# Add and Modify Members

## Adding Members

### Step 1 - Start Member Insertion

Begin insertion by clicking `+ Create`, right-clicking in empty space, or using the `Ctrl + Q`keyboard shortcut and selecting `Member` .

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip**

You can use the `Ctrl + Q + M` keyboard shortcut to begin inserting a member.
{% endhint %}

### Step 2A - Define the Member

Defining a member is very similar to defining a [reference line](/design/how-to/general/reference-lines.md#step-2-define-the-line) since that is what you're creating behind the scenes. Click your starting point or line then click again on a different point or line.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip**

Double-clicking a line will insert a member centered on that line.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/Og5EENcQ18JSGDYyvhCX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 2B - Define Multiple Members

Defining multiple members simultaneously functions the same as inserting multiple reference lines. For instructions on how to do this, view the [insert multiple reference line how-to](https://docs.paragontruss.com/design/).

## Deleting Members

### Step 1 - Select a Member

Click on a member to select it or select it in the `Right Sidebar`.

### Step 2 - Delete the Member

Once selected, you can simply hit the `Delete` key. You can right-click a member and select `Delete` or choose `Delete Selected Item(s)` in the `Right Sidebar.`

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip**

You can use [`multi-select`](/design/getting-started/tools-and-features.md#multi-select) to delete multiple members at once.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

If a chord contains 1 or more splices and you delete 1 or more of the spliced members, we will automatically re-cut the remaining members to length.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/21JkdetEPnLgyCIFSlVS" alt=""><figcaption><p>Deleting a Single Member</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/jGrfFBwqv6ZmNz1u7yf0" alt=""><figcaption><p>Deleting Multiple Spliced Bottom Chord Members</p></figcaption></figure>

## Editing Member Properties

Members can be edited by right-clicking them and choosing `Edit Properties` or using the `Properties Panel` in the `Right Sidebar`.

### Lumber

#### Step 1 - Open the Edit Lumber Menu

Right-click a member and select `Edit Lumber`.

#### Step 2 - Modify the Lumber

Select from the list options in the menu to modify `Dimensions`, `Species`, `Grade`, and `Treatment Type`.

<figure><img src="/files/6JzzJSWDw9BRCHzTMXfz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Geometry

#### Step 1 - Access the Geometry Menu

Right-click a member and hover over `Geometry`.

#### Step 2 - Modify the Geometry

From the popout menu, select `Centered On Line`, `Left Of Line`, or `Right Of Line` to modify the member geometry.

<figure><img src="/files/nEeHDrwScrA8x6UFD1PH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Stack and Unstack Web (Webs only)

Right-click a member and select `Stack Web` to stack the web. To unstack the web, select `Unstack Web`.

<figure><img src="/files/xAF0nk5CZYNWn7UVztUS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Reverse Web (Webs only)

Right-click a member and select `Reverse Web` to reverse the web in the truss.

<figure><img src="/files/KLBzS4zi4n0CHr9H3ffP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Cut Member

#### Step 1 - Start Cut Mode

Right-click a member and select `Cut Member` from the menu to start cut mode.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip**

With a member selected, hold down the `Shift` key to quickly enter cut mode.
{% endhint %}

#### Step 2 - Select a Line to Cut Against

Select a new line to cut the member against or select an existing cut line to remove that cut.

<figure><img src="/files/OUbN92fGclVKW2LzIVsj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Adjust End Cuts (Webs only)

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

The right-click menu will intelligently display the relevant options based on where you click the member. If you right-click the center of a member, only the `Cut Member` option will appear.
{% endhint %}

#### Step 1 - Access the End Cut Menu

Right-click a web on the desired end and hover over `Adjust [Lower/Upper] Cuts` to reveal the options.

#### Step 2 - Recut the End

Use the available options to recut the end in the desired direction.

<figure><img src="/files/XCBo4ar3pwgQRPJKQQID" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Make Vertical (Webs only)

Right-click a web on the desired end and select `Move [Lower/Upper] End to Make Vertical`.

<figure><img src="/files/kClP4QjLjDwXde2VOzfb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Locking and Unlocking a Member

Right-click a member and select `[Lock/Unlock] Member`.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

If you modify a member, it will automatically lock that member.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/PValr4yc2sin3dCIHH8m" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Using the Member Properties Panel

Some member properties can only be accessed or modified via the `Properties Panel` in the `Right Sidebar`.

### Update Member Information

#### Step 1 - Access the Member Properties Panel

With a member selected, open the `Right Subpanel` and navigate to the `Member Properties` section at the bottom.

#### Step 2 - Update Member Information

Use the `Info` section to modify `Is Field Installed`, `Member Type`, and the member's `Name`.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

Click the `SHOW ADVANCED` button here to reveal additional contents in this panel.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/h01HcLeCSgM13oU0i4tz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Adding Bevel Cuts

#### Step 1 - Access the Member Properties Panel

With a member selected, open the `Right Subpanel` and navigate to the `Member Properties` section at the bottom.

#### Step 2 - Add Bevel Cuts

Use the`Left` and `Right` selects in the `Bevel Cuts` section to add the desired bevels.

<figure><img src="/files/T5nrSyV7GrgYgIXyLzbP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Modify a Member's Reference Line

#### Step 1 - Access the Member Properties Panel

With a member selected, open the `Right Subpanel` and click the `SHOW ADVANCED` button at the top of the `Member Properties` panel.

#### [Step 2 - Modify the Member's Reference Line](/design/how-to/general/reference-lines.md#modifying-reference-line-properties)

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Warning**

Modifying a reference line that other objects and their reference lines depend on can have unintended consequences, especially when changing fundamental properties like the Line Type.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/8jWOu8ZNdlJYSp5wYYow" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### View Member Design Values

#### Step 1 - Access the Member Properties Panel

With a member selected, open the `Right Subpanel` and click `SHOW ADVANCED` at the top of the `Member Properties` panel.

#### Step 2 - Navigate to the Design Values Section

Scroll to the bottom of the `Member Properties` panel to view the `Design Values`.

<figure><img src="/files/F36EzlK9T32tkVjcDgqe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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