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

{% hint style="warning" %}
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)
{% endhint %}

## 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).
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/faq/service-hole-automation/how-to-insert-service-holes-in-horizontal-tracks-using-smart-connections.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
