> 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-user-manual/interface/toc175916526/toc175916652/toc161393865.md).

# Shells

How to draw new shell elements in the analysis model by clicking grid intersections or nodes.

Create > Shells allows you to draw new shells in the model. To draw a shell, simply move the mouse and click the left mouse button from point to point. The clicked points must be intersections on the grid or existing nodes. These points become the element nodes. New nodes are created if necessary. Remember, the order of clicked points determines the default local coordinate system. The shells drawn have the current thickness and material properties. You may use the commands in the Create or Modify ribbons to assign appropriate properties to them.

You may also specify a node by entering nodal X, Y, and Z (optional) coordinates in the command window via the keyboard. This is very useful if you need to specify nodes outside the grid interactions. In addition, you may specify a node by entering an existing node number directly. You can combine the use of keyboard and mouse to draw shells.

You may turn on annotations for nodes and shells while drawing. To do that, use the Display Options buttons on the Quick Access Toolbar. The command remains in effect until another command is selected, the right mouse button is clicked, or ESC is pressed.


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