Step-By-Step Guide

How To: Get A Structural Floor Design In Under 15 Minutes

A fast three-step workflow from Architectural Plans to complete Engineering Designs & Drawings.

1

Create a Floor Outline

1A. Start by entering Draw Mode in the workspace.

Draw Mode

Click on [Draw] to initialize drafting tools.

(Optional) You can now add existing architectural drawings as a background reference.

Add PDF

Click [Add PDF] to upload reference background files.

1B. Choose your file, navigate to the relevant page, and select your page.

Select Page
Specify Scale

1C. Select a line of known length (e.g., 7120mm) or click [Pick Two Points Instead] to set scale.

Pick Points

1D. Now draw the main floor outline.

Main Outline

Click [Main Outline] to begin drawing the boundary.

Draw an outline around the framing area with the mouse pointer. Reconnect to the original point to close the boundary.

Drawing Outline

💡 Helpful Drawing Tips:

  • The pointer will snap to lines on the background drawing automatically
  • Type numerical values while drawing to force line length
  • Hold [SHIFT] to constrain angles
  • Hold [CTRL] to temporarily disable snapping
  • Press [ESC] to undo the last point

Optional Features:

Voids Walls

Add supplementary design features such as Voids, Upper Floor Boundaries, or Structural Walls.

1E. Complete your sketch:

Finished Button

Click [✔ Finished] to generate your initial structural framing plan, or use [x Clear All] to reset.

2

Design & Optimize

Your automated framing plan will be generated instantly!

Framing Results

2A. Set global PARAMETERS using the side bar.

Global Parameters
Global Parameters (White Panel)

Configure project-wide parameters such as regional design codes, live load requirements, unit cost rates, and bracing assumptions.

2B. Adjust the current design options.

Design Options Panel
Option Settings (Grey Panel)

Adjust structural systems, framing directions, material grades, and maximum member spans.

2C. Select columns and move or delete them if desired.

Column Changes
Modify Columns

Click on individual columns to move or delete them.

3

Export

3A. Print or Export your design

Exports and Reports
Exports & Reports

Generate detailed structural calculation reports, export CAD files, DXF drawings, or design spreadsheets.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Access preliminary structural framing designs instantly and explore multiple engineering solutions for free.

Start Designing on StruCompare