# Tools and Features

### Snap Options

Use `Active Snaps` and `Snap Against` selections when inserting items like Truss Envelopes, Walls, Beams, and Work Lines to adjust the snapping behavior of the item being inserted.

The snap options are also available when picking a new Left or Right Point.

<figure><img src="/files/K5RTHFTFdbOyWoZovBZp" alt=""><figcaption><p>Snap Options</p></figcaption></figure>

`Active Snaps` define which snaps are available when using the point selection input method, such as during Dimension Mode, Walls and Beam insertion.

Tooltips may vary slightly depending on the active object type.&#x20;

| Active Snap   | Tooltip                                                                    | Example                                                             |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Intersection  | Snap to intersections of active items.                                     | <img src="/files/IgO7T7OLPiMbNo4pnprq" alt="" data-size="original"> |
| Extension     | Snap to intersection of lines extended from active items.                  | <img src="/files/vBibBufPkodUtERjdro1" alt="" data-size="original"> |
| Midpoint      | Snap to midpoints of active segments.                                      | <img src="/files/DwRsBJLHXNw5pe8VzdMh" alt="" data-size="original"> |
| Endpoint      | Snap to endpoints of active segments.                                      | <img src="/files/QKTEPz8rlF5IVbWuDWoc" alt="" data-size="original"> |
| Nearest       | Snap to the nearest point on an active item.                               | ![](/files/IaycEg9KepgGZ7cv6Xur)                                    |
| Perpendicular | Snap the segment if perpendicular to a hovered item.                       | ![](/files/eRKp7cvjX5hiNfgt2Fyh)                                    |
| Orthogonal    | Snap the segment to vertical or horizontal.                                | ![](/files/9NXXeLZC2S0NB0QyWo9L)                                    |
| Distance      | Snap the segment length to feet, inches, or ¼ inches based on camera zoom. | <img src="/files/HNO2CilO0KAM7GhNi4fw" alt="" data-size="original"> |

`Snap Against` functions as a filter during snap point selection. For example, if you would like to snap dimensions to a wall only, then uncheck all Snap Against options except for Walls. This eliminates the risk of inadvertently selecting snap for other object types.

| Snap Against    | Tooltip                                                                      |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Roof            | Snapping will consider all roof lines.                                       |
| Ceiling         | Snapping will consider all ceiling lines.                                    |
| Truss Envelopes | Snapping will consider the front, back, and center lines of truss envelopes. |
| Beams           | Snapping will consider  the edges of Beams                                   |
| Walls           | Snapping will consider the edges of Walls.                                   |
| Work Lines      | Snapping will consider all work lines.                                       |

### Multi-Select Options

&#x20;The `Multiselect` dialog will appear when `Ctrl` is pressed, and the mouse is focused in the scene.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/To651nxuRbep67pT89gd" alt=""><figcaption><p>Multiselect Filter Options</p></figcaption></figure>

Use the `Multiselect` dialog to filter what items in the scene are selected when using multi-select mode. Alternatively, it is possible to press `Ctrl` while selecting multiple objects from the Collections List in the right sidebar.

When multiple objects are selected, the available properties will be displayed in the `Properties Panel`.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
Note

Multi-selecting different object types is not supported.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/q4RBTv6Xlu7OFYDxDz3X" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
Tip

If you select a Layout object prior to pressing `Ctrl`, that object type will automatically be selected in the `Multiselect` filter, saving time and mouse clicks.
{% endhint %}

### Move Layout Objects

Layout objects can be moved to a new `Destination` location. Multi-selected objects of the same type can be moved as a group.&#x20;

After selecting one or more of the same object type, access the Move command via the right-click menu or using the keyboard shortcut `Ctrl + M` .

Movement can be defined relative to a chosen origin point or using horizontal (x) and vertical (y) distances.&#x20;

It is possible to Duplicate selected objects when performing the command by selecting `Duplicate before moving` .

<figure><img src="/files/FFLAV33QigTmDF1RqSgX" alt=""><figcaption><p>Duplicating before Moving Feature Pattern Trusses </p></figcaption></figure>

### Rotate Layout Objects

Layout objects can be rotated to a new orientation. Multi-selected objects of the same type can be rotated as a group.&#x20;

After selecting one or more of the same object type, access the Rotate command via the right-click menu or using the keyboard shortcut `Ctrl + M` .&#x20;

Rotation can be defined by the angle and by selecting a rotation `Center Point`.&#x20;

It is possible to Duplicate selected objects when performing the command by selecting `Duplicate before rotating` .

<figure><img src="/files/bUuYCJYIrVl1zofM56av" alt=""><figcaption><p>Rotating Bearing Envelopes</p></figcaption></figure>

### Mirror Layout Objects

Layout objects can be mirrored based on a user-defined `Mirror Line`. Multi-selected objects of the same type can be mirrored as a group.&#x20;

After selecting one or more of the same object type, access the Mirror command via the right-click menu or using the keyboard shortcut `Ctrl + M` . Select an existing line for the mirror axis.

{% hint style="info" %}
Note

By default, `Duplicate before mirroring` is enabled when using the Mirror command.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/YzaKTKbLxJ7APue8HJhG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Trim / Extend Objects

Objects in Layout and Design can be trimmed and extended to a "cutting edge". Trim/Extend is available  by right-clicking on an valid object (truss envelope, bearing envelope, member) or by selecting an object and pressing the `Shift` key modifier.&#x20;

Trim/Extend works when one or more valid objects are selected.

{% hint style="success" %}
Tip

When using Trim/Extend, the longer segment of the object being modified will be retained.&#x20;

Use [Pick Left and Right Points](https://docs.paragontruss.com/layout/how-to/truss-envelopes#left-and-right-points) as an alternative tool for adjusting the end points of objects.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/9wsowQmKUJhOIwtRBPJv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Shift-Select

Use Shift-click to select all items between two selected entries in sidebar lists.

<figure><img src="/files/oWfbhmb69qpSGvhmzg5a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### PDF Snapping Underlays

Use PDF `Underlay` to upload PDF(s) to your layout at a given scale or rotation angle. PDF underlays view mode can be adjusted for each PDF. Underlays can be traced to streamline wall creation and also be used as general reference to visualize MEP accessories such as plumbing fixtures and HVAC ducting.

<figure><img src="/files/vPGfWdfcRSTIUMlM8tp7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1m6mARHqsESbPgOBfpUm1yosJrs26wv5Q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Keyboard Shortcuts (Hotkeys)

* `Ctrl + Q`: Insert something...
  * `B`: Beams
  * <kbd>W</kbd>: Walls
  * `E`: Truss Envelope
  * `F`: Feature Pattern (Floor) Container
  * `A`: Chase/Step
  * `W`: Work Line
* While inserting a truss envelope:
  * `Alt + J`: Cycle through justification options
  * `Esc`: Re-choose location
  * `Ctrl + B` locks/unlocks the base
    * When locked to a single base, snapping levels adjust with `Shift/Ctrl`.
* While inserting a truss envelope, beam or walls:
  * `Alt`+ Click: Insert, then repeat
* While inserting a beam or a wall in *Direction + Length* mode:
  * Typing sets beam or wall length
  * Using the arrow keys sets the direction
* When selecting truss envelopes, beams or walls:
  * `Ctrl + Click:`  Add/remove item to/from selection set
  * `Ctrl + Drag:` Add/remove windowed items to/from selection set
    * Configured via options that appear in the top right corner
* When Designing Envelopes
  * <kbd>Ctrl + G:</kbd> Design/Regenerate Components
  * <kbd>Ctrl + Shift + G:</kbd> Choose Existing Design/Unlink Components
  * <kbd>Ctrl + Alt + G:</kbd>  Create New Design


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