How to Start a New Project and Start Designing Right Away
HiStruct isn't just another 3D configurator - it's a smart tool that brings design and project management together in one clear, easy-to-use system.
In this guide, you'll learn:
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how to create a new project
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how to work with components (and what is it 😉 )
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how to share your work with colleagues or clients.
💡 Two Ways to Create a Project: Table View or Map View
When starting a new project, you can choose between two views: the Project Table or the Project Map. You can switch between them anytime - use whichever fits your workflow best.
❓ Table vs. Map - Which One Should You Use? Both!
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Table View gives you a clear overview of all your projects. It's perfect for adding detailed notes, tracking progress, and sharing components.
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Map View lets you place your project on a real-world location. It's great for seeing how your building fits into the surroundings - you can even view it in 3D on the map.
👉 We recommend using both, depending on what you need at the moment.
1️⃣ Starting a Project in the Table View
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Go to the Projects tab and click Add New Project
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Fill in the basic details - location, tags, project status, and any notes
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Choose a building template from the list
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Done! Your project is ready to go
❓ What Are Components?
Think of components as the individual models inside your project. You can create as many as you need - for example, different design options, price levels, or layouts.
You can:
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Copy and edit components easily
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Show multiple versions (e.g. basic, standard, premium) to clients without starting from scratch
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Click Add New Component to create a brand-new model from zero
❓ Can I Copy an Entire Project?
Yes! Just click the copy icon next to the project in the list - it's that simple.
❓ How Do I Share My Design?
In Table View, you can share individual components. It's quick, easy, and secure. Choose from three sharing options:
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View-Only Link - great for presentations. The recipient can explore the model but can't make changes.
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Edit Link - for real-time collaboration. Multiple users can work on the same model together, even from different locations.
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Component Copy - send someone their own editable version. Their changes won't affect your original project.
❓ Too Many Projects? Don't Worry
Use the search and filter tools at the top of the Table View. You'll quickly find what you need - no matter how many projects you have.
2️⃣ Starting a Project in the Map View
The Map View lets you place your project on a real location and see how it looks in its surroundings. It's especially useful if:
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You want to see how your design fits into its environment
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You're working on projects in different places
❓ How to Create a Project in Map View
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Go to the Projects tab and switch to Map View
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Click Add New Project, give it a name, and add tags if needed
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Use the pin icon to choose a location on the map
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Click Add New Component and pick a building from the templates
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The project is ready - start customizing
To fine-tune the building's position:
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Go back to the map, click Set Coordinate System
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Hold Ctrl and use your mouse to rotate the model and set its orientation
💡 You can also place a project created in Table View onto the map at any time.
❓ What Can I See on the Map?
HiStruct includes both standard and satellite maps. You can also turn on:
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Cadastral data (property lines - available for some countries)
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3D building view to preview your model in a realistic setting
❓ If I Create a Project in Map View, Will It Show in the Table?
Absolutely. No matter where you start - Table or Map - your project will appear in both views. You can edit it from either one.
❓ Can I See My Teammates' Projects?
Yes! In the top-right corner, you can switch between your own projects and team projects. Each team has its own Project Space, where all members can view, edit, and manage shared work - great for teamwork and coordination across offices.
🗺️ Table or Map? Choose What Works for You
As we said - both views are connected. Start in one, and your project will show up in the other automatically.
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Table View gives you detail, notes, and status tracking
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Map View gives you location context and a visual overview