# Project UI

The Project UI is your workspace for viewing, editing, and analyzing bridge models. It consists of several key areas: the top bar, left sidebar, graphics window, and data window.

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101673995/image-20230330-135938.png?api=v2" alt="Project UI overview"><figcaption><p>Project UI layout</p></figcaption></figure>

***

## Top Bar

The top bar provides quick access to project actions and settings.

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101379093/image-20230331-145704.png?api=v2" alt="Top bar"><figcaption><p>Project top bar</p></figcaption></figure>

### Project Actions

| Action                          | Description                                                                                    |
| ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **New Project**                 | Create a new project from templates                                                            |
| **Open Project**                | Access existing projects or shared projects                                                    |
| **Import**                      | Import LandXML (terrain/alignment), LARSA 4D (.lar), CSI SAP2000 (.s2k), or Midas (.mct) files |
| **Export**                      | Export project data to various file formats                                                    |
| **Share**                       | Copy project link for sharing (view-only access)                                               |
| **View FEA Logs**               | View logs from the last analysis run and see if anything changed since then                    |
| **Clear FEA Results**           | Delete local analysis results from your browser to free up disk space                          |
| **Manage Local FEA Results**    | View all analysis results stored on your machine                                               |
| **Add to Verification Profile** | Include project in automated testing that runs with each OpenBrIM release                      |

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101379093/New%20Project&#x26;Open%20Project.gif?api=v2" alt="New and Open Project demo"><figcaption><p>Creating and opening projects</p></figcaption></figure>

### Library Updates

When library updates are available, a notification button appears automatically. Click it to update your template objects.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Before updating:** Library updates may change 3D, FEM, and Spec Check behavior. They might add inputs or modify existing ones. Do not update if your project has been submitted to an agency unless you need new features. Enterprise customers should consult release notes in Slack and contact OpenBrIM support first.
{% endhint %}

***

## Left Sidebar

The left sidebar provides access to all project views and settings.

| Option           | Description                                                                                                                            |
| ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Model**        | 3D parametric model visualization                                                                                                      |
| **FEA**          | Finite element analysis model                                                                                                          |
| **CAD**          | 2D CAD drawings                                                                                                                        |
| **Docs**         | Documents and reports                                                                                                                  |
| **Project Site** | Set project local origin on the map and view alignments. The local origin defines the reference point for computing X-Y-Z coordinates. |
| **Users**        | Manage project access permissions                                                                                                      |
| **Revisions**    | Access revision history and snapshots                                                                                                  |
| **Source Code**  | Edit ParamML source (advanced users)                                                                                                   |
| **Help**         | Open documentation site                                                                                                                |

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101674016/Graphics%20Window%20Left%20Side%20Bar.gif?api=v2" alt="View switching demo"><figcaption><p>Switching between views</p></figcaption></figure>

### Documents View

The Documents view displays:

* **Parametric reports** - Dynamic reports that update based on project inputs (available after compilation)
* **Uploaded files** - PDFs, images, and other files with options to view, download, share, and digitally sign

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101674016/image-20231020-210741.png?api=v2" alt="Documents view"><figcaption><p>Documents view</p></figcaption></figure>

Upload files by dragging and dropping or using the Upload File button. Create folders for organization.

***

## Performance Controls

Control compilation behavior for large models using the toolbar at the top center of the graphics window.

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101706827/image-20230327-144301.png?api=v2" alt="Performance controls"><figcaption><p>Pause/FEM/Detailing controls</p></figcaption></figure>

### Save and Compile Timers

Click the clock icon to customize save and compile timers.

| Timer       | Default    | Description                                                                                              |
| ----------- | ---------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Save**    | 10 seconds | Waits after last change before saving to cloud. Resets if you make another change.                       |
| **Compile** | 5 seconds  | Waits after last modification before starting parametric computation. Resets if you make another change. |

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101706827/image-20231015-231247.png?api=v2" alt="Timer settings"><figcaption><p>Timer configuration</p></figcaption></figure>

### Save Status Indicators

| Icon    | Status                              |
| ------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Cloud   | All data saved                      |
| Spinner | Unsaved data - do not close browser |

{% hint style="info" %}
OpenBrIM automatically saves every 2 minutes regardless of timer settings to prevent data loss.
{% endhint %}

### Toggle Controls

| Control       | Function                                                                                                      |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Pause**     | Disable auto-refresh. Data saves but model doesn't update. Click Play when ready to recalculate.              |
| **FEM**       | Toggle finite element calculations (mesh, etc.). 3D view remains active when disabled.                        |
| **Detailing** | Toggle detailed elements (reinforcement, bolts, holes). Keep disabled during analysis for faster compilation. |

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101706827/Pause.gif?api=v2" alt="Pause demo"><figcaption><p>Using Pause mode</p></figcaption></figure>

***

## Data Window

The data window is where you enter project parameters. It consists of the tree view and spreadsheet.

### Tree View

Each tree item represents a library object. Templates organize objects following the bridge engineering workflow: alignment → geometry → analysis → design → reports.

{% hint style="info" %}
Different templates show different tree structures based on bridge type. For example, Tub Girder templates include cross-frames and bottom flange stiffeners not found in I Girder templates.
{% endhint %}

### Spreadsheet

OpenBrIM uses familiar Excel-style spreadsheets for data entry.

| Feature            | Description                                                          |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Info icon**      | Opens documentation for the selected object                          |
| **Cell actions**   | Right-click or use three-dot menu for copy, paste, parametric values |
| **Fill handle**    | Drag cell corner to copy values to adjacent cells                    |
| **Arrow keys/Tab** | Navigate between cells                                               |
| **Header actions** | Filter, sort, and adjust decimal places                              |
| **Undo**           | Reverse last entry                                                   |

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101411869/Cell%20to%20copy%20one%20cell%20to%20the%20rest.gif?api=v2" alt="Cell copy demo"><figcaption><p>Copying cell values</p></figcaption></figure>

Resize the data window by dragging the Data bar. Resize the tree view by dragging its border.

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101411869/Data%20Window.gif?api=v2" alt="Data window resize demo"><figcaption><p>Adjusting data window layout</p></figcaption></figure>

***

## 3D Model View

The 3D view displays your parametric bridge model with interactive controls.

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101575761/image-20230331-083232.png?api=v2" alt="3D Model view"><figcaption><p>3D Model view</p></figcaption></figure>

### Mouse Controls

| Action             | Control                               |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------- |
| **Zoom**           | Scroll wheel                          |
| **Rotate**         | Hold left mouse button and drag       |
| **Pan**            | Hold scroll wheel and drag            |
| **Zoom to object** | Click object, then click Zoom Extents |

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101641293/Rotate.gif?api=v2" alt="Rotate demo"><figcaption><p>Rotating the model</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
After zooming to a specific object, rotation will center around that object.
{% endhint %}

### View Tools

| Tool             | Function                         |
| ---------------- | -------------------------------- |
| **Zoom Extents** | Fit all objects in view          |
| **Objects list** | Show/hide individual objects     |
| **View cube**    | Set camera to specific direction |
| **Settings**     | Access 3D view options           |

### 3D View Settings

| Setting              | Description                                                |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Clipping Plane**   | Create section cuts through the model                      |
| **Roadway Surface**  | Show/hide roadway (displays alignment as line when hidden) |
| **Measure Distance** | Measure between selected objects                           |

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101575761/image-20230331-121305.png?api=v2" alt="Clipping plane"><figcaption><p>Section cut using clipping plane</p></figcaption></figure>

### Object Actions

Click on any 3D object to access:

| Icon        | Action                        |
| ----------- | ----------------------------- |
| Eye         | Isolate, hide, or show object |
| Opacity     | Adjust transparency           |
| Spreadsheet | Open related parameters       |
| Delete      | Remove from project           |

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101575761/Isolate&#x26;Hide.gif?api=v2" alt="Isolate and hide demo"><figcaption><p>Isolating and hiding objects</p></figcaption></figure>

***

## Finite Element Model View

The FEA view displays the analytical model used for structural analysis.

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101903397/image-20230328-134935.png?api=v2" alt="FEA view"><figcaption><p>Finite Element Model view</p></figcaption></figure>

This view shows:

* Nodes and elements
* Boundary conditions
* Applied loads
* Analysis results (displacements, forces, stresses)

***

## CAD View

The CAD view displays 2D parametric drawings generated from your model.

<figure><img src="https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2101346335/image-20221110-191622.png?api=v2" alt="CAD view"><figcaption><p>CAD drawing view</p></figcaption></figure>

CAD drawings update automatically when model parameters change.