Stair Generator

When adding a stair, select the stair type and parameters and the parameters of steps, strings and railings from the Stair Tool dialog box. When adding a railing, you can select only the railing parameters from the dialog box. The parameter values are marked with the following colors in the dialog box:

  • - White. You can change the parameter value.
  • - Orange. The parameter most frequently changed.
  • - Grey. You cannot change the parameter value.
  • - Red. The values selected for other parameters cause an invalid value for this parameter. Change the values of the other parameters.

Parameters
Select the stair type from the Stair type tab (A) of the dialog box. Select the type from the list.
Edit the stair type by changing the parameters on the tab. Select the parameter value from the list, or type a value in the text field.
Stair Type Parameters
If necessary, edit the parameters on the tabs Steps (B), Strings (C) and Railings (D).
Step Parameters
String Parameters
Railing Parameters
To cancel changes made to the parameters, click the Undo button as many times as required. To cancel undoing, click the Redo button.
Locking a parameter
Depending on the stair type, you can lock some of the stair parameters so that a locked parameter will not change when you change the other parameters. You can lock a parameter by clicking the symbol in front of it. If the symbol is not shown, the parameter can not be locked. Do either of the following:
  • Lock a parameter by clicking the symbol in front of it.
  • Release a locked parameter by clicking the symbol in front of it.
Preview
You can view the 2D drawing of the stair in the preview window (E). The 2D drawing is updated automatically each time you change the parameter values.
When you wish to view the 3D model of the stair, select the tab 3D in the preview window, and click the Update All button. After this, the edited parameters are automatically updated to the 3D model, if the Update 3D model automatically check box has been selected.
Updating the 3D model may be slow with complex stairs. For example, turned balusters or short baluster spacing may slow down the model update. You can deactivate the handrail and/or balusters on the Railings tab of the dialog box. Select None as the value for the parameters Handrails and/or Balusters.
Saving
To save the designed stair, click the Save button. Select the save folder and the file name in the Save As dialog box. The file is saved in XML format. Later, you can select the saved stair by clicking the Load button.
You can save the parameters you have selected as the default parameters of the stair type in question by clicking the Save defaults button. If you change the parameters, you can restore the default parameters by clicking the Load defaults button.
Measure
You can measure the parameter value in the floor plan drawing or in the model.
  1. Activate the desired parameter by clicking its name in the Parameter column.
  2. Click the Measure button.
  3. Measure the distance in the floor plan drawing or in the model by clicking two points. The measured dimension will be displayed instead of the parameter name.
  4. If you wish to use the measured value for the parameter, type it in the Value field.

Note

  • The line properties of a stair's and railing's 2D geometry can be defined in the system settings, see Stair and Railing Line Properties in a 2D Drawing.
  • You can show or hide all parameters at the same time as follows: Click the right mouse button in the list. Select Expand all or Collapse all from the menu.
  • If you are using turned balusters or short baluster spacing, updating the model may be slow. You can deactivate the handrail and/or balusters on the Railings tab of the dialog box. Select None as the value for the parameters Handrails and/or Balusters.