# Header

<figure><img src="/files/OhtQJ2GMTqWPQnXNNBM8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Release Notes Notification

The Release Notes notification will appear when a version update has relevant release notes. New notes will appear automatically but can be dismissed. Until the notes are marked as read, the notification will remain and can be clicked to reveal the release notes.

<figure><img src="/files/EoP99RkW6dHg9guPfnNU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Choose/Create Project

This tool allows you to select or search for a project as well as create a new one. Go [here](/design/how-to/general/create-projects-and-components.md) for instructions on how to create projects. Additionally, you can view and save sample projects for ideas and experimentation.

<figure><img src="/files/ykMJTLkU2nlhl8lCeSOs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Current Project

The name of your project will appear here.

## Project Settings

This menu contains Project Level Load, Analysis, Materials, and Feature Pattern Settings. You can learn how to modify these settings [here](/design/how-to/general/modify-project-and-component-settings.md).

<figure><img src="/files/xsQ6KowumokMHeVvZtnY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Load Settings

`Load Settings` allow you to define the specific load criteria for components.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/l3oE8exTnlaBXjf8s308" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Analysis Settings

`Analysis Settings` allow you to define the specific analysis criteria for components.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/EDvA4OaKgwPfVg0dhyrO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Plating Settings

* Fabrication Tolerance\
  A Fabrication Tolerance can be specified separately for `Front-Back Plates` and for `Top-Bottom Plates` . This value determines the Quality Control Factor (Cq).

<figure><img src="/files/VrudH7jge6xGdbYqOWZ3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Add Plates Along Stacks\
  This option adds plates where necessary along stacked members to achieve the specified maximum spacing.

<figure><img src="/files/UCfP94ounKV89Ftu7tz7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Add Plates Along Stacks\
  Use `Add Plates Along Stacks` for additional control of stacked member plating.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/KnW1mDdVqdSUcifEDl3d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Plate Ribbon Blocks

  Use `Plate Ribbon Blocks` to require two plates per ribbon block. Unchecking this option only applies a single plate for a standard ribbon block and will not apply any plates to a double ribbon condition. This options assumes ribbon blocks will be nailed to the adjacent web during fabrication.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/9I42QaoJvzxr6TwnwdaL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Minimum Plate Size by Joint Type\
  By default, Splice joints start at 3x6. Additionally, Paragon provides settings to control the starting plate sizes for Heel and Peak plating. For both Heel and Peak joints, settings enable you to separately define the minimum `Width` and the minimum `Length` for these joint types to accommodate your specific design and manufacturing preferences and standards. \
  \
  For example, if the `Heel Plate Min Width` is set to 4" then Paragon will not even consider any plates less than 4" even if a smaller plate could work at the specific joint.

<figure><img src="/files/jums45GFrz7aGH5I7CRO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Note

Peak Plate minimum settings apply to joints when a positive slope is adjacent to a negative slope.
{% endhint %}

### Material Settings

`Material Settings` allow you to define the specific Lumber List, Plate List, and Hanger List to use for you project or specific components. Materials are set up and managed in the [Materials App](https://materials.paragontruss.com).&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/kN6xFMNFyMlcMxjyB6aj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Feature Pattern Settings

`Feature Pattern Settings` allow you to specify several default properties to use when creating Feature Pattern Trusses from scratch from within Design mode. Currently, components created from Layout mode do not use the `Feature Pattern Settings`, but , rather use Layout system defaults.

Feature Pattern Settings include:

* Length&#x20;
* Depth
* Slope
* Left and Right End Conditions
* Interior Conditions
* General Settings
* Zone Settings
* Chase Settings

<figure><img src="/files/lNuqlnWT1qDBRRa1ATC7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Default Profile Settings

`Default Profile Settings` allow you to define default properties used when creating new components from scratch within Design mode. Currently, components created from Layout mode do not use the `Default Profile Settings`, but , rather use Layout system defaults.

<figure><img src="/files/UF1PnjQitTix4wiYgClD" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Project Menu

This menu contains shortcuts to Create Component Design, Edit Properties, Project Settings, Locking Options, Create an Estimate, and Open Other Project. Additionally, you can Analyze All Components in the project or Design All Truss Envelopes.

## Analyze All Components

If a project-wide change has been made, like updating a code, this button can automate the analysis of all trusses within the project.

#### Design all Truss Envelopes

This tool automatically generates component designs for all empty Truss Envelopes in a layout.

## [Share](/design/how-to/general/share-trusses-and-request-seals-or-repairs.md)

This opens the `Create Shared Component Set`dialog.

## [Create Estimate](/design/how-to/general/create-an-estimate.md)

You can use the Create Estimate tool to quickly create a CSV or PDF using existing or custom pricing for materials.

## Upload

This tool allows you to upload supported file formats.

## User Menu

This opens a dropdown menu with links to Docs (you are here!), feedback forms, usage statistics, user settings, and more.


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```
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