> 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/layout/how-to/beams.md).
# Beams
## Creating Beams Overview
### 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`
{% 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 %}
### [Adding Beams Using Ghost Levels](/layout/how-to/bearing-envelopes.md#adding-walls-using-ghost-levels)
### Delete Beams
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
### 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
Use these options to adjust which `Building` or `Level` the beams are associated with.
#### Beam Type and Depth
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
Use the `Top Elevation`, `Bottom Elevation`, `Thickness` and `Plies` inputs to modify the wall dimensions.
#### Justification
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.
### Start and End Points
Use the coordinate inputs to modify the `Start Point` or `End Point` for the X & Y Coordinates or use the `PICK` button to choose a new location with your mouse in the scene.
### Trim/Extend
Trim/Extend shortens or lengthens a beam so it stops exactly at another object's edge — the "cutting edge". One tool does both: if the cutting edge falls inside the object, the object is trimmed back to it; if the edge lies past the object's end, the object is extended out to meet it.
### Flip Beam
Right-click the beam and click `Flip Beam` to flip the left and right points.
### Mirror Beam
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 %}
### Break Beams
Right click a wall or beam and select Add Break to split the beam into multiple sections. Click to place the break point, or specify the distance by moving cursor into the dimension box and pressing enter. To exit the tool press Esc. Each resulting beam keeps the properties of the original and can be edited independently afterward.
{% hint style="info" %}
Note
Add Break applies to walls and beams only. It cannot be performed on bearings with roof planes.
{% endhint %}
---
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