# Workflow Step-by-Step 

This guide covers the getting started workflow of **Metal Framing** from **Be.Smart Metal Collection.** It includes guidance for**:**

* [Wall+M](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/wall-metal-framing) - Wall panel framing
* [Floor+M](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/floor-metal-framing) - Floor panel framing
* [Roof+M](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/roof-metal-framing) - Roof panel Framing

{% hint style="info" %}
**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.](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/truss-metal-framing)
{% endhint %}

***

## 1. Load Families

You cannot model without the framing families. 

{% hint style="info" %}
We recommend using our default families, which you can modify to suit to your needs. [Learn more.](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/faq/family-libraries)
{% endhint %}

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="1.1 Wall+M" %}
{% hint style="info" %}

* **Main Families** <mark style="background-color:green;">Required</mark> - Structural Framing families (studs, plates, tracks, etc.)
* **Sample Details** <mark style="background-color:yellow;">Recommended</mark> - Structural Connections (angles, bolts, holes, etc)
* **Sample Schedules** <mark style="background-color:yellow;">Recommended</mark> - predefined schedule and material take-off templates for shop drawings
* **Sample Tags** <mark style="background-color:yellow;">Recommended</mark> - Structural Framing, Structural Connection and Part tags for shop drawing views
* **Siding Families** <mark style="background-color:red;">Advanced</mark>  - sample brick and other siding families for wall facades
* **Split Families** <mark style="background-color:red;">Advanced</mark> - Structural Framing split families are used for framing Paneling layouts (drywall, OSB and other finish layers). [Watch the video to learn more](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZS5wEUv3zg).
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/ySlsMRvD08l8iwedO4tq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="1.2 Floor+M" %}
{% hint style="info" %}

* **Main Families** <mark style="background-color:green;">Required</mark> - Structural Framing families (joists, plates, tracks, etc.)
* **Sample Details** <mark style="background-color:yellow;">Recommended</mark> - Structural Connections (angles, bolts, holes, etc)
* **Sample Schedules** <mark style="background-color:yellow;">Recommended</mark> - predefined schedule and material take-off templates for shop drawings
* **Sample Tags** <mark style="background-color:yellow;">Recommended</mark> - Structural Framing, Structural Connection and Part tags for shop drawing views
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/lARAxdyVm66ju5eWKNew" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="1.3 Roof+M" %}
{% hint style="info" %}

* **Main Families** <mark style="background-color:green;">Required</mark> - Structural Framing families (joists, rafters, plates, etc.)
* **Sample Details** <mark style="background-color:yellow;">Recommended</mark> - Structural Connections (angles, bolts, holes, etc)
* **Sample Roofing** <mark style="background-color:red;">Advanced</mark> - Structural Framing families for roofing
* **Sample Schedules** <mark style="background-color:yellow;">Recommended</mark> - predefined schedule and material take-off templates for shop drawings
* **Sample Tags** <mark style="background-color:yellow;">Recommended</mark> - Structural Framing, Structural Connection and Part tags for shop drawing views
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/b2RO8DVYf4RtUH1WZTV0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Metal Framing contains 3 different profile standards. [<mark style="color:red;">**Watch the video to learn more.**</mark>](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyutWz2FmK4)
{% endhint %}

***

## 2. Create Wall/Floor/Roof Type Layers

Follow these rules:

* Drywall and other finish layers should have **Finish 1**, **Finish 2** or **Substrate**
* The main **studs** are hosted inside the **Structure layer** which has to be the **Core Layer**
* Each layer must have a defined **Function**, **Material** and **Thickness**

<figure><img src="/files/NyNDeZM15AzddTVsh2MV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
You can create as many layers as you wish.
{% endhint %}

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

<figure><img src="/files/2CPcTYv4wT1xoLd39vBe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
[Learn more](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui8Lgs_kn3s\&t=226s) about the correct layer creation.
{% endhint %}

***

## 3. Model Walls/Floors/Roofs

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="3.1 Wall Tips" %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Increase the transparency** of walls. This will make **framing elements** more **visible**.
{% endhint %}

It's important to model **wall connections** (L, V, End and T) properly. [Learn more](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szMHoVXzWew\&t=12s).

<figure><img src="/files/E2vopk2Q8CUv9VeYG4qh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can **split long walls** into **panels with gaps**, use [**Smart Walls**](https://docs.besmart.software/common-for-several-products/smart-walls) (optional):

<figure><img src="/files/s6m8dQs5ZmRKopjzHxPu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="3.2 Floor Tips" %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Increase the transparency** of floors. This will make **framing elements** more **visible**.
{% endhint %}

When modeling floors, **joists** will run **parallel** to the **Span Direction**. You can define the joist direction by changing the **Span Direction**:

<figure><img src="/files/BtDeyflW8wXECDr3UKn6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can **Split** your floors into **prefab floor panels** using the [**Floor Panel Layout**](https://docs.besmart.software/common-for-several-products/floor-panel-layout) tool (optional):

<figure><img src="/files/399fzaL4A59FJuosdaZ9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="3.3 Roof Tips" %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Increase the transparency** of walls. This will make **framing elements** more **visible**.
{% endhint %}

After modeling **pitched roofs**, you need to use [**Roof Panel Layout** ](https://docs.besmart.software/common-for-several-products/roof-panel-layout)to divide them into smaller panels:

<figure><img src="/files/yDE5WKsxMxJdk4SVnhut" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Learn how to use Roof Panel Layout in the video below:

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJfcFtFLE5s>" %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

***

## 4. 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**](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/cut-opening/mep-opening-creation)**.**

<figure><img src="/files/bQJ3tXM3keXBQdnPasYi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
You can also use **Cut Opening** after framing is modeled.
{% endhint %}

***

## 5. Link Wall/Floor/Roof

You need to **map** Wall/Floor/Roof type layers with the **Framing Configurations.**&#x20;

You can also map the **Sheathing** and/or **Paneling** **configurations** for board layers (optional).

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="5.1 Link Wall" %}

<figure><img src="/files/fXZjBrToItkIvoN3krDK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/MMGSVWwbWgyyjNa8tVwj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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.&#x20;
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/Panelin**g - 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.**
    {% endtab %}

{% tab title="5.2 Link Floor" %}

<figure><img src="/files/Em68VQVuj0pBdQLWkhcx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/uWWudIy2eUcFOB6pz5CN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Select **Floor** type.
2. ***Framing Layer*** - Choose the purpose of a type layer. Tips:
   * Select **Frame** to model the main joists&#x20;
   * 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.&#x20;
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/Panelin**g - 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.**
    {% endtab %}

{% tab title="5.3 Link Roof" %}

<figure><img src="/files/jpa9rmvIcyLMBfNqmU6y" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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.&#x20;
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/Panelin**g - 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.**
    {% endtab %}
    {% endtabs %}

***

## 6. Frame modeling

1. Select Wall/Floor/Roof&#x20;
2. Click on **Frame Wall/Floor/Roof.**

<figure><img src="/files/YituPyIKQFC4JA6AFHct" 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 %}


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