Designing with cold-formed steel can get overwhelming if you’re juggling tight deadlines and complex load conditions. The good news? You can work smarter by learning a few shortcuts that experienced users swear by. Whether you’re a structural engineer or a design consultant, knowing how to speed up your workflow makes a big difference. Let’s break down seven practical tips that’ll help you use your tools more efficiently.
1. Start with Templates Instead of From Scratch
If your software has built-in templates, take full advantage of them. Templates for common wall, floor, and truss configurations save you time from recreating the same setups repeatedly. You can still customize them later, but starting with a base model cuts your work in half.
2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Repetitive Actions
Every second counts when you're switching between tools or input fields. Learning a few key shortcuts—like toggling between views or running a calculation—can streamline your process, especially when working on large projects. Some tools even allow you to customize shortcuts based on how you work.
3. Group Similar Elements for Faster Modifications
When making changes to multiple parts of a design, select and group them first. This way, you can apply changes—such as section size or material properties—across the group, instead of editing each piece individually. It’s one of those habits that saves hours over time when using CFS Software.
4. Keep a Library of Frequently Used Sections
You don’t need to search for or input the same profile sizes over and over. Most platforms allow you to create a personal library or favorites list of frequently used steel sections. Having your go-to components ready to drop in speeds things up.
5. Preview Results Before Running Full Analysis
Many platforms allow you to do a quick validation before launching the full design analysis. Checking your geometry, constraints, and load paths early on can prevent wasted runs—and save you the frustration of tracking down errors later.
6. Save Common Load Combinations for Reuse
If your projects tend to use similar loading conditions, create and save these combinations. Reusing them from one project to another avoids repetitive data entry and reduces the chance of input mistakes.
7. Stay Updated with Tutorials and Feature Releases
New features often come with performance improvements or automation tools. Following tutorial updates or attending short webinars can introduce you to functions you might have missed. This small investment in learning often leads to faster execution on future jobs.
Final Thoughts
Improving your workflow doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means knowing how to get the most out of your tools. These simple habits can help you work faster without losing accuracy or control. If you’re looking for software that supports smarter design, check out the CFS software available at Steel Smart System.
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