> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-training-manual/analysis/specifiying-and-performing-the/analysis-options/specifying-the-structural-mode.md).

# Specifying the Structural Model Type

How to choose a structural model type to set the active degrees of freedom and conserve computing resources.

The model type is specified in the *Analysis Options* dialog, which can be opened by clicking **Analysis > Analysis Options**.

There are 8 different structure type options available, and their descriptions are offered in the User's Manual. Each allows a certain combination of degrees of freedom. By selecting a model type with some limited combination of degrees of freedom, it simplifies the analysis and requires less resources to process the model. For the purposes of this training, the important thing to understand is that:

1. The most universal structural model type is 3D Frame & Shell, because all 6 degrees of freedom are available at all nodes, meaning it can be used for any model.
2. If there is ever a model that is so complex that it becomes necessary to conserve computing resources, there are other model types available that may help, and their descriptions are in the User's Manual.


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