You don't need to be a programmer to benefit from E3D macros. You just need to identify a task you do more than three times a day.
Stop modeling one beam at a time. Start automating.
Do you have a killer macro for E3D/PDMS? Share your syntax in the comments below!
AVEVA E3D macros are powered by the Programmable Macro Language (PML)
, a domain-specific language used to automate complex modeling tasks and customize the user interface. Below is a look into the core features and advanced capabilities of macros in the E3D environment. AVEVA™ Documentation Core Macro Features Command Automation
: Users can store frequently used command sequences in text files (often with a extension) to execute them with a single click. Variable Management : PML supports both local variables global variables
), which can be assigned types such as REAL, STRING, BOOLEAN, or ARRAY. Arguments and Parameters
: Macros can be written in a generalized form using parameters for dimensions or part numbers, allowing users to input specific values only at runtime. Legacy Compatibility : The traditional
mechanism for invoking macros remains available, and most existing PML code from older versions (like PDMS) works unmodified. Advanced Customization Capabilities UI Form Design
: You can create custom graphical forms, gadgets, and menus using PML to overcome limitations of standard software interfaces. System Integration
: Macros can be used to export data to external formats, such as generating
(for Navisworks) or importing Excel files directly into E3D tables. Error Handling
: Advanced macros use error-handling blocks to manage cases where selected elements lack specific attributes, such as missing "P points" on a model. PML Rehash : A critical administrative feature where the PML rehash
command is used to scan libraries and register new macro files or forms in the system index. AVEVA Learning Academy Typical Use Cases Bulk Modeling
: Automating the creation of repetitive structures like tanks, holes, or gratings.
: Generating custom reports for missing components or verifying model weights. Workflow Optimization
: Using tools like "Quick Macro" to manage and sort frequently used scripts for daily design tasks.
AVEVA E3D macros are primarily written using PML (Programmable Macro Language), the same engine used in its predecessor, PDMS. Macros allow you to automate repetitive tasks, create custom forms, and extend the software's native capabilities. 1. Getting Started with PML
Macros in E3D are typically saved as .pmlmac or simple .txt files containing a series of command lines.
Variable Types: Use STRING, REAL, BOOLEAN, or ARRAY to store data.
Basic Syntax: Commands are generally written exactly as they would be typed into the Command Window.
Comments: Use $( ... $) for block comments or $-- for single-line comments to document your code. 2. Creating and Running a Macro
Write the Code: Open a text editor (like Notepad++ or VS Code) and type your sequence of E3D commands.
Save the File: Save it to a directory included in your PML Search Path (defined by the PMLLIB environment variable). aveva e3d macros
Register the File: If you added a new file to the PML library, run the command PML REHASH in E3D to refresh the index.
Execute: Run the macro by typing $M /C:\path\to\yourmacro.txt or simply the filename if it is in your search path. 3. Key Automation Concepts
Collections & Filters: Use COLLECT commands to gather specific elements (e.g., all Pipes or Valves) into a list for bulk modification.
Forms & Menus: You can design custom GUI windows using setup form !!MyForm to give users a visual interface for your automation.
Error Handling: Use handle ANY blocks to prevent the macro from crashing if a command fails during execution. 4. Helpful Resources
Official Documentation: Look for the "Software Customization Reference Manual" within your AVEVA installation folder or on the AVEVA Support Portal.
Community Snippets: Sites like 3D Software Customization offer free sample macros for learning tasks like clash detection or attribute modification.
Video Tutorials: Brief visual guides for setting up productivity tools can be found on YouTube. E3D Productivity : Quick Macro
Unlocking the Power of Aveva E3D Macros: A Comprehensive Guide
In the world of engineering and design, software tools play a crucial role in streamlining workflows, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation. One such powerful tool is Aveva E3D, a cutting-edge 3D design and engineering solution widely used in various industries, including oil and gas, power, and marine. To further extend the capabilities of E3D, Aveva E3D macros come into play, offering users a way to automate repetitive tasks, customize their workflow, and unlock new levels of efficiency. In this article, we will delve into the world of Aveva E3D macros, exploring their benefits, applications, and best practices for implementation.
What are Aveva E3D Macros?
Aveva E3D macros are small programs or scripts that can be created and used within the E3D environment to automate tasks, modify data, and interact with the software's various components. These macros are typically written in a programming language, such as Visual Basic (VB) or C#, and can be used to perform a wide range of functions, from simple data manipulation to complex geometric calculations.
Benefits of Using Aveva E3D Macros
The use of Aveva E3D macros offers numerous benefits to designers, engineers, and organizations, including:
Common Applications of Aveva E3D Macros
Aveva E3D macros can be applied to a variety of tasks and industries, including:
Creating and Using Aveva E3D Macros
To create and use Aveva E3D macros, users typically follow these steps:
Best Practices for Aveva E3D Macros
To get the most out of Aveva E3D macros, users should follow best practices, including:
Conclusion
Aveva E3D macros offer a powerful way to extend the capabilities of E3D, automating tasks, customizing workflows, and driving innovation. By understanding the benefits, applications, and best practices for creating and using macros, users can unlock new levels of efficiency, productivity, and collaboration. Whether you are a seasoned E3D user or just starting to explore the world of macros, this article has provided a comprehensive guide to getting started with Aveva E3D macros.
Unlocking Efficiency: A Beginner’s Guide to AVEVA E3D Macros If you’ve spent any significant time in AVEVA E3D Design You don't need to be a programmer to benefit from E3D macros
, you know that repetitive tasks are the silent killers of productivity. Whether it’s renaming hundreds of elements or consistently setting up complex equipment, doing it manually is a recipe for boredom—and errors. The solution?
. In E3D, macros allow you to bundle sequences of commands into a single executable file, turning minutes of clicking into seconds of processing. What Exactly is an AVEVA E3D Macro? At its simplest, a macro is a text file (usually with a
extension) containing a list of commands that you would normally type into the Command Line. When you run the macro, E3D executes these lines in order. For more advanced logic, E3D uses PML (Programmable Macro Language)
. While basic macros follow a linear path, PML allows for loops, "if-then" logic, and custom user forms. Why You Should Start Using Macros Today Consistency:
Ensure every designer on your team follows the same naming conventions or modeling standards.
Automate bulk updates to attributes (UDAs) across entire sites or zones. Eliminate the "human element" in tedious data entry tasks. How to Write Your First Macro
You don’t need a specialized IDE to start. A simple text editor like works perfectly—you can even find PML syntax highlighters online to make the code easier to read. A simple example:
Imagine you want to create a standard equipment primitive and set its color. Your macro file might look like this: NEW BOX XLEN 1000 YLEN 1000 ZLEN 1000 COLOUR RED Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Running Your Macros
Once your file is saved, you can run it inside E3D by typing followed by the file path in the command window: $m /C:/Macros/MyFirstMacro.mac Pro Tip: Record to Learn
If you aren't sure what the command syntax is for a specific action, use the Command Logger
. Perform the action manually in the 3D canvas, and watch the Command Line or log file to see exactly what code E3D generated. Copy, paste, and tweak that code into your macro! Moving Beyond the Basics Once you’re comfortable with basic files, explore
to create custom UI buttons and forms. This turns your scripts into professional tools that anyone on your project can use with a single click. Ready to automate your workflow?
Start by identifying the one task you hate doing manually every day—that’s your first macro candidate. Do you have a specific PML logic problem custom form you're trying to build in E3D right now?
The "story" of AVEVA E3D macros is essentially the history and evolution of the Programmable Macro Language (PML), the engine that has powered customization for decades. It is the bridge between a standard 3D design tool and a high-efficiency engineering powerhouse. The Evolution: From Simple Commands to PML2
In the early days of PDMS (the predecessor to E3D), macros were simple text files containing lists of commands. You would record a series of mouse clicks and keyboard entries, save them as a .mac file, and replay them using the $M command.
As plant designs became more complex, AVEVA introduced PML2, a more powerful object-oriented language. This allowed users to:
Build Logic: Use "If-Then-Else" statements and loops to make decisions within the model.
Create UI: Design custom forms and buttons so users don't have to type long strings of code.
Interact with Data: Directly query and modify 3D attributes like pipe sizes, coordinates, or materials. How They Are Used Today
In AVEVA E3D Design, macros are no longer just for "shortcuts"; they are used to automate entire workflows: AVEVA™ Engineering - Macros
The world of AVEVA E3D is often one of rigid coordinates and strict engineering specs, but behind every massive industrial plant model is a "story" written in Programmable Macro Language (PML)
. Here is a story of how a single macro saved a project from certain doom. The Midnight "Clash"
It was 11:00 PM on a Friday. The deadline for the $2 billion refinery project was Monday morning, and the Lead Piping Designer, Sarah, just received the worst news: the structural team had shifted the main pipe rack by 150mm to the east. Stop modeling one beam at a time
In the 3D model, thousands of pipes were now "clashing"—intersecting through steel beams like ghosts. Manually moving each pipe, nozzle, and support would take weeks. Enter the Macro: "The Great Realignment" Sarah didn't panic. She opened her Command Window and reached for her secret weapon: a custom file she had written months ago called RackShift.txt
While others saw a disaster, the macro saw a series of logic steps: Identify the Targets
: It scanned the database for all elements within the "Zone" of the rack. Calculate the Delta : Using variables like !!deltaX = 150 , it prepared the movement. Execute the Move
: With a single command loop, it iterated through every pipe branch, equipment primitive, and support, shifting them exactly 150mm East. The Result
Sarah dragged the file into the E3D window. The screen flickered as the macro processed thousands of lines of data. Five minutes later, the model explorer refreshed. The pipes were perfectly aligned with the new steel. No clashes. No errors. She ran a final Simple Report to verify the new coordinates and exported an
for the morning review. By midnight, she was heading home, leaving her teammates to wonder if she was a wizard or just very good at PML. Want to write your own "Stories"?
If you're looking to automate your own E3D workflows, here are the essential building blocks: The Command Window
: Your stage. This is where you call macros using the syntax $m C:\Path\YourMacro.txt PML (Programmable Macro Language)
: Your script. You can use it to create custom forms, automate reporting, and even handle complex math like pipe slopes. Generalized Forms
: Use parameters instead of fixed numbers so your macro can handle different "stories" (like a 150mm shift today and a 300mm shift tomorrow). E3D Command Techniques and Tips | PDF - Scribd
Here’s a LinkedIn-style post you can use or adapt for sharing about AVEVA E3D macros:
🚀 Boost Your AVEVA E3D Productivity with Macros
If you’re still repeating the same design tasks manually in AVEVA E3D, you’re leaving efficiency on the table.
Macros in E3D aren’t just shortcuts — they’re game changers.
✅ Automate repetitive modeling sequences
✅ Standardize equipment & structural placement
✅ Reduce human error in routine commands
✅ Cut design time by 30–50%
Example macro use cases:
Pro tip: Combine macros with E3D’s PML for even more power — conditional logic, loops, and custom dialogs.
Are you using macros in your E3D workflow? Share your favorite below 👇
#AVEVA #E3D #PlantDesign #Automation #PML #Macros #EngineeringEfficiency
| Feature | Macro (.mac) | PML Function | .NET Plugin | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Complexity | Low (Sequential) | Medium | High (Full OOP) | | Recording | Yes (Native) | No | No | | Error Handling | Limited | Advanced | Full Try-Catch | | Best For | Batch operations, Standard positioning | Custom forms, Logic flows | Deep integrations |
For most designers, macros offer the best balance of simplicity and power.
Let's build a practical macro that creates a vertical vessel shell.
Let’s start simple. Open Notepad and create a file called create_column.mac.
-- Create a standard UC column at origin
NEW COLU
SPREF "UC-203X203X46"
POS E 0 N 0 U 0
XLEN 5000
CONN HEAD
CONN TAIL
CREATE
FINISH
How to run it:
Place the file in your E3D project directory (or a folder defined in your PMLLIB path). In the E3D command line, type:
MACRO create_column
Boom. A column appears. But that’s just the starting point.