Set Preferences

Learn how to start a new project, change the visual theme, and set the project options.

1. Start React Structures.
2. Click New project in the Welcome Screen.
   

   Alternatively, click New from the Application Menu or click (New) on the Quick Access Toolbar.

   Note: For more information about the Application Menu and the Quick Access Toolbar, see User Interface.
3. [Optional] Click White at the bottom left of the Status Bar, to change the theme.
   
   Note: For more information about the Status Bar, see User Interface.
4. Click Options from the Application Menu.

   Alternatively, click Units at the bottom left of the Status Bar.

   
   The Options dialog opens.

   Note: By default, the application uses the American database and settings with the Imperial measurement system.
5. Click Units and Formats in the left pane of the dialog. Enter 0.00 to change the zero format.
   
   Important: The syntax of coordinates depends on your regional Windows format. In this tutorial we use the English (United States) format. If you want to change your Windows format, click: Start Control Panel Region and Language Format.
6. Click Materials in the left pane of the dialog, and set the following materials:
   • Steel: STEEL A992-50
   • Concrete: CONCR_3
   
7. Double-click Databases in the left pane of the dialog to expand the list of databases. Click Sections to verify the default section databases for steel members.
   
8. Click OK.

For more information about the preferences, see Customize React Structures.