How to get started?

Introduction

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.

---

STEP 1. Setup

Explore the tabs below and learn how to install ARKANCE Dock and launch Metal Collection in Revit.

1.1 Install ARKANCE Dock

DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL the ARKANCE Dock for Revit.

Find out more about the ARKANCE Dock installation.

1.2 Open Revit

Open a new or existing Revit project.

Be.Smart solutions work with Imperial and Metric templates.

If you start a new project, feel free to pick your company template or a generic Revit template:

1.3 Activate License

Find the ARKANCE Dock in the Revit ribbon to activate the METAL COLLECTION license code you received from Arkance's sales team.

Find out more about the Be.Smart Metal Collection license activation in ARKANCE Dock.

Click here if you have the Trial version.

1.4 Find Metal Framing

Find Metal Framing in Revit ribbon, T4R Metal Framing tab:

METAL COLLECTION includes Metal Framing and other productivity tools that you can find in the Revit ribbon or the ARKANCE Dock:

• Smart Walls

• Floor Panel Layout

• Roof Panel Layout

• Smart Connections

• Panel Packer

• Core Collection

---

STEP 2. Load Families

2.1 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.

2.2 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

2.3 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.

---

STEP 3. Create Wall/Floor/Roof Types

3.1 Tips

You can create as many layers as you wish.

Key rules. Watch the video to learn more.

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

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

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

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

---

STEP 4. Model Wall/Floor/Roof Types

4.1 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. Watch the video.

To split long walls into panels with gaps, use Smart Walls

4.2 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:

Split your floors into prefab floor panels using the Floor Panel Layout tool:

4.3 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 it into smaller panels:

---

STEP 5. 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

---

STEP 6. Link Wall/Floor/Roof

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.

---

STEP 7. Frame Wall/Floor/Roof

To add main frame, select Wall/Floor/Roof and click on Frame Wall/Floor/Roof.

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