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.

Select the settings based off of your work. You can set the settings for Interactive Beam or Wall Dragging, for Beam or Wall Point Selection, for Truss Envelope Selection or for all other contexts.

The snap options are also available when picking a new Start or End Point.

Snap Options

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.

Active Snap	Tooltip	Example
Intersection	Snap to intersections of active items.
Extension	Snap to intersection of lines extended from active items.
Midpoint	Snap to midpoints of active segments.
Endpoint	Snap to endpoints of active segments.
Nearest	Snap to the nearest point on an active item.
Perpendicular	Snap the segment if perpendicular to a hovered item.
Orthogonal	Snap the segment to vertical or horizontal.
Distance	Snap the segment length to feet, inches, or ¼ inches based on camera zoom.

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

The Multiselect dialog will appear when Ctrl is pressed, and the mouse is focused in the scene.

Multiselect Filter Options

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.

Note

Multi-selecting different object types is not supported.

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.

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.

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.

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

Duplicating before Moving Feature Pattern Trusses

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.

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 .

Rotation can be defined by the angle and by selecting a rotation Center Point.

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

Rotating Bearing Envelopes

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.

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.

Note

By default, Duplicate before mirroring is enabled when using the Mirror command.

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, wall, member) or by selecting an object and pressing the Shift key modifier.

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

Tip

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

Use Pick Left and Right Points as an alternative tool for adjusting the end points of objects.

Shift-Select

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

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.

Keyboard Shortcuts (Hotkeys)

• Ctrl + Q: Insert something...

  • B: Beams

  • W: 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

  • Ctrl + G: Design/Regenerate Components

  • Ctrl + Shift + G: Choose Existing Design/Unlink Components

  • Ctrl + Alt + G: Create New Design