MIDPOINT osnap option (Right-Click again) and then select the midpoint of the
horizontal edge/face of the beam. (image T11-03)

T11-03

Page 52
Select anywhere on the Pipe to place the Hanger. The Hanger will appear on the pipe directly
in line with the point identified in the Point Filter/Midpoint selection (image T11-04)

T11-04

Activate the TOGGLE LOCK POINT OF SUPPORT mode. (image T11-05)

T11-05

Page 53
Once the Hanger is placed, adjust the hanger to the B.O.S. Then select the MOVE Grip. In the
command line, you will see some options. Type P or select “coPy” in the command line.
(image T11-06)

T11-06

Repeat the process of a RIGHT-CLICK, POINT FILTERS, .X, then SHIFT+RIGHT-CLICK to

select the NODE of the existing Hanger, then select the next pipe. (image T11-07)

T11-07

Page 54
Continue the process until all hangers are copied. The Hanger rod is automatically adjusted to
the B.O.S. and located in line if you did it correctly. (image T11-08)

T11-08

Page 55
Bonus Tricks
Trick #12: PLANTFITTINGSTICKFACTOR
PLANTFITTINGSTICKFACTOR is the distance that you can have your cursor away from the
pipe while moving an inline asset until it comes off the pipe line. The available ranges are 0” to
10”. In this example, the setting is 4”. (image T12-01)

T12-01

Trick #13: PLANTGRIPEDITMODE

PLANTGRIPEDITMODE allows you to change how inline assets move with the model. If set to
“pipeSegment”, you can only move the object along the single pipe segment that it currently
exists on and not to other pipe lines in the model. If set to “pipeLine”, you can move the inline
asset along the existing pipe or to any other pipe in the model. (image T13-01)

T13-01

Page 56
Trick #14: PLANTFITTINGADD
PLANTFITTINGADD will allow you to place a spec component. You can keep the Dynamic
Tool Palette closed if you choose to use this command instead. You do not need to be in the
process of routing a line to run this command.

It will open the following dialog box: (image T14-01)

T14-01

Trick #15: SELECTIONEFFECT

SELECTIONEFFECT turns on (1) and off (0) the glowing highlight of selected objects. Turning
off Hardware Acceleration will disable this glowing highlight of selected objects. (image T15-01)

T15-01

Page 57
Trick #16: SELECTIONEFFECTCOLOR
SELECTIONEFFECTCOLOR changes the color of the glowing highlight of selected objects.
(image T16-01)

T16-01

In this example, the SELECTEFFECTCOLOR has been changed to “2” and all components that
are selected are yellow. (image T16-02)

T16-02

Page 58
Trick #17: ADDING COMMON COMMANDS TO TOOL PALETTE
Some commands you use in Plant 3D require you to change Ribbon tabs and/or select drop
down menus which just adds to more picks and clicks. I recently created a new Tab in the Plant
3D Dynamic Tool Palette that I can store these commands in that I am constantly using but
have to go find and type in, namely the PLANTSTEELSETREP commands. To accomplish this,
go to the Dynamic Tool Palette and right click on one of the vertical tabs and select NEW
PALETTE and then name the Palette.(image T17-01)

T17-01

Type CUI at the command line and create a new command. Be patient… CUI may take a few
seconds to open. To select the existing Button Image for the PLANTSTEELSETREP
commands, scroll down in the BUTTON IMAGE box until you see the highlighted images below
and select the image for the command. (image T17-02)

T17-02

Page 59
Fill in the COMMAND NAME and the MACRO fields with the following. (image T17-03)

T17-03

Select APPLY and then drag the new command to the tool palette. Repeat for all commands
you want to add to the palette. Test out your commands! (image T17-04) Some commands
can run transparently, so test the ‘ in front of the command instead of ^C^C and see if it works.

T17-04

The options for PLANTSTEELSETREP are L, S, O, and H as you can see below.

Page 60
Additional Notes:

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Visit www.asti.com/steelsupports for information on the Steel Supports Bundle for Plant 3D.

Page 61