Frequently Asked Questions

General

Q: What types of trusses does Paragon support?

A: Paragon truss software supports the layout, design, and analysis of metal plate connected wood trusses. We also support the use of gusset plates.

Paragon software does not support other materials used for truss components such as timber and light gauge, cold formed steel.

Q: Are there browser settings to help optimize Paragon app performance?

A: Yes, certain browser settings—especially those related to hardware acceleration—can significantly impact the performance of web applications. Optimizing these settings can improve responsiveness, reduce lag, and enhance overall user experience. In addition to verifying hardware acceleration is enabled, you should ensure that your computer is current on all updates.

What is Hardware Acceleration?

Hardware acceleration allows your browser to offload specific tasks (like graphics rendering or video decoding) from the CPU to the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). This can enhance performance for graphically intensive applications.

Most modern browsers enable hardware acceleration by default, but it can be toggled on or off in settings.

When Can Hardware Acceleration Improve Performance?

Enabling hardware acceleration typically helps when:

• Your app renders complex visuals or animations.

• You're using high-resolution displays or multiple monitors.

• The system has a capable GPU.

• You’re experiencing choppy graphics or UI lag.

However, in some cases, it may reduce performance—especially if:

• Your GPU is under powered or outdated.

• There's a driver compatibility issue.

• You're running other graphics-heavy apps simultaneously.

Other Variables That Affect Performance

While hardware acceleration plays a role, other environmental factors can significantly influence web app performance:

Variable	Impact
Internet Bandwidth & Latency	Slow or unstable connections can delay data loading and affect real-time features.
CPU & GPU Resources	Low-end or overburdened systems may struggle with multitasking or rendering-intensive tasks.
RAM Availability	Insufficient memory can lead to slow performance, particularly with browser-based apps that open multiple tabs.
Browser Extensions	Some extensions consume significant resources or conflict with app scripts.
Browser Version	Older versions may lack optimizations or have unresolved bugs. Always use the latest stable version.
Screen Resolution and DPI Settings	Higher resolutions can demand more processing power, especially when scaling visuals.

How to Adjust Hardware Acceleration in Major Browsers

Chrome:

1. Go to Settings > System

2. Toggle "Use hardware acceleration when available"

3. Restart the browser

Firefox:

1. Go to Settings > General

2. Scroll to Performance

3. Uncheck "Use recommended performance settings"

4. Check or uncheck "Use hardware acceleration when available"

Edge:

1. Go to Settings > System and performance

2. Toggle "Use hardware acceleration when available"

3. Restart the browser

Best Practices for Optimizing Browser Performance

• Enable hardware acceleration if your device has a capable GPU.

• Monitor performance; disable it if you experience glitches or freezing.

• Keep your browser and graphics drivers up to date.

• Limit the number of open tabs and background applications.

• Temporarily disable extensions if experiencing lag.

Refer to the discussion on Browser support for WebGL for more detailed information.

Design App

Q: How do you create a new project?

A: For Individual Plan users (Estimator and Designer), it's possible to create new projects and access existing projects from the Choose/Create New project menu. Watch video.

Hint

With smaller screens (and some screen resolutions) we consolidate the menus on either side of the Project Name display. In the consolidated menu mode, the Choose/Create Project Menu to the left of the project name is no longer displayed, and additional commands are added to the Project Menu , including Open Other Project.

For Team Plan users (Coming Soon!), this can be accomplished via Paragon Projects. Watch video.

Q: How do you copy/duplicate a project?

A: For Individual Plan users, copying a project is a multi-step process.

From Paragon Design:

1. Share > Create Shared Set

2. Copy Link

3. Open a new browser tab and paste the link

4. Copy to my organization

For Team Plan users (Coming Soon!), this is best accomplished via Paragon Projects app. From the projects list, select a project and then Copy Project. Watch video.

Q: How do you delete a project?

A: For Individual Plan users (Estimator and Designer), currently it's not possible to delete a project from within the Design app.

For Team Plan users (Coming Soon!), this can be accomplished via Paragon Projects.

Q: How do you import .dxf files into Layout?

A: The option to Import Lines from DXF is currently attached to the Work Lines collection in the Layout subpanel (right sidebar). Right-click on "Work Lines" or select the 3 dots. Watch video.

Q: Why am I not getting snap points where I'm expecting them?

A: In both Design and Layout modes, you have the ability to snap to define member or object placement. Unique to Layout mode, when placing objects using point selection, you are presented with a list of Active Snaps which serve as snap "filters." If you are not getting snap points where you expect them, be sure to check and adjust the Active Snaps selections as-needed.

Note that the gridlines displayed in the Design App are not recognized snap points.

Q: How do you override a connection?

A: To override a connection, select the carried truss envelope (the end jack in this example) and change the appropriate (Right) Carried Chord property from Auto to None.

Be sure to Regenerate Component and Regenerate Connections for the modified truss envelope. Next Analyze all Changed Components and the connector should no longer be present.

Additionally, you can verify that any connection manual overrides are accounted for on the carrying truss by reviewing it in Design mode. Select the truss girder and review the Carried Components in the Collections subpanel.

Engineering Network

Q: What is the Paragon Engineering Network, and why should I care?

A: Paragon Engineering Network members provide component review and repair services for the Paragon software community. Engineering Network members are listed within the software when users request component review and/or repairs.

Note that all service agreements provided through the Engineering Network are between the Paragon software user and the Engineering Network member.

Q: What is required to join the Paragon Engineering Network?

A: Becoming a member of the Paragon Engineering Network requires the following:

• Going through training and onboarding

• Signing up and maintaining at least one Annual Designer Plan
• Agreeing to a fixed fee per sealed truss design or repair drawing