Learn How to Download AutoCAD P&ID for FREE and LEGAL

Some of the most basic skill for every chemical process engineer is the development of block flow diagram (BFD), Process Flow Diagram (PFD) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID). Although the draft can be done manually, CAD software is used for drawing and issue of engineering drawings. I learned to use Autocad during my early days and I recommend you to do the same if you wish to work with plant design.

AUTODESK AUTOPLANT 3D

There are many CAD software available in the market and most of them have an expensive loan to be used. Autodesk AutoCAD is not different, its commercial use cost 1,610 USD/year. This way, it can be prohibited for a chemical engineering student or professional to learn this tool. However, with this tutorial, you will find how to download and use for free the AutoCAD software, and what is better, legally without breaking any law.

With AutoCAD Autoplant 3D it is possible to create and edit P&ID’s, 3D models, and extract piping orthographics and isometrics with industry-specific toolset for plant design. It is a perfect tool to develop Process Flow Diagram and, Piping and Instrumentation Diagram. Autoplant 3D includes a module to the easy drawing of P&IDs.

Enough talking let’s go to the tutorial step by step.

STEP 1

Go to Autodesk website https://www.autodesk.com/ there, scroll down the page and click on Students & educators.

STEP 2

You will see Download free software, click on Star now

STEP 3

Scroll down the page and click on AutoCAD Plant 3D. Choose AutoCAD Plant 3d because it includes the P&ID module.

STEP 4

Click on CREATE ACCOUNT

STEP 5

Choose your country, educational role, and Institution. When you choose Student, it will be required your Date of Birth. Fill it and click NEXT.

STEP 6

Fill your name, email and password. It is important to fill the email correctly because Autodesk will send you the license of use for this email. Check the agreement and click on CREATE ACCOUNT.

You willl be addressed to a verification page asking you to go to your email box.

STEP 7

In your email box, look for Autodesk email. Click on VERIFY EMAIL.

STEP 8

You will be forward for an external page. Depending on your email service, you need to do OK.

Click on DONE. You do not need to check the box. It is for receive Autodesk´s marketing email.

STEP 9

In the next page you need to inform your educational institution and area of study. Finishing this step click on NEXT.

STEP 10

You are almost there. Click on CONTINUE.

STEP 11

Now you are logged on. Click on the blue guy and you can verify.

Now, follow Step 1 thought 3, or click https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/autocad-plant-3d

You can choose AutoCAD Plant 3D 2017, 2018, 2019 or 2020. Select that which best fits your computer configuration. Choose your  system and language. Once it is done, you will receive Autodesk license in your email. Scroll down the page and click on DOWNLOAD NOW or INSTALL NOW.

PS. If you log out Autodesk may ask you for two step verification. Do not worry, follow the instruction and you will log in again.

STEP 12

Once the download is finished just install AutoCAD Plant 3D. This license is a 3-year term and allows you to install the software up to 2 personal devices.

During installation, enter this product key and serial number. The first time you start the product, you will be prompted to activate your license. This date marks the start of your three-year term.

Start doing your Piping and Instrumentation Diagram and Process Flow Diagram.

FINAL WORDS

This software is full, however for educational use. Its printed work has a student stamp, but it is a subject for another post.

You can join also my free mentoring channel in Telegram https://www.jefersoncosta.com/inprocess to learn more about chemical process engineering and plant design.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel at The Chemical Process Engineer and Plant Design.