Browse our list of frequently asked questions to find the information you need. If you don't see a question that matches your inquiry, please contact Technical Support.
Installing and Configuring
Q: What is the recommended system configuration for PipeDesigner 3D?
A: Please see the latest System Specifications.
Q: Do I have to uninstall a previous version of PipeDesigner 3D before installing a new updated version?
A: Yes. Except for Service Releases, new versions of PipeDesigner 3D are not updates, they are full versions. Follow the instructions on the CD to ensure proper installation.
Q: How do I install PipeDesigner 3D?
A: PipeDesigner 3D Installation instructions are shipped with the installation CD-ROM. The instructions will walk you through the entire installation procedure.
Q: Should I install the PipeDesigner 3D Viewer on the same machine that I install PipeDesigner 3D?
A: No. The viewer allows users without PipeDesigner 3D to view PipeDesigner 3D entities. Users with the viewer will be able to view and edit PipeDesigner 3D entities using AutoCAD commands. They will not be able to execute PipeDesigner 3D functionality or create new fittings. If you have already installed the viewer on your PipeDesigner 3D computer, you will likely have to uninstall the viewer and PipeDesigner 3D, and then reinstall PipeDesigner 3D.
Q: Is the software compatible with Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit?
A: Yes, we fully support Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 as 32 bit and 64 bit.
Q: What drawing platforms does your software require?
A: PipeDesigner 3D and DuctDesigner 3D requires compatible AutoCAD? applications. For additional information about system compatibility, please see the PipeDesigner 3D System Specifications, or the DuctDesigner 3D System Specifications.
Working With PipeDesigner 3D
Q: The Bill of Materials is way too big! How can I control the size of the BOM?
A: You can modify the text size using the "TEXTSIZE" command at the command line and then simply create another BOM. The textsize icon is also found on the QPI-Util toolbar.
Q: Do I need to have Microsoft Access to work on the database?
A: No. QuickPen provides a Data Editor for editing the database. We recommend you do not use Access to edit the database.
Q: How do I locate a specific part?
A: You can view selected components using the filters in the PipeDesigner 3D Data Editor.
- In the PipeDesigner Data Editor window, choose Tools > Define Filters.
- Select a Filter type from the list and enter what you are looking for. To broaden your search, enter an asterisk before and after each search item. This causes the filter to use "wildcards." Using wildcards displays more parts in the resulting list.
- If you want to save your filter for future use, enter a Filter Name and then click Add. The next time you need to look for parts, you can simply click the down arrow and select the filter from the list.
Q: How do I use a dual monitor setup in PipeDesigner 3D?
A: To use a dual monitor in PipeDesigner 3D, you can use choose one of the following solutions:
Set the primary monitor containing the PipeDesigner 3D palette/dashboard.
- Based on your current operating system, proceed as follows:
Windows XP Operating System
On your Desktop, right-click and choose Properties from the pop-up menu. Click the Settings tab.
Windows Vista Operating System
On your Desktop, right-click and choose Personalize from the pop-up menu. Click the Display Settings tab. - Click the monitor that contains the palette/dashboard and then click the User this device as the primary monitor checkbox.
- Click OK.
Undock the palette/dashboard and move it to the other monitor
- In the PipeDesigner 3D main window, right-click on the PD3D Dashboard and then click the Allow Docking command. This undocks the palette.
- Drag the PD3D Dashboard to the second monitor.
