Getting Started: Free Steel Structure Design

CalcSteel is a free browser-based structural steel analysis tool. No downloads and no plugins: open your browser and start modeling in 3D.

The typical workflow: Choose a Template → Nodes and Bars → Loads → Analysis → Design Standards.

The editor, tab by tab

Each editor tab has its own part of the documentation. Start with the one you will use today.

StructureModel bars and nodes, add supports and actions, then run the analysis and check every section against the code.19 pages ConnectionsConnections and base plates at each node, with the 3D detail and the engine check.6 pages LSF (Light Steel Framing)newLight Steel Framing from the wizard to the sheets: walls, openings, floors, roof, design and the roll former file.38 pages PrintsViews and sheets of the model, with title block, standard details and report, in PDF or DXF.7 pages Build with AIDescribe the structure in text or send a photo, and the AI builds the model in the editor.4 pages Design codesWhat each design standard checks, and how to choose the one for your project.19 pages Keyboard shortcutsnewEvery keyboard shortcut in the editor, organized by tab and by task.10 pages

Tip: You can start modeling immediately without creating an account. Sign in when you want to save your project or run the structural analysis.

Follow these steps from opening the editor to printing your final drawing:

Setup & Navigation

Choose a Template

Open the editor and pick Portal, Warehouse, Shed, or start from scratch.

→2

Navigate the 3D Scene

Orbit, pan, and zoom to explore your model from any angle.

→3

Toggle Display Options

Show or hide the grid, reference lines, and 3D profile rendering.

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Modeling

Create Nodes

Place vertices in 3D space using grid snapping.

→5

Create Bars

Connect nodes to form structural members.

→6

Assign Classes & Profiles

Group bars into classes and pick steel profiles from 640+ catalog.

→7

Use Generators

Generate full structures from parametric templates.

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Actions & Supports

Define Supports

Fixed, pinned, or roller: set how the structure is restrained.

→9

Apply Loads

Add point, distributed, or area loads to your model.

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Load Combinations

Set up ULS/SLS combinations with load factors.

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Analysis & Verification

Run Analysis

Click Calculate to solve the structure (login required).

→12

View Diagrams

Bending moment, shear, axial force, and deformed shape.

→13

Check Design Standards

Verify each bar against NBR 8800, Eurocode, AISC, and more.

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Bar Report

Detailed verification report per bar with utilization ratio.

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Documentation & Output

Create Views

Select 3 nodes to define a 2D projection plane.

→16

Create Sheets

Set up drawing sheets with paper size A4 through A0.

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Add Views to Sheets

Place view viewports on sheets, position and scale them.

→18

Configure Annotations

Toggle dimensions and profile labels per class.

→19

Export & Print

Print to PDF or export DXF for CAD software.

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Open the Editor →