Free AutoCAD symbols for process displays (DWG), ISA 5.5 style

About ISA 5.5

ISA 5.5-1985, Graphic Symbols for Process Displays, defines the shapes used on operator screens of control systems: process equipment, electrical devices, valves and actuators, drawn in an outline form when stopped or closed and in a solid form when running or open, each with a four-letter mnemonic. This library follows the figures and the grouping of the standard. It is for displays and simple flow graphics. For piping and instrumentation diagrams see the P&ID library (ISO 10628-2) and the ISA 5.1 and ISA 5.3 libraries.

These symbols are our own drawings after the figures of the standard. They are not copied from it, and the library is not certified against it. Company and project standards differ in details such as colour, size and state convention; change a block if your legend differs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between outline and solid symbols?

ISA 5.5 shows the state of a device by its fill. The outline form means stopped, closed or inactive, the solid form means running, open or active. The library contains both forms of pumps, compressors, blowers, turbines, motors, conveyors, agitators, valves and actuators, so you can use the one that matches the situation on your display.

How is this library different from the P&ID and ISA 5.1 libraries?

The P&ID library draws equipment and valves for piping and instrumentation diagrams, and the ISA 5.1 library draws instruments and their signals. This library is for process displays and screens: the figures are simpler, they have the two states, and they carry the standard's mnemonics. Use it together with the others when a project needs both drawings and screens.

Can I use the symbols in commercial projects?

Yes. They are free to use and modify in your own projects, including commercial ones. They are provided as is, without warranty.

Can I use the symbols in commercial projects?

Yes. They are free to use and modify in your own projects, including commercial ones. They are provided as is, without warranty.

Can I change a symbol or add attributes?

Yes. Open the DWG, edit a block with BEDIT to change it or add attributes, and save. To update drawings that already contain the block, run ATTSYNC or replace the block. Make a backup first: attribute values can be lost if ATTSYNC is used carelessly.

Where do I find a ready-made set of these symbols for AutoCAD?

AutoCAD itself ships only a small set of sample blocks, so a full symbol set has to come from a library. Download the ZIP on this page and open the DWG: every symbol is a block. Insert one with INSERT (Blocks palette, Libraries tab, then pick the DWG) or drag it from DesignCenter (ADCENTER). You can also download a single symbol on its own.