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
Macros in AVEVA Everything3D (E3D) are powerful automation scripts designed to streamline design tasks, reduce repetitive work, and enhance project efficiency aveva e3d macros
. By utilizing PML (Programmable Macro Language), users can automate complex 3D modeling, modifications, and drawing production within the E3D environment. ASTS Global Core Features of AVEVA E3D Macros PML Automation (Programmable Macro Language):
Macros use PML to perform automated tasks, which can range from simple design changes to complex procedures that would take hours to do manually. Command Line Interaction:
Macros allow users to run commands directly from a text file, allowing for the automation of command-line sequences that are commonly used, such as show !!TDSmacassist to access macro assistance. Workflow Efficiency:
Macros reduce manual input, helping to minimize design errors and significantly increase productivity, particularly in high-precision, detailed 3D modeling projects. PML Rehash Command: PML REHASH
command is a key feature used to update the PML index, allowing the system to recognize new macro files instantly without restarting the application. Customizable User Directory:
Users can define and switch between different PML directories ( PDMS user directory ) to organize their macros effectively. How to Use E3D Macros (Simple Workflow) Create a Text File: Write the desired commands in a plain text file. Register Macros: Use the command PML REHASH
in the E3D command window to update the macro library and recognize the new file. Run Macros: show !!TDSmacassist
to open the Macro Assistant, then click on the required file from the list to execute the commands. Directory Selection:
The macro assistant allows navigating to specific folders to choose macros, with an option to refresh the library. Benefits of E3D Macros Error Reduction: Automating repetitive tasks leads to fewer human errors. Increased Productivity: Here’s a LinkedIn-style post you can use or
Enables faster design turnaround for complex plant projects. Consistency:
Ensures that repetitive tasks (like structural modeling or piping placement) follow the same standard, as described in. ASTS Global
Let's build a practical macro that creates a vertical vessel shell.
At its core, an E3D macro is a plain text file (usually with a .mac extension) containing a series of Design Data Language (DDL) or PML (Programmable Macro Language) commands.
When you execute a macro, E3D reads the file line-by-line, interpreting each command as if a user typed it directly into the command line.
While macros are excellent, they have a limit: they run synchronously. If your macro tries to delete an element that doesn't exist, it stops.
For complex tools, you should convert your macro logic into a PML Form (Dialog box). But for 90% of daily automation—creating ladders, standard equipment, pipe supports, or drawing borders—E3D Macros are the most efficient tool in your belt.
.mac) containing E3D command language (PML or simple command syntax).%E3D_PROJECT%\MACROS\ or a user-defined path.MACRO RECORD / MACRO STOP)Build a macro that presents a text menu:
PML TEXT '1. Create Vessel'
PML TEXT '2. Create Pipe Support'
PML TEXT '3. Run Clash Report'
DEFINE CHOICE PROMPT 'Enter choice: '
IF (CHOICE EQ 1) THEN $M create_vessel.mac ENDIF
Macros are fantastic, but they have limits (no IF/ELSE logic natively unless you write PML inside the macro). 🚀 Boost Your AVEVA E3D Productivity with Macros
When your macro starts looking like this:
IF (!DIAMETER > 5000) THEN
$M special_foundation.mac
ELSE
$M standard_foundation.mac
ENDIF
…you are no longer writing a macro. You are writing PML (Programmable Macro Language).
Progression Path:
.mac files with arguments.FORM CREATE).Learn macros first. They are the gateway to mastering E3D automation.
| Action | Command |
|-------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Start recording | MACRO RECORD <name> |
| Stop recording | MACRO STOP |
| Play macro | MACRO PLAY <name> |
| Set macro folder | MACRO PATH 'D:\my_macros' |
| Show macro list | MACRO LIST |
Title: Unlocking Productivity: A Deep Dive into AVEVA E3D Macros
Subtitle: Automate repetitive tasks, enforce design standards, and slash modeling time with custom command scripting.
Reading Time: 4 minutes
If you have spent any significant time in AVEVA E3D (formerly PDMS), you know the drill. You repeat the same sequence of commands: NEW CE, CONN HEAD, SPREF O:100, CREATE. Over and over again. It is accurate, but it is slow.
Enter E3D Macros – the oldest, yet most underutilized, productivity booster in the software.
A macro is simply a text file (.txt or .mac) containing a list of native E3D commands. When you run the macro, E3D executes each line sequentially as if you typed it yourself. But when done right, macros are not just about speed; they are about standardization and error reduction.