> 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/create-a-layout.md).
# Create a Layout
This section will walk you through the many tools available for creating a layout. All of the How-Tos here assume you are in Layout Mode. To enter this mode, use the `View Toggle` in the `Left Sidebar` to swap from Design to Layout.
## Create a Basic Roof Layout
### Step 1 - [Insert Bearing Envelopes](/layout/how-to/bearing-envelopes.md) (Walls)
Begin insertion by clicking the `+ Create` button, right-clicking in empty space, or using the `Ctrl + Q`keyboard shortcut and selecting `Bearing Envelope`
{% hint style="success" %}
Tip
You can use the `Ctrl+Q+B` keyboard shortcut to begin inserting a component.
{% endhint %}
Use the `Bearing Envelope Creation` subpanel to insert your walls.
### Step 2 - Insert [Roof Planes](/layout/how-to/roof-planes.md)
Begin insertion by clicking the `+ Create` button, right-clicking in empty space, or using the `Ctrl + Q`keyboard shortcut and selecting `Roof Plane`.
{% hint style="success" %}
Tip
You can use the `Ctrl+Q+R` keyboard shortcut to begin inserting a component.
{% endhint %}
When the `Roof Plane Creation` subpanel opens, `Picking` mode is enabled by default. Hover over the wall you wish to place a plane on and click the outside line to insert a roof plane.
### Step 3 - Cut Roof Planes
Once all planes have been inserted, they need to be cut to determine geometry. Click `Cut Plane` in the `Right Sidebar` or right-click the roof plane to access the quick actions. Once in cut mode, pick other planes to cut against. Click `Finish Cutting` to end cutting.
{% hint style="success" %}
Tip
Hold `Shift` to cut against any line vertically.
{% endhint %}
### Step 4 - Insert [Truss Envelopes](/layout/how-to/truss-envelopes.md)
Begin insertion by clicking the `+ Create` button, right-clicking in empty space, or using the `Ctrl + Q`keyboard shortcut and selecting `Truss Envelope`.
{% hint style="success" %}
Tip
You can use the `Ctrl+Q+E` keyboard shortcut to begin inserting a component.
{% endhint %}
Once the `Truss Envelope Creation` subpanel is open, pick your desired envelope location in the scene. Use the snapping settings to customize.
{% hint style="success" %}
Tip
Use `INSERT AND REPEAT` to quickly enter trusses one by one or use `INSERT AND START RUN` to insert multiple trusses at once.
{% endhint %}
### Step 5 - Design Trusses
Right-click a `Truss Envelope` and click `Create a New Design` to generate a design for that envelope or click the `Project Menu` and select `Design All Truss Envelopes` to generate designs for all unfilled envelopes.
## Create a Basic Floor Layout
### Step 1 - Insert Bearing Envelopes
This will be the same as Step 1 for a Roof Layout.
### Step 2 - Insert a [Feature Pattern Container](/layout/how-to/feature-pattern-containers.md)
Begin insertion by clicking the `+ Create` button, right-clicking in empty space, or using the `Ctrl + Q`keyboard shortcut and selecting `Feature Pattern Container`
{% hint style="success" %}
Tip
You can also use the keyboard shortcut `Ctrl+Q+F` to quickly begin inserting a Feature Pattern Container.
{% endhint %}
### Follow Steps 4 and 5 from Roof Layout above to fill the container with trusses
---
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