Basics of object reference formats

Object reference formats are user definable. Each object type has its own reference format that has been built using individual components. You can customize the reference format by adding or removing components as required.

See some of the typical components in the following table:


Icon	Item	Further information
	Material	Fully user-definable text. For example: `S` for Steel `C` for Concrete
	Characteristic	Fully user-definable text. For example: `B` for Beam `C` for Column
	Start Level Reference	Not applicable
	End Level Reference	Not applicable
	Start Point Reference	Grid or construction point reference. The start and end reference points P1 and P2 work from the grids that you define, and from the construction points that have been created automatically when you place members that do not lie between existing points. Note: When reference points are constructed using two grid reference points, you must always use a separator. For example, type `A/11` to avoid confusion with A1 and 1.
	End Point Reference
	Direction	Applies for beams only.
	Count	Tekla Structural Designer keeps a separate count for each level for each object type. Note: Tekla Structural Designer does not keep a count by material. For example, steel beams and concrete beams are included in the same count on a level. If the direction prefix is specified, Tekla Structural Designer keeps separate counts for each direction. Direction 1 is defined as objects falling within ± 45 degrees of the horizontal, and Direction 2 ± 45 degrees of the vertical of the global axis.
Not applicable	Reinforcement > Bar Layer: T1 T2 B1 B2	T1 is the top surface reinforcement in the 1st (outer) layer. T2 is the top surface reinforcement in the 2nd (inner) layer. B1 is the bottom surface reinforcement in the 1st (outer) layer. B2 is the bottom surface reinforcement in the 2nd (inner) layer.
	Reinforcement > Bar Size	Not applicable
	Reinforcement > Center Spacing	The center spacing between bars.
	Reinforcement > Detailing prefix	An item that is typically added in front of the bar size.
	Custom text	Fixed text that you can include at any position within the reference. For example: `Block C`
	Separators backslash dash slash space times	Optional items that you can place between items.

Note that:

When you create objects of a certain type, the default references from the active settings set are applied.
You can modify the syntax of the reference format at any time. Objects created after the changes will adopt the new format.
Once objects have been created, you can edit their references on an object-by-object basis, so that they can be further individualized.
For members, the object reference does not include the group reference, geometric shape, and section size as part of the reference descriptor. Instead, options are provided in the Scene Content settings and the GA drawing's control to show the information.

Modify reference formats and texts in an existing project

On the Home tab, click Model Settings.

The Model Settings dialog box opens.
Go to References.
Adjust the way in which the references are applied.
Click OK.

Modify the reference format syntax of an object type

Go to References > Formats.
Click the ... button on the right side of the desired reference format.

Do one of the following:

To	Do this
Add an extra item to the reference format	Click Add... and select the desired item. The selected item appears at the end of the reference format.
Re-order the items in the reference format	Select the item you want to move. Drag the item to reposition it.
Add custom text to the reference format	Click Add... and select Custom Text. Drag the new component to the desired position. Click the Custom Text component to edit it. Type the desired text in the box. Click Set.
Remove an item from the reference format	Select the item you want to remove. Drag the item outside the Edit Reference Format dialog box.

Click OK.

Change the text used for the materials and characteristics in the reference format

Go to References > Texts.
According to your needs, go to the Characteristics or Materials tab.
Modify the desired text according to your needs.
Click OK.

Renumber members

You can use the Renumber command to simultaneously renumber all member types in the model whose reference format includes the count item.

Member types are initially numbered in the order in which they are created. Renumbering makes the members easier to find in the model and on drawings.

By default, the Renumber command works from the lowest plane or level upwards. The count starts at 1 and continues sequentially.

Note:

To change the renumbering direction and the starting value, go to Model Settings > References > General.

On the Structure tab of Project Workspace, right-click the Members branch.
In the context menu, select Renumber.

Tekla Structural Designer automatically renumbers all members in the model that include a count in their reference format.

Renumber slabs

You can use the Renumber command to simultaneously renumber all slab items in the model.

Slab items are initially numbered in the order in which they are created. Renumbering makes them easier to find in the model and on drawings.