SPIDAcalc licenses contain a variety of modules that control what functionality is available to users. The Client Editor module is used by account administrators to clearly define the engineering values and options available to users within their organization. The file created in the Client Editor is known as a client file (.client).

Account admins can create multiple versions of client files based on their specifications and standards. A client file is selected when a new SPIDAcalc project is started to provide a picklist of poles and pole attachments, as well as load cases, strength cases, custom reports, forms, and more.

To access the Client Editor, select the Tools menu and then Client Editor.

Client Editor Interface

The Client Editor includes five main tabs: Structures, Analysis, Forms, Reports, and Presets.

Each tab opens its own set of sub-tabs, entry fields, and combo boxes; most include a tree structure displaying the current choice listings.

The first tab, labeled Structures, provides access to all structural components within SPIDAcalc where the engineering properties are defined for each element. The remaining four tabs contain additional options and settings that Account Admins can customize to fit their organization.

Client Editor is divided into three main areas which include:

• The entry field and combo box choice definition area on the left, providing both element identification and properties entry fields
• A tree list on the right displaying existing property listings for a particular component category
• Selection buttons that Fill or Delete entries and Client File buttons that start a New client file, Open an existing client file, or Save a client file

To create a new client file, select the New button. All entry fields, combo boxes, and tree lists should reset.

To access an existing client file for editing, select the Open button. Use the Open dialog box to navigate to an existing client file.

If changes are made to a client file, select the Save button to overwrite or select File > Save As to save a new version of the client file.

Transferring Data from One Client File to Another

The Show Source Panel command in the Client Editor’s Options menu displays a new tree panel on the left side for all tabbed displays that are featured in the Client Editor module. 

The Source Selection Tree Panel gives users the ability to select and copy individual client property settings from an external client file to the current client file. 

Copy individual property settings from the left panel by highlighting any component category or individual component and clicking the Copy button. Holding the keyboard Ctrl button allows users to select multiple categories or components simultaneously.