Initial set up and overview
Essentials: next
This resource is the starting point to using StairDesigner. We will cover the basic set up required and start to familiarise ourselves with the software’s interface.
To see images in full size, particularly useful for user interface screenshots, just click on the image.
To get the very best out of StairDesigner, we recommend combining our Help Centre resources with:
- StairDesigner 1-2-1 training packs
- Technical support via our forum and screen share sessions (available as part of a Premium Support subscription, free with your first order)
- Please also click here to view all Help Centre resources
Installation
Links and advice on downloading and installing StairDesigner are available from your account page.
If you are new to the software, register here to download StairDesigner.
StairDesigner works best in conjunction with its Quick Design libraries. This is a separate download, please install these libraries after installing StairDesigner.
All our resources assume you are using StairDesigner with its Quick Design libraries.
Basic settings
Open StairDesigner
Double click on the StairDesigner icon on your desktop, or right click on the icon and select open.
Language selection
The full range of languages available is listed here.
To change the language, select the Language menu from the main menu:
Units of measurement
To change the units, go to Tools > Units:
You can work in metric or imperial and modify the level of precision as well.
We recommend either millimetres or inches (fractional).
The option Display non-significant zeros is a way to fine tune the display. If this is checked, the value 7mm will be shown as 7.0mm if the precision is set to 0.0.
Units are set for:
- Length
- Surface area
- Volume
- Angle (degrees or radians)
Company details
It is possible to display your company name on the workshop document. This includes the cutting list, plans, and a cost and materials report, accessible when you activate the software.
Go to File > Print setup and add your details as shown below:
3 ways of working
You have a number of options to choose from when starting a new project, details to follow later.
StairDesigner model
Inside StairDesigner, select from a range of common stair models. These are divided into stairs with and without landings.
This option is a quick way to apply dimensions, your initial construction preferences, and your preferred components (stringboards, handrails, newel posts etc.).
Further modifications of all these elements are possible at a later stage too.
Quick Design libraries model
StairDesigner’s Quick Design libraries include a large number of pre-configured stair designs we have created for you.
These models are available in the Models folder inside the main libraries folder.
Here’s a quarter turn stair with landing from this collection. You can view these models for ideas and to explore how they have been set up, or modify them to your project dimensions and preferences as you prefer.
Your own designs can also be saved as template models and used as the basis for new designs, you’ll only need to resize them.
Multi-flight stair feature
This alternative option allows you to add additional flights at the initial design stage. These flights can be straight or circular or a combination of both and offer a lot of flexibility for your projects.
Menu navigation
StairDesigner includes multiple ways to access commands and edit your projects. More details on these features can be found later in these resources.
Main menu
This gives you access to virtually all commands and options.
Reminder: click on the image to enlarge.
From left to right:
- File: standard Windows file commands to open a new or existing file and save your work, also access manufacturing file print and export options
- Edit: undo and redo edits, delete components and select all options
- View: display all or a single type of component, e.g. just steps, display/hide dimensions, step numbering and other features, zoom commands and grid parameters
- Modify: add and delete stair components, add and edit the well hole
- 3D: access the 3D view. Once active, select different 3D render options, lighting, background colours, enable rotation and different view angles
- Libraries: access StairDesigner’s materials, curves and step shaping libraries, and manufacturing methods and sub-methods
- Tools: a range of preferences including units, winding coefficient settings, optimisation control values, the triangulation tool and save/restore feature
- Language: select interface language
- Window: open new windows and switch between them
- Help: activate the licence
Quick Design toolbars
These icon based toolbars allow for quick access to commonly used commands and features.
In the image above (with the 2D edit window active), the top toolbar includes from left to right:
- Common file commands
- Print and print preview
- Undo and redo edits
- Show/hide Properties menu
- Show entire stair in 2D edit window, or just individual components
- 3D view (we’re up to the green cube now)
- If the 3D window is open, switch between 2D and 3D windows
- Coordinate options to accurately move and place points when editing
- Grid parameters
- Zoom, centre and move the stair in the window
Other icons show if the 3D view is active, see below:
The new icons relate to the 3D view:
- Auto and manual rotate
- Various solid render vs wireframe modes
- Access the lighting controls
- Selection of a range of specific view angles
The second toolbar is highlighted below:
This includes the following options:
- Measuring tool access
- Define and edit the well hole parameters
- Add and delete flights
- Add and delete landings
- Add a join e.g. to create a curved string/handrail at the turn
- Add stringboards, cut strings, handrails and newel posts
Right click menus
Another quick access option to menu items is to right click outside the stair in the 2D window as shown below:
This particular menu highlights how you can move on from your original model and add flights, landings and other components to continue with your design.
If you select a specific part then right click, additional menu items are highlighted, in this case for an individual step:
★ Tip ★
As well as a range of new step specific options, note the ‘Selection 3D view’ option at the bottom. This opens the 3D window and displays just this part:
Properties menu
The Properties menu is the go to place for full parameter management of your project.
- Click outside the stair in the 2D window to view parameters for the entire stair or to edit all strings, all newels, all steps, etc
- Select a single part to edit just that part
- You can also select a part from the 3D view window
★ Tip ★
If you close the Properties menu, you can reactivate it via View menu > Toolbars and docking windows > Properties (shortcut Alt + Enter).
The Toolbars and docking windows menu also allows you to display or hide specific menus and toolbars.
Essentials: next