Framing Tools

Select the design rules based on which parts (such as studs, joists and sheets) are added to layer of a structure.

Add a New Tool for a Layer

A layer may only contain one tool. The type of the layer determines what kind of a tool can be added to the layer. Several types of tools are available for some layer types. If you wish to change the type of a tool, first remove the old tool and then add a new one.

1. Move the cursor on the empty list.
2. Right-click to open the context-sensitive menu.
3. Select New
4. Select one of the following (the options are determined by the layer type):
   • Wall Main Frame - You can select a tool for the wall's frame layer only.
   • Wall Sheathing
   • Horizontal Battens
   • Frame
   • Sheathing
   • Cladding
5. Select Tool Library.
6. Select Tool from the list.
7. Confirm by clicking OK.

Delete a Tool from a Layer

A layer may only contain one tool. The type of the layer determines what kind of a tool can be added to the layer. Several types of tools are available for some layer types. If you wish to change the type of a tool, first remove the old tool and then add a new one.

1. Select a tool from the list.
2. Right-click to open the context-sensitive menu.
3. Select Delete.
4. Add a new tool or confirm by clicking OK.

Editing the Tool Parameters of an Individual Layer

You can edit the parameters of a structure added to a building model. Once you have generated the panel breaks, you can change the framing tool of an individual layer as follows:

1. Activate the model window.
2. Select a wall panel.
3. Select a wall panel layer.
4. Right-click to open the context-sensitive menu.
5. Select Framing Tools. The Framing Tools dialog box is opened.
6. Change or edit the tool.
   • Add or change the layer tool.
   • Edit the tool parameters in the dialog box.

     Main Frame of a Wall

     Wall Sheathing

     Horizontal Battens

     Frame - Wall Sub Frame

     Frame - Floor or Ceiling

     Sheathing

     Cladding

7. Confirm by clicking OK.

Then, regenerate the panel parts and update the panel drawing. The program prompts you to update the panel drawing when you open the drawing.

Editing the Tool Parameters of One or More Panels

Once you have generated the panel breaks, you can edit framing tools by editing the panel properties.

1. Activate the model or drawing window.
2. Select Selection Filter and choose Interior Wall Panel or Exterior Wall Panel as the object type.
3. Select one or more panels of the same type in the floor plan drawing or model.
   • Select an individual wall panel.
   • Press and hold the Ctrl key or use area selection to select several wall panels.
   • Press Ctrl+A to select all the wall panels.
4. Right-click to open the context-sensitive menu.
5. Select Properties. The Wall Panel Properties dialog box opens.
6. Select a layer in the Layers list.
7. Select Framing Tools. The Framing Tools dialog box is opened.
8. Change or edit the tool.
   • Add or change the layer tool.
   • Edit the tool parameters in the dialog box.

     Main Frame of a Wall

     Wall Sheathing

     Horizontal Battens

     Frame - Wall Sub Frame

     Frame - Floor or Ceiling

     Sheathing

     Cladding

9. Confirm by clicking OK.

Then, regenerate the panel parts and update the panel drawing. The program prompts you to update the panel drawing when you open the drawing.

Note

• If the selected panels do not match, the following error message will be displayed: "Layers have different framing tools. Differences in layers detected. Cannot edit properties."

Edit the Framing Tools of More than One Structure
Wall Panels in a Framing Model