How to use Linear Assemblies (3:46)

🛠️ How to Use Linear Assemblies in AECInspire

The Linear Assembly feature in AECInspire allows you to plan and quantify continuous runs—like cable tray, MC cable, or similar linear elements—by combining materials and lengths into one trackable assembly. This guide walks you through accessing, customizing, and placing linear assemblies, as well as how they appear in your Bill of Materials (BOM).

🔍 Accessing Linear Assemblies

1. Navigate to the Assemblies tab in the left-hand toolbar.

2. Scroll down to find the Linear Assemblies category.

3. Click into Linear Assemblies to begin working.

Linear Assemblies function similarly to other AECInspire assemblies like in-wall junction boxes—they're part of your overall assembly library.

🧩 Creating a Linear Assembly

1. Click Create New Linear Assembly.

2. Assign parts from your Parts List (e.g., cable tray, conduit, MC cable).

3. Specify the length-based components you'd like to track.

4. Add optional parameters:

   • Budget Time (per foot)

   • Install Time (per foot)

   • Label (for field shorthand or tag reference)

   • Height (for visual elevation or organization)

⚠️ Note: Electrical connections to Linear Assemblies are not supported at this time.

🎨 Customizing Appearance

You can visually distinguish linear assemblies by adjusting:

• Line Type:

  • Dotted (default)

  • Solid

  • Fine dotted

• Line Weight:

  • Extra Thin → Extra Bold

• Line Color:

  • Assign a color to represent different systems (e.g., red for fire alarm, blue for power)

These styles help clearly represent each linear assembly on your sheet.

✏️ Placing Linear Assemblies

Once your Linear Assembly is configured:

1. Give your assembly a Name/Type (e.g., “F1”).

2. Activate the tool—your cursor will change to a crosshair.

3. Click on your sheet to start the run.

4. Continue clicking to trace the path.

   • Use multiple clicks to follow curves (e.g., along a curved wall).

5. Double-click to end the run.

6. Press Save to place the assembly.

You’ll now see:

• The tag displaying the label, length, and type

• The path line on your sheet with selected visual styles

🔁 You can place multiple runs using the same linear assembly in one session.

📦 Viewing in the BOM (Bill of Materials)

1. Open the Quantities tab.

2. Look for the Linear Assemblies section.

3. You'll see:

   • Assembly Name

   • Total Linear Feet

   • Budget/Install Time (if set)

   • Associated components

This allows for accurate planning and material tracking—especially useful for curved walls or non-standard routing.

❓Need Help?

If you need assistance or have questions about Linear Assemblies, please contact the AECInspire Customer Success team—we're here to help you get the most from your workflow.