Recommended test
Create a temporary model and identify the three areas you will use most: the viewport, top toolbar and model controls.
- Open Autostrek and choose Build from scratch or a small starter project.
- Orbit or pan the view, then use Fit model to return the whole structure to view.
- Open one top-toolbar tool, close it without committing, and locate the Object Groups or model list.
- Save the temporary project as a .strek file before clearing it.
Know the working areas
The viewport is the center of Autostrek: it shows the current model and receives selections, measurements and placement clicks. The top toolbar starts the major tools. View controls around the viewport change projection, direction and fit. Side panels expose object groups, measurements, project information and tool-specific settings.
Most modelling tools are intentionally exclusive. Starting Move, Hide, Tape Measure, Custom Solid, Opening Framer, Dormer Framer or Truss Builder can switch off another interactive tool. Finish or cancel the active operation before starting a different one.
Use a safe first workflow
Start with a small generated building. Inspect it in 3D, switch to a 2D elevation, select a member, and open its context menu. Then measure one known span and save the project. This short loop exercises navigation, selection, units and persistence without risking a real job.
Autostrek stores canonical model dimensions in millimetres even when another display unit is selected.
What to confirm before real work
Check the active unit, grid spacing, projection and camera direction. If you intend to use Build Timeline, enable recording before generating. If you are opening an existing .strek, wait for loading to complete before editing. Finally, verify a known dimension with Tape Measure; it is the quickest way to catch a unit or scale misunderstanding.
Where to go next
Use Starter projects for a fast structural baseline, Build Generator for a controlled building, or Custom Solid for individual geometry. The Knowledge Base follows that same progression and calls out experimental or plan-dependent features where they occur.
Keep keyboard shortcuts and undo nearby while learning the tools. Before relying on saved measurements, presets or quote work, read what saves with your project; these workflows do not all share the same storage or recovery behavior.