This paper presents the work done toward developing a computerized heavy lift planning system (HELPS) for planning crane lifts. Initially, a survey of the industry was carried out to define the heavy lift planning process and identify the developments necessary to improve the process. This survey identified eight tasks in the lift planning process. Based on these tasks, a logical framework representing the planning process was developed. The scope of the current work was limited to developing a tool for planning three of these tasks. A visualization environment - Walkthru - was selected to implement the heavy lift planning system. Although Walkthm provided many of the features required for the system, critical functions had to be added. The developmental work for this study focused on (1) developing a shell that could control the visualization environment and related files to provide seamless access to the library of cranes and (2) providing features to perform critical lift planning functions. The resulting prototype system was tested on sample lifts, and all the functions worked as designed. © 1997 Microcomputers in Civil Engineering. Published by Blackwell Publishers,.