# Program Modules

## INSTRUCTION TYPE:

Exploration

## INSTRUCTION TITLE:

Navigating Dietrich's Building Modules

## CATEGORY:

Software Navigation

## OBJECTIVE:

Learn how to navigate between different building modules in Dietrich's software and understand their specific functions for timber construction design

## PREREQUISITES:

* Basic understanding of timber construction terminology
* Familiarity with CAD/CAM software interfaces
* Access to Dietrich's software with appropriate licensing

## EXPERTISE LEVEL:

Novice

## PARAMETERS:

* Program Module: Different specialized interfaces for designing specific building elements
* Building Elements: Walls, floors, roofs, trusses, and other structural components
* Navigation Methods: Menu sequences and building navigation tree
* View Controls: Options for visualizing different aspects of the building model

## STEPS:

1. **Floor Plan module**: Access the foundation of building design
   * Navigate using menu sequence 1-2-1 (File > Change program module > Floor plan)
   * Use this module to establish the basic layout of your building
2. **Floor Plan module**: View existing storeys in your project
   * Go to the Floor Plan module (1-2-1)
   * Observe all existing storeys in the storey list
   * To edit storey properties, click the "Edit" button
3. **Wall Design module**: Work with detailed wall construction
   * Access via menu sequence 1-2-2 (File > Change program module > Wall design)
   * Examine wall properties by right-clicking on a wall and selecting "Property"
   * Create and modify wall framing (studs, posts, plates)
4. **Floor Decks module**: Define horizontal structures
   * Navigate using menu sequence 1-2-3 (File > Change program module > Floor decks)
   * Establish floor heights and relationships to walls
   * Create openings for stairs and other features
5. **Floor Design module**: Detail floor structures
   * Access via menu sequence 1-2-4 (File > Change program module > Floor design)
   * Layout joists, subfloor, and ceiling materials
   * Generate connections to supporting walls
6. **Roof Calculation module**: Create roof geometries
   * Use menu sequence 1-2-5 (File > Change program module > Roof calculation)
   * Define roof slopes, pitches, and overhangs
   * Manage intersecting roof surfaces
7. **Roof Design module**: Detail roof components
   * Navigate using menu sequence 1-2-6 (File > Change program module > Roof design)
   * Layout rafters, ridge beams, purlins, and collar ties
   * Apply roofing materials and finishing details
8. **Dormer Design module**: Design dormers
   * Access via menu sequence 1-2-7 (File > Change program module > Dormer Design)
   * Create dormer framing with proper connections to main roof
   * Detail window openings within dormers
9. **Truss Design module**: Create trusses
   * Navigate using menu sequence 1-2-8 (File > Change program module > Truss design)
   * Design various truss types (king post, queen post, scissor)
   * Define connection details for truss members
10. **D-CAM module**: Use for custom design elements
    * Access via menu sequence 1-2-9 (File > Change program module > D-CAM: free design)
    * Create components not covered by other modules
    * Model complex connections and details

## EXPECTED RESULTS:

You should be able to navigate confidently between different building modules, understanding which module to use for specific design tasks. You'll recognize how these modules interconnect to create a comprehensive building model where changes in one area appropriately affect related elements.

## COMMON VARIATIONS:

* Module availability depends on your software license level
* Some modules only become accessible after creating prerequisite elements
* Interface appearance may vary between software versions
* Keyboard shortcuts may provide alternative navigation methods

## TROUBLESHOOTING:

* If a module appears grayed out: Check if you need to create prerequisite elements first
* If the building navigation tree is not visible: Activate it through General Settings (1-7-2)
* If changes in one module don't appear in another: Use the Update function to refresh
* If you can't edit certain properties: Verify you're in the correct module for that element type

## FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS:

* Explore the detailed functions within each module
* Learn how to generate construction documents from your model
* Practice creating a complete structure using the logical progression of modules
* Experiment with material specifications and connection details


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.dietrichs.com/tutorials/tutorials-en/learning-the-basics/exploration-journey/program-modules.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.