1. Purpose
Moves one pipe/fitting in line with a reference element in 3D space — no manual offset measuring. The command loops: finish one pair, pick the next; press Esc to quit.
2. Quick video (≤ 2 minutes)
[Video in production — follow the steps below for now.]
3. Steps
- Open a 3D or plan view showing both elements (both need a LocationCurve centerline — pipes, ducts, cable trays all qualify). [image 01: two offset pipes and the reference]
- Click Align3D in the VP_MEP tab, Common panel.
- Pick element 1 (the datum — it stays put).
- Pick element 2 (the one to move). [image 02: pick order — datum first, then the mover]
- The tool computes the offset vector (preferring the nearest connector pair) and slides element 2 into line, then asks for the next pair — press Esc when done.
4. Real-world example
A DN32 branch sits 15 mm off the main axis on the roof plan. Run the command, pick the main as datum, pick the branch — the branch slides onto the axis; keep picking further pairs without rerunning the command.
5. Common errors
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| The tool refuses to select an object | It has no LocationCurve (placed families, text, tags...) — only linear MEP elements align |
| Element 2 doesn't move after picking | They're already aligned, or no vector could be built — recheck positions |
| The tool keeps asking for new pairs | Press Esc — the loop-until-Esc behavior is by design |
6. See also
- Align pipes on the plan (Align2D) — align many pipes to picked points on plan/section.
- Quick-connect MEP ends — after aligning, join the connectors together.
- Reroute around a clash — aligned but still clashing, bend the run aside.