Frequently asked questions
General
What is EduBeam?
A free, open-source, browser-based solver for 2D beams, frames and trusses aimed at students, teachers and engineers who want instant feedback. See the Introduction.
Is it really free? Do I need an account?
Yes, and no. Open run.edubeam.app and start modelling. There are no accounts, no installers and no usage limits. The source is on GitHub.
Which browsers and devices work?
Any current Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari. Tablets and phones work: tap to select or place, drag a node to move it, drag elsewhere to pan, pinch to zoom, and press and hold for the canvas menu. A mouse and keyboard still make modelling faster. See Keyboard, mouse & touch.
I lost my model. Can I get it back?
Probably. Clearing the model, or opening a link, file or example over it, keeps the old one in ☰ → Recent structures (the last 10), and Ctrl+Z undoes the replacement. Both live in your browser only.
Can I use it offline?
EduBeam is a progressive web app: once loaded it keeps working without a connection, and the browser may offer to install it. When a new version is available a dialog asks before updating.
Where is my data stored?
Only in your browser. Models are never sent to a server; the share link is the model. See Import, export & sharing.
Modelling
How do I make a fixed / pinned / roller support?
Click the node, open Node supports and pick the symbol: pin, roller, fixed, slider and more. Or tick the DOFs: Dx + Dz + Ry = fixed, Dx + Dz = pin, Dz = roller. Every combination is listed in Nodes & supports.
How do I make a truss?
Use beam elements and tick both End hinges for every bar in the Elements tab, or tick Start hinge and End hinge in the banner before drawing the bars with the mouse. Apply loads at the joints. The truss tutorial walks through one.
How do I put a hinge in a frame?
Tick the End hinge of the element on the side of the joint where the moment should be released. Hinging one element at a joint releases only that element.
How do I add a support or a point load in the middle of a beam?
Add a node on the beam with Add using mouse and choose Connect to structure—the beam is split in two. For a point load alone you do not even need a node: use a Concentrated load element load with a position.
Can I apply self-weight?
Not automatically. Enter it as a uniformly distributed load .
Can I model inclined supports?
Yes—set a Nodal LCS angle on the node; its DOFs are then interpreted in the rotated system.
Are there load cases or combinations?
No, one load case only. Model each case separately and save or share it.
Why do my loads point up?
Because global z points down: positive Fz is downward. See conventions. If you prefer a vertical axis pointing up, switch to y-up axes in Settings → Language & Locale → Coordinate system.
Results
Why is there no "Solve" button?
The model is solved automatically after every change. If no results appear the model is not solvable yet—Troubleshooting lists what to check.
Why does my deflection differ slightly from the formula?
EduBeam uses Timoshenko beams, so deflections include shear deformation. For slender members the difference is well below 1 %. Details and worked comparisons in Checking results by hand.
How accurate are the results? Do I need more elements?
For linear static analysis the beam element is exact under the supported load types, so one element per member suffices. Extra nodes are only needed where you want a support, hinge, section change or node to attach a load to.
Where are the reactions listed?
In the viewer, as arrows with values (Reactions in the display options, on by default). They are also in the file from Results → Export CSV, and in Copy. Nodal displacements and element end forces are in the Results tab.
Files & sharing
How do I share a model?
Share model → Copy. The link contains the whole model. Recipients get their own editable copy; there is no live collaboration. See also Teaching with EduBeam.
Can I embed a model on my website or in slides?
Yes: add &viewer=1 to a share link and put it in an <iframe>. See Embed a viewer.
Can I export images or tables?
Yes. ☰ → Export image (Ctrl+P) saves the drawing as PNG or SVG, at a size or scale you choose. Results → Export CSV saves both result tables, and Copy puts them on the clipboard for a spreadsheet. See Import, export & sharing.
Can I generate models programmatically?
Yes. The project file is plain JSON in SI units—see the format description—and can be opened with Open project or drag-and-drop.
Support
How do I report a bug or request a feature?
Open an issue on GitHub and attach a share link or project file that reproduces it. Private support: [email protected].