Our vast collection of in-depth step-by-step tutorials to help new and advanced users create and execute their projects in our software.
This solution document will step you through the procedure to create a border drawing. Border drawings allow you to setup a Titleblock to be printed with your drawings.
This solution document will walk you through creating a border template for printing out overlay drawings (more than one drawing on the same page).
This solution document will accurately take you through the procedures necessary to create a “logo” and insert it into a SolidBuilder border drawing.
The following procedures below will take you through the steps to use the Camera command.
This solution document will step you through the procedures necessary to create a barrel-vaulted ceiling.
This solution document will step you through creating a typical sloped coffered ceiling for the purpose of producing rafters and production drawings.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the necessary steps to modify the perimeter of a floor, ceiling, outline or roof.
This solution document will step you through on how to setup your options to create a deck in SolidBuilder.
This solution document contains some helpful hints to create railings to match your deck and/or stairs.
Coming Soon
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the steps necessary to create a 2D brick solider course around an arch top opening.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the necessary steps to modify the perimeter of a floor, ceiling, outline or roof.
This solution document steps you through on how to create a sloped floor in SolidBuilder with the help of the Cad Menu.
This solution document will take you through the necessary steps to create Tapered Floor Joists to achieve a flat floor that sits directly on a sloped roof.
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the steps necessary to create a .DXF file in SolidBuilder, and then open that same file into AutoCAD.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the steps necessary to create a DXF file in SolidBuilder, and import that same file into the Virtual Simulator.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the steps necessary to create a DXF file in SolidBuilder of a model and import that same file into the Virtual Image.
The following procedures below will take you through the steps necessary to create an image
file in SolidBuilder of a Working Drawing and then import that same file into the Virtual Image for rendering.
The following procedures below will take you through the steps to export a SolidBuilder estimate or takeoff to be used in conjunction with BuildSoft costing program.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the steps to export a SolidBuilder estimate or takeoff to be used in conjunction with QuickBooks Pro.
The following procedure below will take you through the necessary steps to import a titleblock or a logo from AutoCAD in a DXF format to use as a border in SolidBuilder.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the necessary steps to tag AutoCAD blocks with attributes and import them into BidBuilder.
This solution document will accurately take you through the procedures necessary to import a text file into a SolidBuilder working drawing.
The following procedure below will step you through on how to get an accurate takeoff for Logs in SolidBuilder.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the steps necessary to update SolidBuilder database prices by importing a pricing file created in Microsoft Excel.
This solution paper will walk you through the steps to setup overlays (which is a printout of more than one drawing on the same page).
The following steps will take your through how to create the print file in SolidBuilder.
This solution document will walk you through setting up print layouts.
The following procedure will accurately take you through the steps necessary to create a Site Plan in SolidBuilder using the Site Input feature.
This solution document will step you through the procedures necessary to create a barrel-vaulted roof.
This document describes a method used to create a roof where the roof rafter depth is 11 ¼” and eave depth is 5 ½”.
The following procedures below will take you through the necessary steps to create a gambrel roof for a small barn so that the rafters are framed correctly on the wall.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the necessary steps to create Greek Returns on gable ends.
The following procedure below will show you how to create round (log) rafters to represent them in the 3D model.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the necessary steps to create a log truss.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the necessary steps to modify the perimeter of a floor, ceiling, outline or roof.
This solution document aids you in making the necessary changes to SolidBuilder’s settings and shows you the necessary steps to create roof purlins.
The following procedures below will show you how to create a roof cricket or saddle between two parallel roofs.
This solution document will take you through the procedures necessary to create a roof over a bay window.
This solution paper will take you through the procedures necessary to create a roof that intersects walls of different heights.
The following procedure will show you how to can create a gable end prow in SolidBuilder.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the necessary steps to trim fascia ends to be plumb.
The following procedure will show you how to create valley plates where one roof sits on top of another roof.
This solution document aids you in making the necessary changes to SolidBuilder’s settings and show you the necessary steps to create a pole shed.
The following procedures accurately take you through the steps to create a set of stairs.
This solution document contains some helpful hints to create railings to match your stairs.
This document describes a method to create a 3-D window symbol to fit in a Raked opening.
This solution document shows you how to load and unload reference drawings. Reference Drawings are loaded onto the screen and provide a reference for the creation of another model.
The following steps take you through the procedure to execute the drawing regen command within working drawings. This command automatically updates your working drawings reflecting any changes you have previously made to your model.
This solution document will accurately take you through the procedures necessary to import a text file into a SolidBuilder working drawing.
This solution paper will show you the steps to remove a working drawing from the model.
The following procedures below will accurately take you through the necessary steps to created curved walls from an outline.
Coming Soon
Download this manual for a clear, builder‑grade walkthrough of SolidBuilder’s core features.
Solution Documents are downloadable, in‑depth guides that walk you through how to design, build, or model specific structures inside our software — such as barrel roofs, stairs, pole barns, custom walls, printing, importing and exporting files, and more.
They’re step‑by‑step, builder-friendly, include lots of visuals, and downloadable so you can learn at your own pace.
They’re built for both new users and advanced builders. If you’re just getting started, they help you understand the “why” behind each step. If you’re an experienced user, they give you fast, accurate reference materials that help you tackle more complex builds without guessing.
Our tutorial videos cover general workflows. Solution Documents go deeper — they focus on specific builds in your design process. Each document shows exactly how to create a particular structure or solve a particular design challenge, with downloadable PDFs and video links.
You’ll find guides for a wide range of projects, including:
Barrel roofs
Stair systems
Pole barns
Custom walls and framing
Printing and exporting
Importing external files
Specialty structures and advanced modeling tasks
We’re always adding new documents based on what builders ask for most.
Yes. Even though many documents cover advanced builds, they’re written in a clear, step‑by‑step format that new users can follow. We keep the language practical and easy to understand.
We want our clients to be successful, not confused.
Most documents include screenshots, diagrams, and visual examples. Many also include video links so you can watch instead. If you prefer watching a video over reading, these video links are there to help guide you.
We update and add new documents when builders request guides for specific structures. If there’s a document you want us to create, you can always reach out to our support team and we're happy to assist.
To install Design Expert, download the installer from the link provided by Digital Canal, run the setup file, and follow the on‑screen prompts. After installation, launch the program and activate your license using your provided credentials.
License activation issues are usually caused by incorrect credentials. Verify you've purchased the software, downloaded it through our website, and use the authorization code sent by email. If issues continue, email us at info@digitalcanal.com
To update SolidBuilder, contact us directly at 800-449-5033, or email us at info@digitalcanal.com.
All current installers for Design Expert, SolidBuilder, BidBuilder, and Structural modules are available on our website. Check your email or email us at info@digitalcanal.com to receive the download link.
Video loading issues are typically caused by slow internet, browser caching, or blocked scripts. Refresh the page, clear your browser cache, or try another browser. If videos still fail to load, contact support.
Most installation errors can be resolved by running the installer as an administrator, disabling antivirus during installation, or ensuring Windows is fully updated. If errors persist, check the Installation Videos section for troubleshooting steps or reach out to support.
Your old license will be deactivated when you install the program on the new machine and activate it using your existing authorization code.
If you have a permanent license, contact our support team at info@digitalcanal.com.