SmartPlant Symbol Editor

User's Guide

Version 2014 Service Pack 1 (4.0.1)

February 2014

DISO-PE-200015D-UPDATED
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2 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

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SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 3

4 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide
Contents
Preface.......................................................................................................................................................... 7
What's New in SmartPlant Symbol Editor ............................................................................................... 7

SmartPlant Symbol Editor .......................................................................................................................... 9

Explore the Interface .............................................................................................................................11

SmartPlant Symbol Editor Workflow .......................................................................................................13

SmartPlant Symbol Editor Common Tasks ..........................................................................................13

Getting Started.......................................................................................................................................... .15

Log in to a project .................................................................................................................................15
Select Project Dialog Box .....................................................................................................................16

Redefine Symbols .................................................................................................................................... .17

Establish the basis for a new symbol ....................................................................................................19
Define symbol properties ......................................................................................................................21
Draw a basic symbol .............................................................................................................................21
Define symbol shape with the Draw Line command ......................................................................22
Define symbol shape with the Draw Rectangle command .............................................................23
Define symbol shape with the Draw Circle command ....................................................................24
Define symbol shape with the Draw Ellipse command ..................................................................25
New Symbol Dialog Box .......................................................................................................................25
Properties Dialog Box ...........................................................................................................................25

Transform Symbols ...................................................................................................................................27

Modify symbol shapes ..........................................................................................................................27
Add a tapping point ...............................................................................................................................29
Mirror a symbol .................................................................................................................................... .29
Group and ungroup a symbol ...............................................................................................................29

Import and Export Symbols .....................................................................................................................31

Import a symbol library..........................................................................................................................31
Export symbol data ...............................................................................................................................32
Export ISOGEN symbols ......................................................................................................................32
Clear symbol data .................................................................................................................................33

Save Custom Symbols ..............................................................................................................................35

Save symbol data..................................................................................................................................35

Cut, Copy, and Paste Symbols Between SKEYs ....................................................................................37

Copy and paste symbols.......................................................................................................................38
Cut and paste symbols .........................................................................................................................38

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 5

Contents

Index .......................................................................................................................................................... .39

6 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

Preface
®
This document is a user's guide for SmartPlant Symbol Editor and provides conceptual
information and procedural instructions for creating new or editing existing XML-based or
®
ISOGEN ASCII symbols files for use in isometric drawings. The content is identical to the
online Help that is delivered as part of the SmartPlant Symbol Editor software.
®
Intergraph gives you permission to print as many copies of this document as you need for
non-commercial use at your company. You cannot reprint this document for resale or
redistribution outside your company.
We welcome comments or suggestions about this documentation. You can send us an email at:
PPMdoc@intergraph.com.
Documentation updates for supported software versions are available from eCustomer
(https://www.crmweb.intergraph.com).

What's New in SmartPlant Symbol Editor

The following changes have been made to SmartPlant Symbol Editor.
Version 2014 Service Pack 1 (4.0.1)
 No functional enhancements have been made to the software in Version 2014 Service Pack
1.
Version 2014 (4.0)
 No functional enhancements have been made to the software in Version 2014.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 7

Preface

8 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

SECTION 1

SmartPlant Symbol Editor

SmartPlant Symbol Editor provides a user-friendly interface in which you can easily create
new or modify existing XML-based or ASCII symbol files for use in ISOGEN drawings. The
software allows you to graphically define and modify a component, and save it to an XML-
based file or export the redefined symbol to an ISOGEN ASCII file so that it can be used in
your generated isometric drawings.

Understanding SKEYs
All components generated by ISOGEN are defined by a two to four character code called an
SKEY, or symbol key. The first two characters define the type of component, such as globe
valve or concentric reducer, and the last two characters define the end type, such as flanged,
butt welded, or screwed. For example, the SKEY VGFL denotes a flanged (FL) globe valve
(VG). You can specify an appropriate end condition by replacing the ** characters in the SKEY
with one of the set of characters listed in the table below.

SKEY Characters End Condition

BW Butt Weld

CP Compression

SW Socket Weld

FL Flanged

SC Screwed

PL Plain End

LN Liner Nut

LC Liner / Clamp

LR Reducing Liner / Nut

MP Male Part

PF Push Fit

GL Glued

CL Clamped

FA Flared

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 9

SmartPlant Symbol Editor

SKEY Characters End Condition

BS / SB Ball and Socket (used on fixed length type pipe work)

GF Gland (used on fixed length type pipe work)

 Components such as miter bends and pulled bends can have special characters in the
SKEY to affect its shape, as detailed below.
 To denote the number of segments, replace the At sign (@) in the SKEY with an integer
value in the range 1 to 9, inclusive.
 To denote the bend radius, replace the Plus sign (+) in the SKEY with an integer value
in the range 1 to 9, inclusive. This is for identification only and is not used for pipe length
calculations.
 For more information about the ISOGEN SKEY library, see ISOGEN Symbol Key
Definitions Reference Guide. You can access this document using the Help > Printable
Guides command in the software.
See Also
Explore the Interface (on page 11)
Redefine Symbols (on page 17)
Import and Export Symbols (on page 31)

10 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

 SmartPlant Symbol Editor

Explore the Interface

The SmartPlant Symbol Editor window is shown in the figure below.

1 - Menu Bar
Provides access to such commands as importing and exporting symbols, turning on and off
the display of the Library Explorer, and drawing tools. Click the name of a menu to display
the commands it contains.

2 - Toolbar
Provides a single toolbar that provides quick and easy access to commonly used
commands. The toolbar is an alternative to using menu items.

3 - Library Explorer
Displays a hierarchical list of the all the symbols, including system and custom symbols,
that exist in the active isometric project or symbol library.

 Use View > Show System Data to toggle on and off the display of system symbols, leaving
only customized symbols.
 Use View > Library Explorer to show and hide the Library Explorer.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 11

SmartPlant Symbol Editor

Components are organized by group, and then further broken down into component types. Click
the Plus (+) or Minus (–) icons to open and close the tree nodes.

4 - Edit Window
Displays a graphical representation of the currently selected symbol. It is also the working space
where a new symbol is drawn and where an existing symbol is modified. The Preview box in
the upper-right corner of the Edit window displays a real-time view of the symbol as you work on
it.

5 - Status Bar
Displays information about the current pen type, isometric directory, and isometric project.
The status bar also displays informative command-specific text.
Not all 2D drawing generation or 3D design tools require that you be logged in to a
project. If no active isometric directory or isometric project exists, the status bar displays None,
as shown in the figure below.

12 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

SECTION 2

SmartPlant Symbol Editor Workflow

Customized symbols that you create in SmartPlant Symbol Editor must be based on a symbol
that already exists. To establish this basis, which includes defining a symbol key, you can use
the library of ISOGEN symbols delivered with the software, or you can import your own symbol
library. After the symbol key and other properties have been defined, the next step is to draw
the basic symbol shape. Features such as insulation and tapping points can also be added.
The final step in creating a custom symbol depends on the software with which it is going to be
used. For project-based software tools, the custom symbol must be saved to the active project.
It then becomes immediately available for editing and output on the isometric drawing. Other
software tools require that the symbol definitions be stored in an ASCII symbols file.
Most 3D design tools support customized symbols in ASCII format. For information
about how to configure your software to use an ASCII file, refer to the documentation delivered
with that product.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor Common Tasks

The following tasks are used frequently when you redefine symbols.

Import Symbols
Import an XML-based symbol library so that it can be modified and re-saved or exported to an
ASCII file. For more information, see Import a symbol library (on page 31).

Redefine ISOGEN Symbols

Create a new symbol based on an existing ISOGEN symbol.
Establish the basis for a new symbol (on page 19)
Define symbol properties (on page 21)
Draw a basic symbol (on page 21)
Copy and paste symbols (on page 37)
Cut and paste symbols (on page 38)

Transform Symbols
Add and remove symbol points to change the shape of a symbol or add features such as
tapping points.
Modify symbol shapes (on page 27)
Add a tapping point (on page 29)

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 13

SmartPlant Symbol Editor Workflow

Export Symbol Library

Symbol libraries can be kept on disk in either ASCII or XML format. Most 3D design tools and
some 2D isometric drawing generation tools require that you generate an ISOGEN symbol
file before you can use a redefined symbol.
Export symbol data (on page 32)
Export ISOGEN symbols (on page 32)

Save to the Current Project

Project-based software tools require that the redefined symbol be saved to the current project.
Afterwards, the software tool is able to read the symbol data in the project XML file and
display the redefined symbols during the creation and editing of the piping object data file.
Save symbol data (on page 35)

14 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

SECTION 3

Getting Started
In a project-based environment, redefined symbol data is stored in a Project XML file. Before
you create a new symbol or modify an existing one, you must first log in to an I-Configure
project. Afterwards, the software remembers the project, so you do not need to log in again.
Not all software tools require that you be logged in to a project.

Select Project Dialog Box (on page 16)

See Also
Log In to a Project (on page 15)
Redefine Symbols (on page 17)
Save Custom Symbols (on page 35)

Log in to a project
This procedure is necessary only for project-based software tools, such as
SmartPlant Isometrics or SmartPlant Spoolgen.
Selecting a project is typically a one-time action. Because the software remembers the project
to which the file set is attached from one session to the next, you do not need to re-select the
project to re-establish the connection.
1. Click File > Select Project.
2. In the Select Project dialog box, click the project name and then click OK.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 15

Getting Started

Select Project Dialog Box

Allows you to specify the I-Configure project with which you want to connect. Project-based
software requires that you connect to a project before you can work with any piping data files.
As such, all piping engineers working on the pipeline model log in to the same project, thus
ensuring consistency of drawing and report deliverables.
Isometric directory - Lists the isometric directories that exist on the local computer. An
isometric directory represents any folder designated to contain one or more projects. Isometric
directories are created using I-Configure. For more information, see Isometric Directories in
the I-Configure User’s Guide.
Project List - Lists the isometric projects that are available in the selected isometric directory. A
project represents a set of styles and associated data used by ISOGEN to create specific types
of drawings and reports. Projects are created using I-Configure. For more information, see
Isometric Projects in the I-Configure User’s Guide.
You can access the I-Configure User’s Guide using the Help > Printable Guides
command in the I-Configure software.

16 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

SECTION 4

Redefine Symbols
In SmartPlant Symbol Editor, a customized symbol is a redefinition of an existing symbol. The
first step in creating a new symbol is to decide on which symbol it is to be based. After you
have established this basis, you use the Edit window to draw the shape of the symbol.

Edit Window
The Edit window consists of a drawing grid and a Preview window, located in the upper
right-hand corner. Use the commands on the toolbar and the Symbol menu to draw and refine a
symbol.
The Edit window also consists of several markers--a start point, an exit point, and, optionally, a
spindle connection point. Each new symbol must begin with a start point, which is the first point
that that ISOGEN uses when attaching pipe or other symbols to this one. Likewise, each
symbol must have an end point, which is the exit connection point to which ISOGEN attaches
pipe and other symbols. The spindle connection point defines where the spindle connects to the
symbol.

1 Start connection point

2 Spindle connection point

3 Exit connection point

4 Preview box

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 17

Redefine Symbols

A spindle connection point displays in the Edit window only if you specified a spindle
SKEY in the New Symbol dialog box when you initially defined the symbol.

New Symbol Dialog Box (on page 25)

Properties Dialog Box (on page 25)

What do you want to do?

 Establish the basis for a new symbol (on page 19)
 Define symbol properties (on page 21)
 Draw a basic symbol (on page 21)

18 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

 Redefine Symbols

Establish the basis for a new symbol

Use the New Symbol dialog box to specify the basis for the new symbol and define an SKEY.
Optionally, you can define a spindle SKEY, providing that the original SKEY also has an
SKEY.
1. In the Library Explorer, right-click a component type and then click New Symbol.
Alternatively, select a component type in the Library Explorer and then click Symbol >
New Symbol.
The New Symbol dialog box appears.
2. Type an ISOGEN symbol key in the SKEY box.
If you want to override the existing symbol, then specify the same SKEY as the
original symbol. Some symbols can only be overridden, meaning that OK is not available
until you type the original SKEY.
3. Type a description for the new symbol in the Description box.
4. Use the Original SKEY list to specify the standard symbol on which the new symbol is to
be based.

 The SKEYs that are available are constrained by the component group and type.
 When you select an SKEY, the Preview window displays its corresponding graphical
representation.
5. Select a Spindle SKEY.

 The Spindle SKEY option is available only if the original SKEY supports a spindle.
 The Preview window displays a graphical representation of the standard spindle.
 To remove a spindle SKEY and not replace it, click on the blank space at the top of the
Spindle SKEY list.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 19

Redefine Symbols

6. Click OK.

 In the following figure, a new symbol has been defined, based on an existing butterfly
valve (ZB**). Additionally, a spindle SKEY has been defined for the new symbol. The
Preview windows display graphical representations for both SKEYs.

 When you click OK in the New Symbol dialog box, the Library Explorer updates to display
the new SKEY.

 The Library Explorer uses color to distinguish between system symbols (that have not
been redefined) and customized symbols. System symbols display in black text, whereas
customized symbols display in blue text. Additionally, any component group and
component type that contains a customized symbol also displays in blue text.

20 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

 Redefine Symbols

Define symbol properties

In addition to SKEY data, there are additional symbol properties that you can define.
1. In the Library Explorer, right-click a customized symbol, and click Properties.

 Customized symbols appear as blue text in the Library Explorer.

 Alternatively, you can click a customized symbol in the Library Explorer, and click
Symbol > Properties.
The Properties dialog box appears.
2. Define symbol properties as needed, and click OK.
You can use the same method to view properties for system symbols; however,
property information for a system symbol is read-only and cannot be modified. System
symbols appear as black text in the Library Explorer.

Draw a basic symbol

After you have established the basis for the new symbol and defined its basic properties,
use the Draw commands, located on the Symbol menu and on the toolbar at the top of the
SmartPlant Symbol Editor window, to draw the basic geometric elements (lines, rectangles,
ellipses, and circles) that define the shape of your symbol.

What do you want to do?

 Define symbol shape with the Draw Line command (on page 22)
 Define symbol shape with the Draw Rectangle command (on page 23)
 Define symbol shape with the Draw Circle command (on page 24)
 Define symbol shape with the Draw Ellipse command (on page 25)

 You can add and remove points to modify the symbol shape. For more information, read
Modify symbol shapes (on page 27).
 You can also use the Draw Circle and Draw Ellipse commands to define the shape of your
symbol. In the current version of the software, you create circles and ellipses using a set of
lines rather than a smooth curve. Draw a circle by defining a center point and then dragging
the mouse outwards to define the radius. Draw an ellipse by defining two points that create
a box in which the ellipse fits.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 21

Redefine Symbols

Define symbol shape with the Draw Line command

1. Click Draw Line , or click Symbol > Draw Line.
2. In the Edit window, click the start point and then move the mouse in the direction in which
you want to draw the line.
After a line is started, the software displays a dotted line from the start point of the line to
the current mouse position.
3. Click the point where you want to end the line. This action defines the length and
rotation angle of the line.
4. Drag the mouse away from the second point to draw another line segment and then click
the point where you want to end the current line segment. In the following example, two line
segments have been drawn:

22 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

 Redefine Symbols

5. When you are finished creating the shape of the symbol, press Esc to exit the drawing
command.
The Preview box updates to display the symbol, and, if one was initially specified,
the attached spindle.

Define symbol shape with the Draw Rectangle command

1. Click Draw Rectangle .
The cursor changes to a cross-hair shape .
You can also click Symbol > Draw Rectangle.
2. Click once in the Edit window to define the start point for one corner of the rectangle and
then do the following:
 Drag the mouse down from the start point to define the height.
 Drag the mouse across to define the length.
3. Release the mouse when the rectangle is the width and height that you want.
As you drag out the dimensions of the rectangle, the software displays the outline of the
shape as a dotted line. When you release the mouse, the outline of the rectangle changes
to a solid line, and the Preview box updates to display the current representation of the
symbol.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 23

Redefine Symbols

4. Press Esc to exit drawing mode.

Define symbol shape with the Draw Circle command

The example below shows a basic valve symbol shape.

1. Click Draw Circle . Alternatively, you can click Symbol > Draw Circle.
2. In the Edit window, click once to define a start point and then drag the mouse outwards to
define the radius of the circle.
3. Release the mouse when the radius is the size that you want.
As you drag out the dimension of the circle, the software displays an outline of the shape
as a dotted line. When you release the mouse, the outline of the circle changes to a solid
line and the Preview box updates to display the current representation of the symbol.

4. Press Esc to exit drawing mode.

24 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

 Redefine Symbols

Define symbol shape with the Draw Ellipse command

1. Click Symbol > Draw Ellipse.
2. In the Edit window, click once to define a start point for the ellipse and then drag the mouse
to define the ellipse.
3. Release the mouse when the ellipse is the size and shape that you want.
As you drag out the ellipse, the software displays the outline of the shape as a dotted
line. When you release the mouse, the outline of the ellipse changes to a solid line, and
the Preview box updates to display the current symbol representation.
See Also
Redefine Symbols (on page 17)
Define Symbol Properties (on page 21)
Establish the Basis for a New Symbol (on page 19)

New Symbol Dialog Box

SKEY - Displays a code for the symbol known as a symbol key.
Description - Displays a brief description for the symbol, such as component type.
Original SKEY - Identifies the standard symbol on which the new symbol is based. The SKEY
list is constrained by the component type. When you click an SKEY, the original SKEY Preview
window displays the corresponding graphical representation.
Spindle SKEY - Identifies the spindle to be used with the new symbol. If you select an
Original SKEY that has a spindle, the Spindle SKEY Preview window displays a graphical
representation of the standard spindle. If you want to replace the old spindle key, select one
from the list. If you want to remove a spindle key and not replace it, click the blank at the
beginning of the list.
Copy original symbol graphics - Copies the graphics for the new symbol from the original
SKEY.

Properties Dialog Box

SKEY - Displays the symbol key for the selected component. This field is read-only.
Scale Factor - Increases or decreases the plotted scale proportionally on the isometric
drawing. The default value is 100%. Typing a value greater or less than 100% causes the
symbol to be scaled up or down accordingly.
ISOGEN Record - Specifies which symbol is being redefined when the symbol SKEY
matches an existing SKEY for a different component type. By default, the value is set to 0.
Original SKEY - Identifies the symbol that serves as a basis for the selected symbol.
Spindle SKEY - Defines the standard spindle for a component. Only use this property for
components that have a spindle, such as valves.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 25

Redefine Symbols

Mirror - Specifies how and when a symbol is mirrored. Available options are:
 Reducing - Symbol is of a reducing component. Entry point is the larger end.
 Flow Dependent - Symbol is of a flow dependent component. Flow is from entry to exit.
 Flanged End - Symbol has one flanged end. Entry point is the flanged end.
Flow Arrow - Controls the generation of an associated flow arrow that can be optionally plotted
alongside various components to indicate the fluid flow direction in the pipeline. This is only
used on inline components, such as valves.
Dimensioning - Controls the generation of a dimension across the component on the isometric.
This is only used on certain in-line components, such as valves.
Orientation - Controls the direction in which the symbol is drawn. This option applies only
to certain components, such as supports. Specify one of the following:
 None - Symbol is drawn along the pipe.
 Always Vertical - Symbol is always drawn vertical.
 All Primary - Symbol copied and drawn in each primary direction (U/D, N/S, E/W).
 User Defined - Direction is controlled by an attribute of the component.

26 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

SECTION 5

Transform Symbols
Using the commands on the Symbol menu, you can easily change the shape of a symbol or
add features such as tapping points.

What do you want to do?

 Modify symbol shapes (on page 27)
 Add a tapping point (on page 29)
 Mirror a symbol (on page 29)
 Group and ungroup a symbol (on page 29)

Modify symbol shapes

You can add and remove symbol points to modify the shape of a customized symbol.
The example below shows a basic rectangular shape as it appears in the Edit window.

1. Click the symbol shape in the Edit window to select it.

2. Right-click the symbol between the start connection point and the end of the first line
segment, and click Add Point.
The small green circle represents the start connection point.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 27

Transform Symbols

3. Drag the point in towards the spindle connection point so that the symbol resembles the
one shown in the example below.

4. Right-click the symbol shape between the exit connection point and the third line
segment, and click Add Point.
5. Draw the point in towards the spindle connection point so that the symbol shape resembles
the example below.

To remove a symbol point, right-click the point and then click Delete Point.

28 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

 Transform Symbols

Add a tapping point

In addition to drawing lines and shapes to define symbol, you can also place tapping points.
When placing tapping points, it is helpful to imagine vertical and horizontal axes through
the middle of the symbol.
The software allows you to place up to nine tapping points according to the following
rules:
 No more than three tapping points can be on the vertical axis
 No more than three tapping points can be to the left of the vertical axis
 No more than three tapping points can be to the right of the vertical axis
 No more than three tapping points can be on the horizontal axis
 No more than three tapping points can be to the left of the horizontal axis
 No more than three tapping points can be to the right of the horizontal axis
1. In the Edit window, click the symbol to select it.
2. Click Symbol > Add > Tap Point.
3. Click a point on the symbol to place the tap point.
SmartPlant Symbol Editor does not perform any rule-checking regarding
tapping point placement.

Mirror a symbol
You can use the Reflect commands to flip the selected shape either horizontally or
vertically.
1. In the Edit window, select the symbol you want to mirror.
2. Click Symbol > Reflect, and click Horizontal or Vertical from the sub-menu.
Alternatively, you can right-click a symbol in the Edit window and then click the
appropriate Reflect command in the menu that displays.

Group and ungroup a symbol

Group a symbol
The Group command converts a select set of individual lines into a geometric shape.
1. Click Select .
2. In the Edit window, click the symbol shape you want to group.
3. Click Symbol > Group.
Alternatively, you can right-click the select set you want to convert and then click
Group.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 29

Transform Symbols

Ungroup a symbol
The Ungroup command allows you to convert a geometric shape into a set of individual lines.
For example, you can convert a rectangle into four individual lines.
1. In the Edit window, click the symbol shape you want to ungroup.
2. Click Symbol > Ungroup.
Alternatively, you can right-click the symbol shape you want to ungroup and then click
Ungroup.

30 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

SECTION 6

Import and Export Symbols

When working with a project-based software tool, you can import XML-based and ISOGEN
ASCII symbol files so that they become part of the active project. The export feature allows you
to keep your customized symbol library in an XML- or ASCII-based file format.
In a non-project based environment, symbols that you create with SmartPlant Symbol Editor
must be exported to an XML- or ASCII-based file. These symbol libraries can, in turn, be
imported into SmartPlant Symbol Editor so that individual symbols can be modified and then
saved. To use any symbols that you define in SmartPlant Symbol Editor on an isometric
drawing generated in a third party 3D design tool, they must be exported to an ISOGEN ASCII
symbol file.

What do you want to do?

 Import a symbol library (on page 31)
 Export symbol data (on page 32)
 Export ISOGEN symbols (on page 32)
 Clear symbol data (on page 33)

Import a symbol library

1. Click File > Import.
2. In the Open dialog box, use the Files of type list to specify the type of file you want to
import.
3. Use the Look in list to navigate to the symbol library, and click Open.
SmartPlant Symbol Editor imports the symbol library and updates the display of symbols
in the Library Explorer accordingly.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 31

Import and Export Symbols

The Library Explorer displays the component group and component type labels for
custom symbols in blue text. The example below shows the Library Explorer as it appears
with no custom symbols (1) and with custom symbols (2).

Export symbol data

1. Click File > Export.
2. In the Save As dialog box, use the Save in list to navigate to the required location.
3. In the File name box, type a name for the XML-based symbol file.
4. Click Save.

Export ISOGEN symbols

Most 3D design tools support customized symbols that are in ASCII format. To use the
symbols that you define in SmartPlant Symbol Editor for isometric drawing generation in a 3D
design tool, you must generate an ISOGEN ASCII symbol file.
1. Click File > Export ISOGEN Symbols.
2. In the Save As dialog box, use the Save in list to navigate to the required location.
3. In the File name box, type a name for the ASCII file.
4. Click Save.
For information about configuring your software to use custom symbols, refer to
the documentation delivered with that product.

32 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

 Import and Export Symbols

Clear symbol data

You can clear the Library Explorer tree of all custom symbols.
 Click File > Clear All.
The software removes all custom symbols from the Library Explorer tree.

 If you are connected to a project, Clear All removes all of the custom symbols from the
active project.
 To reverse this action, click Undo

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 33

Import and Export Symbols

34 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

SECTION 7

Save Custom Symbols

Before you can use a custom symbol or one that you have modified with a project-based
software tool, it must be saved to the current project. After you save a symbol, it is
automatically available in the software and can be used in the pipeline model, presuming, of
course, that you are connected to the same project.

Save symbol data

 Click Save to Project . Alternatively, click File > Save to Project.

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 35

Save Custom Symbols

36 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

SECTION 8

Cut, Copy, and Paste Symbols Between

SKEYs
You can cut, copy, and paste the symbols that you create to quickly create other customized
symbols. This technique saves you time by eliminating the need to re-create basic shapes
for symbols that already exists.

Copying and Pasting Symbols

When you select a symbol and click Copy , the software places a copy on the SmartPlant
Symbol Editor internal clipboard. Then, when you click Paste , the symbol is placed in the
Edit window of the SKEY you specify. The shape of the symbol does not change from its
original form.

Cutting and Deleting Symbols

You can move symbols from one SKEY to another using the Cut command. As with the Copy
command, the symbol is placed on the SmartPlant Symbol Editor internal clipboard. You can
then place the symbol in the Edit window of a different SKEY.
If you do not Paste the symbol after cutting it, it is permanently removed from the
project.
You can permanently remove a symbol by selecting it and then clicking the Delete command.

What do you want to do?

 Copy and paste symbols (on page 37)
 Cut and paste symbols (on page 38)

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 37

Cut, Copy, and Paste Symbols Between SKEYs

Copy and paste symbols

1. In the Library Explorer, double-click the SKEY of the symbol you want to copy

2. In the Edit window, click the symbol and then click Copy .
You can also click Edit > Copy, or press CTRL+C.
3. Using the Library Explorer, open the Edit window in which you want to paste the contents
of the clipboard and then click Paste .

 You can also click Edit > Paste, or press CTRL+V.

 To open the Edit window, double-click an SKEY.

Cut and paste symbols

1. In the Library Explorer, double-click the SKEY of the symbol you want to use.
2. In the Edit window, click the symbol you want to move to another SKEY and then click Cut
.
You can also click Edit > Cut, or press CTRL+X.
3. Using the Library Explorer, open the Edit window in which you want to paste the contents
of the clipboard and then click Paste .

 You can also click Edit > Paste, or press CTRL+V.

 To open the Edit window, double-click an SKEY.

 You can use Undo to reverse the results of the Paste command.
 The Paste command is unavailable if the clipboard is empty.

 The contents of the clipboard remain unchanged until you use Copy or Cut again.

38 SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide

Index
A N
Add a tapping point • 29 New Symbol Dialog Box • 25

C P
Clear symbol data • 33 Preface • 7
Copy and paste symbols • 38 Properties Dialog Box • 25
Cut and paste symbols • 38
Cut, Copy, and Paste Symbols Between R
SKEYs • 37
Redefine Symbols • 17
D
S
Define symbol properties • 21
Define symbol shape with the Draw Circle Save Custom Symbols • 35
command • 24 Save symbol data • 35
Define symbol shape with the Draw Ellipse Select Project Dialog Box • 16
command • 25 SmartPlant Symbol Editor • 9
Define symbol shape with the Draw Line SmartPlant Symbol Editor Common Tasks •
command • 22 13
Define symbol shape with the Draw SmartPlant Symbol Editor Workflow • 13
Rectangle command • 23
Draw a basic symbol • 21 T
Transform Symbols • 27
E
Establish the basis for a new symbol • 19 W
Explore the Interface • 11 What's New in SmartPlant Symbol Editor •
Export ISOGEN symbols • 32 7
Export symbol data • 32

G
Getting Started • 15
Group and ungroup a symbol • 29

I
Import a symbol library • 31
Import and Export Symbols • 31

L
Log in to a project • 15

M
Mirror a symbol • 29
Modify symbol shapes • 27

SmartPlant Symbol Editor User's Guide 39