How do you share and import components from other projects or sources?

1 Why share and import components?

Sharing and importing components can save you time and effort, as well as ensure consistency and accuracy across your models. You can reuse components that you or others have created for previous or similar projects, and avoid duplicating work or making errors. You can also access components from online libraries or catalogs, and benefit from the expertise and best practices of other Tekla users and developers. Sharing and importing components can also facilitate collaboration and communication with your colleagues and clients, as you can exchange information and feedback on the components and their properties.

2 How to share components?

There are several ways to share components in Tekla Structures. One of the simplest ways is to use the copy and paste commands. You can select one or more components in a model, copy them to the clipboard, and paste them into another model or another instance of Tekla Structures. You can also use the drag and drop method, by dragging components from one model window to another. Another way to share components is to use the Component Catalog. The Component Catalog is a tool that displays all the components available in your model, as well as in other locations, such as the system folder, the firm folder, the project folder, or the user-defined folder. You can use the Component Catalog to browse, search, and filter components, and to copy or move them between different locations. You can also create your own folders and subfolders in the Component Catalog, and organize your components according to your preferences and needs.

3 How to import components?

Importing components is similar to sharing components, except that you are bringing components from external sources into your model. You can import components from online libraries or catalogs, such as Tekla Warehouse or Trimble Connect. Tekla Warehouse is a free online service that provides access to thousands of components and other content for Tekla Structures, such as profiles, materials, bolts, and drawings. Trimble Connect is a cloud-based platform that enables collaboration and data management for construction projects. You can import components from these sources by using the Tekla Structures Extension Manager, which is a tool that allows you to install, update, and uninstall extensions for Tekla Structures. Extensions are add-ons that enhance the functionality and usability of Tekla Structures, and some of them are components that you can import into your model. You can also import components from other file formats, such as DWG, DXF, IFC, or XML, by using the Import command in the File menu. You can specify the import options, such as the scale, the position, the layer, and the conversion rules, and then select the file to import.

4 How to troubleshoot and resolve issues with components?

Sometimes, when you share or import components from other projects or sources, you may encounter issues such as missing, corrupted, outdated, or incompatible components. To troubleshoot and resolve these issues, you can check the component properties and settings in the Select Components dialog box. Additionally, you can use the Modify command in the Component Catalog to edit the properties and settings of components in other locations. You should also check the component dependencies and references to ensure that all necessary files and variables are available. Furthermore, you can use the Check Updates command to check for any available updates for components in your model or location, and convert them to the current version of Tekla Structures with the Convert Components command. By following these steps and tips, you can share and import components easily and effectively.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?