Getting started with TrussLab

What is TrussLab#

TrussLab turns a network of nodes and links into stock members and printable joints. You design the structure; attachments supply the local connection geometry. Print the complex parts and buy the length as tube, rod, or profile.

This guide starts in the Frame Editor. Use the Attachment Editor to author parametric CSG fittings, or the Foreign Part Editor to import purchased geometry and edit its mate interfaces.

You can edit without an account. Designs auto-save locally in this browser. Use Import/Export to share one editable model or download a complete workspace backup; a link alone does not transfer a local model.

Start from a preset#

Open the Triangle Frame narrated build. Watch the short construction once. Pause or step through the history when you want to inspect an action, then choose Take over to edit the model at its current step.

For a complete first exercise with a named dimension, use Resize a pull-up bar. It shows what to change, what to inspect, and how to restore the original state.

Navigate the viewport#

• Orbit: drag with the left mouse button.
• Pan: drag with the right mouse button.
• Zoom: scroll or pinch.
• Touch: use one finger to orbit and two fingers to pan or pinch-zoom.

Click a node, link, or attachment to select it and see its details in the sidebar.

Recognize the pieces#

• Node: a point in the design.
• Logical link: a reference span between points.
• Physical link: the real tube, rod, or profile along a reference span.
• Attachment: a reusable printable fitting, such as a sleeve, clamp, foot, or mount.
• Attachment Connection: an explicit connection that combines selected attachment ports and their owning bodies into coordinated printable geometry.

Begin by identifying one member, its sleeve, and its corner connection. The concept series explains how these layers fit together, including Virtual links, Free attachments, and clearances.

Open the assembly screenshot at full resolution.

Change one parameter#

In a preset with named inputs, open Properties in the frame sidebar. Note the original value of one dimension, change it slightly, and inspect what follows. The pull-up bar's frameWidth is a useful example.

Prefer a preset's named property when it expresses the dimension you want to change. Check the resulting member endpoints and joints. If the changed geometry needs reconciliation, run it explicitly and inspect the result.

Undo and explore safely#

Undo the last change and confirm that the original value and geometry return. Redo it to compare. A source edit and its automatic dependent updates form a reversible history step; an explicit reconciliation action is its own step.

Editing after returning to an earlier step retains the old continuation under Previous alternatives. See Transaction history when you need replay, checkpoints, or workspace backups.

Export and build#

Use Import/Export for the manufacturing handoff. Read Exporting and preparing a build for STL/3MF, stock lengths, BOM output, and Pro STEP export. Inspect the result before following the assembly guide.

Continue learning#

Read Understand the model for the complete explanation of reusable attachments and joints. Use the Frame Editor Reference to look up exact settings. If you want assistance from your own AI agent, start with the AI assistant guide.

The topic shortcuts below keep older links useful and take you to the detailed explanation.