AutoCAD Plant 3D is a powerful tool, but mastering it can take your productivity to the next level.
We share our top 15 rules to help you work faster, smarter, and more efficiently. 1. Before closing a drawing, make sure that:
- All external references are unloaded (not detached!).
- The visual style is set to 2D wireframe.
- The "Zoom all" command has been executed.
- The view is set to top view.
- Blocks and materials are cleaned up.
- The "Plantaudit" command has been executed.
- The coordinate system is set to world.
We have prepared a suitable script that you can get for free and put on a button in Plant 3D.
The script executes all of the above steps one after the other and can be set as an alternative to the Save button.
2. Use the PnPLocalDataCachePurger.exe regularly
Cleaning the local data cache does not delete or corrupt any projects.
The cache is rebuilt once the project is reopened. Note that drawing may take a little longer after cleaning the cache.
Path: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20XX\PLNT3D
3. Use the command „Auditproject“ regularly
The command checks and repairs project data and drawing synchronization errors.
Attention: Please do not use the standard command “Audit”!
4. Carry out “Plant Audit” regularly.
This allows you as a project manager or administrator to check the integrity of your project. Discrepancies between the database and the Plant 3D drawing files are revealed.
All incorrect data is deleted from the database.
5. Use the command „PLANTAUDITDATABASE“
When working with Construction Cloud (ACC), run the PLANTAUDITDATABASE command frequently.
This command looks for errors such as orphaned records that no longer reference an object in a source drawing.
6. „Drawing Recovery Manager“
Never use the "Drawing Recovery Manager" with Plant 3D.
This is a standard AutoCAD feature, but should not be used with P3D files. Otherwise, a total loss of Plant 3D metadata may occur.
7. „Overlay“
Understand the difference between overlay and attach when using external references.
In 99% of cases, overlay is the right choice.
8. Check your template files
Are the correct units set?
Did you use the correct Plant 3D source template (e.g. Plant 3D ISO - Color Dependent Plot Styles.dwt)?
Avoid acadiso.dwt or similar files. Is the template already set to Shaded (Quick) or Conceptual?
9. Units
Make sure your project uses the correct units (metric, mixed metric or imperial).
10. Keep your content directory organized!
- Thumbnails and DWGs for block components only belong in the project in a few exceptional cases and normally only in the "Related Files" folder.
- Only executable scripts should be in the "Customscripts" folder in the content directory. Backups do not belong there, as they can lead to errors when compiling.
- Create separate CPak folders for each manufacturer / customer / standard.
11. Tool palettes
Don't underestimate the power of tool palettes!
These can be individually modified, rolled out company-wide and assigned access rights.
12. Short cuts
Use short cuts in Plant 3D to save time. Short cut lists are easy to find online.
13. Migration
When migrating projects, make sure everything goes smoothly when moving from one version (e.g. 2021 to 2022) or to future versions (2022-2024 to 2025).
14. Keep the project organized!
- Regularly delete .bak, .dwl and .lck files.
- Avoid duplicates and unnecessary backups.
- Clean the recycle bin frequently.
- Do not delete files you do not recognize.
- Generally avoid files with the same name in the project.
- Regularly clean your QuickIsos folder.
15. Support
Don't be too proud to get help if you get stuck!
The support team can help you quickly.
Before the project reaches a dead end, ask for external support.
Are you having problems with your project? Then feel free to contact us using our support form.
These were our 15 most important rules for working in Plant 3D. Subscribe to the blog or follow us on LinkedIn for further CAD know-how.