ProtaStructure : Graphic Editor User Interface

Graphic Editor User Interface

When ProtaStructure is started the "Project Manager" is initially displayed. If ‘New Project’ is clicked the Graphic Editor is opened with a clear drawing area. Alternatively, if an existing project is selected the Graphic Editor is opened with the project data loaded, showing the storey last saved in the plan window.

The Graphic Editor is equipped with standard MS-Windows user-interface features such as pulldown menus, toolbars and icons to provide better and faster data input.

The Graphic Editor window is composed of following parts:


Version of the ProtaStructure

This field shows the number of the ProtaStructure is being used. Alternatively, you can check your version number by going to Help > About ProtaStructure.
To update your ProtaStructure, kindly go to Help > Check Updates. Alternatively, update your ProtaStructure by going to Help > Start Page > Notification Panel > Click Update.

Plan View

The middle-right section of the Graphic Editor Window displaying drawings, surrounded by the above items.

View orientation is from a point on the positive Z-axis.

3D View

Multiple 3D Views of the model can be concurrently made active by:
  1. right click the “Views” and select the “3D Physical Model”.
  2. or under "Views" tab click on “3D Physical Model”.
View orientation can be set using the provided view control buttons.


1) Quick Access Toolbar

The Quick Access toolbar displays commonly used commands. Any command can be added to the Quick Access toolbar by right-clicking on the command → Add to Quick Access Toolbar.


2) Tab Toolbar

Tab Toolbar / Ribbon Tab menus are located above the drawing environment area. All commands/tools are located inside ribbon tab and categorized in ribbon groups.

3) Search and Display Controlling Tab

Enter the member labels in this field to locate the member in plan view or 3D view.
For other functions in this tab:
  1.  - Refresh Display
  2.  -  Change the Rotation Center
  3.  - Rotates the 2D coordinate system on floor plan
  4. -  Toggle to On or OFF the axis labels at the edge of the axes.
  5.  - Zoom Window
  6.  - Zoom Previous
  7.  - Zoom Extents: Zoom closely to the selected member.

4) Structure Tree

Structure Tree provides a complete hierarchical list of all axes and members in the selected storey.

Members may easily be selected by clicking on their labels under the storey they belong. Selected members will also be highlighted in plan and 3D view.

Also provides quick access to many menu options displayed by right-clicking on the selected node.

5) Right-Click Menu

This menu can be called out by selecting a member then right-click. In the menu, user can select to view analysis result diagram, properties of the selected member, member tables, modelling tools, etc.

6) Status Bar and Command Entry

All prompts and help to user appear in the status bar. Status bar is located at the lower-left corner of the Graphic Editor Window. 

Command box is located at bottom of the Graphic Editor Window. By entering name of command can easily access to tools/command that you are looking for.


7) Properties Window

A Properties window for each member type can be opened by choosing a member from the Member pulldown or by selecting the Properties option in the shortcut menu of a currently selected member.

All data fields for the selected member will be available in the Properties Window.


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