Truss design software makes it easier to create, modify, and visualize the design of a roof truss. It can automate the design process to reduce the workload of manual calculations and improve design efficiency. While utilizing computer algorithms, it also provides more accurate structural analysis and load calculations. This helps reduce the risk of design errors.
Its visualization tools can moreover help you visually inspect and understand the truss structure to facilitate design communication and decision-making. As a result, it can save you a lot of time and lower design costs. If you have no idea where to start, let’s see how to choose a preferred option first and then dive into the 8 best picks of the year.
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How to Choose the Best Truss Design Software
When it comes to picking a suitable truss design software, here are some key factors you’d better keep in mind.
- Comprehensive Functionality – Ensure that the software has comprehensive features to meet project requirements, including design, analysis, optimization, and more for various types of trusses.
- User-Friendliness – Choose the software with an intuitive interface and easy-to-use features to ensure that you can easily grasp its usage, thereby improving work efficiency.
- Performance and Stability – Opt for software with high performance and reliable stability to ensure excellent workflow when handling large-scale truss projects and minimizing the risk of crashes and errors.
- Interoperability – Consider whether the software can integrate with other design tools for seamless data exchange and team collaboration.
- Visual Representation – See whether the software provides visualization tools that bring the truss structure to life for a lifelike inspection and understanding.
The Best 8 Truss Design Software Recommends
After hands-on testing of dozens of programs, we’ve rounded up the best roof truss design software of the year. You might as well take a look at the following picks to grasp the optimal solution.
Top 1. ZWCAD
- Source: ZWCAD
- Best for: Beginners and professionals
ZWCAD is a 2D & 3D CAD solution for any industry. With its intuitive interface and familiar environment, it also works as an easy yet powerful truss design software for people of any skill level. The software is designed to enhance productivity and efficiency in truss design. Thanks to its self-developed kernel, it boasts fast processing speeds that allow for smooth navigation and quick editing of complex truss structures. Meanwhile, it is optimized to handle large-scale projects without compromising performance.
There is a comprehensive set of tools and functionalities that help you create accurate and detailed truss structures like File Compare which lets you spot the differences between 2 drawings at a time, Area Table which can automatically calculate area and generate area tables in no time, Sheet Set Manager which enables you to view, access, manage, and plot multiple drawings in one place, etc. What’s more, there are Smart features exclusive to its users such as Smart Plot, Smart Mouse, Smart Select, and Smart Voice.
With its advanced 3D rendering, you can visualize your truss design in detail with custom material and texture. In addition, you can tailor functionalities by migrating third-party applications with APIs like LISP, VBA, ZRX, and .NET. Better yet, ZWCAD offers large learning resources such as videos, tutorials, and so on that enable you to master it quickly and easily. While allowing for a perpetual license, ZWCAD is the right pick for long-term users with the best value.
Key Features:
- Great compatibility with DWG, DXF, DWT, etc.
- Customizable interface and functionalities
- Useful 2D & 3D tools and features
- Fast and stable performance
- Support for Windows and Linux
- Allow for one-time purchase
Top 2. Archicad
- Source: Archicad
- Best for: Professionals
Archicad is powerful CAD software developed by Graphisoft. While mainly functioning as a structural engineering software, it provides architects, designers, and engineers with a comprehensive set of tools to design, visualize, collaborate, and document building projects including roof truss designs.
The software offers a range of design tools that enable you to create complex truss structures. These tools include parametric object creation, customizable profiles, and the ability to define structural connections. Moreover, it lets you create detailed 3D models of trusses to enable a better understanding of the spatial relationships within the building design. It also offers realistic rendering capabilities, which allow you to generate high-quality visualizations of truss designs.
Archicad can integrate with structural analysis software and enable you to perform structural analysis and simulations on truss designs. This integration helps ensure the structural integrity and performance of truss systems. Better yet, it can automate the generation of construction documentation and drawings, including detailed plans, sections, and elevations of truss systems. If you’re working with clients, Archicad is a reliable truss design software for its outstanding documentation functionalities.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive design tools in 2D and 3D
- Advanced 3D modeling and visualization
- Collaboration and coordination features
- Structural analysis integration
- Preset library for objects and materials
Top 3. Truss4 Software
- Source: Truss4 Software
- Best for: Professionals
Truss4 Software is a wood truss design software that is designed for the design and analysis of timber truss structures. Developed by Fine Software, it consists of several interconnected programs that work together to facilitate the truss design process. The software provides a user-friendly interface and supports the integration of practical and engineering skills and experience.
Truss 2D provides a range of predefined truss shapes and tools for inputting truss geometry. This program is used for the design and structural analysis of individual trusses. Truss 3D is the main program for 3D timber truss design. It allows you to define the dimensions of the building and generate a complete truss model with structural analysis. Truss Explorer supports creating documentation for the entire project or selected trusses.
Truss Project Manager is designed for storing Truss 3D projects and sharing them with colleagues. It allows you to organize projects based on their status, compare different structural solutions, and make economic calculations based on existing projects. All in all, Truss4 Software offers a range of solutions that cover various aspects of truss design, including structural modeling, analysis, economic calculations, manufacturing management, and project database and sharing.
Key Features:
- Tools for designing timber trusses in both 2D and 3D
- Powerful structural analysis capabilities
- Bracing and metalwork generation
- Documentation and CNC file generation
- Project management and collaboration
Top 4. Mitek Structure
- Source: MiTek Structure
- Best for: Professionals
MiTek Structure is a software with integrated truss design specifically designed for component manufacturers in the residential construction industry. The software offers powerful structural modeling, editing, and estimating functionality. It combines trusses, engineered wood products (EWP), floor cassettes, and wall panels into a single program. It streamlines the design process by integrating all these components.
This Mitek truss design software allows you to create detailed 3D models of trusses, walls, floors, and other structural components. The visual design process helps ensure accuracy in the construction project. Meanwhile, it includes a formula builder feature that enables you to create and store customized formulas for estimating materials and costs. This feature also allows the application of formulas to modeled objects.
Besides, it seamlessly integrates with MiTek Viewer which facilitates easy collaboration between different stakeholders. It is also compatible with Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems. The software can produce a traceable and verifiable Bill of Materials (BOM), which visually tracks the materials used in the model. This helps ensure accurate material procurement and project management. If you’re a structural engineer or architect, MiTek Structure can be a suitable option for you.
Key Features:
- 3D structural modeling capabilities
- Specialized Integration with truss design
- Easy collaboration and compatibility with MiTek Viewer
- Estimating and bidding functionalities
- Reporting and documentation features
Top 5. Mitek PAMIR
- Source: MiTek PAMIR
- Best for: Professionals
MiTek PAMIR is an industry-leading software solution for roof truss and Posi-Joist design. It offers a range of powerful tools and features to streamline the design process and ensure accuracy. This software combines layout, engineering, output, and 3D tools into a single fully integrated application that eliminates the need for separate programs, and allows for seamless design and collaboration.
This MiTek truss design software incorporates full EC5 engineering, which adheres to the latest design codes and standards. This ensures that the designed roof trusses and Posi-Joists meet the required structural requirements. In the meantime, it enables simultaneous wall, plane, and framing input that allows for efficient and dynamic design. You can make live edits to building geometry without the need for re-inputting framing data.
The software also provides powerful CAD tools and an interactive 3D view for you to visualize your truss designs in detail. This helps in identifying and resolving any design conflicts or issues. It offers extensive settings that allow for complete customization to your preferences. Better yet, there is a mobile viewer that allows you to send a 3D model to anyone with an internet-enabled device. As a comprehensive truss design solution, MiTek PAMIR is suitable for structural engineers and architects.
Key Features:
- Full EC5 Engineering with the latest design codes and standards
- Advanced CAD and 3D visualization
- Import and trace with CAD files
- Customization and flexibility
- Mobile viewer for Android and iOS
Top 6. SteelSmart System Roof Truss
- Source: SteelSmart System Roof Truss
- Best for: Professionals
SteelSmart System Roof Truss is a steel rather than wood truss design software. Being a comprehensive software module designed specifically for the design of cold-formed steel roof trusses, it offers a range of features and capabilities to streamline the truss design process. The software is specifically tailored for the design of cold-formed steel ‘cee’ section truss members. It enables engineers and designers to create efficient and structurally sound truss designs using cold-formed steel.
This truss design software empowers you to design not only the truss members but also the connectors and fasteners simultaneously. This comprehensive approach ensures that all components of the truss assembly are accounted for in the design process. Moreover, you can input bracing requirements for the analysis and design of trusses to ensure that the trusses meet the necessary bracing criteria for structural stability.
In addition, it provides options for creating custom truss shapes. You can draw and analyze your truss shapes, aided by the capability to import DXF format drawings. You can also select the most suitable connection type based on the design and structural requirements to specify plated connections or back-to-back web connections. If you want to efficiently design cold-formed steel roof trusses, SteelSmart System Roof Truss is worth a shot.
Key Features:
- Complete truss design
- Cold-formed steel truss design
- Customizable truss shape from DXF files
- A range of standard truss templates to choose from
Top 7. Simple Truss Solver
- Source: Simple Truss Solver
- Best for: Beginners
Simple Truss Solver is a lightweight scientific application designed for engineers and engineering students to draw and solve both simple and complex trusses. The software provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to draw trusses. It allows you to draw the members, add restraints, and apply concentrated forces with simplicity and efficiency.
With a grid display option to assist in drawing precise trusses, you can ensure accurate placement of truss members by toggling the grid display. Moreover, it provides intuitive drawing tools for you to select the appropriate tool and simply start drawing the truss. Meanwhile, it automatically adds nodes at each end of the members to simplify the connection process.
As you draw the truss and its elements, Simple Truss Solver creates a matrix of equations to perform calculations and display the results. It provides information such as the number of trusses, nodes, external links, forces, and the degree of static independence. While drawing the truss, you have the option to add new elements that are independent of the structure. Since it’s a truss design software free to use, Simple Truss Solver is suitable for beginners to hit the road in truss designs.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface
- Intuitive drawing tools
- A grid display feature to draw precise trusses
- Restraints and forces to the truss structure
Top 8. TrussSolver
- Source: TrussSolver
- Best for: Beginners
TrussSolver is another free truss design software available for Windows systems. This lightweight and portable application is designed for architects and construction engineers who need to design and solve plane trusses. You don’t need to install it on your computer. Simply unpack the archive and launch the executable to access its capabilities. It doesn’t create additional files or folders on your PC, which ensures a clean and hassle-free experience.
The software features a minimalistic layout with a user-friendly interface. It offers easy access to all its functions, which are presented as buttons on the main window. TrussSolver enables you to design trusses and test various parameters related to them. You can set an origin point, create nodes, join them using members, and apply different forces to the elements.
What’s more, it includes a simple Settings window where you can adjust the scale and modify the configuration file’s location. This allows you to customize the software according to your preferences and project requirements. If you’re looking for a simple and efficient tool for designing and solving plane trusses, go take a shot at TrussSolver.
Key Features:
- No Installation required
- A simple and intuitive user interface
- Adjustable scale and configuration
- Lightweight and Portable for anyone
A Quick Overview of the 8 Truss Design Software
| Type | Platforms | 3D Rendering | Custom Materials | Speed | Best for | One-Time Purchase | |
| ZWCAD | 2D & 3D | Windows, Linux | Powerful
|
√ | Fastest | Anyone
|
√ |
| Archicad | 2D & 3D | Windows, macOS | Strong | √ | Fast | Professionals | × |
| Truss4 Software | 2D & 3D | Windows | Strong | ×
|
Medium | Professionals | × |
| Mitek Structure | 3D | Windows | Strong | √ | Fast | Professionals | × |
| Mitek PAMIR | 2D & 3D | Windows | Strong | √ | Medium | Professionals | × |
| SteelSmart System | 2D | Windows | × | × | Medium | Professionals | × |
| Simple Truss Solver | 2D | Windows | × | × | Slow | Beginners | Free |
| TrussSolver | 2D | Windows | × | × | Medium | Beginners | Free |
Now that we walk through all the top options, you may check out the comparison table for a quick idea. As for beginners, Simple Truss Solver and TrussSolver are free truss design software to get started. As for Mac users, just try out Archicad. If you want a solution for anyone of all skill levels with powerful 2D & 3D CAD capabilities, ZWCAD is no doubt the best pick to work out.
FAQs About Truss Design Software
Is It Cheaper to Design Your Own Trusses?
If you have related experience, or possess relevant design skills and engineering review capabilities, then using software to design on your own can be more cost-effective. However, if you lack these skills, it is necessary to consider whether you have the time and energy to learn the necessary knowledge and skills. If not, it is more suitable to hire a professional designer instead of attempting to design on your own.
Can You Design Truss Free Online?
There is no free online truss design software so far. However, if you just want to calculate or analyze some data, you may consider using online tools like the Civils Free Truss Analysis Calculator.
Conclusion
Overall, truss design software simplifies the design process, enhances accuracy, improves efficiency, and ensures structural integrity. That makes it an essential tool for both beginners and professionals involved in truss structure design and construction, but you should consider a tool based on its functionalities and your specific requirements.