Add a Profile

A profile can act as a beam; column; rafter, ceiling joist or floor joist; eaves trim, corner trim or wall finishing trim; or for another purpose. Add a profile as follows:

1. Do either of the following:
   • Select Beams, Columns > Profile.
   • Right-click to open the context-sensitive menu, and select Profiles > Profile. The status bar displays the cross section information and the purpose of the profile to be added.
2. Select the profile properties by using the functions on the contextual toolbar:
   • Properties - Define the profile properties in a dialog box.
   • Copying Properties from Another Profile - Copy the properties of a profile added earlier.

   The cross section you selected will be set as the default until you select another cross section.

3. If necessary, change the direction of the cross section with the functions on the contextual toolbar.

   • Match Cross Section Direction to Plane Normal
   • Match Cross Section Direction to Another Profile
   • Select Cross Section Direction

   When you add a profile in the 2D drawing, the cursor shows the direction of the cross section.

   

4. Select the locating point at the start of the profile in one of the following ways:
   • Select one of the nine points on a rectangle drawn around the cross section as the locating point from the auxiliary menu.

     

   • Select the Select Locating Point function from the auxiliary menu, and select any point on the cross section as the locating point. If required, you can change the locating point to one of the nine quick-selection points, and then activate the selected locating point again by selecting the Free Locating Point function.
5. Select the start point of the profile.
6. If necessary, select the locating point for the end of the profile. The locating point can be a different point at the start of the profile and at the end. Open the locating point menu for the end of the profile by using the function Common/Separate Locating Point for Start And End Points.
7. Select the end point of the profile.

Note

• You can change the direction of the cross section also by using the cursor keys:
  • Left - Counter-clockwise at intervals of 90°.
  • Right - Clockwise at intervals of 90°.

  The direction of rotation is determined by viewing the cross section from the end point of the profile towards its start point.

• When adding a profile, you can change its locating point, direction or properties at any time.
• You can form joints and add joint components between profiles by using the Connection Details function.

Auxiliary Profile Adding Functions
Adding a Beam
Adding a Column
Editing a Profile
Profiles