Aveva E3d Design

In today’s fast-paced industrial design landscape, accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration are more important than ever. AVEVA E3D Design (Everything 3D) stands out as a powerful solution for intelligent 3D modeling across the plant, marine, and power industries. Whether you’re building complex piping networks, equipment layouts, or structural frameworks, E3D equips designers with the tools to develop accurate, data-driven models that integrate seamlessly across engineering disciplines.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through essential features, real-world workflows, and expert tips to help both new users and seasoned professionals get the most out of AVEVA E3D—just like we do here at Kagira Drawing Solutions.
1. Complete Beginner’s Guide to AVEVA E3D Design
Target audience: New designers, trainees
What to include:
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What is AVEVA E3D and how it differs from PDMS
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Basic interface overview
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Introduction to common modules: Pipe, Equipment, Draft, Admin
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Tips to get started
2. How to Create Custom Pipe Supports in AVEVA E3D
Target audience: Designers working on plant layouts
What to include:
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Overview of standard vs. custom supports
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Step-by-step creation in the Pipe Supports module
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Managing catalog data
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Exporting and inserting into projects
3. Efficient Drawing Extraction Workflow in Draft Module
What to include:
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How to extract GA and isometric drawings
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Common setup mistakes
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Using macros and attribute mapping
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Automating updates when model changes
4. Catalog & Specs Management: A Practical Guide
For spec creators/admins
What to include:
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Creating new specs using SPECON
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Catalog structure (pipes, fittings, bolts, gaskets)
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Avoiding common spec conflicts
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Exporting/importing from legacy systems
5. 10 Common Errors in E3D (And How to Fix Them)
What to include:
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Errors like “No Branch Table Entry,” “Element Not Found,” “Cannot Create Connection”
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Why they happen
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How to solve them step-by-step
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Optional downloadable cheat sheet
6. Migration from PDMS to E3D: Step-by-Step Strategy
What to include:
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Key differences between PDMS and E3D
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What data can be migrated
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Checklist before migration
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Managing user permissions, project data, and specs
7. Hidden Productivity Tools in E3D You Might Be Missing
Engaging content
What to include:
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Shortcuts and hotkeys
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Hidden features like Compare Tool, Clash Detection, Navisworks Export
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Tips for faster modeling
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GIFs or screen captures to show them in action
8. Understanding the E3D Hierarchy: Zones, Sites, Units, Equipment
What to include:
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Data structure philosophy in AVEVA E3D
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Naming conventions
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Best practices for organizing large projects
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How it impacts drawing extraction and reporting
9. How to Set Up AVEVA E3D on a New System
For IT/Support or solo users
What to include:
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System requirements
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Installing E3D and licensing
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Setting up projects, catalogs, and users
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Initial checklist to ensure smooth project setup
10. Case Study: Real-Life Project Using AVEVA E3D
What to include:
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Brief project overview (anonymous if needed)
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Challenges faced in modeling/design
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How E3D tools helped
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Lessons learned / best practices
Conclusion
Mastering AVEVA E3D Design isn’t just about knowing where to click—it’s about understanding efficient workflows, applying proven best practices, and constantly optimizing how you design and deliver complex engineering projects. With the right approach—and by leveraging powerful tools like smart catalogs, drawing automation, and clash detection—you can significantly reduce errors, improve collaboration, and streamline your entire project lifecycle.
At Kagira Drawing Solutions, we believe that knowledge sharing leads to smarter, faster, and more accurate design. If this article helped you, be sure to explore our other AVEVA E3D tutorials and subscribe for weekly tips. Got questions or looking for project-specific support? Drop us a message—we’re always here to help fellow designers.