All created objects have default properties that you can change in the Advance Properties dialog box, which automatically appears upon creating an object.
Type of properties
The object properties are classified as follows:
- Geometric properties
The geometric properties (i.e., position in the model and shape) are set on creation and can be changed afterwards using standard CAD commands (e.g. move, rotate, copy etc) and grips.
- CAD specific properties
These are set in the property list. These properties are changed using the CAD Properties command.
- Technical properties
These are properties for the on-screen representation (e.g. representation of a beam with or without processing) and non-graphic properties (e.g. material, name etc). This information goes in the structured BOMs and drawings.
Accessing the object properties
To open an object dialog box double click on the object.
Another way to access the properties is to select the object(s) and with a right mouse click select Advance Properties from the context menu(depending on the CAD platform system settings).
Modifying the object properties
The settings in the properties dialog box are split into different tabs that vary based on object type.
When a dialog box field (e.g.,dimension, position etc) is changed, the model updates instantly:
- By clicking the next field
- By closing the window (click the X in the right upper corner)
- By using the <TAB> key to move to the next field
- By using the <Enter> key to select the value in the current field
Settings behavior
Initial settings of an object (e.g. a plate) are stored and can always be recalled and updated using the same dialog box.
Advance will recall the last dialog box values and preferences until the next time the same tool is used. After restarting Advance, the dialog boxes return to the default settings.
You can restore the default settings by using the system menu of the dialog box (right click the header line of the dialog box). If you click Use defaults on this system menu, the dialog box entries return to the default settings.
Model Role
Advance Steel elements have a property named Model Role that determines their behavior.
Whenever elements are created using a joint or a macro (e.g. Stair macro, Railing macro etc), an appropriate Model Role is assigned automatically.
For all basic elements manually created, the Model Role must be set in the Properties dialog box.
During drawing creation the defined Model Role will influence the output. An object set as a column, is dimensioned and labeled differently by the automatic detailing process than if the object is set as a beam.
The Model Role is not used directly for numbering, but it is used by the prefix tool to assign prefixes.
Displaying the Elements Properties
To access the command
Tools tool palette: 
Context menu: Right click and select Advance Properties from the context menu
Command line: _AstM4CommMultiEdit
To display properties of a single object
- Select the object to modify.
- Tools tool palette: Click .
- The properties dialog box appears.
To restore the default settings
- Right click the header line of the properties dialog box.
- Select Use defaults from the system menu.
- The dialog box entries return to the default settings.