File Management

Save, load, and manage your structural models in AutoCalcs. Your work is preserved between sessions, and signed-in users get cloud sync across devices.

Opening the File Manager

Click the folder icon in the top-left corner of the ribbon, or press Ctrl+O to open the File Manager dialog.

Saving Your Work

AutoCalcs automatically saves your current model to browser local storage as you work. To save a named project:

  1. Click the save icon in the ribbon or press Ctrl+S
  2. Enter a name for your project
  3. Click Save

The project name appears in the top ribbon. An asterisk (*) indicates unsaved changes.

New Project

To start fresh with an empty model:

  1. Open the File Manager
  2. Click New Project
  3. Confirm to clear the current model

Loading Models

To open a previously saved model:

  1. Open the File Manager (Ctrl+O)
  2. Select from your list of saved projects
  3. Click Open or double-click the project

Local vs Cloud Storage

Projects can be stored locally in your browser or in the cloud:

Local Storage

  • Local files are marked with an orange Local tag in the File Manager
  • Stored in your browser's localStorage - clearing browser data will delete them
  • Only accessible on the device and browser where they were created
  • No account required

Cloud Storage (Sign In Required)

  • Cross-device access - Access your projects from any computer
  • Persistent storage - Projects won't be lost if you clear browser data
  • Secure - Your work is stored safely in the cloud

Sign in to save projects to the cloud. Remember to save regularly - cloud projects are updated when you click Save.

File Manager Toolbar

The File Manager includes a toolbar with additional features:

  • New / Folder - Create a new project or folder to organise your files
  • Copy / Cut / Paste - Duplicate or move projects between folders
  • Import / Export - Import and export AutoCalcs JSON files, DXF geometry files, or IFC geometry files
  • Share - Create a share link from the ribbon (cloud-saved projects). Recipients get their own copy in their account; your project is not modified
  • Delete - Remove selected projects or folders
  • Search - Filter projects by name
  • Sort - Order files by name or date
  • View modes - Switch between list, grid, and thumbnail views

DXF Import

Import existing geometry from CAD by loading a DXF file. Supported DXF entities are converted as follows:

  • POINT - Converted to standalone nodes, except stale point clouds lying on imported plate faces are ignored when the plate is remeshed
  • LINE and open LWPOLYLINE / POLYLINE chains - Converted to nodes and members. Crossing members are split onto shared nodes
  • 3DFACE / SOLID - Converted to plate meshes with default plate properties. Non-rectangular quads are triangulated
  • Closed LWPOLYLINE / POLYLINE - Converted to plate meshes. Triangular, rectangular, and simple n-gon boundaries are supported
  • Units and axes - $INSUNITS is converted to metres. Standard CAD Z-up coordinates are converted to the app's Y-up model. Object-coordinate extrusion on 2D polylines is applied
  • Automatic node merging - Nodes within 1mm tolerance are merged into a single node

Imported DXF coordinates are automatically rebased near the app origin, with the horizontal model centred around zero and the vertical base set to zero. Imported plates use 200mm thickness and the app's default plate mesh density. Members and plates are imported without assigned sections or materials; assign those in the app before analysis. To import a DXF, use Import → DXF file in the File Manager toolbar and select your .dxf file.

IFC Import

Import basic structural geometry from an IFC file (Import → IFC file). This is a geometry import, not a BIM/Revit round trip. Supported objects become nodes, members, and plates; unsupported BIM objects are skipped with warnings.

  • Nodes - IfcStructuralPointConnection, including simple fixed/free point conditions
  • Members - IfcBeam, IfcColumn, IfcMember, and IfcStructuralCurveMember. A centreline is taken from an axis curve (polyline, indexed polycurve, trimmed line, or composite curve), or from a simple extruded, clipped, tessellated, or mapped body. Nearby nodes are welded, segmented axes become connected members, and crossings are split
  • Plates - Simple IfcSlab, IfcPlate, IfcStructuralSurfaceMember, and structural IfcWall outlines. Planar triangles, rectangles, and simple n-gons are meshed. Extruded slabs and plates use the mid-surface. Voided or boolean-cut slabs are skipped. Walls import as filled surfaces; openings are not cut out
  • Units - IFC lengths to metres, Z-up to the app Y-up frame, then rebase near the origin. Thickness comes from the IFC body when available, otherwise 200mm

No materials or member sections are assigned; set those in the app before analysis. Finish floors, roof layers, partitions, curtain walls, doors, windows, roofs, footings, loads, and analysis settings are not imported.

DXF Export

Use Export → DXF file in the File Manager toolbar or Export DXF file from a project menu to export geometry for CAD coordination. DXF export writes metres ($INSUNITS=6) in standard CAD Z-up coordinates. User-created nodes are POINT entities, members are LINE entities, and plate mesh groups are boundary 3DFACE entities. Generated plate mesh nodes and diaphragm phantom masters are omitted. Loads, load cases, combinations, materials, sections, and analysis settings remain JSON-only.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Ctrl+S - Save current project
  • Ctrl+O - Open File Manager