PDMS PDF

Drawing Production Using
VANTAGE PDMS
Version 11.4
pdms114/man12/doc1
Issue 070502
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Contents
1
How to Use This Manual ..............................................................................1-1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
The Scope of the Guide............................................................................................1-1

Learning to Use PDMS ...........................................................................................1-1
Further Training in PDMS .....................................................................................1-2
Some Terminology...................................................................................................1-2
1.4.1 Instructions ....................................................................................................1-3
How this Guide is Organised ..................................................................................1-3
Introducing DRAFT.......................................................................................2-1
Starting to Use DRAFT .................................................................................3-1
3.1
3.2
3.7
3.8
Starting up PDMS DRAFT .....................................................................................3-1

Using the Mouse......................................................................................................3-4
3.2.1 The Members List ..........................................................................................3-4
3.2.2 The DRAFT Database Hierarchy...................................................................3-5
3.2.3 Loading an Existing Sheet .............................................................................3-6
3.2.4 The Mouse Buttons ........................................................................................3-7
Using Menus............................................................................................................3-9
Using the Toolbar....................................................................................................3-9
The Status Area ....................................................................................................3-10
Using Forms and their Controls ...........................................................................3-10
3.6.1 Using Option Buttons...................................................................................3-10
3.6.2 Using Check Boxes .......................................................................................3-11
3.6.3 Using Text-Boxes .........................................................................................3-11
3.6.4 Using Drop-Down Lists ................................................................................3-12
3.6.5 Using Scrollable Lists ..................................................................................3-12
3.6.6 Actioning Form Inputs .................................................................................3-12
Alert Forms ...........................................................................................................3-13
Accessing On-Line Help ........................................................................................3-13
Setting Up the DRAFT Hierarchy.................................................................4-1
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Creating a Department ...........................................................................................4-2

Creating a Registry .................................................................................................4-4
Creating Drawings and Sheets ...............................................................................4-5
Viewing the Sheet ...................................................................................................4-7
4.4.1 Using the Keyboard and Mouse to Manipulate the View..............................4-7
Views .............................................................................................................5-1
5.1
5.2
Creating and Modifying Views................................................................................5-1

User-Defined VIEWs...............................................................................................5-2
5.2.1 Defining the Drawlist Contents .....................................................................5-3
5.2.2 Setting the Scale.............................................................................................5-4
5.2.3 Other Options .................................................................................................5-4
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

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Contents
5.3
5.2.4 Displaying the Contents of the View .............................................................5-5

Creating a Limits-defined View ..............................................................................5-5
Labelling........................................................................................................6-1
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
Introducing DRAFT Labelling ................................................................................6-1

Creating a General Label........................................................................................6-1
Label Attributes ......................................................................................................6-3
Modify Mode ............................................................................................................6-5
6.4.1 Positioning......................................................................................................6-5
6.4.2 Using the Hotspots.........................................................................................6-6
Modifying Labels Graphically.................................................................................6-7
Menu Options for Modifying Labels .......................................................................6-8
Dimensioning................................................................................................7-1
7.1
7.2
7.4
The Dimensioning Hierarchy..................................................................................7-2

Linear Dimensions ..................................................................................................7-2
7.2.1 Creating Linear Dimensions..........................................................................7-3
7.2.2 Deleting Dimension Points ............................................................................7-6
7.2.3 Modifying a Linear Dimension Graphically ..................................................7-6
Angular Dimensions................................................................................................7-7
7.3.1 Editing Angular Dimensions Graphically .....................................................7-9
Radial Dimensions ................................................................................................7-10
Automatic Drawing Production ...................................................................8-1
8.1
8.2
General ADP............................................................................................................8-1
Steelwork Detailing ADP ........................................................................................8-6
8.2.1 The SDADP Options.......................................................................................8-9
8.2.2 The SDA Customisation Macro....................................................................8-10
8.2.3 Creating Some Drawings Automatically .....................................................8-11
8.2.4 How the Sheets are Generated ....................................................................8-12
8.2.5 Changing the SDA Options ..........................................................................8-12
8.2.6 Resetting the Options...................................................................................8-14
2D Drafting ....................................................................................................9-1
9.1
Introduction to 2D Drafting ....................................................................................9-1

9.1.1 2D Drafting Base Elements ...........................................................................9-1
9.1.2 2D Drafting Primitives...................................................................................9-2
9.1.3 The 2D Drafting Hierarchy ............................................................................9-2
Creating Notes ........................................................................................................9-3
Creating 2D Primitives ...........................................................................................9-3
Editing 2D Geometry Graphically ..........................................................................9-4
9.4.1 Arcs .................................................................................................................9-5
9.4.2 Circles .............................................................................................................9-5
9.4.3 Diamonds........................................................................................................9-6
9.4.4 Ellipses ...........................................................................................................9-7
9.4.5 Hexagons ........................................................................................................9-8
9.4.6 Lines ...............................................................................................................9-8
9.4.7 Rectangles (and Tables) .................................................................................9-9
9.4.8 Symbols.........................................................................................................9-10
9.4.9 Text ...............................................................................................................9-10
7.3
9.2
9.3
9.4
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Contents
9.4.10
9.4.11
9.4.12
Triangles..................................................................................................9-11
Views........................................................................................................9-11
Outlines ...................................................................................................9-12
Appendix A: Menu Maps...................................................................................... A-1

Appendix B: The DRAFT Database..................................................................... B-1
Appendix C: Other Documentation..................................................................... C-1
Index

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Contents
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Version 11.4
1 How to Use This Manual

1.1 The Scope of the Guide
This guide introduces PDMS DRAFT, Cadcentres Drawing Production
module. It assumes that you are already familiar with drafting practices,
but does not assume any knowledge of computer-aided design systems.
The guide explains the main concepts underlying DRAFT and its
applications. A key feature of the guide is a hands-on tutorial which
runs through the manual, and illustrates the basic principles of using
DRAFT. The tutorial is based on the sample project and standard
libraries of sheets and symbols supplied with PDMS.
This guide does not give step-by-step instructions on how to carry out
specific design functions, since you can access such information as you
work by using the on-line help. You will be told how to do this at an
early stage.
1.2 Learning to Use PDMS

The aim of this guide is to help you to start to use DRAFT as quickly as
possible. Once you have grasped the basic principles, you will find that
most operations quickly become intuitive.
The best way to learn is to experiment with the product for yourself.
There are two sequences of information in this manual:
Explanations of the concepts.
The hands-on tutorial, which gives a step-by-step introduction to
DRAFT.
The intention is that you should work right through the manual, reading
about each new concept and then doing the steps in the tutorial which
illustrate the concepts. The start and end of each part of the exercise are
marked by lines across the page to separate them from the general
information sections, like this:

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How to Use This Manual
1.3 Further Training in PDMS

Although this guide will enable you to start using DRAFT, it cannot
possibly show you all the facilities available, nor can it identify the best
ways in which you might use the product to suit your own drafting
practices.
To get the best out of PDMS, it is important that you receive proper
training from a qualified instructor, who can answer your questions as
they arise and give you advice on tailoring your techniques to match your
objectives. A wide range of training courses are provided by Cadcentre
Ltd, covering all levels of expertise and different disciplines. To arrange
attendance on such a course, contact your nearest Cadcentre support
office for further details.
1.4 Some Terminology

Modules are subdivisions of PDMS which you use to carry out specific
types of operation. This guide is concerned with DRAFT, used for
generating annotated and dimensioned drawings of 3D models produced
in DESIGN.
Applications provide interfaces to PDMS which are specific to particular
disciplines. For example, DRAFT has separate applications for
Dimensioning and Labelling.
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1.4.1 Instructions
The following terms are used throughout this guide, to describe what
action to carry out.
Term
Description
Click
Place the mouse cursor over the specified

point, then quickly press and release the
designated mouse button.
If no button is specified always use the lefthand mouse button.
Double-click
Quickly click the left-hand mouse button

twice over the designated object.
Pick
Click on the desired element in the 3D

View window, to select it.
Drag
Place the mouse cursor over the specified

point on the screen; then press and hold the
designated mouse button move the mouse
cursor to the required point. When the
mouse cursor is over the required point,
release the button.
Enter
Type text into the specified dialogue box

and the press the Enter (or Return key).
1.5 How this Guide is Organised

Chapter Error! Reference source not found., Overview, gives a general
overview of the PDMS DRAFT.
Chapter 3, Starting to Use DRAFT, describes how to start up PDMS
DRAFT, and how to use the graphical user interface, including an
explanation of how to access on-line help. If you are already familiar with
Motif forms and menus interfaces, you should be able to read through
this chapter rapidly.
Chapter 4, Setting Up the DRAFT Database, explains how data is stored
in PDMS.

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Chapter 5, Views, describes how to set up Views, which control which

parts of the model are drawn, and how different information is displayed
on the drawings.
Chapter 6, Labelling, describes how to add Labels. It also describes how
to change the appearance of annotation by changing pen settings. The
principles apply to changing the appearance of dimensions as well.
Chapter 7, Dimensioning, describes how to add dimensions.
Chapter 8, Automatic Drawing Production, describes how to produce an
annotated drawing automatically.
Appendix A shows the menu hierarchy.
Appendix B summarises the DRAFT database hierarchy.
Lastly, there is an Index.
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2 Introducing DRAFT
DRAFT is the drawing production module of Cadcentres Plant Design
Management System (PDMS). It allows you to generate fully annotated
engineering drawings directly from data in the PDMS DESIGN model.
Drawings can be easily updated to reflect changes in the design model.
Drawing Creation
The DRAFT Graphical User Interface has been designed to allow you to
generate industry-standard engineering drawings quickly and efficiently.
You select the part of the design model required and the direction and
scale to use. You can then add dimensioning and other annotation. You
do not need to do any calculations or data input as all annotation
information comes directly from the design model.
3D Graphics
The design model can be viewed from any angle at any scale, including
isometric views, with perspective if required. The appearance of the 3D
graphics is controlled from representation rules that are pre-defined by
the project administrator. This allows different types of design items to
have different line styles applied to them. You can select the required
representation during view creation.
Various levels of wireline and hidden-line removal can be used. Sectional
views can be generated by the creation of flat or stepped section planes,
and there are no restrictions on the number of planes created or the
selection of items that can be sectioned. The scale of the 3D graphics can
be selected from a set of Metric, Architectural and Engineering values
with the option of an automatic scale selection to use the largest scale
possible for the given design data and drawing sheet size.
Labelling
Labels can be attached to any design element and used to display any
attribute of the element. You can control the format, content and
appearance of the labels, with suitable project defaults defined by the
administrator. Direct reference to the design data combined with a
simple update annotation operation means that the annotation always
reflects the current state of the design model. The position and
orientation of the labels can be modified graphically to ensure a clear
drawing layout.

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Introducing DRAFT
Automatic Labelling (Autotagging)

Labels can be automatically generated for a set of design items that
match a tagging rule.
The rule sets determine the type of label and what design items the
labels will be applied to. For example, you could label all nozzles which
have a bore of >100mm and <300mm with a pressure rating of #150.
After the labels have been created, they can be automatically updated to
reflect any changes to the design model.
When the labels have been created, you can adjust their positions
graphically.
Dimensioning
There are three generic dimension types available in DRAFT - Linear,
Angular and Radial. These allow intelligent dimensions to be created to
dimensioning standards. Dimensions are calculated directly from the
design model. You can control the format, content and appearance of the
dimensions, and suitable project defaults can be defined by the
administrator. As with labelling, direct reference to the design data
means that the annotation always reflects the current state of the design
model with a simple update annotation operation.
The position and orientation of dimensions can be adjusted graphically.
2D Drafting
DRAFT's intelligent 2D drafting application allows you to generate
additional 2D annotation on the drawing sheet. Operations such as
grouping, multiple copying, rubber banding, nested symbols, symbol
libraries, and full element editing functions are available.
Like other DRAFT data, all 2D annotation can be linked to the design
data and so can easily be updated to follow the changes that occur in the
design model.
AutoDRAFT
This application is the DRAFT two-way interface to AutoCAD. It is
possible to take a DRAFT drawing directly across to AutoCAD, where
some users prefer to perform final annotation before drawing issue. The
transferred drawing maintains the exact style and representation as set
from DRAFT.
Coming back from AutoCAD into DRAFT the user can develop symbol
libraries and drawing frames in AutoCAD and import these directly for
use in DRAFT.
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Introducing DRAFT
Automatic Drawing Production

The Automatic Drawing Production application enables you to produce
annotated drawings automatically. You can set rules which determine
how the annotation is produced. The drawings can then be edited, if
necessary, using the normal drawing editing options in DRAFT.
There are separate sub-applications for different disciplines:
General ADP
Steelwork Detailing
Hangers & Supports ADP
Administration
This Guide only deals with the DRAFT User Applications. If you have
administration rights within DRAFT, you will be able to use the
Administration applications: for more information see the VANTAGE
PDMS DRAFT Administrator Application User Guide. A brief summary
of the Administration facilities follows.
The administration application is used by the DRAFT administrator to
customise DRAFT by setting default attributes, and creating libraries of
drawing frames, symbols and labels. The Administrator can set default
representation rules, labelling rules, naming conventions, line styles and
hatching patterns. Template drawings, which contain predefined
drawing data, can be set up, thus reducing drawing creation time.
Symbology
The DRAFT administrator can generate suites of symbols to be used in
both 2D annotation and as part of a symbolic label definition. The
symbols are built up from standard 2D annotation elements and can be
created by grouping existing 2D annotation. The library approach to
symbol definition maximises drawing consistency whilst minimising the
required storage space for the symbol itself.

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Introducing DRAFT
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Version 11.4
3 Starting to Use DRAFT

This chapter describes how to start up PDMS and enter DRAFT. Before
you start, PDMS and the supplied sample PDMS projects (SAM and
MAS) must have been correctly installed and you must have been given
read/write access to the project databases. This procedure, which should
have been carried out as part of the product installation, is beyond the
scope of this guide.
3.1 Starting up PDMS DRAFT

Exercise begins:
Start PDMS. Normally you will do this by clicking on the PDMS icon on
your desktop:
TheVANTAGE PDMS Login form will be displayed. If this is the first time
you have started up PDMS, the form will be blank. If you have started up
PDMS before, some of the entries on the form will be filled from your last
session.
The information required on the form is:
The name of the Project in which you want to work. All PDMS work is
done within a Project. Enter SAM. You can either type into the text box,
or click on the arrow at the right of the text box and then click on SAM in
the list displayed.
Your PDMS Username and Password. Enter SAMPLE for each.
The MDB (Multiple Database) you want to work in. An MDB is a
collection of PDMS databases which contain, for example, the Design
data which you will be producing drawings from, and the DRAFT
database which you will be storing drawings in. There will also be at
least one catalogue database, and maybe others. Enter SAMPLE.

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Starting to Use DRAFT
Click to select from list, or

type in
Type in password
The module of PDMS you want to use: select Draft. The Read Only
button must remain Off: you may sometimes need to switch it on if you
want to read information from a database which another user is using.
Whether you want the PDMS forms and menus to Load from Macro Files
(the only option available the first time you enter PDMS) or from a
customised set-up saved during an earlier session (Binary Files). Select
Macro Files.
You can either type in each entry explicitly, or click the down arrow next
to the text-box and select the required option from a list. The completed
form should look like this:
Click OK and wait while the application is loaded. The macro files take a
few seconds to read. When loading is complete, your screen should look
like this:
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Version 11.4
Main toolbar
Main menu bar
2D View toolbar
Main Display
Status Area
The Main Menu Bar is located directly below the window title bar,
displays the names of the available menus.
The Main Tool bar provides short-cuts to some common operations and
standard settings via icon buttons and drop-down lists.
The Main Display is the window in which you will display the drawings.
Note that this window has a pop-up menu, which you can see by moving
the cursor into the main display window and pressing the right-hand
mouse button.
The Status Area displays prompts and other information about what
PDMS is doing.
You can reposition or minimise these windows at any time by using the
standard window management controls, but generally you should not
close them in this way: if there is an option on a PDMS form to close the
form, use it.

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3.2 Using the Mouse

You use the mouse to move the cursor around the screen and to select or
pick items by using the mouse buttons. The buttons perform different
tasks depending on the type of window, and the area within the window
where the cursor is positioned. The appearance of the cursor will change
according to the type of item that is underneath it.
To illustrate the different ways in which you can use the mouse and its
buttons, we will first load an existing Sheet from the Sample project.
This will need a short explanation of how elements are stored in the
DRAFT database hierarchy.
3.2.1 The Members List

First, display the Members list: select Display>Members from the main
menu by moving the cursor over Display, holding down the left-hand
mouse button to show a drop-down menu, and keeping the mouse button
pressed, move the cursor until it is over Members. Then make the
selection by releasing the mouse button.
The Members list, in the Sample project as supplied, looks like this:
You may like to enlarge the Members list form so that you can read the
list more easily. Many forms in DRAFT are resizable using the normal
Window control, but the Members list is resized as follows:
From the Menu on the Members form, select Control>Resize, and enter
a value of 30 for the width on the Resize form (the width can be anything
up to 45) and press OK.
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Version 11.4
Note: You can save this setting, and other changes you make to the
display, by selecting Display>Save>Forms & Display from the
main menu. When you save your work at the end of a DRAFT
session, binary files will be created which you can load at the
start of your next session using the Load From option on the
PDMS Login form. You can load them at any other time by using
the Display>Load options on the main menu.
3.2.2 The DRAFT Database Hierarchy

The DRAFT database is a tree structure, in which the World is the top
element. The next level down in the structure is a Department. The
World can own several Departments, which are known as its Members,
and the World is known as the Owner of the Departments. Departments
can own Registries, which can own Drawings, which can own Sheets. See
Figure 3-1.
When you look at the Members list you will see that the first (top)
element is the World element. The World is shown in the Members list as
* and cannot be either created or deleted. There will also be three
Departments (DEPT) several Point Worlds (PTWL), one for each DRAFT
(PADD) database in the MDB. You do not need to use the Point Worlds,
so they will not be discussed further.
The Department named Stabilizer_Drawings contains drawings of the
Stabilizer model supplied as part of the sample project.
There are two other Departments supplied with the product:
Project_Libraries contains sample sheets.
Master_Libraries containing standard backing sheets, symbol libraries
etc.

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3-5
WORLD
DEPT
REGI
DRWG
SHEE
Figure 3-1
DEPT
REGI
DRWG
SHEE
Structure of the DRAFT database hierarchy
3.2.3 Loading an Existing Sheet

In the Members list, select the DEPT Stabilizer_Drawings by clicking on
it with the left-hand mouse button. The hierarchy shown in the list will
be expanded to show the REGIs owned by the DEPT. Continue to work
down the tree by selecting the following elements:
The REGI Stabilizer_EquipDetails.
The DRWG STAB50001
The SHEE STAB50001/S1
Note that the element selected in the Members list is known as the
Current Element.
button on the toolbar. The
Now display the Sheet by clicking on the
Name of the sheet will be displayed in the drop-down list next to the
button, and the sheet will be displayed in the Main Display.
This Sheet shows Equipment D1201.
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Version 11.4
3.2.4 The Mouse Buttons

Left-hand Mouse Button
The left-hand mouse button is used for:
Selecting from menus and drop-down lists.
Picking a PDMS element in the Main Display window. Clicking the lefthand button with the cursor over an element makes the element the
current element, that is, the element on which you want to carry out the
next operation. The element may be a DESIGN element or a DRAFT
element: the Members list will change to show the corresponding
database.
Picking and manipulating annotation and 2D Geometry. See later
Chapters for details.

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Middle Button
The middle mouse button allows you to zoom in and out of the view.
Zooming in. Position the cursor at one corner of the imaginary
rectangle enclosing the part of the sheet that you want to fill the Main
display, hold down the middle mouse button and move the cursor to the
diagonally opposite corner. A 'rubber band', enclosing the area, will be
displayed to help you. When you release the mouse button, the chosen
area will fill the display area.
Zooming out. Position the cursor at the point you want to become the
centre of the view, and click the middle mouse button.
Note that you can zoom out to the full extent of the Sheet using the View
menu: see next sub-section.
Right-Hand Button
If you move the cursor into the Main Display Area and hold down the
right-hand mouse button, you will see the pop-up View menu:
Note that you can use the Reset Limits option to Zoom out to the full
extent of the Sheet.
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Version 11.4
3.3 Using Menus

There can be three types of option in a pull-down or pop-up menu:
CE
Clashes ...
Reports
Options shown as plain text: selecting one of

these initiates an action immediately.
Options followed by three dots: selecting one
of these displays a form on which to select
options, enter data, etc
Options followed by a triangular pointer:
selecting one of these displays a subsidiary
menu giving a further range of options.
Throughout this guide, related selections from menus are shown in

abbreviated form by using the>symbol as a separator. Thus, the sequence
Utilities>Reports>Create means select Utilities from the main menu bar,
then select Reports from the resulting pull-down menu, then move the
cursor to the right and select Create from the resulting submenu.
3.4 Using the Toolbar

The toolbar is displayed immediately below the main menu bar in the
application window. It contains a number of icon buttons which let you
carry out common tasks without searching for the options in the menus.
The actions of the buttons are explained in the on-line help. If you pause
the cursor over a button, a tool-tip pop-up will remind you of the function
of the button. To activate a button, simply click on it.
Note: The toolbar can be switched off, or displayed with larger icons. To
change these settings, select Settings>System from the main
menu bar and then set the required options on the resulting
System Settings form. Changes will take effect immediately after
OK is clicked.

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3.5 The Status Area

The status area displays messages telling you what actions the
application is carrying out. You should look at it frequently, especially if
the system appears to be waiting for you to do something, since it will
always prompt you for any input or action which is required to carry out
the next step of your current activity.
If the prompt lets you repeat a task an unspecified number of times, such
as picking a selection of items using the cursor, you must press the
Escape key (or click the Escape button on the Status Form) when you
have finished, to indicate that you are ready to move to the next
operation.
3.6 Using Forms and their Controls

Forms are used both to display information and to let you enter new
data. Forms typically comprise an arrangement of buttons of various
types, text-boxes, and scrollable lists. Input to a form is usually via a
combination of mouse and keyboard, the mouse being used to select
appropriate controls and the keyboard to enter data.
While you have access to a form, you may change a setting, return to the
initial values, accept and act on the current data, or cancel the form
without applying any changes, according to the nature of the form.
This section describes how to use the principal types of gadget that you
will see on the various forms.
3.6.1 Using Option Buttons

Option buttons are used to select one, and only one, from a group of
options. Selecting one option de-selects others in that group
automatically.
They typically have the following appearance:
On
Off
To change the selected option button in a group, click the required

button.
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Version 11.4
3.6.2 Using Check Boxes

Check boxes are used to switch an option between two states, typically
On and Off. Unlike option buttons, they do not interact, so that you can
select any combination to be On at the same time.
Off
On
3.6.3 Using Text-Boxes

You have already used text-boxes when you started up PDMS.
Text-boxes are the areas where you type in alphanumeric data such as
names or dimensions. A text-box will usually have a label to tell you
what to enter.
When you first open a form which contains text-boxes, the first text-box
on the form will be current and a text editing cursor will be displayed in
the box. A text-box often contains a default entry (e.g. unset) when first
displayed. Some text-boxes will accept only text or only numeric data,
and entries with the wrong type of data will not be accepted.
To enter data into a text-box:
Click in the box to insert the text editing cursor.
Type in the required data, editing any existing entry as necessary. (You
may need to delete the existing entry first.)
When you have finished, confirm the entry by pressing the Enter
(Return) key. Any text-box with an unconfirmed setting is highlighted by
a yellow background.

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3-11
3.6.4 Using Drop-Down Lists

Drop-down lists let you choose one option from a multiple selection. The
list will usually have a label to tell you what you are setting and will
show the current selection.
To change the setting, click on the down arrow or button face to reveal
the full list of available options, then pick the required option.
3.6.5 Using Scrollable Lists

A scrollable list is displayed as a vertical list of options within the form,
with vertical and horizontal scroll bars along its sides. To select an
option, click on the line you want. The selected line will be highlighted.
Some scrollable lists let you make only a single selection, so that
selecting any option deselects all others automatically. Other lists let you
make multiple selections, with all selected options highlighted
simultaneously.
To deselect a highlighted option in a multiple-choice list, click on it again
(repeated clicks toggle a selection On and Off).
3.6.6 Actioning Form Inputs

Most forms include at least one control button which is used either to
enter the command option represented by your current form setting, to
cancel any changes made to the form since you opened it, or to close the
form.
The common control buttons have the following actions:
3-12

Version 11.4
Button
Action
OK
Enters the current form settings as command inputs

and closes the form.
Apply
Enters the current form settings as command inputs

and leaves the form displayed for further use.
Cancel
Cancels any changes made to the forms settings and

closes the form.
Reset
Cancels any changes made to the forms settings and

leaves the form displayed for further use.
Dismiss
Closes the form, keeping the current settings.
Some forms contain more specific types of control button which carry out
particular command options (as indicated by the text on the button face;
e.g. Add or Remove).
3.7 Alert Forms

Alert forms are used to display information such as error messages,
prompts and requests for confirmation of changes. You should respond by
carrying out the task prompted for or by clicking on the control buttons
on the form (usually an OK or Cancel button).
3.8 Accessing On-Line Help

Most bar menus end with a Help option. Where available, on-line help
gives detailed instructions on the use of the forms and menus via which
you control each application.
The Help option gives you the following choices from its sub-menu:
Help>On Context displays the Question-mark cursor. Move the cursor
over the form on which you want help, and click the mouse button. A help
topic for the form will be displayed.
Help>Contents displays the top-level topic of the help.
Help>Index displays a help topic with the Index tab already selected.
Once the help is displayed, you can use the Contents list, the Index of
keywords or Search for any word, and explore other topics by clicking on
the hyperlinks.

Version 11.4
3-13
You are recommended to make full use of the on-line help whenever you
want more information.
3-14

Version 11.4
4 Setting Up the DRAFT Hierarchy

This Chapter describes how to create the administrative elements
(Departments, Registries and Drawings) and Sheets in the DRAFT
database hierarchy.
The DRAFT database is a tree structure, in which the World is the top
element. The next level down in the structure is a Department. The
World can own several Departments, which are known as its Members,
and the World is known as the Owner of the Departments. Departments
can own Registries, which can own Drawings, which can own Sheets. See
Figure 4-1.
WORLD
DEPT
REGI
DRWG
SHEE
DEPT
REGI
DRWG
SHEE
Figure 4-1
Part of the DRAFT database hierarchy

Version 11.4
4-1
Setting Up the DRAFT Hierarchy
4.1 Creating a Department

Departments, Registries and Drawings are administrative elements. You
can see them in the members list, but you cannot display them
graphically. At each stage the level above must already exist before you
can create the level below.
First we must create an element called a Department (DEPT).
Departments can only be created under the World level.
Exercise continues:
1.
From the DRAFT General bar menu at the top of the screen, select:
Create>Department
This will display the Create DEPT form which you can use to name
your DEPT. A default name, DEPT1, is shown in the text box.
2.
3.
Figure 4-2
Create DEPT Form
You would normally change the name of the Department to
something meaningful, but in the following examples it is left at its
default. If you want to change the name, move the cursor into the
text box and click the left mouse key. Type the name, making sure
that you do not use spaces. You can edit the contents of the text box
by moving the cursor using the arrow keys or by moving the cursor
with the mouse and pressing the left mouse key. You can delete
text by using the BACKSPACE key to delete characters in front of
the cursor or DELETE KEY for those behind.
When you have finished, click the OK button using the left mouse
key. Note that the Cancel button closes the form without any action
being carried out.
When you click the OK button on the Create Department form, the
Department Information form will be displayed. See Figure 4-3.
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Version 11.4
Figure 4-3
Department Information Form
This form shows the name of the DEPT and also gives you the
chance to set up attributes of the Department. The attributes set
default properties of the Sheets that will eventually be created
under the Department. They are cascaded down through the
Registries and Drawings, but they can be changed at any stage.
Press the Attributes button and you will see the Department
Attributes form. For this exercise, we will use the default attributes,
and so just press Dismiss on the Department Attributes form.
If the Create Registry toggle button on the Department Information
form is on, as it is when the form is first displayed, the Create
Registry form will be shown automatically after you click the OK
button on the Department Information form. If the toggle button is off
then you will have to use the Create Registry option on the DRAFT
General bar menu to display the Create Registry form.

Version 11.4
4-3
4.2 Creating a Registry

1.
Make sure that the Create Registry toggle button is pressed on the
Department Information form and press OK. The Create REGI form
will appear. This is again allowing you to change the default name.
Leave the default name as REGI1. Press the OK button. The
Registry Information form will be displayed. See Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-4
Registry Information Form
The Create Drawing option works in a similar way to the Create
Registry toggle button on the Department Information form. If it is
switched on, then the method of drawing creation will depend on
whether you select Explicitly or From Template. The difference is
explained in the next section.
The Attributes button displays a similar form to the one on the
Department Information form. For this exercise, use the default
attributes, so you do not need to display the Registry Attributes form.
4-4

Version 11.4
2.
Make sure that the Create Drawing button is switched on, and that
the From Template radio button is selected. Press OK. The Create
DRWG form is displayed, and when you press OK the Drawing and
Sheet Templates form is displayed. See Figure 4-5.
Figure 4-5
Drawing and Sheet Templates Form
4.3 Creating Drawings and Sheets

There are two methods of creating Drawings, Explicitly or From
Template. Both methods are available whether you create the element by
switching on the Create Drawing button on the Registry Information Form,
or by selecting Create>Drawing on the DRAFT General menu.
If you create a drawing from a template, several other elements will
be created automatically. The Drawing will own a Sheet, which will own
at least one View. The View will own several Layers: layers are discussed
in more detail in Chapter 5.
There may be other elements, such as Sheet Notes, which are used to
store text and primitives for the 2D Drafting Application, which is not
described in this Guide.
The Drawing will also own a Library. DRAFT makes extensive use of
libraries. Most of them are set up by the System Administrator and users
Version 11.4
4-5
can only extract information from them, not change them. Libraries are
used to store things like symbols and Drawlists (which can be used to
define the contents of a View). Libraries are accessed by the Application
automatically, and you will not need to access them directly. You should
not try to rename or delete Libraries or their members.
If you create a drawing explicitly, you will have to create all the
element such as Sheets and Views yourself, using the Create options on
the Main menu.
Exercise continues:
3.
Fill in the Drawing and Sheet Templates form as follows:
Note that at the top of the form, the Mode is set to Drawing Creation: the
same form is used when you are creating a Sheet.
The Option gadget shows the Department which contains the Drawing
Template libraries. We will produce a drawing of some Equipment, and
so select /DRA/PRJ/TMP/EQUI.
Select the A0 option from the Drawings list. There will be a single sheet
displayed (and selected) in the Sheets List.
Press OK. A Sheet having all the attributes of the template will be
created, and displayed in the Main View.
4-6

Version 11.4
4.4 Viewing the Sheet

When you press OK on the Drawing and Sheet Templates form, the Sheet
will be shown in the Main Display window. See Figure 4-6.
Figure 4-6
The Sheet displayed in the Main Display window
4.4.1 Using the Keyboard and Mouse to Manipulate the View

View zooming and panning operations are carried out using the mouse or
key presses (or a combination of both).
Windowing in is done using the middle mouse button. Press and hold
down the button, and move the mouse to describe a rubber band
rectangle on the screen. Release the button; the view changes so that the
graphics contained within the rectangle fills the main display.
Zooming in is done by clicking the middle mouse button while holding
down the
key. The display zooms in, centred on the current cursor
position, by a factor of 1.5.

Version 11.4
4-7
Zooming out is done by clicking the middle mouse button. The display
zooms out, centred on the current cursor position, by a factor of 1.5.
Holding down the Ctrl key while performing either of the above two
operations doubles the zoom factor. The numeric keypad can also be
used to perform zoom operations - see below.
Panning is done by using the mouse pointer to move the main display
slider controls. Alternatively, the up/down, left/right arrow keys can be
used to pan the view. (The keys can either be held down to give a
continuous pan, or clicked to pan by a short distance - also see below.)
Clicking the left-hand mouse button with the pointer in the slider trough
gives a larger pan. Holding down the Ctrl key while clicking in the slider
trough pans to the opposite side of the view in one step. The numeric
keypad can also be used to perform pan operations - see below.
7
Arrow keys pan in

directions shown
5
Full
Out
1
Out
3
Out
In
In
Numeric Keypad keys 2, 4, 6, 8 pan in

directions shown by half view width.
Keys 7 and 9 zoom in
Keys 1 and 3 zoom out
Key 5 zooms out to the sheet limits
Holding down Ctrl while panning using the arrow keys increases the step
decreases the step size by a factor
size by a factor of 10; holding down
of 10.
You can also control some functions of the Main Display (e.g. Zoom out to
show the complete view, change the background colour, etc.) from the
options on the right-mouse button menu. This is displayed by clicking the
right-mouse button over the Main display.
Now you can experiment with some of DRAFTs viewing controls.
4-8

Version 11.4
Exercise continues:
1.
If the current element is not already Sheet /DR1/S1, navigate to it
using the Members list.
2.
Switch on the Grid by clicking on the

toggle button on the
toolbar at the side of the Main Display form. You can change the
spacing of the grid by right-clicking with the pointer over the
button and selecting Spacing to give the 2D Snap Grid form. The
Display grid can be set at some multiple of the snap grid. The Snap
button can be used to position elements at grid points.
3.
Zoom in to the bottom right corner of the sheet using the mouse.
Imagine a box defining the area you wish to see, and position the
cursor at the end of one diagonal. Hold down the middle mouse
button and move the cursor to the other end of the diagonal. When
you release the button the area enclosed by the box will be expanded
to fill the available area in the window. See Figure 4-7.
Figure 4-7

Version 11.4
Zooming in to the Sheet.
4-9
4.
You can zoom out of the Sheet by positioning the cursor at the point
where you want the centre of the display to be, and clicking the
right-hand mouse button.
To display the whole Sheet again, select Reset Limits from the
right-mouse button menu.
4-10

Version 11.4
5 Views
VIEWs are used to show any part of the Design model. Drawing
annotation can then be added to the VIEW. A VIEW element has
attributes which:
Define the viewing parameters (looking direction, scale, etc).
Define the size, position and orientation of the VIEW on the Sheet.
Define the contents of the VIEW by referring to a list of Design elements:
the VIEWs Drawlist.
If you have created a Sheet from a template, the Sheet will normally
contain at least one View, depending on how the template has been set
up by the System Administrator. You can modify Views using the
Modify>View options on the main DRAFT General menu, and create
more Views on the Sheet using the Create>View options. You must be at
Sheet level or below before you can create a VIEW. The options are
similar, and they are described in the next Section.
5.1 Creating and Modifying Views

There is only one type of view, but Views can be interpreted and modified
in two different ways:
Limits Defined Views are used to draw a specified volume of the model.
The limits are defined in project coordinates, and are represented by the
size of the View frame at the selected scale. The View frame can include
matchlines with text showing the coordinates of the View limits.
User-Defined Views are used to draw individual items or groups of items
in the design model, when the volume or limits of the items are not
known. The size of the frame is independent of its contents. The scale can
be automatically set to fit the design elements into the available view
frame area.
Note that there are also the following options under Create/Modify View.
They are summarised here, but detailed descriptions are outside the
scope of this Guide.
Detail. Once you have created a View and specified its contents,
you can create a detail view of any part of the contents.

Version 11.4
5-1
Views
Pre-defined. This option allows you to create several views at

once, in a pre-defined layout on the Sheet.
Section. These options allow you to create various types of section
planes within existing Views. These options can be used to view a
slice through the design elements or to remove parts of elements
from the view.
Local Rules. This option refers to Representation Rules, which
define attributes such as line styles for different types of element. It
allows you to override the representation rules that have been predefined by the System Administrator.
5.2 User-Defined VIEWs

We will now modify the attributes of the View which has automatically
been created as part of the template. We will define it as a User-defined
View, and set up a drawlist for it.
Exercise continues:
1. Select Modify>View>User-defined from the DRAFT General menu. If the
View is not the current element, you will be prompted to pick an item in
the View. In this case, you can only pick the View frame. If you have
difficulty, press the Escape key (or the Escape button on the Unix Status
Form), select the View in the Members list, and select Modify>View>Userdefined again. A User-Defined View form will appear, see Figure 5-1.
Figure 5-1
5-2
User-Defined View Form

Version 11.4
Views
2.
The next task is to set up the Drawlist, which will define which
elements are drawn in the View. Select Graphics>Drawlist, from the
User-Defined View forms menu bar, and the Drawlist Management
Form will be displayed.
The default Drawlist Library is the Drawlist Library which is
created automatically when the VIEWs owning DRWG was created.
To start with this will be empty, as shown by the empty Drawlist
Members list on the right-hand side of the form.
The Reference List Members list on the left-hand side of the form
shows the elements in the Design database. You set up the Drawlist
by selecting the required members in this list and then using the
Add and Remove buttons at the bottom-left of the form.
Note: If the Members list itself is on display, it is removed while the

Drawlist Management form is displayed.
5.2.1 Defining the Drawlist Contents
3.
Figure 5-2
Drawlist Management Form
In the Reference List Members list, select the Site STABILIZER.
This list is used in the same way as the Members list The List will

Version 11.4
5-3
Views
change to display the members of the Site. Select the Zone EQUIP,
and the list will change to show the equipment elements in the
Zone.
4.
Now add three equipment to the Drawlist. Select D1201 and press
Add. The Equipment name will appear in the Drawlist Members
list, with the word Add after its name. Repeat for the Equipments
E1301 and C1101. You will need to return to the Zone level after
adding each equipment, before you can see the other equipment in
the List.
Note that you can remove an element from the Drawlist Members
list by highlighting it in the list and pressing the Delete Entry
button. Delete All is used when you wish to empty the Drawlist
completely.
The Remove button is used when you want to add all the members
of an administrative element to the view, for example a Zone, and
then remove selected members of the Zone. The elements name will
be added to the Drawlist Members list with the word Remove after
it. The actual drawlist is the result (union) of the add and remove
elements in the list.
Press Dismiss.
5.2.2 Setting the Scale

The next step is to set the scale of the View.
5.
Press Auto Scale on the User-Defined View form, and the Scale text
box will be updated to show a suitable scale, which will just fill the
View with the graphics. This will not usually be a standard scale, so
press Nearest to select the closest standard scale.
5.2.3 Other Options
5-4
6.
Leave the other settings on the form at their defaults. See the online
help if you want to know what they do.
7.
Press Apply.

Version 11.4
Views
5.2.4 Displaying the Contents of the View

8.
Press Update Design, which updates the design graphics in the

View. DRAFT will extract the information from the Design
database, and create the contents of the View. You will see
messages in the Status form informing you of the progress. When
the process is complete, the View should look like Figure 5-3.
Note: If any settings on the form are changed, you must press Apply
and Update Design before any change will be seen.
Dismiss the User-Defined View form.
Figure 5-3
The equipment items displayed
5.3 Creating a Limits-defined View

In this Section we will create another Sheet, with a Limits-defined View.

Version 11.4
5-5
Views
1.
Select Create>Sheet>From Template from the main menu. Note

that you must be at Drawing level or below in the hierarchy.
2.
Click on OK on the Create SHEE form. The Drawing and Sheet

Templates form will be displayed again, see Figure 4-5.
3.
Select /DRA/PRJ/TMP/EQUI from the Options, and select the A2

Sheet Template.
4.
Select Modify>View >Limits-defined from the Main Menu. The

Limits-Defined View form will be displayed. See Figure 5-4.
This form is similar to the User-Defined View form. The main
differences are related to setting the limits: the Limits option on the
forms menu, and the Matchlines button which switches matchlines
on and off. The Scale options are slightly different.
5-6

Version 11.4
Views
Figure 5-4
Limits-Defined View Form
Working Sheets
Now you have two Sheets available, and you can see that both are listed
in the drop-down list at the left of the toolbar. This is a list of working
sheets: Sheets created in the current session are automatically added to
the list. The + and - buttons are used to add and remove sheets from the
option list. If you need to access a sheet that is not on the option button,
select it in the Members list and press +.

Version 11.4
5-7
Views
Note that you can also add Sheets to the Working Sheet List by selecting
Draft>Select Working Sheet from the main menu.
To make a Working Sheet the current sheet, and display it in the Main
Display, select it from the option list.
Exercise continues:
1.
Set the contents of the View. Select Graphics>Drawlist from the
menu at the top of the form. The Drawlist Management Form will be
displayed. See Figure 5-2.
2.
Create a new Drawlist by pressing Create, and name the drawlist

/DR1/DRAWLIST/LIMITS. Add the Zone EQUIP. Dismiss the form.
We have created a new drawlist containing the EQUIP Zone and we now
need to make the Limits-defined View reference this. By default, all new
Sheets and Views reference the Drawlist cascaded from the Drawing.
Returning to the Limits-Defined View form:
1.
Set the new Drawlist Reference by selecting Graphics>Drawlist Ref

from the menu at the top of the form. Select the Drawlist you have
just created. Press Apply and then Dismiss the form.
2.
On the Limits-Defined View form, set the Limits, which will define
the area of the model drawn in the View, as follows:
North 2000 15000
East 2000 12000
Up
1500 25000
5-8
3.
Set the Scale to 1/50.
4.
Switch the display of Matchlines on.
5.
Select Apply and Update Design, and the drawing will be created.

Version 11.4
6 Labelling
To enter the Labelling Application, click on the Labelling Application

button
or select Draft>Labelling from the main menu.
Once the application has been loaded, you will see the Draft Labelling
application menu. The options under the Draft, Display, Graphics,
Query, Settings, Delete and Help menus remain the same in every
application. Utilities also has options common to all the applications, in
some cases with additional options. The Create and Modify options on
this menu are exclusively for creating and modifying labels. Note that if
you want to create or modify items such as Sheets, you can use
Utilities>General Toolbar to display a small menu bar with the General
Create and Modify options on it.
6.1 Introducing DRAFT Labelling

There are two types of Labels: General Labels (GLAB), and Symbolic
Labels (SLAB). General Labels only contain text. Symbolic Labels are
generated from templates (which can contain 2D primitives, including
text), defined by a reference to a Symbol Template (SYTM).
Symbolic Labels are not described in this Guide.
Labels are owned by Layers, which are in turn owned by VIEWs.
6.2 Creating a General Label

Exercise continues:
1.
Select Create>General Label. If necessary, identify the VIEW to
which the General Label is to be added by acting on the message
which appears. A General Labels form is displayed.
The current Layer is shown at the top of the form. Make sure that it
is as shown in Figure 6-2. If not, change the current element by
selecting DR1/S1/V1 in the members list and pressing the CE
button. The correct labelling layer will be selected automatically.

Version 11.4
6-1
Labelling
2.
Figure 6-2
General Labels Form
The Attach to drop-down list allows you to select the element type
that you wish to label. The menu displayed on the list has two parts:
the top part displays a list of submenus for different types of
elements and the bottom part displays a list of Common Elements.
Select Equipments from the Common Elements part of the menu.
This means that a cursor pick to identify the element to be labelled
will find an Equipment, rather than, for example, a Nozzle, which
may be the actual element under the cursor.
3.
Click on Create NEW to create a new Label. You will be prompted to

pick the Design elements to be labelled. Pick each of the
Equipments in turn, and a label containing the name of the
Equipment will be created at the origin of each Equipment.
The contents of the label are set by default to be the Name of the
element. This can be changed by selecting Text Contents from the
Attributes drop-down list on the General Labels form. This displays the
Dynamic Text form, see Figure 6-3.
6-2

Version 11.4
Labelling
Figure 6-3
Dynamic Text Form
The #NAME entry is an example of Intelligent Text: the information
will be automatically taken from the DESIGN database. There are many
different attributes which can be displayed in Labels using the
Intelligent Text form, displayed when you select Intelligent Texts on the
Dynamic Text form. Refer to the on-line help for more information.
Exercise continues:
6.3 Label Attributes

Set the Attributes option button to Leader Line. The Label Leader
Attributes form will be displayed.
Figure 6-4
Label Leader Attributes Form
You can experiment with changing the settings on this form, and see the
effect they have on the Leader Line.
Pen Settings
The options to set the Leader Pen are common to several different types
of pen in DRAFT. Pens can be set in two ways: either set the Standard

Version 11.4
6-3
Labelling
options explicitly, or press Reselect. The Select User-defined Pen form

will be displayed.
Figure 6-5
Select User-Defined Pen Form
Use the Up and Down buttons to scroll through the list. When you see
the linestyle you want, click Cursor Select, and pick the linestyle in the
window. The Pen number will be filled in on the Select User-defined Pen
form, and when you press OK, the pen number will be filled in on the
Label Leader Attributes form. If you know which pen number you want,
you could just type in the number on the Label Leader Attributes form.
You can switch the Leader Line pen to either the User Defined or the
Standard pen using the radio buttons.
Note that changing the pen only affects the current Label. If you want to
change the pen for any new Labels you create, you will need to change
the Layer attributes. You will need to create a new label to see the effect.
Dismiss the General Labels form.
6-4

Version 11.4
Labelling
6.4 Modify Mode

Modify mode is used to modify Dimensions, Labels and 2D Geometry by
graphical interaction, rather than by using the modify options on the
Main Menu. To enter Modify mode, click the
toolbar.
button on the 2D View
Once you have picked an item it will be displayed in the current highlight
colour. You can then modify the item you have picked, or pick another
item for modification.
When you pick an item, several hotspots will be shown. If you move the
cursor over a hotspot you can modify the geometry of the item by moving
the hotspot. If you move the cursor over any other part of the item, you
can position it.
While you are in modify mode, you can still control the view by zooming
and panning as normal.
If you press the Escape key, no changes to the item will be made.
When you move the cursor away from a modifiable item and click the
left-hand mouse button, the changes will be saved, but you will still be in
modify mode and you can continue to pick other items for modification.
6.4.1 Positioning
By default, an item or hotspot will be moved to the 2D cursor position.
Once you have picked an item in modify mode, the 2D View menu,
displayed when you hold down the right-hand mouse button with the
cursor in the main display area, changes to include the different
positioning options. All the options apart from the default 2D Cursor
option allow you to choose a position relative to an existing item.
Select the 2D Position option you want, pick the hotspot, and as you
move the hotspot over an element which can satisfy the position, the
element will be highlighted and the hotspot will snap to it. For example,
if you set the 2D position as Centre point, the hotspot will snap to the
centre of any arc or circle it moves over.
If no suitable position has been found when you release the mouse
button, the item will be dropped at the cursor position.
If the Snap to Grid option is on, positions will be snapped to the grid, not
to the 2D position setting.

Version 11.4
6-5
Labelling
Menu options which are not applicable to the current element will be
greyed out.
The options are as follows:
2D cursor hit
The cursor position. This is the default,

which is reset each time a new element is
picked.
End point of
Move the hotspot over a line or arc, which

will be highlighted when recognised
Centre point of
Move the hotspot over a circle or arc.
Mid point of
Move the hotspot over a line.
Intersect at
Move the hotspot over two items which

actually intersect. The items will be
highlighted in turn.
Intersect between
Move the hotspot over two items whose

extensions intersect. The items will be
highlighted in turn.
Nearest to
Move the hotspot over any Design or Draft

item. The point will snap to the nearest
point on the item.
Note that these options do not apply to moving text.

The 2D positioning menu is automatically reset to 2D Cursor hit when
an element is first picked
6.4.2 Using the Hotspots

The current hotspot is shown in white, and the others in the current
highlight colour (by default, cyan). There will be a hotspot at the centre of
the item (this will be current when the item is first picked), and this
hotspot is used to move the item. There are rotation handles attached to
the central hotspot. The other hotspots will depend on the geometry, and
are used to resize and reshape the item.
Draft will exit from Modify mode when:
You press the modify button again
You load a new sheet or library
You change applications
You update the design, model, picture or annotation
6-6

Version 11.4
Labelling
6.5 Modifying Labels Graphically

This Section describes how to modify the geometry of a Label: similar
information is provided for Dimensions and 2D Geometry in later
chapters
The Name label for Equipment C1101 is used in the illustrations.
Click on the Selection Arrow

on the 2D View and then select the
label. The hotspots will be shown in cyan.
Move the text box away from the equipment by moving the cursor over
the text, holding down the right hand mouse button and moving the text
to where you want it. You will now be able to see the hotspots, which
consist of:
A Rotation handle
The Attachment point
The Connection point
A Bend point at the mid point of the leader line. If you pick the bend
point and move it to put a bend in the leader line, a second bend point
will be created, and you can move this point as well.
Note: You must pick the label itself (that is, the text) if you want to reselect it.
You can move the attachment points and the connection point to create
gaps and offsets: a dashed line will appear between the arrow hotspot
and the default position of the point.
Version 11.4
6-7
Labelling
Rotati
Attach
Ben
d
poi
Conne
6.6 Menu Options for Modifying Labels

All the operations you can carry out graphically can be done using the
menu options, and there are many other non-geometrical modifications,
such as changing the appearance of the text and linestyles, which can
only be carried out using the menu options. See the on-line help for more
information.
6-8

Version 11.4
7 Dimensioning
To enter the Dimensioning Application, press the Dimensioning button

or select Draft>Dimensioning from the DRAFT main menu.
Once the application has been loaded, you will see the Draft
Dimensioning application menu. The options under Draft, Display,
Graphics, Query, Settings, Delete and Help are the same in every
application. Utilities also has options common to all the applications, in
some cases with additional options. The Create and Modify options on
this menu are exclusively for creating and modifying labels. Note that if
you want to create or modify items such as Sheets, you can use
Under the options on the toolbar there are three drop-down lists, see
Figure 7-1:
The current Sheet is selected from the left-hand list. The Add working
sheet (+) button is explained in Section 5.3.
The centre list allows you to make all the items on the Layer to either
invisible (OFF) or visible (ON).
The right-hand list shows all the Layers owned by the current View that
are used to contain dimensioning information. Note that there are other
Layers in the Members list, but these are used for other purposes.
Figure 7-1

Version 11.4
The main Dimensioning menu
7-1
Dimensioning
7.1 The Dimensioning Hierarchy

Dimensioning elements are created under Layers owned by Views, as
shown in Figure 7-2. Different types of dimension are created on different
layers. All these elements will be created automatically as you dimension
your View.
LAYE
LDIM*
ADIM*
Linear
dimension
Angular
dimension
RDIM
PDIM*
Radial
dimension
PCD (Pitch Circle

Diameter) dimension
j200
R100
* These dimensions contain/own dimension points
Figure 7-2
Types of dimension
Before you start creating Dimensions, make sure you have set the Layer
button on the main Dimensioning menu, to show the correct Layer for
the new Dimensions.
7.2 Linear Dimensions

The simplest kind of Linear Dimension consists of a pair of points on a
drawing, each of which relates to a point in the Design model. From each
of these Dimension Points on the drawing, a projection line is drawn
in a user-definable direction; between these parallel projection lines,
dimension lines are drawn. Each dimension and projection line may
have text associated with it.
7-2

Version 11.4
Dimensioning
N
}
Overshoot (positive)
Dimension
Dire c tio n
(Ea st)
Dimension Line
Projection Line
Direction (90)
Terminator
Offset
Projection Line
Clearance (positive)
Dimension Points
Figure 7-3
Attributes of a Linear Dimension
7.2.1 Creating Linear Dimensions

We will create a Linear Dimension between the Nozzles along the centre
of Equipment D1201, as shown in Figure 7-4.
NOZZ 4
NOZZ 2
NOZZ 5
NOZZ 1
Figure 7-4
Equipment D1201
Exercise continues:
1.
Before you start creating Dimensions make sure that you have set
the Layer buttons, on the DRAFT Dimensioning form, to show the
correct Layer for the new Dimensions, as shown on the option

Version 11.4
7-3
Dimensioning
button below the main menu, see Figure 7-1. In our example, it will
be /DR1/S1/V1/USER_Dims.
2.
Now Zoom into the Equipment D1201, (using the middle mouse
button).
3.
Select Create>Dimension Linear from the Dimensioning Menu. A

Create Linear Dimension form will appear.
The name of the View and the View Direction are shown at the top of the form
The dimension Types are Chain (chained), Tail (parallel) or Truncate (truncated
parallel). See the online help for more information.
We need to set the dimension line Direction to North, because this is the
direction in which we want to dimension the Nozzles. Note that all dimensions in
DRAFT are defined with respect to 3D World directions.
4.
Figure 7-5
Create Linear Dimension Form
Leave the other settings on the Create Linear Dimension form at
their defaults, as shown in Figure 7-5. Click the OK button. The
Linear/Angular Dimensions form will be displayed. See Figure 7-6.
This form is used to create the points which define the Dimensions
and form the link with the 3D-Model element.
7-4

Version 11.4
Dimensioning
5.
Figure 7-6
Linear/Angular Dimensions Form
The list on the left of the form sets how Dimension Points are
created. Make sure that Item is selected in the list. This will create
the dimension point at the origin (P0) of the design primitive.
6.
By default, you will have to press the Create button for each point.
For this exercise, select the
toggle to the right of the Create
button, which allows you to pick several points of the same type one
after the other. Note that this button must be off if you want to
create Dimension Points in different ways, or if you want to use the
3D Pos, Cursor or Matchline positioning options.
7.
Press Create.
8.
Pick the first Nozzle.

When you are prompted to pick an item in DRAFT, moving the
cursor over the graphics area and holding down the left mouse
button causes the cursor shape to change to a square. When you
pass this over a suitable item, that element is highlighted and its
name is displayed in the Status Bar.
The Nozzles you should pick, in order, are shown in Figure 7-4.

Version 11.4
7-5
Dimensioning
9.
Press Esc to finish the process.
Figure 7-7
The completed dimension
7.2.2 Deleting Dimension Points

10. If you make a mistake, make the dimension point element current
by highlighting it in the Members list, and select Delete>CE
(Current Element).
7.2.3 Modifying a Linear Dimension Graphically

The dimension as created may not be where you want it. You can enter
Modify mode and move the dimension in a similar way to modifying
Labels.
Click the Selection Arrow
on the View toolbar at the left of the Main
Display window and then select the dimension. Modifying Linear
dimensions is limited to changing the length of the leader lines, moving
them to the other side of the dimensioned item and changing the
standout distance of the text.
See Section 6.4 for an introduction to using Modify mode.
All the operations you can carry out graphically can be done using the
menu options, and there are many other non-geometrical modifications,
such as changing the appearance of the text and linestyles, which can
only be carried out using the menu options. See the on-line help for more
information.
7-6

Version 11.4
Dimensioning
Figure 7-8
Moving the dimension line
Note: The values shown in the dimension text have been taken directly
from the 3D Design model. If the Nozzles are moved in DESIGN,
the dimension can be updated automatically by selecting
Graphics>Update>Annotation.
7.3 Angular Dimensions

Next we will create angular dimensions between some of the Nozzles on
Equipment C1101.
Exercise continues:

Version 11.4
7-7
Dimensioning
1.
2.
3.
Select Create>Dimension Angular from the Dimensioning Menu. A

Create Angular Dimension form will appear. See Figure 7-9.
Figure 7-9
Create Angular Dimensions Form
Click OK on the Create Angular Dimensions form. You will be
prompted to identify the item that the angular dimension is to be
attached to. Click on DISH 1 of EQUIP C1101, as shown in Figure
7-10.
The dimension will have its origin, that is the point from which the
angular dimension directions will radiate, at the origin of the
element picked.
1. Pick this Dish
The origin will be here
2. Pick this Nozzle
3. Pick this Nozzle
Figure 7-10
7-8
Defining the origin of an angular dimension

Version 11.4
Dimensioning
4.
The Linear/Angular Dimension form will be displayed. See Figure 7-6.

This is the same form as for Linear Dimensions, and it is used in
the same way. Switch on the
button, and press Create.
5.
You will be prompted to pick the items to be dimensioned. Pick the

Nozzles shown in Figure 7-10, in the order shown, because you have
set the direction as Clockwise.
6.
Press the ESCape key or click on the Escape button on the Status
Form. The dimension will be drawn as shown in Figure 7-11.
Figure 7-11
An angular dimension
7.3.1 Editing Angular Dimensions Graphically

See Section 6.4 for an introduction to using Modify mode.
Click the Selection Arrow
on the View toolbar at the left of the Main
Display window to enter Modify mode, and then select the dimension.
Modifying Angular dimensions is limited to changing the standout
distance. There are many other non-geometrical modifications, such as
changing the appearance of the text and linestyles, which can only be
carried out using the menu options. See the on-line help for more
information.

Version 11.4
7-9
Dimensioning
7.4 Radial Dimensions

Radial Dimension are created using the Dimensions form. This form
consists of icons which allows you to create all types of Dimensions, not
just Radial Dimensions. We are going to create a radial dimension on
Equipment C1101.
Exercise continues:
1. Zoom into Equipment C1101. Select Create>Dimension Toolbar
from the Dimensioning menu. The Dimensions form will be
displayed.
2.
Figure 7-12
Dimensions Form
Make sure that the Radial Dimensions option button is set to On
Item (not Vertex), then select the Radius icon:
You will be prompted to select the item to dimension. Click on DISH

1 of EQUIP C1101, the same item as you selected for angular
dimensions, see Figure 7-10.
The dimension will be created, as shown in Figure 7-13.
7-10

Version 11.4
Dimensioning
The Radial Dimensions form will appear, as shown in Figure 7-14.

You can modify the dimension using this form. See the on-line help
for details.
Figure 7-13
Radial Dimension
Figure 7-14
Radial Dimensions Form
You can edit Radial Dimensions graphically in a similar way to other
dimension types. See Section 6.4 for an introduction to using Modify
mode.

Version 11.4
7-11
8 Automatic Drawing Production

This Chapter is an introduction to Automatic Drawing Production (ADP)
in DRAFT.
There are three ADP utilities:
General ADP, for the production of General, Pipework and Equipment
drawings.
Steelwork Detailing ADP.
Hangers and Supports ADP, which is described in Support Design Using
PDMS.
8.1 General ADP

The General ADP Utility uses special backing sheets which enable
schedules and lists of reference drawings to be generated and placed on
the Sheet automatically. It also uses intelligent keyplans (in the form of
overlays) which can be used to define the limits of the model shown on
the drawings.
ADP depends on having rules set up which define how different types of
drawing will be created and annotated. There are defaults supplied as
part of the sample project, which will be used in this Example. Changing
the defaults is a System Administration task, and so is outside the scope
of this manual.
Exercise begins:

Version 11.4
8-1
1.
Enter the ADP application, by selecting Draft>Auto Drawing

Production from the main menu.
2.
Create another Drawing, this time using the ADP forms. Select
Create>General ADP>Drawing from the main menu. Note that the
Drawing will be created under the current Registry, assuming that
the current element is a Registry or lower. If you are at a higher
level, and more than one Registry is available, you will be prompted
to move to the Registry required, by selecting it in the Members list.
3.
Press OK on the Create DRWG form and the Modify General ADP
Drawing Form will be displayed, as shown in Figure 8-1.
Figure 8-1
8-2
Modify General ADP Drawing Form

Version 11.4
4.
Select the Backing Sheet /DRA/MAS/BACKS/MET/A2 from the

Frame drop-down list. You can give the Drawing a Title. Note that
the Date and Drn options are filled in automatically. Press Apply.
5.
Press Create ADP Sheet, and the Create SHEE form will be
displayed. When you press OK on this form, the backing sheet will
be shown in the Main Display and the Modify General ADP Sheet
form will be displayed. See Figure 8-2.
Figure 8-2
Modify General ADP Sheet Form
The Frame drop-down list shows the Backing Sheet already
selected.
6.
The Keyplan drop-down list allows you to select a Keyplan which

will define the limits of the drawing. Set it to Above Grade, and the
Area button will become available: set it to North. Press Apply, and
the Keyplan will be displayed in the appropriate area of the sheet.
You can zoom into the area using the button to the left of the text
box:

Version 11.4
8-3
7.
Click the Create ADP View button, and the Create VIEW form will
be displayed.
Figure 8-3
8-4
Create VIEW Form

Version 11.4
8.
9.
Set the Function of the View to be

DRA-GENADP-PIPING
which will create a View which references a Piping GA defaults file.
When you press OK, the Modify General ADP View form will be
displayed. See Figure 8-4.
Figure 8-4
Modify General ADP View Form
Fill in the form as follows:
Check that the Drawlist is set to Volume Defined.

Set the Style to be /DRA/PRJ/REPR/GEN/PIPE.
Set the Limits to be taken From Keyplan.
Press Apply. The View Frame will appear on the Sheet.

Version 11.4
8-5
10. Press Update. The View Update form will be displayed. See Figure 85. This form allows you to specify which elements in the View will
be updated. As this is the first time the Drawing has been
generated, you need to switch on all the options. Note that
Automatic Savework is on by default.
11. Press Update Now. You will see messages in the Status Form giving
you information about the creation process. The View will be
updated to produce the completed drawing.
Figure 8-5
View Update Form
8.2 Steelwork Detailing ADP

This Section describes automatic drawing production for steelwork
detailing. SDADP (Steelwork Detailing Automatic Drawing Production)
allows you to produce dimensioned and annotated drawings of the most
commonly used structural elements (straight Beams and Columns, and
flat Plates) automatically.
Exercise begins:
1.
For this exercise you must switch to the /STRUC MDB. Do this by
selecting Draft>Modules>Monitor to enter the Monitor module.
8-6

Version 11.4
Select STRUC from the MDB pull-down list, then re-enter Draft by
selecting Monitor>Modules>Draft>Macro Files .
2.
Enter the ADP application, by selecting Draft>Auto Drawing

Production from the main menu.
If you see the Drawing Selection form, click Cancel . Sheets are
created automatically for SDA.
3.
Select Create>Steelwork Detailing, and you will see the Steelwork

Detailing form:

Version 11.4
8-7
4.
8-8
The first step in SDA is selecting a set of Options. Options are

stored as attributes of an SDAOPT element: the current option
element is shown at the top of the Steelwork Detailing form. To see
the settings, press the Edit button at the right of the Options list,
and you will see the Steelwork Detailing Options form. The numbers
refer to the key on the next page.

Version 11.4
6
7
8
9
8.2.1 The SDADP Options

The option element sets the SDA defaults which you will initially see
displayed on the Steelwork Detailing Options form. You can change the
values, and save the changes as the same or a new option element.
The options define:

Version 11.4
8-9
1.
A Sheet Library containing suitable backing sheets.
2.
A view scale.
3.
How DESIGN elements are associated with DRAFT elements: for

example, you can specify that Sites correspond with Departments.
4.
The hierarchic level at which separate Sheets are produced for

identical items.
5.
Whether or not Detail Views are required.
6.
Whether or not Picture files are created.
7.
A Representation Ruleset Reference, defining which Styles are used

for displaying the profiles.
8.
A Symbol Library containing suitable annotation symbols.
9.
The Customisation Macro, see Section 8.2.2.
The SDADP elements supplied with the product are in the Department
Master_Libraries. The backing sheets in the Library DRA/MAS/BACKS
can be used for SDA. The Library DRA/MAS/SDADP contains Libraries
of Styles, Symbols and Representation Rules for SDA. It also contains
two SDAOPT elements:
SDA-Default
SDA-Main-Views
The only difference is that SDA-Main-Views will not output detail views.
If you create your own SDAOPT element, it will be created in the current
LIBY. If your current element is the World, a LIBY will be created
automatically to store the options in. You will have to give this LIBY a
suitable name, if required, after the SDAOPT element has been created.
8.2.2 The SDA Customisation Macro

The last option on the Steelwork Detailing form specifies a macro which
defines how the sheets created in SDADP are named. The names of the
Sheets created are generated from the names in the DESIGN hierarchy.
The macro supplied with the product, in the PDMSDFLTS directory is
named DRA-SDADP-MACRO.
You can edit this macro, or write your own, if you are familiar with PML,
the Cadcentre Programming Language. See the VANTAGE Plant Design
Software Customisation Guide and the VANTAGE Plant Design Software
Customisation Reference Manual for more information about PML, and
8-10

Version 11.4
the VANTAGE PDMS DRAFT Administrator Application User Guide for

more information about the supplied macros.
8.2.3 Creating Some Drawings Automatically

Make sure that you are in the Auto Drawing Production application, and
display the Steelwork Detailing form by selecting Create>Steelwork
Detailing from the main menu.
If the Members list is not already displayed, select Display>Members
from the main menu, and change to the DESIGN database by selecting
Control>Switch DB from the menu at the top of the Members list.
Navigate to the FRMW element FAB_DRAWINGS under the Site
SDADP-TUTORIAL-SITE. We will now produce drawings for the SBFR
element /PLTF_2390_TOS. Add this Design element to the Design
selection list on the Steelwork Detailing form by navigating to it in the
Members list and selecting Add>CE from the menu at the top of the
Steelwork Detailing form.
Press the Generate Sheets button.
Processing a large number of sheets will take some time. There is no
batch mode as such in SDA, but once you have started a processing run,
you can leave it to complete, for example, overnight.
After a few moments, four Sheets will be created, one for each SCTN. The
names of the Sheets and the names of the Design elements from which
the Sheets have been generated are shown in the Sheets list at the
bottom of the form.
Refresh refreshes the Sheets list, for example, if you have just deleted
some of the Sheets. You can limit the contents of the list to Only design
selection sheets, which will only show Sheets for the elements in the
Design Selection list, or to Only outdated sheets.
The first Sheet in the list will be displayed in the Main Display. You can
display the other sheets by clicking on them (Left-hand mouse button) in
the list of Sheets.
Note that two of the sheets contain detail views.
SDA creates a DRAFT Database hierarchy in which to store the SDA
output. The elements created are a DEPT, and REGIs and DRWGs to
contain the Sheets. You can control how the DESIGN elements of SITE,
ZONE and FRMW map to the DRAFT elements.
The DEPTs REGIs and DRWGs are not named automatically: you will
have to give them suitable names, if required, after an SDA run.

Version 11.4
8-11
8.2.4 How the Sheets are Generated

A main front view is always created. If other views are required, they are
arranged on the Sheet as shown:
BACK
TOP
LEFT
FRONT
RIGHT
BOTTOM
Detail Views are displayed in this area,

starting in the bottom left-hand corner
The system selects a backing sheet from the ones available in the list,
splits the available area as shown (according to the views required), and
attempts to fit the required views using the available scale ranges.
If a fit is not possible the system will select the next backing sheet from
the array, if there are no more backing sheets left, the system will keep
incrementing the size until a fit is achieved.
As dimensioning requirements are analysed at the same time, the system
makes allowance for them when selecting a view scale.
8.2.5 Changing the SDA Options

Start from one of the SDA Options supplied, and save it as a new
element. Press the Save As button at the bottom of the Steelwork
Detailing Options form (see Section 8.2), or select Control>Save As from
the menu at the top of the form. You will see a small form:
Select the options you want to save from the drop-down list, and type a
new name into the text box. Press Save.
8-12

Version 11.4
Now you can edit your options as follows. After each edit, save your
changes by pressing the Save button on the Steelwork Detailing Options
form.
Backing Sheets
You can change the content of the Backing Sheets list using the Add and
Remove options on the menu at the top of the form. The arrow buttons at
the right of the list allow you to change the order in the list, which is the
order in which PDMS tries to select a suitable Sheet.
View Scales
You can add a new scale to the lists for Main Views and Detail Views by
selecting one from the Add a Scale drop-down lists of standard scales.
You can also define a scale which is not in the lists by scrolling to the
bottom of the Add a Scale drop-down list and selecting User-defined.
Enter the scale you want on the form:
You can also Remove the scale selected in the list.

Association
The DRAFT elements available are DEPT, REGI and DRWG. SCTNs or
PANEls are always associated with Sheets.
Add the following SBFRs to the Design Selection list:
PLTF_2390_TOS
DK_4850_TOS
Generate the Sheets, using the default association. Note the structure
created. Then delete the whole DEPT, associate SBFRs with REGIs and
save the options. Now generate the Sheets again.
Two REGIs will be produced, one for each SBFR.
Merging
Look at the Sheets for DK_4850_TOS. Note that with the default merge
level of SBFR, Sheet DK_4850_TOS_SO2_ADP contains the text "2
required . . ". , and there are no Sheets for several of the SCTNs. Delete
the Sheets, switch Merging off, and Generate the Sheets again.
Version 11.4
8-13
Separate Sheets will be produced for each SCTN. You can specify the
extent to which Sheets are to be merged by selecting from the Level dropdown list.
Detail Views
Look at Sheet DK_4850_TOS_SO4_ADP. It contains four detail views. If
you change the Threshold to 0.1 and regenerate the Sheet, only two
detail views will be produced.
You can regenerate a single Sheet by selecting it in the Sheets list,
holding done the right-hand mouse button to display the menu option
Regenerate and clicking the left-hand mouse button.
Picture Files
Because SDADP Sheets are typically fairly simple, the graphics can be
generated quickly each time you want to view a Sheet, and so by default,
no picture files are created for Sheets produced by the SDADP
application.
However, this means that whenever a Sheet is displayed or plotted it will
reflect the current state of the DESIGN database, and not the state of the
DESIGN database at the time of the last Update Design operation.
You can force Picture files to be generated by switching on the Picture
Files option. Note that for SDADP, saving Picture files may result in a
very large number of files being created, which will take up disk space
and may have an effect on performance, and so we recommend that you
do not use this option unless really necessary.
8.2.6 Resetting the Options

If you select Control>Defaults, most of the settings on the form are reset
to default values, and you can then start to define a new set of values.
The exceptions are the list of Backing Sheets and the Ruleset Reference:
there are no defaults for these values, and you must enter these yourself.
Note: Occasionally fabrication drawings produced by SDADP will be
under-dimensioned, although it will always be at least 70% of
that required for fabrication of the component. If a dimension is
missing, it may be due to the way the catalogue component is
defined.
8-14

Version 11.4
2D Drafting
9 2D Drafting
This Chapter is an introduction to the DRAFT 2D Drafting Application.
Note that the 2D Drafting Application is intended to be used for tasks
such as designing graphics on backing sheets, and adding additional
manually-drafted details which may not be generated when DRAFT
produces drawings from the DESIGN database: it is not intended to be a
drafting package.
To enter the 2D Drafting Application, press the 2D Drafting button
select Draft>2D Drafting from the DRAFT main menu.
or
Once the application has been loaded, you will see the Draft 2D Drafting
application menu. The options under Draft, Display, Graphics, Query,
Settings, Delete and Help are the same in every application. Utilities has
some options common to all the applications, with others only available
in some applications. The Create and Modify options on this menu are
exclusively for creating and modifying 2D Geometry. Note that if you
want to create or modify items such as Sheets, you can use
There are three sets of menu options specific to 2D Drafting:
Draw
Lets you draw 2D Primitives and Local Symbols
Construct
Lets you construct lines and other primitives using

existing primitives
Edit
Lets you change the attributes of a primitive, move

primitives and nodes, insert gaps in lines, trim lines and
arcs, rotate primitives, reduce a symbol to its components
and manipulate groups
9.1 Introduction to 2D Drafting

9.1.1 2D Drafting Base Elements
2D Drafting primitives can only exist as members of Sheet Notes (NOTE
elements) or Layer Notes (VNOT) elements. By default, these elements
will be created automatically whenever a Sheet or Layer element is
created, but you can create additional ones if you wish.
Version 11.4
9-1
2D Drafting
Whenever a VIEW is created, a number of Layers are automatically

created, one of which will be reserved for Notes. You can also create
additional Layers if you wish via the Create>Layer from the Draft 2D
Drafting bar menu.
9.1.2 2D Drafting Primitives

These are basic geometric shapes which can be drawn on a Sheet. The
primitives exist in the hierarchy as members of NOTEs, VNOTs or
SYTMs. Primitives that exist as members of VNOTs may have their
dimensions and positions defined in terms of 3D Design values.
9.1.3 The 2D Drafting Hierarchy

The following diagram shows the 2D Drafting part of the DRAFT
Hierarchy. It shows the related elements and at what level in the
hierarchy they may be created. All of these elements, with the exception
of extra Layers, can be created as you add extra 2D Elements to your
Sheet or View.
SHEE
VIEW
NOTE
Sheet Note
LAYE
VNOT
CIRC
ELLI
RECT
TABL
TEXP
View Note
SYMB
Text Primitive Symbol
ETRI
DMND
HEXA
MRKP
STRA
ARC
OUTL
9-2

Version 11.4
2D Drafting
The Layers drop-down lists below the toolbar allow you select a Layer
and to make all the items on the Layer to either invisible (OFF) or visible
(ON). The list of Layers is a list of all the Layers owned by the current
View that are used to contain 2D Drafting elements. Note that there are
other Layers in the Members list, but these are used for other purposes.
9.2 Creating Notes

Notes (for use by 2D drafting, text and symbol elements) may be created
at Sheet (Sheet Note) or Layer (View Note) level.
To create a Note, navigate to the appropriate element and select
Create>Note. A Sheet Note (NOTE element) or a Layer Note (VNOT
element) will be created, as appropriate. As the Notes are created, they
are added to the list of Notes shown on the Draft 2D Drafting main
menu.
9.3 Creating 2D Primitives

Starting at Sheet level (to create primitives on a Sheet Note) or Layer
level (to create primitives on a Layer Note), select Draw>Primitives from
the 2D Drafting bar menu. A Draw form will appear.
Select a primitive from the drop-down lists of icons on the form. Hold
down the lefthand mouse button over the relevant icon to reveal a
display of alternative icons. Move to the required icon and then release
the mouse button.

Version 11.4
9-3
2D Drafting
For all primitives except Symbols (the S icon), the Point Construction
Option Form will appear. The prompt text included in this form tells you
what to do next. The text will vary according to the type of primitive
being created.
The default option is a 2D cursor hit. This enables you to draw the
selected type of primitive free-hand. Pick the points requested, and press
Cancel to exit from Create mode.
You can edit the geometry you have created using the options under
Modify, or graphically, as described in the following Section.
9.4 Editing 2D Geometry Graphically

Like Labels and Dimensions, you can edit 2D Geometry graphically. The
hotspots available, and the operations you can carry out, depend on the
type of primitive, and are described in detail in the following sections.
9-4

Version 11.4
2D Drafting
9.4.1 Arcs
A hotspot at the centre of the arc, to allow the whole arc to be moved.
A hotspot at each end of the arc, to allow the corresponding end of the arc
to be repositioned. The repositioning will be such that the bulge factor
remains the same.
A hotspot mid way round the arc. This may be moved anywhere, and the
bulge factor will adjust appropriately.
A dotted line cross and four hotspots round the centre - the arc can be
made to rotate about its centre by rotating any of these hotspots.
9.4.2 Circles

Version 11.4
9-5
2D Drafting
A hotspot at the centre of the circle to allow the whole circle to be

repositioned.
A hotspot on the circumference, which will allow the radius of the arc to
increase or decrease as it is moved, while the centre remains fixed.
9.4.3 Diamonds
A hotspot in the centre of the diamond to allow the whole diamond to be

moved.
A hotspot at each end of the axes. These hotspots can be moved along
their axis, and the axis will alter length as it moves.
A dotted line cross and four hotspots round the centre - the diamond can
be made to rotate about its centre by rotating any of these hotspots.
9-6

Version 11.4
2D Drafting
9.4.4 Ellipses
A hotspot at the centre of the ellipse to allow the whole ellipse to be

moved, with its major axis parallel to its original position.
A hotspot at one end of the major axis. This hotspot can be moved along
the major axis, and the major axis alter length as it moves.
A hotspot at one end of the minor axis. This will be constrained to move
only perpendicular to the major axis, and can be used to increase the
length of the minor axis.
A dotted line cross and four hotspots round the centre - the ellipse can be

Version 11.4
9-7
2D Drafting
9.4.5 Hexagons
A hotspot in the centre of the hexagon to allow the whole hexagon to be

moved.
A hotspot at each corner. These enable the hexagon to be resized.
A dotted line cross and four hotspots round the centre - the hexagon can
9.4.6 Lines
A hotspot in the middle of the line to allow moving of the whole line
parallel to its original position
A hotspot at each end to allow the associated end of the line to be moved.
This may involve rotation or lengthening of the line. The other end of
the line remains fixed.
9-8

Version 11.4
2D Drafting
9.4.7 Rectangles (and Tables)
A hotspot in the centre of the rectangle to allow the whole rectangle to be

moved parallel to its original position.
A hotspot in the centre of each of the edges. These will enable the
rectangle to be stretched in that direction. The opposite edge will remain
fixed, and the opposite sides remain parallel.
A hotspot on each corner. This will enable the rectangle to be enlarged in
such a way that the opposite corner remains fixed, and the opposite sides
remain parallel to each other.
A dotted line cross and four hotspots round the centre - the rectangle can

Version 11.4
9-9
2D Drafting
9.4.8 Symbols
A hotspot in the centre of the symbol to allow the symbol to be moved.

A dotted line cross and four hotspots round the symbols origin - the
symbol can be made to rotate about its origin by rotating this hotspot.
9.4.9 Text
A box round the text. Picking and dragging this box causes the text to
move.
A dotted line circle and four hotspots round the centre - the text can be
9-10

Version 11.4
2D Drafting
9.4.10 Triangles
A hotspot in the centre of the triangle to allow the whole triangle to be

moved parallel to its original position.
A hotspot at two of the edges of the triangle. Moving either of these
enables the triangle to be resized while the other hotspot remains fixed.
(Note that the triangle remains equilateral.)
A dotted line cross and three hotspots round the centre - the triangle can
be made to rotate about its centre by rotating this hotspot.
9.4.11 Views
If view frames are not visible, the user can select the Graphics>View
frames on option on the main bar menu:
Hotspots on view frames cannot be snapped to construction points, but
they can be snapped to the grid.

Version 11.4
9-11
2D Drafting
9.4.12 Outlines
There are two type of outline:
Polyarc - A series of connected arcs and lines
Spline - A smooth bi-cubic curve connecting the points on the outline
An outline may be closed, but this property is not preserved if the user
chooses to move one of the ends and not the other.
Both types of outline may be picked and dragged to a new position. The
detailed modification behaves differently, as described below:
Polyarcs
A hotspot at each end of the arc or line. Moving either of these will move
the endpoint of that arc or line (in the same way as for arcs or lines
above), and will also move the endpoint of the next arc or line connected
to that same endpoint.
A hotspot at the mid point of the arc/line. Moving this will change the
bulge factor of the arc/line - and could thus change a line into an arc.
If the user clicks on a hotspot, it becomes selected and changes colour to
be white. The user can then select from the popup menu either:
Delete point: if it is an and point, the whole arc or line is deleted. If it is
a mid point, the arc becomes a straight line. The first point cannot be
deleted.
Insert After: the user then picks a new position on the screen, and a
new straight-line span is created from the end of the currently selected
span, and connected to the following one.
Splines
A hotspot at each vertex. Moving any of these will cause the curve to be
recalculated dynamically.
If the user clicks on a hotspot, it becomes selected and changes colour to
be white. The user can then select from the popup menu either:
9-12
Delete point: The point is deleted, and the curve recalculated without it.
The first point on the outline cannot be deleted.
Insert After: the user then picks a new position on the screen, and a new
curve is calculated which includes this point positioned after the selected
hotspot. A new point cannot be placed before the first one.

Version 11.4
A The DRAFT Menu Hierarchies

A.1
The Common Menu
This section shows the part of the menu hierarchy which is common to all
applications.
Draft
Display
Save Work
Getwork
Extract control
Session Comment . . .
Select Working Sheet . . .
General . . .
Dimensioning . . .
Labelling . . .
2D Drafting . . .
Auto Drawing Production
AutoDRAFT . . .
Administration
Modules
>
Exit
Main . . .
Reference . . .
Plot . . .
Members . . .
Command Line. .
Save
>
Restore
>
Appware Load Errors
Extension for 2D
Drafting
Forms & Display

Forms & Display As. . .
Forms As. . .
Display As. . .
Settings
Draft General
Design General
2D
Project
>
DB Changes . . .
Status
Users
Teams
DBs
MDBs
Update
System Update
Forms & Display

Forms & Display From..
Forms From . .
Display From . .
You will only see the

Administration option if you
have the appropriate access
rights
Query
Graphics
System
Global
User Defaults
Point Construction
Units
Enhance Colour
Feedback Colour
Ppoint Display

Version 11.4
>
>
Picture
Instances
Refs
Names
Design
Annotation
Tagging
Tagging Regenerate
All
Utilities
Plot CE
DXF CE
>
DGN CE...
Clash Plotting
Dynamic Text
Lists
Claimlists
Continued: see
menus for each
Application
Standard
Configurable...
Run
Create
Modify
Delete
Different extensions
for Dimensioning,
Labelling and
2D Drafting
A-1
The DRAFT Menu Hierarchies
The General Menu

Create
Modify
Copy
>
Layer
Note
Department
Registry
Drawing
>
Sheet
>
Overlay
View
>
Drawlist
CE
Identified
Drawing
Sheet
Sheet Note
View
Layer
Layer Note
Explicitly...
From Template...
Limits-defined
User-defined
Detail
Predefined Frame
Section Flat
Section Perpendicular...
Section Stepped
Local Rules
Hatching Rules
Name
Layer
>
Note
>
Hierarchy
>
Department
Registry
Drawing
>
Sheet
>
Overlay
View
>
Drawlist
Definition
Attributes
Members
Sheet
Layer
Reorder
Definition
Attributes
Drawlist Ref
Definition
Drawlist Ref
Limits-defined
User-defined
Section Flat
Section Perpendicular...
Section Stepped
Local Rules
Hatching Rules
Drawlist Ref
Delete
CE
Members
Owner
Owner Members
A-2

Version 11.4
The Dimensioning Menu

Utilities
Load Text
Clean Up Annotation
Dynamic Dim Text
Dynamic Proj Text
Sort Dimension Points
Create
Copy
>
Layer
Dimension Linear
Dimension Angular
Dimension Toolbar
Modify
Name
Layer
>
Hierarchy
>
Dimension Definition
Dimension Colour & Font
Dimension Line
Projection Line
Dimension Points
Dimension Blanking

Version 11.4
CE
Identified
Drawing
Sheet
Sheet Note
View
Layer
Layer Note. . .
Delete
Definition
Attributes
Members
CE
Members
Owner
Owner Members
Reorder
A-3
The Labelling Menu
Utilities
Load Text
Clean Up Annotation
Create
Copy
Layer
Symbolic Label
General Label
Autotagging
Pipe End Labels
>
>
CE
Identified
Drawing
Sheet
Sheet Note
View
Layer
Layer Note
Identified
Automatic
Modify
Name
Layer
>
Hierarchy
>
Symbolic Label >
General Label >
Autotagging
Placement
Label Blanking
Delete
Definition
Attributes
Members
CE
Members
Owner
Owner Members
Reorder
Definition
Attributes
Definition
Text Contents
Text Settings
Frame
Leader Line
A-4

Version 11.4
The 2D Drafting Menu
Settings
Group Filter
Icon Menu Styles
Utilities
Create
Load Text
Sketch Drafting
Dynamic Primitives
Modify
Name
Layer
>
Note
>
Hierarchy >
Blanking
Copy
>
Layer
Note
CE
Identified
Drawing
Sheet
Sheet Note
View
Layer
Layer Note
Draw
Delete
Definition
Attributes
Members
CE
Members
Owner
Owner Members
Group Members
Primitives
Local Symbol
Sheet
Layer
Reorder
Construct
Group
2D Copy
Repeat
>
Mirror
Fillet Arc
Chamfer Line
Parallel Line
Tangent Line
Ray Line
Constructed Line
Bisector Line
Local Symbol
Edit
Offset
Rows & Columns
Polar

Version 11.4
Primitive
Line Gap
>
Line Trim
Rotate
Demolish Symbol
Action Group
Zero Length
Default Length
Start, End
A-5
The AutoDRAFT User Menu
Edit
Drawing
A-6
Export
Transfer File
Delete
CE
Members
Owner
Owner Members

Version 11.4
The Automatic Drawing Production Menu

Utilities
Create
Copy
>
Layer
Note
Department
Registry
General ADP
>
H&S Drawings
Steelwork Detailing
General ADP Toolbars >
Drawing
Sheet
View
Dimensioning
Labelling
Equipment Centres
Modify
Name
Layer
>
Note
>
Hierarchy
>
Department
Registry
General ADP >
Delete
Definition
Attributes
Members
CE
Identified
Drawing
Sheet
Sheet Note
View
Layer
Layer Note
CE
Members
Owner
Owner Members
Update
General ADP Views
Sheet
Layer
Reorder
Drawing
Sheet
View

Version 11.4
A-7
The DRAFT Database

WORLD
LIBY
(see overleaf)
REPO
DEPT
REGI
DRWG
LIBY
TEXT
(see overleaf)
SHEE
REVI
TEXT
OLAY
NOTE
REVI
VIEW
:
(see overleaf)
LAYE
RRUL
VSEC
HRUL
ADIM
LDIM
PDIM
RDIM
VNOT
GLAB
SLAB
TAGR
:
(see overleaf)
NOTE: Automatically created system elements are not shown.

Version 11.4
B-1
Note: Automatically created system elements are not shown.

Note: Not all elements shown are discussed in this manual.
B-2

Version 11.4
Other Documentation
This guide is only an introduction to using PDMS DRAFT. For more
detailed information, see the following documentation.
On-Line Help
On-line help is provided as an integral part of the user interface. It gives
detailed instructions on the forms and menus.
VANTAGE PDMS DRAFT Administrator Application User Guide
This documents explains more of the basic concepts behind the
administration of PDMS DRAFT.
VANTAGE PDMS DRAFT User Guide
This document describes the DRAFT commands, and gives fuller
information about some of the command options.
VANTAGE Plant Design Software Customisation Guide
This document explains how to use the CADCENTRE programmable
macro language (PML) and how to create your own forms and menus.

Version 11.4
C-1
2D Drafting
C-2

Version 11.4
Index
2D Drafting, 1
Double Click, 1-3
2D Geometry, 5
Drag, 1-3
editing, 5
Drawing templates, 4-6
2D Primitives, 3
Drawings, 3-5, 4-1
3D view, 3-3
Drawlist Management form, 5-4
ADP, 8-1
DRWG elements, 3-5, 4-1
Application
Dynamic text, 6-2
definition, 1-2
Enter key, 1-3
Attributes, 4-3
Graphical view, 3-3
Automatic drawing production, 8-1
Grid, 4-9
Steelwork detailing, 8-5

Button
Help, on<#106>line, 3-13

Hierarchy, 4-1
control, 3-12
Intelligent text, 6-2
option, 3-12
Layer (LAYE) element, 2
radio, 3-10
List
toggle, 3-11
scrollable, 3-12
Check box, 3-11
MDB selection, 3-1
Click, 1-3
Members, 3-5, 4-1
Control button, 3-12
Menu
Creating elements, 4-2
pull<#106>down, 3-9
Database, 4-1
Menu bar, 3-3, 3-9
Departments, 3-5, 4-1
Module
DEPT elements, 3-5, 4-1

Detail views
steelwork detailing, 8-12
Dimensions
types of, 7-4

Version 11.4
definition, 1-2
Mouse buttons
functions, 3-4
Multiple database selection, 3-1
NOTE (Sheet Note) element, 2
Index-i
Index
NOTE elements, 3
automatic drawing production, 8-5
On<#106>line help, 3-13
backing sheets, 8-11
Option button, 3-12
customisation macro, 8-8
Owner, 3-5, 4-1
detail views, 8-12
Password entry, 3-1
options, 8-6
Pick, 1-3
view scales, 8-11
Point World, 3-5
Submenu, 3-9
Primitives, 3
Templates, 4-6
Project selection, 3-1
Terms, 1-3
Prompts, 3-10
Text box, 3-11
PTWL elements, 3-5
Text, in labels, 6-2
Pull<#106>down menu, 3-9
Toggle button, 3-11
Radio button, 3-10
Tool bar, 3-3
REGI elements, 3-5, 4-1
Training courses, 1-2
Registries, 3-5, 4-1
Tree Structure, 3-5, 4-1
Return key, 1-3
User name entry, 3-1
Scrollable list, 3-12
User-Defined View form, 5-2
SHEE elements, 3-5, 4-1
View
Sheet templates, 4-6
3D/graphical, 3-3
Sheets, 3-5, 4-1
VNOT (View Note) element, 2
Status bar, 3-3, 3-10
VNOTE elements, 3
Status form, 3-10
World element, 3-5, 4-1
Steelwork detailing
Zoom, 4-9
Index-ii

Version 11.4

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Drawing Production Using

Copyright 1991 through 2002 CADCENTRE Limited

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a

Cadcentre Ltd, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HB, UK

How to Use This Manual ..............................................................................1-1

The Scope of the Guide............................................................................................1-1

Starting to Use DRAFT .................................................................................3-1

Starting up PDMS DRAFT .....................................................................................3-1

Setting Up the DRAFT Hierarchy.................................................................4-1

Creating a Department ...........................................................................................4-2

Creating and Modifying Views................................................................................5-1

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

5.2.4 Displaying the Contents of the View .............................................................5-5

Introducing DRAFT Labelling ................................................................................6-1

The Dimensioning Hierarchy..................................................................................7-2

Automatic Drawing Production ...................................................................8-1

Introduction to 2D Drafting ....................................................................................9-1

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Appendix A: Menu Maps...................................................................................... A-1

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

1 How to Use This Manual

1.2 Learning to Use PDMS

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

How to Use This Manual

1.3 Further Training in PDMS

1.4 Some Terminology

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

How to Use This Manual

Place the mouse cursor over the specified

Quickly click the left-hand mouse button

Click on the desired element in the 3D

Place the mouse cursor over the specified

Type text into the specified dialogue box

1.5 How this Guide is Organised

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

How to Use This Manual

Chapter 5, Views, describes how to set up Views, which control which

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Automatic Labelling (Autotagging)

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Automatic Drawing Production

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

3 Starting to Use DRAFT

3.1 Starting up PDMS DRAFT

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Starting to Use DRAFT

Click to select from list, or

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Starting to Use DRAFT

Main menu bar

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Starting to Use DRAFT

3.2 Using the Mouse

3.2.1 The Members List

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Starting to Use DRAFT

3.2.2 The DRAFT Database Hierarchy

Drawing Production Using VANTAGE PDMS

Starting to Use DRAFT