> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.paragontruss.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.paragontruss.com/design/how-to/general/create-projects-and-components.md).
# Create Projects and Components
## Create a Project
Creating a project from Design is as simple as clicking a button. This tool can be accessed via the [`Choose/Create`](/design/getting-started/interface-overview/header.md#choose-create-project) or [`Project Menu`](/design/getting-started/interface-overview/header.md#project-menu) buttons in the [`Header`](/design/getting-started/interface-overview/header.md).
{% hint style="info" %}
Note
When you create an account, a default project (My Project) is automatically created for you.
{% endhint %}
### Step 1 - Open the Choose/Create Project Tool
### Step 2 - Create Project
Enter your new project information. Note that `Region` and `Design Code` are required, but they can always be [modified](/design/how-to/general/modify-project-and-component-settings.md) later.
## Insert Profile Components
### Open the Component Insertion Panel
Begin insertion by clicking the `+ Create` button, right-clicking in empty space, or using the `Ctrl + Q`keyboard shortcut and selecting `Component`
{% hint style="success" %}
Tip
You can use the `Ctrl + Q + C` keyboard shortcut to begin inserting a component.
{% endhint %}
### Step 1 - Basic Shape
Once in the `Component Insertion` Panel, you can draw a freeform profile, input the slope and horizontal distance for each line, or choose from common shapes as a starting point. Here, you can also modify your left and right heel and overhang settings.
{% hint style="info" %}
Note
Choosing a predetermined shape here will hide the Gable, Jack, and Piggyback settings in the `Shape Details` section. These can be accessed later using the `Convert to Settings` tool.
{% endhint %}
### Step 2 - Shape Details
{% hint style="info" %}
Note
You can get back to this state any time by clicking "Clear Profile and Start Drawing"
{% endhint %}
After deciding on the basic shape of the truss, use the `Shape Details` section of the panel to finish refining the outer profile
### Step 3 - Structural Details & Insertion
The final section allows you to finalize the details of the truss. In the scene, you can also:
* add or remove panels by right-clicking on profile lines
* delete web segments by right-clicking or selecting and using the delete key
* add new web segments by clicking on two web joints
Additional webbing changes can still be made after inserting the component. When satisfied with the truss, click the `Insert` button.
## Insert Feature Pattern Components
### Open the Component Insertion Panel
Begin insertion by clicking the `+ Create` button, right-clicking in empty space, or using the `Ctrl + Q`keyboard shortcut and selecting `Component`
{% hint style="success" %}
Tip
You can use the `Ctrl + Q + C` keyboard shortcut to begin inserting a component.
{% endhint %}
### Step 1 - Select the Feature Pattern Shape
Once in the `Component Insertion` panel, select the feature pattern shape to proceed.
### Step 2 - Shape Details
Use the `Left End`, `Right End`, and `Interior Conditions` tools to modify the features of the truss. Common conditions are provided and can be customized. Alternatively, fully custom conditions can be created manually.
### Step 3 - Structural Details & Insertion
The final section allows you to finalize the details of the truss, including:
1. The type of loading the component should receive, Roof or Floor
2. The webbing pattern for each webbing Zone
3. The thickness of the truss, which determines the orientation of the lumber depending on the lumber sizes chosen in \`Material Settings\`, which you can access via the button in this panel
These settings can also be modified after insertion. When satisfied with the truss, click the `Insert` button.
{% hint style="info" %}
Note
Feature Pattern Components default to Floor Trusses, but you can change that using the `Component Type` dropdown.
{% endhint %}
See the [Component Insertion](/design/reference/component-insertion.md) reference page for more information about the settings found in this process.
## Duplicate existing truss
To duplicate an existing truss, simply select it in the left or right sidebar and click the `Duplicate Truss` button in the [`Actions Toolbar`](/design/getting-started/interface-overview/actions-toolbar.md).
---
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