# Usage

**3D SymbolDesigner** is a high-level symbol definition modeller. Graphical primitives can be parameterised, and dimensions, position, and rotation in space can be defined by formulas. **3D SymbolDesigner** is case-sensitive, so care is required when entering names and formulas. All symbol data are stored in XML structures, which can also be exported.

Users can also define several variants of a symbol, which can be stored in an Excel file together with the symbol geometry.

It is recommended to read the tank-with-nozzles tutorial first, even if symbols are to be built for other disciplines.

> Attributes and their interfaces are stored in `Config.xls` in the `data` subdirectory of your **3D SymbolDesigner** installation. Add parameters that are not already included at the end of the **Attributes** tab in `Config.xls`. **3D SymbolDesigner** checks the parameter mapping, that is, the last line in the table of variants, against these attributes and marks all spelling errors and missing attributes with a red background.

Sample **3D SymbolDesigner** projects can be found in the `Samples` subfolder of your **3D SymbolDesigner** program folder. The following projects are included:

  **Project**          **Discipline**                **Level**   **Remarks**
  -------------------- ----------------------------- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Angle                Piping (spec)                 \*\*\*      Includes manually created bulkload sheet examples.
  Compensator          Piping (spec)                 \*\*\*\*    No bulkload sheets available.
  CustomInstrument     Piping (custom instruments)   \*\*        Sample bulkload sheets will be created by 3D SymbolDesigner (custom instrument tutorial).
  GateValveHandWheel   Piping (spec)                 \*\*\*      Contains two projects, sample bulkload sheets included.
  Tank                 Equipment                     \*          Sample bulkload sheets will be created by 3D SymbolDesigner (basic tutorial).
  Tee                  Piping (spec)                 \*\*\*      Includes manually created bulkload sheet examples and a SymbolIcon.