Data Bar

The Data Bar is normally docked to the immediate right of the Tool Bar It contains various data fields that change with mode and view. If you have trouble seeing all of the Data Bar then you can move it to a new screen location by clicking and dragging it from its docked position.

Concept Mode

The fields of the Data Bar can be used to enter new data, edit existing data and display information about currently selected items.

For example, if you mouse-click on an existing column it will turn red and the Data Bar will display the name of the column and its design group. You can rename the column by typing a new name in the Name field. You can change the design group for the column by selecting a different group in the Groups field. When you take any other action you will be asked whether if you want your modifications implemented, however it is best to press Enter to avoid confusion between the two actions.

Try selecting multiple columns (hold the Ctrl key down after clicking on the first column and continue clicking on other columns). Note that the Name field is gray because it cannot display more than one name at a time. The Groups field may not be empty if all the selected columns belong to the same design group. Even if it is empty you can reassign the selected columns to a new design group by selecting a group from the drop down list.

Similar actions apply to grid, wall, beam, joist and load data.

Beam and Column Modes

The Data Bar contains a single field for listing Suggested Sections, that is, those sections found to be suitable candidates for the currently stated design problem. Until you press the Design button this field displays No sections generated. Once a design has been completed the field displays Select a section. Use the mouse to select a section from the list box in the Data Bar. Now the field displays the name of the section you selected. Note that design check results for the selected section are automatically displayed in the results window. In addition, if you now press the Beam (or Column) button you will see that fields previously displaying (unknown) are now filled with the particulars of the section you selected.