Support: FAQ
This section presents a list of common questions and answers on specific topics.
What are the system requirements for FrameDesigner?
The following system requirements are needed to run FrameXpert Frame Designer on your computer.
- Windows 7/XP/Vista/2000/NT
- Pentium Dual Core E2140 (2*1.66 GHz) (x86/x64) / AMD Athlon II X2 240 (2.8 GHz) (x86/x64)
- 1 Gb RAM
- 100 MB disk space
- Graphics card compatible with OpenGL 1.4, 512 MB RAM (NVIDIA 8600 series , ATI X1300)
- Internet connection 52 kbit/s or more
What does this cost?
The cost of your design is entirely dependent on how many parts and accessories are included in your design. To give you a rough idea:
- Aluminum profiles cost anywhere from $3 - $15 per foot, or $11 to $50 per meter
- Accessories such as feet and casters cost anywhere from $7 to $13
- Don't forget, FrameDesigner is FREE!
What is a profile?
A profile is a modular T-slotted aluminum part used for frame construction. In Frame designer, you can use 7 profile models to design any kind of aluminum frame.
- Light aluminum profiles (LP) are suitable for light duty frame construction, such as cabinets, construction elements, etc.
- Heavy aluminum profiles (SP) are suitable for heavy duty frame construction, such as machine stands, workbenches, etc.
How can I select several objects on the drawing surface?
You can select several objects by clicking on the objects one by one while the Shift key is pressed. To select the objects on the drawing surface choose Edit > Select All in the main menu.
How can I copy objects?
To copy an object, you need to select an object(-s) and copy it using one of the following ways:
- Click the Copy button on the Standard Toolbar. Then paste the object(-s) using the Paste button.
- Use standard hotkeys: Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V to copy and paste object(-s).
How can I join objects?
To join objects, draw a joining profile. You can join only those profiles which are located on the same plane (same grid lines). To draw a joining profile, use the Extrude tool, the Segment tool or the Draw in Plane tool to join.
How can I move several objects?
To move several object at once, do as follows: select several objects, point one of the green arrows to move the object in the direction of the arrow (the arrow is highlighted in blue), and drag and drop the object set where you would like to place it.
How can I move a profile back?
While you are moving a profile, you can see that Frame Designer specifies the measured shifting distance. You can move the profile back using the same distance.
Why are some profiles highlighted in red?
While moving an object or changing profile length, it may happen that the objects are intersected. The intersected objects are highlighted in red and should be redesigned in order to avoid intersection.
How can I edit a frame using the Palettes pane?
You can edit parameters of the frame objects: change a profile model, name, length, and add/remove rollers and covers (see «Properties Tab»).
How can I change a cover model after a profile model has been changed?
When you change the profile model, Frame Designer automatically replaces the cover of this profile by a proper cover.
How can I remove a cover?
You can remove a cover from one particular object. To remove the cover, go to the Properties tab of the Palettes pane, select an object that you want to remove cover from, and select “None” from the Top Cover and/or Bottom Cover drop-down lists.
How can I remove a roller?
You can remove a roller from one particular object. To remove the roller, go to the Properties tab of the Palettes pane, select an object that you want to remove the roller from, and select “None” from the Roller drop-down list.
How can I find an object in the Entities section of the Palettes pane?
When you select an object in the Entities section, the object is highlighted in blue on the drawing surface and vice versa.
What are the top and bottom covers for a horizontal object?
A horizontal object may be equipped with two covers: one of them is Top and the other is Bottom.
How can I place two covers on a profile?
When you place covers on a profile, Frame Designer places both covers (Top and Bottom). But if a profile is placed vertically and is attached to the drawing surface, it can be equipped only with a top cover.
How can I know the length of the profile I am drawing?
While extruding, Frame Designer displays the length value that you have reached for the profile.
How can I change the profile model after I have drawn it?
There are two ways to change a profile model:
- select a profile and choose a profile model from the Palettes pane
- select a profile, go to the Properties tab of the Palettes pane and choose a different profile model from the Model drop-down list
How can I go back after I have navigated far away from the objects I have been drawing?
Use the Camera tool (see «Navigation») to center the view and continue drawing.
Why is the drawing surface zoomed out after I have been idle for 30 sec and how can I get it back?
This is a special animation feature. Your view settings will be restored after you shift the cursor around the drawing surface.
How can I draw a profile when there is not enough space for it on the drawing surface?
While drawing a profile (even while extruding it), you can zoom out the view. Then your object will fit in the drawing surface.
Why can’t I place a profile between two objects?
It may happen that profiles between which you are trying to place a joining profile are located at a distance that is less than the minimum profile length.
Or it may happen that profiles between which you are trying to place a joining profile are not located at right angles to each other. Note that profiles can be joined only parallel to drawing surface lines.
Why is the Rotate button disabled?
You can rotate only an object of peculiar form. The Rotate button is enabled after you have selected an object on the drawing surface (see «How to select an object»).
How can I locate an object on the same line as the other one?
The Snap Function helps you to place the base point of the profile at right angles to the first profile. Follow the grid with the cursor exactly from the first profile. Frame Designer displays a tracking line while you are moving the cursor.