🔗 Related Software

Compare with similar tools in this category:

Software profile · AVEVA

AVEVA Everything3D

AVEVA's high-end process plant and marine 3D design platform, optimized for huge coordinated piping projects.

At a glance

VendorAVEVA
First released2012 (descendant of PDMS from 1976)
Current release trackAVEVA E3D Design 3.1 (continuous enterprise updates)
Licensing modelCorporate contract enterprise subscriptions. Controlled token pools.
PlatformsWindows (64-bit)
Native / common formatsDatabases (native), DWG, DGN, STEP, IFC, SDNF (structural)
Typical domainsOil & gas process plants, Power generation plants, Shipbuilding and offshore rigs, Heavy chemical facility layouts, Mining infrastructure
Common alternativesIntergraph Smart 3D, Bentley OpenPlant, Autodesk Plant 3D

What it is

AVEVA Everything3D is a leading industry-standard CAD/BIM package developed by AVEVA. It specializes in highly demanding workflows inside its primary market segment, providing designers with powerful tools to coordinate files, execute commands, and output precise deliverables.

Where it is used

Used globally by leading engineering and design firms in Oil & gas process plants and Power generation plants. It is the default baseline tool for teams that require high reliability and seamless supply chain integration.

Learning curve and getting started

The learning curve is moderate, taking approximately 2-4 weeks to become fluent with standard commands, and up to 3 months for advanced customized workflows or database management integrations.

Licensing reality

Licensed as Corporate contract enterprise subscriptions. Controlled token pools.. Pricing and configurations scale with organization size and feature needs.

Ecosystem and extensions

Tight integration with related tools. Includes robust developer APIs, community plug-in libraries, and standard import/export formats that ensure full interoperability across design stages.

Common pitfalls and misconceptions

Reference tracking failures on parameter modifications. Careless geometry changes without constraint checks can corrupt drawings.

Over-customization overhead. Loading too many unverified third-party addons can cause stability issues on startup.

Mismatched export profiles. Choosing incorrect template values when exporting to universal formats leads to property losses.

When to use vs. alternatives

Use AVEVA Everything3D when your clients or projects require full compatibility with the AVEVA ecosystem and your teams are trained in its workflow. Choose alternatives like AutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS when budget constraints are primary or complexity is overkill.

Recommended learning path

  1. Week 1 — Interface. Master workspace navigation, menus, basic drafting commands, and template configuration.
  2. Week 2 — Modeling. Familiarize with core parameters, geometric constraints, and standard modeling operations.
  3. Week 3 — Outputs. Create paper layouts, dimensions, view projections, and export formats.
  4. Week 4 — Customization. Configure custom macros, keyboard shortcuts, and explore intermediate API scripts.

Core terminology & workflows (15)

Atomic concepts our editors broke out from official documentation and real practice. Each is a standalone, linkable definition with sources.

Frequently asked questions (15)

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Spec-Driven Piping Design?

Route piping by selecting from project-approved specifications (pipe class, schedule, material). E3D auto-populates fittings, valves, and gaskets from the spec catalog at each connection point. Run 'Spec Check' after routing to flag any out-of-spec substitutions. Update specs centrally—affected routes highlight automatically.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Laser Data & Point Clouds?

Import laser scan data (.rcp/.pts) as navigable point clouds for brownfield modeling. Align scans to E3D coordinates using survey targets. Use 'Snap to Cloud' for accurate placement of new equipment against existing structures. Hide cloud regions selectively to reduce display overhead in dense plants.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Bubble View?

Generate Bubble Views (spherical panoramas) from strategic plant locations for operator training and field verification. Link bubble viewpoints to the 3D model for quick navigation. Export as standalone HTML packages for stakeholders without E3D access. Update views after model changes for current-state documentation.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Clash Detection & Clearance?

Run clash detection between disciplines (structural vs MEP, architecture vs structure). Set tolerance thresholds per clash type—5mm for hard clashes, 50mm for clearance issues. Use clash groupings to batch related issues. Export BCF reports for coordination meetings with external teams.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Draft Workbench?

Run clash detection between all disciplines (piping, structural, electrical, HVAC). Define clearance rules per pair: 150mm pipe-to-steel, 300mm for maintenance access. Assign clash owners and track resolution status. Re-run incrementally after fixes—use 'New Clashes Only' filter to focus on unresolved issues.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D AVEVA PML Scripting?

Create 2D deliverables (GA drawings, sections, details) from the 3D model using Draft Workbench. Define drawing templates with standard borders and annotation styles. Views update automatically when the model changes—use 'Drawing Status' to track which sheets need re-issuing after design revisions.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Catalog & Spec Editor?

Write PML (Programmable Macro Language) scripts for custom commands, data queries, and automation. Use PML2 object-oriented syntax for complex tools. Access database attributes via dot notation (e.g., !bore, !spref). Store .pmlcmd files in the shared PMLLIB path for team-wide availability.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Structural Steelwork?

Define project catalogs (geometry + connection data) and specifications (allowable components per fluid class) in the Paragon database. Use the Catalog Editor GUI for bulk operations. Version-control spec changes and notify designers of updates. Test new catalog entries in a sandbox project before production rollout.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Marine Design Module?

Model structural steel using profile sections (I-beams, channels, angles) from standard catalogs (AISC, Eurocode). Define joints automatically at member intersections. Use the Fitting tool for copes, notches, and end preparations. Generate material lists with cut lengths and mark numbers for fabrication.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Cable Design & Routing?

Use the Marine module for hull structure, outfitting, and compartment layout. Define hull form from lines plans or import from NAPA/Maxsurf. Route pipes and cable trays with marine-specific clearance rules accounting for ship motion. Track weight and center of gravity per zone for stability analysis.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D HVAC Ducting Systems?

Route cables by defining from/to equipment connections and selecting cable types from the catalog. E3D finds optimal routes through designated cable tray segments. Check fill ratios (max 40% for power, 50% for control) and bend radii. Generate cable pull schedules with route lengths and drum assignments.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Structural Joints & Plates?

Design HVAC ductwork by selecting duct profiles (rectangular, circular, oval) and routing through designated service corridors. Auto-insert fittings (elbows, tees, reducers) per routing spec. Run pressure drop calculations using integrated sizing tools. Coordinate with structural openings via clash detection.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Multi-User Database Coordination?

Define connection joints (bolted, welded) between steel members using standard detail libraries. Specify plate geometry (gussets, stiffeners, base plates) with hole patterns from the connections catalog. Generate workshop drawings with weld symbols and bolt callouts. Export to CNC for automated plate cutting.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Intelligent Isometric Generation?

E3D supports multi-user concurrent access via database claims. Claim elements before editing to prevent conflicts. Use the 'Claimed By' query to see who owns which areas. Release claims promptly after completing edits. Database administrators can force-release stale claims during coordination meetings.

What is the recommended practice for AVEVA Everything3D Equipment Modeling?

Generate piping isometrics automatically from the 3D model using the Isodraft module. Configure isometric style (long-form, short-form) and BOM format per project. Include weld numbers, spool breaks, and erection sequence data. Regenerate after model changes—track revision clouds on updated isometrics.

All AVEVA Everything3D FAQs ›

⚡ Software Guide Self-Test

Verify your high-level understanding of AVEVA Everything3D to sync with your learning track progress.

Question 1

When evaluating AVEVA Everything3D for your design workflow, which of the following is a primary consideration?

Sources & further reading

Continue exploring

Article text is original commentary by Gstarcademy editors. External documentation is linked, not republished. Vendor names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.