Menu path
Set-Up > More... > Fixtures
What it does
Define roof fixtures or edit existing ones, including skylights, ventilators, drains, downpipe penetrations, and other roof-mounted hardware. Fixtures can be set up as fixed size or parametric (operator-specified size on placement).
The key component is the Product Code, which links fixtures with accessories, pricing, and labour.
🔧 How to set up a fixture
Select the Fixtures command to open the Define Fixture dialog box
Complete the fixture details in the main fields
Select the Figure Type and sizing options
Choose the Database and Figure name for the graphic representation
Set the Insertion method
Add costs and installation options
Add flashings if required
Click OK to save your definitions
🧾 Main fixture settings
Field | Description |
Name of fixture | The name you define for this fixture. Use this name when selecting fixtures later. |
Supplier | The name of the fixture supplier |
Product code | The code of this fixture that links to accessories, pricing, and labour |
Flashing | The code of the first flashing associated with this fixture (displayed only if a flashing item has been selected) |
Alternate Category | Specify a different category other than Fixtures when using Quote-Groups |
Cost | The cost of this fixture |
Cost to install | The cost to install this fixture |
🔧 Figure Type options
Type | Description |
Figure - Fixed Size | Whatever size the Sub-Figure is drawn is the size it will be inserted onto the roof model |
Figure - Scalable | Allows the operator to define items that may be scaled in X, Y, or Z on placement (useful for items like trees) |
Parametric Box | Generic figures such as HVAC units or chimneys defined as a rectangular box and inserted at whatever size is required |
Parametric Cylinder | Generic tube-like objects such as vent pipes that can be placed on the roof model |
In use, the operator is also prompted for a Fixture Label so that a table of fixtures can be reported on the client proposal, as well as control over colours and line weight etc. as well as the annotation text:
🧾 Database and figure settings
Field | Description |
Database name of fixture | The name of the database (.dab file) containing the subfigure graphic detail. Default is Fixtures.dab in the ../User folder |
Figure name of fixture | The name of the subfigure to be inserted when you select this fixture. Click to select from the list of subfigures in the database |
Note: The sub-figure must be designed, modelled and saved in the required database file (typically Fixtures.DAB) prior to setting up Fixtures.
🔧 Insertion method options
Method | Use Case |
Get a Location and Orientation Point | For items like rectangular skylights that need positioning and rotation |
Get a Location Point Only | For items like circular drains that only need positioning |
Insert Along a Line Entity | For penetrations in gutters or along pipes |
🔧 Placement options
Option | Description |
Create Hole for Fixture | Set to Yes when a hole needs to be cut so material under the fixture doesn't count in total roof cladding (e.g., large HVAC units) |
Insert on Plane | No = fixture inserted onto Construction Plane (CPL) |
🔧 Dialog box controls
Button | Function |
Add-Flashing | Add a flashing to the list of flashings associated with this fixture |
Delete-Flashing | Remove a flashing from the flashing list |
Select | Select an existing fixture to edit |
Add | Add a new fixture |
Delete | Delete an existing fixture |
Update | Update an existing fixture after making changes |
🛠 Working with Sub-Figures
Figures to illustrate fixtures may be drawn in full 3D within the software using the included CAD tools or imported from another CAD system as a DXF file.
Save graphics representing parts as Sub-Figures using File > Sub-Figure > Save-As.
Include as much or as little information as required to adequately illustrate the part.
Sub-figures may be saved in various files (e.g., tree figures in trees.dab, PV Panels in PVPanels.dab), but it's easier to manage if all figures are saved in the same database (fixtures.dab).
⚠️ Important notes
Custom Profile flashings: If Custom Profile flashings are selected as flashing items, they must be inserted within the first three items in the list or they will not be calculated in the cutting list.
File storage: All fixture definitions are saved in the file Fixtures.dab regardless of which database file name the subfigures are saved in. To avoid confusion, it is recommended that you save all sub-figures in the CAD database file Fixtures.dab in the ../User folder.
Additional flashings: Additional flashings are added as required to complete fixture installation. By default, all other items required by the flashing are included as accessories to the flashing.
💡 Tips
When fixtures are used, operators are prompted for a Fixture Label so that a table of fixtures can be reported on client proposals, along with control over colours, line weight, and annotation text.
User Defined Flashing items can be used to pick up obscure items such as wiring on PV cells.