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DEXPI Data Bridge for AutoCAD

Autodesk Consulting

DEXPI Data Bridge for AutoCAD

Autodesk Consulting

DEXPI (DEXPI Data Bridge for AutoCAD) is an information model that standardizes data exchange formats for process engineering and plant design.

Free

Available with select
Autodesk products

The DEXPI Data Bridge for AutoCADtool is accessible with a Workflow Advisor subscription—please reach out to wa-support@autodesk.com for subscription details and access.

The objective of the DEXPI Initiative is to develop and promote a general data exchange standard for the process industry, covering all phases of the lifecycle of a Process Plant, ranging from specification of functional requirements to assets in operation. Currently, the focus of the DEXPI initiative is the exchange of Piping and Instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).

“DEXPI is an initiative aimed at developing a common data exchange standard for the process industry”.

Its main purposes are:

  • Standardization: Promote a unified data exchange format for P&IDs and other process plant data
  • Interoperability: Ensure seamless data exchange between different software tools and systems
  • Data-Centric Approach: Support the industry's transition from document-centric to data-centric workflows

For more information please refer to the DEXPI Helper Guide

Details

Operating system

win64-platform-icon

Release date

Jul 16, 2025


Last updated

Jul 23, 2026


Version

0.1.79.0.1


Language

English

Compatible with

PLNT3D-icon

PLNT3D

2023, 2024, 2025

Certifications

Digitally signed

Digitally signed

Tags

Import and export

P&id tools

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

There are five main AutoCAD commands in the DEXPI interface:

  • DEXPI_EXPORT – used to export P&ID drawings.
  • DEXPI_IMPORT – used to import DEXPI XML files.
  • DEXPI_MAPPING_EDITOR – used to edit an existing mapping file (e.g., existing classes, property mappings).
  • DEXPI_VALIDATE_XML_FILE – validates selected .XML file according to the current Proteus XML Schema.
  • DEXPI_INITALIZE_ROUNDTRIP_PROJECT – Creates a new drawing in a new project for the roundtrip. The new project will have the same classes as the original project.

INITIAL TOOL SETUP

The mapping file that accompanies the installer contains the mappings between DEXPI classes and AutoCAD classes for the ISO-10628 configuration. If you prefer to use a different configuration, you must create new ClassMappings for the classes in your target AutoCAD Plant configuration and create corresponding PropertyMappings.

MAPPINGS AND SETTINGS

A settings file is used to configure both the export and the import processes of the DEXPI Interface. You shouldn't delete any of the setting options for the proper work of the plugin.

The mapping file is used to map AutoCAD P&ID classes to DEXPI classes and vice versa. A main structural element of the mapping file is ClassMap.

ACAD_Class is used to specify a P&ID class we want to map.

The list of known components that cannot be exported due to technical limitations or limitations in the DEXPI specifications:

  • Non-associated Hatch
  • Nozzles as EndLine components without any relation to the Equipment (e.g. Spray Nozzle)
  • Line Gap
  • Equipment AttachmentPoints
  • Equipment-Motor linking

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