Smart3D AutomationToolkit

Smart3D – Automation Toolkit
Installation & User Guide.
Created By:
Smart3D Automation & Strategic Accounts Team

Process Power & Marine
Intergraph Corporation
Contents
HOW TO INSTALL & CONFIGURE MENUS _______________________________________________________________ 1

Customizing Commands and Utilities in this Toolkit _______________________________________________ 1
Advanced Configuration _____________________________________________________________________ 2
Adding Custom Menu items to Toolkit’s PopupMenu ______________________________________________ 2
Adding Custom Tasks to Smart3D’s Tasks menu. _________________________________________________ 2
SUPER SHORTCUTS _____________________________________________________________________________ 3
Using Commands and Utilities in this Toolkit ____________________________________________________ 3
SELECT FILTERS AND OBJECT SET MANIPULATION COMMANDS ________________________________________________ 5
Select Filter Commands with only Keyboard Shortcuts _____________________________________________ 5
Select Set Browser for SmartPlant 3D __________________________________________________________ 5
Add On-the-Fly Select Filter __________________________________________________________________ 8
Add Configured Select Filters _________________________________________________________________ 8
Filter Selected Objects ______________________________________________________________________ 8
Manage Object Sets ________________________________________________________________________ 9
HELPER COMMANDS ___________________________________________________________________________ 10
SmartSketch Settings Palette ________________________________________________________________ 10
PinPoint Lock / Unlock Commands ___________________________________________________________ 11
Lock PinPoint to Centroid Of Geometry Command _______________________________________________ 11
Set and Lock PinPoint Target to Object ________________________________________________________ 11
Smart Visualizer __________________________________________________________________________ 11
Project Line Onto Plane ____________________________________________________________________ 12
VIEW MANIPULATION COMMANDS _________________________________________________________________ 13
View Manipulation with only Keyboard shortcuts _______________________________________________ 13
View Manipulation with Numeric Keypad ______________________________________________________ 13
FILTER CREATION COMMANDS _____________________________________________________________________ 15
Create Filter from Select Set_________________________________________________________________ 15
Create Nested Systems Filter by Name ________________________________________________________ 15
Create Filter by Specification(s) ______________________________________________________________ 15
SURFACE STYLE RULES, STYLES AND FILTER IMPORT EXPORT COMMANDS ________________________________________ 16
Surface Style Rule Set Manager ______________________________________________________________ 16
Export Surface Styles, Surface Style Rules and Filters _____________________________________________ 16
Import Surface Styles, Surface Style Rules and Filters _____________________________________________ 17
WORKSPACE MODIFICATION COMMANDS _____________________________________________________________ 18
Add Selected Objects to Workspace __________________________________________________________ 18
Add Interfering Objects to Workspace_________________________________________________________ 21
Add Connected Objects to Workspace _________________________________________________________ 21
Add to Workspace by Range ________________________________________________________________ 23
ROUTE COMMANDS ____________________________________________________________________________ 24
Select Empty Runs ________________________________________________________________________ 24
Change Bend Radius _______________________________________________________________________ 24
Spool Selected Pipelines ____________________________________________________________________ 27
Insert Isometric Break _____________________________________________________________________ 27
Page ii Intergraph Process Power & Marine – SP3D Automation Services Group
Isometric Troubleshooting Utility ____________________________________________________________ 28
Join Features _____________________________________________________________________________ 30
Replace Elbow With Tee ____________________________________________________________________ 30
Replace Tee With Elbow ____________________________________________________________________ 32
Split Run ________________________________________________________________________________ 32
Merge Runs______________________________________________________________________________ 33
Quick Route _____________________________________________________________________________ 35
STRUCTURE COMMANDS_________________________________________________________________________ 38
Find Duplicate/Overlapping Members and Duplicate Slabs ________________________________________ 38
Bulk Modify MemberPart CrossSection ________________________________________________________ 38
Reconnect Member Systems ________________________________________________________________ 39
COMMON COMMANDS__________________________________________________________________________ 40
Precision Move Selected Objects _____________________________________________________________ 40
Show Only Selected Objects _________________________________________________________________ 40
Edit Snapshot Filter _______________________________________________________________________ 40
Compare Object Properties _________________________________________________________________ 41
IFC Local Detect ON/OFF ___________________________________________________________________ 42
Part Change Impact Analysis ________________________________________________________________ 42
DBI Analysis (Analyze objects in DBI) __________________________________________________________ 43
Remove Text ‘Copy Of’ _____________________________________________________________________ 43
Copy OIDs to clipboard _____________________________________________________________________ 44
Find Object By Report ______________________________________________________________________ 44
Show / Hide Reference File(s)________________________________________________________________ 44
Export / Import Object names (via Text File) ____________________________________________________ 45
RQE Generator ___________________________________________________________________________ 45
MARINE PRODUCT-SPECIFIC COMMANDS ______________________________________________________________ 6
Auto-Assign Margin at Assembly or Block Butt ___________________________________________________ 7
Multiple Lapped Plates ______________________________________________________________________ 9
Multi-Split Physical Connection ______________________________________________________________ 12
Modify Profile Endcuts _____________________________________________________________________ 14
Modify Collar Material Properties ____________________________________________________________ 16
Manage Collar Parts Planning Assignment _____________________________________________________ 18
Switch Member Systems ___________________________________________________________________ 19
Multiple Member Generic Assembly Connections ________________________________________________ 20
Check Twist Rate of Tripping Stiffeners ________________________________________________________ 24
Find and Mark inaccessible Lapped Weld Segments ______________________________________________ 25
Modify Bevel Parameters with Preview ________________________________________________________ 26
Copy Plate By Offset _______________________________________________________________________ 27
COMMANDS WITHOUT TOOLBAR ICONS (MADE AVAILABLE AS PROGIDS) ________________________________________ 29
Enable / Disable Idle Generator ______________________________________________________________ 29
Show Reference File Name __________________________________________________________________ 29
Make Views Like Active ____________________________________________________________________ 29
Apply Named Style to Objects _______________________________________________________________ 29
Expand Select Set For Move _________________________________________________________________ 30
Delete Multiple Systems ____________________________________________________________________ 30
Show Tight RangeBox ______________________________________________________________________ 30
Page iii Intergraph Process Power & Marine – SP3D Automation Services Group
How to Install & Configure Menus
1. Unzip the files into a Local Directory say C:\Program Files\SP3DAutomation,
2. Run the Install.VBS from the Local Directory (double-click it from Windows Explorer)
In case of any installation errors, review Install.log generated in the local directory and take
appropriate corrective action.
Uninstallation
1. Run the Uninstall.BAT from the Local Directory where you installed the toolkit. (double-click
it from Windows Explorer)
Customizing Commands and Utilities in this Toolkit

A config file named S3DAutomationToolkitConfig.txt is delivered with this toolkit. This provides means
for administrator to customize the toolkit functionality as stated below. Users can also customize certain
portions by saving it as MY-S3DAutomationToolkitConfig.txt in toolkit installation directory.
1. Specify your own Configurable Select Filters to add to ALL or a specific list of tasks.
[All Tasks] or [TaskName] sections in config file.
2. Specify your own Configurable Filters for the Filter Selected objects command.
[Filter Selected Objects Command] section in config file.
3. Specify which commands in this toolkit are restricted and disabled for all users except those
controlled users/permission groups. Administrator can use this facility to disable commands as
per his need.
[Restricted Commands], [Users Without Command Restrictions], [Permission Groups

Without Command Restrictions] sections in config file.
4. Specify a list of Custom Commands accessible from the Admin/User Configurable portion of the
ToolBar (3rd column of Buttons on S3D Automation Toolkit’s Toolbar)
[Custom Super ShortCuts] section in config file.
5. Admin/User configured 'Custom Attribute/Relation Watch' values in Select Set Browser.
[Select Set Browser - Custom Attribute/Relation Watch Entries] section in config file.
6. Configure Additional Object Types on the 'Add To Workspace By Range'
[Add To Workspace By Range Command - Additional Object Types] section in config file.
S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

1
Advanced Configuration
Adding Custom Menu items to Toolkit’s PopupMenu

A file named menuSP3DAutomationCustomPopupTools.xml is delivered with the toolkit into the
product’s CommonApp\Environment\Xml directory. You can customize it before/after installing the
toolkit. This allows you to add your own menu items and menus to the toolkit’s popup menu.
Adding Custom Tasks to Smart3D’s Tasks menu.

A file named menuSP3DAutomationCustomTasks.xml is delivered with the toolkit into the product’s
CommonApp\Environment\Xml directory. You can customize it before/after installing the toolkit. This
allows you to add custom task entries into the Smart3D’s Tasks menu.
Note: Being an Advanced Configuration, any customization to the below mentioned files must be done
carefully and ensured that it works on a local machine before deploying on to many machines. For more
information, refer to the comments in the respective files delivered with the toolkit.

2
Super ShortCuts
This functionality called the “Super ShortCuts”, is something which
uses Ctrl and Shift key combinations to invoke some of the most
commonly used commands in this toolkit. Tapping them (i.e. press and
release) in quick succession (anywhere inside the SP3D application,
but not on any active command form) will invoke the functionality.
For example, tapping Shift key thrice, i.e. Shift – Shift – Shift shows up
the Toolbar that provides access to all commands in this toolkit.
Similarly, another Super ShortCut is Ctrl – Ctrl – Shift. Tapping that

key sequence in quick succession brings up the PopupMenu of this
Toolkit at the mouse position. This Toolkit PopupMenu has the most
commonly accessed commands and also to Show toolbar that
provides access to all additional commands.
In the above menu which includes all Super ShortCuts, C stands for Ctrl, S for Shift.
Super ShortCut keys can be enabled / disabled by using the key combination Shift – Shift – Ctrl.
Tip: turn off the Windows “Sticky Keys” functionality (which shows up with 5 consecutive shift key taps).
Using Commands and Utilities in this Toolkit

All the functionality in this toolkit is made available from
 The Toolbar of the Toolkit  shows up with Shift – Shift – Shift Super ShortCut.
 The PopupMenu of the Toolkit  shows up with Ctrl – Ctrl – Shift Super ShortCut.
 Super ShortCuts Explained in above section.
 Other Keyboard ShortCuts offered by this toolkit.  Listed in various sections in this document.
The Toolbar may be invoked by using the Super ShortCut Shift – Shift – Shift. This is how the toolbar
appears on the screen.
Note: Some less frequently used commands are hidden by default as delivered, and you can double click
on the toolbar to toggle their show/hide visibility.
1st and 2nd Column - Commands delivered in this Toolkit. Explained on next page.
Cycles 3rd column of buttons - ‘configurable’ Custom Super ShortCuts

[CC, CS, SC, SS] with a numeric[0-9] or alphabetic [A-Z] key.
You can also have your own icons for these commands.
See [Custom Super ShortCuts] section in config file for more information.
Toggles ToolBar Positioning – Left/Right of main window.
Delivered Example of a ‘Configurable’ Custom Super ShortCut.
Simple ONE line entry in config file adds a command to the toolbar.
3
Select Set Browser Add to Workspace by Range
SmartSketch Settings Add Interfering to Workspace
Copy OIDs to Clipboard Add Connected to Workspace
Filter Selected Objects Add Selected to Workspace
Compare Object Properties Create Filter By Spec
NumPad View Control Create Nested Systems Filter By Name
DBI Analysis Create Filter From Select Set
Part Change Impact Remove Text ‘Copy Of’
Manage Object Sets Insert Isometric Break
Show Selected Objects Precision Move Selected Objects
Find Objects By Report Flip Connection Owner
Add Configured Select Filters Delete Empty Runs
Add On-The-Fly Select Filter Change Bend Radius
Isometric Troubleshooting Edit Snapshot Filter
Lock PinPoint toUtility
Zero Use Run Insulation
Lock PinPoint to Centroid of Geometry Spool Selected Pipelines
Codelist Value Lookup Split Run
Find Duplicate Members or Slabs Merge Runs
Name Rule Check Propagate Properties
Save Snapshot Of Views Join Features
Select Supports on Selected Runs/Features Copy Run
features Replace Elbow With Tee
Set and Lock PinPoint Target to Object
Explore SymbolShare Replace Tee With Elbow
Smart Visualizer Bulk Modify MemberPart CrossSection

Surface Style Rule Set Manager Export / Import Object Names
Export Styles, Style Rules and Filters Import Styles, Style Rules and Filters
Project Point Onto Plane Reconnect Member Systems
RQE Generator Quick Route

4
Select Filters and Object Set Manipulation Commands
Select Filter Commands with only Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl Tilde (~) Change Active Select Filter up / down.
Ctrl Shift Tilde (~)
Ctrl Space Set Active Select Filter to 'All'
Note: These shortcuts get disabled if Super ShortCuts are disabled.
Select Set Browser for SmartPlant 3D
You can invoke the Select Set Browser function using the Shift – Ctrl – Shift Super ShortCut. The Select
Set Browser form stays on top of all windows. For any reason, if it goes behind and you cannot see it,
you can use the Ctrl - Ctrl - Ctrl Super ShortCut to bring it back to the top, along with any other active
forms from this toolkit. You can use Ctrl-C to copy value(s) from informational fields shown.

5
Object Navigation: Use the navigation controls to go to First
(Home Key), Previous (PageDown Key), Next PageUp (Key), or Last (End Key) Object, or Object By Index.
Information:
The Entire set of Objects being browsed is hilited in Yellow and the Current Object is hilited in Red. The
Active Object’s Index within the List being browsed, Type, OID and PG are displayed. Coordinates are
also displayed if the object has any meaningful Location or Origin. If the Object is a Named Item, its
name is displayed. To add a custom watch (object’s attribute, or Object’s related Object attributes, or
count of related objects over a given relation/role …), you can edit the (<Custom Attribute/Relation
Watch>) placeholder row. Specify Custom watch as below.
Custom Watch text Format Purpose / Remarks/Example

InterfaceName.AttributeName Show value of an attribute of the currently browsed object.
Ex: On any Object, IJDObject.ApprovalStatus shows approval status.
InterfaceName>RoleName Show currently browsed object’s related object count. If evaluates to one object, shows its
OID. Relation is specified by Interface and Role names.
Ex: On a PathRun (Piping/Cabletray/Cableway/Ducting) Object
IJDesignParent>thePathRunFeatures shows count of features on the currently browsed
PathRun object (Piping/Cabletray/Cableway/Ducting)
Interface>Role(Interface) Same as above, but only shows count of Related Objects which only satisfy a given
interface.
Ex: On a PathRun object (PipeRun/Cabletray/Cableway/DuctRun),
IJDesignParent>thePathSystemFeatures(IJRteStraightPathFeat) shows count of Straight
path features of the currently browsed PathRun object.
Interface>Role[n] Refers to nth related object (1-based index) over given Interface/Role names. Can be used
to further traverse its related objects or show its properties.
Ex 1: On a PipeRun object, IJRtePathRun>Spec[1]:IJDPipeSpec.SpecName shows Spec
Name of the browsed PipeRun object.
Ex 2: On any PathRun object (PipeRun/Cabletray/Cableway/DuctRun),
IJSystemChild>SystemParent[1]:IJNamedItem.Name shows Parent System name.
Notice the use of colon “:” to traverse two or more relationship paths, and/or attributes.
Interface1>Role1(Interface2)[n]: Traverses Interface1>Role1, gets related Objects which implement Interface2, gets nth
Interface3>Role3[1]: such object, then traverses such object’s Interface3>Role3 and gets 1st such related object,
Interface4>Role4[1]: further traverses Interface4>Role4 of such object and gets 1st such related object and
Interface5.Attribute finally get such object’s Interface5.Attribute
As an Example, IJRtePathRun>Spec[1]:IJDSpec>PathRun gets you the number of runs in
the model which use a selected run’s spec.
{LabelName} Evaluates the given LabelName for the object. Label must be a bulkloaded one and not
(note the curly brackets) interactively created one.
Admin / User can preconfigure such Custom Attribute/Relation Watch entries in the section named [Select Set Browser -
Custom Attribute/Relation Watch Entries] in the Toolkit Config file
Admin  SymbolShare\S3DAutomationToolkitConfig.txt
User  ToolkitInstallDir\MY-S3DAutomationToolkitConfig.txt
The entries have to be like Display Name = Custom Watch string, like Spec Name = IJRtePathRun>Spec[1]:IJDPipeSpec.SpecName

6
Options:
Zoom: Fits the Active View to the new Object on Selection Change. Checking this ON is
equivalent to pressing the ‘Fit View to Current Object’ button on each Selection Change. The
ZoomOut Factor can be specified.
Track: On each Selection Change, the Select Set is cleared and loaded with the new Object. Any
associated commands / ribbon bars active will reflect this change. For example, if you have
Property Page up, then it would show the properties of the new object which we navigated to.
Checking this ON is equivalent to pressing the ‘Select Current Object alone’ button on each
Selection Change.
Actions:
Fit View to Current Object: Fits the Active View to the Current Object.
Fit View to All Objects: Fits the Active View to All the Objects.
Select Current Object alone: Clears the Select Set and adds the active Object alone to it. If the
Object representing the active Object has a ribbon bar, it comes up. Or, if the Property page is
active, it refreshes to the new object.
Reselect All Original Objects: Restores the Original Select Set, with which this Command was
initialized. If the “Refresh” action was performed earlier, or a “Remove” Action was performed,
then it will Restore to that last known Select Set.
Refresh (F5) – Restarts this command with Active Select Set.

Note: Remember, if you have Track option ON, then you would only have ONE object,
the active object in the Select Set as you navigate. If you press Refresh at this time, then
the Select Set Browser form would restart with that one object in the list.
Remove Current Object from List: Removes this object from the Current Browsed List and
moves to the next object. If you do not have Track option ON, then the browsed object list is not
the same as Selected Object List. In such case, this action doesn’t remove it from the Select Set.
Objects from Clipboard OIDs: If your clipboard contains OIDs list (eg from a Database Query
results list), you can use this function to initialize Select Set with the objects representing those
OIDs. Later you can use the Object Navigation Commands.
Copying values: You can copy any text value shown in the Select set Browser’s list view,
including OIDs, custom attribute/relation watch values.
Hiliting Related Objects: Selecting any Relation watch row in the list view hilites those objects in
Blue Color.

7
Add On-the-Fly Select Filter
This command allows user to add
Select Filters interactively.
The command prompts as shown in

the picture. Provide the necessary input, i.e.
the Filter definition in Name = Criteria format
as explained in the picture. Once correct
inputs are specified, the specified Select Filter
shows up in the available select filters list. Such custom select filters are not preserved on changing task.
Add Configured Select Filters

This command adds the Configured Select Filters in the S3DAutomationToolkitConfig.txt file
in the active plant’s symbol share. See the S3DAutomationToolkitConfig.txt delivered with
this toolkit for more information on how to configure your own select filters. Typically an
administrator will finalize this file based on the use cases. Note that the added filters are lost on task
switch (done so with an intent to revert to select filters as delivered with SmartPlant 3D / SmartMarine
3D product). This gives facility to administrators to define new select filters at individual task, group of
tasks and all tasks.
Filter Selected Objects

This command facilitates filtering selected Objects – to either Filter-Out or Keep-Only certain
types of objects by specifying simple criteria. It comes with some predefined filters and also
allows on-the-fly filter by specifying Name and Criteria. An administrator can configure more
filters as needed by customizing [Filter Selected Objects Command] section in the config file.

8
Manage Object Sets
This Command is used to Manage Object Sets. Its Super
ShortCut is Ctrl – Shift – Shift. This allows one to create
private Selected Sets of objects for further use in the
active session. Note that the object set information is not saved
to session file and will not be available when you re-open the
session file.
For example, while you are modeling, you arrived at a list of

Equipment you realized you have to review later. You would
select them and invoke this command, save them by giving the
set of objects a name of your choice – Later, you would just use
the same User interface to select those objects back as a set.
The active select set can be saved as a given name by just typing in a name of your choice in the ‘Name
field’. Just click to start the edit and then type the name of your choice. It gets saved as a new entry. You
can also rename existing sets, or refresh them with active select set. The sets always are in sync with
model contents i.e. any deletes done in the model will update the lists accordingly.
Later you can add more sets of elements in the same workflow. To remove one or more saved Object
Set(s), just select the row(s) and press delete.
These saved select sets can be accessed anytime – just click on the entry to Hilite them. Double clicking a
row, or pressing Activate will activate the objects in the saved set of that row to the select set.
The Add button adds the saved object sets representing the selected row(s) to the current selected
elements set. The Remove button removes the objects in the saved object sets rows from the current
selected elements set.
Also note, you can select more than one rows to Activate/Add/Remove, in which case all the selected
rows are processed.
Just in case there is an ambiguity with the graphic colors, the hilite colors and weight can be changed
interactively as below (The keys are expected to be pressed on the command’s form).
To cycle between available Hilite colors, press “Ctrl + 0” (upward) or “Ctrl + 9” (downward).
To increase/decrease the hilite line weight, press “Ctrl + Shift + 0” / “Ctrl + Shift + 9”.
Note that the above mentioned keys are from the main keypad and not the Numeric Keypad.

9
Helper Commands
SmartSketch Settings Palette

The SmartSketch Settings Palette allows one to Control active SmartSketch Options. The
Super Shortcut key to show up this Palette is Ctrl - Shift - Shift.
The palette moves to / shows up at the current mouse position whenever invoked via menu/shortcut
key. Press Esc key to dismiss it. It stays on top of all windows. For any reason, if it goes behind and you
cannot see it, you can press the Super Shortcut key combination again and it comes back to the top, at
your current mouse position. You can also use the Ctrl - Ctrl - Ctrl Super ShortCut which brings all active
Forms from this toolkit to Top.
The options can be toggled at any time, or the 'Number of Divisor points' or the Offset value can be set.
When 'Number of Divisor points' is changed, intuitively the ‘Divisor Point’ option is turned on.
The Smart Sketch options currently ON show up in “Pressed” state (green), and those OFF will be in
“UnPressed” state (red). Note that some options require other options turned on. For example,
Intersection option requires Point on Curve option.
The 'X' button clears the active Smart Sketch Objects list. Intuitively, it turns off the 'Locate only from
List' option.
The '+' button adds currently selected objects to active Smart Sketch Objects list. Intuitively, it turns on
the 'Locate only from List' option. If the stack size is lesser than the number of selected elements, the
active stack size is increased (to a maximum of 10). If you selected fewer objects than the active stack
size, the stack size is not altered, and the list is rolled up, i.e. oldest elements are cleared to add the
selected elements. The combo box at the end shows the active stack size and can be set anytime.
At times you may want to exclusively turn on an option – i.e. turn off all except a given one. For
example, to Measure between Ports you may want only Nozzle/Port Points ON and all others OFF. This
can be achieved by Right Mouse button click instead of Left. The previous state can be restored by Right
Mouse Click on the option which was exclusively turned on previously. The previous state is preserved
even when you are switching from one exclusive option to another.

10
PinPoint Lock / Unlock Commands
The PinPoint commands facilitate locking and unlocking of all the three PinPoint fields (E,N,El) with one
menu click on the Automation Toolkit Popup Menu (which shows up with Ctrl – Ctrl – Shift Super
ShortCut).
PinPoint > Lock to Zero menu item or icon locks all PinPoint fields (E, N, El) to zero.
PinPoint > Lock menu item Locks all the three PinPoint fields (E, N, El) at their current values.
PinPoint > Unlock menu item unlocks all PinPoint fields (E, N, El).
Lock PinPoint to Centroid Of Geometry Command

This command is useful to get centroid of a Planar surface, Open Curve, Closed Curve or a
Structural Opening [on Slab or Plate etc]. If the PinPoint ribbonBar is active, it locks the
Pinpoint to the Centroid Point it calculates. This is useful in situations where you want the
centroid point as a reference point for some other operation, like measure or use as a placement
reference. The advantage of locking the pinpoint to this point is that you can just click in graphics
anywhere to pick that point when any command is expecting a point. The calculated centroid point is
also added to the constrained points generated by SmartSketch on that object. This is similar to the
Tools > Get Point command, but it has the additional facility to get centroid of Structural openings and
also lock the PinPoint to the centroid calculated. For example, this provides a convenient means to pick
geometric center of Triangular, Rectangular, Rounded Square/Rectangular or Oval openings while you
intend to route pipe through them.
Set and Lock PinPoint Target to Object

This command is useful to Set and Loc PinPoint Target to an Object’s Position. This works with
any object where a Position is meaningful. If the PinPoint ribbonBar is active, it locks the
Pinpoint to 0,0,0. This is useful in situations where you want the object’s position as a
reference point for some other operation, like measure or use as a placement reference. The advantage
of locking the pinpoint to this point is that you can just click in graphics anywhere to pick that point
when any command is expecting a point.
Smart Visualizer
This command is useful to visualize objects (based on OIDS) and 3D positions (like X,Y,Z)
within text. This command shows a text window which allows users to enter/paste text
containing OIDs of objects and/or position coordinates. Selecting the text highlights the
position or object in the graphic view and workspace explorer. Format for entering text is explained on
the interface and in help which can be invoked by pressing F1. This text window can process text from
PCF files, DATAL files, log files etc. It is highly recommended to press F2 after you paste/edit text in this

11
window, to auto-format / sense the data format. Various settings like Delimiter, Spacing, Units can be
modified by double clicking in corresponding field in the statusbar. Spacing value is used to auto-select
text based on cursor position. For example, if spacing is set to Single, position values like “ 3m,4m,5m “
are recognized as a position and auto-selected when cursor is placed within that text. You can specify
Units to use when the data contains no units. Delimiter can be specified to suit your data (in the above
case it is comma).
Project Line Onto Plane

This command is useful to obtain positions by projecting a line onto a plane(defined by two
lines). This is particularly useful to arrive at point of projection of a line (eg Pipe) onto a (non-
orthogonal) plane say, represented by a sloping header and sloping branch(tee / latrolet).
The command expects two lines (or ports with a notion of axis) to define a plane and another line (or
port) to be projected on the plane. This position is saved as a SmartSketch constraint point and the (if
active) pinpoint is also locked to it. When a command anticipating to pick a position you can invoke this
functionality and then click anywhere in the graphic view once the position has been calculated and
locked as pinpoint. The position is also available
as a solved “point” constraint on SmartSketch if
you hover the mouse in the vicinity of this
position. This position can be used in other
commands like routing or placing Member
Systems.
In the below example, this command can be

used to get projection of the vertical pipe
straight feature on an inclined plane defined by
the member systems on top. The locked
coordinates are visible in the PinPoint toolbar.
When hovering near the position, the objects
determining the lines used for getting the
position are also highlighted.

12
View Manipulation Commands
View Manipulation with only Keyboard shortcuts

The below keyboard shortcuts work for view manipulation even when any other modeling command is
active.
Ctrl + Zoom-in in the active view.
Ctrl – Zoom-out in the active view.
Ctrl Shift + Rotate active view clockwise about Active axis.
Ctrl Shift – Rotate active view clockwise about Active axis.
Ctrl Shift BackSpace Change Active Axis (cycle between X Y Z)
Ctrl Shift Capslock Change zoom/rotate factor (fast/slow)

Ctrl Shift V Active View Style - Cycle between Wireframe/Shaded/Smooth style
Ctrl-0 Set Active View to Next Standard Viewing direction.
Ctrl-9 Set Active View to Previous Standard Viewing direction.

Ctrl-PageUp / PageDown Previous / Next View function as on View menu (v9.1 HF03 and above)
Note: These shortcuts get disabled if Super ShortCuts are disabled.
View Manipulation with Numeric Keypad

+
All in One View Command
The Super Short Cut key for this is Ctrl – Shift – Ctrl.
The previously delivered All in One View Command’s

functionality is also merged into this command now after adding
some more enhancements.
The command displays 3D Co-ordinates of Mouse Position in the

RibbonBar on MouseMove. If a Local Coordinate System is active
and is not same as Global Coordinate System, both the Local and
Global Coordinates are shown.
The Command also provides Basic View Manipulation (Pan, Zoom and Rotate) using Numeric Keypad as
indicated in the picture. The direction reverses when Ctrl Key is pressed in combination with the
numPad keys. For example, ‘Ctrl *’ will rotate in opposite direction as just ‘*’ would do. In case of
ZoomIn or ZoomOut, pressing Ctrl key would give fine control on the zoom factor.

13
When the view is in Perspective mode, the Up/Down Arrow keys will simulate a walk in effect, and the
Left/Right arrow keys will simulate a turn effect. The Ctrl and Shift keys provide control on axis of turn
with the Left/Right keys.
It has a ribbon bar with options to Center View to a Point by Coordinate key-
in, Set / Clear View depth.
The Set View Depth functionality works on the active View. It is meaningful for orthogonal views. It
prompts you to provide two points (usually best provided from other orthogonal views) defining the
clipping planes in the Active View’s viewing direction. Such clipping planes can be edited using the ‘Clip
By Volume’ command. The Clear View Depth function clears clipping.
The other functionality using Mouse/Keyboard actions is as follows
Mouse / Keyboard
Functionality
Action
Center View to Point – 1st Click Picks Point, next quick Click(s) identify view(s)
Click and <quickly> to Center (the picked Point must be an intelligent point like Point on
Click across views line/object/plane etc where you see a glyph from SmartSketch and not a point
in free space)
Ctrl-Click Center View to Picked Point
Shift-Click Center View to Last Picked Point
Alt-Click Center ALL Other Views to Picked Point
Left Drag Rotate (Can rotate about a Linear Object’s Axes)
Left+Right Drag Pan
Scroll (Middle Button) Zoom In/Out
Right Drag Dynamic Zoom
Middle Drag Zoom Area
S Key Show MessageBox current tracked position coordinates.
L Key Lock PinPoint to currently tracked position. (pinpoint must be running)
T Key Set currently tracked position as PinPoint Target. (pinpoint must be running)
Z Key Lock Pinpoint to Zero. (pinpoint must be running)
G Key Center View to Position by Keyin
Home Key Fit View
Space Key Center to Selected Objects (must be selected before starting the command)

14
Filter creation commands
Create Filter from Select Set

This command is useful to create a System Hierarchy Filter
which includes all selected objects.
Just select the objects you want included in the Filter and start the
command. It then prompts you for the Filter Name and whether to
include nested objects.
A filter is created under the MyFilters folder and below message is

shown. If more than 200 items are in the select set, the edit filter dialog
may show a blank system tab. However the filter will still work.
Create Nested Systems Filter by Name

This command is useful to create System
Hierarchy filter with System objects with a
given name or name pattern , including their
nested children.
It prompts for the names of systems. You can also use

wild cards as indicated. It then prompts you to specify
the filter name and creates such filter under My Filters
with all systems matching the specified critiera (at the
time of running this command) selected on the system tab and ‘include nested items’ checked.
Create Filter by Specification(s)

This command is useful to create a Filter for
Route Objects using given Spec(s). The Filter
created (under My Filters) will have all the runs
using the specified Spec(s) on the system tab and 'include
nested items' checked. Multiple specs can be specified by
separating with comma. The command works with Piping,
Electrical, Duct and Conduit specs.
Note that, the filter only remembers the current objects at the time of creation. If further modeling
created more runs using that spec, they will not be automatically included. You need to delete and
recreate the filter if desired.

15
Surface Style Rules, Styles and Filter Import Export commands
Surface Style Rule Set Manager

This command allows a user to save a set of surface style rules applied to the workspace into an
XML file as a set and to load such a saved set back to the workspace. It extends the functionality
of the Format Surface Style command and enables users to load a set and apply it to their workspace. A
text file containing the list of style rule names is also saved so it could be easily copied to a SPRDirect
input file.
Export Surface Styles, Surface Style Rules and Filters

This command allows a user to export surface style rules and simple filters to a XML file. Surface
styles are exported to a text file named the same as the corresponding XML file (with a –Styles
suffix) and saved in the same output location. User can choose which filters (Catalog Filters, Plant Filters
or My Filters) to export. If the user selects the ‘Export Selected Filters’ check box, the ‘Select Filter’
dialog is displayed. All filters selected in this dialog (multi select using Ctrl and Shift) are exported.
Information is exported from the system (systems and coordinate systems), assembly (blocks and
assemblies), analysis, WBS, Reference3D, object type and properties tabs. Compound filters are
exported to the XML file as well and all filters needed by compound filters are included in the export.

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Selecting the check box to export styles and style rules exports all styles and style rules in the model
database. The styles are exported to a text file with the same name as the XML file suffixed with -
Styles.txt.
Import Surface Styles, Surface Style Rules and Filters

This command allows a user to import surface style rules and filters from a XML file exported
using the “Export Surface Styles, Surface Style Rules and Filters” command. Surface styles stored
in a text file with the same name as the XML file suffixed with –Styles.txt can also be imported.
When importing filters, user can choose whether to import catalog filters, plant filters, my filters or
some combination of the three. All filters present in the file are imported and filter folders are created
as desired. Filters are imported into the plant using the active permission group while filters are
imported to the catalog using the first catalog permission group to which the user has write access.
When compound filters are imported, the command ensures that all nested filters are present before
importing the compound filters.

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Workspace Modification Commands
Add Selected Objects to Workspace

Sometimes relationship navigation from one object will take you to another object which is
not in the current workspace filter. Say, you have defined a filter with all piping and supports
in a particular unit, say U01.
This then shows you the hanger PS-01.

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Navigating from properties of the hanger, one can see there is a supporting structure Beam-1-0032.
Selecting it and clicking GoTo will put this beam in the select set, bringing in a ghost representation.

19
However we cannot measure any distances or visualize the beam properly without adding it to the
workspace. This command fills the need. Once the beam is in the select set, one can invoke the
command and add the beam to the workspace.
This command can be similarly used to add a volume for a snapshot or composed drawing to a
workspace. If the 2D/3D select from drawings is used, the volume is shown in the view, but it cannot be
modified until it is added to workspace. The workflow then is
Open drawing for editing.

Start 2D/3D selection command.
Turn view selection ON using space bar.
Select the view; this selects the volume in 3D.
Run the command, this adds the volume to 3D. It can then be modified using any of the space
management commands.

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Add Interfering Objects to Workspace
Often times, in an example similar to
above one may add objects of one
discipline to the workspace and this
adds all interferences related to those objects
to the workspace. For instance if there is an
interference between a pipe and a slab, and
one is working with pipe in the workspace, the
interference marker is shown. Selecting the
interference marker highlights the slab in ghost
form but does not allow one to work with it
anyway.
This command, when used with the interference

marker in the select set, adds both interfering
objects to the workspace.
The command also works with multiple

interferences in the select set and adds all
interfering objects.
Add Connected Objects to Workspace

Frequently one begins working with a limited workspace and it is desired to progressively
expand the workspace to include related/connected objects. A command has been developed
to do this for the specific case of piping and equipment nozzles. If the command is executed
with a terminal part (i.e. a part which is connected to a part in another pipe run/line/nozzle) in the select
set, the command will add the connected pipeline or equipment to the workspace. If the command is
invoked with a nozzle in the select set, the connected pipeline is added.

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Initially the workspace
may consist of just
equipment. A pump
discharge nozzle is
selected and the
command is invoked. The
Connected piping gets
added to the workspace.
In case the nozzle does not have any connected piping, a message is shown.
If the selected item is a piping

part and the connection is to a
nozzle, the connected equipment
is added to the workspace.

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If there is piping
connected to the
selected part, then
the connected
pipeline is added to
the workspace.
Add to Workspace by Range

This command helps to get additional objects in the
vicinity of object(s) being worked on, into your workspace.
This may be needed for a quick review of one’s
surroundings.
This command needs some graphic objects selected. Pipelines are

the only non-graphical object allowed.
The X,Y,Z values will expand the range of the selected objects.
View commands can be used while this command is running.
Add to Workspace options
- None option is used to perform Clip View alone.

- All is useful if you want to bring in ALL object types.
- Selected option lets you choose the disciplines of your
interest. (this list can be customized by editing the Toolkit
Config file). Custom Views representing object types can also
be specified
Upon clicking Apply, qualifying objects are added to the workspace. If

necessary, you can keep on selecting additional options/disciplines and click Apply multiple times.
Checking the “Clip View” check box clips the view to the newly expanded volume.
Invoking Workspace Refresh (F5) later will still preserve the added elements in the workspace. However
invoking File  Define Workspace and click OK will return to the workspace defined by the filter.

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Route Commands
Select Empty Runs

This Command helps find empty pipe runs (to begin with, empty runs get created and left in model
when a new run command is started but aborted before any pipe is placed.)
The command brings up a form that shows empty runs. You may select runs as desired. To delete them,
use the normal delete command. To choose a different discipline, click on the respective option.
The command is closed using the close box at the top of the form.
Change Bend Radius

This command lets you specify an arbitrary value of bend radius for a pipe bend. Piping specifications
currently allow the placement of bends with pre-defined radii, however certain usage scenarios allow a
user specified radius for a given pipe bend.
After the command is invoked, first the value for the catalog option for user defined bend radius is
checked. If bend radius by user is disabled, the following message is shown and the command exits
If the command is allowed, first a ribbon is shown and the user is prompted to pick pipe turn feature(s).

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If a single feature is selected, or if multiple features with identical bend radius multiplier are selected,
the command shows the current value of the bend radius.
If the selected turn features have different bend radii, this is shown in the ribbon bar.
If all turns are deselected, the ribbon bar shows ‘Empty’

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When turn features are selected, and the value in the input field is numeric and positive, the apply
button is enabled.
The user may enter a new value and press Apply and the change is committed.
After this the change is committed to the database and the command stays active allowing user to pick
more bends.
If user wishes to change absolute value instead of bend radius multiplier, the absolute value entered
must be in meters.

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Spool Selected Pipelines
This command allows a user to select one or more pipelines and execute the spooling
command. The options stored in the catalog are used to generate the spools. The chief
benefit is that the pipelines to be spooled may be added to the select set by any means and it
is not necessary to pick the pipelines in the spool generation dialog box one by one.
Insert Isometric Break

The current functionality for adding an isometric break point requires many steps. This
command simplifies the same.
To place the control point of the type Iso break, select a single route connection and run the command.
A control point, child to the connection, of the type Piping Mfg Limit Point, named ‘Iso Break’ is placed
assoc-on to the connection. This means that it will move with the connection if the connection moves

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due to any modification. The control point is selected in case the user wishes to change its sub type or
rename it. For ease of visibility, the size of the control point is 1.5 times the diameter of the pipe.
The reference geometry aspect is turned on for all views to show the control point in case it’s not
already on.
Isometric Troubleshooting Utility

This command helps to troubleshoot some common Isometric extraction issues due to
modeling and catalog inconsistencies.
Before you can run this command, you have to select an object which can be used to extract an
isometric. That is, a Pipeline, or a PipeRun or a WBSItem.
The command shows up the below form.
You can choose from the below options.
Select All Open Ends : This allows one to investigate the end points of the Pipeline. Typically, useful if
you are trying to resolve multiple disconnected segments on the pipeline. When Run with this option,
the Open End Features of the Pipeline will be selected (which can be reviewed using Select Set Browser)
Select All Open Ends + Closure Items: This allows one to investigate the end points and terminal items
on the Pipeline. Typically, useful if you are trying to resolve multiple disconnected segments on the

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pipeline. When Run with this option, the Open End Features of the Pipeline along with any Closure items
(eg Caps, Plugs etc) will be selected (which can be reviewed using Select Set Browser)
Items with ToDo List Entries: For the selected Isometric Extractable object (Pipeline / PipeRun /
WBSItem), this option allows one to check if there are any items with ToDo list entries and selects them.
Items missing Catalog Definition: For the selected Isometric Extractable object (Pipeline / PipeRun /
WBSItem), this option allows one to check if there are any items which are now not available in the
Catalog. i.e. those objects which have been deleted from Catalog after they have been placed in Model.
Apart from the above options, the command can also be used to review the Multiple Start Points
detected by Isogen while processing the Isometric. Save the MES file generated by Isogen and open it
using the browse button (…) – The file is read and multiple start points logged in it are listed in the
combo box. Picking the Combo item will show the point in the graphic views, and also zooms in the
active view to that point. If the Isometric has been configured to use a local coordinate system, then you
must have that coordinate system active in the PinPoint active coordinate system to interpret the point
correctly.

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Join Features
This command helps to join Piping Features which are joinable in a meaningful fashion. The
two features could be like
- Two End Features [Join Ends Situation], or

- One End Feature and One Nozzle [Join To Nozzle Situation], or
- One End Feature and One Straight Feature [Branch Situation] or
- One End feature and One Tap Feature [Connect to Tap Situation]
The user must select the two features to be connected and invoke the command. Depending on the
nature of the two features and their relative position, appropriate turn or branch is generated.
Replace Elbow With Tee

This command allows user to replace a 90 degree piping elbow or a bend (turn) with a full
size tee (branch). The user must select the turn and run the command.
The command will pick one of the legs connected to the elbow, highlight it and prompt the
user to select if that is the header.

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Depending on the answer either the selected leg or the other leg is chosen as the header and the tee is
oriented accordingly.

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If nothing is selected or the selected object is not a 90 degree elbow, a message is shown and the
command exits.
Replace Tee With Elbow

This command allows the user to replace a full size piping tee with an elbow. The tee
selected must have one of its header ports open (unconnected).
The command will replace the tee with an elbow or a bend (turn).
If the item connected is not a tee or it does not satisfy the criteria (one header port open), a message is
displayed.
Split Run
This command allows the user to split a contiguous run into two runs. All the properties of
the original run are retained. The user must select a feature on the run and invoke the
command. The command highlights all features including the selected feature to one end of
the run and asks if that is the way to split. If confirmed, the run is copied and all the highlighted features
are moved to the new run. If declined, the set of features to the other end of the run are highlighted
and the question is asked again.

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Merge Runs
This command allows the user to merge two adjacent runs with the same nominal size into a
single run. The user must select the connection between the two runs and invoke the
command. The command highlights one of the two runs at the connection and prompts if
that is the run to keep. If confirmed, all the features of the other run are moved into the chosen run and
the other run is deleted. If declined, the other run is chosen and prompted for confirmation.

33
If the selected connection is not at the boundary of two runs, a message is shown.
If the selected connection is connected to an equipment nozzle, a message is shown.

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Quick Route
This command allows the user to route automatically between two positions or routable
objects. Once the user selects the From/To objects/positions, the command allows user to
review various routing alternatives and choose one to Route.

35
User Interface:
Select “From”/”To” objects: In this step, the User is expected to select positions, which can be at
“Connectable Free End Features” or “Points on a Straight Feature”, or “Connectable Nozzles” or “Points
in Space”. A red dot is displayed at the selected position. The Routable object implied at that position, if
any, is highlighted in green.
Once the From and To positions are identified

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- Command picks orientation for the route configuration based on From/To objects.
- A box representing the Orientation is displayed (red-dotted line).
- Command displays the first amongst the various route alternatives (in bold yellow).
- User can review and choose from other alternative routes using Up/Down keys, or scrolling
mouse wheel with Shift key depressed.
- In case of piping, if the Run used for routing is sloped, then, all horizontal legs will be solved to
honor the slope. The preview indicates the slope (the horizontal segments of the yellow line are
sloped from the dotted box lines).
Run: This option controls which Run will be used for routing.
o New/Continue Run: If the From object is feature, its run will be used. If there is no From object,
and if To object is a feature, its run will be used. For a Branch situation, a new Run will be
created with same properties as original Run. Otherwise, if the routing is continued from an end
feature, the existing run is continued and no new run is created. This option is unavailable if
there is no Run identified based on From/To positions/objects.
o Select Graphically: Allows user to select an existing Run.
o Select Graphically & Copy: Allows user to select an existing Run to make a copy.
Select Coordinate System: The orientation used for routing is displayed as a box in red dotted line. The
orientation for the route configuration is automatically picked based on selected (From/To) objects. To
override the auto-picked orientation, user can click this button, which resets it to use global XYZ
orientation. At this time, user can also choose an Orientation from visible objects such as Equipment,
Coordinate Systems, Nozzles, Supports, Members etc.
Finish: When user clicks Finish, the selected configuration is routed and the command exits keeping the
routed run selected. This facilitates user to invoke properties, or edit it from the Run’s ribbon bar.

37
Structure Commands
Find Duplicate/Overlapping Members and Duplicate Slabs

There are times when multiple members or slabs end up at exactly the same position as
other members or slabs. Due to the members being constrained to gridlines, when members
are copied and pasted, they may end up at the same position as existing members. Also, if
structure objects are imported using import commands and the same input file is accidentally imported
more than once, it is possible to get multiple members or slabs at the same position. This is not a
difference that is easy to spot either visually or using the interference checker.
This command will find such duplicate or overlapping members or duplicate slabs and retain them in the
select set. To run the command, add member systems and slabs to the select set and invoke the
command. If more than one member is found at a given position, the newer member (the one with a
later creation date) is considered duplicate and retained in the select set.
Bulk Modify MemberPart CrossSection

This command lets you select
MemberParts based on a wildcard
match for CrossSection. It also allows
you to modify CrossSection of MemberParts
matching the From CrossSection/match criteria,
to the specified To CrossSection.
Caution: This is a powerful bulk modification

command. Review your selections carefully
before applying the changes.
The command works off the select set if there

were any member parts selected. Otherwise, it
defaults to work on the workspace.
You begin by specifying an exact or wildcard match for the From CrossSection. You can also pick from
the list of sections matching the wildcard search.
Once you specified/selected From CrossSection, clicking the Select button selects the member parts
matching the same (within selection/workspace).
To set a new CrossSection for those MemberParts, pick a To CrossSection, and click Preview to see the
change. Once you are satisfied with the preview, and want to proceed to apply the change, click Apply.
Click Cancel or just close the form to cancel any unapplied changes and end the command.

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Reconnect Member Systems
This command is useful to connect/reconnect Member Systems to relatable supporting objects
like Frame Connections, Grid / Member Intersections in order to create relationships.
Since this command does intensive processing, it is highly recommended to NOT use it with large
number of objects (> 100) at one time. It can process them, but may take a longer processing time.
The command’s User interface looks like below.
Step 1(Select Member Systems): User selects Member Systems which need to be connected. (If any
members already have connections at any end, such connections are not disturbed). Objects selected in
this step are highlighted in RED.
Step 2 (Select Supporting elements): User selects relatable supporting objects, to which the Member
Systems selected in Step 1 should be analyzed for connections. This step allows selecting Gridlines, Grid
arcs, Member Systems or Frame Connections. Frame Connections of Member systems selected in this
step are automatically included. Objects selected in this step are highlighted in BLUE.
Clear Selection: This button clears elements selected in the active step [Step 1 or Step 2].
Mode: This lets the user finely control which objects from Step 2 should be analyzed for supporting the
unsupported ends of Member Systems selected in Step 1.
 Auto: Allows all the below, in that particular order

 Frame Connections: Considers Frame Connections and Split connections from Step 2.
 Member x Member Intersection: Considers intersecting of Member Systems from Step 2.
 Grid x Member Intersection: Considers Member Systems intersecting with Grid line/arc from
Step 2.
 Grid x Grid Intersection: Considers Intersecting Grid line(s)/arc(s) from Step 2.
Review: When this button is clicked, the command highlights the selections as follows.
- Objects from Step 1 - RED,
- Objects from Step 2 - BLUE,
- Objects from Step 2 filtered by the Mode selected - Yellow.
Finish: Processes the selections and connects the satisfying member ends. It prompts the user to finally
accept the connections. Changes are committed if the user accepts the results.

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Common Commands
Precision Move Selected Objects

This command allows moving selected objects by a precise keyed in values of delta X Y Z.
Once can choose to specify the delta values in either Global Coordinate System or Active
Local Coordinate System last set on PinPoint RibbonBar. Note that PinPoint RibbonBar need
not be active. If there wasn’t any last set Active Local Coordinate System, the “Move In Active Local
Coordinate System” option will be greyed out.
Select the objects to move, invoke the command, provide the

required delta values (can leave fields blank as required, e.g. if
you only want to move along X by a delta of 2 inches and along Y
by a delta of 3 inches, just key-in 2in for the X field and 3in for the
Y field and leave the Z field blank) and press Compute. To make
another movement, hit Compute again. Can change Delta values
at any time and Compute again. Once you have reached the
desired position, you can press Commit. To reset to the original
state (or the last applied state, if Apply was done earlier) just press Reset.
Note that, all validations which happen in SmartPlant 3D with generic move command will also happen
when done with this specialized move command.
Make sure you don’t have parent-child objects in this, e.g. Equipment and Equipment Components. This
may result in double movement in some situations.
Show Only Selected Objects

When this command is invoked with a some objects in the select set, only the selected objects
are kept visible and all other objects are hidden. This is the counterpart to the Hide command.
To return to seeing all objects in the workspace, use Show All command in Tools menu.
Edit Snapshot Filter

When users snapshot views for placement on drawings, the active workspace filter is copied
and stored away internally. Sometimes it is desired to view and edit the definition of the filter.
This command operates with the snapshot volume and shows the edit filter dialog for the
filter associated with the snapshot volume/view. User may edit the filter definition as necessary and
commit changes to the database.

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In case the object selected is not a snapshot drawing volume, below message is shown
Compare Object Properties

This command facilitates comparing Object properties to show ‘Different’, ‘Identical’ and ‘All’
attribute values.
When invoked with some objects selected, it compares those objects at one time. When invoked
without any objects selected, it defaults to compare two items (and lets you select them). New Objects
can be selected while the command is running for comparison. The objects list is kept rolling, i.e. if
objects A, B, C are selected for comparison initially, later selecting object D would forget object A and

41
show the comparison status for objects B, C, D. Later when Object E is selected, it would show
comparison status for objects C, D, E and so on.
If non-homogeneous objects are selected, then it would show only common properties between them.
Clicking on the Header column representing the object hilites the corresponding object in graphics.
IFC Local Detect ON/OFF

This command is available on the Toolkit’s PopupMenu, which you can invoke using the Super ShortCut
Ctrl – Ctrl – Shift. Use this command to toggle the IFC local detect Status.
This is a quick short cut to the same done using ‘Tools > Check Interference’  Click Properties icon on
the Interference Toolbar > Local Detect tab > check ‘Activate local interference detection’ and hitting ok.
Part Change Impact Analysis

This command is useful to analyze the effect of changing a Part in catalog. It can be used in a
wide range of situations. For example, Equipment Parts, Piping Parts, equipment Component
Parts, Equipment Shape Parts and so on.
When this command is invoked, the below ribbonbar shows up.

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The command allows one to select a Part Instance in the model, following which it shows the part
number, and it shows the below information on the ribbon bar.
 all occurrences of that part in current workspace

 all occurrences of that part in entire database
 all approved occurrences of that part in current workspace
 all approved occurrences of that part in entire database
 all drawings containing the currently selected part
 all approved drawings containing the currently selected part
 all drawings containing one or more such parts in the entire model database
 all approved drawings containing one or more such parts in the entire model database
One sample output is as below.
One can select the objects by double-clicking the label on the ribbon bar pertaining to part occurrences.
One can get the associated drawing names by double-clicking the label on the ribbon bar pertaining to
drawings involving those part occurrences.
Apart from graphic Selection of part occurrence, one can also key in the Part Number and hit enter, to
search for part instances by such part number. Wild card searches are possible – % matches any number
of characters, and ? matches a single character.
DBI Analysis (Analyze objects in DBI)

This command allows one to perform analysis of Database Integrity check results.
The command brings up the below RibbonBar
It allows one to query the DBI records by Severity, Date Created/Modified, DBI recommended Action DBI
Status, and allows one to filter only for First Class Objects. Filtered objects can be selected for further
analysis, for example using the Select Set Browser or Manage Object Sets commands.
Remove Text ‘Copy Of’

After a copy/paste of multiple objects, frequently the object names have ‘Copy Of’ as a prefix.
It may be desired to quickly remove this text from multiple objects. This command renames
objects removing the text.

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Select objects whose name starts with ‘Copy Of’. One way to do this is to set the locate filter to ‘All’ and
enter ‘Copy Of*’ in the workspace explorer search combo.
Once the objects are selected, run the command, this removes the text ‘Copy Of’
Copy OIDs to clipboard

This command copies the oids (comma separated)
of the selected objects to clipboard.
Find Object By Report

This button invokes the SP3D delivered Find Object By Report command. Please refer to the
Database Integrity Guide delivered as part of the S3D Help to know about this command.
Show / Hide Reference File(s)

A new popup menu is made available on Reference files. Select one or
more Reference file(s) in the References tab of the Workspace Explorer,
or graphics view and then press right mouse, which shows up the below
menu.

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Export / Import Object names (via Text File)
This command lets you Export and Import names
of Objects (via Text File).
To Export Object Names: Select Objects, Start command, Specify File Name and Click Execute.
The Generated text file contains OID of the object and the Name of the Object, separated by “|”.
You can use usual text editors (eg Notepad++) to modify the names in that text file.
Once you have edited the file to change the Names of objects to your needs, you are ready to Import
the file to get the new names you desired for the objects.
Also note, you can use this command to “Keep current names and remove NameRule
association”. To do this check the “Remove NameRule (Set to User Defined)” option before you
click Execute, and then discard the generated file.
To Import Modified Names: Start Command, Specify File Name and Click Execute
Note that, when you import, you don’t need to select any objects. The command finds the objects by
the OIDs in the file.
Note that, when you want to Import Names, it implies you are really intending to set user defined
names for those objects, so naturally, they will lose the NameRule specified.
The Import Names action will generate a Log file in the same directory appending an “.import.log” to the
file name which was specified for import.
If the current Name of the object is same as the Name specified in the Text file being imported, then,
unless you check the “Remove NameRule (Set to User Defined)” option, the Import Names action will
not do any modifications to that object (its NameRule association if any will still be intact).
RQE Generator
The RQE generator tool assists in creating entries in the RQE files for the labels or reports. Its
user interface provides means to view all the direct properties, properties of related objects,
navigate multiple relationships and create entries to use in an RQE file.
Typical work flow:
1. Select object (or multiple objects) for which the label needs to be created. These objects are
added to the “Objects List”
2. Start the command, below window is displayed.

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3. Relationships View: This displays object’s relationships (RelationName and RelatedObject) for
each Relationship. Selecting a Related Object displays its properties. Double-clicking a Related
Object adds it to the Related Objects List (which can be traversed back using buttons 5,6) and
also makes it the root node. Clicking the Add to Objects List button adds it to the Objects List
(manipulated by buttons 1,2,3,4).
4. Properties View: Displays properties of the object representing the node in Relationships View.
If the property you wish to make a label for is
 A direct property on the object, select it from Properties view.
 A property on a related object (or object across multiple relations), then use the
Relationships View to traverse through related objects – you can navigate multiple relations
by double clicking on the related object at each relation level. Once you reach the final
related object, you can select the desired property from the Properties View.
 A property on an object across several levels of same relationship (eg SystemHierarchy or
AssemblyHierarchy), then double-clicking on the relation name brings up a “Hierarchy List”

46
window which indicates all the related objects iteratively at different depths on the relation.
You must specify Exit Condition to identify the desired object –specify Depth, or specify an
Interface which such object Implements, and then click OK to select that object. Now you
can proceed to select a desired property from the Properties View.
Once the desired property is selected,

click Add Property button, which brings
up a window prompting for inputs
required for the label, as explained below.
Returned Property: Specify Name for the

Returned Property field. Defaults to
DisplayName of the property. User can
specify a different name, or pick an existing Returned Property name to add the label to it.
Source Type: This provides with a way to have unambiguous strokes (relation paths) for
different object types. For example, if you want different entries in the RQE for one Returned
Property (eg RunName) based on different object types (eg Pipe Supports / Piping Parts / Piping
Features).
Concatenate: Specifies the Concatenation options (No/Left/Right) for this property. Useful in
scenarios like getting full Hierarchy path of object. If you pick Left/Right, then you can pick or
specify a valid character for the “Path Separator” too.
Filter: Specifies the Filter options for this property. It can be First/Last/All. Additionally, you can
pick a specific interface for the filter. This is used to process related objects of a certain type.
Note: The Concatenate, Path Separator, Filter and Interface fields are only visible for properties
accessed through a related object of the main object being processed.
5. Once all the required properties are added, click the ‘Copy output to Clipboard’ button and
paste in the RQE file. You may have to do some manual edits to fine tune your label files.

47
Example: This example explains how to create an RQE which gets Name, RunName, PipelineName,
AreaName for PipeComponents and PipingSupports.
 Select one PipeComponent and one PipeSupport and start the command. Observe that, you have
two objects in the Objects List.
 Go to the 1st Object i.e. PipeComponent (it is selected by default), and select the root node.
 Select the Name property from the Properties view, click Add Property button and click OK.
 Traverse Run to Part relationship which takes to the Component’s Run. Select it and then select
Name property and click Add Property button. Specify Returned Property = RunName and click OK.
 Double-click the Run node to display its relationships. Traverse System Hierarchy relationship and
select the Pipeline, select the Name property and click Add Property button. Specify Returned
Property = PipelineName and click OK.
 Double-click the System Hierarchy node to display the Hierarchy List of that relationship. Select the
row indicating the Area, select Implements option for Exit Condition and choose IJAreaSystem
option and click OK. Observe that the AreaSystem’s properties are displayed; select the Name
property and click Add Property button. Specify Returned Property = AreaName and click OK.
 Now, click the Next Object button to activate the next object (PipeSupport) in the Object List.
Observe that the details (Relationships and Properties) of the PipeSupport are now displayed.
 In the Relationships view, traverse Object to Non-distribution Port relationship and double-click the
route feature under it. Now, in the feature’s Relationships displayed, traverse the Run to Feature
relationship to go to the Run and select it. Select the Name property and click Add Property button.
Pick RunName from the Returned Property list and pick IJHgrPipeSupport for the source type and
click OK. This adds a new PATH specific for PipeSupports for the RunName Returned property.
 Follow similar steps to add the PipelineName and AreaName properties specific for the PipeSupport
traversing from the PipeRun which we arrived at above.
 Click on the Copy output to Clipboard button and paste in the RQE file.
Drawings Management
This command can be used to efficiently Set Properties, Revise, Update and Publish drawings
from a single user interface. It displays the following interface that reads data from an
external spreadsheet.

48
The spreadsheet must include columns like – Name, Action, Revision, PublishComments, OwningGroup
and Attributes (using identifiers described below). The first column indicating the HEAD, START and END
rows. A drawing can be excluded with an exclamation mark in this column.
Name: Name of the drawing to be processed

Action: Action to be taken on the drawing. It could be S, U, R, P or a combination using ‘+’ operators
 S: Set Properties (at least one attribute with an starting with an ‘@’ symbol is needed)
 R: Revise the drawing (Revision number is needed)
 U: Update the drawing
 P: Publish the drawing (Owning Group is needed)
Revision: Revision number in the format RevisionMajor.RevisonMinor should be specified
PublishComments and OwningGroup: Needed to publish drawings
Attributes (@Desc1 or @Interface.Attribute): To set any Out-of-the-box standard attributes (listed

below) on the drawing, use column name as @AttributeName. To set any Custom attributes on drawing
use column name as @Interface.Attribute.
ApprovedBy SpecDate DrawingNumber NoteLine

ApprovedDate ExtraSignBy1 DrawingType Sheet
CheckedBy ExtraSignBy2 JobNumber Desc1
CheckedDate ExtraSignDate1 SiteName Desc2
DesignedBy ExtraSignDate2 SiteLocation Desc3
DesignedDate ExtraSignTitle1 PlantName Desc4
DrawnBy ExtraSignTitle2 ProjVersion WBSProjectName
DrawnDate PlantNumber RevisionNumber BaselineDate
MfgRepDate ChargeNumber Title1 ProjectName
MfgRepName ChargeTitle Title2 DocumentType
ProjEngDate CompanyName Title3 DocumentStyle
ProjEngName DivLocation DrawingSize Discipline
SpecBy DivName Border DoNotPublish
The drawings can be processed immediately or at a later time by checking the box “Run later at” and
specifying a time to process at. This time should be in a 24 hour format, like 20:30.

49
SP3D Automation Toolkit - Common Commands
Note: The UpdDwgCmd.exe is a prerequisite for using this command. When running it for the first time,
the program prompts the user to provide the location of the UpdDwgCmd.exe. For further information
on the processing, please refer to the UpdateDrawingCmd documentation.
Page 5
SP3D Automation Toolkit - Marine Product-Specific Commands
Marine Product-Specific Commands
Auto-Assign Margin at Assembly or Block Butt
Multiple Lapped Plates
Multi-Split Physical Connection

Modify Profile Endcuts
Modify Collar Material Properties

Manage Collar Parts Planning Assignment
Switch Member Systems
Multiple Member Generic AC
Check Twist Rate of Tripping Stiffeners

Find and Mark inaccessible Lapped Weld segments
Modify Bevel Parameters with preview

Copy Plates By Offset
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Auto-Assign Margin at Assembly or Block Butt

Users of the Structural Manufacturing environment have the need to place margin on the
edges of plate parts and ends of profile and standard member parts occurring at an assembly
or block butt where no adjacent assembly or block exists that would allow the use of the
Margin by Assembly Connections command. For example, note the ports highlighted below in bright
yellow:
This command is ribbonbar driven and consists of four steps utilizing inputs selected from the
Workspace Explorer and graphic view as well as user-specified values, which are described below.
Command Steps / Ribbonbar
Margin Type (all): Type of margin to be placed on all selected ports of each type of
structure (Plate, Profile, Member (Standard)). Available margin types
are retrieved from the catalog after assembly/block selection)
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Margin Value (all): Amount of margin to be placed on all selected ports of each type of
structure (Plate, Profile, Member (Standard)). These fields support
unit of measure entry.
Margin Direction: Values same as Fabrication Margin command:
Perpendicular to Edge Margin placed normal to plate edge face or profile/member end
face
Global Plate margin placed in the X, Y or Z axis direction.
Profile/member margin applied along landing curve direction
Assembly Butt: Assembly/block butt (boundary) at which to establish range volume

for locating eligible margin ports.
Range Volume Depth: Depth dimension of range box used to locate potential margin ports
at the selected assembly butt. The range volume is adjacent to the
plane of the assembly or block butt. The other dimensions of the
range box are derived from the overall range of the assembly. The
calculated range volume is outlined with green dashed lines as shown
here:
A plate edge port or profile/member end port must lie completely

within the assembly butt range volume to be eligible for margin
placement.
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Existing Margin on Port: Options for handling of margin already existing on a located port:
Don’t overwrite any (Retain all) All existing margin is retained on the port. That is,
if the currently specified margin type already
exists on the port, the port is ignored. If a new
margin type is specified it will be created in
addition to any existing margin on the port.
Overwrite same type (Retain other) If the currently specified margin type already
exists on the port, the existing margin will be
replaced with the new margin value. Any other
existing margin types on the port are retained.
Overwrite all (Retain none) Any existing margin on the port is deleted and
replaced with the currently specified margin
type/value.
Note that the following property values are automatically set (per command spec) for all placed
margins and cannot be specified by the user. However, any margin object created with this
command may be modified later, including these properties, in the Fabrication Margin
command:
 Margin Mode (Constant)

 Geometry Change (As Margin)
Multiple Lapped Plates

The Lapped Plate command in the Structural Detailing environment allows creation and
modification of a single lapped plate that can have several bounding entities, including
structural objects, reference planes, and sketched contours. This provides much flexibility in
defining the lapped plate but requires the command to be rerun for each lapped plate to be created.
This is inefficient when several lapped plates are to be placed on the same side of the same plate and
becomes more and more impractical as the number of these lapped plates increases.
Users often need to create a multitude of lapped plates (such as bearing or doubler plates) that each
have a simple, single closed-contour boundary. For example:
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The Multiple Lapped Plates command enables the user, in a single command execution, to select a
lapped-to plate and to define the boundary contours of many lapped plates with a single sketch, greatly
increasing the speed of creation. This command is ribbonbar driven and consists of three steps which
are described below.
Side of Plate: Side of selected lapped-to plate on which to place lapped plates. Available
choices are set by type of lapped-to plate (e.g., Deck=>Above/Below,
Transverse Bulkhead=>Fore/Aft, Longitudinal Bulkhead=>Port/Starboard)
Other controls include the Lapped Plate Properties button and drop-down list boxes for Parent
System, Material, Grade, and Thickness. These function similarly to other S3D commands.
The sketch environment in this command is set up to allow only sketching of CLOSED contours:
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Each closed contour will be interpreted as the outside boundary of an individual lapped plate.
Internal boundaries (holes, openings) are not supported. Dimensions can optionally be used to
constrain both size and location of boundary contour geometry.
Every lapped plate created with this command must be modifiable in the Structural Detailing
Modify Lapped Plate command. To support this requirement each lapped plate is created with
its own separate symbol containing only its boundary contour:
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Multi-Split Physical Connection

Users of the Structural Detailing environment have the need to split a physical connection between two
plate parts in a multitude of locations based on a series of offsets from a reference plate
edge. In the following example, the physical connection is highlighted in magenta, the
reference edge in green, and the split points in bright yellow (image edited to show offset
dimensions):
This command consists of four steps utilizing inputs selected from the Workspace Explorer and/or
graphic view as well as user-specified values, which are described below. The command may be started
with a physical connection preselected.
Step 1: In the graphic view or Workspace Explorer select the physical connection to be split.
Presently, this physical connection must exist between two plate parts and only one physical
connection may be split per command execution.
Step 2: In the graphic view select the plate part reference edge from which offsets will be
specified.
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Step 3: If not started automatically, click the Specify… step button to display the Specify Split
Point Offsets form.
The form provides a table for specifying, for each Weld Segment (child physical connection), the
Segment Length (offset value from previous split point):
The Segment Length value for the last segment may not be specified (hence, the cell is grayed
out) as this will be determined by the cumulative prior offset values and the overall physical
connection length.
Command Notes:
1. This command is based on existing out-of-the-box physical connection split point

behavior. To enable placement of the split points along the PC, the command uses
the Girth Offset Method with the base or offset port of the plate part as the
reference object.
2. For the context of this command Segment Length is not the same as physical
connection length. Command requirements were for offset values to be specified
from an edge of the plate owning the physical connection. Therefore, while a
physical connection will be shortened if a corner feature is present along the
physical connection on the plate, the Segment Length remains the same.
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Modify Profile Endcuts

Description: By current design, user needs to select profile endcuts or assembly connections
one by one, go to property page, locate “Selection” tab and then modify selection.
If the features of the profiles need to be modified, users will have to open some other
property pages again and change the values. To improve the efficiency, profile endcuts
modification command can enable selection on profile parts then both ends of the profile part and the
feature children can be modified at the same time.
GUI: After run the command, a ribbon bar is displayed on S3DHost as below.
Selector filter is set to profile part. The parts to be selected must have two free endcuts or assembly
connections at the ends or one for each.
After select profile parts, the parts will be highlighted in white. The start endcuts will be highlighted in
blue and the end endcuts will be in magenta. The current selection of the two endcuts will be shown in
the combo boxes.
Rule-Based option is provided, so that user can set all the selections back to rule driven result.
If click the property page button, property page will be shown as below.
User can switch between tabs to modify the corresponding features. When the property page is open,
only the features being modified are highlighted in graphic view.
Note: User need to click Apply button before leave current tab and select another tab, if the
modification to current tab needs to be committed.
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Note: This command won’t work for catalog which doesn’t have EndCutTypeCodeList exists or being
used for profile endcuts smart occurrence.
Page 15
Modify Collar Material Properties
Description: By current design, collar material, grade and thickness properties are decided by
rule. For most cases they are decided by the attached plate part. When user wants to change
these properties, She\He needs to select collar parts, go to property page, uncheck Controlled
Interfaces, apply it and then re-open property page to enable the modification.
To improve the efficiency, Modify Collar Material Properties command can enable selection on collar
parts then directly modify those properties.
In the graphic view or Workspace Explorer select collars to be modified.

After select collar parts, the parts will be highlighted in yellow color.
After get collar parts selection, Cancel Selection and Confirm Selection buttons are activated.
User can click the cancel button to clear the current selection or click confirm selection button to
confirm current selection.
After confirm selection, the properties will be shown as below and user can modify them to different
result.
If user has multiple collars selected and their properties are not homogenous, the non-homogenous
property will have empty result selected in the drop-down list, but user can still choose to change it to
certain value.
If one of multiple selected collar parts is not in working status or user doesn’t have permission to modify
it, after click confirm selection button, user will see below message box.
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Those collar parts not in working status will be highlighted in blue color as below. User then can change
selection to enable modification.
Click Finish button to proceed with applying the property value to selected collar parts.
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Manage Collar Parts Planning Assignment
Description: For most cases collar parts are in the same assembly with either penetrated
plate or penetrating profile. By current design, user needs to find penetrating/penetrated
structure, get the target assembly and then move the collar part to the same assembly. This
process is very time-consuming and mistakes are very easy to make. To improve the efficiency, Manage
Collar Parts Planning Assignment command can enable easily selection on collar parts and then directly
assign them to desired planning parent.
Selecting filter is set to collar part by default. In the graphic view or Workspace Explorer select collars to
be modified.
After select collar parts, the parts will be highlighted in white color.
Other Selecting Method:
Assembly/Block: Select assembly or block to add all the collars under it into selection.
Penetrating Profile: Select detailed profile part used as penetrator to generate collars, which will be
added into selection.
Penetrated Plate: Select detailed plate part used as penetrated structure to generate collars, which will
be added into selection.
Workspace: All collars in current workspace will be processed.
Database: All collars in database will be processed.
Click Finish button to assign selected collars.
Note: Since the command is used to assign collars to the same assembly of penetrated or penetrating
structures, we are assuming there are existing assemblies.
If the new assembly parent is System root, we don’t take any action, but just record the collar part
name/OID into log file
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Switch Member Systems

This command is used to change selected Member Systems from Standard CrossSection to
Designed [or built-up] CrossSection and vice versa.
The command’s RibbonBar allows user to choose new CrossSection and Material for the Member
system. User can select Member Systems that need to be converted. The command works with
preselected Member Systems. It only can process homogeneous type, i.e. you cannot have a few
designed and few standard members in the selection at the same time.
The command deletes the original Member System and replaces it with a newly created one of the
requested type. The command preserves settings like end positions, Member Type, Rotation Angle,
Mirror Status, and CardinalPoint [it the same point exists in the new CrossSection]. The Cardinal Point is
obtained from the Member part at the start Frame Connection.
Caution is recommended while using this command, since it deletes and recreates Member Systems.
Important Note: Objects related to the Member System to be converted will lose their relationship with
this object. User will have to manually reset those relations. For example
 Other Member Systems having this Member System as a related object will lose the connection.
This occurs because the original Member System is deleted.
 Any openings on this Member System will be deleted.
 Advanced Plate Systems or Bracket plate systems using this Member System as supports will
lose their support.
 If the Member is involved in any Split connection as a Splitter or a Splittee, the associated Split
connection will get deleted.
 Detailing on the selected Member Systems will get deleted. Any related detailing information
like Member End Cuts or Structural Detailing Features will be lost.
 Manufacturing information will not be preserved.
A To-Do-List message is generated in cases where the relationship is mandatory and has been deleted.
Depending on the existing Connections amongst the members, and ones that have been selected for
change, and the order of selection (which implies order of processing), will have an effect on what
connections are preserved and what cannot be preserved.
As an alternative, to reconnect with other Member Systems, you can use the ‘Reconnect Member
Systems’ command provided in the Automation Toolkit.
Page 19
Multiple Member Generic Assembly Connections

This functionality is provided as a productivity command to create member Generic Assembly
Connections on multiple members bounded by multiple objects. The ‘Place Member Generic
Assembly Connection’ command available in the Structural Detailing task environment allows
user to trim one member at a time, by ports specified by the user. This productivity command
provides a way to trim multiple members at a time, bounded to multiple objects. As opposed to
the delivered command, the user does not have to select ports manually. They are automatically
determined by the command given the supporting object.
Similar to the ‘Place Member Generic Assembly Connection’ command, the green preview
shows the standard member with end cut (Member Generic AC), and the ports used for
trimming are highlighted in white
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Multiple members can be selected for trimming at a time as shown in red, and supporting or
bounding objects are highlighted in blue. On processing, the members with endcuts are
previewed.
The following ribbon bar is displayed on starting the command.
Supported Members / Frame Connections: Allows selection of member parts or Frame

Connections where a Member Generic Assembly Connection needs to be placed. Selecting a
member part processes both its ends, whereas selecting a Frame Connection processes only the
corresponding member end.
Supporting objects: Allows selection of supporting objects or bounding objects (Member Parts,
Detailed plate parts, Edge Reinforcement parts and profile parts).
Processing Option: User may choose to process all selected member parts / Frame connections
at once or one by one. If the user chooses to Process one by one, a preview is shown at each
member end which can be individually applied one after the other. If the AC is not as desired,
the user has a choice to manipulate the ports used for trimming. Each previewed AC could
Page 21
either be applied or skipped. ‘Process All’ option processes all the member ends in selection and
gives a preview to the user, which can then be applied or skipped.
Processing One By One
Process: Clicking on this button starts processing member ends. Out of the selected
supporting objects, the command automatically determines those for trimming the
member at a particular end. It finds the best possible ports for trimming, and shows a
preview of the trimmed member part. The ports used for trimming are highlighted in
white.
Assembly connection Type: Assembly Connection type can be changed after a preview
is shown. Setting it to <Assembly Connection By Rule> triggers the selection rule and
trims the member using the default selection and displays the value in its tooltip. The
selection changed by the user is remembered and used when processing the next
member ends.
Review Ports: When automatically determining ports for trimming, if ambiguous

solutions exist, the command may consider a few additional ports which need to be
eliminated by human intervention. This button provides an opportunity for users to
remove unnecessary ports. The user can remove such ports and click on the Accept
button to re-evaluate the member generic AC.
Apply: Applies the previewed Member Generic AC at the member end. The next
member end is processed and previewed for user action.
Skip: Skips that member end and the previewed trim is disregarded.
Processing All at Once
Process: Clicking on this button starts processing member ends. All the member ends
are processed one after the other and a preview of all of them is shown.
Assembly connection Type: The Assembly Connection Type to be used for all member
ends can be selected before Processing. This is disabled when processing.
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Apply: Applies the previewed Member Generic ACs at each member end. If the user
doesn’t see the desired end cuts in the preview, the command can be stopped by right
clicking or clicking on the Select (Northwest arrow) button.
The following features are offered by this command:

1. Ability to trim standard member bounded by: -
 Standard member
 Built up member
 Plate
 Profile
 Combination of any of the above
2. This command eliminates need to select ports to trim. Selecting the bounding object is
sufficient for it to determine trimming ports
3. Fence selection of bounded objects – Selects Frame connections and member parts. You
could also preselect members to trim before starting the command
4. Fence selection of bounding objects – Selects all supported bounding objects in the vicinity
of the member ends selected in Step 1
5. Provides ability to review (and deselect unnecessary) ports to be trimmed
6. AC Type can be changed by user. It can be set before clicking Accept or after seeing a
preview
7. Ability to create ACs on ends of Multiple members that could be bounded by Multiple
members: Two modes -
 Process One By One - User can choose to apply or skip each AC, he can also change
the AC Type individually if needed
 Process All at once – No user interaction is needed (allowed). User can choose to
apply or skip all at the end of the process.
Page 23
Check Twist Rate of Tripping Stiffeners

Description: Assume both supports of a tripping stiffener are profiles. If landing curves of
the two support profiles are not parallel to each other, Twisted option will be available for
connected type of ending supporting object. However, the Twisted option is just silently added
into the Connect Type list instead of set as current selection, which causes results of incorrect stiffeners
with incorrect manufacturing data. TR 239502 has been fixed with v2011R1 HF 21 so that tripping
stiffener ending support object connect type will be Twisted in twist condition. The TR only prevents
creating new incorrect result, but for existing models, it would be very time-consuming for user to find
all the cases.
For existing twisted tripping profiles, there is another requirement to find out their actual twist rate, if
they are bigger than certain limit value.
To improve the efficiency for above issues, Check Twist Rate of Tripping Stifferners Command can
enable below automation:
1. Find all the tripping stiffeners which have Twisted option for their ending support, but it is not actually
selected. Give user the option to apply Twisted selection.
2. Find all the tripping stiffeners which have Twisted connect type for ending support, but the twist rate
is bigger than a limit value that user givers.
After run the command, a ribbon bar is displayed on S3DHost as below.
Selection Method: There are five selection methods: By Tripping Stiffener, By Plate System, By System
Folder, By Assembly/Block and Workspace.
Flat Bars Only: User can choose to only work with flat bar cross-section by checking the checkbox.
Apply Twist: User can choose to apply twist to profiles, if found any have Twisted option but not actually
selected.
Twist Rate Limit: User can give a twist rate limit, so all the tripping stiffeners have twisted option
selected but twist rate bigger than that value will be reported.
Note: If user chooses to apply twist to profile has twisted option but not actually selected, newly twisted
profiles will be also checked and reported, if twist rate is bigger than the limit.
Finish: After the command is finished, a log file named “CheckAll(FlatBar)TrippingStiffeners” will be
create in user temp folder.
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Find and Mark inaccessible Lapped Weld Segments

Description: A lapped welding physical connection is in a closed-form. Actual welding will be
performed along the perimeter of the lapped physical connection shape. When two lapped
physical connections have overlapping along perimeter, the overlapping part of the physical
connections will be unnecessary for engineering practice.
To avoid unnecessary welding, user needs to split current physical connections at the overlapping
locations and then give certain names to such duplicate welding physical connections to indicate no
need for welding.
To improve the efficiency, this command can enable below automation:
1. Find all the lapped physical connections which have such overlapping situation and split them.
2. Rename the unnecessary physical connections to indicate that no welding is needed for them.
Selection Method: There are two selection methods: Select Structure Systems / Generic Systems and
Select LapWeld Physical Connections.
Note: User can use a selection as combination of both the two methods, which means switching to
different selection method doesn’t clear current selection.
Tolerance: Default tolerance is set to 0.1 mm. That means if there is gap between two lapped physical
connections but smaller than the tolerance, e.g. 0.06mm, the two physical connections will be still
identified and split.
Name for Duplicate PC: Default name for duplicate physical connections after split is set to “No Weld”
and user can change it to any other preferred names.
and reported, if twist rate is bigger than the limit.
Finish: After the command is finished, a log file named “SplitDuplicatePCs” will be create in user temp
folder.
Page 25
Modify Bevel Parameters with Preview

Description: Bevel shape is not shown in 3D view. With current design, there is no preview
for a bevel shape so user cannot relate the parameters to the actual shape. This command
enables automation to easily modify bevel parameters and see corresponding preview.
Selector filter is set to physical connections for tee-weld and butt-weld types. After select physical
connections, the button for bevel modification will be activated. If user clicks the property page button,
property page will be shown.
PC Type Selection: User can change current PC type before modify parameters.
Page 26
Bevel Modification: User can modify depth/angle for bevels and see a 2D preview before commit the
change.
Select PC list: All PCs selected before open the form are listed. User can jump between them to
review/modify PC and bevels.
Copy Plate By Offset

The “Copy Plate by Offset” custom command is used to facilitate the creation of a series of
Plate Systems which share common boundaries.
After the command is started, the following ribbon bar is displayed on S3DHost.
Step 1 allows selection of the Plate System to be copied.
Page 27
Step 2 provides a table that allows inserting offset values at which copies of Plate Systems need to be
created. Multiple values can be entered to place multiple copies of the selected Plate System. The
Offsets could be set to be either “Relative” to the previous plate or “absolute” distances.
On pressing the Finish button, the Plates Systems are created at specified offset values
Page 28
SP3D Automation Toolkit - Commands without Toolbar Icons (made available as ProgIDs)
Commands without Toolbar Icons (made available as ProgIDs)

This section lists some rarely used commands, which hence do not have icons on the toolbar. Their
ProgIDs are provided here to configure using Custom Super ShortCut keys.
Enable / Disable Idle Generator

These commands to enable/disable Idle Generator are useful if you write and debug your own VB6
based commands. Idle Generator service keeps calling OnIdle(), which makes debugging your commands
difficult. Disabling the Idle Generator helps in this situation.
(Disable Idle Generator ProgID: SP3DAutomation.MiscCmds01; DisableIdleGenerator)
(Enable Idle Generator ProgID: SP3DAutomation.MiscCmds01; EnableIdleGenerator)
Add the below under [Custom Super ShortCuts] section of your toolkit config file (you can choose your
own super shortcuts too).
SSD = Disable Idle Generator ;HighPriorityCmd;SP3DAutomation.MiscCmds01;DisableIdleGenerator
SSE = Enable Idle Generator ;HighPriorityCmd;SP3DAutomation.MiscCmds01;EnableIdleGenerator
Show Reference File Name

(ProgID : SP3DAutomation.MiscCmds01; ShowRefFileName)
This command, when invoked after the

user selects an element from an external
reference file, shows the name of the file
in a message box and offers to select the
reference file in case the user wants to
further process it, e.g. to hide or delete it.
Make Views Like Active

(ProgID : SP3DAutomation.MiscCmds01; MakeViewsLikeActive)
This command copies the properties of the current 3D graphic view such as perspective mode, rendering
and aspects and sets it to all other views.
Apply Named Style to Objects

(ProgID : SP3DAutomation.MiscCmds01; ApplySurfaceStyleToSelectSet;<StyleName>)
This command sets the specified named Style (Blue, Black etc) on selected objects (drawable objects
such as Parts, Equipment etc). If you don’t specify the StyleName then it applies the Style by Rule.
Page 29
Expand Select Set For Move

(ProgID : SP3DAutomation.MiscCmds01;ExpandSelectSetForMove;<True/False>)
This command is useful to expand selection from currently selected Route Features so as to enable
moving all features on the Leg. The optional True/False argument (defaults to True if not specified) at
the end is to control inclusion of Legs of short branches (<1m long).
Delete Multiple Systems

(ProgID : SP3DAutomation.MiscCmds01;DeleteOneByOne)
This command is useful to Delete Systems which contain lot of nested objects. Normal delete command
tries to delete objects in one transaction, which can take long time and possibly run out of memory. This
command deletes the selected systems/runs in a scalable one-by-one fashion (bottom-to-top approach
in system hierarchy), effectively deleting systems one by one. Need to follow below workflow.
CAUTION: DO NOT configure this command as a Custom Super Short Cut. This command is useful in very
rare circumstances, and most of those are one time use cases to clean up system hierarchy.
How to use :
 Start with a workspace definition using a filter which only
includes System kind of objects.
 Select the system(s) you want to delete in workspace explorer,
right click and do select nested.
(without this it works just like normal delete command)
 Start the command. It brings up a form which shows how many
Systems / Runs are selected.
 Click Delete Selected Systems
The command reports about any objects it skipped (due to
permissions / non-working status etc)
 Click Close to close the form.
Show Tight RangeBox

(ProgID : $ToolkitPath\SP3DAutomationCS,SP3DAutomationCS.ShowTightRangeBox)
This is a diagnostic/informational type of command, useful to display Range Box surrounding any graphic
objects. It can show Standard or Oriented RangeBoxes. This can be helpful in a few specific cases like
horizontal Pipe resting on Steel, to examine if their RangeBoxes really overlap, and if they do, check
again with a small negative trim factor to see if the trimmed RangeBoxes do not overlap anymore.
Page 30
Clear Selection: Clears selected objects.
# Objects: Limits number of objects you can select. (One, Two, Multiple (with a practical limit of 25)).
Selection rolls forward. As an added convenience, Objects selected here are synced to SelectSet, so you
can use Fit View.
Draw One Box/Object: If checked, one box is drawn for each object. Otherwise, if unchecked, one box is
drawn for the cumulative range of the selected objects. The length of the sides of the box, and its
volume are also displayed. If two objects are being compared, it also displays if they intersect.
Use Standard RangeBox: if checked, Standard rangebox is calculated and displayed. Otherwise, if
unchecked, an OrientedRangeBox is calculated and displayed.
Expand/Shrink by: A length value to expand / shrink the box on all sides. (If the original box size is
smaller then it will not be shrunk in that dimension).
Set Assembly Orientation Command

(ProgID : SM3DAutomation.AssemOrientation)
This command is useful to quickly assign manufacturing orientation to selected assemblies, which
normally have some profiles landed on base plate. Orientation Z-direction should point to the side
with more profiles.
 User starts the custom command inside Smart3D session

 Command will exit if there is no selected assembly objects.
 After run the command, the command will check the selected assemblies one by one.
 If a selected assembly is not assigned with “User Defined” orientation method, the command
will assign orientation object for it.
 A detailed planar plate part with biggest surface area will be selected as orientation object for
the assembly.
 From the planar plate part, find all the detailed profile parts connected with physical
connection.
Note: Edge reinforcement will not be counted. Partial detailed profile parts cannot be obtained
since they are not connected to plate part with physical connections.
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The profile parts must be landed on the base plate. We don’t count profiles bounded by the
orientation plate or splitting the orientation plate, etc.
 Count number of profile parts on each face of the orientation plate.
 Point Z-direction of orientation to the side of face with more profile parts.
 If assembly is already assigned with “By Object” method, it will be examined to see if below
conditions are satisfied. If not, change will be applied.
a. A detailed planar plate part with biggest surface area is selected as orientation
object for the assembly.
b. Z-direction of orientation is pointing to the side of face with more profile parts
Page 32

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Smart3D – Automation Toolkit

Installation & User Guide.

Smart3D Automation & Strategic Accounts Team

HOW TO INSTALL & CONFIGURE MENUS _______________________________________________________________ 1

Customizing Commands and Utilities in this Toolkit

[All Tasks] or [TaskName] sections in config file.

[Filter Selected Objects Command] section in config file.

[Restricted Commands], [Users Without Command Restrictions], [Permission Groups

[Custom Super ShortCuts] section in config file.

5. Admin/User configured 'Custom Attribute/Relation Watch' values in Select Set Browser.

6. Configure Additional Object Types on the 'Add To Workspace By Range'

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

Adding Custom Menu items to Toolkit’s PopupMenu

Adding Custom Tasks to Smart3D’s Tasks menu.

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

Similarly, another Super ShortCut is Ctrl – Ctrl – Shift. Tapping that

Using Commands and Utilities in this Toolkit

Cycles 3rd column of buttons - ‘configurable’ Custom Super ShortCuts

Smart Visualizer Bulk Modify MemberPart CrossSection

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

Select Filter Commands with only Keyboard Shortcuts

Select Set Browser for SmartPlant 3D

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

Custom Watch text Format Purpose / Remarks/Example

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

Refresh (F5) – Restarts this command with Active Select Set.

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

The command prompts as shown in

Add Configured Select Filters

Filter Selected Objects

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

For example, while you are modeling, you arrived at a list of

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

SmartSketch Settings Palette

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

Lock PinPoint to Centroid Of Geometry Command

Set and Lock PinPoint Target to Object

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

Project Line Onto Plane

In the below example, this command can be

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

View Manipulation with only Keyboard shortcuts

Ctrl + Zoom-in in the active view.

Ctrl – Zoom-out in the active view.

Ctrl Shift + Rotate active view clockwise about Active axis.

Ctrl Shift – Rotate active view clockwise about Active axis.

Ctrl Shift BackSpace Change Active Axis (cycle between X Y Z)

Ctrl Shift Capslock Change zoom/rotate factor (fast/slow)

Ctrl-9 Set Active View to Previous Standard Viewing direction.

Note: These shortcuts get disabled if Super ShortCuts are disabled.

View Manipulation with Numeric Keypad

The previously delivered All in One View Command’s

The command displays 3D Co-ordinates of Mouse Position in the

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

The other functionality using Mouse/Keyboard actions is as follows

S3D – Publish Automation Usage Instructions

Create Filter from Select Set

A filter is created under the MyFilters folder and below message is