Question 1

What is AutoCalcs?

Accepted Answer

AutoCalcs is a free, browser-based structural analysis tool for beams, frames, and trusses. It allows you to create 3D models, apply loads and supports, and analyse structures for internal forces, reactions, and deflections—all from your browser with no installation required.

Question 2

Do I need to install anything?

Accepted Answer

No. AutoCalcs is 100% cloud-based and runs entirely in your web browser. There's nothing to download or install, and you can access your projects from any device. If you prefer, you can optionally install AutoCalcs as a PWA (Progressive Web App) for a more native app-like experience, but this is completely optional.

Question 3

Is AutoCalcs free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The free tier includes full 3D modeling tools, all analysis types, and results visualisation with a 20 node limit. Sign up for a free account to get 20 cloud-saved projects and settings sync across devices. Pro users get unlimited nodes and cloud storage.

Question 4

What types of analysis can I perform?

Accepted Answer

AutoCalcs supports linear static analysis, P-Delta (second-order) analysis, and tension/compression-only member analysis. You can view results including bending moments, shear forces, axial forces, torsion, reactions, and deflected shapes.

Question 5

How do I save my work?

Accepted Answer

Without an account, your projects are saved locally in your browser storage. When signed in, projects can be saved to the cloud so you can access them from any device.

Question 6

Why am I seeing local storage is full and cannot save or create new files?

Accepted Answer

Browser local storage has limited capacity and is shared across all websites. If you're not a Pro user and relying on local storage for saving projects, you may hit this limit—even if data from other sites is taking up space. To free up space, go to your browser settings > Privacy/Security > Clear browsing data > select Cookies and site data or Local storage. Note: This will clear data for all sites, including your locally saved AutoCalcs projects, so be sure to export any files you want to keep before clearing.

Question 7

What analysis engine does AutoCalcs use?

Accepted Answer

AutoCalcs uses PyNite, an open-source finite element analysis library available on GitHub.

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