# Beams

## Creating Beams Overview

<figure><img src="/files/NW0nJV1gQPAfOaAmnQWO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Add Beams

#### Step 1 - Create Beam

Start by clicking the `+ Create` button, right-clicking in empty space, or using the `Ctrl + Q` keyboard shortcut and selecting `Beam`&#x20;

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

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

#### Step 2 - Insert Beam

Use the `Beam Creation` subpanel to insert your beams. This can be done in two ways:

#### **Direction + Length**

Enter a length, then use the buttons or the arrow keys on your keyboard to indicate direction. For more precise control over this bearing, switch to point selection mode.

#### **Point Selection**

Use the inputs and mouse to specify your bearings. Use the `Active Snaps` menu to modify mouse snapping behavior.

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

When inserting bearings, make a note of their [`Justification`](https://docs.paragontruss.com/layout/how-to/bearing-envelopes#justification). The `Front` justification assumes you will be inserting these counter-clockwise.
{% endhint %}

### Delete Beams <a href="#delete-bearing-envelopes" id="delete-bearing-envelopes"></a>

You can delete beams one at a time by right-clicking them and selecting `Delete Beam` or you can use [`Multi-select`](https://docs.paragontruss.com/layout/layout-overview-1/tools-and-features#multi-select-options) to delete multiple beams at once.

### Edit Beam Properties <a href="#edit-bearing-envelope-properties" id="edit-bearing-envelope-properties"></a>

**Step 1 - Open the Beam Subpanel**

Select the beam and open the `Right Sidebar` or right-click on the beam and select `Edit Properties`.

The properties below can be modified during insertion as well as after in the `Beam Properties` subpanel.

**Step 2 - Adjust Beam Properties**

#### Building and Level <a href="#top-bottom-and-thickness" id="top-bottom-and-thickness"></a>

Use these options to adjust which `Building` or `Level` the beams are associated with.

#### Beam Type and Depth <a href="#top-bottom-and-thickness" id="top-bottom-and-thickness"></a>

Use the `Beam Type` to select from `Drop Beam` or `Flush Beam` . And you can use the `Depth` to adjust how deep the beam will be.

#### Top Elevation, Bottom Elevation, Thickness and Plies <a href="#top-bottom-and-thickness" id="top-bottom-and-thickness"></a>

Use the `Top Elevation`, `Bottom Elevation`, `Thickness` and `Plies` inputs to modify the wall dimensions.

#### Justification <a href="#justification" id="justification"></a>

Use this tool to modify how a bearing is justified on its defining line. `Front` is selected by default but you can change this to `Center` or `Back` as needed.

<figure><img src="/files/WSFiJN3OdcD3CezcCFZP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Endpoints <a href="#endpoints" id="endpoints"></a>

Use the coordinate inputs to modify the `Left Point` or `Right Point` or use the `PICK` button to choose a new location with your mouse in the scene.

#### Move Left or Right Point <a href="#move-left-or-right-point" id="move-left-or-right-point"></a>

Use this tool to set the length of the beam and choose whether you want to adjust the left or right end.

#### Flip Beam <a href="#flip-bearing-envelopes" id="flip-bearing-envelopes"></a>

Right-click the beam and click `Flip Beam` to flip the left and right points.

#### Mirror Beam <a href="#mirror-bearing-envelopes" id="mirror-bearing-envelopes"></a>

Right-click a beam and select `Mirror Beam.`

Select an existing line to mirror upon.

{% hint style="info" %}
Note

Refer to [Tools and Features](https://docs.paragontruss.com/layout/layout-overview-1#tools-and-features) for additional information on mirroring selected Layout objects.
{% endhint %}


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