Optimizing Tekla Structures Performance System Guide 210 Enu

User Manual:

Open the PDF directly: View PDF .
Page Count: 98

Download
Open PDF In Browser	View PDF

Tekla Structures
System Guide

Product version 21.0
March 2015

Contents

Optimizing Tekla Structures performance...................................................... 5

1.1
1.2
1.3

System memory......................................................................................................................... 5
Graphics card.............................................................................................................................6
Modeling tips for large models............................................................................................... 6

Tekla Open API...................................................................................................8

Files and folders.................................................................................................9

3.1

Initialization files....................................................................................................................10
Typical initialization files and their reading order................................................................................................. 10
Global default environment settings - env_global_default.ini.......................................................................... 14
Local environment settings - env_.ini..........................................................................................14
Role settings - role_.ini.....................................................................................................................................14
Modifying the user.ini file ...........................................................................................................................................15
Creating customized initialization files and startup shortcuts.......................................................................... 16
Initialization files included in customized initialization files............................................................................. 18

3.2

Files storing options and advanced options.........................................................................18
Settings in the Options dialog box............................................................................................................................. 19
Settings defined by advanced options.......................................................................................................................32
List of user-specific advanced options...................................................................................................................... 33
Changing advanced option settings .........................................................................................................................38

3.3

Input files................................................................................................................................ 39
Customizing user-defined attributes......................................................................................................................... 39
The environment database file.....................................................................................................................................40
Updating definitions of user-defined attributes in a model............................................................................... 41
Objects.inp properties.....................................................................................................................................................41
User-defined attributes affecting numbering......................................................................................................... 43
Example: Creating and updating a user-defined attribute..................................................................................43
Showing plates as flat bars in drawings and reports............................................................................................ 46
Defining flat bar sizes with Fltprops.inp................................................................................................................... 47
Defining unfolding parameters.................................................................................................................................... 47
Unfolding parameter properties.................................................................................................................................. 48

3.4
3.5

Data files................................................................................................................................. 49
Message files...........................................................................................................................50
Customizing message files............................................................................................................................................ 50
Example: Modifying a message file............................................................................................................................ 51

3.6

Standard files..........................................................................................................................51
List of standard files saved with Save defaults command...................................................................................52

3.7
3.8
3.9

Properties files........................................................................................................................ 52
Catalog files............................................................................................................................ 53
Font files..................................................................................................................................54

3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13

Symbol files............................................................................................................................. 55
Files related to templates, reports and drawings................................................................55
Image files............................................................................................................................... 56
Log files................................................................................................................................... 57
Viewing a log file............................................................................................................................................................. 58
Viewing parts listed in a log file..................................................................................................................................59
The numbering.history log file..................................................................................................................................... 59
Numbering series in the numbering.history log file.............................................................................................. 61

3.14
3.15
3.16
3.17
3.18
3.19
3.20

Model folder files and file name extensions....................................................................... 62
Checking and changing Tekla Structures file and folder locations (Directory
Browser)...................................................................................................................................83
Folder search order.................................................................................................................84
Project and firm folders.........................................................................................................86
Location of environment files............................................................................................... 87
Location of certain files in hidden folders...........................................................................87
Macros..................................................................................................................................... 89
Recording, editing and running macros.................................................................................................................... 89
Adding a customized toolbar button for a macro.................................................................................................. 90

Model dump..................................................................................................... 91

4.1
4.2

Exporting a model dump........................................................................................................91
Importing a model dump........................................................................................................92

Disclaimer.........................................................................................................93

Optimizing Tekla Structures
performance

To optimize Tekla Structures performance, you should consider the following items especially
when you are handling large and complex models:
•

your hardware setup

•

Speed and Accuracy settings in the Advanced Options dialog box.

•

modeling practices.

For more detailed information on hardware setup, see hardware recommendations in Tekla
User Assistance Support Articles: Hardware recommendations
See also the Hardware and operating system topics on the Tekla Discussion Forum.
See also System memory on page 5
Graphics card on page 5
Modeling tips for large models on page 6

1.1 System memory
Large models consume more memory. As a 64-bit system is able to utilize more memory than
a 32-bit system, 64-bit Tekla Structures on a 64-bit operating system is recommended.
See also Optimizing Tekla Structures performance on page 5

Optimizing Tekla Structures performance

System memory

1.2 Graphics card
Rendering in Tekla Structures uses OpenGL technology, so graphics cards with good hardware
support for OpenGL give the best performance. Up-to-date display drivers are very important
so you should regularly check that you have the latest driver installed.
If you suspect that your graphics card is causing problems with displaying objects, set the
XS_USE_SOFTWARE_RENDERING advanced option to TRUE. This may solve the display
problems but may reduce performance.
You can test your graphics card performance with Steelmark, an application developed by
Tekla. Steelmark tests how fast your computer handles graphical information typically used in
Tekla Structures. You can download Steelmark on the Tekla Extranet.
See also XS_USE_SOFTWARE_RENDERING
Optimizing Tekla Structures performance on page 5
Tekla Structures graphics hardware test

1.3 Modeling tips for large models
Consider the following modeling tips when you handle large models:
Modeling item
Coordinate system

Work area and visibility

Views
Round objects

Hollow core profiles

Tips
•

Do not place the model far away from the origin. More calculations
are required when coordinates are big.

•

Mark global coordinates as labels instead of actually using them
during modeling.

•

If you need to use building site coordinates, drop the first digits if
they are always the same. For example, instead of coordinate 758
375 6800, use 375 6800.

•

Keep the work area as small as possible.

•

Show only the required parts in views.

•

Use view filters to control the visibility of parts.

•

Close unnecessary views.

•

Close all views when you save large models.

•

Create holes with the Create bolts command instead of using part
cuts with round beams.

•

Use studs to model small straight round objects instead of small
round beams.

•

Model lifting hooks and other embeds with reinforcement bars
instead of round polybeams.

•

Use simple fixed (non-parametric) profiles.

Optimizing Tekla Structures performance

Modeling tips for large models

Modeling item
•

Tips
Use chamfers for curved corners.

Custom components

•

Do not create overly complex custom components. When used in
great numbers they consume a lot of memory.

Numbering

•

Do not number the whole model in one go. Numbering all objects
in large models may take a considerable amount of time.

Model database

•

If your model file is getting large, repairing the model database can
help to reduce the file size considerably and therefore help with
memory problems.

Firm and Project
folders

•

Save Firm and Project folders locally on the hard drive of your
computer instead of a network drive. This saves time if network
speed is slow.
When working in the multi-user mode, ensure that the folders are
synchronized on all users’ hard drives so that important data is not
lost or changed.

See also

Optimizing Tekla Structures performance

Modeling tips for large models

Tekla Open API

Tekla Open API is a specialized Application Programming Interface (API) developed by Tekla
that enables you to develop applications and additional functionality on the Tekla modeling
platform and integrate it into your own environment. Tekla Open API is implemented using
Microsoft .NET technology.
Applications that are developed with Tekla Open API to work in conjunction with Tekla
Structures are called extensions.
With Tekla Open API you can:
•

Record and run user interface actions
By recording and running user interface actions you can automate routine tasks, such as
creating daily reports.

•

Create automation tools
You can create automation tools for frequently needed objects. With automation tools
you can, for example, create basic structures or add typical details to drawings.

•

Integrate Tekla Structures to other software
You can utilize the Tekla Open API and .NET in transferring information between Tekla
Structures and other software, such as Analysis & Design software.

•

Create new functionality
With Tekla Open API, you can create tools that add new functionality to Tekla Structures.

For more information on Tekla Open API and extensions, see:
•

TeklaOpenAPI_Reference.chm help in the ..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\\help\enu folder

•

.NET startup package in Tekla Downloads product download service.

•

Extensions in Tekla Warehouse.

•

Extensions in Tekla User Assistance.

Tekla Open API

Modeling tips for large models

Files and folders

This section explains where Tekla Structures stores information. It describes the file types
Tekla Structures contains, where they are located, and how they should be used.
Tekla Structures contains a large amount of files that affect the way the software works. It is
important to know which file controls which functionality, and also which files we do not
recommend that you touch.
The initialization file reading order is also very important. You need to know the order in
which the files are read when you open Tekla Structures, so that you do not do unnecessary
modifications in the files.
See also Initialization files on page 10
Input files on page 38
Files storing options and advanced options on page 18
Data files on page 49
Message files on page 50
Standard files on page 51
Properties files on page 52
Catalog files on page 53
Font files on page 54
Symbol files on page 55
Files related to templates, reports and drawings on page 55
Image files on page 56
Log files on page 57
Model folder files and file name extensions on page 62
Checking and changing Tekla Structures file and folder locations (Directory Browser) on page
82
Folder search order on page 84
Project and firm folders on page 86

Files and folders

Modeling tips for large models

Location of environment files on page 87
Location of certain files in hidden folders on page 87
Macros on page 88

3.1 Initialization files
Initialization files are used for defining Tekla Structures start-up parameters and default
settings. They contain advanced options that are used for configuring Tekla Structures for
different standards, and for your or your company’s style of working.
Tekla Structures automatically creates the necessary initialization files during installation.The
number of initialization files it creates depends on how many country-specific environments
you choose to install.
See also Advanced Options Reference Guide

Typical initialization files and their reading order
Below is a list of all the typical initialization files that are read when Tekla Structures is
started. The numbers indicate their reading order at startup. If there are conflicting settings,
the ones read later override the ones read earlier.
Changing an advanced option value in .ini files located outside the model
folder does not affect the existing models. You can only update advanced options
in the Advanced Options dialog box or in the options.ini file located in
model folder; not from an options.ini file located in folders defined for the
advanced options XS_FIRM or XS_PROJECT. The .ini files are read also
when you open an existing model, but only new advanced options that do not
exist in options_model.db or options_drawings.db are inserted, for
example, such options that are not yet in the Advanced Options dialog box but
have been added in the software.

To check the files that have been read and their reading order, go to Tools -->
Display Log File --> Session History .

Files and folders

Initialization files

File and reading order
1. fonts_.ini

Description
This file is optional, and it is only needed for languages using
special characters. One example is the fonts_jpn.ini file
for the Japanese language.
This file is read from Tekla Structures\
\nt\bin\ if it is available. It is installed to the ..\nt\bin
folder when Tekla Structures is installed.
NOTE: Do not change these settings.

2.
teklastructures.ini

The file teklastructures.ini starts Tekla Structures. It is
read from ..\Program Files\Tekla Structures
\\nt\bin\.
This file contains basic system settings, such as the location of
software and environment files. This file is installed to the ..
\nt\bin folder when Tekla Structures is installed. It is always
read at Tekla Structures startup.
NOTE: Do not change these settings.

3. lang_.ini

This file contains the language settings. It is read from ..
\Program Files\Tekla Structures\
\nt\bin\.
This file is installed to the ..\nt\bin folder when Tekla
Structures is installed.
Which lang_.ini files exist in the ..\nt\bin
folder depends on which languages you have selected to install
during the software installation.
The language that is read depends on the language you have
selected in Tools --> Select Language in the previous Tekla
Structures session.
NOTE: Do not change these settings.

4.
This file is used as a default for all environments and contains
env_global_default.i the global settings. The settings in the
ni
env_global_default.ini provide the basics for all
environment settings globally. The settings in this file can be
localized and specified differently in an environment-specific
initialization file that is read later than this file.
This file is always read at Tekla Structures startup from ..
\ProgramData\Tekla Structures\
\environments\common\ and is installed there from the
common environment installation package.
NOTE: Do not change these settings.

Files and folders

Initialization files

File and reading order

Description

5.
The env_.ini files contain all the
env_.in advanced options that have environment-specific settings. They
i
are read from ..\ProgramData\Tekla Structures
\\environments\\.
The env_.ini files that exist on your
computer depends on which environment packages you have
installed. Which env_.ini file is read
depends on the environment that you select in the Tekla
Structures the startup dialog box.
For example, this file defines that the US imperial environment
uses imperial units, shows the fractions correctly, and
understands input as imperial. In metric environments metric
units are used.
NOTE: Do not change these settings.
6. role_.ini

The role_.ini files contain all the advanced
options that have typical role-specific settings. They are read
from ..\ProgramData\Tekla Structures
\\environments\\.
The available roles depend on the environments you have
installed.
You can select the role in the Tekla Structures the startup dialog
box.
NOTE: Do not change these settings.

7. All .ini files defined in
Usually none.
shortcut/command line with i .ini
8. company.ini

The company.ini file is useful especially for big companies
that want to unify certain enterprise-level settings. This file is
read from a folder specified with the advanced option
XS_COMPANY_SETTINGS_DIRECTORY. This file is read
only if the advanced option
XS_COMPANY_SETTINGS_DIRECTORY is set.
This file is created by the system administrator when necessary,
it is not created by the installation.

9. user.ini

The user.ini file is where you can save your personal user
settings.
This file is located in the same location as the user-specific
options.bin file, for example, C:\Users\
\AppData\Local\Tekla Structures\
\UserSettings.

Files and folders

Initialization files

File and reading order

Description
The user.ini is created in the above mentioned location
when you start Tekla Structures for the first time and create and
save a model using the current version. It is read when you start
Tekla Structures.
The changes you make in the advanced options in the Advanced
Options dialog box override the settings in all other initialization
files, if the advanced option exists in both locations.
If user.ini has system options they are read always when
Tekla Structures is opened.
If user.ini has model-specific options they are used when
new model is created.
If user.ini has user-specific options they are used when
Tekla Structures is used for the first time.

10. options.ini in system The folder is specified with the advanced option XS_SYSTEM.
folder
11. options.ini, firmspecific, if any exits
12. options.ini, projectspecific, if any exist

The option.ini files containing firm- or project-specific
model settings are saved in and read from user-defined locations
specified with the advanced options XS_FIRM and
XS_PROJECT. They work in the specified way for the firm in
question, or for the specified project if the model has been set
up to read settings from these locations, and if the user has
manually moved the options.ini file to these locations. An
options.ini is created in the firm or project folder when
you copy or move it there.
Updating of model-specific and user-specific advanced options
can only be done from the Advanced Options dialog box or
options.ini located in model folder, not from the firm- or
project-specific options.ini files.
The options.ini in the firm or project folder is read when
you start Tekla Structures or open the model.

13. options.ini, modelspecific
See also

The options.ini in the model folder.

Settings defined by advanced options on page 32
Creating customized initialization files and startup shortcuts on page 16

Files and folders

Initialization files

Global default environment settings - env_global_default.ini
Do not modify the env_global_default.ini file. If you need to modify
some environment settings, copy the needed advanced options from this file to
your user.ini file and modify the settings there, or modify the settings in the
Advanced Options dialog box.
This file defines the global defaults for advanced options. Please see the environment settings
file env_.ini and the role settings file role_.ini files for advanced options that are set according to your local standards. The
local files override the advanced options set in env_global_default.ini.
If the advanced option in the file is preceded by "rem", the software defaults are used and
shown as the value. The outdated advanced options are listed at the end of the file.
See also Typical initialization files and their reading order on page 10

Local environment settings - env_.ini
Do not modify the env_.ini file. If you need to modify
some settings, copy the needed advanced options from this file to your
user.ini file and modify the settings there, or modify the settings in the
Advanced Options dialog box.
This file contains advanced options that are set according to local standards and are different
from the global defaults. The Global default environment settings file
env_global_defaults.ini contains a complete listing of advanced options. The
local files override the advanced options set in env_global_default.ini .
See also

Typical initialization files and their reading order on page 10

Role settings - role_.ini
Do not modify the role_.ini file. If you need to modify some
settings, copy the needed advanced options from this file to your user.ini file

Files and folders

Initialization files

and modify the settings there, or modify the settings in the Advanced Options
dialog box.
This file contains advanced options that are set according to typical role requirements in your
local area. These settings are different from your environment settings in
env_.ini. The global default environment settings file
env_global_defaults.ini contains a complete listing of advanced options. The
advanced option settings in role_.ini override the ones in
env_.ini
See also

Typical initialization files and their reading order on page 10

Modifying the user.ini file
We recommend that you add in the user.ini file only system-specific
advanced options. You can also add model-specific advanced options, but these
settings only affect new models that you create. Putting user-specific advanced
options in user.ini may not work as desired as options.bin is loaded
after user.ini and may override the value.
To add an advanced option in the user.ini file:
1. Right-click the user.ini file in Windows Explorer and click Open with.... Select a
standard text editor from the list of available programs.
2. On a new line, enter set, then a space, then the name of the advanced option followed
by an equal sign, and then the value in a single line.
Tekla Structures only reads lines in the initialization file that start with set.
3. Save user.ini.
4. Restart Tekla Structures for the changes to take effect.
Possible values
TRUE

Example
set XS_DISABLE_WELD_PREP_SOLID=TRUE

FALSE

set
XS_UNDERLINE_AFTER_POSITION_NUMBER_IN_HARDSTA
MP=FALSE

set XS_SINGLE_CLOSE_DIMENSIONS=1

set XS_SINGLE_USE_WORKING_POINTS=0

string value

set
XS_USER_DEFINED_BOLT_SYMBOL_TABLE=bolt_symbol
_table.txt

Files and folders

Initialization files

Possible values
switches

Example
set
XS_ASSEMBLY_FAMILY_POSITION_NUMBER_FORMAT_STR
ING=%%TPL:PROJECT.NUMBER%%
Use two switches.

When you are moving to a new version of Tekla Structures, you can use the
Migration Wizard to automatically copy your user.ini file to the new version.
The Migration Wizard appears once you start Tekla Structures for the first time
after installation. For more information on the Migration Wizard, see the Tekla
Structures installation guide.

See also Location of certain files in hidden folders on page 87
Typical initialization files and their reading order on page 10

Creating customized initialization files and startup shortcuts
You can use shortcuts for starting teklastructures.exe with initializations that you
have customized, for example, for certain customers or projects. The Tekla Structures
installation automatically creates shortcuts for the selected environments.
We recommend that only administrators create the customizations and the necessary
shortcuts. Otherwise, your settings may differ from the settings defined for your firm, or for
the particular project you are working for.
To create a customized initialization file and a project-specific shortcut:
1. Open the user.ini file using any standard text editor.
2. Save the file with a new name, for example, customer.ini or project.ini.
3. Modify the file by adding the required settings.
4. Save the modified initialization file.
5. Open the Windows Start menu, select All Programs --> Tekla Structures
and right-click Tekla Structures .
6. Select Copy from the pop-up menu.
7. Paste the shortcut to your desktop.
8. Select the shortcut and right-click.
9. Select Properties... from the pop-up menu.

Files and folders

Initialization files

10. Modify the Target of the shortcut by adding the required project initialization
information to it.
First enter the path to the current teklastructures.exe, then the desired
parameters. In the following example, the name of the customized initialization file is
project1.ini.

You can use the following parameters in shortcuts:
•

-i : The initialization file to be read during startup
after the .ini file, for example, -i \\MyServer\MyProject
\Project1.ini. You can repeat this parameter as many times as you need, and
this way enter as many initialization files you need.

•

: Full path to the model to be opened automatically,
for example, "C:\TeklaStructuresModels\New model 1".

Files and folders

Initialization files

The settings in user.ini and option.ini files override the settings defined in the
shortcuts using the parameter -i
The maximum length of a shortcut is 256 characters. If you have problems with the length,
you can call all other necessary initialization files from your customized initialization file
instead of adding them to the shortcut.
See also Initialization files included in customized initialization files on page 18
Typical initialization files and their reading order on page 10

Initialization files included in customized initialization files
Initialization files can include or call other initialization files. You can use this functionality
to create shortcuts for different purposes, for example, to have customized setup files
depending on the client you are working for in a project such as fabricators.
Below is an example of a customized project initialization file that calls other initialization
files.
MyProject.ini

The project shortcut for MyProject:
C:\Program
Files\Tekla Structures\19.0\nt\bin\TeklaStructures.exe -i \\MyServer
\MyProject\MyProject.ini \\MyServer\MyProject\MyModel\MyModel.db1

See also Creating customized initialization files and startup shortcuts on page 16

3.2 Files storing options and advanced options
When a new model is created, Tekla Structures reads model-specific option and advanced
option values from the standard.opt file, and from the .ini files in a certain reading
order, and creates the databases options_model.db and options_drawings.db,
and the options.ini file under the model folder.
When you change a model-specific option or advanced option and press OK or Apply in the
Options or Advanced Options dialog box, the settings are taken into use (otherwise you will

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

get a warning message). The updated model-specific option or advanced option settings are
saved in options_model.db and options_drawings.db under model folder when
the model is saved. In addition, there are also some special model-specific advanced options
that can be updated from the options.ini file located in the model folder, for example,
new advanced options that are not yet in the Advanced Options dialog box.
When you change a user-specific option or advanced option, and press OK or Apply in the
Options or Advanced Options dialog box, the settings are saved in options.bin in ..
\Users\\AppData\Local\Tekla Structures\
\UserSettings.
You can change model-specific advanced options only in the Advanced Options dialog box
or in the options.ini file that is located in model folder.
You can change user-specific advanced options only in the Advanced Options dialog box.
You can change model- and_user-specific options only in the Options dialog box manually or
by loading standard.opt file values in the dialog box.
You can save your own settings in the Options dialog by using the Save button. Then the
standard.opt file is saved in the \attributes folder under the model folder.
You can create a complete list of advanced options in a text file by clicking Write
to file in the Advanced Options dialog box. The list shows the name of the
advanced option, current value and type.

Changing an advanced option value in .ini files located outside the model
folder does not affect the existing models. You can only update advanced options
in the Advanced Options dialog box or in the options.ini file located in
model folder; not from an options.ini file located in folders defined for the
advanced options XS_FIRM or XS_PROJECT. The .ini files are read also
when you open an existing model, but only new advanced options that do not
exist in options_model.db or options_drawings.db are inserted, for
example, such options that are not yet in the Advanced Options dialog box but
have been added in the software.
See also Settings in the Options dialog box on page 19
Settings defined by advanced options on page 32

Settings in the Options dialog box
The Options dialog box (Tools > Options > Options...) contains the current values for a
number of Tekla Structures settings.
Check the settings before you start modeling and change them, if necessary.

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

The model-specific settings in this dialog box are saved in the options_model.db and
options_drawings.db databases in the model folder, and the user-specific settings in
options.bin in your local folder.
You can also save your own settings by using the Save button. Then the standard.opt
file is saved in the \attributes folder under model folder. You may want to copy this file
to your firm folder. When you create a model, the standard.opt is read from the firm
folder.
The options in the Options dialog box are described below.
Clash check page Settings on this page are model-specific.
Option

Description

Clash check between bolt and Defines whether the model is checked for clashes that occur
bolted part
between bolts and the related bolted parts.
If you select Yes, Tekla Structures will check the bolts against the
real geometry of the bolted part profiles including roundings, and
using the real bolt dimensions.
Defines the clash check clearance area for bolts.
If you do not enter a value, Tekla Structures uses the default
value 1.00.
If you clear the check boxes, the clearance will be zero.

Defines the minimum clearance or the allowed overlap for
reinforcing bars when they are checked against other reinforcing
bars.
To allow reinforcing bars to overlap, enter a negative value.
If you clear the check box, the clearance will be zero.
Defines the reinforcing bar cover thickness.
Tekla Structures checks the cover thickness against the part that
the reinforcing bar belongs to. Tekla Structures only checks the
distance from bar side to part surface. Tekla Structures does not
check the distance from bar end to part surface. If the bar
penetrates a part surface, a clash is reported, even if the bar is
completely inside a cast unit or pour.
If you clear the check box, Tekla Structures will not check the
cover thickness.
Components Tekla Structures uses the information on the Components tab when it creates parts using
page components.
Component properties defined in component dialog boxes override these settings. Tekla
Structures only uses these settings if the corresponding boxes in the component dialog boxes
are empty.

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

If you change settings here, Tekla Structures only applies the new settings to components
you subsequently create. Components you created prior to changing the preferences are not
affected.
Settings on this page are model-specific.
Option
Profile names

Description
Defines parametric profile prefixes for plates. It is important that
profile names are set up correctly so that you can use filters and
wizards effectively.
Profile names must exist in the profile catalog. If you want to
use a parametric profile that does not have a name in the
catalog, first add it to the Profile Catalog, then enter it here.
Tekla Structures uses the Folded plate prefix when you use the
folded plates in components.

Bolts

In components, Tekla Structures uses Factor of bolt edge
distance and Compare edge distance to to check that the bolts
it creates are not too close to the edge of a part, and warns you
if they are. Check that Factor of bolt edge distance is set
according to the standard you are using. The default edge
distance setting depends on your environment.
Compare edge distance defines whether the edge distance
checks are based on bolt or hole diameter.
To define the default bolt properties to use in connections, select
a Bolt standard and Bolt size.

Parts

Part material defines the default part material grade.
Part start numbers defines start numbers for parts that are
Welded to primary and Welded to secondary, Loose parts, and
Assembly loose parts.
Cross-check these settings against the numbering series you
define to make sure they do not overlap. If they overlap, Tekla
Structures may create two non-identical parts with the same
part number. This generates an error in the log file
numbering.history.

Drawing Settings on this page are model-specific.
dimensions page
Option
Exaggeration

Description

This setting defines the default values for Exaggeration limit
and Exaggeration scaling.
When you enable the exaggeration of the dimensions, a drawing
dimension that is narrower than the defined limit is expanded.
Exaggeration limit defines the default value for this limit.
Exaggeration scaling defines whether you are using Paper or
Model as the exaggeration scaling method:

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

Option
•
•

Absolute dimensions

Description
If you select Paper, the exaggeration limit is multiplied by
the view scale.
If you select Model, and the scale is 1:10, all the dimensions
smaller than 10 mm are exaggerated regardless of the
drawing scale.

Show zero in absolute dimensions --> Yes shows zero at the
zero points in absolute dimensions.
Draw absolute dimension values parallel to dimension line -> Yes shows dimensions parallel to dimension lines in absolute
dimensions.

Dimensions in tags

Units, Format and Precision define the default unit, format and
precision used in dimension tags.
Show dimension in middle tag of automatic dimension
defines whether you want to create dual dimension tags in
assembly, single-part, cast unit, or general arrangement
drawings.
When Tekla Structures creates the drawing, it adds the lower
dimension tag in the selected unit, format and precision.

Add mark to reinforcement

Dimension Marks settings and Tagged Dimension Mark
settings define the predefined property files used for dimension
marks and tagged dimension marks files.

Dimension line

Dimension line extension length for line arrow defines the
length of the line extension for dimensions that have line
arrows.
Line extensions are not applied to dimensions that have different
arrows from line arrows, and certain knock-off dimension types.

Drawing objects Settings on this page are model-specific.
page
Option
Edge chamfer

Description

Line color defines the default line color of the edge chamfers in
drawings.
Line type defines the default line type of the edge chamfers in
drawings.
These values are overridden by the values set in the Edge
Chamfer Properties dialog box.

General page On this page, Autosave settings are user-specific. All other settings are model-specific.

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

Option
Hidden lines

Description
No dotted defines that hidden lines are not dotted.
Other parts dotted defines that hidden lines in other parts are
dotted.
All parts dotted defines that hidden lines in all parts are dotted.
Solid bolts defines that the bolts are shown as solid objects.
No solid bolts defines that bolts are not shown as solid objects.

Autosave

Autosave interval: Autosave after every xx modeling or
editing commands defines how often Tekla Structures
automatically saves a model and a drawing.
This number represents the number of commands you have
given. For example, if you create many objects without
interrupting (Esc or Edit --> Interrupt) , it counts as one
command.
Autosave after creating every xx drawings defines the number
of drawings after which Tekla Structures automatically saves
your work.

Default adaptivity

Off means that adaptivity is not defined.
Relative defines that handles retain their relative distances to
the nearest part faces in relation to the part’s overall size.
Fixed defines that handles retain their absolute distances to the
nearest part faces.
You can also modify the adaptivity settings for each part
separately. These modifications override the default settings in
the Options dialog box.

Load modeling Use the settings on the tabs of this page to define the building code and safety factors Tekla
page Structures uses in load combination.
Settings on this page are model-specific.
Mouse settings Settings on this page are user-specific.
page
Option
Display snap symbols

Description

Hides or shows the snap symbols.

Activate snap grid when free Activates the snap grid. You can define grid spacing intervals
snap is on
and offsets for the snap grid origin.
Numbering page Settings on this page are model-specific.
Option
Position number separator

Files and folders

Description
Defines the default position number separator. The options are
dot (.), comma (,), slash (/), and hyphen (-).

Files storing options and advanced options

Option

Description

Rebar position number
separator

Defines the default reinforcing bar position number separator.
The options are dot (.), comma (,), slash (/), and hyphen (-).

Part number type

Defines the default part number type. The options are Part
number and Combined assembly / part number.

Orientation Settings on this page are model-specific.
marks page
Option

Description

North direction

Project north (degrees counter clockwise from global x)
defines which direction is north in the model. Enter the value in
degrees counter-clockwise from the global x axis.

Part viewing direction

Defines which direction parts are viewed from in drawings.

Beam skew limit

Tekla Structures uses limit angles to determine whether a part is
a beam or a column when creating orientation marks. Tekla
Structures treats parts outside these limits as braces.

Column skew limit

Parts skewed more than 80° are columns.
Parts skewed less than 10° are beams.
Preferred location for mark

Defines the location of part marks in drawings, to the left or
right end of the part.

Mark always to center of
column

This setting only affects columns.
Yes places part marks in the center of columns in plan views. To
indicate part orientation, include compass direction (Face
direction) in the part mark instead.
No places part marks on the same flange in general arrangement
and assembly drawings.

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

Units and Units and decimals given on the Modeling and Catalogs tabs affect input. The units and
decimals page decimals given on the Analysis results tab affect the output data.
The settings on the Modeling tab affect the data that is used when you are modeling, for
example copying, moving, creating grids, creating points, etc. Settings on the Catalogs tab
affect the data stored in the profile and material catalogs.
Settings on the Units and decimals page do not have any effect on drawings or reports, or
on the Inquire and Measure tools.
The number to the left of each option indicates the number of decimals.
The number of decimals affects the input and storage accuracy. Always use a sufficient
number of decimals.
Settings on this page are model-specific.
Option

Description

Length

mm, cm, m, in (decimal), ft (decimal), ft-in

Angle

rad

Spring constant

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

Option

Description

Rot. spring constant

Factor

Enter a value using the arrow buttons.

Force

Distributed load

Surface load

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

Option

Description

Moment

Distributed moment

Temperature

oC, oF,

Deformation

Section dimension

Angle

rad

Area

Section modulus

Moment of inertia

Files and folders

mm4, cm4, in4

Files storing options and advanced options

Option

Description

Radius of inertia

Torsion constant

mm4, cm4, in4

Warping constant

mm6, cm6, in6

Cover area

Strength

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

Option

Description

Modulus

Density

Weight

Strain

o/oo, %

Thermal dilat. coeff.

1/oC, 1/oF, 1/K

Ratio

o/oo, %

Volume

Length

mm, cm, m, in (decimal), ft (decimal), ft-in

Angle

Files and folders

rad

Files storing options and advanced options

Option

Description

Reinforcement area

Transverse reinforc.

Weight

Mass/Length

Volume

Force

Distributed load

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

Option

Description

Surface load

Moment

Temperature

oC, oF,

Stress

Deformation

See also Detecting clashes

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

Creating exaggerated dimensions
Automatic drawing-level dimensioning
Adding dual dimensions manually
Adding predefined reinforcement dimensions
Edge chamfers in drawings
Saving a model
Autosaving in multi-user mode
Modifying the shape of a reinforcement using adaptivity
Other snap switches
Defining a snap grid
Load combination properties
Displaying orientation marks (north marks)
Displaying compass direction
Mark location
Setting viewing direction for columns in assembly drawings
Setting viewing direction for beams and bracings in assembly drawings...
Files storing options and advanced options on page 18

Settings defined by advanced options
Advanced options can be user-, model-, system or role-specific:
•

User-specific advanced options are saved in your local options.bin file, which is by
default located in C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Tekla Structures
\\UserSettings, and work in the specified way in all models that you
have. The folder can be changed using the advanced option
XS_USER_SETTINGS_DIRECTORY. In the Advanced Options dialog box, the type is
USER. Some user-specific advanced options require restarting of Tekla Structures after
changing the value.

•

Model-specific advanced options work in the specified way only in the current model.
They are saved to options_model.db and options_drawings.db under
model folder. In the Advanced Options dialog box, the type is MODEL or DRAWING.
Some special model-specific options that are not visible in the Advanced Options dialog
box can be changed from options.ini file under the model folder.

•

System-specific advanced options are general to all sessions of Tekla Structures, and
work in the specified way for all users and in all models. In the Advanced Options dialog
box, the type is SYSTEM. A system-specific advanced option can be stored to
options.ini under model folder by clicking SYSTEM next to the option and
changing it to MODEL(SYSTEM). Note that the changed value only works for the current

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

model. A MODEL(SYSTEM) advanced option can be changed back to SYSTEM by
changing it to SYSTEM, and in this case it will be removed from the options.ini file
under model folder. Some system-specific advanced options require restarting of Tekla
Structures after changing the value.
The system-specific advanced options are read from environment .ini files:

•

Global system settings are read from common env_global_default.ini
in ..\ProgramData\Tekla Structures\\environments
\common\. These settings are used in all environments.

•

Environment-specific system settings are read from
env_.ini in your environment folder. They override any
settings that are defined on a global level in env_global_default.ini.

•

Role-specific system settings are read from role_.ini in environment
folder. They override any settings that are defined on a global and environment level
in env_global_default.ini and env_.ini.

•

Company level system-specific system settings override all other system-specific
advanced options. You can save them in the firm or project folders by setting the
folders for the advanced options XS_FIRM and XS_PROJECT.

SYSTEM(ROLE) options are typically role specific. The settings are read from .ini files
and are not saved to the databases. When changed or if the type is changed, the option
will become model specific and be saved to the databases. MODEL/DRAWING(ROLE)
options are SYSTEM(ROLE) options whose type and/or setting has been changed. The
change would be used when you want the SYSTEM(ROLE) option to be saved with the
model to options_model.db and options_drawings.db under model folder.
These settings can be set back to SYSTEM(ROLE), which will then take into use the
default value.

See also XS_FIRM
XS_PROJECT
Typical initialization files and their reading order on page 10

List of user-specific advanced options
Tekla Structures saves the settings for the user-specific advanced options in the
options.bin file, located in the folder ..\Users\\AppData\Local
\Tekla Structures\\UserSettings (Windows 7 and Windows
Vista), or in the folder ..\Documents and Settings\\Application
Data\Tekla Structures\\UserSettings (Windows XP). Below is a
list of user-specific options:
RPC_WAIT_TIME
TEXT_X_SIZE
TEXT_Y_SIZE

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

XS_ALWAYS_CONFIRM_SAVE_WHEN_CLOSING_DRAWING
XS_ALWAYS_CONFIRM_SAVE_WHEN_EXIT
XS_AUTOMATIC_NEW_MODEL_NAME
XS_AUTOMATIC_USER_FEEDBACK_SENDING_INTERVAL
XS_AUTOSAVE_DIRECTORY
XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR1
XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR2
XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR3
XS_BACKGROUND_COLOR4
XS_BASICVIEW_HEIGHT
XS_BASICVIEW_POSITION_X
XS_BASICVIEW_POSITION_Y
XS_BASICVIEW_WIDTH
XS_BLACK_DRAWING_BACKGROUND
XS_CHAMFER_DISPLAY_LENGTH_FACTOR
XS_CHANGE_DRAGGED_DIMENSIONS_TO_FIXED
XS_CHANGE_DRAGGED_MARKS_TO_FIXED
XS_CHANGE_DRAGGED_NOTES_TO_FIXED
XS_CHANGE_DRAGGED_TEXTS_TO_FIXED
XS_CHANGE_DRAGGED_VIEWS_TO_FIXED
XS_CHECK_BOLT_EDGE_DISTANCE_ALWAYS
XS_CIS_DEP1_EXPRESS_FILE
XS_CLONING_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY
XS_COMPONENT_CATALOG_COLLECTION_NAME_LENGTH
XS_COMPONENT_CATALOG_THUMBNAIL_SIZE
XS_CREATE_ALSO_BIG_HTML_REPORT_PICTURES
XS_CREATE_DRAWING_PREVIEW_AUTOMATICALLY
XS_DEFAULT_FONT
XS_DEFAULT_FONT_SIZE
XS_DEFAULT_FONT_SIZE_GRID
XS_DISABLE_ANALYSIS_AND_DESIGN
XS_DISABLE_CIS2
XS_DISABLE_CLASSIFIER_FOR_MODIFIED_PARTS
XS_DISABLE_MASTER_DRAWING_CATALOG
XS_DISABLE_PARTIAL_REFRESH
XS_DISABLE_REBAR_MODELING
XS_DISABLE_TEMPLATE_DOUBLE_CLICK

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

XS_DISPLAY_DIMENSIONS_WHEN_CREATING_OBJECTS
XS_DISPLAY_DIMENSIONS_WHEN_SELECTING_OBJECTS
XS_DO_NOT_CREATE_ASSEMBLY_DRAWINGS_FOR_CONCRETE_PARTS
XS_DO_NOT_CREATE_ASSEMBLY_DRAWINGS_FOR_LOOSE_PARTS
XS_DO_NOT_CREATE_BOLT_MARKS_IN_ALL_INCLUDED_SINGLE_VIEWS
XS_DO_NOT_CREATE_PART_MARKS_IN_ALL_INCLUDED_SINGLE_VIEWS
XS_DO_NOT_DISPLAY_CHAMFERS
XS_DONT_SHOW_POLYBEAM_MID_EDGES
XS_DRAW_CUT_FACES_WITH_RED_COLOR
XS_DRAWING_ALLOW_SNAPPING_TO_DISTANT_POINTS
XS_DRAWING_CHECK_PARTS_IN_UPDATE
XS_DRAWING_SHEET_HEIGHT
XS_DRAWING_SHEET_POSITION_X
XS_DRAWING_SHEET_POSITION_Y
XS_DRAWING_SHEET_WIDTH
XS_DRAWING_UDAS_MODIFY_ALL_DRAWING_TYPES
XS_DRAWING_VIEW_DIRECTION_MARK_SYMBOL_BACK
XS_DRAWING_VIEW_DIRECTION_MARK_SYMBOL_BOTTOM
XS_DRAWING_VIEW_DIRECTION_MARK_SYMBOL_FRONT
XS_DRAWING_VIEW_DIRECTION_MARK_SYMBOL_TOP
XS_DSTV_DO_NOT_UNFOLD_POLYBEAM_PLATES
XS_DUPLICATE_CHECK_LIMIT_FOR_COPY_AND_MOVE
XS_ENABLE_AUTODRAWINGS_IN_MENU
XS_ENABLE_DOUBLE_BUFFERING_IN_DRAWINGS
XS_ENABLE_POUR_MANAGEMENT
XS_ENABLE_SOLID_ERROR_DIALOG
XS_EXPORT_CODEPAGE
XS_EXPORT_LINE_TYPE_DEFINITION_FILE
XS_EXPORT_TO_MODELSPACE_AND_PAPERSPACE
XS_FAILED_SOLID_COLOR
XS_GRID_COLOR
XS_GRID_COLOR_FOR_WORK_PLANE
XS_GRID_DIMENSION_OVERALL_LENGTH
XS_HANDLE_SCALE
XS_HARD_STAMP_BY_ORIENTATION_MARK
XS_HIDDEN_USE_BOLT_PLANES
XS_HIDE_OTHER_PARTS_IN_ASSEMBLY_AND_CAST_UNIT_VIEWS

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

XS_HIDE_WORKAREA
XS_HIGHLIGHT_ASSOCIATIVE_DIMENSION_CHANGES
XS_HIGHLIGHT_MARK_CONTENT_CHANGES
XS_HTML_REPORT_LEAVE_INTERMEDIATE_FILES
XS_IMPERIAL_DATE
XS_IMPERIAL_INPUT
XS_IMPERIAL_TIME
XS_IMPORT_MODEL_LOG
XS_INTELLIGENT_MESSAGES_ALLOWED
XS_KEEP_AUTOSAVE_FILES_ON_EXIT_WHEN_NOT_SAVING
XS_KEYIN_ABSOLUTE_PREFIX
XS_KEYIN_DEFAULT_MODE
XS_KEYIN_RELATIVE_PREFIX
XS_MACRO_LOG
XS_MDIBASICVIEWPARENT
XS_MDIVIEWPARENT
XS_MDIZOOMPARENT
XS_MIS_SEQUENCE
XS_MODEL_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY
XS_NO_AUTO_DISPLAY_VIEWS
XS_NO_CHAMFERS_IN_EXACT_MODE
XS_OBJECT_SELECTION_CONFIRMATION
XS_OPEN_DRAWINGS_MAXIMIZED
XS_PILOTING_EXTENSIONS
XS_PIXEL_TOLERANCE
XS_PLOT_UNPLOT_BUFFER_SIZE
XS_POP_MARK_EDGE_DISTANCE
XS_PRINT_REPORT_FONT
XS_PROFILE_ANALYSIS_CHECK_ALL
XS_PROFILE_ANALYSIS_VALUE_DIFF_LIMIT
XS_PROFILE_DISPLAY_INCH_MARK_AFTER_FRACTIONS_IN_REPORTS
XS_RECREATE_UNMODIFIED_DRAWINGS
XS_REDRAW_VIEWS_AFTER_SELECTED_NUMBERING
XS_REFERENCE_CACHE
XS_REFERENCE_USE_RENDERED_CLIPPING
XS_RENDERED_CURSOR_LINE_WIDTH
XS_RENDERED_FIELD_OF_VIEW

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

XS_RENDERED_FOG_END_VALUE
XS_RENDERED_FOG_START_VALUE
XS_RUN_AT_STARTUP
XS_SDNF_IMPORT_MIRROR_SWAP_OFFSETS
XS_SHOW_PROGRESS_BAR_FOR_PROJECT_STATUS_VISUALIZATION
XS_SHOW_REVISION_MARK_ON_DRAWING_LIST
XS_SHOW_TEMPLATE_LOG_MESSAGES
XS_SMRT_SEPARATE_MEMORY_POOL_FOR_SOLIDS
XS_SMRT_SOLID_POOL_PAGE_SIZE
XS_SNAPSHOT_DIRECTORY
XS_SOLID_BUFFER_SIZE
XS_THUMBNAIL_FONT
XS_USE_COLOR_DRAWINGS
XS_USE_DRAWING_NAME_AS_PLOT_TITLE
XS_USE_MULTI_NUMBERING_WHEN_COPYING_DRAWING_VIEWS
XS_USE_OBJECT_LOCK_PROTO
XS_USE_SMOOTH_LINES
XS_USE_SOFTWARE_RENDERING
XS_VIEW_DIM_LINE_COLOR
XS_VIEW_DIM_TEXT_COLOR
XS_VIEW_FAST_BOLT_COLOR
XS_VIEW_HEIGHT
XS_VIEW_PART_LABEL_COLOR
XS_VIEW_POSITION_X
XS_VIEW_POSITION_Y
XS_VIEW_WIDTH
XS_VISUALIZE_VIEW_NEIGHBOUR_PART_EXTENSION
XS_VISUALIZE_VIEW_IN_ANOTHER_VIEWS
XS_VISUALIZE_VIEW_IN_FATHER_VIEW_ONLY
XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO
XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO_IN_MOUSEWHEEL_MODE
XS_ZOOM_STEP_RATIO_IN_SCROLL_MODE
See also Settings defined by advanced options on page 32
Changing advanced option settings on page 37

Files and folders

Files storing options and advanced options

Changing advanced option settings
Use advanced options to configure Tekla Structures to suit the way you work, or to comply
with specific project requirements or industry standards.
Change the advanced options only in the Advanced Options dialog box. The settings in the
Advanced Options dialog override the settings in any other initialization file.
To change an advanced option setting:
1. Click Tools --> Options --> Advanced Options... to open the Advanced Options dialog
box.
2. Browse the categories to find the advanced option you want to set.
You can also enter a search term in the Search box. To search the search term in all
categories, select In all categories. You can also use wildcards. For example, to find all
advanced options that have the words anchor and filter and that have any
characters between these two words, enter anchor*filter.
3. Set the advanced option to the desired value by entering the value or by selecting from
the list.
•

You can change the type of the role-specific advanced options from SYSTEM (ROLE)
to MODEL (ROLE) or DRAWING(ROLE) and vice versa from the list next to the
option type. When you change the option type to SYSTEM(ROLE), the value
automatically changes to the default value. When you enter a value for a SYSTEM
(ROLE) option, it changes to MODEL (ROLE) or DRAWING(ROLE).

•

You can change the type of system-specific advanced options from SYSTEM to
MODEL(SYSTEM), in which case the value is saved in the options.ini file in the
model folder. If you reset the advanced option back to SYSTEM, it will be removed
from the options.ini file.

•

You can use switches with some advanced options, for example, to define the
contents of marks: %TPL:PROJECT.NUMBER%.

•

If you need to enter a folder path, enter a backslash at the end of the folder path.

4. Click Apply or OK.
To create a complete list of advanced options in a text file, click Write to file. The
list shows the name of the advanced option together with its current value and
type.
See also Settings defined by advanced options on page 32

Files and folders

Input files

3.3 Input files
Tekla Structures uses input files to manage dialog boxes and for defining how components
work. All input files have the extension inp.
Input files that you can use for example for customizing Tekla Structures are listed below.
File
analysis_design_config.inp

Description
Contains settings for analysis and design.

fltprops.inp

Includes materials and dimensions of available flat
bars.

objects.inp

Used to manage user-defined attributes.

pop_mark_parts.inp

Contains settings for pop-marking.

privileges.inp

Used to control access rights.

profitab.inp

Contains available parametric profiles.

rebar_config.inp

Contains settings for reinforcement marks.

rebar_schedule_config.inp

Contains internal bending types of reinforcing bars
and their mapping to area specific bending codes.
Rebar Shape Manager is a more versatile way to
define reinforcing bar bending shapes.

See also Analysis model properties
Reinforcement settings for drawings
Reinforcement in templates

Customizing user-defined attributes
Many dialog boxes contain user-defined attributes for various objects, including beams,
columns, bolts and drawings. Tekla Structures displays these fields when you click the UserDefined Attributes... button. You can use the values of user-defined attributes in reports
and drawings.
The definitions of a user-defined attribute are unique, which means that a user-defined
attribute cannot have different definitions for different object types, such as beams and
columns.
To define new user-defined attributes, create your own objects.inp file in the model,
project or firm folder.
Do not copy the objects.inp file in the ..\environments\common\inp\
folder. Copying the file creates unnecessary duplicates and later objects.inp updates
made by Tekla can be lost.

Files and folders

Input files

Tekla Structures reads the objects.inp files in the following order:
1. model folder
2. project folder
3. firm folder
4. system folder
5. inp folder
The files are merged so that if there are user-defined attributes in any of the files, they are
displayed in the user interface. Tekla Structures merges the files in a way that eliminates
duplicate attributes.
If Tekla Structures encounters the same attribute name in different objects.inp files,
the attribute from the first read objects.inp file will be used.
See also Updating definitions of user-defined attributes in a model on page 40
The environment database file on page 40
Objects.inp properties on page 41
User-defined attributes affecting numbering on page 43
Example: Creating and updating a user-defined attribute on page 43

The environment database file
To guarantee consistent model behavior when a model is used with different roles, the
environment database file (environment.db) contains the definitions of the userdefined attributes used in the model.
When you create a new model, Tekla Structures merges the definitions from your
objects.inp files to the environment.db file. Later, when you add new userdefined attributes in the objects.inp file, the definitions are saved in
environment.db as you open the model.
You can modify your user-defined attributes in an objects.inp file but the changed
definitions do not come into effect automatically. If there are conflicts, the definitions in
environment.db win. You need to run the Diagnose & Change Attribute Definitions
command to see the conflicts between environment.db and objects.inp, and
select the attribute definitions that you want to update.
See also Customizing user-defined attributes on page 39
Updating definitions of user-defined attributes in a model on page 40
Example: Creating and updating a user-defined attribute on page 43

Files and folders

Input files

Updating definitions of user-defined attributes in a model
When you have changed definitions of a user-defined attribute by modifying the
objects.inp file, you need to update the definitions in the model.
To update the definitions of user-defined attributes after you have modified the
objects.inp file:
1. Open the model.
2. Click Tools --> Diagnose & Repair Model --> Diagnose & Change Attribute
Definitions .
The Diagnose & Change Attribute Definitions dialog box opens.
3. Select an attribute from the list on left side to see the comparison of current definitions
and objects.inp definitions.
4. Select the definitions you want to update in the Object classes with Objects.inp
differences compared to current settings list.
5. Click Change current settings to selected Objects.inp settings.
See also Customizing user-defined attributes on page 39
The environment database file on page 40
Objects.inp properties on page 41
Example: Creating and updating a user-defined attribute on page 43

Objects.inp properties
The example below shows the main properties of objects.inp.

Property
attribute or
unique_attribute

In the example
attribute

Description
attribute is a regular attribute, which is
copied with other part properties.
unique_attribute is a non-copyable
attribute. The value of the attribute is never copied
to another part. For example part checking status
attributes usually cannot be copied.

attribute_name

MY_INFO_1

Attribute name, used to find the attribute value.
Ensure that Tekla Structures does not already use
the attribute name you use. Consider using a prefix
that ensures the name is unique, for example, your
initials, or an abbreviation of your company name.

Files and folders

Input files

Property

In the example

Description
The attribute name is case-sensitive. Do not use
spaces or reserved characters in attribute names.
The maximum length of the name can be 19
characters.
To include the attribute in a report or template,
add the name of the attribute to your layout in the
Template Editor. When you run a report or create a
drawing, Tekla Structures displays the current
value of the attribute.

label_text

My Info 1

Label that Tekla Structures displays in the dialog
box.
Some default attributes have prompts like
j_comment, meaning that the prompt comes
from the joints.ail message file.

value_type

string

integer or float for numbers
string for text
string_not_modifiable for text whose
modification is prevented. A field with the
string_not_modifiable property is always
displayed as dimmed and it cannot be switched on
or off. The value in the field is not saved when
clicking the Apply button or modified when
clicking the Modify button.
option for lists
date for date with small calendar
date_time_min for date and time [12:00] with
small calendar
date_time_sec for date and time [12:00:00]
with small calendar

field_format

special_flag

Definition of the field format in the dialog box

•

%s for strings

•

%d for numbers

no or yes

For parts: consider in numbering
For drawings: display the attribute value in
drawing list
check_switch

For other elements: no effect
none

none

This option is not used.

Files and folders

Input files

Property
attribute_value_max
attribute_value_min

In the example
0.0

Description
0.0

0.0

This option is not used.
0.0
This option is not used.

See also User-defined attributes affecting numbering on page 43

User-defined attributes affecting numbering
You can set whether the user-defined attribute affects numbering or not.
If you want Tekla Structures to consider the user-defined attribute when numbering, set the
special_tag option to yes in the Part attributes section of objects.inp.
Tekla Structures assigns different numbers to parts that are otherwise identical but have
different user-defined attributes.
Only user-defined attributes of parts affect numbering. User-defined attributes of other
objects, such as phases, projects and drawings do not affect numbering.

If you want Tekla Structures to ignore the user-defined attribute when numbering, set the
special_tag option to no in objects.inp.
See also Objects.inp properties on page 41

Example: Creating and updating a user-defined attribute
This example shows how to create your own user-defined attribute and update the model to
use the changed attribute definition.
To create and update a user-defined attribute:
Creating a new 1. Create a new model and save it.
user-defined
The user-defined attributes in the model are merged from objects.inp files and
attribute
Tekla Structures saves the attribute definitions in the environment.db file in the
model folder.
2. Close the model.
3. Create an input file called objects.inp in the model folder by using a standard text
editor.
4. Enter the following information in objects.inp.

Files and folders

Input files

If you want to create a user-defined attribute that also affects numbering, set
the special_flag property of the attribute to yes (it is no in the
example below). Also, just like in the example above, the definition of the
tab_page must be in the part section, and the column (beam, etc.)
section must have only a reference to it.
5. Save objects.inp.
Testing the user- 1. Open the model.
defined attribute
2. Create a steel column.
3. Double-click the steel column to open its properties dialog box.
4. Click User-defined attributes.
5. Go to My UDA tab.

6. Enter a value in the My UDA box.

Files and folders

Input files

7. Click Modify.
8. Copy the steel column.
9. Check the My UDA box of the new steel column.
The attribute value was also copied.
10. Close the model.
Modifying the 1. Open the objects.inp file in the model folder by using a standard text editor.
user-defined
2. Enter unique_ before the user-defined attribute.
attribute

This makes the user-defined attribute unique, meaning that the value of the user-defined
attribute will not be copied to another part.
3. Save objects.inp.
Testing the 1. Open the model.
unique user2. Enter a value in the My UDA box for a steel column and click Modify.
defined attribute
3. Copy the steel column.
4. Check the My UDA box of the new column.
5. The value was copied, so the user-defined attribute in the model is not unique. There is a
conflict between the environment.db and objects.inp definitions.
Updating the 1. Click Tools --> Diagnose & Repair Model --> Diagnose & Change Attribute
definitions of
Definitions .
user-defined
The Diagnose & Change Attribute Definitions dialog box opens.
attributes
2. Select My UDA in the Attribute area on the left.
You can see that My UDA is not unique in the current setting, but it is set to unique in
objects.inp.

Files and folders

Input files

3. Select the definition in the area on the right.
4. Click Change current settings to selected Objects.inp settings.
Now the definition of the user-defined attribute is updated in the model.
If you now copy a steel column that has a value for My UDA, the value is not copied to the
new column.
See also Updating definitions of user-defined attributes in a model on page 40
Customizing user-defined attributes on page 39
Objects.inp properties on page 41
User-defined attributes affecting numbering on page 43

Showing plates as flat bars in drawings and reports
Tekla Structures can show plates as the equivalent flat bars for manufacturing. Tekla
Structures displays the plates as flat bars in reports and drawings.
To show plates as flat bars:
1. Set the advanced option XS_USE_FLAT_DESIGNATION to TRUE.
2. Indicate the prefix you want to use for flat bars using the advanced option
XS_FLAT_PREFIX.
For example, XS_FLAT_PREFIX=FLAT.
3. Set other platework-related advanced options as required.
4. Define materials, thickness, and width of available flat bars in the Fltprops.inp file.
•

To prevent Tekla Structures from displaying the profile in metric units in the
US Imperial version, add the flat bar prefix to the profitab.inp file as a
parametric profile.

•

See also page Platework in the Advanced Options dialog box for information
about advanced options related to platework.

See also Defining flat bar sizes with Fltprops.inp on page 46

Files and folders

Input files

Defining flat bar sizes with Fltprops.inp
Use the ..\environments\your_environment\profil\Fltprops.inp file
to define flat bar thickness, width and material.
Copy the Fltprops.inp file to a model, project or firm folder and then modify the file
in the new location as required.

The first row in the file contains flat bar material definitions (enclosed in quotes " ") followed
by plate thicknesses. If you do not define a material, you can use all materials for all flat bars.
The following rows define the widths of available flat bars.
The units are millimeters.
Example Fltprops.inp contains the following data:

With the above data, Tekla Structures displays the following plates as flat bars:
Plate

Material

5x40, 5x45, 6x50, 6x55

All materials

8x60, 8x65, 10x70, 10x75

S235

10x100, 10x110, 15x200, 15x220

S275J0

The flat bars get the prefix that is set in the XS_FLAT_PREFIX advanced option.
See also Showing plates as flat bars in drawings and reports on page 46

Defining unfolding parameters
The unfolding parameters define the location of the neutral axis when a profile is unfolded.
The neutral axis is a line which runs along the length of a profile where stress and strain are
equal to zero. Tekla Structures uses these parameters to create NC files and to display
unfolded profiles in single-part drawings.
To define unfolding parameters, modify the unfold_corner_ratios.inp file located
in the system folder using a standard text editor. You can copy the
unfold_corner_ratios.inp file to a model, project or firm folder and then modify
the file in the new location as required. Tekla Structures searches for this file in the default
search order.

Files and folders

Input files

The settings in unfold_corner_ratios.inp have no effect if the advanced option
XS_USE_OLD_POLYBEAM_LENGTH_CALCULATION is set.

See also Folder search order on page 84
Unfolding parameter properties on page 48

Unfolding parameter properties
See below for an example of unfolding parameters in unfold_corner_ratios.inp
and the descriptions of the parameters.
1 HE300A S235JR 0 180 2 0 1000 .7
Property
Type

In the
example

Description
1 is polybeams

2 is plates modeled as polybeams (for example, PLT)
3 is for parts which are not unfolded and follow the
old polybeam calculation (for example, the line 3 L*
* disables unfolding of L profiles)
Profile

HE300A

You can also use wildcards with profile, for example,
HE300*.

Material

S235JR

You can also use wildcards with material, for example,
S235*.

Rotation / thickness min 0

For polybeams: the minimum angle when the profile is
rotated around its longitudinal axis
For plates: the minimum thickness of plate

Rotation / thickness max 180

For polybeams: the maximum angle when the profile
is rotated around its longitudinal axis
For plates: the maximum thickness of plate

Flag

This property defines what kind of parts are affected
by the next two properties.

1 is sharp folds. Only polybeams with straight
chamfers are affected.
2 is curved bends. Only polybeams with curved
chamfers are affected.

Files and folders

Input files

Property

In the
example

Angle / radius min

Description
For sharp folds: the minimum angle

For curved bends: the minimum radius
Angle / radius max

For sharp folds: the maximum angle

1000

For curved bends: the maximum radius
Ratio

Defines how much the profile stretches or shrinks
when unfolded.

Ratio = (1 - the relative location of the neutral axis).
If only the inner surface of the profile shrinks, the
ratio is 1. If only the outer surface of the profile
stretches, the ratio is 0. By default, the ratio is 0.5 for
length calculation and 0.0 for bending radius
calculation.
Tekla Structures applies the unfolding ratio if the
profile properties are within the range indicated by
the minimum and maximum values.
To define the rotation angle, set the work plane by the first three points of the
polybeam. Set the rotation angle in the Rotation box in the Beam Properties
dialog box.
See also Defining unfolding parameters on page 47

3.4 Data files
Data files contain information used by certain components, for example.

These files affect the operation of components. Do not modify the files listed here
unless you are an administrator.

File

Description

joints.dat

Contains data used in Handrailing (1024) and
Stanchions (S76) components. Used in the
Stanchion connection type option.

railings.dat

Contains data used in Handrailing (1024).
Used in the Stanchion connection type option.

Files and folders

Data files

File

Description

steps.dat

Contains the data for Stairs (S82) and Stairs
(S71). Used in the Step profile and Catalogue
step options.

std_flange_plates.dat

Contains data for Tapered column (S99). Used
in the options:
•

Outer flange profile

•

Inner flange profile

•

Top plate profile

std_stiffener_plates.dat

Contains data used in Tapered column (S99).
Used in the Horizontal stiffener profile box.

marketsize.dat

Contains available market sizes for certain
material grade. Can be used with
fMarketSize() function in the custom
component editor.

import_macro_data_types.dat

Contains the user-defined attributes that you
can include in an input file in attribute import.

See also Defining flat bar sizes with Fltprops.inp on page 46

3.5 Message files
Tekla Structures uses the information in the message files to display messages in the user
interface. Message files include, for example, texts used in dialog boxes.
Message files are located in the folder ..\Tekla Structures\
\messages (message files with the .ail extension) and in the folder ..\Tekla
Structures\\messages\DotAppsStrings (message files with
the .xml extension). The files include texts in languages in which the Tekla Structures user
interface is available.
See also Customizing message files on page 50
Example: Modifying a message file on page 51

Customizing message files
You can customize the messages that Tekla Structures displays in the user interface.
To customize messages:
1. Do one of the following:

Files and folders

Message files

•

To modify an .ail message file, go to the ..\Tekla Structures
\\messages folder.

•

To modify an .xml message file, go to the ..\Tekla Structures
\\messages\DotAppsStrings folder.

2. Open the message file you want to customize using a standard text editor.
3. Modify the message as required.
4. Save the message file.
See also Example: Modifying a message file on page 51

Example: Modifying a message file
In this example, you will modify a message that Tekla Structures uses for near side plates in
drawings. You want Tekla Structures to display (NS) instead of (N/S).
To modify the message:
1. Go to the ..\Tekla Structures\\messages folder.
2. Open by_number.ail using a standard text editor.
The by_number.ail file contains both prompts and default texts that Tekla
Structures uses in drawings.
3. Browse to the following section:
string by_number_msg_no_675 {
...
entry = ("enu", "(N/S)");
};

4. Change (N/S) to (NS)in the entry row.
5. Save and close the file.
See also Message files on page 50

3.6 Standard files
Standard files are property files that Tekla Structures uses by default.
These properties are displayed in the dialog boxes of different objects such as beams,
columns or plates, when you select the standard option in the list next to the Load button,
and click the Load button.

Files and folders

Standard files

Standard files are stored in the ..\TeklaStructuresModels\
\attributes folder. They are named standard.* where the symbol * is the file name
extension. For example, standard.clm file is used for column properties.
To save a set of standard files in the model folder, click Tools --> Defaults --> Save
Defaults.
See also Settings in the Options dialog box on page 19

List of standard files saved with Save defaults command
Tekla Structures saves a set of standard files in the attributes folder in the current
model folder when you click Tools --> Defaults --> Save Defaults.
You can copy these standard files to the project or firm folders for future use, to set up Tekla
Structures to suit the way you work.
File

Dialog box

standard.cpl

Contour Plate Properties

standard.fpl

Folded Plate Properties

standard.prt

Beam Properties

standard.clm

Column Properties

standard.crs

Orthogonal Beam Properties

standard.dia

Twin Profile Properties

standard.scr

Bolt Properties

standard.wld

Weld Properties

standard.prf

Project properties

standard.ler

Layer Properties

standard.fms

Plotting Frames

standard.num

Numbering Setup

standard.mvi

Model View Properties

See also Project and firm folders on page 86

3.7 Properties files
Tekla Structures stores a number of files, all of which contain object properties, in the current
model folder. Tekla Structures creates these properties files when you click Save or Save as
in dialog boxes.

Files and folders

Properties files

Example You change the standard column properties to create a new type of column you call
custom1. When you click Save as, Tekla Structures creates the file custom1.clm in the
current model folder.
See also

3.8 Catalog files
Tekla Structures uses ASCII and binary files to manage profile, material, reinforcing bar, bolt
and bolt assembly catalogs.
Each environment has its own folder, where the files related to different catalogs are stored.
For example, ..\environments\uk\profil\ contains the files for managing catalog
files used in the United Kingdom.
The following table lists files and file types related to catalogs.
File type
.inp

.cnv

File name
profitab.inp

Used for

Located in
Defines the names that ..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
you can use for
\environments
parametric profiles.
\\profil

rebar_database. Contains details of the
inp
reinforcement used in
concrete structures.
Includes both the
standard bending radii
and the standard hook
dimensions.
mesh_database.i Contains details of the
np
reinforcement meshes
used in concrete
structures.
matexp_.cnv
to convert material
names when
transferring model
information using
links. For example,
converts S235JR to
FE360B for DSTV.
prfexp_.cnv
to convert profile
names when
transferring model
information using
links. For example,

Files and folders

Catalog files

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments
\\profil

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments
\\profil
..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments
\\profil

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments
\\profil

File type

File name

Used for
converts converts
HEA100 to HE100A for
DSTV.

.clb

For example,
RU_CF.clb

.lis

You can define the file Created when you
name while exporting. export bolt, profile and
material catalogs.
assdb.db
The bolt assembly
catalog.

.db

.bin

Contains the
definitions of
parametric profiles
used in
profitab.inp.

Located in

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\common
\inp
You can define the folder where to
export the files.
..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments
\\profil

screwdb.db

The bolt catalog.

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments
\\profil

profdb.bin

The profile catalog.

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments
\\profil

matdb.bin

The material catalog.

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments
\\profil

See also Log files on page 57

The numbering.history log file
The numbering.history log file contains full details of each numbering session carried
out on the model. Each numbering session is in a different block of the file.
If you remove or delete the numbering.history log file, Tekla Structures generates a
new file with the same name next time when you run numbering. The new file does not
contain a history of previous numbering sessions.

Example Below is an example of the contents of a numbering.history log file.

User name, date and time of the numbering.

Files and folders

Log files

Numbering method.
•

Modified numbering is displayed when you run the Number Modified Objects
command.

•

Modified numbering for selected series is displayed when you run
the Number Series of Selected Objects command.

•

Diagnose & Repair Numbering: All is displayed when you run the
Diagnose & Repair Numbering: All command.

•

Diagnose & Repair Numbering: Series of selected objects
is displayed when you run the Diagnose & Repair Numbering: Series of Selected
Objects command.

•

Renumber all is displayed when you select the Renumber all option in the
Numbering Setup dialog box.

Some Compare options set in the Numbering Setup dialog box are displayed in the
numbering.history log file only if they are set differently than the default value:
•

Compare modified to old parts

•

Compare new to old part

•

No holes comparing

•

No part name comparing

•

Beam orientation

•

Column orientation

Some Compare options are not displayed at all:
•

Reinforcing bars

•

Embedded objects

•

Surface treatment

Numbering options.
•

Use old numbers is displayed only when you have selected the Re-use old
numbers option in the Numbering Setup dialog box.

•

Check for standard parts is displayed only when you have selected the
Check for standard parts option in the Numbering Setup dialog box.

Tolerances are set in the Numbering Setup dialog box.
Changes in the position numbers and in the numbering series during one numbering
session.
In addition:
If a numbering series overlaps another, the errors are written to the log file.
See also Numbering series in the numbering.history log file on page 61

Files and folders

Log files

Viewing parts listed in a log file on page 58

Numbering series in the numbering.history log file
Tekla Structures lists information on the numbered parts and assemblies in the
numbering.history log file.
Example 1 The numbering.history log after one concrete beam B/20 has been created and
numbered:

Part position number.
•

The part with the GUID ID510F595D-0000-0030-3133-353939383335 is a
part of the numbering series Concrete_B-20/1.

•

The part becomes the first part in the numbering series: Concrete_B-20/0 ->
Concrete_B-20/1.

Assembly position number.
•

The assembly ID of the part is
ID510F595D-0000-002F-3133-353939383335.

•

The part belongs to the B/20 assembly numbering series, which is also the cast unit
numbering series.

•

The part gets the assembly position number: B/20: B/0 -> B/20.

Example 2 The numbering.history log after another concrete beam B/21 has been created and
numbered:

Files and folders

Log files

Part position number of the new part.
•

The part with the ID ID510F595D-0000-0030-3133-353939383335 is
part of the numbering series Concrete_B-20/1.

•

The part becomes the second part in the numbering series: Concrete_B-20/0 > Concrete_B-20/2.

Assembly position number.
•

The assembly ID of the part is
ID510F595D-0000-002F-3133-353939383335.

•

The part belongs to the B/20 assembly numbering series, which is also the cast unit
numbering series.

•

The part gets the assembly position number: B/20 B/0 -> B/21.

See also The numbering.history log file on page 59
Viewing parts listed in a log file on page 58

3.14 Model folder files and file name extensions
The following table lists the files and file name extensions in use in Tekla Structures and
located in model folder.
File or file
name
extension

Description

For more
information

Files in the Tekla Structures model folder:
*.db1
The model database
*.db2

Numbering database

environmen Database for user-defined attribute definitions
t.db

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
xslib.db1

Description

For more
information

Contains information on user-defined connections and
details, and default component descriptions.

*.idrm

Mapping file, which handles IDs. Do not modify.

xslib.db2

Contains numbering information.

options_mo
del.db and
options_dr
awings.db

Contain values for model-specific options from the
Settings in the
Options dialog box and values for model-specific
Options dialog
advanced options from the Advanced Options dialog box on page 19
box. When a model is created, Tekla Structures reads
model-specific options and advanced options values
from the standard.opt file and .ini files in the
environment folders and saves them in these two
databases.

xsdb.xs

File used for displaying the name of the model in the
Open dialog box.

Numbering the
model

Opening a model

xs_user.
Each time a model is saved, an
xs_user. file is created or updated.
These settings are user specific. If the
xs_user. settings are not found in
the model folder when you open the model, Tekla
Structures searches for the xs_user.default file
from the following path: model, model/attributes,
project, firm, system. If this file is not found, Tekla
Structures default settings will be used.
The file contains settings for many of the switches on
the Tools --> Options menu and the settings for the
icons on the Selecting and Snapping toolbars.
save_histo Tekla Structures stores the information in this file each Saving a model
ry.log
time the model is saved. The file includes the saving
time, date and information on any conflicts during
saving.
notificati File used for displaying a notification report of
XS_SHOW_NOTIF
on_report. assignments when you open a model.
ICATION_REPORT
xsr
TeklaStruc Contains information on the Tekla Structures session,
turesModel for example on opening, closing and what catalogs are
.xml
being used.
dotlog.txt A log file that contains information on Tekla Open API Tekla Open API
application use.
on page 8

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
*.locked
*.bak

Description

For more
information

A temporary file that locks the model folder files to
prevent modifications while the model is in use.
A backup copy of the model database.

assert.txt A log file that contains information on assertion errors.
ClashCheck A log file that contains information on clashes found in
.txt
the most recent clash check and the date and time of
the clash check.
ClashCheck A file that contains information on all clashes found in
.history
all clash checks and the dates and times of the clash
checks.
wizard.txt Tekla Structures stores information in this file when
you run a drawing rule set (wizard) file. The file
contains, for example, errors, number of drawings
created, and information on which commands were
used.
*.lis
Different catalogs can be exported from and imported
to different Tekla Structures models as *.lis files.
These include profile, material and bolt catalogs.

Detecting clashes

Importing a bolt
catalog
Importing a
material catalog
Importing profile
catalog items
Exporting a bolt
catalog
Exporting a
material catalog
Exporting a
profile catalog

*.tsc

Shapes can be exported from and imported to different Importing a
Tekla Structures models as *.tsc files.
shape
Exporting a
shape

.This_is_m Contains information about the PC running the Tekla
ultiuser_m Structures multi-user server.
odel
Do not alter or delete this file in normal circumstances.
If you move a model to a different server, you should
delete this file. Tekla Structures generates a new file
with the same name.
ComponentC Includes the default settings of the search view and
atalog.txt any keywords you save in the component catalog.

Files and folders

Installing Tekla
Structures multiuser server as a
service

Component
Catalog

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
Description
name
extension
ModelBasic Lists the basic components available.
sComponent
s.txt
Worktypes. Lists available task types. Created when you start the
xml
Task Manager.
WorkTypePr Lists allowed property types and their units.
operties.x
ml

For more
information
Component
Catalog
Defining a task
type

.tmp

A file used to store temporary data.

.cnv

A file used to map Tekla Structures profile and material Conversion files
names with names used in other software.

Files in the analysis model folder:
*.ifc
The analysis model exported in IFC format.
*.stp

The analysis model exported in CIS/2 format.

*.map

A file used for debugging analysis models.

analysis_r Database for analysis load combination results.
esults.db5
*.db6

Analysis model database.

Saving analysis
results
Analysis model
properties

Files in the \screenshots folder:
*.png
Screenshot taken in Tekla Structures.
Files in the \attributes folder:
*.rop
Reference object user-defined attribute properties
*.rop.more Reference object properties
*.m1000001 Fabtrol XML import properties
7
*.m1000001 Import attribute properties
5
*.ncf

Analysis model
properties

Taking a
screenshot
Reference model
objects
Fabtrol XML
Attribute import

NC file properties

NC files

*.ExportIF IFC export properties
C.MainDial
og

IFC export

*.m4400000 3D DWG/DXF export properties
04

DWG and DXF

*.m4400000 3D DGN export properties
03

Exporting to 3D
DGN files

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
Description
name
extension
*.m1000004 FEM export properties
*.m1000001 CIS analysis model export properties
1

For more
information
FEM
CIS and CIMSteel

*.m1000002 CIS manufacturing model export properties
6

CIS and CIMSteel

*.m1000007 CAD export properties
*.m1000001 Cover sheet export properties
6

Exporting to CAD

*.SObjGrp

Object group selection filter properties

Filtering objects
using a selection
filter

*.grd

Grid properties

*.grd.more Grid user-defined attribute properties
*.grdp
Grid line properties
*.grdp.mor Grid line user-defined attribute properties
e
*.mvi

Model view properties that you have saved for the
model.

Grid line
properties
View properties

Default 3D, part, component, custom component,
assembly, and cast unit view settings files need to be
saved with names used in common environment:
3D view: basic_view
3D part view: part_basic_view
Part front view: part_front_view
Part top view: part_top_view
Part end view: part_end_view
Part perspective view: part_persp_view
3D component view: joint_basic_view
Component front view: joint_front_view
Component top view: joint_top_view
Component end view: joint_end_view
Component perspective view: joint_persp_view
Custom component front view:
custom_object_editor_front_view
Custom component top view:
custom_object_editor_top_view

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension

Description

For more
information

Custom component end view:
custom_object_editor_end_view
Custom component perspective view:
custom_object_editor_perspective_view
3D assembly or cast unit view: assembly_basic_view
Assembly or cast unit front view: assembly_front_view
Assembly or cast unit top view: assembly_top_view
Assembly or cast unit end view: assembly_end_view
Assembly or cast unit back view: assembly_back_view
Assembly or cast unit bottom view:
assembly_bottom_view
Assembly or cast unit perspective view:
assebly_persp_view
*.gvi

Saved properties for creating views along grid lines

Grid view
properties

*.rep

Object representation properties

Changing the
color and
transparency of
parts

*.clm

Steel column properties

Steel column
properties

*.clm.more Steel column user-defined attribute properties
*.prt
Steel beam properties
*.prt.more Steel beam user-defined attribute properties
*.crs
Orthogonal beam properties
*.crs.more Orthogonal beam user-defined attribute properties
*.dia
Twin profile properties
*.dia.more Twin profile user-defined attribute properties
*.cpl
Contour plate properties
*.cpl.more Contour plate user-defined attribute properties
*.ips
Item properties
*.ips.more Item user-defined attribute properties
*.cpf
Pad footing properties
*.cpf.more Pad footing user-defined attribute properties
*.csf
Strip footing properties
*.csf.more Strip footing user-defined attribute properties

Files and folders

Steel beam
properties
Orthogonal beam
properties
Twin profile
properties
Contour plate
properties
Item properties
Pad footing
properties
Strip footing
properties

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
*.ccl

Description

Concrete column properties

*.ccl.more Concrete column user-defined attribute properties
.*.cbm

Concrete beam or concrete polybeam properties

*.cbm.more Concrete beam or concrete polybeam user-defined
attribute properties
*.csl
Concrete slab properties
*.csl.more Concrete slab user-defined attribute properties
*.cpn
Concrete panel properties
*.cpn.more Concrete panel user-defined attribute properties
*.ipc
Concrete item properties
*.ipc.more Concrete item user-defined attribute properties
*.rbr
Reinforcing bar properties
*.rbr.more Reinforcing bar user-defined attribute properties
*.rbg
Reinforcing bar group properties

For more
information
Concrete column
properties
Concrete beam
properties
Concrete slab
properties
Concrete panel
properties
Concrete item
properties
Creating a
reinforcing bar

Creating a
*.rbg.more Reinforcing bar group user-defined attribute properties reinforcing bar
group
*.rcu
Curved reinforcing bar group properties
Creating a curved
reinforcing bar
group
*.rci
Circular reinforcing bar group properties
Creating a
circular
reinforcing bar
group
*.rbm
Reinforcement mesh properties
Creating a
*.rbm.more Reinforcement mesh user-defined attribute properties rectangular
reinforcement
mesh
*.rbs
Reinforcement strand pattern properties
Creating a
reinforcement
*.rbs.more Reinforcement strand pattern user-defined attribute
strand pattern
properties
Reinforcement splice properties

*.rsp

*.rsp.more Reinforcement splice user-defined attribute properties
*.admodel

Analysis model properties

*.admodel. Analysis model user-defined attribute properties
more
*.lm1

Point load properties

Files and folders

Creating a
reinforcement
splice
Analysis model
properties
Point load
properties

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
*.lm2

Description

Line load properties

Line load
properties

*.lm3

Area load properties

Area load
properties

*.lm4

Uniform load properties

Uniform load
properties

*.m1000002 Wind load properties
8

For more
information

Wind load
properties

*.lm6

Temperature load properties

Temperature load
properties

*.lco

Load combination properties

Load
combination
properties

*.adnode

Analysis node properties

Analysis node
properties

*.adnode.m Analysis node user-defined attribute properties
ore
*.prt_ad,
File types associated with steel beam analysis property
*.prt_desi settings. *.prt_ad contains information associated
gn
with the analysis part properties and
*.prt_design contains information associated
with the actual steel beam design.
*.crs_ad,
File types associated with orthogonal steel beam
*.crs_desi analysis property settings. *.crs_ad contains
gn
information associated with the analysis part
properties and *.crs_design contains information
associated with orthogonal steel beam design.
*.clm_ad,
File types associated with steel column analysis
*.clm_desi property settings. *.clm_ad contains information
gn
associated with the analysis part properties and
*.clm_design contains information associated
with the actual steel column design.
*.dia_ad,
File types associated with steel twin profile analysis
*.dia_desi property settings. *.dia_ad contains information
gn
associated with the analysis part properties and
*.dia_design contains information associated
with actual twin profile design.
*.cpl_ad,
File types associated with contour plate analysis
*.cpl_desi property settings. *.cpl_ad contains information
gn
associated with the analysis part properties and
*.cpl_design contains information associated
with actual contour plate design.

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension

Description

For more
information

*.cpf_ad,
File types associated with pad footing analysis property
*.cpf_desi settings. *.cpf_ad contains information associated
gn
with the analysis part properties and
*.cpf_design contains information associated
with the actual pad footing design.
*.csf_ad,
File types associated with strip footing analysis
*.csf_desi property settings. *.csf_ad contains information
gn
associated with the analysis part properties and
*.csf_design contains information associated
with the actual strip footing design.
*.ccl_ad,
File types associated with concrete column analysis
*.ccl_desi property settings. *.ccl_ad contains information
gn
associated with the analysis part properties and
*.ccl_design contains information associated
with the actual concrete column design.
*.cbm_ad,
File types associated with concrete beam analysis
*.cbm_desi property settings. *.cbm_ad contains information
gn
associated with the analysis part properties and
*.cbm_design contains information associated
with the actual concrete beam design.
*.csl_ad,
File types associated with concrete slab analysis
*.csl_desi property settings. *.csl_ad contains information
gn
associated with the analysis part properties and
*.csl_design contains information associated
with the actual slab design.
*.cpn_ad,
File types associated with concrete panel analysis
*.cpn_desi property settings. *.cpl_ad contains information
gn
associated with the analysis part properties and
*.cpl_design contains information associated
with the actual concrete panel design.
*.srf
Surface treatment properties
*.srf.more User-defined surface treatment attribute properties
*.cha
Edge chamfer properties
*.cha.more User-defined edge chamfer attribute properties
.scr
Bolt properties
.scr.more

User-defined bolt attribute properties

*.wld

Weld properties

Edge chamfer
properties
Bolt properties
Weld properties

*.wld.more User-defined weld attribute properties
*.m1000009 Control number properties

Files and folders

Adding surface
treatment

Control number
settings

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
Description
name
extension
*.m1000010 Control number locking properties

For more
information
Locking and
unlocking control
numbers

*.num

Numbering setup properties

General
numbering
settings

*.rpr

Report properties

Report settings

*.4d

Project status visualization properties

Project Status
Visualization

standard.o Settings are saved in standard.opt in the
pt
\attributes folder only when you save your own
settings in the Options dialog box using Save.

Settings in the
Options dialog
box on page 19

There is a standard.opt file in the environment
folder that gives the initial values to be loaded when a
model is created.
ComponentC Includes the default settings of the folder view in the
atalogTree component catalog.
View.txt
Files in the \PublicWeb folder:
Model.xml Web Viewer model in XML format

Grouping
components in
the Component
Catalog
Tekla Web Viewer

index.html Index file for the Web Viewer model
Model.zsol Contains information on solid objects in the Web
Viewer model
Files in the css Contains Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) files for the Web
Viewer Model
folder
Files in the dll Contains dynamic link libraries (DLL) files for the Web
Viewer model
folder
Files in the
help folder

Contains Web Viewer help and css files.

Files in the
Contains image files used in Web Viewer
images folder
Files in the \drawings folder:
*.dg
Drawing files

Saving drawings
About drawing
files

*.ldb

Drawing export layer properties

Common drawing files:

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
*.ldr

Description

For more
information

Drawing link properties

Adding links to
other drawings

*.cs

Section symbol properties

Creating a
section view

*.detail

Detail symbol properties

Creating a detail
view

*.fas

Text file properties

Adding links to
text files

*.fhl

Hyperlink properties

Adding hyperlinks

Files related to single-part drawings, drawing level properties, saved in \attributes
folder:
*.wd
Single-part drawing properties
Drawing
properties
*.wd.copt Single-part drawing detailed object level settings
*.wd.more

Single-part drawing user-defined attributes

*.wdf

Single-part drawing filter properties

*.wdnf

Single-part drawing neighbor part filter properties

Filtering in
drawings

*.wdl

Single-part drawing layout properties

Drawing layout

*.wdl.more Single-part drawing user-defined layout attributes
*.wdv
Single-part drawing view properties
*.wdv.more Single-part drawing user-defined view attributes
*.wdc
Single-part drawing section view properties
*.wdc.more Single-part drawing user-defined section view
attributes
*.wdd
Single-part drawing dimension properties

View properties
in drawings
Section view
properties

Dimension and
dimensioning
*.wdd.more Single-part drawing user-defined dimension attributes
properties
*.wdcd
Single-part drawing dimensioning properties
*.wdcd
Single-part drawing user-defined dimensioning
more
attributes
*.wpm
Single-part drawing part mark properties
Part mark
elements
*.wsm
Single-part drawing bolt mark properties
Bolt mark
elements
*.wnpm
Single-part drawing neighbor part mark properties
Part mark
elements
*.wdsurfm Single-part drawing surface treatment mark properties Surface
treatment mark
*.wdsurfm. Single-part drawing user-defined surface treatment
elements
more
mark attributes

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
*.wjm

Description

Single-part drawing connection mark properties

Connection mark
elements

*.wdp

Single-part drawing part properties

Part and
neighbor part
properties

*.wds

Single-part drawing bolt properties

Bolt content and
appearance
properties in
drawings

*.wds.more Single-part drawing user-defined bolt attributes
Single-part drawing neighbor part properties

*.wdnp

*.wdnp.mor Single-part drawing user-defined neighbor part
e
attributes
*.wdsrf
Single-part drawing surface treatment properties
*.wdsrf.mo Single-part drawing user-defined surface treatment
re
attributes

Single-part drawing grid properties

*.wdgr

*.wdgr.mor Single-part drawing user-defined grid attributes
e
Single-part drawing protection properties

*.wdr

For more
information

Part and
neighbor part
properties
Surface
treatment
visibility and
content
properties in
drawings
Drawing grid
properties
Drawing grid
properties
Protecting areas
in drawings

*.wdr.more Single-part drawing user-defined protection attributes Protecting areas
in drawings
Files related to assembly drawings, drawing level properties, saved in \attributes folder:
*.ad
Assembly drawing properties
Drawing
properties
*.ad.copt Assembly drawing detailed object level settings
*.ad.more

Assembly drawing user-defined attributes

*.adf

Assembly drawing filter properties

*.adnf

Assembly drawing neighbor part filter properties

Filtering in
drawings

*.adl

Assembly drawing layout properties

Drawing layout

*.adl.more Assembly drawing user-defined layout attributes
*.adv
Assembly drawing view properties
*.adc

Assembly drawing section view properties

Files and folders

View properties
in drawings
Section view
properties

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
*.add

Description

Assembly drawing dimension properties

*.add.more Assembly drawing user-defined dimension attributes
*.adcd
Assembly drawing dimensioning properties
*.adcd.mor Assembly drawing user-defined dimensioning
e
attributes
*.apm
Assembly drawing part mark properties

For more
information
Dimension and
dimensioning
properties

Part mark
elements

*.asm

Assembly drawing bolt mark properties

Bolt mark
elements

*.anpm

Assembly drawing neighbor part mark properties

Part mark
elements

*.adsurfm

Assembly drawing surface treatment mark properties

Surface
treatment mark
elements

*.adsurfm. Assembly drawing user-defined surface treatment
more
mark attributes
*.ajm
Assembly drawing connection mark properties
*.adp

Assembly drawing part properties

*.adp.more Assembly drawing user-defined part attributes

Connection mark
elements
Part and
neighbor part
properties

*.ads

Assembly drawing bolt properties

Bolt content and
appearance
properties in
drawings

*.adnp

Assembly drawing neighbor part properties

Part and
neighbor part
properties

*.adnp.mor Assembly drawing user-defined neighbor part
e
attributes
*.adsrf
Assembly drawing surface treatment properties
*.adsrf.mo Assembly drawing user-defined surface treatment
re
attributes

*.adw

Assembly drawing welding properties

*.adw.more Assembly drawing user-defined welding attributes

*.adgr

Assembly drawing grid properties

Files and folders

Surface
treatment
visibility and
content
properties in
drawings
Model weld mark
visibility and
appearance
properties in
drawings
Drawing grid
properties

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
Description
name
extension
*.adgr.mor Assembly drawing user-defined grid attributes
e
*.adr

Assembly drawing protection properties

For more
information
Drawing grid
properties
Protecting areas
in drawings

Files related to cast unit drawings, drawing level properties, saved in \attributes folder:
*.cud
Cast unit drawing properties
Drawing
properties
*.cud.copt Cast unit drawing detailed object level settings
*.cud.more Cast unit drawing user-defined attributes
*.cudl
Cast unit drawing layout properties

Drawing layout

*.cudl.mor Cast unit drawing user-defined layout attributes
e
*.cudv

Cast unit drawing view properties

*.cudv.mor Cast unit drawing user-defined view attributes
e
*.cudc

Cast unit drawing section view properties

*.cudd

Cast unit drawing dimension properties

View properties
in drawings

Section view
*.cudc.mor Cast unit drawing user-defined section view attributes properties
e
*.cudd.mor Cast unit drawing user-defined dimension attributes
e
*.cudcd

Dimension and
dimensioning
properties

Cast unit drawing dimensioning properties

*.cudcd.mo Cast unit drawing user-defined dimensioning
re
properties
*.cupm
Cast unit drawing part mark properties

Part mark
elements

*.cusm

Cast unit drawing bolt mark properties

Bolt mark
elements

*.cunpm

Cast unit drawing neighbor part mark properties

Part mark
elements

*.cudsurfm Cast unit drawing surface treatment mark properties
*.cudsurfm Cast unit drawing user-defined surface treatment mark
.more
attributes
*.cudrm
Cast unit drawing reinforcement mark properties
*.cudrm.mo Cast unit drawing user-defined reinforcement mark
re
attributes

Surface
treatment mark
elements
Reinforcement
and neighbor
reinforcement
mark elements
Mark properties

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
*.cudp

Description

Cast unit drawing part properties

*.cudp.mor Cast unit drawing user-defined part attributes
e
*.cuds

Cast unit drawing bolt properties

*.cuds.mor Cast unit drawing user-defined bolt attributes
e
*.cudnp

Cast unit drawing neighbor part properties

*.cudnp.mo Cast unit drawing user-defined neighbor part
re
attributes
*.cudsrf
Cast unit drawing surface treatment properties
*.cudsrf.m Cast unit drawing user-defined surface treatment
ore
attributes

*.cudr

Cast unit drawing reinforcement properties

*.cudr.mor Cast unit drawing user-defined reinforcement
e
attributes

*.cudw

Cast unit drawing welding properties

*.cudw.mor Cast unit drawing user-defined welding attributes
e
*.cudgr

Cast unit drawing grid properties

*.cudgr.mo Cast unit drawing user-defined grid attributes
re
*.cudrp

Cast unit drawing protection properties

*.cudrp.mo Cast unit drawing user-defined protection attributes
re
*.cuf

Cast unit drawing filter properties

*.cunf

Cast unit drawing neighbor part filter properties

For more
information
Part and
neighbor part
properties
Bolt content and
appearance
properties in
drawings
Part and
neighbor part
properties
Surface
treatment
visibility and
content
properties in
drawings
Reinforcement/
Neighbor
reinforcement
and mesh
properties in
drawings
Model weld mark
visibility and
appearance
properties in
drawings
Drawing grid
properties
Drawing grid
properties
Protecting areas
in drawings
Protecting areas
in drawings
Filtering in
drawings

Files related to multidrawings, drawing level properties, saved in \attributes folder:
*.md
Multidrawing properties
Drawing
properties
*.md.more Multidrawing user-defined attributes

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
*.mdl

Description

Multidrawing layout properties

*.mdl.more Multidrawing user-defined layout attributes
*.mdr
Multidrawing protection properties
*.mdr.more Multidrawing user-defined protection attributes

For more
information
Drawing layout
Protecting areas
in drawings
Protecting areas
in drawings

Files related to general arrangement drawings, drawing level properties, saved in
\attributes folder:
*.gd
General arrangement drawing properties
Drawing
properties
*.gd.copt General arrangement drawing detailed object level
settings.
*.gd.more

General arrangement drawing user-defined properties

*.gdl

General arrangement drawing layout properties

*.gdl.more General arrangement drawing user-defined layout
attributes
*.gdv
General arrangement drawing view properties
*.gdv.more General arrangement drawing user-defined view
attributes
*.gdd
General arrangement drawing dimension properties
*.gdd.more General arrangement drawing user-defined dimension
attributes
*.gdcd
General arrangement drawing dimensioning properties
*.gdcd.mor General arrangement drawing user-defined
e
dimensioning attributes
*.gpm
General arrangement drawing part mark properties

Drawing layout

View properties
in drawings
Dimension and
dimensioning
properties

Part mark
elements

*.gsm

General arrangement drawing bolt mark properties

Bolt mark
elements

*.gnpm

General arrangement drawing neighbor part mark
properties

Part mark
elements

*.gdsurfm

General arrangement drawing surface treatment mark
properties

Surface
treatment mark
elements

*.gdsurfm. General arrangement drawing user-defined surface
more
treatment mark attributes
*.gjm
General arrangement drawing connection mark
properties
*.gdrm
General arrangement drawing reinforcement mark
properties

Files and folders

Connection mark
elements
Reinforcement
and neighbor

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
Description
name
extension
*.gdrm.mor General arrangement drawing user-defined
e
reinforcement mark attributes

For more
information
reinforcement
mark elements
Mark properties

*.gdp

General arrangement drawing part properties

*.gdp.more General arrangement drawing user-defined part
attributes
*.gds
General arrangement drawing bolt properties
*.gds.more General arrangement drawing user-defined bolt
attributes

Part and
neighbor part
properties
Bolt content and
appearance
properties in
drawings

General arrangement drawing neighbor part properties Part and
neighbor part
*.gdnp.mor General arrangement drawing user-defined neighbor
properties
e
part attributes
*.gdnp

*.gdsrf

General arrangement drawing surface treatment
properties

Surface
treatment
visibility and
content
properties in
drawings

*.gdw

General arrangement drawing welding properties

Model weld mark
visibility and
appearance
properties in
drawings

*.gdw.more General arrangement drawing user-defined welding
attributes

General arrangement drawing reinforcement properties Reinforcement/
Neighbor
*.gdr.more General arrangement drawing user-defined
reinforcement
reinforcement attributes
and mesh
properties in
drawings
*.gdrmp
General arrangement drawing reference object
Setting the
properties
visibility and
appearance of
reference models
in drawings...
*.gdrmp.mo General arrangement drawing user-defined reference Setting the
re
model attributes
visibility and
appearance of
reference models
in drawings...
*.gdgr
General arrangement drawing grid properties
Drawing grid
properties
*.gdr

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
Description
name
extension
*.gdgr.mor General arrangement drawing user-defined grid
e
attributes
*.gdrp
General arrangement drawing protection properties
*.gdrp.mor General arrangement drawing user-defined protection
e
attributes
*.gdf
General arrangement drawing filter properties
General arrangement drawing neighbor part filter
properties

*.gdnf

View level drawing settings, saved in \attributes folder:
*.vi
View level view properties

For more
information
Drawing grid
properties
Protecting areas
in drawings
Protecting areas
in drawings
Filtering in
drawings

View properties
in drawings

*.vi.copt

View level detailed object level settings

View properties
in drawings

*.vpm

View level part mark properties

Part mark
elements

*.vsm

View level bolt mark properties

Bolt mark
elements

*.vnpm

View level neighbor part mark properties

Part mark
elements

*.vsurfm

View level surface treatment mark properties

Surface
treatment mark
elements

*.vjm

View level connection mark properties

Connection mark
elements

*.vrm

View level reinforcement mark properties

Reinforcement
and neighbor
reinforcement
mark elements
Mark properties

*.vnrm

View level neighbor reinforcement mark properties

Reinforcement
and neighbor
reinforcement
mark elements
Mark properties

*.vp

View level part properties

Part and
neighbor part
properties

*.vs

View level bolt properties

Bolt content and
appearance

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension

Description

For more
information
properties in
drawings

*.vnp

View level neighbor part properties

Part and
neighbor part
properties

*.vsurf

View level surface treatment properties

Surface
treatment
visibility and
content
properties in
drawings

*.vw

View level welding properties

Model weld mark
visibility and
appearance
properties in
drawings

*.vr

View level reinforcement properties

Reinforcement/
Neighbor
reinforcement
and mesh
properties in
drawings

*.vnr

View level neighbor reinforcement properties

Reinforcement/
Neighbor
reinforcement
and mesh
properties in
drawings

*.vrmp

View level reference object properties

Setting the
visibility and
appearance of
reference models
in drawings...

*.vg

View level grid properties

Drawing grid
properties

*.vf

View level filter properties

*.vnf

View level neighbor part filter properties

Filtering in
drawings

Object level settings, saved in \attributes folder:
*.dprt
Object level part properties

Files and folders

Part and
neighbor part
properties

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
*.dim

Description

For more
information

Object level dimension properties

Dimension and
dimensioning
properties

*.pm

Object level part mark properties

Mark properties

*.jm

Object level connection mark properties

*.sm

Object level bolt mark properties

*.rm

Object level reinforcement mark properties

*.mrms

Object level merged reinforcement mark properties

*.surfm

Object level surface treatment mark properties

*.note

Object level associative note properties

*.wls

Object level weld mark properties

Weld mark
properties

*.lev

Object level level mark properties

Level mark
properties

*.rev

Object level revision mark properties

Adding revision
marks

*.drmsh

Object level reinforcement mesh properties

Reinforcement/
Neighbor
reinforcement
and mesh
properties in
drawings

*.drbr

Object level reinforcement properties

Reinforcement/
Neighbor
reinforcement
and mesh
properties in
drawings

*.sc

Object level bolt properties

Bolt content and
appearance
properties in
drawings

*.srf

Object level surface treatment properties

Surface
treatment
visibility and
content
properties in
drawings

*.dgr

Object level grid properties

Drawing grid
properties

Files and folders

Model folder files and file name extensions

File or file
name
extension
*.sbl

Description

Object level symbol properties

Symbols in
drawings

*.wls

Object level weld mark properties

Adding weld
marks

*.drtxt

Object level text properties

Adding text

*.gln

Object level line properties

*.grt

Object level rectangle properties

Creating a shape
in a drawing

*.gci

Object level circle properties

*.gar

Object level arc properties

*.gpl

Object level polyline properties

*.gpg

Object level polygon and cloud properties

Other drawing related files saved in \attributes folder
.dsf
Drawing selection filter properties. This file is saved
when you select DrawingSelection filter in the Filter
panel of in the Filter properties dialog box.
Files in the \Reports folder:
*.xsr
Tekla Structures reports

For more
information

Filtering in
drawings

Reports

Files in the \ShapeGeometries folder:
*.xml
Shape geometry descriptions

Importing a
shape

Files in the \Shapes folder:
*.xml
Shape descriptions

Shapes

Files in the \DSTV_Profiles folder:
*.nc1
NC (numerical control) files

NC files

In addition, Tekla Structures generates, for example, the following files depending on what
functionalities you are using:
•

Properties files for components available in the Component Catalog, for example
*.j310000063 for 2L Splice (63) component properties. These files are stored in the
attributes folder under the model folder

•

Files related to Unitechnik export in the UT_files folder under the model folder.

Files and folders

Checking and changing Tekla Structures file and folder
locations (Directory Browser)

3.15 Checking and changing Tekla Structures file and folder locations
(Directory Browser)
Directory Browser is a tool that helps you to find and modify the location of the various
Tekla Structures files and folders, and customize user settings.
Generally, only administrators should change these settings. If you change them
yourself, and you are using the same model with other users, and your settings
differ from those of the project, you will have problems. Also, adding or modifying
files in some of these folders may require administrator rights.
To locate files and folders, and customize your Tekla Structures settings:
1. Select Tools --> Macros... to open the Macros dialog box.
2. Select DirectoryBrowser and click Run.
The Directory Browser dialog box is displayed. Here you can check the most common
folder paths, and customize the settings in your user.ini file, or in the user-specific
or model-specific options.ini file.
3. Check the folder paths and change them if necessary by clicking the buttons on the left
of the Basic tab.
If you click the Project or Firm button and you have not set your firm and project folder,
Tekla Structures will prompt you to do so and add the folder path definition to your
user.ini file.
4. Check the settings in the user.ini and options.ini files and change them if
necessary by clicking the buttons on the right of the Basic tab.
5. Go to the Advanced tab and define the folder paths for additional folders that you may
need to access, such as custom components and macros.
Example To display the location of your own user settings, click User Settings on the left. If you want
to check or change the content in one of your user settings files, click the User Settings
(user.ini) or the User Specific Settings (options.ini) button to open the file.

Files and folders

Checking and changing Tekla Structures file and folder
locations (Directory Browser)

3.16 Folder search order
When you open a model, Tekla Structures searches for the associated files in specific folders
in a set order.
It is important that you keep files in correct folders. Once Tekla Structures finds the
associated files, it stops searching. This means that files that have the same name but are
located lower down the search order are ignored.
The folder search order is:
Folder

Defined by

Current model

The open model

Project

Advanced option XS_PROJECT

Firm

Advanced option XS_FIRM

Files and folders

Folder search order

Folder
System

Defined by
Advanced option XS_SYSTEM

Tekla Structures does not search for certain files in exactly this order. The exceptions are
listed below.
The exceptions are:
File (type)
objects.inp

privileges.inp

Search order
•

Model folder

•

Project folder (XS_PROJECT)

•

Firm folder (XS_FIRM)

•

System folder (XS_SYSTEM)

•

inp folder (XS_INP)

•

Model folder

•

Project folder (XS_PROJECT)

•

Firm folder (XS_FIRM)

•

System folder (XS_SYSTEM)

•

inp folder (XS_INP)

*.dat files

System folder (XS_SYSTEM)

Templates

•

Folder containing your templates indicated by the advanced
option XS_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY

•

Model folder

•

Project folder (XS_PROJECT)

•

Firm folder (XS_FIRM)

•

Environment-specific system templates indicated by the
advanced option XS_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY_SYSTEM

•

System folder (XS_SYSTEM)

Catalogs

Profile, bolt, material and reinforcement catalogs:
•

Model folder

•

Project folder (XS_PROJECT)

•

Firm folder (XS_FIRM)

•

Folder indicated by the advanced option XS_PROFDB

Shape catalog:

Files and folders

•

Model folder

•

Project folder (XS_PROJECT)

•

Firm folder (XS_FIRM)

Folder search order

File (type)
•
•

Search order
System folder (XS_SYSTEM)
Folder indicated by the advanced option
XS_DEFAULT_BREP_PATH

Printer catalog:
•

Model folder

•

Project folder (XS_PROJECT)

•

Firm folder (XS_FIRM)

•

Folder indicated by the advanced option XS_DRIVER

Do not use the system folder to store customized files. That way you will avoid
having problems or doing a lot of unnecessary work when you upgrade to a newer
version of the software.

3.17 Project and firm folders
You can create project and firm folders for customized files. This is a useful technique if you
want to store the files for future use, or want to retain them when you install a new release.
The project folder is where you should store files you customize for a particular project. Use
the firm folder to store files customized for a particular organization or company. Create firm
and project folders manually and make them available in all versions using the advanced
options XS_PROJECT and XS_FIRM in Tools --> Options --> Advanced Options... -->
File Locations .
For example, you regularly work for a company that has specific drawing layout standards it
expects you to use. Customize the drawing templates once for the company and save them in
a sub-folder located under the firm folder. You can then use the customized drawing
templates for all future projects for that company.
Changing an advanced option value in .ini files located outside the model
folder does not affect the existing models. You can only update advanced options
in the Advanced Options dialog box or in the options.ini file located in
model folder; not from an options.ini file located in folders defined for the
advanced options XS_FIRM or XS_PROJECT. The .ini files are read also
when you open an existing model, but only new advanced options that do not
exist in options_model.db or options_drawings.db are inserted, for

Files and folders

Project and firm folders

example, such options that are not yet in the Advanced Options dialog box but
have been added in the software.
See also Folder search order on page 84
Typical initialization files and their reading order on page 10

3.18 Location of environment files
The environment files are by default located in ..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\\environments
See also

3.19 Location of certain files in hidden folders
When Tekla Structures is installed in the \Program Files folder the following settings
files are located in hidden folders. You can see hidden folders if you turn them visible in
Windows Folder Options.
You can always check the settings below. If you run into problems with the settings, ask
your administrator or local support for assistance.

File
analysis_design_config.inp

Location
..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\
\system

contentattributes.lst

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\
\template\settings

contentattributes_global.lst

..\Program Files\Tekla
Structures\\nt\TplEd
\settings

contentattributes_userdefined ..\Program Files\Tekla
.lst
Structures\\nt\TplEd
\settings
(in USImperial and Metric environments:
contentattributes_customer.ls
t)

Files and folders

Location of environment files

File
dimension_marks.sym

Location
..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\common\symbols

InquiryTool.config

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\common\macros
\modeling
\InquiryToolAttributes

objects.inp

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\common\inp

options.bin

..\Users\\AppData\Local
\Tekla Structures\
\UserSettings

privileges.inp

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\common\inp

product_finishes.dat

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\common\system

rebar_config.inp

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\
\system

TeklaStructures.lin

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\common\inp

teklastructures.minitoolbar.x ..\Users\\AppData\Local
ml
\Tekla Structures\
\UserSettings
TilePatternCatalog.dtd

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\common\system

TilePatternCatalog.xml

..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\
\environments\
\system

user.ini

..\Users\\AppData
\Local\Tekla Structures
\\UserSettings\

Files and folders

Macros

3.20 Macros
In Tekla Structures, you can use the predefined macros available in Tools --> Macros , or you
can record a series of actions from menus, dialog boxes, or shortcuts. You can also create
macro files manually.
Macros are saved as .cs files in the drawings or modeling folder under a folder
defined with the advanced option XS_MACRO_DIRECTORY. By default, this advanced
option is set to ..\ProgramData\Tekla Structures\
\environments\common\macros. In addition to this global folder, you can create a
local folder and save your macros there. You can add your own folder for this advanced
option in addition to the global folder.
See also Recording, editing and running macros on page 89
Adding a customized toolbar button for a macro on page 90
Checking and changing Tekla Structures file and folder locations (Directory Browser) on page
82

Recording, editing and running macros
To record and edit a macro and then run it:
1. Click Tools --> Macros to open the Macros dialog box.
2. Enter a name for the macro in the Macro name box.
Once you enter the name, the Record button is activated.
3. Click the Global or Local option button depending on whether you want to save the
macro in the global or local macros folder.
The Global and Local option buttons are only available if you have defined a location for
the local macros in your environment using the advanced option
XS_MACRO_DIRECTORY.
4. Click Record.
5. Perform the actions you want to record.
6. Click Stop to stop recording.
The recorded macro is saved under global or local macros in the \drawings or
\modeling folder depending on the mode (drawing or modeling) you were using while
you were recording the macro.
7. To view or edit the macro you created, select the macro and click Edit.
The macro can be opened in any text editor.
8. To run the macro, select it and click Run.

Files and folders

Macros

To manually create a macro file, click Create in the Macros dialog box. This creates an
empty macro file, which you can manually edit, for example, by copying commands in it
from other macro files.

See also Adding a customized toolbar button for a macro on page 90
Macros on page 88

Adding a customized toolbar button for a macro
You can create your own toolbar buttons for macros and have them available on userspecific toolbars.
To add a customized toolbar button:
1. Create the bitmap you want to use as the toolbar button.
2. Save the bitmap with the same name as the macro in the same folder as the macro.
For example, if you have a macro that is used in modeling, and the name of the macro is
RotatePart.cs, save the bitmap as RotatePart.bmp in the folder ..\Tekla
Structures\\environments\common\macros\modeling.
If you are using large toolbar buttons (24x24 pixels instead of 16x16 pixels), add the
suffix _big to the bitmap name: for example, RotatePart_big.bmp.
3. Click Tools --> Customize to open the Customize dialog box.
4. If you have not created any user-specific toolbars, click New to create one.
5. Enter macro in the Filter box to list the available macros.
6. Select the macro from the list, click the user-specific toolbar in the Toolbars list, and
then click the right arrow.
The macro is added to the user-specific toolbar.
7. Click Close to close the Customize dialog box.
8. Restart Tekla Structures to load the bitmap.

Files and folders

Macros

Model dump

If you have fatal problems with the model, for example, you cannot save the model, using a
model dump is one way of saving your work. Model dump creates an ASCII file. The file
contains your entire model including views and drawings.
The following information is for advanced users.
You can modify a model dump file with a standard text editor. For example, if you
know the ID of a corrupted part, you can search for the ID in the file and delete
the data related to the ID.
See also Importing a model dump on page 91
Exporting a model dump on page 91

4.1 Exporting a model dump
Exporting a model dump creates an ASCII file of a model. You can import the model dump
into a new model. The model dump file contains the entire model, including views and
drawings.
To export a model into a model dump file, click File --> Export --> Model Dump .
Tekla Structures creates the model.dmp file in the model folder.
See also Importing a model dump on page 91

Model dump

Exporting a model dump

4.2 Importing a model dump
You can only import a model dump into a newly-created model. A model dump can be
imported only once into one model. You can import the same model dump into several new
models.
To import a model dump:
1. Create a new model.
2. Copy the model dump file (.dmp) to the new model’s model folder.
3. Click File --> Import --> Model Dump .
4. Save and close the model.
5. Reopen the model.

Do not import model dumps in multi-user mode.

See also Exporting a model dump on page 91

Model dump

Importing a model dump

Disclaimer

© 2015 Tekla Corporation and its licensors. All rights reserved.
This Software Manual has been developed for use with the referenced Software. Use of the
Software, and use of this Software Manual are governed by a License Agreement. Among
other provisions, the License Agreement sets certain warranties for the Software and this
Manual, disclaims other warranties, limits recoverable damages, defines permitted uses of the
Software, and determines whether you are an authorized user of the Software. All
information set forth in this manual is provided with the warranty set forth in the License
Agreement. Please refer to the License Agreement for important obligations and applicable
limitations and restrictions on your rights. Tekla does not guarantee that the text is free of
technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Tekla reserves the right to make changes and
additions to this manual due to changes in the software or otherwise.
In addition, this Software Manual is protected by copyright law and by international treaties.
Unauthorized reproduction, display, modification, or distribution of this Manual, or any
portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the
full extent permitted by law.
Tekla, Tekla Structures, Tekla BIMsight, BIMsight, Tedds, Solve, Fastrak and Orion are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Tekla Corporation in the European Union, the United
States, and/or other countries. More about Tekla trademarks: http://www.tekla.com/teklatrademarks. Trimble is a registered trademark or trademark of Trimble Navigation Limited in
the European Union, in the United States and/or other countries. More about Trimble
trademarks: http://www.trimble.com/trademarks.aspx. Other product and company names
mentioned in this Manual are or may be trademarks of their respective owners. By referring
to a third-party product or brand, Tekla does not intend to suggest an affiliation with or
endorsement by such third party and disclaims any such affiliation or endorsement, except
where otherwise expressly stated.
Portions of this software:
D-Cubed 2D DCM © 2010 Siemens Industry Software Limited. All rights reserved.
EPM toolkit © 1995-2004 EPM Technology a.s., Oslo, Norway. All rights reserved.
Open CASCADE Technology © 2001-2014 Open CASCADE SA. All rights reserved.
FLY SDK - CAD SDK © 2012 VisualIntegrity™. All rights reserved.
Teigha © 2003-2014 Open Design Alliance. All rights reserved.
PolyBoolean C++ Library © 2001-2012 Complex A5 Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

Importing a model dump

FlexNet Copyright © 2014 Flexera Software LLC. All Rights Reserved.
This product contains proprietary and confidential technology, information and creative
works owned by Flexera Software LLC and its licensors, if any. Any use, copying, publication,
distribution, display, modification, or transmission of such technology in whole or in part in
any form or by any means without the prior express written permission of Flexera Software
LLC is strictly prohibited. Except where expressly provided by Flexera Software LLC in writing,
possession of this technology shall not be construed to confer any license or rights under any
Flexera Software LLC intellectual property rights, whether by estoppel, implication, or
otherwise.
To see the third party licenses, go to Tekla Structures, click Help --> About and click the
Third party licenses button.
The elements of the software described in this Manual are protected by several patents and
possibly pending patent applications in the European Union and/or other countries. For more
information go to page http://www.tekla.com/tekla-patents.

Disclaimer

Importing a model dump

Index
A

advanced options.............................................................. 10
changing...................................................................... 37
storing settings.......................................................... 18
user-specific................................................................33
API............................................................................................8

environment settings
global default ............................................................ 13
local............................................................................... 14
environment variables..................................................... 18
see advanced options............................................... 37
environment variables, see advanced options.......... 10
environment.db..................................................................40
environment
database file................................................................40
env_.ini....................................... 10,14,32
env_global_default.ini............................................... 10,32
env_global_default.ini ....................................................13
examples
creating user-defined attribute.............................43
flat bar sizes................................................................46
modifying messages..................................................51
updating user-defined attribute........................... 43
exporting
model dump................................................................ 91
extensions..............................................................................8

C
catalog files........................................................................ 53
clash check
settings......................................................................... 19
company.ini.........................................................................10
components
settings......................................................................... 19
creating
customized initialization files................................16
shortcuts...................................................................... 16
customized initializations...............................................16
customizing
message files...............................................................50
user-defined attributes............................................39

file name extensions........................................................ 62
file types
initialization files.......................................................10
files.......................................................................................... 9
extensions....................................................................62
in model folder........................................................... 62
initialization files.......................................................10
locations.......................................................................82
symbol...........................................................................55
firm folder........................................................................... 86
flat bars
in drawings .................................................................46
in reports......................................................................46
sizes............................................................................... 46
fltprops.inp..........................................................................46
folders..................................................................................... 9

data files..............................................................................49
decimals
settings......................................................................... 19
defining
flat bar sizes................................................................46
unfolding parameters............................................... 47
dimensions
default format............................................................ 19
default precision........................................................ 19
default unit................................................................. 19
settings......................................................................... 19
drawing objects
settings......................................................................... 19

of hidden files.............................................................87
locations
files................................................................................ 82
folders........................................................................... 82
log files
list of............................................................................. 57
numbering.history log........................................ 59,61
viewing......................................................................... 58
viewing parts.............................................................. 58

firm................................................................................ 86
in model folder........................................................... 62
locations.......................................................................82
project...........................................................................86
search order................................................................ 84
font files...............................................................................54
fonts......................................................................................54
fonts_.ini................................................................10

global default environment settings........................... 13
graphics card.........................................................................5

macros..................................................................................88
adding customized toolbar buttons..................... 90
editing...........................................................................89
global............................................................................ 89
local............................................................................... 89
recording...................................................................... 89
running......................................................................... 89
memory...................................................................................5
message files...................................................................... 50
customizing.................................................................50
messages
modifying.....................................................................51
Migration Wizard.............................................................. 15
model dump........................................................................91
exporting......................................................................91
importing..................................................................... 91
model folder
file name extensions.................................................62
files................................................................................ 62
model-specific settings................................................... 32
mouse
settings......................................................................... 19

I
icons
adding customized toolbar buttons..................... 90
image files...........................................................................56
images
file formats..................................................................56
importing
model dump................................................................ 91
ini files............................................................................10,16
env_global_default.ini....................................... 13,14
role_.ini............................................................14
initialization files.............................................................. 10
creating customized................................................. 16
env_.ini........................................... 14
env_global_default.ini............................................. 13
file types.......................................................................10
including other initialization files ....................... 18
reading order.............................................................. 10
role_.ini............................................................14
usage............................................................................. 10
input files............................................................................ 38

N
north marks, see orientation marks............................. 19
numbering history.......................................................59,61
numbering
settings......................................................................... 19
user-defined attributes............................................43

L
lang_.ini................................................................. 10
load modeling
settings......................................................................... 19
local environment settings
env_.ini........................................... 14
location
of environmental files.............................................. 87

O
objects.inp........................................................................... 41

options..........................................................................18
search order........................................................................ 84
settings
clash check.................................................................. 19
components.................................................................19
decimals....................................................................... 19
dimensions...................................................................19
drawing objects..........................................................19
general..........................................................................19
in the Options dialog box........................................19
load modeling.............................................................19
mouse............................................................................19
north marks, see orientation marks..................... 19
orientation marks...................................................... 19
startup.......................................................................... 19
units...............................................................................19
shortcuts
creating........................................................................ 16
customized initialization files................................18
standard files......................................................................51
creating........................................................................ 52
saving............................................................................52
standard.opt........................................................................19
startup
settings......................................................................... 19
symbol files......................................................................... 55
system-specific settings..................................................32

optimizing
Tekla Structures performance.................................. 5
Options dialog box
settings......................................................................... 19
options.bin...................................................10,18,32,33,37
options.ini......................................................................10,32
options
storing saving............................................................. 18
options_drawings.db...................................... 18,19,32,37
options_model.db............................................18,19,32,37
orientation marks
settings......................................................................... 19

P
performance
modeling tips.................................................................6
optimizing...................................................................... 5
plates
flat bars........................................................................ 46
plotdev.bin...........................................................................55
profile files.......................................................................... 53
project folder......................................................................86
properties files................................................................... 52
properties
objects.inp................................................................... 41
unfolding parameters............................................... 48
property files...................................................................... 51

Tekla Open API......................................................................8
Tekla Structures files.......................................................... 9
Tekla Structures folders..................................................... 9
teklastructures.ini............................................................. 10
template files..................................................................... 55
tips
modeling large models............................................... 6
toolbars
adding toolbar buttons for macros...................... 90

reading order
initialization files.......................................................10
recording
macros.......................................................................... 89
report files...........................................................................55
role settings........................................................................ 14
roles.......................................................................................14
role_.ini....................................................... 10,14,32
running
macros.......................................................................... 89

U
unfolding parameters
defining........................................................................ 47
properties.....................................................................48
unfold_corner_ratios.inp................................................ 48
units

S
saving
advanced options.......................................................18

settings......................................................................... 19
updating
user-defined attributes in model.......................... 40
user-defined attributes
customizing.................................................................39
environment.db.......................................................... 40
example........................................................................ 43
numbering................................................................... 43
objects.inp properties............................................... 41
updating in model..................................................... 40
user-specific advanced options.................................... 33
user-specific settings.......................................................32
user.ini..................................................................................10
modifying.....................................................................15

V
variables
see advanced options............................................... 33
viewing parts
in log files.................................................................... 58
viewing
log files......................................................................... 58

Source Exif Data:

File Type                       : PDF
File Type Extension             : pdf
MIME Type                       : application/pdf
PDF Version                     : 1.4
Linearized                      : Yes
Author                          : Tekla
Create Date                     : 2015:03:09 10:25:20+02:00
Modify Date                     : 2015:03:09 10:37:28+02:00
Subject                         : Optimizing Tekla Structures performance
Has XFA                         : No
XMP Toolkit                     : Adobe XMP Core 5.4-c005 78.147326, 2012/08/23-13:03:03
Format                          : application/pdf
Creator                         : Tekla
Description                     : Optimizing Tekla Structures performance
Title                           : Optimizing Tekla Structures performance
Creator Tool                    : AH XSL Formatter V6.1 MR1 for Windows (x64) : 6.1.6.12100 (2013/07/19 17:47JST)
Metadata Date                   : 2015:03:09 10:37:28+02:00
Producer                        : Antenna House PDF Output Library 6.1.420 (Windows (x64))
Trapped                         : False
Document ID                     : uuid:ce71931b-fba0-4705-8865-d5e9763906e5
Instance ID                     : uuid:bae9dd56-55a3-4d29-afda-7e4902a037b5
Page Mode                       : UseOutlines
Page Count                      : 98

EXIF Metadata provided by EXIF.tools

Optimizing Tekla Structures Performance System Guide 210 Enu

Navigation menu

Versions of this User Manual:

Views

Navigation