Create model templates

Model templates allow you to start a model with predefined company templates and settings. This can be especially useful for sub-contractors.

Only single-user models can be created with model templates. If you wish to create a multi-user model using a model template, create the model in single-user mode and then switch to multi-user mode.

By default, the model template folder is saved in your environment folder. Use the advanced option XS_MODEL_TEMPLATE_DIRECTORY to define a different location.

Create a new model template

You can create your own model templates and use them for creating new models. You can select which catalogs, custom components, model subfolders, drawing templates, and report templates from the model are included in the model template.

Create a new model.

Always start by creating a new empty model. This is because old models that have been used in live projects cannot be completely cleaned. They may contain excess information that increases the size of the model even if you delete all objects and drawings from the model.
Add the desired part properties, drawing properties, profiles, materials, custom components, sketches, and so on, in the model.

You can copy the needed attribute files from another model, for example.
On the File menu, click Save as > Save.

You need to save the model to include custom components in the xslib.db1 file. If you do not save the model, custom components will not be included in the model template.
On the File menu, click Save as > Save as model template.
Enter a name for the model template.
Select which catalogs, drawing templates, report templates, and model subfolders to include in the model template.

You can only select files and folders that are available in the model folder. Catalogs are typically located in an environment folder and they are included in the model folder only if they have been modified.
If you want to open the destination folder after creating the model template, select the check box.
Click OK.

You can now use the model template for creating new models.
When you create new models in File > New, you can mark the important model templates as favorites, or hide the templates that you do not need.
1. Select a model template in the list.
2. Right-click and select Favorite or Hidden.
  If you marked a template as Favorite, it is placed on top of the template list. Alternatively, use the star icon on the template to mark it as Favorite, or to remove the marking.
  If you marked a template as Hidden, it is removed from the template list. Select the Show hidden items check box to show it again.

Modify an existing model template

To modify an existing template, save the model as a new template. Alternatively, you can modify the template by copying new or updated files directly to the model template folder.

Create a model using the existing model template.
Make the needed changes.
Save it as a new model template.

Download model templates

You can download, share, and store model templates using Tekla Warehouse.

Model template options

Use the Save as model template dialog box to define which files and folders are included in the model template.


Setting	Files and folders included
Profiles	profdb.bin profitab.inp
Materials	matdb.bin
Components and sketches	ComponentCatalog.txt ComponentCatalogTreeView.txt xslib.db1 thumbnail_bitmap.arc *.dat files CustomComponentDialogFiles folder
Attribute definitions	Includes all attribute definitions of the current model.
Bolts and bolt assemblies	screwdb.db assdb.db
Reinforcement	rebar_database.inp RebarShapeRules.xml rebardatabase_config.inp rebardatabase_schedule_config.inp
Meshes	mesh_database.inp
Options	Includes all options of the current model.
Drawing templates	*.tpl files
Report templates	*.rpt files
Include model subfolders	Lists all subfolders found in the model folder. The selected folders are included in the model template. The attributes folder, which contains part and drawing properties, and the CustomComponentDialogFiles folder are included by default.