> 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/plate-pairs.md).
# Create and Modify Plate Pairs
## Creating a New Plate Pair
### Step 1 - Start Plate Pair Insertion
Begin insertion by clicking `+ Create`, right-clicking in empty space, or using the `Ctrl + Q` keyboard shortcut and selecting `Plate Pair` .
{% hint style="success" %}
Tip
You can use the keyboard shortcut `Ctrl + Q + P` to begin inserting a plate pair.
{% endhint %}
### Step 2 - Define the Plate Pair
Use the `Plate Insertion` panel to define the `Plate Type`, `Plate Dimensions`, and whether it should be `Front/Back` or `Top/Bottom`.
### Step 3 - Place the Plate Pair
Choose an insertion point for the plate pair by clicking on a member on the truss.
## Moving a Plate Pair
### Step 1 - Select the Plate Pair
Click on a plate pair to select it.
### Step 2 - Move the Plate Pair
Once selected, you can use the arrows that appear to incrementally nudge the plate pair or click and drag to move the pair to a new location. While clicking and dragging, [`Live Plating`](/design/getting-started/tools-and-features.md#live-plating) will activate.
Live Plating
### Step 3 - Rotate the Plate Pair
Similarly to moving a plate pair, you can rotate a pair by clicking the rotating arrows that appear and dragging your mouse to the desired orientation.
Rotating Plate Pair
## Deleting a Plate Pair
### Step 1 - Select the Plate Pair
Select the plate pair by clicking on it in the scene. Alternatively, you can use the `Right Sidebar` to select a plate pair from the Collections subpanel.
### Step 2 - Delete the Plate Pair
Once selected, you can press the `Delete` key. If the `Right Sidebar` is open and you have selected a plate pair, you can click `Delete Selected Item(s)`.
## Deleting All Plate Pairs
### Step 1 - Open the Right Sidebar
If the `Right Sidebar` is not open, click the `Toggle Right Sidebar` arrow button to expand the panel.
### Step 2 - Open the Plate Pair Menu and Select Delete All Plate Pairs
Click Menu  next to the `Plates` collection to access the tools within and select `Delete All Plate Pairs`.
## Locking and Unlocking a Plate Pair
Right-click a plate pair and select `[Lock/Unlock] Plate Pair`.
{% hint style="info" %}
Note
If you modify a plate pair, it will automatically lock that pair.
{% endhint %}
## Locking and Unlocking All Plate Pairs
### Using the Actions Toolbar
### Step 1
Click `Lock` in the `Actions Toolbar` .
### Step 2
Choose `Plate Pairs`. You may need to click multiple times until the box is fully checked or unchecked.
{% hint style="info" %}
Note
To Lock a single plate pair, right-click, and `Lock Plate Pair` . Use the same process to `Unlock Plate Pair` if the pair is already locked.
{% endhint %}
### Using the Right Sidebar
### Step 1 - Open the Right Sidebar
If the `Right Sidebar` is not open, click the `Toggle Right Sidebar` arrow button to expand the panel.
### Step 2 - Open the Plates Menu
Click Menu  next to the `Plates` collection to access the tools within and select `[Lock/Unlock] All Plate Pairs`.
Locking & Unlocking Plate Pairs
## Toggle Shear Lines
### Step 1 - Open the Right Sidebar
If the `Right Sidebar` is not open, click the `Toggle Right Sidebar` arrow button to expand the panel.
### Step 2 - Open the Plate Pair Menu and select Toggle Shear Lines
Click Menu  next to the `Plates` collection to access the tools within and select `Toggle Shear Lines`.
---
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