creating a structure

One of the problems of creating three-dimensional structures using a computer, is the fact that the computer only has a two-dimensional interface. Somehow the third dimension has to be added to the two-dimensional input. Sfere2 does this using the "active plane".

the active plane
The active plane is a flat plane in the XY-, XZ- or YZ-direction. By default Sfere2 draws a grid across this plane indicating it's orientation.

Sfere2 automatically ajusts the plane's orientation depending on the view's direction, so it will always be facing the user.
the active plane in all it's glory


object types
Currently there are only two kinds of objects that can be created in Sfere2: Members and Joints.

Members are the actual elements of the structural frame. Columns, beams, rods, cables, any kind of linear structural element, they are all represented by the same type of object, the member.

Joints define the start- and end-point of the members. Each member is connected to two joints. But a joint can be connected to any number of members, inter-connecting the members into a frame structure.
three joints, two members sharing the middle joint


creating joints
Joints can be created using Create Joint.

  Create Joint     Create > Joint  
Create a joint on the active plane.
[default accelerator: keyboard "J"]

When Create Joint is activated, clicking on the active plane will create a joint at the indicated location.
Be aware that there's no check whether there is already a joint at this location, clicking multiple times on the same point will create multiple joints at the same location, which can lead to confusing situations. Use Create Member with "Snap to Joint" enabled to avoid this

If "Snap to Grid" is enabled, joints will be created at an intersection of the gridlines.

  Toggle Grid Snap     Tools > Snap > Grid  
Enable or disable "Snap to Grid".
[default accelerator: keyboard "1"]



creating members
Members can be created using Create Member.

  Create Member     Create > Member  
Create members spanning from one joint to another.
[default accelerator: keyboard "M"]

When Create Member is activated, clicking on a the active plane will create a joint and will select this joint as the start of the member to be created. Again clicking on the active plane will create the end-joint and a new member between the two joints.
Continue clicking on the active plane to create a chain of members.
To start a new chain of members right-click once, and create a new start joint. Instead of right-clicking it is also possible to press "Enter" or "Esc".

By default "Snap to Joint" is enabled. This will allow you to select existing joints instead of continually creating new joints.

  Toggle Joint Snap     Tools > Snap > Joint  
Enable or disable "Snap to Joint".
[default accelerator: keyboard "2"]