Settings#

Via File > Settings... you open the central dialog for app, project, print, and integration options in Production Assist.

General Operation#

• On the left, you switch between the sections App, Project, Printing, Structural Lines, Electrical, and Bridle.
• In the App section, the search field helps you quickly find individual options.
• Expanded sections show the actual input fields. Collapsed sections remain unchanged.
• Click OK to save changes. Click Cancel to discard them.

1. App#

The App section contains the global program settings. These options control the application's behavior, renderer display, default values for integrations, and unit display.

Unit Settings#

Setting	Description
Rounding for numbers	Sets the number of decimal places for general numeric display in the application.
Unit for lengths	Sets the unit used to display length values throughout the application.
Unit for dimensions in print	Sets the unit used to display page and paper dimensions.
Unit for area	Sets the unit used to display area values.
Unit for volume	Sets the unit used to display volume values.
Unit for weight	Sets the unit used to display weight values.
Unit for distributed weight	Sets the unit used to display weight per length, e.g., for distributed self-weight.
Force unit	Sets the unit used to display force values.
Unit for moment	Sets the unit used to display bending moment values.
Unit for distributed load	Sets the unit used to display distributed line load values.
Unit for rotations	Sets the unit used to display rotational stiffness or moment per rotation angle.
Unit for percent	Defines how percent values are displayed, either as 0 to 1 or as 0 to 100%.
Unit for power	Sets the unit used to display electrical power values.
Force per area	Sets the unit used to display force per area, e.g., pressure or wind load intensity.
Unit for duration	Sets the unit used to display duration or timecode values.
Speed	Sets the unit used to display wind or movement speed.
Global transformation	Defines which origin manual position entries refer to. With global transformation, the drawing coordinate system origin is always used. With local transformation, input follows the current direction of the truss (i.e., the supporting construction line). The local variant is especially useful when aligning objects along a truss.

General Settings#

Setting	Description
Date format	Switches to a custom date format.
Time format	Switches to a custom time format.
Appearance	Sets the theme of the user interface.
UI display mode	Defines whether the desktop app works in multi-window layout or single-window mode with dockable palettes.
CSV delimiter	Determines the delimiter for CSV exports. For European Excel installations, ; is often useful.
Language	Sets the language of the user interface.
Show installed plugins at startup	Checks for compatible host applications at startup and offers plugin installation if needed.
Automatically group objects in assemblies	If enabled, all objects are automatically grouped into assembly groups based on which truss line they are on. This is very useful when working with trusses. For other element types (e.g., freely placed construction elements without truss reference), behavior can be more complex, so this option can be toggled as needed.
Use Bridle Material Engine	Automatically adapts bridles to the selected bridle set.
Log actions to a file	Writes application actions to a log file. This is especially useful for support and troubleshooting.

Statics Settings#

Setting	Description
Point load	If enabled, a label is displayed at each point load position in the drawing. This makes it easy to see where loads act on structural elements, what type of load is present, and how large the load is. Since many labels are created for many loads, this setting is mainly useful for model checking—it's recommended to keep it disabled during normal operation.
Line load	If enabled, a label is displayed at each application point of a line load in the drawing. This makes it easy to see where loads act on structural elements, what type of load is present, and how large the load is. Since many labels are created for many loads, this setting is mainly useful for model checking—it's recommended to keep it disabled during normal operation.
Utilization display	Defines how structural utilization is color-coded on trusses. Threshold Value: Utilization is shown only in green, yellow, and red stages; thresholds are freely configurable. Gradient Value: Color is interpolated continuously between 0% (green) and 100% (red), with 50% as yellow.
Uniform scale of influence lines	Controls the scaling of influence lines in calculation. If disabled, each influence line is scaled separately for visibility—usually to 1 m. This can lead to uneven scaling of connections for large bending moments (MBY = bending moment about Y-axis, MBZ = bending moment about Z-axis), making differences harder to spot. If enabled, MBY and MBZ are always shown with the same scale.
Mesh resolution	Determines the mesh size for area and wind loads (default: 100, minimum: 50). A smaller value means finer resolution and more precise results—especially for capturing small geometry changes. The appropriate value depends on the geometry. Note: The smaller the mesh size, the longer the calculation takes.
Angle for wind load from multiple directions	Defines the angle steps for multiple wind directions. Smaller steps are more accurate but require more computation time.
Use live statics calculation	Performs static calculation automatically in the background after each change.
Tolerance for loads for supports	Defines at what load share a load is assigned to a hoist.
Truss cross force as characteristic force	Shows the force of truss crosses as characteristic force without safety factors.
Assign loads to ground	Automatically assigns loads at height zero to the ground.
Disable partial calculation and abort calculation on errors	Stops calculation immediately when model errors are detected.
Automatically generate truss crosses	Automatically creates truss crosses instead of only on manual command.
Allow truss crosses in the same object	Allows truss crosses even when both connected bars are in the same object.
Use pipes for AI placement of hoists	Includes pipes in AI-assisted placement of hoists.
Automatically add truss cross in partial calculation	Automatically includes required truss crosses in partial calculation.
Show calculation summary after calculation	Opens the result overview after calculation is completed.
Automatically generate support object IDs	Automatically assigns object IDs for supports.
Calculate hoist utilization based on roof force	Uses roof force instead of hook force for utilization.
Use as drop for new bridle	Creates new bridle objects with drop option enabled by default.
Disable chain shortening compensation for new bridle	Disables automatic chain shortening compensation for new bridles.
Create calculation results on level <None>	Places results on the default level instead of the active level.
Create calculation results for class <None>	Places results in the default class instead of the active class.
Move calculation results to active class/level	Moves results to active level and class after each calculation.
Custom name for the <None> level used for calculation results	Uses a custom level name for calculation results instead of the default.
Custom name for the <None> class used for calculation results	Uses a custom class name for calculation results instead of the default.
Disable warnings about supports without weight	Suppresses warnings about supports without self-weight.
Disable warnings about supports without connection	Suppresses warnings about supports without connection.
Create truss cross in active class	Creates truss crosses in the active class instead of a named class.
Create truss cross in active level	Creates truss crosses in the active level instead of a named level.
Create truss cross in named class	Sets the target class for automatically generated truss crosses.
Create truss cross in named level	Sets the target level for automatically generated truss crosses.

Renderer#

Setting	Description
Continuous rendering	Continuously redraws every frame in the 3D renderer. This helps with live updates but requires more GPU power.
Render ground as opaque	Shows the ground plane as an opaque surface instead of transparent.
Color structures	Colors connected structures together in the renderer.
Show magnets	Displays magnetic connection points in the 3D renderer.
Show orbit center	Shows the orbit center as a red cross.
Show grid	Displays the grid in the 3D renderer.
Show structure	Renders external structural geometry like trusses and pipes in the 3D view.
Show internal structure	Displays internal structural details like cross bracing.
3D or 2D view	Switches between 2D and 3D display.
Hidden line display	Shows only outlines instead of full surfaces.
Perspective camera view	Switches between perspective and orthogonal camera.
Show structural errors	Marks static errors directly in the renderer.
Show ground supports	Shows or hides ground support geometry in the renderer.
Show labels in 3D	Displays object labels in the 3D view.
Disable snapping	Disables snapping to magnet points and other objects.
Enable auto-insert distance	Automatically sets the insert distance to the size of selected objects.
Fixture beam display	Controls how beams, trusses, or pipes are displayed in the renderer.
Small grid spacing	Defines the spacing of inner grid lines.
Large grid spacing	Defines the spacing of outer grid lines.
Always render renderer views	Renders embedded 3D views even while editing print layouts.
Zoom to cursor	Moves the zoom center toward the cursor position when zooming.
Enable cutting plane	Activates the cutting plane for inspecting internal areas.
Cutting plane distance	Defines the front boundary of the visible cut area.
Cutting plane rotation	Sets the angle of the cutting plane.
Distance to cutting plane	Defines the rear boundary of the visible cut area.

Electrical#

Setting	Description
DMX patching mode	Defines how DMX addresses are assigned when patching fixtures.
Patch options only for local group	Considers auto patch and fill current only for devices in the same assembly group.
Auto-patch fill—leave percentage free	Reserves a percentage of power when using fill-current auto patch.
Auto-patch fill—leave wattage free	Reserves a fixed wattage when using fill-current auto patch.
Auto-patch 1:1—leave connection free	Leaves a defined number of outputs free when using 1:1 patch.
Auto-patch mode	Controls whether reserves are managed in percent or watts.
Patch tool order	Defines whether patching uses position on structure or position in the Scene Tree.
Automatically resolve patch conflicts	Checks DMX addresses for collisions and automatically moves to free addresses if needed.
Color L1	Sets the display color for L1.
Color L2	Sets the display color for L2.
Color L3	Sets the display color for L3.

Vectorworks Settings#

Setting	Description
Vectorworks load behavior	Defines how Production Assist reacts when starting Vectorworks or opening a file. Typical options: Prompt—a prompt appears on opening (Enable? Yes/No); Always—Production Assist is automatically enabled; Manual—Production Assist is not started automatically (user must enable manually). This setting controls whether changes in Vectorworks are automatically read and synchronized.
Load Vectorworks reference	Controls how external reference files are handled when opening. Typical options: Prompt—prompt to load references; Always—references are loaded automatically; Manual / Ignore—references are not loaded automatically. If references are loaded, Production Assist can use their geometry for model building and calculations; automatic loading of large references can increase load time and memory usage.
Disable Vectorworks patch integration	Turns off patch integration with Vectorworks: Production Assist no longer reads or writes channel, dimmer, or patch fields in Vectorworks objects. This prevents patch data (e.g., channel/dimmer) from being accidentally overwritten if maintained manually in Vectorworks or managed by other tools.
Disable data tag coloring	Disables automatic coloring of hoist data tags by workload. When enabled, data tags are no longer color-coded by workload—useful for uniform display or external color schemes.
Overwrite empty connections	Deletes pseudo-connections without a counterpart object.
Always generate calculation result	Defines whether Production Assist automatically generates all result objects (including influence lines) after each calculation, or if generation/display only follows the "Influence Lines" option. If disabled, results are only generated on manual request—recommended to improve performance for large models.
Show support results in weight	When printing hoist labels, values are shown in weight units (e.g., kg or lb) instead of force (kN). Useful when the weight to be lifted should be shown on labels instead of the resulting force.
Show hook force as load result	Shows the hook force (force at the hook, e.g., in kN) for hoist labels instead of roof/truss force. Helpful for selecting hoisting equipment and checking hook load.
Show chain shortening as hoist result	Shows the entered value of chain shortening on hoist labels (if not zero). Useful for documentation and control; display can be disabled if needed.
Insert errors in active class	Automatically places error objects in the currently active class. When enabled, newly created error objects are moved to the active class when created or when switching the active class.
Insert errors in class	Places error objects in a named (fixed) class. This setting is only effective if "Insert errors in active class" is disabled; otherwise, the active class option is preferred.
Insert errors in active layer	Automatically places error objects in the currently active layer. When enabled, newly created error objects are moved to the active layer when created or when switching layers.
Insert errors in layer	Places error objects in a named (fixed) layer. This setting is only effective if "Insert errors in active layer" is disabled; otherwise, the active layer option is preferred.
Synchronize position entry	Synchronizes the position field with Vectorworks. When enabled, position data from Vectorworks is transferred to the position field in Production Assist. If disabled, the position field remains unchanged and no automatic transfer occurs.

AutoCAD and BricsCAD Settings#

Setting	Description
Scaling	Sets the scaling factor for converting drawing units to internal millimeters. Production Assist works internally in millimeters. Example: If DWG units are meters, enter 1000 (1 m = 1000 mm). If DWG units are already millimeters, enter 1.
AutoCAD load behavior	Defines how Production Assist is started when opening an AutoCAD drawing. Typical options: Prompt—a prompt appears on opening (Enable? Yes/No); Always—Production Assist is automatically enabled; Manual—Production Assist is not started automatically (user must enable manually). This setting controls whether changes in the drawing are automatically read and static calculations performed.
AutoCAD text style name	Sets the text style for general text geometry in AutoCAD.
AutoCAD text style name for FEM model—bar	Sets the text style for bar labels in the structural model.
AutoCAD text style name for FEM model—line loads	Sets the text style for line load labels in the structural model.
AutoCAD text style name for FEM model—nodes	Sets the text style for node labels in the structural model.
AutoCAD text style name for FEM model—point loads	Sets the text style for point load labels in the structural model.
AutoCAD text style name for script labels	Sets the text style for script labels.
AutoCAD PDF export resolution	Sets the resolution (DPI) for exported PDFs and embedded raster images. Default is 72 DPI; higher values provide sharper exports but increase file size and render time.
Save LRWX file next to DWG	Automatically saves a .lrwx file next to the DWG when saving. Production Assist stores additional object and project metadata (e.g., properties, settings, and links) in this file—not in the DWG itself. The separate file reduces DWG size and ensures that additional information is persistently available next to the drawing.
Load XREFs	Reads external reference drawings (XREFs) and includes their geometry in static calculation. If disabled, external references are ignored and not included in calculation.
Align text to screen layer	Aligns generated text to the screen layer instead of the global layer. When enabled, all labels in the structural model are aligned to the screen layer—useful for screenshots and plot outputs, as text is always readable and correctly placed in the image.
Randomly color bars	Assigns random colors to FEM/truss bars instead of a uniform color. This makes individual bars easier to distinguish—helpful for checking, debugging, screenshots, and plotting.
Show load number in structural model	Displays load numbers in the structural model.
Show bar length in structural model	Displays bar lengths in the structural model.
Show load unit in structural model	Shows the unit next to load values.
Show support reaction unit in structural model	Shows the unit next to support forces.
Show bar length unit in structural model	Shows the unit next to bar lengths.
Show line and point load at same scale	Forces the same display scale for point and line loads.

Note on AutoCAD Text Styles#

Enter the name of a text style present in the DWG in the "AutoCAD text style name" fields. If the field is left blank, Production Assist uses a normal vector text style or the drawing's default text style instead, so labels are not missing.

Load Cell Integration#

Setting	Description
Unit system	Sets the unit in which BroadWeigh load cells deliver their measurements (e.g., kg or lb). Choose the unit that matches the configuration of the measuring hardware or host software. The application converts values internally as needed; ensure that evaluation, display, and print modules expect the same unit to avoid confusion.

2. Project#

In the Project section, you enter the master data for the current drawing. This information is used in reports, PDFs, metadata, and project overviews.

General Information#

Field	Meaning
Project Name	Name of the project. This value appears in reports, overviews, and exports.
Project Description	Free text for describing the project or construction.
Company	Company or client for the project.
Project Manager	Person responsible for project coordination.
User responsible for structural calculation	Person responsible for structural calculation.
Legal Notice	Legal notice or text to be output in documents.
Due Date	General due date of the project.
Construction Date	Planned or actual setup date.
Event Date	Event date.
Dismantle Date	Planned or actual teardown date.

Location Information#

Field	Meaning
Venue	Name of the venue or event location.
Street	Street of the venue.
Number	House or building number.
Postal Code	Postal code of the venue.
City	City of the venue.
Country	Country of the venue.

3. Printing#

In the Printing section, you define how reports, worksheets, and PDF outputs are formatted. This includes paper sizes, margins, text styles, and table layouts.

Presets#

At the top of the Printing section, you work with print presets:

Element	Meaning
Preset selection	Selects the currently edited print format.
Provided / Default / User presets	Indicates whether it is a bundled, default, or user-defined preset.
Update preset	Overwrites the currently selected preset with the current values.
Create preset	Creates a new preset from the current values.
Set as default	Sets the selected preset as the default for new projects.

Margin Settings#

Field	Meaning
Margin Left	Left margin for printed reports and PDF output.
Margin Right	Right margin for printed reports and PDF output.
Margin Top	Top margin for printed reports and PDF output.
Margin Bottom	Bottom margin for printed reports and PDF output.
Height	Paper height for reports and PDF output.
Width	Paper width for reports and PDF output.
Page Number Offset X	Horizontal offset of the page number.
Page Number Offset Y	Vertical offset of the page number.
Choose paper template to copy dimensions from	Copies page dimensions and margins from an existing paper template.
Rotate	Swaps width and height and rotates the paper format.

Format Definition#

In Format Definition, you define the typography of reports. Each tab represents its own text style.

Tab	Meaning
H1	Style for first-level headings.
H2	Style for second-level headings.
H3	Style for third-level headings.
H4	Style for fourth-level headings.
Text	Style for normal body text.
Footer Text	Style for footer text.
Cell Header	Style for table header cells.
Table of Content H1 to H4	Style for table of contents entries by hierarchy level.

The following fields are available for each style:

Field	Meaning
Font Name	Sets the font family.
Font Size	Sets the font size.
Text Color	Sets the text color.
Space Before	Space before the text block or paragraph.
Space After	Space after the text block or paragraph.
U / B / I	Enables underline, bold, or italic for the selected style.

Table Definition#

In Table Definition, you define the appearance of tables in reports.

Element	Meaning
Custom settings for outer table borders	If enabled, the outer border of the table is rendered with custom settings.
Alternate cell coloring	If enabled, every second row gets its own cell style.
Table outline	Style for the outer table border.
Headers	Style for table header cells.
Group headers	Style for grouped headers over multiple columns.
Cells	Standard style for data cells.
Interleaving cells	Style for alternating data rows.
Line style	Defines the line style of the border.
Line color	Defines the line color of the border.
Line width	Defines the line thickness.
Padding	Defines the inner spacing between content and border.
Cell Color	Defines the background color of a cell.
Copy from previous side	Copies border settings from the previously edited side.
Apply to all sides	Applies the current border settings to all sides.
Top / Left / Right / Bottom / Content	Selects which border or content area is currently being edited.

4. Structural Lines#

In the Structural Lines section, you define which CAD layers or classes are treated as structure, support, or loads in static calculation.

This powerful feature allows you to automatically link symbols, blocks, and components with static properties: By simply placing lines and points on layers, supports, structural elements, and loads are automatically recognized, assigned, and calculated later. This way, you can define complex 3D components and analyze their behavior under load using simple drawing tools.

Structure Layers#

Here you define which lines, edges, or other geometry on a layer or in a class are considered load-bearing structural elements. In practice: if you draw lines/geometry on the layer, they are automatically recognized as structure (connections, truss elements, etc.)—allowing you to quickly create complex assemblies.

Important rules and options:

• Default cross-section: Normally, each layer is assigned a default cross-section (Layer Cross Section). This is used for all elements on the layer.
• Color override / color map: You can override the cross-section per object, e.g., via a layer color map. If the small color palette icon next to the layer is active, it means the layer color controls the cross-section (or there is a color map for cross-section assignment). This allows you to derive the cross-section from layer name and color or vary it per object.
• Use from geometry: If you enable this option, the system takes the cross-section directly from the object geometry (if available) instead of from the layer assignment.
• Internal structure: With Use as internal Structure, you mark elements as internal structure. These elements can be displayed more subtly in visualization or excluded/treated differently in certain calculation routines.

Field	Meaning
Layer / Class Name	Name of the CAD layer or class.
Layer Cross Section	Cross-section assigned by default to all structural elements on this layer.
Layer Color Map / Color Override	Indicates whether cross-sections can be overridden by layer color or a color map. An active color palette icon signals this option.
Use from Geometry	If enabled, the cross-section is taken from the object geometry (if available).
Use as internal Structure	Marks elements as internal structure (can affect display/behavior in calculation).
Delete	Removes the layer assignment.
Add Layer / Class	Adds another layer or class assignment.

Support Layers#

Here you define which layers or classes are interpreted as supports and how they are handled in calculation. Key points:

• Support types: A support can be defined as Ground Support Attachment (ground/anchor point) or as Rope. The Support Type determines behavior and rules used.
• Points vs. lines: For ground supports, you must place points/point objects on the layer; these are adopted as individual supports. For ropes, both lines and points can be used—if you only draw points, a rope set with 15 m length is used by default when creating a rope; lines are used as rope geometry.
• Cross-section: With Layer Cross Section, you set the cross-section (e.g., rope profile) used for ropes or support objects.
• Stiffnesses: Resistance X / Y / Z and Resistance XX / YY / ZZ define translational and rotational stiffnesses of supports in each axis. Rotational stiffnesses typically apply only to ground support types.
• Uplift: Allow Uplift Forces determines whether the support can also take tensile forces. Uplift Value sets a maximum allowable value, above which the support may lose its properties or be considered lifted.

Field	Meaning
Layer / Class Name	Name of the CAD layer or class.
Layer Cross Section	Cross-section used for ropes or support objects on this layer (e.g., rope profile).
Support Type	Defines whether the layer is treated as Ground Support Attachment (points/anchors) or as Rope.
Use as Line Support	If enabled, lines on the layer are interpreted as rope/line support (as far as supported by the support type).
Resistance X / Y / Z	Translational stiffnesses; define how much the support restricts translations in each axis.
Resistance XX / YY / ZZ	Rotational stiffnesses; define behavior against rotations (often only relevant for ground support).
Allow Uplift Forces	Allows tensile forces at the support (e.g., if the support also acts as a hook/anchor).
Uplift Value	Maximum allowable value for upward forces, above which the support is considered overloaded/lifted.
Delete	Removes the support assignment for this layer.
Add Layer / Class	Adds another support assignment.

Load Layers#

Here you define how objects on a layer or in a class are interpreted as loads. You can choose one of the following options per layer. If no option is enabled, lines on the layer are read as line loads by default.

Field	Meaning
Layer / Class Name	Name of the CAD layer or class.
Use as Area Load	Closed polygons/areas on this layer are evaluated as area loads (e.g., surface load or pressure).
Use as Free Line Load	All lines on this layer are interpreted as free line loads (lines directly carry the load). This option treats lines as independent load carriers without special intersection rules.
Use as Wind Load	Polygons on this layer are evaluated as wind surfaces and handled according to wind load logic (similar to area load, with wind-relevant parameters).
Use as Point Force	Individual points or point objects on this layer are adopted as point forces. You must place appropriate point objects in your CAD/host application.
Delete	Removes the load assignment for this layer.
Add Layer / Class	Adds another load assignment.

5. Electrical#

In the Electrical section, you define the default connectors that are preset when creating new devices or connections.

Field	Meaning
Power Connectors	Defines the default power connector for new electrical devices.
Data Connectors	Defines the default data connector for new devices or network connections.

Further basics of electrical planning can be found in the chapter Electrical Planning.

6. Bridle#

In the Bridle section, you define standard parts and presets for new bridle configurations.

Presets#

Element	Meaning
Saved Bridle Parts Use Preset	Selects a saved preset. A preset stores the currently visible settings (e.g., default bridle set, Use, Preferred Basket Part, Name) and can be automatically applied when creating new bridles.
Update Preset	Updates the selected preset with the currently visible settings so later bridles adopt these values.
Create Preset	Saves the current settings as a new user-defined preset, so you don't have to set checkboxes and parts every time.
Delete Preset	Removes the currently selected user-defined preset. Bundled (system) presets are usually excluded from this.

Default Bridle Sets#

Field	Meaning
Default Bridle Sets	Specifies the default bridle set used when creating new bridles. The entry shows the set name (symbol); when creating new bridles, the parts and settings defined in this set are automatically adopted.
Use	Enables or disables whether this part is used in the default set. If enabled, the part is automatically added to the set when creating new bridles.
Preferred Basket Part	Sets the preferred basket/sling part. When creating a new bridle, the engine first tries to use this part with a suitable length for the basket. If the chosen length is unavailable or too short, the engine automatically uses the next larger suitable part.
Name	Shows the name of the part or symbol; used for selection and identification of the geometry element.

Further basics of bridle calculations and structural checks can be found in the chapter Static Calculation.