Technical documentation

Desktop activation

The trial is recorded against your account and does not restart when you reinstall or download another licence. Keep your computer clock correct. Contact support@liftplannerpro.co.uk if activation fails. Keep the licence file private.

1. Download either the Windows x64 EXE or MSI from Downloads. Both install the same application; use MSI if your organisation manages deployment.
2. Create an LPP account and open My Desktop 2026 licence. Choose Start 14-day trial to begin the trial clock and download the .lpplic file. No card is required.
3. Open the installed application and import the licence file. Internet is needed to obtain the activation file; local modelling can then work offline.
4. At trial expiry, buy Desktop 2026 for £299 once. Return to the licence page after payment is confirmed, download the purchased licence and import it. This licence covers the 2026 desktop version. Web access is a separate £29/month subscription.

Start and preserve a project

1. Open the working space and choose the required workplane. Set a project name and save before importing large models.
2. Save your editable CAD project regularly. Use a separate copy for each review revision. Include the source models and technical PDFs in your controlled project folder.
3. The saved project can include scene objects, block definitions, simulation data and the technical lift plan. A PDF report is an issued snapshot and is not an editable replacement for the project.
4. After importing a project, check that all external geometry and textures load. Files linked by path or URL need to remain available; a project is not automatically a self-contained archive of every source asset.

Coordinate and unit conventions

Build a dimensioned profile

1. Choose MODEL and set Top XZ, Front XY or Right YZ. Draw a line, polyline, rectangle, circle, arc or spline as appropriate.
2. Use object snaps and orthogonal input where needed. Enter precise coordinates and lengths in the command bar or tool dialog.
3. Open Constraints to inspect sketch vertices and assign supported driving constraints. Resolve contradictory dimensions and verify the resulting profile before making a solid.
4. Use Join for connected sketch segments and Close for a closed boundary. Check the result for gaps, duplicate edges and self-intersections.
5. Use Extrude, Revolve, Sweep or Loft according to the selected geometry. Keep a copy of the original sketch when you need a design reference.

Fabrication components

Trace a PDF or image

Calibrate from a dimensioned orthographic view. Perspective photographs, scanned distortion and low resolution can introduce errors; a two-point calibration cannot remove these effects.

1. Open MODEL → Trace. Choose a local image or PDF; select the correct PDF page.
2. Choose two calibration points on a known straight dimension and enter the known length in millimetres. The first point becomes the trace origin and the second establishes the positive horizontal direction.
3. Set the workplane and origin. Click the required profile points in order. Use Undo point or Clear to correct the trace.
4. Choose an open or closed profile, then create the editable sketch. Compare a second independent dimension against the reference.
5. Use the resulting sketch as input to compatible modelling tools. Keep the source title, page and revision with your engineering records.

Blocks, groups and Explode

Explode separates existing geometry; it does not infer manufacturing features or produce a complete parametric history. Large meshes are subject to limits to protect the workspace.

1. Use Blocks to create reusable definitions and place instances. Name definitions by component and revision so they remain distinguishable.
2. Use groups and layers to organise the assembly. Lock reference geometry and hide only objects you intentionally want excluded from the current review.
3. Use MODEL → Explode to separate a block, group or imported model into editable components. A rigged model is captured in its current pose when converted into static meshes.
4. Inspect materials, geometry and component count after exploding. Use Undo immediately if you need to retain the original rig. Save a new revision before extensively modifying exploded geometry.

Import and export

Plan the assembly structure

Build from scratch

1. Open Crane Builder and choose a new build. Define the carrier dimensions, then add chassis, axles and wheels. Check axle spacing, wheel count and alignment from top and side views.
2. Add the slew assembly and boom heel. Position counterweight supports, machinery and cab relative to the intended slew centre.
3. Create the boom sections and head. Keep each telescope stage as a separate part and record its source position and axis.
4. Add supports, hook, drum, sheaves and cylinders as required. Use the part parameters for supported geometry; imported mesh parts retain their authored shape unless edited separately.
5. Name parts in clear English anatomy groups. Save a source assembly before assigning motion. Send to Rig or open the anatomy and rope setup for the build.

Use the LTM source collection

The supplied catalogue contains 1,137 component entries across 11 source assemblies, including different LTM1030 poses. These are preparation sources, not 1,137 completed crane rigs or a fully verified fleet. German source names are retained alongside English grouping for traceability.

The included LTM1030 fully retracted source has a specific anatomy preset covering its 81 parts. Use this preset only with the matching source assembly; another pose or LTM model needs its own calibration. The source supports are fixed unless separately configured.

1. Choose the exact model and source pose from Crane Builder. Confirm that every part loads and that component dimensions agree with the source.
2. Apply an anatomy preset only when its source matches. Check the carrier, slew deck, heel, telescope direction and hook independently.
3. Add exact manufacturer model and revision information under Technical data. Attach the matching source PDF; a similar model name does not make another crane’s chart valid.
4. Complete the movement and technical review checks before marking the asset prepared for simulation. Save changes to the rigging library.

Prepared crane library

Prepared cranes are filtered separately from unfinished source models. Preparation checks record the reviewer and the current geometry / rig configuration. Changes to the rig can invalidate that review. The status means the model has been reviewed for simulation; it is not manufacturer approval or a certified lifting capacity.

Repeat the preparation process for each crane variant, boom or jib configuration, and material change to the rig. Missing load-chart information must stay missing until an exact source is supplied.

Import your own model

1. Open Rigging Editor / Rigging Manager and choose the model upload workflow. Select GLB, glTF, OBJ, FBX or STL as supported by the importer.
2. Provide companion resources where needed and check the converted preview. Confirm units, orientation and overall dimensions.
3. Identify separate moving parts. A single combined mesh may need to be separated in the modelling workspace before it can be rigged correctly.
4. Save the asset to the local rigging library and assign movement roles. Keep a copy of the original source model.

Assign movement in dependency order

1. Start at the carrier. Confirm its rest position and heading before configuring any articulated movement.
2. Set the shared slew centre and axis. Assign parts that rotate with the upper carriage; leave carrier parts in the fixed group.
3. Set the boom heel pivot and luff axis. Pick a point on the model or enter coordinates, then inspect it from at least two views.
4. Assign the base boom and each telescope stage. Set a consistent telescope direction and each stage’s cumulative share of extension.
5. Assign the boom head to the final moving stage and define the hook reference point. Confirm that the hook falls vertically in the scene.
6. Set cylinder base and moving pins. Assign barrel and ram parts and test the mechanism through its intended visual range.
7. Use the preview controls separately, then together. Save only after the test returns to a known reference pose.

Rig diagnostic table

Hoist rope and reeving

The path starts at the hoist drum, may pass through a guide, alternates through the head and hook-block sheaves, and ends at a defined becket / termination. Each anchor must follow its actual supporting part. Do not infer a manufacturer-approved reeving arrangement solely from the number of falls.

1. Define the drum centre, drum axis and radius. Assign the drum mesh to the hoist mechanism where required.
2. Define any guide sheave and identify the head and hook sheave banks. Enter each bank’s centre, axis, spacing, count and groove radius.
3. Set rope diameter, number of falls and the active groove indices. Define the termination explicitly on the head or hook assembly according to the exact reeving drawing.
4. Inspect the complete path at the rest pose. Check drum exit, guide contact, alternating head / hook runs and the final termination.
5. Vary boom angle, extension and hoist fall. The rope must continue to follow the moving banks without changing attachment roles.
6. Compare the path, line pull, hook-block rating and parts of line with the manufacturer documents before using it in an engineering plan.

What rigging preview does not calculate

The movement and rope preview is geometric. It does not prove rope tension, friction losses, dynamic amplification, structural strength, stability or rated crane duty. Enter and verify those engineering values from appropriate manufacturer data and calculations.

Create a motion sequence

1. Open SIMULATION and show the timeline. Select the crane you want to animate. Set a suitable duration and cursor time.
2. Enter travel X, Y height, Z and carrier heading as required. Set slew, luff angle, telescope extension and hoist distance.
3. Choose Capture pose to record the selected crane at the cursor. Move the cursor before creating the next distinct pose.
4. Use Capture all cranes to record a coordinated state. Enable Auto-key at cursor if you want edits recorded at the current time.
5. Use Record live to sample changing controls while recording. Stop recording, review the resulting keyframes and correct unintended movement.
6. Replay, pause and scrub the full sequence. Check transitions as well as the captured positions. Save the project or export motion data for reuse.

Plan a tandem lift sequence

A shared-load animation does not solve crane reactions or changing dynamic load share. The engineering calculation and supervision plan for a tandem operation must be supplied and reviewed separately.

1. Place and prepare both cranes. Add the load model and check its orientation, dimensions and centre-of-gravity information.
2. Open Tandem lift and identify the participating cranes, load pick points and intended allocation. Use a justified load-share basis.
3. Set a coordinated starting pose and Capture all cranes. Move to successive shared time positions and capture both cranes at each important stage.
4. Review pick-up, trial lift, travel or slew, approach, landing and release. Look for unintended load tilt, excessive relative crane motion or changes in assumed pick-point geometry.
5. Record the coordination method, communications, stop conditions and allocation basis in the technical lift plan.

Surroundings and collision review

Hidden objects, ground and helper geometry are excluded. Unsupported or very large meshes may use bounding-volume checks. This is sampled review of the visible model, not a continuous-path safety guarantee. Finding history is session data; include it in the report before clearing it or reloading the workspace.

1. Add relevant site objects and obstructions with reliable scale and position. Make the objects visible during the review.
2. Open Surroundings & radius in the timeline. Enable checks, choose the clearance margin and enable Pause on collision if useful.
3. Play and scrub the route. Click a finding to select the involved objects. Check both the current findings and the recorded history.
4. Display working radius and, when needed, the maximum radius observed since the history was cleared. Review the radius reference point for the crane.
5. Repeat the review after moving site objects or changing crane geometry. Export findings with the technical report while the history is still available.

Create the document

1. Select REPORT in the main workspace. Enter the document title, plan number, revision, status, project, site, client and planned lift details.
2. For every crane, enter the exact manufacturer, model, serial or fleet ID and configuration. Record boom and jib, counterweight, support setting, radius, reeving and chart reference.
3. Attach the matching technical PDF. Select specific pages or page ranges where required, and record the source revision. Upload additional technical PDFs from your own records.
4. Complete load descriptions, weights, dimensions, centre of gravity and lifting points. Record lifting accessories, quantities, ratings, inspection references and connection assumptions.
5. Import relevant scene loads and motion stages, then add the written method, hold points, risk controls, ground information, weather limits, communications and contingencies.
6. Complete the approval and team briefing tables. Capture plan, front and side drawings from the current model state. Add clear captions.
7. Choose A3 or A4 landscape, include the selected technical PDF pages and export. Read every issued page and confirm the revision and status before distribution.

Required engineering inputs

Preparation, checking and sign-off

Identify the competent lift planner / appointed person, an appropriate checker and the authorising lifting organisation. Add ground or temporary works review and site coordination where relevant. Record permits and external consents in the plan when they apply to the site and operation. There is no single universal external body that signs every lifting plan.

The briefing register records the crane supervisor, operator, slinger / signaller and other required team members. Signature cells are provided for the responsible people to sign. Typing a name into a field is not a verified electronic signature.

For UK use, consult current HSE guidance and the project’s applicable procedures. The application records responsibilities and evidence; it does not appoint competent people or approve the lift.

Review the exported PDF

1. Confirm plan number, revision, status, date and page numbering. Verify every crane and configuration is included.
2. Check all rows for NOT PROVIDED and resolve missing inputs before issuing an approved plan. Missing duty data must not be replaced by a generic crane chart.
3. Review motion tables for travel, carrier rotation and crane joint positions. Check tandem allocations against the engineering basis.
4. Verify the drawing pose, title, caption and orientation. Drawings capture the current scene, not every timeline position automatically.
5. Confirm attached source pages are readable, match the specified revision and belong to the exact model. Attachment errors stop export; correct the source and retry.
6. Obtain the required reviews and signatures, brief the team and keep the issued PDF with the matching saved project revision. Reassess and reissue after material changes.

Primary guidance

HSE: Planning and organising lifting operations — https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/planning-organising-lifting-operations.htm

HSE: Lifting operations in construction — https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/lifting-operations.htm

HSE: LOLER overview — https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler-overview.htm

Problem and next check

Contact support

Email support@liftplannerpro.co.uk. Include the desktop build or browser version, steps to reproduce the problem, the affected workflow and a screenshot. Send a sanitised example project if needed; remove personal, customer and sensitive site information first. Never send passwords, payment card data or private licence-signing keys.

Preview and create an extrusion

1. Import a DXF using its source units. DWG requires the desktop ODA / AutoCAD converter or a configured web converter. For PDF and image drawings, use MODEL → Trace and calibrate against a known dimension.
2. Join connected segments and close the outline. Use Constraints to inspect its vertices. The profile must be planar and must not cross or touch itself.
3. Open MODEL → 2D → 3D. Select the profile, confirm its drawing scale factor and enter extrusion depth in millimetres. Use negative depth to reverse, or centre the thickness on the sketch.
4. Inspect the 3D preview. Create 3D component adds a solid and retains the source drawing. Optionally hide the source. Undo returns to the previous document.
5. Use Revolve for wheels and drums, Sweep for tubes and rope paths, and Loft for changing boom sections. Supply the additional profiles, axis or path required by the operation.
6. Save completed parts as a block, assign anatomy and pivots in Rigging Manager, and review the manufacturer dimensions before simulating.

Geometry limits

A drawing does not contain an unknown depth automatically: enter that dimension from technical data. Separate outlines are separate parts; use subtract / Hole for openings. Profiles may contain up to 2,000 vertices. Rotated planar profiles and concave outlines are supported. Imported curved polylines retain their tessellation.

Positions and primitive dimensions in the properties panel are metres; command dimensions and extrusion depth are millimetres. Rotation fields marked rad use radians. Review the units beside each field.

Author a block

1. Open MODEL → Blocks. Create from a selection or add members to a new definition. Enter a clear model / component name and revision.
2. Add parameter IDs, units, defaults and permitted minimum / maximum values. Bind each member property to an arithmetic expression. Scene lengths are metres, so a width parameter in mm drives size.2 using width / 1000. Rotation bindings use radians.
3. For axles, wheel pairs and counterweight slabs, add repeated members. Set the count expression and X,Y,Z spacing in metres. Counts are limited to 1–64 per member; use whole count parameters.
4. Enter manufacturer, exact model, document revision, page and dimensional assumptions. Attach a PDF up to 20 MB to embed it in the block file. Geometry size does not establish a crane rating or capacity.
5. Save the definition to update all linked instances. Each instance retains its own parameter values. Select an instance, edit its values and Apply to selected instance to rebuild it at its saved transform.
6. Save to My dynamic blocks for the local device library; export .lppblock for backup and transfer. Import the file in the block editor on another device. External models / textures in the dependency register must remain available.
7. Use examples/parametric-crane-carrier.lppblock to learn chassis dimensions, 2–12 axles and two wheels per axle. It is an illustrative template, without a rated duty chart or verified movement rig.

Manufacturer scale and revisions

Prepare a separate, traceable definition for each actual crane model and configuration. A small carrier and a large carrier may share authoring tools, but boom geometry, counterweights, reeving, axle arrangement and movement limits must come from their own technical data. Validate geometry, rig and operating limits together.

JavaScript modelling

Open TOOLS → Scripts. The Examples menu includes a crane carrier and a 2D outline extruded into a 25 mm plate. Save scripts to the library or export them for backup.

Creation commands: createBox(name, size, position), createCylinder(name, radius, height, position), createSphere(name, radius, position), createPolyline(name, points, closed), extrude(id, depthMm, centred), and makeBlock(name, ids, origin). Creation lengths are metres except extrude depth, which is millimetres.

Use setPosition / move for travel, setRotation in radians for carrier heading, and labelled crane commands for joint movement. capturePose(id, timeSeconds, label) records travel, heading and crane controls into the crane timeline.

Scripts are trusted JavaScript executed in the application, not AutoLISP or an isolated sandbox. Stop works cooperatively during await wait() / animate(); a synchronous infinite loop can freeze the editor. Save before running third-party scripts. Syntax errors appear in the console and release the Run button.

Format capabilities

DWG configuration and limits

Install ODA File Converter on the desktop or configure LPP_ODA_FILE_CONVERTER on the web server. The web converter accepts input up to 50 MB and output up to 100 MB, with a 60-second timeout. Large detailed crane DWGs can exceed these limits after conversion; use the desktop converter and a supported 3D representation. No proprietary CAD file is converted merely by changing its filename.