Multiframe allows you to change the positions of joints in the structure numerically rather than graphically.  You will find this option useful for "fine tuning" the coordinates of your structure after drawing it.

Each joint in the structure is identified by a unique number.  You can display these numbers in the Frame, Load and Plot windows by choosing Symbols… from the Display menu, checking the Joint Numbers check box and clicking the OK button.

Coordinates are changed by typing values in the Data window or by double clicking on the joint in the Frame window.  You will probably find it helpful to use the Editing Layout from the Window menu while you are typing in coordinates, as this will allow you to see the changes to the structure as you make them.  The coordinates are displayed in a table in the Data window.  You can resize the columns in the table by dragging the lines that separate the columns. You can change the text font and size used in the table by using the Font… command from the View Menu while the Data window is in front on the screen. You can control the format of the numbers displayed in the table by using the Numbers… command from the Format window while the Data window is in front.

To change a coordinate of a joint

§    Make sure the Data window is in front

§    Click on the coordinate to be changed

§    Type in the new value for the coordinate

§    Press the Enter key or click inside the Frame or Load window on Windows

The structure will be re-drawn in the Frame and Load windows to reflect the changes you have made.  You can repeat this process for any of the other joints in the structure.  You can use the Tab and Return keys or the arrow keys to move from number to number in the table or you may simply click on the number you wish to change.

Note that changing the coordinates of a joint so that it is the same as another joint in the structure will not create a connection between the members at that joint. A connection can only be made by dragging one joint onto the other in the Frame window.

If you double click on a joint in the Frame window, Multiframe will display a dialog that allows you to change the coordinates of the joint.

Changing the position of a joint will change the length and/or slope of any members that are connected to it.  The length and slope of the members in the structure may also be changed directly.  The Member lengths and slopes may be displayed by choosing the Member Geometry command in the Data sub-menu under the Display menu.

Simply click on the numbers to be changed and type in the new values. The drawing in the Frame and Load windows will be updated to reflect your changes.  Remember that the slope of a member is measured in degrees with positive angles being measured from a zero angle on the horizontal plane passing through the lower joint.  Joint 1 will be the leftmost joint in the case of a horizontal or sloping member as viewed in the front or right side views or the bottom-most joint in the case of a vertical member.

You can also change the length and slope of a member by double clicking on it in the Frame window and typing in the new values in the dialog that appears.

If you change the length of a member, Joint 1 will be held fixed and Joint 2 will be moved to give the member the required length.  The slope will not be changed.  Similarly, changing the slope of a member will move Joint 2 and will leave Joint 1 in the same position while leaving the length of the member unchanged.