AutoCAD Plant 3D Training

Lesson 1 • Plant 3D Interface Overview

Covers the ribbon, toolbars, and workspace panels specific to Plant 3D. Establishes spatial awareness of the environment before any drawing begins.

Lesson 2 • File Management and Drawing References

Explains how Plant 3D manages drawing files and external references within a project. Learners learn to attach, detach, and reload references correctly.

Lesson 3 • Coordinate Systems and Navigation

Introduces World and User Coordinate Systems and 3D navigation tools. Accurate model placement depends on mastering these fundamentals.

Lesson 1 • Annotations and P&ID Standards

Explains annotation tools, title blocks, and adherence to industry diagramming standards. Consistent annotation ensures drawings are readable and auditable.

Lesson 2 • P&ID Validation and Error Checking

Uses the built-in validation tools to identify connectivity errors and missing data. Validation must pass before data is promoted to the 3D model.

Lesson 3 • Placing Equipment and Instruments

Covers inserting, positioning, and tagging equipment and instrument symbols on a P&ID. Correct tagging feeds the project database automatically.

Lesson 4 • P&ID Workspace and Symbol Libraries

Introduces the dedicated P&ID drawing environment and available symbol catalogues. Understanding symbol libraries is prerequisite to placing any P&ID component.

Lesson 1 • Structural Grid and Levels

Covers creating structural grids and elevation levels that anchor all 3D plant objects. Grids provide the spatial framework referenced throughout the model.

Lesson 2 • Model Layers and Display Settings

Teaches layer management and visual style settings specific to the 3D plant model. Proper layer control improves clarity and supports downstream deliverables.

Lesson 3 • Equipment Foundations and Nozzles

Introduces placing equipment foundations and defining nozzle locations in 3D space. Nozzle data drives pipe routing start and end points.

Lesson 1 • Parametric Equipment from Catalogue

Covers selecting and configuring parametric equipment shapes from the Plant 3D catalogue. Catalogue-driven equipment ensures consistent geometry and property data.

Lesson 2 • Equipment Tagging and Properties

Covers assigning tag numbers and engineering properties to placed equipment. Tags link 3D objects to P&ID data and populate the equipment data report.

Lesson 3 • Custom Equipment Creation

Teaches building custom equipment shapes using primitive solids and the equipment editor. Custom shapes are needed when catalogue items do not match vendor geometry.

Lesson 1 • Pipe Supports and Hangers

Introduces placing pipe supports and hangers at correct intervals along pipe runs. Support placement affects stress analysis inputs and fabrication drawings.

Lesson 2 • Editing and Modifying Pipe Runs

Covers grip editing, stretching, and rerouting existing pipe runs without breaking connectivity. Efficient editing reduces rework during design review cycles.

Lesson 3 • Inserting Fittings and Valves

Explains how to add elbows, tees, reducers, and valves from the active spec. Fittings are inserted automatically or manually based on routing context.

Lesson 4 • Routing Pipes in 3D Space

Teaches orthogonal and non-orthogonal pipe routing techniques in the 3D model. Routing decisions must respect clearances, supports, and equipment nozzle orientations.

Lesson 1 • Structural and Piping Coordination

Explains how to coordinate structural steel with pipe routing to avoid conflicts. Early coordination reduces costly clashes found during construction.

Lesson 2 • Steel Structure Fundamentals

Introduces structural member types, section profiles, and placement methods in Plant 3D. Structural members form the physical framework that supports all other plant objects.

Lesson 3 • Ladders and Stairways

Teaches placing parametric ladders and stairways between platform levels. Correct placement requires referencing the elevation levels defined in Section 3.

Lesson 1 • Running Clash Detection

Covers configuring and executing clash detection between piping, equipment, and structure. Clash detection must be run before any drawing extraction begins.

Lesson 2 • Resolving Piping and Equipment Clashes

Explains rerouting pipes and repositioning equipment to eliminate detected clashes. Each resolution must be re-validated to confirm the conflict is cleared.

Lesson 3 • Interpreting and Prioritising Clashes

Teaches reading clash reports and categorising conflicts by severity and discipline. Prioritisation ensures critical clashes are resolved before minor ones.

Lesson 1 • Orthographic Plan and Section Views

Explains creating plan, elevation, and section views from the 3D model in layout space. Orthographic views communicate overall plant arrangement to civil and structural teams.

Lesson 2 • Data Extraction and Reports

Covers extracting line lists, equipment lists, and material take-offs from the project database. Accurate reports depend on complete and consistent property data in the model.

Lesson 3 • Automatic Isometric Drawing Generation

Covers configuring and running the automatic isometric generator for pipe runs. Isometrics are the primary fabrication deliverable produced from the 3D model.

Lesson 4 • Drawing Issue and Revision Control

Teaches managing drawing revisions, issue statuses, and title block updates within the project. Revision control ensures teams always reference the current approved drawing.