---
title: "Using the Pipe Modeler to Extract Pipes in CloudWorx for AutoCAD"
slug: "cloudworx-using-the-pipe-modeler-to-extract-pipes-in-cloudworx-for-autocad"
updated: 2026-09-14T12:26:50Z
published: 2026-09-14T12:26:50Z
canonical: "rcdocs.leica-geosystems.com/cloudworx-using-the-pipe-modeler-to-extract-pipes-in-cloudworx-for-autocad"
stale: true
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://rcdocs.leica-geosystems.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using the Pipe Modeler to Extract Pipes in CloudWorx for AutoCAD

This guide explains how to extract pipe segments and create T‑branch connections using the Pipe Modeler tool.

> [!NOTE]
> **Prerequisite**: For full workflow context and results, review the preceding guides in this series:
> 
> - [Advanced Workflow for Using Line Tools in CloudWorx for AutoCAD](/v1/docs/cloudworx-using-the-cloudworx-line-tools-for-3d-modeling-in-autocad)
> - [Advanced Steel Fitting in CloudWorx for AutoCAD](/v1/docs/cloudworx-advanced-steel-fitting-in-cloudworx-for-autocad)
> - [Advanced Pipe Fitting in CloudWorx for AutoCAD](/v1/docs/cloudworx-advanced-pipe-fitting-in-cloudworx-for-autocad)

[Video](https://hexagondownloads.blob.core.windows.net/public/Leica/RC%20DOCS%20videos/4_Using_the_pipe_modeler.mp4)

## Practice Data

[Plant dataset](https://hexagondownloads.blob.core.windows.net/public/Leica/Sample%20Data/CWX_PLANT_DEMO_Italy.lgsx)

[Exercise CAD file (.dwg format)](https://hexagondownloads.blob.core.windows.net/public/Leica/Sample%20Data/4_Pipe_Modeler_WKFLW_Meters.dwg)

## Isolating Pipes to Extract

Before extracting pipe geometry, let's define the area of interest and adjust the color mapping settings to easily identify pipes in the point cloud.

### Pipe Object Classification

1. On the **Rendering** tab, select **Color Mapping**.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 3.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%203.jpeg)
2. In the **Point Cloud Color Mapping** dialog, set **Global Color Mapping** to **Classification** and click **Apply**.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 4 (1).jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%204%20(1).jpeg)
3. Click **Class Visibility**.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 5 (1).jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%205%20(1).jpeg)
4. In the classification table, review the categories and deselect the ones listed below to make pipes and their connections stand out more clearly in the point cloud.
  - 1 Unclassified
  - 130 Steel structure column
  - 131 Steel structure beam
  - 132 Steel stability element
  - 133 Steel connection element

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 7.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%207.jpeg)
5. Close the classification table and the **Point Cloud Color Mapping** dialog.

### Clipping the Area of Interest Using Fence

1. Navigate to **Clipping | Hide Outside** or type **CWHIDEOUT** in the command line. Then, switch to the polygon fencing mode by either selecting **Polygon** in the command line or typing **P** and pressing **Enter**.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 8.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%208.jpeg)
2. Draw a fence around the pipe run that should be extracted. When finished, press **Enter**.

![Recording 2026-04-23 at 12.45.22.gif](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Recording%202026-04-23%20at%2012.45.22.gif)

## Using Pipe Modeler Tool

This section of the workflow describes how to use Pipe Modeler, a semi-automatic tool designed for extracting the pipe geometry based on the selected parameters.

### Extracting Pipe Run Geometry

First, let’s extract the segments of the pipe run isolated in the previous steps.

1. Go to **Fitters** and click **Pipe Modeler**.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 12.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%2012.jpeg)
2. The Pipe Modeler will open in a new window. Click **Pipe Modeler** in the **Tools** panel.

![image-20260423-111348.png](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/image-20260423-111348.png)
3. Launching the Pipe Modeler tool updates the ribbon with additional options. In the **PipeSystemTool** panel, choose the following settings:
  1. Select the **Use Catalog** check box and then select the required catalog. In this example, it’s ISO_GR1_PIPE-METRIC.
  2. Set **Bend Ratio** to 1.3.
  3. Select the **Detect Elbow** check box.
  4. Select the **Detect Branch** check box.

![image-20260423-150155.png](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/image-20260423-150155.png)
4. Click the start of the pipe run.

![image-20260423-115513.png](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/image-20260423-115513.png)
5. Verify the suggested catalog fit and click **OK**. The Pipe Modeler will grow the pipe run until a hint is needed.

![Recording 2026-04-23 at 15.07.20.gif](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Recording%202026-04-23%20at%2015.07.20.gif)
6. Click the next pipe segment. This will provide the Pipe Modeller with the next hint to continue geometry extraction.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 19.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%2019.jpeg)

> [!TIP]
> **Tip:** If the Pipe Modeler extends the pipe too far, click the **Undo Segment** button on the ribbon.
> 
> ![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 20.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%2020.jpeg)
7. Continue clicking the remaining straight sections to complete the pipe run. Once finished, click **Finish Tool**.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 22.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%2022.jpeg)

### Adding T-Branch Connection

Let’s proceed by joining the extracted pipe segments with a T-branch connection using the Pipe Modeler functionality.

1. In Pipe Modeler, go to **Tools | Pipe**.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 24.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%2024.jpeg)
2. Click the branched pipe segment to extract its geometry.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 25 (1).jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%2025%20(1).jpeg)
3. Verify the suggested catalog fit and click **OK**.
4. When the pipe segment is extracted, click **Cancel Tool** to accept the result.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 27.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%2027.jpeg)
5. Now click **Connect by Branch** in the **Tools** panel.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 28.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%2028.jpeg)
6. Select the main pipe system and the recently created pipe segment. Once selected, both will change to a magenta color, indicating they are ready for connection. Then click **Finish Tool** to accept the result.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 29.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%2029.jpeg)
7. In the **Process** panel, click **Save Piping** to export the created pipe run into the CAD window. Then close Pipe Modeler.

![Using the pipe modeler to extract pipe - Step 30.jpeg](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/Using%20the%20pipe%20modeler%20to%20extract%20pipe%20-%20Step%2030.jpeg)
8. Review the result in the ModelSpace view:
  1. Go to **CloudWorx | Rendering** and turn off point visibility.
  2. Switch to the **Visualize** tab and set the view mode to **Conceptual**.

![image-20260423-140314.png](https://cdn.document360.io/820e11db-8ed5-45ae-ac86-f6b77dcb2aa7/Images/Documentation/image-20260423-140314.png)