Using Profile Builder with DECAsteel

DECAsteel has many compatibilities with Profile Builder, a very popular SketchUp extension also created by mind.sight.studios.

See this video for a step-by-step demonstration of how to use these two extensions effectively in your steel modeling.

First, lets look at the Profile Builder tools and features that are NOT compatible with DECAsteel members.

INCOMPATIBLE Profile Builder Tools and Functions

Do not use the following Profile Builder tools and features to interact with DECAsteel objects.  These tools are not compatible and will lead to errors in your DECAsteel model.

Profile Builder Profiles

Profile Builder steel profiles should NOT be used with DECAsteel.  These profiles do not contain the meta-data that DECAsteel requires for generating connection details.

If you attempt to use Profile Builder profiles in DECAsteel, you will get errors and unexpected behavior.  For example, you will not be able to create connections.

Instead, only use steel profile libraries that were created for use in DECAsteel.  Compatible libraries can be downloaded for free from the DECAsteel website.

Note that it is OK to use DECAsteel profiles with Profile Builder but not vice-versa.

Profile Dialog and Related Tools

Do not use any of the functions of the Profile Dialog to edit DECAsteel members. 

Assembly Dialog

The tools and functions within the assembly dialog have not been tested with DECAsteel and are likely not compatible with DECAsteel members.  

If you create Profile Builder assemblies from DECAsteel objects, you will likely experience errors when trying to interact with these objects when using DECAsteel. 

(Profile Builder) Extend Tool

Do not use the Profile Builder Extend tool to modify DECAsteel members.  It is not compatible. Instead, use the DECAsteel Extend Tool for this purpose.

Edit Profile (of active member)

Do not use the Edit Profile feature of Profile Builder to modify DECAsteel members.

COMPATIBLE Profile Builder Tools and Functions

We believe the following tools and functions from Profile Builder may be safely used with steel members created by DECAsteel.

However, be cautious when using these tools with DECAsteel as they have not been extensively tested for compatibility at this time and we cannot guarantee that these tools and features will remain compatible with DECAsteel in the future.

Smart-Path Selection Tool

This tool can be used to pre-select a series of connected edges prior to using the DECAsteel build beam tool.  The beam will then be built along the selected edges.

Join Tool

The Join Tool can be used to join multiple selected DECAsteel beams into a single beam.

Avoid using the Join Tool on DECAsteel columns and bracing as you will likely experience unexpected results.

Before joining Beams:

After joining Beams:

Hole Dialog (Add Holes, Edit, Remove)

In general, the Profile Builder hole features found in the Hole Dialog may be used on DECAsteel members.

These tools can be useful to perform custom drilling and cutting of steel members.

Before cutting with hole tool:

After cutting:

Trim to Solid Tool

This tool can be used to trim DECAsteel beams and bracing to another solid object.

Trim to Face Tool

This tool can be used to trim DECAsteel beams and bracing to 1 or 2 faces.  In the example below, the diagonal members have been trimmed to the vertical and horizontal members using this tool.

Remove Trims

This tool can be used to remove trims that were previously applied to the member.  Avoid using this tool on DECAsteel members that have connections as you may get unexpected results.

In the image below, the trims that were previously applied have been removed.

Edit Path

It is possible to use the Profile Builder Edit Path feature to edit the extrusion path of DECAsteel beams.

It is NOT recommended to use this feature to edit the path of columns and bracing as you will likely experience errors and unexpected results.  Use it for Beams only.

Before using Edit Path:

After using Edit Path:

Path Mode / Revert Path Mode

This feature can be used to view the path-line of DECAsteel members and inspect intersection points between members.  Members can be moved using the SketchUp move tool while in path mode. 

However, avoid using other tools and functions while DECAsteel members are in Path Mode.  Otherwise, you may experience unexpected results.

Before Path Mode:

After selecting all DECAsteel members and enabling Path Mode:

To hide the profile 'widgets' in this mode, turn off the visibility of the 'PB-PathModeWidgets' tag.  This allows you to visualize your DECAsteel model as a 'single-line' drawing.