AutoPIPE - How to export drawings from AutoPIPE Vessel? Which file formats are supported?

Overview

AutoPIPE Vessel allows users to automatically generate both 2D and 3D drawings in various industry-standard formats. This article outlines the supported file types, software requirements, and steps for exporting drawings.

📤 Supported Drawing Formats

AutoPIPE Vessel supports the following formats for drawing generation:

Drawing Type	Format	File Extension	Notes
2D	DWG	`.dwg`	Compatible with AutoCAD / BricsCAD (Classical versions only)
2D	DGN	`.dgn`	Compatible with MicroStation
3D	SolidWorks	`.sldprt`	Requires SolidWorks installation

⚠️ Note: AutoPIPE Vessel does not support AutoCAD/BricsCAD Lite versions.

🛠️ Software Requirements & Preferences

DWG Generation (AutoCAD/BricsCAD):
- As of version 45.00.00.133, users no longer need an AutoCAD or BricsCAD license to generate .dwg files.
- To generate .dwg files without AutoCAD/BricsCAD, select DWG as the CAD software in the Preferences dialog.
DGN Generation (MicroStation):
- Users can select MicroStation in Preferences to generate .dgn files.
- Even without a MicroStation license or installation, drawings will still be generated because MicroStation is the default CAD option and uses embedded libraries within AutoPIPE Vessel.
- Generated .dgn files can be opened using Bentley View, a free viewer.
Using Installed CAD Software:

- If you have AutoCAD, BricsCAD, or SolidWorks installed, specify the CAD software and its executable path in the Preferences dialog.
- When using the Execute > Generate Drawing command:
  - AutoPIPE Vessel will export the formatted file.
  - It will automatically launch the specified CAD software using the provided path.
  - The exported drawing will open directly in the selected application.

📂 Locating Exported Drawings

If no CAD software is specified:

Navigate to the folder containing your AutoPIPE Vessel model.
Locate the exported .dgn or .dwg file.
Open the file using a compatible viewer or CAD application.

🎥 Video Tutorial

Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on generating and exporting drawings from AutoPIPE Vessel:

💡 Feature Requests

If you need support for additional file types or want to suggest new compatible CAD applications:

Submit your ideas in Bentley IDEA Portal, Follow the instruction given here with detailed requirements and use cases.