Edit geometry

This function opens the tabular input window for all CAD data in the program area 3D-Model.

Dimensioning details

DesignFiX offers several options for dimensioning of the 3D-Model:

The upper part of this function (drop down button) shows all values without additional information in the 3D model. Unscaled values are marked with *.

With the lower part of this function you may select alternative representations:

oValues - standard display

oLegend and values - the names and the values of the dimensions are displayed

oOnly legend - the name of the dimensions are displayed

oOnly dimension lines - all names and values are hidden

Distance between concrete component, loads and dimension lines

It is possible to vary the distance between loads or dimensions and the concrete component in the 3D-Model. The upper part of this function sets the distance to the original settings (100%). The lower part of this function permits to move loads and dimensions closer to the concrete component or to increase their distance to the component. This function is mainly used when dimensions or values overlap visually in the 3D-Model.

You may set the distance back to 100% by double-click on one of the sliders.

Dimensions: Text/Label

You may use this function to specify the display of the dimensioning. In the text mode, the values will be positioned as a very classic text between the dimension lines. Alternatively, DesignFiX projects the values as labels on the corresponding dimension line. In this representation the values are always parallel to the screen and will not be scaled.

Loads: Text/label

You may use this option to specify the display of the loads. In the mode label (default setting) the loads are positioned as label close to the load arrows.  As a result, the loads are independent of the load angle (3D-Rotation) always visible parallel to the screen and will not be scaled.

In the text mode, the loads are positioned as text close to the load arrows and their size (zoom factor) will be automatically adapted.

This representation is recommended mainly in the default view of the 3D model, since the load data is displayed parallel to the screen only in this view.

Dimensioning font size:

With this function you can change the font size of the dimensioning in the 3D-Model.

(This function is not available in this version)

Dimensioning - PopUp dialog:

In the lower right corner of the group name (Dimensioning) you will find a small black triangle (caption button). This function opens a dialog window (pop-up dialog) in which you can manage all options of that group.

For example, you may alter the display of the dimension lines (arrowhead, point, slash, etc.). Both, the size as well as the line width can be adjusted here.

a)Auto hide labels:
This option prevents the visual overlay of loads and dimensions in the label mode (compare: Loads: Text/label and Dimensions Text/label)

b)Set focus at click:
This option marks the value (load or dimension) with a click on a dimension line or a load. This allows you to overwrite the old value with a new value directly. The input editor does not have to be focused with the mouse (compare: Input editors for loads and dimensions).

Layer:

In the 3D-Model you may display or hide different layers.
Activated options are shown in the ribbon bar as icons:

oDimensioning of component edges:
Regardless of the value of the edge distance all edge distances are displayed or hidden.

oDimensions for infinite edges:
In the case that an edge distance is infinite you can specify with this option if this edge should be displayed with an infinity symbol. Alternatively, non-existent edges are not dimensioned in the 3D-Model. The advantage of an "infinity dimensioning" is that the dimension lines can be clicked to open the input editor. Alternatively, you must open the tabular input window, or add on the tab BASE MATERIAL edges manually.

oAttachment dimensions:
With this function you may display or hide the attachment dimensions.

oAxial spacing:
With this function you may display or hide all dimension lines of the axial spacing.

oAnchor:
The selected anchor is shown schematically in the 3D-Model. Alternatively, only the hole pattern is displayed.

oNumbering of the anchors:
On the individual anchors numbers are displayed that correspond to those used in the print preview.

oScrew heads / nuts:
Use this option to determine whether or whether not the nut, washer or screw head of the selected anchor shall be shown schematically in the 3D-Model. This is also valid for stand-off fixings where the fixture is clamped by a nut and washer with and without direct clamping of the anchor to the concrete surface.

View:

In the 3D-Model you may show or hide different visual effects and tools.

oGrid:
The grid in the background of the 3D-Model serves only as guidance for the orientation and supports the three-dimensional imagination. The grid colour may be set arbitrarily.

oShadows:
With slow graphics cards, we recommend that you disable the shadows.

oReflection:
The reflection effect is mainly used for making presentations of your products for web and print media.

oRotation view cube:
The rotation view cube is used to navigate the 3D-Model. Alternatively, you can initiate the rotation with the right mouse button or via the functions in the ribbon bar and the status bar. The corners and edges of the cube provide convenient default views that you can activate with a mouse click in the corresponding area of the cube.

oCo-ordinate system:
The system of co-ordinates shows the position of the x-, y- and z-axis after rotation of the 3D-Model.

Axis:

In the 3D-Model you may show or hide different elements and objects.

Activated options are shown in the ribbon bar as an icon:

oX -Y:
The labeling of the negative axis is shown or hidden.

o+X + Y +Z:
The labeling of the positive axis is shown or hidden.
Tension / shear loads: The loads and the corresponding designations can be displayed or hidden. This option is mainly used to share screenshots etc.

Default view:

The 3D model is redrawn and fitted into the window. This function is identical to the function (c) in the status bar of the 3D-Model.

3D view options - PopUp-Dialog:

At the end of this group designation you will find a small black triangle (caption button). This function opens a dialog window (pop-up dialog) in which you can administer all and any other options that group.

Camera:

As a default setting DesignFiX produces a perspective projection mode of the 3D-Model. In rare cases an orthographic projection mode is desired, for example, to create presentation materials with top view, videos, etc.

Display mode:

The 3D-Model can either be rendered (photorealistic sketch) or displayed as a line drawing.

Movement:

With these functions you can swivel and rotate the 3D-Model. Furthermore, you can use the function in the centre to start and stop automatic rotation around the Z-axis.

Screenshot:

With the upper part of the function you can copy the 3D-Model directly to the clipboard and then paste it into your word processor, for example. The lower part of the function gives you the same option in a preview window and additionally, without background.

Tooltips/Hint:

Tooltips oder auch Hint genannt sind kleine Hinweisfenster, die bei einer Mausbewegung über eine Funktion erscheinen. Diese Hints erklären die jeweilige Funktion oder informieren zum Beispiel über den Berechnungsstatus eines Produktes. Für einige Funktionen kann man diese Hints beinfuussen:

oGroße Hints/Kurzinfo:
Bietet den größtmöglichen Informationsgehalt zu der jeweiligen Funktion

oKleine Hints/Kurzinfo:
Die Hints erscheinen in reiner Textform ohne Grafiken

oKeine Hints:
Bis auf wenige Ausnahmen (z. B. Bemessungsstatus) werden keine Hints angezeigt.

Tooltips/hint:

Tooltips (so-called hints) are small message window that appear when moving the mouse over a function. These hints explain the corresponding function or inform for example about the calculation status of a product. For some functions, you can influence these hints:

oLarge sized hints/short information:
Provides the maximum information about the function

oSmall sized hints/short information:
The hints appear in text form without graphics

oSmall sized hints:
Apart from a few exceptions (e. g., calculation status) no hints are displayed.