SDS2 7.0-Assorted Tools

Assorted Tools for
Working in SDS/2
mouse bindings show mouse click a menu title to

button to click (3) "drop down" a menu (1)
example of a
mode icon (3) Ways to invoke tools:
(has symbol)
1. Choose its name on a
drop-down menu.
example of a 2. Click the icon for the tool.
tool icon (2)
3. Click a mode icon, then click the
mouse button that invokes the tool.
4. Use a keyboard shortcut
(if one has been set up).
SDS/2 Steel Detailing System Version 7.0 is a product of Design Data Corporation.
Design Data grants permission to licensed users of SDS/2 to make reproductions of this
manual for educational purposes. Otherwise no part of this manual may be reproduced in
any manner without written permission from Design Data.
2005 Design Data Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Revision: 10/5/06
.
Welcome to SDS/2
T
his manual is designed to help you quickly master some of the
tools used in the SDS/2 Steel Detailing System. Be aware that the
illustrations and the instructions in this manual may not exactly match
what you see on your own computer screen for any or all of the following
reasons:
Reason 1: The instructions in this manual assume that you are using a 3-
button mouse. If you are using a 2-button mouse or 4-button mouse, these
instructions may be difficult to follow.
Reason 2: Not everybody uses the same mouse binding reporter. This
documentation shows the default mouse binding reporter for a 3-button
mouse. Your mouse binding reporter can be changed by editing your
toolbars (Options > Toolbar Configuration).
middle
mouse button
mouse binding reporter

for a 3-button mouse:
description left right

mouse button button
Reason 3: When members or materials are selected in SDS/2's Modeling

program, they change color. This manual uses green as the "Primary
selection surface color" set in Options > User Options. Your program
may be set up to display selected members/materials in a different color.
Reason 4: Toolbars (such as those shown on the cover of this manual)

are user configurable using Options > Toolbar Configuration. Many
keyboard shortcuts can also be set up or changed (Options > Keyboard
Configuration).
Reason 5: A number of the windows illustrated in this manual have been

cropped or reconstructed to emphasize certain options and to preserve
space.
..
Tools for Working in SDS/2
Table of Contents
Select Items Mode in Modeling
To select a member with no filters selected ........................................................................... 4
To select a material when no filters are selected .................................................................... 4
To select more than one item at a time ................................................................................... 5
Select- to deselect an item ...................................................................................................... 5
Right-click menu to select an item behind another item ........................................................ 5
Select items by area box ......................................................................................................... 6
Directional area box selection ................................................................................................ 6
Double-click to edit a bolt ...................................................................................................... 6
Double-click to edit a weld, material or member ................................................................... 7
File Tools in Modeling
New View ............................................................................................................................... 8
Save View As ......................................................................................................................... 9
Save Area ............................................................................................................................. 10
Exit Modeling....................................................................................................................... 11
Edit Tools in Modeling
Delete ................................................................................................................................... 12
View Tools in Modeling
Plan View ............................................................................................................................. 13
Section View ........................................................................................................................ 14
Isometric View ..................................................................................................................... 15
Change All to Solid Opaque ................................................................................................ 16
Change All to Stick .............................................................................................................. 17
Navigation Tools in Modeling
Rotate ................................................................................................................................... 18
Snap To Surface ................................................................................................................... 19
Snap to Adjacent Surface ..................................................................................................... 20
Rotate View .......................................................................................................................... 21
Modeling Tools in Modeling
Hole Add .............................................................................................................................. 22
Hole Match ........................................................................................................................... 23
Bolt Add ............................................................................................................................... 24
Weld Add.............................................................................................................................. 25
Ruler ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Save Assembly ..................................................................................................................... 27
Load Assembly ..................................................................................................................... 28
Model > Member Tools
Beam Add ............................................................................................................................. 29
Column Add ......................................................................................................................... 30
1
Member Move/Stretch ......................................................................................................... 31

Isolate Member by Location ................................................................................................. 32
Model > Material Tools
Material Add ........................................................................................................................ 33
Material Copy ....................................................................................................................... 34
Material Move ...................................................................................................................... 35
Rotate Material ..................................................................................................................... 36
Stretch Material .................................................................................................................... 37
Exact Fit ............................................................................................................................... 38
Mitre ..................................................................................................................................... 39
Cope ..................................................................................................................................... 40
Navigation Tools in Modeling and the Drawing Editor
Zoom In 10% ........................................................................................................................ 41
Zoom In to Region ............................................................................................................... 42
Zoom Out to Region ............................................................................................................. 43
Unzoom ................................................................................................................................ 44
Pan ........................................................................................................................................ 45
Mode Return......................................................................................................................... 46
Model Tools in Modeling and the Drawing Editor
Construction Lines Through Material .................................................................................. 47
Construction Line Add ......................................................................................................... 48
Construction Circle Add ...................................................................................................... 49
Locate Options in Modeling and the Drawing Editor
Auto Point ............................................................................................................................ 50
Angle .................................................................................................................................... 50
Base Off Grid Line (Modeling only) .................................................................................... 51
Base Off Construction Line .................................................................................................. 51
Base Off Real Line (Drawing Editor only) .......................................................................... 52
Base Off Member (Modeling only) ...................................................................................... 52
Center of Screen ................................................................................................................... 53
Dx Dy Offset ........................................................................................................................ 53
Exact Point ........................................................................................................................... 54
Free Point ............................................................................................................................. 54
Intersection of Construction Lines ....................................................................................... 55
Intersection of Con Line/Member (Modeling) ..................................................................... 55
Intersection of Con/Real Lines (Drawing Editor) ................................................................ 56
Intersection of Real Lines (Drawing Editor only) ................................................................ 56
Intersection of Real Lines (Drawing Editor only) ................................................................ 54
Mid Point (Drawing Editor only) ......................................................................................... 57
Perpendicular ........................................................................................................................ 57
Vertex Point .......................................................................................................................... 58
Tangent to Construction Circle ............................................................................................ 58
2
Process Tools in Modeling and the Drawing Editor

Process and Create Solids .................................................................................................... 59
Detail Members .................................................................................................................... 60
Apply Adaptive Details ........................................................................................................ 61
Detail Submaterial ................................................................................................................ 62
Detail Erection Views .......................................................................................................... 63
Select Items Mode in the Drawing Editor
Mouse bindings for Select Items Mode................................................................................ 64
The mouse pointer shows the directional constraint of a stretch/move ............................... 64
Drag an object (a label is shown) to move the object .......................................................... 64
Drag a group of selected objects to move them ................................................................... 65
Drag the end of a pointer (or line) to stretch the object ....................................................... 65
Drag the interior of a pointer (or line) to stretch the object ................................................. 65
Moving or stretching a bevel symbol ................................................................................... 66
Hold down the Shift key and drag a dimension label to move it ......................................... 66
Moving or stretching parts of a dimension........................................................................... 67
File Tools in the Drawing Editor
Add Standard Detail ............................................................................................................. 68
Edit Tools in the Drawing Editor
Save Standard Detail ............................................................................................................ 69
Copy Objects ........................................................................................................................ 70
Area Move/Stretch ............................................................................................................... 71
Area Clip .............................................................................................................................. 72
Object Tools in the Drawing Editor
Arc Add ................................................................................................................................ 73
Bevel Symbol Add ............................................................................................................... 74
2D Bolts Add........................................................................................................................ 75
Circle Add ............................................................................................................................ 76
Dimension Add .................................................................................................................... 77
Evu Cleanup ......................................................................................................................... 79
2D Hole Add ........................................................................................................................ 80
Layer Edit All ....................................................................................................................... 81
Line Add ............................................................................................................................... 82
Line Shield ........................................................................................................................... 83
Pointer Add .......................................................................................................................... 84
Weld Symbol Add ................................................................................................................ 85
Edit Bill ................................................................................................................................ 86
Place Bill .............................................................................................................................. 87
Sheet Composition Add ....................................................................................................... 88
Sheet Bill Reorder ................................................................................................................ 89
Sheet Composition Modify .................................................................................................. 90
Extension Dimension Work Point ........................................................................................ 91
Material Drafting .................................................................................................................. 92
3
Select Items Mode Modeling Tools
Select Items
Select Items Mode is active when you first start up Modeling. If you find yourself in a
different mode and want to go back to Select Items Mode, hit the Esc key.
A reminder: The mouse binding reporter shown in most illustrations

on this page may differ from that on your own toolbar. Your mouse
binding reporter may look more like those shown here.
To select a material when no

filters are selected...
mouse bindings
for Select Items
Mode
filter can be
selected on
your toolbar or
on the Model 1. In Select Items Mode with no selection filter 2. The selected material is
drop-down selected, place the mouse pointer on the material displayed in the "Selection
menu you want, then left-click (Select). color" set in User Options
(green in this example).
To select a member with no

filters selected...
1. In Select Items Mode with no selection filter 2. The selected member (all
selected, place the mouse pointer on a member its submaterials) is displayed
main material then left-click (Select). in the "Selection color"
(green in this example).
Tip: To select the member main material (instead of the member), right-click and
choose "Select Other" (see opposite page) or set the selection filter to 'Material.'
4
Modeling Tools Select Items Mode
Select Items
To select more than one item

at a time...
Select Items
bindings when
holding down the
Shift key
1. In Select Items Mode with one material 2. Both materials are

already selected, hold down the Shift key and selected (green in this
left-click (Select +) on another material. example).
Select- to deselect an item...
Select Items
bindings when
holding down the
Ctrl key
1. In Select Items Mode with more than one item 2. The item (a material in
selected, hold down the Shift+Ctrl keys and left- this example) is
click (Select-) on the item you want to deselect. deselected.
Right-click menu to select an item behind another item...
1. Over an item, right- 2. On the right-click menu, select any item 3. The item selected on
click (Menu) while in that was under the mouse pointer when you the right-click menu (a
Select Items Mode. right-clicked. Items are listed from nearest material) is selected in
to farthest and highlight in the model when the model.
highlighted in the list.
5
Select Items Mode Modeling Tools
Select Items
Select items by area box...
1. In Select Items Mode, set the selection filter, 2. Items of the type selected
then hold down the left mouse button (Select) on the filter (bolts in this
and drag the mouse pointer to draw an area box. example) are selected.
Directional area box selection...

These examples apply when "Point selection by area
box" is set to 'Directional' in User Options.
Example 1: An area box drawn Example 2: An area box drawn from

from left-to-right only selects items right-to-left selects items even if they
that are entirely within the area box. are only partially in the area box.
Double-click to edit a bolt...
1. In Select Items Mode, 2. The Bolt Edit window appears on screen with
with the selection filter set specifications for the bolt that you selected. When
to 'Bolts' or 'No Filter,' you change specs for one bolt, you can optionally
double-click on a bolt. apply your changes to other bolts in the group.
6
Modeling Tools Select Items Mode
Select Items
Double-click to edit a weld...
1. In Select Items Mode, 2. The Weld Edit window appears on

with the selection filter set screen with specifications for the weld
to 'Welds' or 'No Filter,' that you selected.
double-click on a weld.
Double-click to edit a material...
1. In Select Items Mode, 2. The Material Edit window appears on screen with
with the selection filter set specifications for the material you selected. When you
to 'Material' or 'No Filter,' change one material, you can optionally apply your
double-click on a material. changes to same materials on similar members.
Double-click to edit a member...
1. In Select Items Mode, 2. The Member Edit window appears with

with the selection filter set specifications for the selected member. Any
to 'Member' or 'No Filter,' specifications you change can optionally be applied
double-click on a member. to all members with the same piecemark.
7
File > New View Modeling Tools
New View
New View lets you create a new erection view, which will be
represented in your current view as a grid line. The two points you
locate when placing the view set the view's limits and direction.
When erection views are added to

a view, they appear as grid lines in
that view. This illustration shows
erection views (grid lines) laid out
in a plan view. Locate options
such as INCL or INCM snap to
points on grid lines. Any of these
views (for example, A), can be
opened using File > Open.
1. Left-click (Locate)
with the point location
target where you want
the first point.
2. Left-click (Locate) where The arrowhead symbol points

you want the 2nd point in the direction that the view
(the arrowhead shows the faces. Usually you will want
direction of the view).
your views to face up or to the
left.
3. Type in a name, select
a view type, then press
the "OK" button.
4. Right-click (Return) if The new view created here

you are done adding (NEWVIEW) can be opened
views.
using File > Open.
Notes and comments:

The point location target snaps to the point of the type selected that is
closest to the mouse pointer. See pages 50-58 for information on point
selection (Locate) options.
Erection views can be regenerated as 2D drawings. See page 63.

mouse pointer
point location target
8
Modeling Tools File > Save View As
Save View As
Save View As can be used in Modeling to save location changes made to your current view under
a new view name or the view's current name. Location changes occur when, for example, you use
Isometric View (page 15) or Snap to Surface (page 19) or Rotate View (page 21). Save View As
can also be used to change the view type (primary, secondary, etc.).
1. In Modeling, invoke Save View As using one (1) of the following methods:
Method 1: Choose File > Save View As on the drop-down menu.
Method 2: On the toolbar, click on the icon shown above.
Method 3: Use a keyboard shortcut.
2. The Save View dialog will appear with the following entry fields:
Save current view as - the file name for this view. The name of your current view is
entered by default. Unless you want to overwrite an existing view, you should give this
view an original name that has not been given to other views.
Erection view type - Primary or Secondary or Dimension only or Placement only.

Select the type of erection view according to how you want its grid line
dimensioned when you Regenerate Erection Views (see page 63).
'Primary' dimensions appear above
'Secondary' dimensions. 'Dimension
primary primary
only' erection views are auto
dimensioned, but not with grid
markers. 'Placement only' erection
views cannot be auto dimensioned. secondary
Locate options in Modeling such as
INCL and INCM will snap to points
on erection views of any of these dimension
types. only
Either press "OK" to save the view and go to step 3 (or 4).
Or press "Cancel" to end the Save View As operation and keep everything as it was
before step 1. Do not continue.
3. Skip this step if it does not apply. If you typed in the name of a view that already has been
created, you will get a warning saying "Erection view_ already exists. Replace?"
Either press "OK" to replace the view that already has that name. Go to step 4.
Or press "Cancel" to end the Save View As operation and keep everything as it was
before step 1. Do not continue.
4. Your newly saved view is now your current view.
9
File > Save Area Modeling Tools
Save Area
Save Area is used to create a new view by designating an area within a
larger, existing view. One reason to create an area view is so you can later
regenerate it as a 2D erection view detail and then place it on a sheet for
plotting. Or you might create area views to work on the model in sections.
Area views can be created from plan views or elevation views.
Creating a view using The view created using

Save Area: Save Area:
area box
Note that the view created using Area Save includes

not only the members that are within the area box, but
also all members that frame to those members.
Notes and comments:

After the area view was created as shown above,
File > Open View was used to open the view (as
shown in the right half of the illustration).
Area boxes are used in SDS/2 to select groups of

members or materials or other items. You will see
them used throughout this manual for a variety of
different tools.
Area views have limits. Members outside the limits

of a view with set limits cannot be seen in the view.
10
Modeling Tools File > Exit
Exit Modeling
If you have made changes to your current view in Modeling, you will (in step 2) be given the
option to save your changes under that view's current name or a new name or to not save your
changes or to not exit after all. Skip step 2 if it does not apply.
1. In Modeling, invoke Exit using any one (1) of the following methods.
Method 1: Choose File > Exit on the drop-down menu.
Method 2: Press the Alt+f key combination, then press Alt+x.
Method 3: On your tool bar, click on the icon represented above.
Method 4: Use a keyboard shortcut (if one has been set up).
2. Skip this step if you have not altered the view you were accessing in step 1. If you have
changed your current view's position with respect to SDS/2's global coordinates (for
example, changed its reference elevation or relative depth), SDS/2 will bring up a
dialog asking you if you want the changes to be saved. Press one (1) of the following
buttons:
"Yes" - press this button to bring up the Save View dialog box so that you can save the
view under a new name (by typing in a new name) or its current name (by keeping the
view name that is listed by default). Press the "OK" button on the bottom of the Save
View dialog box to exit Modeling. Go to step 3.
"No" - press this button to not save the view. You will exit Modeling. Go to step 3.
"Cancel" - press this button to remain in Modeling. Do not continue.
3. Modeling will close, and the program will lose its memory of construction lines in views, any
retained views you have created, any defaults set for Member/Material Add operations
by changing Locate options or member/material specifications, and the up-to-twenty
view changes that can be undone.
Note: Changes made to the 3D model while in Modeling are saved on the fly. Those
changes will be in the 3D model when you start up Modeling again.
Warning: If you are shutting down your computer or logging out of Linux or
any of the Windows operating systems, be sure that you first exit the SDS/2 Main Menu
and Modeling and the Drawing Editor.
Tip: If you want to leave Modeling but are not shutting down, try minimizing
Modeling. Later you can maximize, thus restoring the program to the exact view you
were in. You can even run multiple sessions of Modeling at the same time. For more
information, look up "minimize" in the documentation that comes with your operating
system.
11
Edit > Delete Modeling Tools
Delete
Delete can be used in Modeling to erase one or more items of the same type or of different types,
including members, materials, welds, bolts or holes. If you are deleting members, they can be
displayed in stick form. However, to delete individual submaterials, the members those
submaterials are associated with must be displayed in one of the three solid forms.
1. Select the items (members,

materials, bolts, holes or welds)
that you want to delete.
2. Invoke Delete.
3. The program gives you a count of each

type of item selected for deletion. Press the
"Yes" button if
you want to
continue.
3. The selected items (materials

in this example) are deleted.
Notes and comments:

Using Hole Erase or Material Erase instead of Delete gives
you additional options for automatically deleting the same
holes or materials on other members.
If you delete a member, all materials, holes and bolts
associated with that member will be deleted. If you delete a
material, all holes and bolts associated with that material will
be deleted. On the other hand, you can delete bolts without
deleting their associated holes, and you can delete holes
without deleting the bolts that go into them.
Deleting member main material does not delete a member.
Even after the main material is gone, the member will
continue to exist, and its main material will be regenerated
during Process and Create Solids. To remove a member from
the 3D model, you need to select that member.
12
Modeling Tools View > Plan View
Plan View
Plan View relocates your current view in Modeling to a plan view at the
elevation you specify. You can then, if you so choose, save the relocated
view under a new name using File > Save View As.
1. In this example, View > Plan

View is invoked in an isometric
view.
2. Type in the elevation, then

press "OK."
3. The isometric view shown in

step 1 is now relocated. Use File
> Save View As to make a
permanent copy of this view. Or
use View > Undo View Change
to undo this view change.
Notes and comments:

If you are already in a plan view, a way to go to a plan view at
a different elevation is to change the reference elevation (View
> Reference Elevation) of your current view.
The work plane of a plan view is its reference elevation. Solid
beam top flanges that are at the elevation of the work plane
will be displayed in a lighter shade than top flanges that are
not in the work plane. You can't see this in the above example
because members are displayed in stick form.
A full plan view has no limits. When you first File > Open a
plan view that has been created as described above, the view
encompasses all steel that can be seen at the elevation of that
view.
A partial plan view such as the one illustrated on page 10 does
have limits.
13
View > Section View Modeling Tools
Section View
Section View lets you relocate your current view by designating two points. The
resulting view is perpendicular to the two points and looks at the model in the
direction of the arrowhead that appeared as you moved the mouse pointer to
locate the second point. The two points also set the width of the section view.
Using the Section View tool:
arrowhead points
in view direction
View created using Section View:
Notes and comments:

Section views have limits. These limits are set by the
two points you locate when creating the view.
The arrowhead that appears as you locate the two

points shows you the direction that the view faces.
Members outside the limits of a view with set limits

cannot be seen in the view.
If you don't like the change that Section View makes to

your current view, use View > Undo View Change. If
you made a series of changes and want to go back to
how your current view appeared originally, use File >
Revert. If you do like the change and want a
permanent copy, use File > Save View As.
14
Modeling Tools View > Isometric View
Isometric View
Isometric View can be used in any view in Modeling to relocate your current
view so that it is an isometric view. You can then, if you so choose, save the
relocated view under a new name using File > Save View As.
Like all instructions in this manual, these instructions assume

you are using a 3-button mouse.
1. In this example, Isometric View is

used in a plan view.
2. Left-click (Accept) to retain

the view that SDS/2 shows, or
middle-click (Options) to
rotate the view.
3. Your current view has now

been relocated. You can use
File > Save View As to make
a permanent copy of this
view.
Notes and comments:

This example shows the creating of an isometric view
from a full plan view. Doing this results in an isometric
view of the entire structure.
Since a full plan view does not have limits, an isometric

view created from such a view does not have limits.
When you first File > Open a view without limits, the
view encompasses all steel in the view.
15
View > Change All to Solid Opaque Modeling Tools
Change All to Solid Opaque

Change All to Solid Opaque can be used in any view in which at least one
member is displayed in stick form. It causes ALL members in that view
which have undergone Process and Create Solids to be displayed in solid
opaque form.
The same view before (left) and after (right)

Change All to Solid Opaque.
Notes and comments:

There are three solid forms that members can be displayed in.
These are solid opaque, solid transparent and solid transparent
main.
Solid opaque form features opaque member main material and

opaque connection material.
A member must have undergone Process and Create Solids at

least once before it can be displayed in one of the three solid
forms.
To use any of the Surface tools (for instance, Snap to Surface)

the material whose surface you are going to must be in one of
the three solid forms.
To review or edit material specifications, the material must first

be displayed in one of the three solid forms.
Graphic modeling operations such as Material Add, Hole Add,

or Bolt Add can only be performed on members that are
displayed in one of the three solid forms.
16
Modeling Tools View > Change All to Stick
Change All to Stick

The Change All to Stick tool can be used in any view in which at least one
member is displayed in solids form. It causes ALL members in that view
to be displayed in stick form.
The same view before (left) and after (right)

Change All to Stick.
Notes and comments:

The member lines that are shown in stick form are the work
lines of the members. The work line of a column runs along the
neutral axis of the column. The work line of a beam runs along
the center of the top flange of the member. The work line's
placement along a brace depends on the material type of that
brace.
Sometimes the best way to see the shape of a structure is to

display it in an isometric view in stick form.
Members changed to stick form in one view will remain in

stick form when you File > Open a different view.
When you lay out new beams, columns and braces, the
members can be displayed in stick form only until they undergo
Process and Create Solids.
17
Navigate > Rotate Modeling Tools
Rotate
Rotate lets you hold down a mouse button and drag your mouse pointer to rotate your current
view around the original position of your mouse pointer. The operation stops when you release
the mouse button. Members can be in stick or a solid form. These instructions, like those in the
rest of this manual, assume you use a 3-button mouse.
1. In Select Items Mode in Modeling, hold down the Shift key and the middle mouse button
(Rotate) and drag your mouse pointer across the computer screen in any direction (horizontally
or vertically or diagonally). Note that the mouse pointer changes its appearance ( ). Also, as you
rotate, you will snap to perspectives that are perfectly horizontal or perfectly vertical.
Select Items Mode bindings when
holding down the Shift key
In this example of Rotate, the mouse pointer is dragged

horizontally, thus rotating the view around the column.
2. Release the mouse button that you are holding down when the display is rotated to the
perspective that you want.
Notes and comments:

The quickest way to invoke this tool is to use a mouse binding.
There is a mouse binding for this tool in Navigation Mode as
well as Select Items Mode. In Modeling, you can add a mouse
binding for this tool to any mode using Options > Mode
Configuration.
If you don't like the change you just made to your current view,
use View > Undo View Change to undo that change. If you
have made a series of changes and want to go back to your
original view, use File > Revert.
You can use File > Save View As to make a permanent copy of
this view that you or other users can File > Open in later
SDS/2 sessions. If you want only a temporary copy of a partial
view to use in this session, use View > Retain View.
18
Modeling Tools Navigate > Snap to Surface
Snap To Surface
Doing a Snap to Surface brings the work plane of your current view to the
surface of the material that you click on.
1. Left-click (Locate) while

the mouse pointer is on
the surface that you want
to go to.
2. SDS/2 adjusts depth

checking according to
User Options. The
surface you clicked on
fills your view.
Notes and comments:

The surface that this operation brings you to will be displayed
in a brighter color. This highlighting serves as an indicator that
the surface is the work plane of your view.
Once the work plane is on the surface of a material, you can

perform material operations such as Model > Material > Add
or Model > Hole > Add.
Depth checking tells you the distance into and out of the work
plane that you can potentially see from a given perspective.
To see more (or less) of the 3D model, you can change your
perspective, or you can change the depth checking limits.
In step 1, the erection view is an isometric view of the entire

model. Depth checking is off (not checked), and the limits are
therefore infinity. In the actual perspective shown, you are
Zoomed In to a portion of the 3D model. You could Zoom Out
to see the entire 3D model.
In step 2, depth checking is on (checked), and you are

therefore limited to seeing 10-0 feet from the work plane into
the screen and 3 inches out of the screen.
19
Navigate > Snap to Adjacent Surface Modeling Tools
Snap to Adjacent Surface

Snap to Adjacent Surface lets you click on a surface to get to any adjacent
surface on the same material that is not shown in your current view. SDS/2
first highlights (draws a cyan outline around) the nearest adjacent surface
not shown in the view, then the next nearest, then the next nearest, and so on
until you left-click (Accept) or have exhausted all the possibilities.
1. Place your mouse pointer on a

surface that you want to go to a
hidden adjacent surface of
and left-click (Locate). Or,
in Surface Mode,
right-click
(Adjacent).
2. Left-click (Accept) to go
to the surface that is
outlined in the color cyan.
3. SDS/2 adjusts depth checking

according to User Options. The
surface you accepted
fills your view.
Notes and comments:

To undo a Snap to Adjacent operation, you can use View >
Undo View Change or use View > Revert.
Surface Mode mouse bindings (see step 1).
20
Modeling Tools Navigate > Rotate View
Rotate View
Rotate View can be used in Modeling to rotate your current erection view in controlled
increments around the X or Y or Z global axis with respect to a pivot point. This pivot point
is the first point that you locate and will become the center of the rotated view. You can
optionally rotate the view by designating a "directional point." If you choose the directional
point option, the view will be rotated so that the imaginary line designated by the first point
(pivot point) and second point (directional point) will be horizontal across your screen.
Rotate View can also operate on member views shown in member isolation.
1. Choose Navigate > Rotate

View, then left-click (Locate)
when the point
location target
snaps to the point
you want to
rotate around.
2. Optionally locate a
directional point.
3. Press the "OK"

button (or optionally
make additional
changes to the
rotation).
Notes and comments:

Rotate View can operate on member views shown in member
isolation as well as on erection views. For example, it might be
used to alter the "MAIN VIEW" of a miscellaneous member.
The example on this page shows how to use Rotate View's

optional directional point feature to alter the main view of a
miscellaneous member.
If you don't like the change that Rotate View made to your
current view, use View > Undo View Change to undo that
change. If you made a series of changes and want to go back to
how your current view appeared originally, use File > Revert.
If you do like the change and want a permanent copy, use File
> Save View As.
21
Model > Hole > Add Modeling Tools
Hole Add
Hole Add can be used to add hole groups to a material. Your current view's
work plane must be on the surface of the material. Once you have added
holes in the material, you may then wish to match holes (also using Hole
Add) to generate holes in face-to-face materials that you want to bolt
together. Holes added in this way can be CNC downloaded. 2D holes
added in the Drawing Editor cannot be CNC downloaded.
1. In Select Items Mode, left-click

(Locate) the one material you
want to add the hole group to (it
changes color). Then choose
Model > Hole > Add.
2. With the point location target

snapped to where you want the
reference point, left-click
(Locate).
3. Enter the specifications for the

hole group, including the spacing
between holes and the hole
pattern.
4. The specified hole pattern is

now added to the material that
was selected in step 1.
Notes and comments:

Before using Hole Add, the work plane of your view needs to be on the
material that you want to add holes to.
To move the work plane of your view onto the surface of the material,
use Navigate > Snap to Surface (page 19) or a related tool.
In the above example, construction lines were added prior to using

Hole Add. The intersection of construction lines option (INCL -- page
55) was used to locate the reference point in step 2.
22
Modeling Tools Model > Hole > Match
Hole Match
Hole Match generates holes through one material that are exact copies of holes that exist
in one or more other materials. First you select the material without holes, then you
select the material(s) with holes. For the example shown below, the User Options box
for "Add bolts when adding holes" was not checked.
1. Select the one material you

want to add the hole group to (it
turns green in this example). Then
choose Model > Hole > Add.
2. Select one (or more) materials

that do have holes (it turns blue in
this example). Press the Enter key
(or choose OK on the right-click
menu) to signal you are done
selecting materials.
3. Optionally add holes to

all materials like the one
selected in step 1.
4. You can only see them on the top

material in this view, but matching
holes now also pass through the
lower material.
Notes and comments:

Materials change color to indicate that they are selected. In this example, the
"Primary selection color" (step 1) is green and the "Secondary selection color"
is blue. These colors are set in User Options.
Many operations in SDS/2 bring up "Change Options" (step 3). The count (12
in this example) is the total number of materials with the same submaterial
piecemark that will be changed if you check the box.
Hole matching does not work if the "Hole type" is 'Cope hole' or 'Anchor bolt
hole' or 'Plug weld hole' or 'Erection pin hole.' If you match a hole that is a
'Short slot' or 'Long slot' or 'Oversized,' the new hole created on the material
you match the existing hole to will be a 'Standard round' hole.
Tip: It is not necessary to match holes to the main material of a member type
other than a miscellaneous member. SDS/2 will automatically match holes to
beams, columns, etc. during Process and Create Solids.
23
Model > Bolt > Add Modeling Tools
Bolt Add
Bolt Add inserts 3D bolts through face-to-face materials to which holes
have been added. The number of bolts added depends on the number of
matching holes that exist in the materials to be bolted. Before using this
tool, you should make sure that holes have been matched through the
materials that you want bolted together.
1. With the material selected that

you want to add the bolts to,
choose Model > Bolt > Add.
2. Select the material(s) to bolt to,

then press the Enter key (or right-
click & choose OK) to signal that
you are done selecting materials.
3. Left-click (Yes) to accept the

bolt direction (No reverses the
direction).
4. The bolts are now added.
Notes and comments:

If no material is selected in step 1, then when you invoke
Bolt Add the program will prompt you to select a material.
This prompting also occurs if, for example, more than one
material is selected or if a member is selected.
To select more than one material for bolting (step 2), hold
down the Shift key and left-click (Select +) the additional
materials.
24
Modeling Tools Model > Weld > Add
Weld Add
The Weld Add tool is used to add welds to the 3D model. The materials to
be welded must be displayed in a solid form. If the materials are
submaterials of the same member, they will be shop welded (by default).
If they are submaterials of different members, SDS/2 will be field welded
(by default).
1. Select the material you want

to add the weld to, then choose
Model > Weld > Add.
2. Place your mouse pointer on

the material to be welded to, then
left-click (Locate).
3. Press the Enter key to signal that

you are done selecting materials (or
right-click and choose OK on the
right-click menu).
4. Enter the weld

specifications.
5. Optionally apply
welds to like materials.
6. The weld is generated in the

3D model.
Notes and comments:

The weld that you create using a Weld Add operation will,
after automatic detailing, create a weld symbol on the detail
of the affected member.
An alternative to adding 3D welds in Modeling (as shown

above) is to add weld symbols to details in the Drawing
Editor.
25
Model > Ruler Modeling Tools
Ruler
Ruler lets you measure any two- or three-dimensional distance by locating two points in a
drawing or on a view. It can also be used to measure the acute angle between two lines
extrapolated from four points that you locate. You can leave the Distance Ruler window on
screen and locate additional points for it to report the distance between. Right-click (Return)
when you are done measuring. After you right-click (Return), the Distance Ruler window
remains on screen as a reference (so you don't have to write the distance down or remember it).
Press the "OK" button to dismiss the window.
1. Left-click (Locate) the 1st point.

1
2. Left-click (Locate) the 2nd point.
Steps 1 and 2 of this example show the
2
locating of two exact points (see page 54)
3. The Ruler window reports the
distance between the two points. at the center of two bolts to measure the
center-to-center distance between those
bolts. If you have set up SDS/2 to use
3 'Imperial' units for dimensioning, the
distance in the first column on the
Distance Report window will be in feet,
inches and fractional inches, while the
second column will report that same
distance in decimal inches.
1 2 1. Locate points for line 1.

2. Locate points for line 2.
3. Angle between lines is
2 reported on Ruler window. To measure the true angle between two
1 members, you must be in a view in which
those members are flat. The members can
be in different planes since the Ruler
measures in 2D space, not 3D space. The
Ruler extrapolates lines of infinite length
3 from the points you locate, enabling it to
measure the acute angle between two
member lines that do not touch.
26
Modeling Tools Model > Save Assembly
Save Assembly
Save Assembly lets you save a group of materials (an assembly) into a
permanent file so the assembly can later be "Loaded" onto other members
in your current Job or even onto members in other Jobs. The materials do
not have to be touching.
1. Select one or more materials to

copy into an assembly file (they will
change color), then choose Model >
Save Assembly.

snapped to where you want the
reference point for the assembly,
3. Give the assembly a file

name.
Notes and comments:

Remember the view and reference point used for this
procedure. You should use a similar view when you later
Model > Load Assembly and select this assembly's file name.
Depending on the assembly, you may also have to Load
Assembly onto a member of the same type and section size.
The exact point (EXPT) of a member (page 54) is an excellent

reference point to define when you Save an assembly. You
should use the same reference point when you Load the
assembly.
Material Copy tool is functionally similar to Save Assembly

and Load Assembly used in tandem. Where a single group of
materials are to be copied to a member which is in close
proximity, Model > Material > Copy may be simpler to use.
27
Model > Load Assembly Modeling Tools
Load Assembly
Load Assembly lets you add to a member any assembly that has been
Saved into your current Job (or copied into your current Job using the
Utility option Copy Job Items). The materials that make up the assembly
will become submaterials of the member you Load them onto. Note in step
6 of the following example that you are given the option of applying the
assembly to members with the same piecemark. Tip: Load Assembly
requires that the assembly be added to a member. To add an assembly as a
member, use Model > Member > Add > Miscellaneous > Assembly.
1. Select the member you want (it will

Load Assembly.
2. Select the file name of the to-be-

loaded assembly.
3. Left-click (Locate) when the point

location target snaps to where you
want the reference point.
4. The assembly and its reference

point are shown on screen. Either
left-click (Yes) to continue, or
right-click (No) to go back to step 3.
5. Press "OK" on the Rotate Material

window to accept the assembly's
rotation (which is expressed with
respect to screen coordinates).
6. Check the box, then press

"OK" to add the assembly to
four additional members.
7. Right-click (Return) unless you

want to place the assembly on other
members. The two clip angles that
make up the assembly in this example
are now on five columns.
28
Modeling Tools Model > Member > Add > Beam
Beam Add
Start the Beam Add operation with grid lines or construction lines/circles
already laid out. The points you locate using Beam Add (steps 1 & 2)
define the work line of the beam, which will be drawn along the center of
the top flange of the beam. To add a sloping beam, you may wish to open
an elevation view, but you can also add sloping beams in a plan view. On
the Beam Edit window (step 3), you define the specifications of the
beam's main material and the end connections you want on the beam's left
and right ends. The beam will appear in stick form (step 4). After Process
and Create Solids, it can be displayed in one of the solid forms.
1. Choose Model > Member > Add

> Beam, then left-click (Locate)
when the point location target has
snapped to where you want one
end of the beam.
2. Left-click (Locate) when the

point location target has snapped
to where you want the other end of
the beam.
3. Enter the
specifications for the
beam, then press
"OK."
4. Do one (1) of the following:

Left-click (Locate) to add a similar
beam.
Middle-click (Repeat) to add an
exact duplicate of the beam.
Right-click (Return) if you are
done adding beams.
29
Model > Member > Add > Column Modeling Tools
Column Add
Work point layout for Column Add varies slightly, depending on whether
you perform the operation from a plan view or an elevation view. Most
users prefer to add the column in a plan view (as shown in this example),
then set the end elevation in step 2.
1. Choose Model > Member >

Add > Column, then left-click
(Locate) when the point location
target has snapped to the
intersection of grid lines where
you want the first column.
2. Enter the
specifications for
the column, then
press "OK."
3. Do one (1) of the following:

Left-click (Locate) to add a similar
column.
Middle-click (Repeat) to add an
exact duplicate of the column.
Right-click (Return) if you are
done adding columns.
Notes and comments:

When columns are added in a plan view, they are shown as
cross sections.
Members of all types (except stairs and miscellaneous

members) will be in stick form and identified by their member
numbers until you Process > Process and Create Solids.
Also, Process and Create Solids is required in order for SDS/2

to design connections and assign piecemarks.
Joists are the only type of member that can never be shown in
any of the solid forms.
30
Modeling Tools Model > Member > Move/Stretch
Member Move/Stretch
Member Move/Stretch lets you move one or both ends of a member or
members to new positions in the 3D Model. In the following example, a
line of columns is "moved" and the beams framing into those columns are
"stretched." The members are shown in stick form to make it easier for
you to see what is happening. Depth checking was turned off before
performing this operation.
1. With no selection filters

selected, define an area box
around the members and
member ends to be moved.
2. SDS/2 highlights all members

and member ends that were
included in the area box.

point location target has
snapped to the desired
reference point.
4. Left-click (Locate) with the

point location target snapped to
where you want the members
moved with respect to the
reference point.
5. The screen redraws to show

the members in new positions,
and SDS/2 prompts you to
confirm the move. Left-click
(Yes) if the members are where
you want them to be.
31
Model > Member > Isolate Member by Location Modeling Tools
Isolate Member by Location

Isolate Member by Location lets you select a member in order to isolate it from other members in
the model. Two reasons to isolate a member are: 1) To create preset member views for inclusion
on 2D details generated when you Detail Members. 2) To work on a member in isolation from
the rest of the 3D model. If, in isolation, you apply a view to one member with a particular
piecemark, that view will appear on the detail for all members with that mark when you Detail
Members. In contrast, modeling operations done in isolation apply to only the one member.
0 - MAIN VIEW
Note that the top

1 - TOP FLANGE VIEW flange view is
lighter. This is
because that
surface is in the
work plane of the
2 - BOTTOM FLANGE VIEW, CROSS SECTION view.
3 - MAIN VIEW, CROSS SECTION
4 - LEFT 5 - RIGHT
END END
VIEW VIEW
Notes and comments:

The above illustration shows the preset member views that are
available for a beam. In member isolation, these views can be
looked at one at a time. Grid lines (marked 1, 2, 3, etc.) show
the location of member views within other member views.
All preset views that have been created in member isolation

will be drawn on the member detail.
32
Modeling Tools Model > Material > Add
Material Add
Material Add can be used to add submaterial to a member that is displayed
in one of the three solid forms. You may want to be on the surface you are
adding the material to when using this tool.

(Locate) on the member you want to
add the material to. It will change color.
2. Choose Model > Material > Add,

select a material type, then left-click
(Locate) to place the material's left
end work point.

where you want the other end of the
material, left-click (Locate).
4. Enter the specifications of the

material, then press "OK."
5. Press the "OK" button to

accept the rotation.

where you want the dimensioning
reference point, left-click (Locate).
7. Right-click (Return) unless you

want to add material to other
locations on the member.
Notes and comments:

In SDS/2, members and materials are distinct entities. All
materials in SDS/2 are submaterials of members. Member
types include: beams, columns, braces, miscellaneous, etc.
Material types include: wide flanges, plates, bars, channels.
Work point layout is different for different material types. For

most materials, locating two work points at the same place will
get you a cross-section. Locating two points at different places
will define the longitudinal axis (length) of the material.
33
Model > Material > Copy Modeling Tools
Material Copy
Material Copy can be used to copy material(s) from one part of a member
to another or from one member to a different member. The material and
member must be displayed in one of the three solid forms.
1. In Select Items Mode,

select one or more materials
to copy (they will change
color). Then choose Model >
Material > Copy.

3. Left-click (Select) the member you

want to attach the material to (it will
change color).

want the material copied in relation to
the reference point.
5. Right-click (Return) unless you want

to copy the material to other locations
on the same member.
6. The material is now copied.
Notes and comments:

Miscellaneous Member Add is another way to add material.
The material added will be the main material of the
miscellaneous member.
SDS/2 remembers the specifications of the most recently

Added or Edited material of a particular type and uses these
specifications as the defaults for the next material of that type
that is added. This means that if you just added a plate and
want to add another plate just like it, all you have to do is
Material Add or Miscellaneous Member Add again.
34
Modeling Tools Model > Material > Move
Material Move
Material Move can be used to move material to a different location on a
member. Please note that if bolts have been attached to the material, they
will not be moved with the material but will have to be deleted then added
again.
to move (they will change
color), then choose Model >
Material > Move.

point location target snaps to
where you want the reference
point.
3. Left-click (Select) on the

member you want to attach
the material to. It turns blue in
this example.

location target snaps to a point that is
the precise distance and direction
from the reference point that you
want the material moved.
5. Left-click (Yes) to confirm

the move.
6. The material is now moved.
Notes and comments:

Moving system-generated connection material on a member
will result in that member being designated as having a
graphical connection.
For SDS/2-designed member connection materials, an

alternative to Material Move is to create a User connection.
35
Model > Material > Rotate Modeling Tools
Rotate Material
Rotate Material can be used to rotate a material around X and/or Y and/or
Z axes originating at its origin reference point. The reference point stays in
the same location as the rotation proceeds.
1. Select the one (1) submaterial

that you want to rotate (its color will
change), then choose Model >
Material > Rotate.
2. SDS/2 displays the material's

reference point and its current
rotation. In this example, rotation is
expressed with respect to member
axes.
3. Change the rotation and press

the "OK" button.
4. The material is now rotated 90

around its reference point.
Notes and comments:

This example shows the changing of a material's rotation by
selecting 'Member' as the "Coordinate System," then changing
the rotation around the "Z" member axis.
Users can optionally choose to rotate around "Material" or

"Global" axes instead of "Member" axes.
For the purposes of material rotation, X, Y and Z axes originate

at the origin reference point of the material (regardless of the
coordinate system). This reference point also identifies what is
referred to as the "Left End" on the material's edit window.
36
Modeling Tools Model > Material > Stretch
Stretch Material

to stretch (they turn green in
this example), then choose
Model > Material > Stretch.
2. While holding down the left

mouse button (Locate), draw an
area box around all vertex points
you want moved during the
stretch operation. Left-click (Yes)
to verify that the area box
includes the points that you
want.

to where you want the reference
point.

to a point that is the precise
distance and direction from the
reference point that you want the
material stretched.
5. Left-click (Yes) to accept the

stretch.
6. The material is now stretched.
37
Model > Material > Fit Exact Modeling Tools
Exact Fit
Exact Fit will cut one piece of material so that it will fit around another
piece of material more exactly and using potentially more cuts than would
result from your using the Cope tool.

(Locate) on the one material you
want to cut, then choose Model >
Material > Fit Exact.
2. Left-click (Select) a material you

want to cut around. Press the Enter key
or choose OK on the right-click menu to
signal that you are done selecting
materials.
3. Enter a clearance.
4. Press the "OK" button.
5. The material selected to be cut is

now fitted with a clearance of 1 inch
around the material selected to be cut
around.
Notes and comments:

To undo an Exact Fit: Double-click on the material modified
using Exact Fit to open that material's edit window. Press "OK"
on the material edit window. On the ok-cancel dialog that then
appears, press the "OK" button. The material will regenerate
according to its original specifications. In other words, the cut
will disappear.
38
Modeling Tools Model > Material > Fit Mitre
Mitre
The Mitre tool will cut two overlapping pieces of unbent material at an angle so
that both cuts are equal in length and face-to-face with one another.
1. In Select Items Mode, select the

materials you want to cut (they will
Material > Fit Mitre.
3. Left-click (Yes) to accept the cut

that SDS/2 shows you.
4. The two materials are now

mitred.
Notes and comments:

Warning: The Mitre tool is designed to be used with straight,
unbent material. Use Model > Material > Cut on Plane on
material that is bent.
39
Model > Material > Fit Cope Modeling Tools
Cope
Cope cuts a single piece of material so that it fits around one or more
other pieces of material using the minimal number of cuts required
to do the job.

(Select) on the one material you want
to cut. It will change color. Then
choose Model > Material > Fit Cope.
2. Left-click (Locate) a material that you

want to cut around. Press the Enter key
or choose OK on the right-click menu to
signal that you are done selecting
materials.
4. Press the "OK" button.
5. The material selected for coping is

now coped with a clearance of 1 inch
around the material selected for cutting
around.
Notes and comments:

The warning that appears during this procedure (step 4) may be
accompanied with options that allow you to cope one piece of
material, or all like material on the member, or all like material
on all like members with or without the same piecemark.
40
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Navigate > Zoom In 10%
Zoom In 10%
Zoom in 10% causes the inside 90% of the on-screen display (step 1)
to fill up the entire screen AND the point that you locate (step 1 or 2) to be
translated to the center of the screen. This tool is available in
both Modeling or the Drawing Editor
1. Invoke Zoom In 10% using any one (1) of the following methods:
Method 1: Choose View > Zoom In 10%.
Method 2: On your toolbar, click the icon represented above.
2. The status line prompts "Locate zoom-in point." Locate-Return mouse bindings are active.
Either place the mouse pointer where you want the screen to be centered, then left-click
(Locate) and go to step 3.
Or right-click (Return) to cancel the zoom operation and keep everything as it was
before step 1.
3. The screen redraws with all items displayed 10% larger and centered where you clicked.
Tips: To undo a Zoom In 10% operation, use View > Undo View Change. To undo a
series of zoom operations, use Navigate > Unzoom. To save a zoomed-in view for later
use in your current session of Modeling (or your current drawing in the Drawing
Editor) use View > Retain View.
41
Navigate > Zoom In to Region Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Zoom In to Region
Zoom In to Region causes the area within an area box that you draw
(in step 1 or 2) to fill up your entire screen. This tool is available in both
Modeling and the Drawing Editor
1. Invoke Zoom in to Region using one (1) of the following methods:

Method 1: Choose View > Zoom In to Region. Go to step 2.
Method 2: On your toolbar, click the icon represented above. Go to step 2.
Method 3: Use a keyboard shortcut. Go to step 2.
Method 4: With Navigation Mode mouse bindings active, hold down the left
mouse button (Zoom In) and drag your mouse pointer to form an area box
around the rectangular area that you want a closer look at. Go to step 3.
2. Skip this step if you used method 4 of step 1. For methods 1, 2 & 3, Locate-Return
mouse bindings are activate.
Either place the mouse pointer at one edge of the region you want to zoom
into, press the left mouse button (Locate) and hold it down as you drag the
mouse pointer diagonally across your computer screen to form an area box.
Go to step 3.
Or right-click (Return) to end the zoom operation and keep everything as it
was before step 1.
3. When you release the mouse button that you pressed in step 2 (or step 1, method 4),
SDS/2 zooms into the area inside the area box so that it fills up the screen.
Tips: To undo a Zoom In to Region, use View > Undo View Change. To undo
a series of zoom operations of any type, use Navigate > Unzoom. To save a
zoomed-in view for later use in your current session of Modeling (or your
current drawing in the Drawing Editor) use View > Retain View.
42
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Navigate > Zoom Out to Region
Zoom Out to Region

Zoom Out to Region lets you hold down a mouse button and drag your mouse pointer
to form an area box around the rectangular area that you want the rest of your
current display to go into. This tool is available in both Modeling and
the Drawing Editor.
1. Invoke Zoom Out to Region using any one (1) of the following methods:
Method 1: Choose View > Zoom Out to Region.
Method 2: On your toolbar, click the icon represented above.
2. Locate-Return mouse bindings are active.
Either drag your mouse pointer diagonally across the screen while holding
down the left mouse button (Locate) to form an area box around the
rectangular area that you want the rest of the your current display to go into.
Go to step 3.
Or right-click (Return) to cancel the zoom out operation and keep
everything as it was before step 1.
3. When you release the mouse button that you pressed in step 2, the view shown on
your computer screen in step 1 shrinks into the area box you drew in step 2,
thus causing materials or objects to appear more distant. Your view may now
include more materials than you could see before step 1.
Tips: To undo a Zoom Out to Region, use View > Undo View Change. To
undo a series of zoom operations of any type, use Navigate > Unzoom. To
save a zoomed-out view for later use in your current session of Modeling (or
your current drawing in the Drawing Editor) use View > Retain View.
43
Navigate > Unzoom Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Unzoom
Unzoom undoes a zoom in or zoom out operation or a series of such operations, thus
causing your screen to display an unzoomed view. An unzoomed view incorporates all
members (or objects) that can be seen within the limits of your current view.
1. In Modeling or the Drawing Editor, invoke Unzoom by choosing Navigate >

Unzoom on the drop-down menu, or by clicking on the icon represented above, or by
using a keyboard shortcut.
This example shows a

zoomed-in perspective of an
isometric view that was
created from a plan view.
Since plan views do not have
limits, this isometric view
does not have limits.
2. The view will be unzoomed to its set limits. If there are no set limits, the program
zooms in (or out) so that all members (objects in the Drawing Editor) that can be
shown from that perspective are shown.
Unzoom resizes the view so

that it shows all members.
Notes and comments:

An unzoomed view incorporates all members (or objects) that can
be seen within the limits of your current view.
The limits of a view created using New View or Section View are
set by the points you locate. A view created using Plan View or
using Isometric View on a plan view does not have limits and
therefore can include all members.
44
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Navigate > Pan
Pan
Pan lets you relocate the display by holding down a mouse button as you drag the
mouse pointer across your computer screen. Pan operates in 2-dimensional space. It
changes the perspective shown on your computer screen, but does not change how
closely you are zoomed into a view or the angle at which you look at the view. A Pan
operation can be done in Modeling or the Drawing Editor.
1. With Navigation Mode or Navigate Once Mode mouse bindings active, hold down
the middle mouse button (Pan) while dragging the mouse pointer across the screen.
Your mouse pointer will turn into a 4-way mouse pointer ( ).
3. As you drag your mouse pointer, the item your mouse pointer is over also drags
across your computer screen. Release the mouse button when your items are
postioned on your computer screen where you want them to be.
Tips: To undo a Pan operation, use View > Undo View Change. To save the
view resulting from Pan for later use in your current session of Modeling (or
your current drawing in the Drawing Editor) use View > Retain View.
45
File > Mode Return Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Mode Return
For the following example, the "U1" icon was configured using Mode
Configuration to bring up mouse bindings for Surface Mode, Member
Mode and Material Mode.
1. The "U1" icon was configured

(using Options > Mode Configuration)
to bring up specific mouse bindings
click on the icon.
2. Left-click (surf) to bring up the

mouse bindings for Surface Mode.
3. Do any Surface Mode

operation.
4. Do a Mode Return.
5. The main level mouse bindings

for the "U1" icon are again active.
Notes and comments:

If you are in the middle of performing an operation, then
Mode Return will bring back the main level mouse
bindings of whatever mode was active before you
invoked that tool. In other words, you will effectively
cancel the operation.
Clear Mode Stack is a tool that is similar to Mode

Return.
Doing a Clear Mode Stack in step 4

would have resulted in mouse
bindings like this in step 5.
46
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Model > Con Lines > Add Mtrl
Construction Lines Through Material

Construction Lines Through Material automatically generates
construction lines along the edges and corners (vertex points) of the
material that you select.
Con lines generated on the top flange of a wide flange using

Construction Lines through Material:
far side far side

edge of fillet face of web
Construction lines generated

using Construction Lines
center line Through Material can help you
distinguish the location of
near side near side
edge of fillet face of web various physical features of the
material.

select one or more materials.
In this example, the selection
filter is set to 'Material.'
2. Invoke Construction Lines

Through Material.
3. Construction lines are drawn

along the edges and through
the vertex points on the
material.
You must select material for
this tool to work. If a member
is selected before you start the
operation, the program will
prompt you to select a
material.
47
Model > Construction Lines > Add Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Construction Line Add

To add a construction line, you must locate two different points, OR locate
the same point twice to draw a vertical construction line through that point,
OR base off another line (construction line, real line or member work line),
OR designate a point and an angle (see next page).
Adding a construction line

by locating two points:
1. EXPT is the selected Locate
option. Left-click (Locate)
when the point location target
snaps to where you want the
first point.
2. Place your mouse pointer so

the point location target snaps
to where you want the second
point, then left-click (Locate).
3. SDS/2 draws the

construction line through the
two points. Right-click (Return)
if you are done adding
construction lines.
Adding a construction line

by basing off of another line:
1. With BSMB selected, move
your mouse pointer next to the
line you want to base off of (so
that it becomes highlighted),
then left-click (Locate).
2. Enter the dimension and

press the "Add" button.
3. The new construction line

appears on screen.
4. Either base more

construction lines off the one
you just added, or press the
"Exit" button.
48
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Model > Construction Circles > Add
Adding a construction line by

designating a point and an angle:
1. Place your mouse pointer so

the point location target snaps to
where you want the point, then
2. With ANGL the selected

Locate option, left-click
(Locate).
3. Enter the angle of the

construction line.
4. Left-click (Locate) if you are

done adding construction lines.
Construction Circle Add

Construction Circle Add lets you locate a single point and enter a diameter
to add a construction circle to your current Drawing Editor drawing or
Modeling view. The "Default color" option in User Options sets the color
that construction circles will be drawn in when you add them.

where you want the construction
circle's center, left-click (Locate).
2. Enter the diameter

of the construction
circle (or its radius),
then press "OK."
3. The construction circle is

drawn on screen.
Not illustrated above: A middle-click (Repeat) option is

a part of Construction Circle Add; it lets you quickly add
exact duplicates of a just-added construction circle. Right-
click (Return) when done adding construction circles.
49
Locate > Auto Point Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Auto Point
The point location icon Auto Point turns blue when it is selected, and the icons for the
types of points that may be selected using Auto Point will be backlit and indented. If, for
example, you are adding construction lines and Auto Point is blue, and the point location
options INCL, EXPT and CNTR are selected, then the program will search for
intersections of construction lines, exact points and the center of the screen and will
identify (with a point location target) the single nearest point to your mouse pointer that it
finds.
Two sets of Locate

selected icons are indented icons are available in
selectable not selectable Options > Toolbar
blue when active (not grayed out) (grayed out)
Configuration. One
selected icons are backlit set shows text. The
other is pictorial.
Angle
ANGL can be used to lay out construction lines by locating a 1st point,
then designating an angle. See the example on page 49.
90
45
0
point 1
A construction line at an angle of zero
- 45
degrees is horizontal across the screen.
A construction line at an angle of
positive degrees is counterclockwise
from horizontal that number of
degrees. A construction line at an
angle of negative degrees is clockwise
from horizontal that number of
degrees.
50
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Locate > Base Off Construction Line
Base Off Construction Line

This Locate option can be used to lay out construction lines parallel to an
existing construction line. BSCL can also be used along with the
X-Y-Z display to find out the angle of a construction line or grid line.
1. Place the mouse pointer

next to the construction line
you want to base off of, then
2. Enter the spacing

between con lines and
the repeat factor, then
press "Add."
new original
3. SDS/2 automatically
generates new new
construction lines. new
Base Off Grid Line (Modeling only)

This Locate option is used with New View to base a new erection view off
of an existing erection view.
1. Place your mouse pointer

near the grid line (erection
view) you want to base off of,
2. Enter the dimension

from the grid line you are
basing off of, name the
new view, then press the
"Add" button.
3. SDS/2 automatically
generates the new erection
view, which appears in your
current view as a grid line.
51
Locate > Base Off Member Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Base Off Member (Modeling only)

This Locate option can be used to lay out one or a series of construction
lines that are parallel to an existing member in stick or solids form.

near the member you want to
base off of, then left-click
(Locate).
2. Enter the spacing and a

repeat factor. Then press
"Add."
3. SDS/2 generates
construction lines spaced the
distance entered in step 2 from
the member and from one
another.
Base Off Real Line (Drawing Editor only)

This Locate option is used to lay construction lines parallel to an existing real line.
1. Place your mouse

pointer near the real line
you want to base off of,
2. Enter the spacing

and a repeat factor.
Then press "Add."
3. SDS/2 generates
construction lines spaced
the distance entered in
step 2 from the real line
and from one another.
52
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Locate > Center of Screen
Center of Screen
This Locate option can be used to locate the center of a drawing area or view.
center of the screen
position of mouse pointer
Dx Dy Offset
In Modeling, this Locate option can be used to enter a X, Y and Z distance
(screen axes) from a point. In the Drawing Editor, you can enter an X and
Y distance. If DXDY is used to locate the first point in an operation, you
will have to input a reference point. If DXDY is used to locate the second
point, the dimensions will be from the first point.
DXDY to add a sloping beam:
1. Place your mouse pointer so that

the point location target snaps to
where you want the first work point of
the beam, then left-click (Locate).
2a. Choose DXDY, then left-click

(Locate) anywhere on screen.
2b. Enter the X, Y & Z distance from
the beam's first work point to its
second work point. Press "OK."
2c. Enter the beam's specifications,
then press "OK."
3. The sloped beam appears in your

current view. Because of the entry
made to "Z distance" in step 2b, the
left work point of this beam is 1-0 foot
lower than the right work point.
53
Locate > Exact Point Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Exact Point
This Locate option can be used to locate, for instance, a point at either end
of a line or arc, the center of a circle, or the work points of a beam or
brace.
expt expt
Each end of this beam frames

to the flange of a column. The beam's
work points are at the work line of the column.
Assorted exact points

in the Drawing Editor
expt
expt expt
expt
expt
Different types of graphic objects
expt in the Drawing Editor have
expt expt expt different exact points. These are
just a few examples.
Free Point
This Locate option will locate a new point wherever the mouse pointer is
at. FRPT is a good choice for when there are no graphics on screen. It is
also useful when precise placement of a point is not important.
The point location target snaps to the mouse pointer

when FRPT is the selected point location option
54
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Locate > Intersection of Construction Lines
Intersection of Construction Lines

This Locate option can be used to locate an intersection point of two
construction lines, two construction circles, two erection views (grid lines)
or where a construction line intersects with a construction circle or grid
line or where a construction circle intersects with a grid line. The pointers
in the following illustration show places where construction lines intersect.
Intersection of Con Line/Member (Modeling)

This Locate option can be used to locate a point where a construction line
crosses the work line of a member, where a construction circle intersects
the work line of a member, or where an erection view (grid line) crosses
the work line of a member. INCM is an excellent choice for framing a
beam into a sloping beam in a plan view. The pointers in the following
illustration indicate the position of intersections of construction lines with
member work lines in Modeling.
incm incm
incm incm
55
Locate > Intersection of Real Lines Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Intersection of Real Lines (Drawing Editor only)

This Locate option can be used in the Drawing Editor to locate the closest
point of intersection of two real lines. Dimension lines and
construction lines are NOT real lines. The pointers in the following
illustration indicate the positions of intersections of real lines.
Intersection of Con/Real Lines (Drawing Editor)

This Locate option can be used in the Drawing Editor to locate the closest
point of intersection of a construction line or construction circle with a real
line. The pointers in the following illustration show intersections of
construction lines with real lines.
56
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Locate > Midpoint
Mid Point (Drawing Editor only)

MDPT can be used in the Drawing Editor to locate the center of a real line,
but not other types of lines. Dimension lines and construction lines are
NOT real lines.
Perpendicular
PERP causes SDS/2 to draw a construction line through a first point at an
angle perpendicular to a reference line that you highlight.

so that the point location
target snaps to where you
want the first point, then
2. Click on the PERP icon,

select the line you want the
new construction line to be
perpendicular to, then
3. SDS/2 draws a
construction line through the
first point, perpendicular to
the line you selected.
57
Locate > Tangent to Construction Circle Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Tangent to Construction Circle

TANC can be used to add a construction line or erection view (grid line)
through any two points along a line that is tangent to a construction circle.
TANC can only be used to add the 2nd point.

so that the point location
target snaps to where you
want the first point of the
construction line, then
2. Select the TANC option

and left-click (Locate) when
the point location target snaps
to the point you want on the
construction circle.
3. SDS/2 draws a
construction line
through the two points.
Vertex Point
VTPT can be used in the Drawing Editor or Modeling to locate points
where real lines or the lines of a material converge. The arrows in the
following illustration indicate vertex points on the left end of a beam.
58
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Process > Process & Create Solids
Process and Create Solids

Using this tool causes SDS/2 to automatically design connections, assign
piecemarks and generate 3D representations of material. Where the
program finds holes that match in face-to-face materials, it will fasten
those holes together with bolts. Process and Create Solids is a fully
automated event that proceeds without user intervention until all members
marked for processing have been assigned piecemarks and are capable of
being displayed in solids form.
Before and After Process and Create Solids

Before After Explanation
Members are
assigned
piecemarks and
solids are created
during Process &
Create Solids.
Connections (holes,
bolts, welds,
connection
materials) are
designed during
Process & Create
Solids.
Notes and comments:

Before Process and Create Solids, members can be shown in
Modeling views only in stick form, their connections will not
have yet been designed, and they are identified on-screen by their
member number [num] rather than their piecemark.
After Process and Create Solids, you can display connection

materials, bolts, holes and welds in solids form, and each member
will be identified on screen by its piecemark.
59
Process > Detail Members Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Detail Members
Detail Members automatically creates 2D detail drawings of members
(member details). You will want to do this after Process and Create Solids
and after inspecting the members in the 3D model.
Notes and comments:

A member detail is a drawing representing all members in the
3D model with the same major piecemark. In this case, only
one beam in the 3D model has the piecemark B_8.
Fabricator Options such as Dimensioning Criteria and

Member Detailing/Fabrication Options can be used to
control how SDS/2 automatically draws member details.
Adaptive details can optionally be used to control the way

that SDS/2 automatically draws member details.
You can modify member details in the Drawing Editor.
SDS/2 automatically tracks which members have been

detailed and also tracks when changes in the 3D model
require that a new detail be generated.
60
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Process > Detail Members
Apply Adaptive Details

When you Detail Members, you have the option to "Apply adaptive details." If
you check the box for this option, SDS/2 will let you select a list of adaptive
details you want to apply. From your selected list, SDS/2 will apply specific
adaptive details based on the member type (beam, column, etc.), the material
(channel, angle, etc.), the view (main material, left end, etc.) and the "Material
usage definition" (if one has been applied).
Notes and comments:

An adaptive detail is a special drawing created by the SDS/2 user that
will cause dimensions and other annotations to be added to or deleted
from a member detail when you Detail Members.
The above illustration shows two details of a horizontal brace that has
been broken apart in Modeling (using "Break Member Apart") so that
its gusset plate and main material are detailed separately.
The detail on the left (detailed without applying an adaptive detail)

dimensions the brace from its work points. The detail on the right (to
which an adaptive detail was applied) dimensions the brace from the
ends of the material.
To create an adaptive detail (which includes materials and to-be-

removed dimensions), use Objects > Create Adaptive Detail on a
member detail in the Drawing Editor.
You can File > Open an adaptive detail in the Drawing Editor and
further modify it by adding dimensions, labels and pointers.
61
Process > Detail Submaterial Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor
Detail Submaterial
Detail Submaterial automatically creates 2D drawings of submaterials in
your 3D model. You should do this after your 3D model is complete.
Submaterials are by definition a single

piece of material. Same submaterials may
appear on different members (e.g. the
same clip angle may be used for beams
with different piecemarks). You can File >
Open submaterial drawings in the
Drawing Editor and modify them, but new
submaterial drawings can only be created
using Detail Submaterial.
Shown above is a rolled-out template in a pipe submaterial detail.

If you want a rolled-out template like this, you will have to use
one of the Fit options to cut the material. For pipe you will get an
interior and exterior cut surface. Non-Fit cutting operations will
not generate a rolled-out material template.
62
Drawing Editor Tools
Tools in Modeling & Drawing Editor Process > Detail Erection Views
Detail Erection Views

Detail Erection Views brings up the Detail Erection Views window so that
you can specify how you want SDS/2 to regenerate 2D details of particular
erection views created in Modeling. After you press "OK" to exit the
Detail Erection Views window, you then select which erection views you
want to regenerate.
solid stick + solid
wire stick + wire
stick manually
Notes and comments:

Members in erection view details can be displayed in solid,
stick + solid, wire, stick + wire, stick, or combinations of
forms (designated manually).
Fabricator Options under Erection View Detailing Options

also can be used to control the detailing of erection views.
In the Drawing Editor, SDS/2 provides powerful Evu

Cleanup tools for further customization of erection view
details.
For info on cleaning up erection views in Select Items Mode,

see page 79.
63
Select Items Mode Drawing Editor Tools
Select Items
Mouse binding for Select Items Mode in the Drawing Editor...
Select Items Mode

mouse bindings for a
3-button mouse when no Select Items Mode mouse bindings
modifier key is pressed. when the Ctrl key is pressed.
For more on how to use these mouse

bindings, see pages 64-67 and pages 4-7.
Select Items Mode The way you select and edit items in the
mouse bindings when the Drawing Editor is similar to the way you
Shift key is pressed. do it in Modeling.
The mouse pointer shows the directional constraint of a stretch/ move...

1-way mouse pointer. Used for selecting objects. If you left-click
(Select) an item, the item will be selected. If you grab an item by
holding down the left mouse button (Select) with the mouse pointer
over it, the pointer may change into a 2-way or 4-way mouse pointer.
2-way diagonal mouse pointer. Indicates that an entire object or a

point on an object has been grabbed and that you can move/stretch the
object diagonally.
2-way horizontal or vertical mouse pointer. Indicates that an object

or point on an object has been grabbed and that you can move/stretch
the object in either of two directions.
4-way mouse pointer. Indicates that the grabbed object can be moved
or stretched in any of four directions or freely in any direction.
Drag an object (a label is shown) to move the object...

Note: Types of objects this applies to are arcs, circles, clouds
and labels. For construction circles/lines, first select the
'Construction Circle' or 'Construction Line' selection filter.
1. Press the left 2. Drag the object 3. Release the

mouse button (Select) to a new location. mouse button.
to grab the object.
64
Drawing Editor Tools Select Items Mode
Select Items
Drag a group of selected objects to move them...

Note: You can also stretch groups of objects such as lines and
pointers or polygons (which are drawn with material lines). To
stretch a line, for example, you must select one end point of the
line while leaving the other end point not selected.
1. Select the objects. 2. Grab anywhere on the 3. Release the mouse

group then drag the button, then click in space
group to a new location. to deselect the group.
Drag the end of a pointer (or line) to stretch the object...
1. Press the left mouse 2. Drag the end of 3. Release the mouse
button (Select) to grab the pointer to a new button when the
the end of the pointer. location. pointer is stretched the
way you want it.
Drag the interior of a pointer (or line) to move the object...
1. Press the left mouse 2. Drag the pointer 3. Release the

button (Select) to grab to a new location mouse button when
the interior of the the pointer is where
pointer. you want it.
65
Select Items Mode Drawing Editor Tools
Select Items
Drag a bevel symbol's tail to move it...

Note: On a bevel symbol with a tail, you must grab the tail to
move it. If there is no tail, you can grab anywhere.
1. Press the left mouse 2. Drag the bevel 3. Release the

button (Select) to grab symbol to a new mouse button.
the bevel symbol's tail. location.
Drag a bevel symbol to stretch its tail or flip its side...

Note: If the bevel symbol has no tail, the bevel symbol will be
moved, not stretched, and you must use its edit window to flip it.
1. Press the left mouse 2. Drag the bevel 3. Release the mouse
button (Select) to grab symbol to a new button. Note that the
the triangle along the location. In this tail's end point has
bevel line. example, the user remained fixed.
also flips the symbol.
Hold down the Shift key and drag a dimension label

to move it...
1. Hold down the Shift key 2. Drag the dimension 3. Release the mouse
and press the left mouse label freely in any button when the
button (Select +) to grab direction. dimension label is
the dimension label. where you want it.
66
Drawing Editor Tools Select Items Mode
Select Items
Drag a dimension label to move, stretch or create a dimension tail...
1. Press the left mouse 2. Drag the label to 3. Release the

button (Select) to grab where you want mouse button.
a dimension label. the dimension tail.
Drag a dimension line to stretch chain dimensions...

To move a chain of dimensions, press
the left mouse button (Select) to grab a
dimension line in the chain your mouse
pointer is over. The entire chain moves
when you drag the mouse pointer. If
you hold down the Ctrl key before you
grab, you can move the chain freely --
otherwise the chain snaps to default
AUTO points.
To move only one dimension, hold

down the Shift key before grabbing
the dimension line.
Drag a dimension leg to change the dimension size or leg length...
To change the dimension size,

press the left mouse button
(Select) to grab a dimension leg
and drag it parallel with the
dimension line. The leg will snap
to the default AUTO points.
To change the dimension leg

length, press the left mouse button
(Select) to grab a leg and drag it
perpendicular to the dimension
line. The leg will snap to the
default AUTO points.
67
File > Add Standard Detail Drawing Editor Tools
Add Standard Detail

Add Standard Detail can be used to place standard details (job or global)
or submaterial details in your current Drawing Editor drawing. You can
optionally rescale or rotate each copy of the standard detail as it is placed.
1. Select the standard

detail that you want to
place.
2. Specify the scale

and orientation of the
drawing. Press the
"Apply" button to
update the image
according to your
specifications.
3. Left-click (Locate) to
place the standard detail.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to

place additional copies,
then right-click (Return)
when you are done.
5. The Add Standard

Detail operation is now
complete.
68
Drawing Editor Tools Edit > Save Standard Detail
Save Standard Detail

Save Standard Detail can be used in the Drawing Editor to save a copy of
part of your current drawing into a job standard detail file that you name.
You can then, if you so choose, use File > Add Standard Detail to "paste"
the newly created standard detail into other drawings.
1. Draw an area box to

establish the clipping
limits for materials and
other polygons. This is
done by holding down
the left mouse button
(Locate) while
dragging your mouse
pointer diagonally.
2. Select and deselect

objects that you want
included in the standard
detail.
3. Locate a reference
point.
4. Give the job standard

detail a name.
5. Optionally enter a
description, etc.
Notes and comments:

Performing this operation will not change your current
drawing. Rather, it creates a new job standard detail file.
Another way to create a job standard detail is to press the

"Create New" button on the selection dialog that appears when
you File > Open.
69
Edit > Copy Objects Drawing Editor Tools
Copy Objects
Copy Objects can be used in any type of the Drawing Editor drawing to
generate a copy (or copies) of graphic objects that you select.
1. Select objects (in this example,

using an area box), then choose
Edit > Copy Objects.
2. Specify the type of

copy that you want.
3. Left-click (Locate) to define

the reference point.
4. Left-click (Locate) to define

the second point.
5. Left-click (Yes) to
confirm that the copy
is correct.
6. Right-click (Return)
unless you want to
place more copies.
7. The copy is done.
Notes and comments:

In the above example, selection is done by area box (step 1).
If no objects are selected before you invoke Copy Objects, you

will be prompted to select objects.
The above illustration is of the Copy Objects Single function

(see step 2). Linear and Fill copies can also be performed
using Copy Objects.
Copy Objects can be used to copy the selected items to any one
layer.
70
Drawing Editor Tools Edit > Move/Stretch
Move/Stretch
Move/Stretch can be used to move entire objects (lines or pointers or etc.) or
to stretch/compact/skew objects. In this example, only the end point of each
line is selected, and therefore the lines are stretched.
1. Select the objects

you want to move. In
this example, end
points are selected
using an area box.
2. Left-click (Locate) when

the point location target
has snapped to where you

the point location target is
where you want the second
point.
4. Left-click (Yes) to keep

the changes that are
shown on screen.
71
Edit > Clip Drawing Editor Tools
Area Clip
Area Clip lets you erase graphic objects inside or outside of the area box
you designate and also lets you (optionally) draw a border.
1. Hold down the left button

on your mouse (Locate)
and drag your mouse
pointer diagonally across
the screen to draw an area
box around the part of your
drawing that you want to
clip around (or clip out).
2. Right-click (Outside) to clip

everything outside the area
box.
3. Left-click (Yes) to draw a

border.
5. The screen
redraws to show the
results.
72
Drawing Editor Tools Objects > Arcs > Add
Arc Add
Arc Add lets you add an arc in the Drawing Editor by locating three points.
The arc is drawn in a counterclockwise rotation from the first to the
second point. The third point designates the arc's approximate center.

the point location target
snaps to where you want
point 1.
place point 2.
place the approximate
center of the arc.
4. Enter the
specifications of
the arc.
5. SDS/2 draws an arc

counterclockwise from
point 1 to point 2.
Notes and comments:

Since the default radius is used in this example,
the arc is a half circle.
If the placement of the 1st and 2nd points had

been opposite (upper to lower instead of lower
to upper), the arc would have been oriented in
the opposite direction. This is because an arc is
always drawn counterclockwise from point 1 to
point 2.
73
Objects > Bevel Symbols > Add Drawing Editor Tools
Bevel Symbol Add

Bevel Add lets you locate two points to place a bevel symbol in a
Drawing Editor drawing. The first point positions the tail; the second
point is where the triangle part of the symbol will be drawn. SDS/2
calculates the bevel angle from the two points.
place the first point.
place the second point.
3. SDS/2 calculates the

angle, rise and run of the
points you located.
4. SDS/2 draws the bevel

symbol.
Notes and comments:

Not illustrated: A middle-click (Repeat) option is a part
of Bevel Add; it lets you quickly place copies of a bevel
symbol at different locations.
Right-click (Return) when done adding bevel symbols.
Bevel symbols are always plotted using drawing pen #1

(which appears as white in the Drawing Editor). By
default, drawing pen #1 plots a line that is black and 0.25
mm wide. To change the color and line width for HP-GL/2
plotters, see Drawing Pen Setup in Fabricator Options.
To move a bevel symbol in Select Items Mode, grab its

tail; grab the triangle to stretch the symbol or flip it.
74
Drawing Editor Tools Objects > Bolts > Add
2D Bolts Add
WARNING: It is strongly recommended that bolts be added
using 3D bolt options (in Modeling) rather than 2D bolt options
(in the Drawing Editor).
1. Left-click (Locate) two

times with the point location
target at the same point.
2. Enter the approximate

grip, then press "OK."
3. Enter the diameter,

direction & other specs,
then press "OK."
4. The bolt appears on

screen.
This example shows how to add
head views of bolts to a drawing.
5. Middle-click (Repeat) to added with Repeat If the user had selected 'Nut' in
place additional bolts. step 3, then nut views of the
bolts would be shown.
1. Left-click (Locate) to place the

first point of the bolt grip.
2. Left-click (Locate) to place

the second point of the bolt grip.
3. Enter the specifications of

the bolt.
4. SDS/2 draws the bolt on

screen. This example shows how to add
a lengthwise view of a bolt to a
drawing.
75
Objects > Circles > Add Drawing Editor Tools
Circle Add
Circle Add lets you locate a single point to add a circle or oval to your
current Drawing Editor drawing. The diameter and rotation of the circle is
specified on the Circle Edit window (step 2).
1. Place your mouse pointer so the

point location target snaps to
where you want the center of the
circle, then left-click (Locate).
2. Enter the diameter

(or radius) and the
rotation of the circle. Not illustrated: Circle Add has a
middle-click (Repeat) option
that lets you quickly add exact
3. SDS/2 draws the circle duplicates of a just-added circle.
on screen. Right-click (Return) when done
adding circles.
X rot = 0 X rot = 22.5 X rot = 45 X rot = 67.5 X rot = 90

Y rot = 0 Y rot = 0 Y rot = 0 Y rot = 0 Y rot = 0
X rot = 22.5 X rot = 45 X rot = 67.5 X rot = 90

Y rot = 22.5 Y rot = 22.5 Y rot = 22.5 Y rot = 22.5
As this illustration shows, you

X rot = 22.5 X rot = 45 X rot = 67.5 X rot = 90 can adjust the rotation of a circle
Y rot = 45 Y rot = 45 Y rot = 45 Y rot = 45 to make various ovals.
76
Drawing Editor Tools Objects > Dimensions > Add
Dimension Add
Dimension Add may be used to add dimensions to your current Drawing
Editor drawing. SDS/2 automatically calculates the distance between the
points you locate and reports that distance on the dimension label. You
may add arc dimensions, extension dimensions, or dimensions between
two or more points using this tool. The following example shows the
adding of an arc dimension.
1. Left-click (Locate) places

point 1 of the arc dimension.
2. Left-click (Locate) to place

point 2 counterclockwise from
point 1.
place a 3rd point on the
arc shared by points 1 & 2.
4. Right-click (Return).
5. Left-click (Arc) while

holding down the Shift key.
place a point that you want
the arc dimension line
drawn through.
7. SDS/2 draws the new

dimension on screen.
Left-click (Yes) if you like
the results that are shown.
Warning: Do not add dimensions in a shortened view. To

ensure accuracy, first Objects > Unshorten the drawing, then
add the dimension, then Objects > Shorten the drawing again.
77
Objects > Dimensions > Add Drawing Editor Tools
Dimensioning two points (also see example):

1. Invoke Dimension Add.
2. Locate-Remove-Return mouse bindings become active along with Locate options.
2a. Place the mouse pointer so that the point location target snaps to where you want
SDS/2 to measure from, then left-click (Locate).
3. An X appears where you located the point in step 2. It marks the point to be measured from.
3a. Move the target to where you want SDS/2 to measure to, then left-click (Locate).
When you are done locating points for dimensioning, right-click (Return).
4. Actual-Vert-Horz mouse bindings become active. Click the mouse button that
corresponds to the type of dimensioning you want.
horizontal
al
ctu
vertical
In all three of these cases, the dimension is measured between the

points located is steps 2 and 3.
5. The distance is calculated and displayed on the status line.
5a. Left-click (Locate) at a point through which you want the dimension line to be
drawn (this point also determines the length of the dimension legs).
Note: If you left-clicked (Actual) in step 2, you must also define the angle of the
dimension line by left-clicking (Locate) to select the line that you want the dimension
line to be parallel to.
6. A dimension is drawn on screen. Yes-No mouse bindings are active.
Either left-click (Yes) to accept the dimension shown.
Or right-click (No) to bring up the Dimension Edit window and modify the dimension
label's placement and/or color and/or justification and/or actual text.
7. Follow these instructions beginning with step 2 to add more dimensions. Right-click (Return)
when you are done adding dimensions.
78
Drawing Editor Tools Objects > Evu Cleanup
Evu Cleanup in Select Items Mode

Erection view details are created when you Detail Erection Views. You can detail
erection views in solids form or stick form, or other forms shown on page 63.
Working on an erection view in Select Items Mode:

Double-click on a member to change its visibility, or to hide/
show its piecemark, section size, elevation, or etc.
If a member is hidden, choose View > Display Options and

check the box for "Show hidden members." All members on
the erection view will be shown. You can double-click on the
hidden members and change them to shown if you want them
to be shown permanently.
Drag and drop using the left mouse button (Select) to move
section sizes, piecemarks and labels.
Select one or more members and press the Delete key to hide
(not delete) the member lines of those members.
Choose Objects > Evu Cleanup for other tools designed

specifically to clean up erection view details.
79
Objects > Hole > Add Drawing Editor Tools
2D Hole Add
2D Hole Add may be used to add a 2D picture of a hole to your current
Drawing Editor drawing. You can add bottom/top views or side views of
holes with this tool.
u nd io
n
ro d t t at
rd lot iz
e o
s l 5 r
o
lt n da r t s ers g 4
a o v n
Bo St Sh O Lo
top view
side view
bottom view
Warning: It is strongly recommended that you use the 3D hole

options in Modeling instead of Drawing Editor 2D hole options
for the following reasons:
When you add holes in the Drawing Editor, you are adding a
picture of a hole only. You are NOT adding a hole to the 3D
model. 3D holes can be added to the 3D model only in
Modeling.
In Modeling, holes are input for all views; in the Drawing

Editor they are input for only the drawing you are viewing.
Holes added in Modeling can be automatically matched to

face-to-face materials; in the Drawing Editor, you will have to
interactively draw holes onto face-to-face materials.
Holes added in Modeling can be CNC downloaded; holes added

in the Drawing Editor cannot.
80
Drawing Editor Tools Objects > Layers > Edit All
Edit All Layers

Edit All Layers can be used in the Drawing Editor to hide, show, add or
delete layers in your current drawing. It can also be used to rename layers,
or to reset the drawing order of layers.
Note: The "Adaptive detail 1"

layer is selected. The "Outline"
layer has focus.
Notes and comments:

Layers are a means of grouping graphic objects in a drawing. Edit All and
Erase All tools in the Drawing Editor only work on layers that are marked
"Show" (ref 2). When you Open a drawing, all layers on that drawing are
automatically shown.
"Name" (ref 1) tells you the name of the layer. Each graphic object in a
Drawing Editor drawing is on a single layer.
The "Move Up/Down" buttons (ref 3 & 4) act on the selected layer to
change their position in the "Name" column.
The "Add" button (ref 6) creates a new layer, which is placed at the top of
the list of layers.
The "Add Comment" button (ref 7) creates a new comment layer (for
writing comments on). Comment layers are normally not plotted, although
they can be.
The "Delete" button (ref 8) deletes the layer with focus along with all
graphic objects on that layer. To give a layer focus, click on its name.
Press "Preview" (ref 9) to redraw your current drawing according to the

specifications on this window. The preview becomes permanent if you then
press "OK" (not referenced) to close this window.
81
Objects > Lines > Add Drawing Editor Tools
Line Add
The Line Add tool can be used in the Drawing Editor to draw one or more
lines. You can use this tool to define a series of contiguous line segments
or a series of lines whose ends do not touch.
The mouse bindings that are active for a

3-button mouse during Line Add.
d
s = start
d = draw
d
m = move
Shown at left is a series of lines
r = return
that were added at the same
time using the Draw (left-click)
mdr s d d
d Move (middle-click) and
Return (right-click) mouse
bindings.
Notes and comments:

File > Edit Palette can be used to set the plotting pen number of
each line segment before it is added. The color of the line segment
indicates the plotting pen that is used.
Assigning a plotting pen number to a particular item tells your

plotter which pen to use to draw that item. Design Data
recommends that users set their plotters to draw SDS/2 details
using black lines of various widths.
To change the color and pen widths that a HP-GL/2 plotter will use
for a particular Drawing Editor pen number, use Drawing Pen
Setup in Fabricator Options.
To move a line in Select Items Mode, grab its middle; to stretch a

line, grab its end.
82
Drawing Editor Tools Objects > Lines > Shield
Line Shield
Line Shield may be used to erase a segment of any real line in a Drawing
Editor drawing, thus creating two separate lines that can be edited, moved
or stretched independently.
1. Choose Objects >

Lines > Shield, then
select the line to shield.

the target snaps to where you
want the first point.

the target snaps to where you
want the second point.
4. SDS/2 erases the line

between the two points you
located.
Notes and comments:

In this example, either the INCR (intersection of
construction line with real line) or INCL (intersection of
construction lines) point location options could have been
used to locate the two end points of the line segment that
Line Shield removes.
83
Objects > Pointers > Add Drawing Editor Tools
Pointer Add
Pointer Add lets you add pointers to a graphics file. The first point you
locate places the tip of the pointer's arrowhead. The second point places
the base of the pointer. In the following example, INCL (intersection of
construction lines) is used for the first point. FRPT (free point) is used for
the second point.

tip of the pointer where the point
location target is snapped to.

butt end of the pointer where the
point location target is snapped to.
3. SDS/2 draws the pointer on

screen. Repeat steps 1 & 2, or
right-click (Return) if you are done.
Notes and comments:

The Pointer Add tool remains active after you
have added a pointer, giving you an easy way to
quickly add more pointers. Right-click (Return)
when you are done adding pointers.
The arrowheads of pointers are always the same

size. This means that if you add pointers to a
detail or sheet by using Add Standard Detail, the
newly added pointers will have same-size
arrowheads even if the standard detail was scaled
differently than the drawing it was added to.
To move a pointer in Select Items Mode, grab its

middle; to stretch a pointer, grab its end.
84
Drawing Editor Tools Objects > Weld Symbols > Add
Weld Symbol Add

Weld Symbol Add lets you add weld symbols in the Drawing Editor. To do
this, you locate a single point then enter weld specifications on the Weld
Input window.

point location target is snapped to
where you want the leader point of
the weld symbol.
2. Enter the weld

specifications that
you want depicted
in the symbol.
3. SDS/2 draws the weld symbol

on your computer screen.
Notes and comments:

Not illustrated in the example above: A middle-click
(Repeat) option associated with Weld Symbol Add lets you
quickly place copies of a weld symbol at different locations.
Right-click (Return) when you are done adding weld
symbols.
A direct alternative to Weld Symbol Add is Weld Combo. It

lets you add a pointer in combination with the weld symbol.
Weld symbols are always plotted using drawing pen #1

(which appears as white in the Drawing Editor). By default,
drawing pen #1 plots a line that is black and 0.25 mm wide.
To change the color and line width for HP-GL/2 plotters, see
Drawing Pen Setup in Fabricator Options.
Moving a weld symbol in Select Items Mode also stretches

an attached pointer or attached line unless you hold down
the Shift key before grabbing the weld symbol.
85
Objects > Bill of Material > Edit Bill Drawing Editor Tools
Edit Bill
This tool starts up the bill of material editor so that you can interactively
add or edit bill data to a drawing. Edit Bill is primarily for member details,
but may also be used for other types of drawings.
Notes and comments:

The above illustration shows a bill of material as represented in the bill
editor. Different columns than these may be shown in the bill editor
due to choices you have made in Options > Fabricator Options > Bill
of Material Layout. Also, columns may appear in a different order than
they appear in this example.
A unique characteristic of a bill of material for a system-generated

member detail is the first line (line 1), which tells information about
the members that have been assigned the piecemark that identifies the
particular member detail and its bill of material. The lines following
line 1 relay information about the submaterials that make up those
members with that piecemark.
The bill editor functions like a spreadsheet. When you make changes
to certain cells, the values in other cells will be automatically
recalculated.
86
Drawing Editor Tools Objects > Bill of Material > Place Bill
Place Bill
Place Bill can used to digitize up to three bills of material on a sheet
outline. Placing a bill is sometimes also referred to as
"digitizing a bill of material."
1. Press the button for the bill you

want to digitize ("Bill 1" if you
haven't digitized other bills yet).
2. Enter the number of lines in

the bill (this sets the bill
length).

outline of the bill is where you
want it to be placed on the sheet
outline.
4. Left-click (Yes) to verify that the

bill is where you want it.
5. Press the "Return" button

unless you want to add another
bill.
NOTE: To erase a digitized bill of material, invoke Place Bill,

then select the appropriate bill, then enter zero (0) to the field
"Number of lines in bill:_," then Edit > Delete the lines and
labels that make up the physical representation of the bill.
87
Objects > Sheet Composition > Add Drawing Editor Tools
Sheet Composition Add

Sheet Composition Add lets you place member details on a detail sheet,
submaterial details on a gather sheet, or erection view details on an
erection sheet. You may optionally rotate or rescale a drawing between the
time when you select the drawing name and the time when you left-click
(Locate) to position the drawing on the sheet.
A detail sheet without any details placed on it:
The same sheet after Sheet Composition Add:
Notes and comments:

SDS/2 automatically tracks what details have been
placed on which sheets and masks their listing on the
selection dialog for this tool.
Two other tools for adding details to sheets are Detail

Sheet Autoloading and Gather Sheet Autoloading.
To change the drawing's rotation or scale after you have

placed it, use Objects > Sheet Composition > Modify.
88
Drawing Editor Tools Objects > Sheet Composition > Sheet Bill Reorder
Sheet Bill Reorder

Sheet Bill Reorder can be used on a detail sheets that has details placed on
it. The sheet also must have a bill of material on it. Bill Reorder lets you
review and optionally change the order in which bill data will be compiled
into the digitized bill of material.
1. Select the detail whose

order you want to change.
The detail and its bill data will
be highlighted (green in this
example).
2. Left-click (Edit).
3. Enter the new order.
4. The bill data associated with

the selected detail shifts its
order in the bill. Right-click
(Return) if you are done.
Notes and comments:

As is the case with almost all Drawing Editor tools, changes
you make become permanent only if you File > Save those
changes. Until you Save your changes, you can File > Revert
back to the previously saved version of your drawing.
The normal order that detail data appears within the bill of
material is the order in which details were placed on the sheet.
89
Objects > Sheet Composition > Modify Drawing Editor Tools
Sheet Composition Modify

Sheet Composition Modify can be used in the Drawing Editor to change
the scale or rotation of details that have been placed on sheets. This
example shows how to use Sheet Composition Modify to change the scale
of an erection view detail that has been placed onto an erection sheet.
Sheet Composition Modify can also be used to change a detail's rotation.
Please note that File > Revert WILL NOT undo scaling changes made
using this tool (it will undo rotation changes).
1. Choose Objects > Sheet

Composition > Modify, then
select the drawing you
want to change.
2. Left-click (Scale).
3. Enter the new scale.
4. SDS/2 scales the

drawing as specified.
90
Drawing Editor Tools Objects > Work Point
Extension Dimension Work Point

Extension Dimension Work Point lets you determine the location of an
extension dimension work point and, if you desire, relocate the work
point. The tool applies to member details only.
1. SDS/2 identifies the work

point location with a
reference point symbol ( ).
Left-click (Yes) to
change the work point's
location.
move the work point to
where the point location
target is positioned.
3. SDS/2 identifies the

work point's new location
and asks for confirmation.
Left-click (Yes) to have the
work point move made
permanent.
4. SDS/2 gives you Yes-No

options for recalculating
existing extension
dimensions.
Not illustrated above: If in step 4 you right-click (No) then

left-click (Return), the new work point affects to-be-added
extension dimensions only. If you left-click (Yes), SDS/2
automatically recalculates and relabels existing extension
dimensions based on the work point's new position.
91
Objects > Material Drafting Drawing Editor Tools
Material Drafting
Material Drafting lets you add a 2D drawing of various section sizes listed
in the local material file (except for joists).
a W18 x 50 section placed with 2 points,

one for each end
the same section rotated 90
placed with 2 points

in the same location
placed with 2 points

in the same location, rotated 90
Notes and comments:

Material Drafting can be used to add a top view,
bottom view, section view or elevation view of a
material.
A drawing added in this manner is a 2D drawing

only. Material Drafting does NOT update the 3D
model. You can, however, optionally instruct the
program to add the material to a drawing's bill of
material.
SDS/2 can draw most section sizes listed in the local

material file (e.g. W18x50). However, SDS/2 cannot
draw a joist section size since a joist's actual
appearance depends on the manufacturer.
Also, you can enter rectangular plate (e.g. PL3/8x1-0)

and flat bar (e.g FL3/8x1-0), which are not included
in the local material file.
92

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mouse bindings show mouse click a menu title to

2005 Design Data Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

mouse binding reporter

description left right

Reason 3: When members or materials are selected in SDS/2's Modeling

Reason 4: Toolbars (such as those shown on the cover of this manual)

Reason 5: A number of the windows illustrated in this manual have been

Member Move/Stretch ......................................................................................................... 31

Process Tools in Modeling and the Drawing Editor

A reminder: The mouse binding reporter shown in most illustrations

To select a material when no

To select a member with no

To select more than one item

1. In Select Items Mode with one material 2. Both materials are

Select- to deselect an item...

Right-click menu to select an item behind another item...

Select items by area box...

Directional area box selection...

Example 1: An area box drawn Example 2: An area box drawn from

Double-click to edit a bolt...

Double-click to edit a weld...

1. In Select Items Mode, 2. The Weld Edit window appears on

Double-click to edit a material...

Double-click to edit a member...

1. In Select Items Mode, 2. The Member Edit window appears with

When erection views are added to

2. Left-click (Locate) where The arrowhead symbol points

4. Right-click (Return) if The new view created here

Notes and comments:

Erection views can be regenerated as 2D drawings. See page 63.

point location target

Method 1: Choose File > Save View As on the drop-down menu.

Method 2: On the toolbar, click on the icon shown above.

Method 3: Use a keyboard shortcut.

Erection view type - Primary or Secondary or Dimension only or Placement only.

4. Your newly saved view is now your current view.

Creating a view using The view created using

Note that the view created using Area Save includes

Notes and comments:

Area boxes are used in SDS/2 to select groups of

Area views have limits. Members outside the limits

1. Select the items (members,

3. The program gives you a count of each

3. The selected items (materials

Notes and comments:

1. In this example, View > Plan

2. Type in the elevation, then

3. The isometric view shown in

Notes and comments:

Using the Section View tool:

View created using Section View:

Notes and comments:

The arrowhead that appears as you locate the two

Members outside the limits of a view with set limits

If you don't like the change that Section View makes to

Like all instructions in this manual, these instructions assume

1. In this example, Isometric View is

2. Left-click (Accept) to retain

3. Your current view has now

Notes and comments:

Since a full plan view does not have limits, an isometric

Change All to Solid Opaque

The same view before (left) and after (right)