# How to insert service holes in horizontal tracks using Smart Connections?

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Before following this guide, make sure that your service hole families for studs are prepared for the CNC export. [**Learn more**](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/faq/family-libraries/service-holes/how-to-create-service-holes-in-horizontal-tracks)
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## 1. Open Smart Connections and create new configuration

1. Open **Smart Connections** (**T4R Create/Modify** > **Smart Connections**):

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FKEdroV7j68Am9lu5PsK5%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b44e7d14-d780-48d8-9a7a-4cb07624d647" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. At the top left, choose **Category** > **Structural Framing**
3. Choose **Group > Structural Framing**
4. **Duplicate** the configuration and **rename** it:

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FOcROjLe4RTwpgtfuksfo%2FSmart%20Connections%20new%20config.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=09acbd7c-343d-4040-bc79-6edcbbdf41d8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 2. Choose the service hole family

1. Click on **Active** to turn on the configuration
2. **Select Category** > **Structural Connections**
3. Select the **Family and Type** > **I\_SC Service Hole** (Imperial) or **M\_SC Service Hole** (Metric):

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FyQ2Js1R00Ab0TQ0gXRCj%2FSmart%20Connections%20family.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=98275c06-9ec2-42f1-a6c0-7f6f60c1a7eb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 3. Filter the host (plate) and set the hole placement face

1. Click on Host Filter
2. Search for **Framing Member Mark: Instance Shared** parameter (recommended) and set to **Equals**
3. Enter the value, e.g.&#x20;

* Top plate = **TP**&#x20;
* Bottom Plate = **BP**
* Blocking/Nogging = **SBP**&#x20;
* Header = **HP**&#x20;
* Sill = **SP**

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FpzwRivV7yUn5822CL1s8%2FSmart%20connections%20filter.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=4142e255-ce52-4e98-a23f-42199bd9a488" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Set the **Face** to **Left:**

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FmiNzUiGSIF5iVuP27RiW%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0225a5f2-3940-402f-9a2e-954a5a59eb26" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 4. Set the Element Position

### 4.1 Place 1 hole on the plate center

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FxYdDFpBHmwN1RdniQvLz%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=dfda4236-a2be-4227-81b7-3178bbed3aa3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 4.2 Place multiple holes on the plate center

Increase the **Fixed Number**

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FClt7WpJi5g9gOobtQcWh%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=47af4511-8d74-4b21-b2bc-32e96c6f1ca3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 4.3 Place holes on the plate ends

1. Change the **Direction** to **Start End**
2. Change the **Rule** to **Fixed Number & Fixed Spacing**
3. Adjust the **Layout Start** and **Layout End** to the desired offset

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FxhYwCURbz8cHsCJqp1oU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=dd780612-954a-4bde-9a3c-003252583a50" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 4.4 Place holes with an offset from the plate's centerline

1. Change the **Direction** to **Start End**
2. Change the **Rule** to **Fixed Number & Fixed Spacing**
3. Adjust the **Layout Start** and **Layout End** to the desired offset
4. Adjust the **Layout Side** for the desired offset from the plate's **centerline**

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FlUDuUQSIfSawa84rmbv2%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3793f113-c455-4da3-8c87-3acc6714b3cc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 5. Save the configuration and place holes

1. Click **Save**
2. Select the frame
3. Click **Insert Elements**
4. Make sure to use the same **Configuration** that you just created
5. Click **Insert Details**:

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2Fcz2va1ZnSn0om5PJvu29%2FSmart%20Connections%20insert%20elements.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=17baeaa1-3475-4335-bbfc-0ddaa4466502" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

{% 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).
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