Source: https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/start-here/ Find your next step # Steel tools and learning, organized by task Choose a starting point for drawing work, steel reference, fabrication coordination, or learning the fundamentals. [Search the full website](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/search/) Reference tools ## Steel shapes Browse AISC v16 dimensions and section properties, preview profiles, and export geometry. [Open steel tools →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/steel-tools/)[Browse the shape catalog](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/steel-tools/shapes/) Drawing conversion ## PDF to DXF Recover vector geometry from suitable PDFs in your browser. Check scale, units, and output before downstream use. [Open PDF Rescue →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/pdf-rescue/)[Desktop and CLI options](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/pdf-rescue/cli/) Practical guides ## Read steel drawings Connect plans, elevations, schedules, and details. Understand what a drawing shows and what still needs clarification. [Read the drawing guide →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/blog/how-to-read-structural-steel-drawings/)[Look up steel terminology](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/steel-glossary/) Project workflow ## Release checklists Work through drawing intake, coordination, revision checks, and a documented handoff. [Use the checklists →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/project-checklists/)[Read the release audit guide](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/blog/steel-detailing-release-audit/) Learning paths ## Steel fundamentals Build your knowledge of shapes, connections, bolting, welding, tolerances, and project information. [Explore learning paths →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/learning-hub/)[Watch videos with transcripts](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/videos/) Services ## Detailing support Explore detailing services and discuss your drawing set, software, deliverables, and schedule. [Explore detailing services →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/services/)[Contact the team](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/contact/) Plan, compare, and keep your progress ## Build your working set These tools work in your browser. Export a local backup when you need to keep or transfer project information. Quantities ## Material takeoff Combine shapes, piece marks, lengths, and quantities into a nominal weight summary and an exportable material list. [Build a takeoff →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/material-takeoff/)[Watch the takeoff guide](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/videos/structural-steel-takeoff-workflow/) Reference comparison ## Compare steel shapes Compare up to four shapes, switch units, highlight property differences, and keep your favorite sections. [Compare shapes →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/shape-comparison/)[Browse the reference catalog](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/steel-tools/shapes/) Drawing review ## Compare PDF drawings Open two PDFs locally, select corresponding sheets, and review a split view or aligned overlay. [Open drawing comparison →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/drawing-compare/)[Recover vector geometry](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/pdf-rescue/) Stock planning ## Plan stock cuts Group required cuts into stock lengths and account for saw kerf and remaining offcuts. [Plan a cutting list →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/cutting-planner/)[Start from material quantities](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/material-takeoff/) Project records ## Project workspaces Keep a separate checklist, notes, and unresolved items for each project. Download a backup when you need it. [Open your workspaces →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/project-workspaces/)[Use the standalone checklist](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/project-checklists/) Personal learning ## Save your progress Bookmark useful guides, mark completed lessons, and return to unfinished articles and videos. [Open your learning library →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/my-learning/)[Choose a learning path](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/learning-hub/) Connected projects ## Project dashboard Connect saved tool records, track drawing revisions and RFIs, and assemble a printable project handoff. [Open project dashboard →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/project-dashboard/)[Track drawing revisions](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/drawing-register/)[Prepare RFIs](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/rfi-log/)[Build a handoff package](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/project-handoff/) Materials and costs ## Stock and estimates Track available stock and reusable offcuts, then apply your own material prices and allowances to a takeoff. [Manage stock inventory →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/stock-inventory/)[Estimate material cost](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/material-cost/) Drawing access ## Search and work offline Search text within selected PDFs locally. Download the workbench and optional PDF support for offline use. [Search a drawing set →](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/drawing-search/)[Set up offline tools](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/offline/) ## Try a small workflow before using your own project data Create a fictional project in [Project Workspaces](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/project-workspaces/) and identify its sample drawing issue. Add a four-piece W18X35 takeoff with 20 ft lengths, save a project snapshot, and check that the [dashboard](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/project-dashboard/) lists it. That example has a nominal member weight of 2,800 lb before additional material or allowances. Next, record a sample unresolved question and build a handoff preview. Read what the package includes, then export a complete project backup. Trying these steps with invented information lets you understand the saved-record and export behavior before relying on it. Each tool now includes its own instructions and worked example below the controls. If your task is learning rather than recordkeeping, start with a guide, try its practice exercise, and use the primary references to check the terminology. A few practical answers ## Frequently asked questions Can I try a complete workflow with sample files? Yes. Open the practice project for fictional drawing revisions, material data, a project backup, and an answer sheet. Work through it before entering private project information. Where should a new reader begin? Start with steel fundamentals, then the drawing guide. The glossary explains unfamiliar terms; the tools let you examine quantities and reference data as you learn. Do I need an account to use the browser tools? The public browser tools do not require an account. Their saved records stay in the current browser, so export backups for information you need to keep. [Try the downloadable practice project](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/practice-project/)