Change object properties using the contextual toolbar

Tekla Structures
2024
Tekla Structures

Change object properties using the contextual toolbar

Use the contextual toolbar to quickly view and change some basic properties of a model or drawing object, view, grid, and so on.

A contextual toolbar symbol appears next to the mouse pointer when you click an object in a model or in a drawing. Click the symbol to open the contextual toolbar.

Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K to show or hide the contextual toolbar.

You can customize the contextual toolbar and select which toolbar elements are visible.

Modify object properties using the contextual toolbar

The changes that you make on the contextual toolbar are immediately applied to the model or drawing. The available properties depend on the selected object type.

  1. Click an object in a model or drawing.

    A contextual toolbar appears next to the mouse pointer.

    If multiple objects are being selected, the contextual toolbar displays the text Varies for any properties that differ.

  2. Change the object properties on the contextual toolbar.

    The changes are applied immediately.

Tip:

Press the Tab key to move between the properties and command buttons on the contextual toolbar.

Copy object properties using the contextual toolbar

Use this method when you want to quickly copy properties to a few objects only.

  1. Select the object you want to copy properties from.

    A contextual toolbar appears next to the mouse pointer.

  2. Click Copy properties.

    The mouse pointer changes into a paintbrush.

  3. Select the object you want to copy properties to.

    When the properties have been copied, the mouse pointer returns to normal.

    Note that user-defined attributes (UDAs) are not copied with the object, even if you have customized the contextual toolbar and added UDAs to it.

  4. To copy properties to multiple objects, double-click the Copy properties button.

    Now you can copy properties to multiple objects. The pointer remains in the paintbrush mode until you press Esc or start another command.

Drawing commands on the contextual toolbar

In the model, the Open or create drawings command on the contextual toolbar opens a menu that lists the drawings created for the selected objects, and contains the Create fabrication drawing command for creating single-part, assembly and cast unit drawings, and a command for showing the drawings created for the selected objects in Document manager, where you can then open the drawings.

In drawings, you can use the contextual toolbar to quickly view and change some basic properties of a drawing object, view, grid, and so on.

Other commands on the contextual toolbar

Many object types in modeling mode have the following commands available on the contextual toolbar.

  • The Position command lets you modify the part position. When you modify the settings in the dial, the object moves in the model accordingly.

  • The Display detailing command displays all bolts, welds, cuts, fittings, and other details belonging to the part, even if you had defined them as hidden in the display settings. For concrete parts, Tekla Structures displays also reinforcement, surface treatment, and surfaces.

  • The View angle command lets you to select a top, back, right, bottom, front, or left view of a part, component, or assembly. Tekla Structures displays the object in the selected view angle.

Show or hide the contextual toolbar

You can define whether the contextual toolbar is visible in Tekla Structures.

  1. On the File menu, click Settings.
  2. Under Toolbars, select or clear the Contextual toolbar check box.

    Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K to show or hide the contextual toolbar.

Define the contextual toolbar's position

You can define the position of the contextual toolbar, relative to an object's reference point.

  1. Select an object.
  2. Hold down the Ctrl key and click the contextual toolbar with the left mouse button.

    A dashed line appears between the contextual toolbar and the object.

  3. Drag the contextual toolbar to a new position.

    For example, you can position the contextual toolbar on the left side of the selected object.

  4. Release the left mouse button.

    The contextual toolbar now appears in the position you defined, for example on the left side of any object you select.

Pin the contextual toolbar in place

You can pin the contextual toolbar to a specific location on the screen, so that the position is locked. For example, you could have it appear at the upper left corner of the screen. In the locked state, the position of the contextual toolbar is independent of the individual part’s location.

  1. Drag the contextual toolbar to a new location.
  2. Click to pin the contextual toolbar to the new location.

    The pin icon changes when the position is locked.

  3. To unlock the position, click .

Minimize the contextual toolbar

You can minimize the contextual toolbar so that it takes less space on your screen.

  1. On the contextual toolbar, click .
    The contextual toolbar now has the symbol .
  2. To restore the contextual toolbar to its original size, click again.
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