What is the difference between Stud and Plate families?

Introduction

After loading default Metal Framing families (Settings > Load Families > Main Families), you'll find a variety of families:

Many of the families are named as "Stud", "Plate", "Track", "Stud-Joist" or with another title. Each family belongs to one of the three framing systems and serves a unique purpose:

• C+U

• C+C_CH

• C+C

C+C_CH

C+C_CH families are designed for Arkitech, Howick and Pinnacle frames. Read more.

MF C+C_CH Stud

MF C+C_CH Stud is used for all vertical elements:

• Common Studs

• Start/End Studs

• King studs, Cripples (including diagonal)

MF C+C_CH Plate

MF C+C_CH Plate is used for all horizontal elements (except service holes and strap bracing):

• Top/Bottom plates

• Headers

• Sills

• Blocking/Nogging

C+U

C+U families are designed for:

• Internal, non-prefab stud partitions

• Knudson, Metroll and Scottsdale prefab frames

MF Stud-Joist

MF Stud-Joist family should only be used for vertical elements:

MF Blocking Stud-Joist

MF Blocking Stud-Joist is used only for Blocking/Nogging:

MF Lateral Brace

MF Lateral Brace family is used only for Blocking/Nogging:

MF Track

MF Track should only be used for horizontal elements:

• Top/Bottom Plate

• Sill

• Header

C+C

MF C+C Stud

MF C+C Stud is used for all vertical elements:

• Common Studs

• Start/End Studs

• King studs, Cripples (including diagonal)

MF C+C Plate

MF C+C Plate is used for all horizontal elements (except service holes and strap bracing):

• Top/Bottom plates

• Headers

• Sills

• Blocking/Nogging