# Workflow - Step by Step

We want to make it as simple as possible for you to try out our Post & Beam Framing solution on your own. In this article, I’ll go through the basic steps to follow so that your use of the software is as hassle-free as possible.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Since these instructions are meant to simplify **testing** of Wood Framing, I have used our sample configurations and families throughout.*&#x20;

*Just keep in mind that **all these sample rules can be modified to your own needs and standards.** That goes for all - Framing, Connections, Numbering, Shop Drawing configurations, etc*
{% endhint %}

***

**Windows and main functions of Wood Framing**

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FekG1WtMr6IBlU12YFigb%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=800c3a8c-804c-4323-8a97-819b5b92430d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Here is what each one of the main features within the ribbon stands for.

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="216"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Frame Wall</mark></td><td>Frames selected walls from the model according to predefined configuration</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Add/Modify Elements</mark></td><td>Features for adding/modifying additional studs, support studs, bridging/noggin elements etc.</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Modify Frame</mark></td><td>Modifies selected wall frame instances without affecting their configurations</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Edit Elements</mark></td><td>Features for element editing - alignment, split, trim/extend/cut or delete</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Update Frame</mark></td><td>Updates selected wall's frame according the geometry changes</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Delete Frame</mark></td><td>Deletes the selected frame</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Modify Other</mark></td><td>Features for modifying joined openings, multiple openings, wall joins etc.</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Select Elements</mark></td><td>Features for quick element selection by different rules</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Split Parts</mark></td><td>Creates sheathing/paneling by predefined rules in Sheathing or Paneling configuration</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Build Log Wall</mark></td><td>Creates logs for selected walls</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Number Elements</mark></td><td>Numbers all framing elements and details by predefined Numbering Configuration</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Create Assembly</mark></td><td>Creates shop drawings for the selected walls</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Link Wall</mark></td><td>Makes a link between wall type from the project and configuration</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Configs</mark></td><td>Find all configurations for framing, sheathing, paneling, detail creation as well as for numbering and shop drawings</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;">Settings</mark></td><td>Predefine the settings for working with wood framing project</td></tr></tbody></table>

So, let's find out how to start creating Timber Frames in Revit from scratch.

***

## Step 1. Load Families

Choose the sample families to be loaded into the current project. Wood Framing provides sample **Metric** and **Imperial** families for creating frames with connections common for timber frames or log houses. Sample tag families and schedules can also be loaded.

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FcI6G7nbWKQIecWGuu7tk%2FLoad%20Families.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=ff60c4a3-346d-4dbc-954e-260fe1f5b297" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After loading, you can find the families by going to **Project Browser → Families** under **Structural Framing, Structural Connections, Annotation Symbols**, and **Generic Models** categories.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Have in mind, that all these sample families can be modified to each user's needs and standards.*
{% endhint %}

***

## Step 2. Create basic Wall, Floor, Roof geometry

Timber Frames will be created upon the Revit geometry

The walls/floors/roofs can have the needed number of layers to create your structure with optional additional layers—secondary frame, vertical or horizontal nailers, sidings, sheathing, etc.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2Fg58KT9E89FsqX18YXn9V%2FUntitled%20Project.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=4a8229a1-7b88-4b7e-8ae2-470caf9887ab" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
*Be sure to define the **thickness** and assign a **unique material** to each layer, ensuring that no two layers have the same material*

*Additionally, only **one Structure** layer can be created within the geometry*
{% endhint %}

***

## Step 3. Link Wall/Floor/Roof

When Revit geometry and its structure with all needed layers are set up. We can link the Framing Configurations.

Each layer of the Wall/ Floor/ Roof structure can have its own Framing Layer and Framing or Sheathing/Paneling Configuration set up.

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FGULhGlYekJtvWaKSYCIt%2FUntitled%20Project.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=2e6a1052-a8c3-40de-965d-431e36d494f9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
*Wood Framing software provides Sample Configurations as a starting point, which can then be modified and adjusted to meet your specific standards*
{% endhint %}

Below is a brief description, along with examples, explaining how the **Link Wall** menu functions.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Frame" %}
Frame tick mark being active indicates that the corresponding layer will be framed using timber structural framing elements (timber vertical and horizontal elements will appear after Frame Wall Command).&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FHNmtTeih7EQR5xKKuQrx%2FFrame%20link%20ticket.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=ea874fd1-b33f-4efe-a834-c473bc5ad686" alt=""><figcaption><p>Link menu: Frame is active</p></figcaption></figure>

If the Frame tick mark is inactive, the corresponding layer will not be framed when you use the **Frame** or **Frame Additional Layers** functions.

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FWc89pSJmpUf6mkyQbxQc%2FFrame%20link%20unticked.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=b24cb506-84bf-4187-b245-70ea81eef7d6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Link menu: Frame is inactive</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Frame Part" %}
In Revit, geometry can be divided into layers (Parts) that represent how the structure was built, without modifying its original geometry.

In the example below, you can see how Parts were created for the wall that has 3 layers in it. To view these Parts, the **Parts Visibility** setting must be set to **Parts** or **Both**.

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FMkj27nn3CIoeKxLIef0K%2Flink%20wall%20frame%20parts.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=10e7ff41-fb71-4aec-82e0-9b08411f21d0" alt=""><figcaption><p>Link Menu: Frame Part</p></figcaption></figure>

Using our Wood Framing solution, individual Parts can also be framed. This feature is primarily designed for advanced users and specific scenarios, allowing the framing of selected Parts rather than the entire wall geometry.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Split Parts" %}
Wood Framing utilizes Revit Parts to create Sheathing, Paneling, or Drywall. To achieve a specific layout for the Sheathing, these Parts are split based on predefined configurations. This is why the **Split Parts** tick mark must be activated for the layers where you want the drywall to be created.

In the example below, the wall includes a Sheathing layer as part of its structure. Through the **Link Wall** menu, the Framing Layer was assigned for Sheathing, along with the Sheathing/Paneling configuration, and the **Split Parts** option was activated.

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2F7KEJkbafHcwfUjiEPkZT%2Flink%20menu%20split%20parts.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=30de26b8-0d83-4262-9625-0f718d581b51" alt=""><figcaption><p>Link menu: Split Parts</p></figcaption></figure>

It is important to note that **Exclude Parts** was unticked, ensuring the Parts remain visible, schedulable, and appear in Shop Drawings. For more information about **Exclude Parts**, refer to the next tab.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Split By" %}

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Exclude Parts" %}

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

To fully comprehend how Link works, please take a look at these two short Getting Started videos if you haven't already.<br>

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/ui8Lgs_kn3s?si=8CKmSLpxGNIPYhfv>" %}

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/1meWdt3sOcM?si=wFPVh4RQPROaGPlE>" %}
