DM Plumbing Release Notes

The following is a list of new and updated features in Design Master Plumbing 4.1.

Total Flow Label: A new value was added to pipe labels that will display the total flow in the pipe instead of the flow separated into the various flow categories.

Separate Plan View and Isometric Pipe Labels: Pipe labels are separated between the plan view and the isometric. Labels in each area can be set to be different.

Transparent Pipes: Pipes can be marked as transparent. Transparent pipes work the same as transparent ducts do in Design Master HVAC. They are inserted on a non-plotting layer, so they will not be printed on your final drawing. They remain connected to other pipes and will transfer flow. Transparent pipes are commonly used when you need to transfer flow through a piece of equipment.

Export 3D-BIM to DWG File: Three new commands were added to export the 3D model to a DWG file instead of an IFC file.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2026.

• Updated DIMSCALE check to happen when a command is run instead of when a drawing is opened.
• Compatibility with DM Electrical 8.7.12.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2025.

• Fixed a number of bugs and crashes reported by users.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2024.

• Fixed crash when no floors are defined in a project.

• Added text style for elevation labels.

• Added support for BricsCAD V23.
• Support for BricsCAD V20 will be dropped in a future release. If you are using BricsCAD V20 and want access to new features and updates, you will need to update to a newer version.

• Added a Set Default button to the Manage Standards Database command.

• Fixed error when starting a new project related to loading schedule settings.
• Fixed errors in BricsCAD related to selecting folders.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2023.

• Added support for BricsCAD V22.
• Dropped support for BricsCAD V19.

• Fixed an error in the Coordinate Drawings and Database command related to alignment points.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2022.

• Added support for BricsCAD V21.
• Dropped support for BricsCAD V18.

• Fixed crash when updating plumbing labels.

• Changed internal database stored structure to improve performance on projects with lots of pipe flow categories.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2021.
• Fixed error when loading menus that would cause the wrong icons to be used for the AutoCAD theme (dark vs light).
• Fixed error in BricsCAD when loading the ribbon menus.

• Added support for BricsCAD V20.

• Fixed error displaying the list of pipes available in the Query Pipe dialog box.
• Fixed error starting a new project.
• Fixed errors in floating licenses caused by incorrect system configurations.

• Adds compatibility with Design Master Electrical 8.6.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2020.

• Improved the Add Leader command to use the selection point on the pipe as the end point for the leader.
• Fixed BricsCAD version to work in 64-bit BricsCAD again.

• Added missing option for elevation label leaders.
• Updated licensing to handle virtual machines.

• Fixed errors with floating licenses.
• Pipe sizing dialogs now support up to 5 decimals for values.
• Added support for BricsCAD V19.

• Improved warning messages that are displayed when there are licensing problems.
• Fixed error in the Coordinate Pipes and Database command that caused errors with riser pipes.

• Adds compatibility with Design Master Electrical 8.5.
• The technical backend for managing licenses has been upgraded in this release. You will be prompted for new license information after you install the new version. Contact support@designmaster.biz and ask for your new license information. If you install the new version before getting your new license information, you can use the 30-day trial to continue working.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2019.
• Fixed an error updating pipe labels when breaking pipes.
• Added option when moving an alignment point in an area with pipe risers to move the alignment points in other areas instead of moving pipe risers in the current area.

• Added ribbons to BricsCAD.
• Fixed crash in the Pipe Query dialog box when customization settings for a pipe type are not set correctly.
• Fixed error in the Pipe Query command causing calculated pipe flow to be reset to 0.

• Fixed an error with minimum pipe size calculations.

• Fixed error following pipe paths.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2018.
• Fixed update of files when using a network install with BricsCAD.

• Fixed drafting error between pipes in waste-vent systems.
• Fixed pipe calculation error in systems with 0-length riser pipes.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2017.

• This update is compatible with Design Master Electrical 8.4.
• Added support for BricsCAD V16.
• Dropped support for BricsCAD V15.
• Dropped support for AutoCAD 2004, 2005, and 2006.

• Improved 3D drawing export to group faces together for better interference detection using Navisworks.
• Fixed crash when using the Coordinate Drawings and Database command on a drawing that contained isometrics.
• Fixed errors when copying pipe sizes between the project and standards database.

• Added support for BricsCAD 15. Dropped support for BricsCAD 14.
• Fixed the Coordinate Drawings and Database command to work across multiple drawings at once.

• Added option to insert a partial isometric that only includes some pipes on a floor but not all of them.
• Fixed error with pipe flow categories that caused a change in the flow multiplier of one type to be copied to the flow multiplier of another type.
• Fixed crash in the pipe flow categories dialog when only two pipe types exist.
• Fixed error setting elevation in the starting and ending pipes of pipe risers.
• Fixed crash in the Utilities → Copy Drawing and Remove All DM Entities command.
• Fixed IFC export to rotate correctly when using the Link command in Revit.
• Fixed IFC export to work correctly when UCS is not set to world.
• Added prompt before updating old databases.

• Fixed crash when moving a pipe run.
• Fixed crash when inserting an isometric.
• Fixed error adjusting elevations of pipes when adding floors to a riser.
• Fixed error when changing the pipe type of a riser.
• Fixed error when changing load values while editing multiple equipment.
• Fixed error updating layers of equipment connections in the one-line diagram.
• Fixed error when moving items between groups in schedules.

• Updated for compatibility with Design Master HVAC 7.3.9 and Design Master Electrical 8.3.9.

• Fixed an error in riser elevations when changing the floor elevation.
• Fixed error with valves that was causing pipe to connect to the wrong valve during the Coordinate Drawings and Database command.
• Fixed pipe linetype text to not be displayed on pipe types that are set to be hidden by ductwork.

• Compatibility with DM HVAC 7.3.7 and DM Electrical 8.3.7.

• Fixed error causing entities to be grouped together in new drawings.
• Fixed crash when exporting 3D entities to a DWG file.

• Fixed crash when inserting some schedules.
• Fixed error that caused wrapped text to change to a single line during the Coordinate Drawings and Database command.
• Fixed error when pressing ESCAPE to finish the Insert Pipe command in AutoCAD 2013 and later.

• Changed installer to work correctly with non-admin users.
• Fixed crash when moving a pipe run.

• Update to maintain compatibility with Design Master Electrical 8.3.3.

• Fixed error setting block correctly when importing pipe symbols from other projects.

• Fixed crash when creating a custom block.
• Fixed crash when inserting a pipe riser.

The following is a list of new and updated features in Design Master Plumbing 4.0.

Pipe Sizing

Pipes can be sized automatically. Pipe sizing is based upon customizable lookup tables.

Pipe Drafting

Pipe Linetypes per Layer System: Each layer system and pipe type combination can have a separate linetype.

Fixture Connections

Two new fixture connection options were added.

90-90 Fixture Connection: When using this fixture connection, you will be prompted to select the fixture and the location on the main pipe to connect to. A pipe perpendicular to the main pipe will be drawn toward the fixture. It will then turn 90 degrees and connect to the fixture.

Vertical at Wall Fixture Connection: When using this fixture connection, you will be prompted to select the fixture, the pipe to connect to, and the wall to insert the vertical pipe in. A pipe will be drawn from the main pipe to the wall. A vertical pipe will be inserted in the wall. Then a pipe from the vertical pipe to the fixture will be inserted.

Project Management

Merge Project: Drawings from one project can be merged into another project.

Copy or Backup Project: The new Copy or Backup Project command can be used to make a complete copy or backup of the current project, including all drawings and DM database files.

Copy Drawing and Remove Links to Database: Copies the current drawing and removes all links between DM entities and the database, while keeping the entities on the drawing for standard AutoCAD editing.

Rename Database: Changes the name of the database file associated with the current drawing.

• Improved insertion of waste and vent pipes.

• Fixed error causing project submissions and bug reports to not send correctly.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2014.
• Fixed errors when importing and exporting layers to Excel.
• Improved how automatically created recovery drawings were handled.
• Fixed crash in Project Explorer after deleting a device on the drawing.
• Fixed multiple crashes related to pipe risers.

• Fixed crashes in rare cases related to alignment point areas.
• Fixed error creating layers with lineweights and plot styles set.
• Fixed error message displayed when trying to calculate pipe sizes and a pipe with a sizing table cannot be found.

• Improved installer to allow network folders to be selected as the install folder.
• Improved error messages when sizing table is not set for a pipe system.
• Fixed error preventing isometric offset from working.

• Fixed error when sizing pipe systems that included pipe symbols.
• Fixed error when sizing pipes when the first pipe in the system had 0 length.
• Fixed error in isometric drawing that was causing pipes of the wrong type to be displayed.
• Fixed merge project error.

• Fixed error causing drawing to regenerate when a DM Plumbing command was run.
• Fixed error drawing pipes in 3D when the pipes change size in an elbow.

• Fixed crash in AutoCAD 2013 if you submitted a second project to support.
• Fixed crash when using the Edit Multiple Pipes command.

• Fixed Edit Multiple Pipes to allow you to set a specific size on multiple pipes that are different types.
• Fixed crash when importing pipe symbols from the standards database to the project.
• Fixed pipe insertion to allow you to specify a length for the pipe.
• Fixed errors in Merge Project command.

• Fixed crash when modifying pipes reported by some users.

• Added option to not stack fractions in pipe sizes.
• Made the "Please Wait" dialog box less noticeable when making changes to the drawing.
• Fixed error causing the "Please Wait" dialog to appear more than once during a COPY command.

• Fixed error in "Install Patch" command.
• Fixed error when using the "Edit" button in schedules and when modifying schedule column layouts.
• Removed spaces before fractions when displaying plumbing sizes on the drawing.
• Improved performance of plumbing database update.

The following is a list of new and updated features in Design Master Plumbing 3.1. This release is a minor one focusing on adding specific requests from our users.

Backward Pipe Arrows: The arrows on pipe centerlines can be reversed to point away from fixtures. For waste and return pipes, this means pipes will point in the direction of flow. This option is set in DM Plumbing → Customization → Pipe Types.

Project Explorer: The Project Explorer command displays all the pipes and pipe symbols in your database in a single dialog box. You can use this view to browse items in your project, find them on your drawings, and modify them.

User Options: A new User Options command sets options that are specific to an individual user. Previously, all options were shared among users.

Delete Drawing: A new Delete Drawing command deletes a drawing from your computer and removes all associated Design Master Plumbing pipes and symbols from it.

Automatic Drawing Update: A new user option — Automatically open drawings that need to be updated — controls whether Design Master Plumbing opens other drawings when changes require updates.

AutoCAD 2007 or Later Required: This release requires AutoCAD 2007 or later. AutoCAD 2006 and earlier are no longer supported.

• Fixed crashes in AutoCAD 2013.
• Fixed IFC export error when exporting multiple floors.
• Fixed error related to inserting pipe breaks.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2013.
• Restored support for AutoCAD 2004, 2005, and 2006.
• Fixed IFC export to set units correctly to handle scaling errors in other programs.
• Fixed an error with the IFC export that would leave extra entities on the drawing when it was finished.
• Fixed bug that caused pipe labels to move on the isometric when it was refreshed.

• Fixed errors in isometric drafting.
• Fixed error creating 3D elbows for pipes.

• Fixed error that prevented the Copy Drawing and Rename Drawing commands from working.
• Fixed 2 miscellaneous crashes reported by users.

The major new feature in Design Master Plumbing 3.0 is 3D-BIM compatibility with Revit. It also includes various fixes to bugs reported by our customers.

3D-BIM Compatibility with Revit

This release adds 3D-BIM compatibility with Revit, allowing you to work with architects on 3D-BIM projects. Together, the features put you in the position of being able to offer 3D coordination on every project you do with Design Master Plumbing.

• IFC Export Commands: Export the whole project, the current drawing, or a single area to IFC format for coordination with Revit and other BIM tools.
• 3D Pipes: All pipes can be drawn in 3D and exported to the IFC file.
• Pipe Hangers: Hangers for pipes can be drawn in 2D and 3D and included in the IFC file.
• Exterior Pipe Lining: Exterior pipe lining can be included in the 3D model of the pipes.
• Elevation Labels: Elevation labels can be used to document the top and bottom elevations of pipes.

• Fixed error displaying elevations of pipes.
• Fixed error with array command in AutoCAD 2012.
• Fixed error in "Query Riser" command.

• Added option to include or exclude exterior lining width in top and bottom elevation of pipes.
• Fixed error with the GROUPDISPLAYMODE system variable in AutoCAD 2012.
• Fixed crashes related to opening other drawings to update.
• Fixed error that was exporting pipes from other drawings to the IFC file.
• Fixed crashes related to elevation labels.

• Improved project creation speed over networks.

The following is a list of new and updated features in Design Master Plumbing 2.1.

64-bit Compatibility

Design Master Plumbing 2.1 is compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows. This release also works in 32-bit versions of Windows and in AutoCAD 2004 to AutoCAD 2010.

AutoCAD 2010 Ribbon Panels

Design Master Plumbing ribbon tabs are included in this release.

• Fixes the automatic loader to work correctly with the next release of Design Master HVAC.
• Fixes multiple minor bugs reported by users.

• Fixed sort order of pipe types in layer dialog.
• Fixed error when copying riser pipes between drawings.
• Fixed crash when alignment point cannot be found.
• Fixed pipe displayer error in AutoCAD 2011.
• Fixed crash in valve insertion command.
• Fixed crash when copying a valve.
• Fixed error in "Alignment Point Query" dialog that caused pipe types to not be checked when they are used in the area.
• Fixed crash when redrawing an isometric.
• Fixed "Delete Extra Devices from Database" command to remove all pipes.
• Fixed pipe query to not update isometric when you press cancel.

• Fixed error that caused the AutoCAD OPEN command to not work correctly in some instances.

• Fixed pipe arrowheads to default to a smaller size and to be much smaller on short pipes.
• Created two new buttons, "New Top Floor" and "New Bottom Floor", to replace the "New Floor" button on the "Floors" dialog box.
• Fixed error when recreating pipes during the "Coordinate" function.
• Fixed crash in layer customization dialog box.
• Fixed room display in AutoCAD 2011.
• Fixed progress spinner to work in AutoCAD 2011.

• Added automatic backup of the Design Master database file.
• Fixed error when using the Export command in AutoCAD MEP 2010.
• Fixed the pulldown in customization grids to not crash AutoCAD.
• The Start New Project command was improved to run much faster.
• Fixed pipe line osnaps to work in AutoCAD 2008 and 2008 64-bit.

The following is a list of new and updated features in Design Master Plumbing 2.0.

Isometrics

P-traps: P-traps can now be displayed on isometrics. When inserting a fixture, you are given the option to include a p-trap on that fixture.

Fittings: Fittings between pipes can now be displayed on isometrics. Pipe types that use 45-degree angles or arcs for fittings will automatically display these in the isometric.

Floor Offsets: The vertical distance between floors can be expanded to make it easier to see pipes on different floors.

Layer Systems: Isometrics can be set to only display pipes in specific layer systems.

Offset: Pipes in isometrics can be offset in the isometric view to move pipes that are behind other pipes, improving readability without changing plan-view locations.

Fixtures

Extend to Floor Above or Floor Below: Pipes inserted as fixtures can automatically be extended to the floor above or below the floor they are inserted on.

Pipe Drafting

Hidden Line Compatibility with Design Master HVAC: Pipes can be defined so they display as hidden when below ductwork drawn using Design Master HVAC.

Pipe Label Options: Labels displayed in a pipe line can be set to be off by default.

Better Waste-Vent Fittings: Fittings between waste and vent pipes are drawn correctly.

Pipe Insertion

Automatic Riser Insertion: If you insert a vertical pipe that extends beyond the current floor, you can have the pipe converted to a riser automatically.

General

AutoCAD 2010 Support: AutoCAD 2010 is now supported.

Version Checking: Design Master Plumbing will automatically check for newer versions on the internet and alert you if one is available.

• Fixed error when drawing isometric with a floor offset.
• Updated database format to match Design Master Plumbing 2.1 Release Candidate 1.

• Fixed copy project pipe labels to standards error.

• Fixed pipe sum calculation error.
• Fixed pipe break errors.
• Updated database version to match 64-bit beta release.

• Fixed crash when database connection is lost.
• Fixed pipe break error that caused AutoCAD to freeze.

• Fixed vertical pipe offset in isometrics.

• Fixed error with copying layers when starting a new project.
• Fixed crash when exploding plumbing entities for export.
• Fixed a number of other minor crashes reported by users.

• Fixed copy and paste when copying devices from multiple Design Master programs at the same time.
• Fixed vertical pipe drafting error.
• Fixed error that caused pipe breaks to not be inserted at the ends of pipes.

• Fixed bug when connecting a fixture to the top of a vertical pipe.
• Fixed bug when copying a stack of vertical pipes.
• Fixed bug when inserting a vertical pipe in the middle of a horizontal pipe.

• Compatibility with Design Master Electrical 7.1.4.

• Fixed crash related to alignment points.
• Fixed crash in Edit Multiple Pipes command.
• Added Explode Plumbing Entities for Export command that allows drawings to be viewed in other CAD programs.
• Fixed copy and paste crash when copying pipe symbols.
• Databases are automatically repaired if possible.

• Risers cannot be selected as fixture connections.
• Fixed pipe insertion to work correctly when connected to a broken riser.
• Fixed pipe breaks at ends of pipes.
• Fixed errors when copying layers between project and standards databases.
• Fixed crash when flipping a pipe symbol.
• Fixed the "Edit Multiple Pipes" command to work correctly across multiple drawings.
• Improved speed when importing schedules from master to project when starting a new project.
• Fixed crash when inserting block with commas in the name.
• Fixed cut-and-paste to insert new items correctly.
• Added new network and laptop install options.

• Fixed an "Out of Memory" crash in AutoCAD 2004, 2005, and 2006.