# 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:

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FYvMb3w7Igfa5bg0bPTe7%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=309cf8dc-497c-456c-b4a0-0043da6e0b03" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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**&#x20;
* **C+C**

{% hint style="danger" %}
Note: do not mix the families from different framing systems in the **Framing Configurations**.

For example, **MF C+C\_CH Stud** must not be used with **MF C+C Plate** or **MF Track**. &#x20;

[Learn more](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/faq/family-libraries/what-is-the-difference-between-c+u-c+c_ch-and-c+c-families)
{% endhint %}

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## C+C\_CH&#x20;

C+C\_CH families are designed for Arkitech, Howick and Pinnacle frames.

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FXRIw8gUh3PaRda5h5Mo0%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=40cbf640-c80f-462b-ad4b-5938a3e3a14d" alt=""><figcaption><p>Metric (left) and Imperial (right) C+C_CH families</p></figcaption></figure>

### MF C+C\_CH Stud&#x20;

**MF** **C+C\_CH Stud** is used for **all** **vertical elements:**&#x20;

* Common Studs
* Start/End Studs&#x20;
* King studs, Cripples (including diagonal)

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FZdERWj2rVj1KxkAzIzST%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=188035c1-33da-4b3f-aa54-452463c70119" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Note**: C+C and C+C\_CH stud families are designed for different framing systems. [Learn more](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/faq/family-libraries/what-is-the-difference-between-c+u-c+c_ch-and-c+c-families)
{% endhint %}

### 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

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FGpKS8BGkTayDezE3XuOn%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fb6e8a39-dc2c-4772-b79a-b24ee51ce4c2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Note**: C+C and C+C\_CH plate families are designed for different framing systems. [Learn more](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/faq/family-libraries/what-is-the-difference-between-c+u-c+c_ch-and-c+c-families)
{% endhint %}

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## C+U

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FdbpF2CxTOpceVB0Qkt4B%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a7d8eec7-acb4-4c03-8abb-a400dff48f9c" alt=""><figcaption><p>Metric (left) and Imperial (right) C+U families</p></figcaption></figure>

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**:

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FMuW8YxIwmvSHLC5dscJF%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c293e85a-3b1f-4fab-9dc8-8c0072601611" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### MF Blocking Stud-Joist&#x20;

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

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2F4sJoenBKD8a9DVtPKnlL%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=95946274-b4a1-4f53-9b7b-2de8a3a829fb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### MF Lateral Brace

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

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FO9ehfsacbhSvgsRb79X5%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=322a491f-1700-4064-89dd-56ef7ac9ba8d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### MF Track

MF Track should only be used for horizontal elements:

* Top/Bottom Plate
* Sill
* Header

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2F00Ek81r6fcQSJaDm0qvz%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=134c82dd-989a-48a9-8e55-c41948e8c70a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## C+C

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FkMUbQus7cB9vhHK7Drjs%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=74a1c878-8464-4e62-a71a-04ab1d3233ef" alt=""><figcaption><p>Metric (left) and Imperial (right) C+C families</p></figcaption></figure>

### MF C+C Stud

**MF C+C Stud** is used for **all** **vertical elements:**&#x20;

* Common Studs
* Start/End Studs&#x20;
* King studs, Cripples (including diagonal)

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Note**: C+C and C+C\_CH stud families are designed for different framing systems. [Learn more](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/faq/family-libraries/what-is-the-difference-between-c+u-c+c_ch-and-c+c-families)
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FMSjNDDVTxPUrcBI5RmsC%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1463bf17-4df5-4da4-81f1-c8825ab2ac2e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 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

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FgHhQu6rKbQnYltDhiAck%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8456a14f-f8d7-4ed5-9612-83b2e6957b27" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Note**: C+C and C+C\_CH plate families are designed for different framing systems. [Learn more](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/faq/family-libraries/what-is-the-difference-between-c+u-c+c_ch-and-c+c-families)
{% endhint %}

***

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyutWz2FmK4>" %}

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{% hint style="info" %}
If you can't find the answers you're looking for, please [contact our support team](https://helpdesk.besmart.software/support/tickets/new).
{% endhint %}