Installation and Configuration

SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 or 2012 (including Express) can be used to support server-based projects.

A vault project requires Microsoft SQL Server to host the project master database.

Data Manager Import and Export

Microsoft Excel version 2003 or later must be installed on your system in order for the Data Manager export and import features to function.

Excel is also required for the isometric line designation table (LDT) feature to function.

Product Help Installer

Information in help is accessed from an Autodesk website by default. If you prefer to use a local source you can download the help installer here: http://www.autodesk.com/plnt3d-helpdownload-2016-enu.

Migrate P&ID Symbols

Note: This section applies only to projects that are migrated from 2010 (or earlier) projects.

When you migrate from an older (2010 or earlier) project, some P&ID symbols are reset to the default.

Occasionally, migration requires that a symbol is reset to the default in the newer version. If you have modified a P&ID symbol in the prior version, your P&ID symbol customizations can be lost.

You can find the migration settings files that specify which blocks and styles are reset to the default in the program folder (for example: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2016\PLNT3D):

These files contain the block names that are reset during migration.

Advance Steel XML Export and Spec Conversion

Advance Steel XML export and third-party spec conversion requires the Microsoft Access Database Engine. The database engine is installed with Microsoft Office 2007 64-bit or later.

If you do not have Office 2007 64-bit or later installed, you can download it here: Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 Redistributable.

Note: Spec conversion requires the 64-bit engine. Therefore, Spec Conversion is not supported if you have Microsoft Office 32-bit installed.

Migrate Custom Settings

To copy the menu customizations from earlier versions, use the Transfer tab in the CUI (Customize User Interface) editor. Do not use AdMigrator.exe.

The Migrate Custom Settings dialog box is disabled during first launch.

What features can I customize?

  • P&ID Symbol Libraries: Contains P&ID symbol libraries conforming to PIP, ISO, DIN 2481, JIS and ISA standards.
  • Spec Editor: Creates and modifies pipe spec files using industry standard parts catalogs.
  • Content Packs: Contains piping specs and catalogs. You can specify which content packs to install and set the folder name for content packs.
  • Report Creator: Creates reports for AutoCAD Plant 3D and AutoCAD P&ID projects.

These features are in addition to the features described in the AutoCAD Installation Supplement.