Workflow Step-by-Step

This guide covers the getting started workflow of Metal Framing from Be.Smart Metal Collection. It includes guidance for:

• Wall+M - Wall panel framing

• Floor+M - Floor panel framing

• Roof+M - Roof panel Framing

Truss+M is part of Metal Framing but due to a different workflow, it's not covered in this guide. Find more about Truss+M here.

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1. Load Families

You cannot model without the framing families.

We recommend using our default families, which you can modify to suit to your needs. Learn more.

1.1 Wall+M

• Main Families Required - Structural Framing families (studs, plates, tracks, etc.)

• Sample Details Recommended - Structural Connections (angles, bolts, holes, etc)

• Sample Schedules Recommended - predefined schedule and material take-off templates for shop drawings

• Sample Tags Recommended - Structural Framing, Structural Connection and Part tags for shop drawing views

• Siding Families Advanced - sample brick and other siding families for wall facades

• Split Families Advanced - Structural Framing split families are used for framing Paneling layouts (drywall, OSB and other finish layers). Watch the video to learn more.

1.2 Floor+M

• Main Families Required - Structural Framing families (joists, plates, tracks, etc.)

• Sample Details Recommended - Structural Connections (angles, bolts, holes, etc)

• Sample Schedules Recommended - predefined schedule and material take-off templates for shop drawings

• Sample Tags Recommended - Structural Framing, Structural Connection and Part tags for shop drawing views

1.3 Roof+M

• Main Families Required - Structural Framing families (joists, rafters, plates, etc.)

• Sample Details Recommended - Structural Connections (angles, bolts, holes, etc)

• Sample Roofing Advanced - Structural Framing families for roofing

• Sample Schedules Recommended - predefined schedule and material take-off templates for shop drawings

• Sample Tags Recommended - Structural Framing, Structural Connection and Part tags for shop drawing views

Metal Framing contains 3 different profile standards. Watch the video to learn more.

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2. Create Wall/Floor/Roof Type Layers

Follow these rules:

• Drywall and other finish layers should have Finish 1, Finish 2 or Substrate

• The main studs are hosted inside the Structure layer which has to be the Core Layer

• Each layer must have a defined Function, Material and Thickness

You can create as many layers as you wish.

For double drywall or other finish layers, each Material name must be unique:

Learn more about the correct layer creation.

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3. Model Walls/Floors/Roofs

3.1 Wall Tips

Increase the transparency of walls. This will make framing elements more visible.

It's important to model wall connections (L, V, End and T) properly. Learn more.

You can split long walls into panels with gaps, use Smart Walls (optional):

3.2 Floor Tips

Increase the transparency of floors. This will make framing elements more visible.

When modeling floors, joists will run parallel to the Span Direction. You can define the joist direction by changing the Span Direction:

You can Split your floors into prefab floor panels using the Floor Panel Layout tool (optional):

3.3 Roof Tips

Increase the transparency of walls. This will make framing elements more visible.

After modeling pitched roofs, you need to use Roof Panel Layout to divide them into smaller panels:

Learn how to use Roof Panel Layout in the video below:

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4. Insert Openings

Insert windows, doors and generic openings.

To avoid clashes and create openings in walls/floors/roofs for services (ducts, pipes) use Cut Opening.

You can also use Cut Opening after framing is modeled.

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5. Link Wall/Floor/Roof

You need to map Wall/Floor/Roof type layers with the Framing Configurations.

You can also map the Sheathing and/or Paneling configurations for board layers (optional).

5.1 Link Wall

1. Select Wall type.

2. Framing Layer - Choose the purpose of a type layer. Tips:

   • Select Frame to model the main studs/joists/rafters.

   • Select Sheathing, Sheathing II or Paneling to split parts for finishes.

3. Framing Configuration - Choose the automation rule for a chosen Framing Layer. Tips:

   • Open Framing Configurations dialogue to modify or create new rules.

4. Variable - For advanced users. Switch to a different Framing or Sheathing/Paneling automation rule every time you frame or split parts. Options:

   • Frame - when using the command Frame Wall

   • Sheathing/Paneling - when using the command Split Parts

   • Both - when using both commands

5. Frame (box) - tick only for layers with a Framing Configuration.

6. Frame Parts (box) - for advanced users. Tick only when framing parts.

7. Split Parts (box) - tick only for layers with Sheathing/Paneling Configuration.

8. Split by (box) - Select which Framing Configuration should lead the splitting of parts.

9. Sheathing/Paneling Configuration - Select a Sheathing or Paneling Configuration.

10. Exclude Parts (box) - Hides parts after using Split Parts command. Tip: uncheck the box.

5.2 Link Floor

1. Select Floor type.

2. Framing Layer - Choose the purpose of a type layer. Tips:

   • Select Frame to model the main joists

   • Select Batten to frame battens/secondary joists.

   • Select Ceiling to frame ceiling families

   • Select Sheathing, Sheathing II or Paneling to split parts for finishes.

3. Framing Configuration - Choose the automation rule for a chosen Framing Layer. Tips:

   • Open Framing Configurations dialogue to modify or create new rules.

4. Variable - For advanced users. Switch to a different Framing or Sheathing/Paneling automation rule every time you frame or split parts. Options:

   • Frame - when using the command Frame Wall

   • Sheathing/Paneling - when using the command Split Parts

   • Both - when using both commands

5. Frame (box) - tick only for layers with a Framing Configuration.

6. Frame Parts (box) - for advanced users. Tick only when framing parts.

7. Split Parts (box) - tick only for layers with Sheathing/Paneling Configuration.

8. Split by (box) - Select which Framing Configuration should lead the splitting of parts.

9. Sheathing/Paneling Configuration - Select a Sheathing or Paneling Configuration.

10. Exclude Parts (box) - Hides parts after using Split Parts command. Tip: uncheck the box.

5.3 Link Roof

1. Select Roof type.

2. Framing Layer - Choose the purpose of a type layer. Tips:

   • Select Frame to model the main joists/rafters

   • Select Batten to frame battens/secondary joists

   • Select Sheathing, Sheathing II or Paneling to split parts for finishes.

3. Framing Configuration - Choose the automation rule for a chosen Framing Layer. Tips:

   • Open Framing Configurations dialogue to modify or create new rules.

4. Variable - For advanced users. Switch to a different Framing or Sheathing/Paneling automation rule every time you frame or split parts. Options:

   • Frame - when using the command Frame Wall

   • Sheathing/Paneling - when using the command Split Parts

   • Both - when using both commands

5. Frame (box) - tick only for layers with a Framing Configuration.

6. Frame Parts (box) - for advanced users. Tick only when framing parts.

7. Split Parts (box) - tick only for layers with Sheathing/Paneling Configuration.

8. Split by (box) - Select which Framing Configuration should lead the splitting of parts.

9. Sheathing/Paneling Configuration - Select a Sheathing or Paneling Configuration.

10. Exclude Parts (box) - Hides parts after using Split Parts command. Tip: uncheck the box.

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6. Frame modeling

1. Select Wall/Floor/Roof

2. Click on Frame Wall/Floor/Roof.

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If you can't find the answers you're looking for, please contact our support team.