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Aveva E3d Macros ((new)) May 2026

AVEVA E3D macros are powered by the Programmable Macro Language (PML)

, a domain-specific language used to automate complex modeling tasks and customize the user interface. Below is a look into the core features and advanced capabilities of macros in the E3D environment. AVEVA™ Documentation Core Macro Features Command Automation

: Users can store frequently used command sequences in text files (often with a extension) to execute them with a single click. Variable Management : PML supports both local variables global variables

), which can be assigned types such as REAL, STRING, BOOLEAN, or ARRAY. Arguments and Parameters

: Macros can be written in a generalized form using parameters for dimensions or part numbers, allowing users to input specific values only at runtime. Legacy Compatibility : The traditional

mechanism for invoking macros remains available, and most existing PML code from older versions (like PDMS) works unmodified. Advanced Customization Capabilities UI Form Design

: You can create custom graphical forms, gadgets, and menus using PML to overcome limitations of standard software interfaces. System Integration

: Macros can be used to export data to external formats, such as generating

(for Navisworks) or importing Excel files directly into E3D tables. Error Handling aveva e3d macros

: Advanced macros use error-handling blocks to manage cases where selected elements lack specific attributes, such as missing "P points" on a model. PML Rehash : A critical administrative feature where the PML rehash

command is used to scan libraries and register new macro files or forms in the system index. AVEVA Learning Academy Typical Use Cases Bulk Modeling

: Automating the creation of repetitive structures like tanks, holes, or gratings.

: Generating custom reports for missing components or verifying model weights. Workflow Optimization

: Using tools like "Quick Macro" to manage and sort frequently used scripts for daily design tasks.

AVEVA E3D macros are primarily written using PML (Programmable Macro Language), the same engine used in its predecessor, PDMS. Macros allow you to automate repetitive tasks, create custom forms, and extend the software's native capabilities. 1. Getting Started with PML

Macros in E3D are typically saved as .pmlmac or simple .txt files containing a series of command lines.

Variable Types: Use STRING, REAL, BOOLEAN, or ARRAY to store data. AVEVA E3D macros are powered by the Programmable

Basic Syntax: Commands are generally written exactly as they would be typed into the Command Window.

Comments: Use $( ... $) for block comments or $-- for single-line comments to document your code. 2. Creating and Running a Macro

Write the Code: Open a text editor (like Notepad++ or VS Code) and type your sequence of E3D commands.

Save the File: Save it to a directory included in your PML Search Path (defined by the PMLLIB environment variable).

Register the File: If you added a new file to the PML library, run the command PML REHASH in E3D to refresh the index.

Execute: Run the macro by typing $M /C:\path\to\yourmacro.txt or simply the filename if it is in your search path. 3. Key Automation Concepts

Collections & Filters: Use COLLECT commands to gather specific elements (e.g., all Pipes or Valves) into a list for bulk modification.

Forms & Menus: You can design custom GUI windows using setup form !!MyForm to give users a visual interface for your automation. Cannot undo macro actions (use with care)

Error Handling: Use handle ANY blocks to prevent the macro from crashing if a command fails during execution. 4. Helpful Resources

Official Documentation: Look for the "Software Customization Reference Manual" within your AVEVA installation folder or on the AVEVA Support Portal.

Community Snippets: Sites like 3D Software Customization offer free sample macros for learning tasks like clash detection or attribute modification.

Video Tutorials: Brief visual guides for setting up productivity tools can be found on YouTube. E3D Productivity : Quick Macro

9. Limitations & Troubleshooting

  • Cannot undo macro actions (use with care).
  • No native GUI builder – rely on PML forms if needed.
  • Macro stops on first error unless handled.
  • Debug tips:
    • Add ECHO ON to see each command
    • Insert PAUSE to step through
    • Check ERROR variable after commands

Key Characteristics:

  • Human-readable: You can open a .mac file in Notepad.
  • Stackable: Macros can call other macros.
  • Recordable: E3D has a built-in macro recorder (though manual editing is often superior).

Part 3: Creating Your First Macro (Step-by-Step)

Let's build a practical macro that creates a vertical vessel shell.

A. Batch Processing of Scenarios

Instead of manually creating a new file for every combination of hole size, pressure, and wind speed, a macro allows the user to define a "base case" and iterate over a list of variables.

  • Example: Defining a macro to loop through 10 different wind speeds (ranging from 1.5 m/s to 15 m/s) for a single gas release scenario, automatically saving the results for each.

Part 7: Macro Best Practices for Teams

If you manage a team of 20 E3D designers, macro chaos can be dangerous. Standardize.

Step 1: Open Notepad (or better, Notepad++).

How to record:

  1. Go to Utilities -> Macro -> Record Start.
  2. Perform your actions (e.g., create a stiffener, move it, change color).
  3. Click Macro -> Record Stop.
  4. Save the .mac file.
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