When you are routing pipe and adding pipe fittings or valves to a model, you start with a pipe spec.
A 3D piping model is spec-driven; it references piping components listed in a pipe spec. When you work with piping in a 3D model, the pipe spec provides the material, rating, and connection details.
Spec files are created using the Specs and Catalogs Editor. For more information about pipe specs, see Introduction to Specs and Catalogs.
In combination with the project joint settings, the pipe spec determines which fittings and fasteners are used when connecting and routing pipe. For example: it specifies the socket weld fittings for pipe under 3”. Each pipe segment and fitting in the model originates from a pipe spec, except for custom parts.
You can add frequently used parts to the tool palette. Before you can insert parts from the tool palette, you first add the parts to the tool palette.
You add parts to the tool palette using the Spec Viewer or by dragging a part from the model to the tool palette. You can also create a tool palette for the parts by right-clicking an existing tool palette and clicking New Palette.
See Work With Specs in a Plant 3D Model to add parts to the tool palette.