Drawing

Learn how to draw your structural members.

Entering Draw Mode & Creating Nodes

Press Ctrl+D or click the Draw toolin the toolbar to enter Draw mode.

  1. Click anywhere on the canvas to place a node
  2. Click again to place another node - a member is automatically created between them
  3. Continue clicking to create connected members
  4. Press Escape to finish the current chain
  5. Click on an existing node to start a new chain from that point

Snapping

Precision is key in structural modeling. AutoCalcs uses a tiered snapping system to ensure your nodes and members are placed exactly where you intend.

Snapping Priority

  1. Nodes: Highest priority. Snaps to existing node points.
  2. Members: Snaps to midpoints and perpendicular points of members.
  3. Alignment: Snaps to X, Y, or Z axes relative to existing nodes.
  4. Construction Grid: Snaps to major grid lines and elevations.
  5. Fine Grid: Fallback 10mm precision snap for all other cases.

Key snapping features include:

  • Node Snap - Snap to existing nodes
  • Midpoint Snap - Snap to member midpoints
  • Axis Snap - Snap to X, Y, or Z axes from the last point
  • Angle Snap - Snap to 30° or 45° increments

    Note: This only works when drawing in a 2D plane.

Toggle snapping options using the Snapping buttonin the top ribbon.

Modeling Aids

To help with large scale layouts, you can enable visual reference systems in Settings > Visual:

Construction Grids

A horizontal reference system (XY plane). You can set independent X and Z spacings (e.g., 5.0m) to match your primary column lines.

Elevations

Horizontal planes at specific vertical heights (Y-axis), helpful for multi-story floor levels or roof heights.

Coordinate Input

For precise placement, you can type coordinates directly into the input fields at the top right of the screen while drawing:

  • Absolute Coordinates (X, Y, Z):

    After entering Draw mode, type the X, Y, and Z coordinates separated by pressing Tab (e.g., 5 Tab 0 Tab 3) to place the starting node at that exact global position. You can navigate between these input fields using the arrow keys.

  • Distance:

    Once the first node is placed, a distance input field appears in the top right. Move your mouse to define the direction, then type the desired length and press Enter to draw the member.

  • Distance & Angle:

    When drawing in a 2D plane (such as Top or Front view), an additional angle input field appears. You can specify both the length and the angle (e.g., length 5 and angle 45°) to draw the member precisely.

Drawing Tips

  • Use standard views (1-9 keys) for drawing in specific planes (e.g., Top, Front).
  • Zoom in for more precise node placement when not using coordinates.
  • Use the coordinate input for exact dimensions to ensure accuracy.