How do you use filters and selection switches to manage components?

1 What are filters and selection switches?

Filters and selection switches are two ways of defining criteria for displaying and selecting components in Tekla Structures. Filters let you hide or show components based on their properties, such as name, type, material, or user-defined attributes. Selection switches let you select components based on their geometry, such as location, direction, size, or shape. You can access filters and selection switches from the toolbar, the menu, or the keyboard shortcuts.

2 How to create and apply filters?

To create a filter, you need to specify the filter name, the filter type (model, drawing, or organizer), and the filter rules. The filter rules are the conditions that determine which components match the filter. You can use logical operators, such as AND, OR, and NOT, to combine multiple rules. You can also use wildcards, such as ?, *, or #, to match any character, any string, or any number. To apply a filter, you need to select it from the filter list and click the apply button. You can also toggle the filter on or off using the F key.

3 How to create and apply selection switches?

To create a selection switch, you need to specify the switch name, the switch type (model, drawing, or organizer), and the switch rules. The switch rules are the criteria that determine which components can be selected. You can use geometric properties, such as position, direction, size, shape, or phase, to define the switch rules. You can also use modifiers, such as CTRL, SHIFT, or ALT, to change the selection mode. To apply a selection switch, you need to select it from the switch list and click the apply button. You can also toggle the switch on or off using the S key.

4 How to use filters and selection switches to troubleshoot components?

Filters and selection switches can help you troubleshoot and resolve issues with components by isolating them from the rest of the model and highlighting their properties. For example, you can use a filter to show only the components that have a certain attribute value, such as a wrong material or a missing number. You can then use a selection switch to select those components and edit their properties in the component dialog box or the property pane. Alternatively, you can use a selection switch to select components by their location, direction, size, or shape, and then use a filter to hide or show them based on their properties. This way, you can identify and fix any overlapping, misplaced, or incorrect components.

5 How to save and share filters and selection switches?

Filters and selection switches are stored in the model folder as .cxs files. You can save them as local or global files, depending on whether you want them to be available only for the current model or for all models. You can also export and import them using the filter and switch manager. To share filters and selection switches with other users, you can copy or send them the .cxs files or use the Tekla Model Sharing feature. You can also publish them to the Tekla Warehouse, where you can find and download filters and selection switches created by other users.

6 How to customize filters and selection switches?

Filters and selection switches are flexible and customizable tools that allow you to create your own criteria and preferences for managing components. You can modify the existing filters and selection switches by editing their names, types, rules, and modifiers. You can also create new filters and selection switches by using the filter and switch editor or by copying and renaming existing ones. You can also assign keyboard shortcuts, toolbar buttons, or menu commands to your filters and selection switches for quick access and application.

7 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?