Model on canvas
Place nodes on the canvas, connect them with members, drag the geometry into shape, or edit coordinates numerically when exact spans and heights matter.
Frame Calculator
Structural frame
analysis in your
browser
Draw nodes and members, assign pinned, roller, or fixed supports, add point and distributed loads, then solve and inspect reactions, axial force, shear force, bending moment, and displacement diagrams.
Core capabilities
Build the analytical model, define boundary conditions, and check the force path without leaving the browser.
Apply real loading
Use pinned, roller, and fixed restraints. Apply joint forces, nodal moments, UDLs, and UVLs with global or local directions and editable load magnitudes.
Read the behaviour
Switch between model, axial, shear, moment, and displacement views so the reaction labels and diagram shapes can be checked against the load path.
Use it for real frame-analysis decisions
For Engineers
Run early portal-frame, braced-bay, beam-column, or support-sensitivity checks before committing to a heavier desktop model. Use the diagrams to sanity-check hand calculations and load paths.
For Students
Compare pinned and fixed bases, move loads along a span, and see how support reactions, shear diagrams, bending moments, and lateral displacement change with each modelling choice.
For Teaching
Demonstrate restraint, sway, moment redistribution, and load combinations live in class. Students can reproduce the same model and inspect the result diagrams on their own devices.
From frame geometry to result diagrams
Use the same sequence an engineer would use when checking a 2D frame model.
1
Create geometry
Place joints, connect beams and columns, and edit node coordinates so the analytical frame matches the span lengths, storey heights, and member layout you want to study.
2
Add supports and loads
Choose support restraints, add joint loads or member loads, and organize them into load cases when dead, imposed, wind, or test loads need to be checked separately.
3
Solve and inspect results
Solve the selected case, then check reactions for equilibrium, internal-force diagrams for load path, and displacement shape for stiffness or restraint issues.
Frame-analysis references
Explore practical guides for modelling frames, choosing support assumptions, comparing beam and frame behaviour, and getting more value from the NextForm workspace.
Common questions
What can NextForm model?
NextForm is aimed at planar frame models made from nodes and straight members. It supports common idealized restraints, joint loads, member distributed loads, load cases, combinations, and result views for reactions and member actions.
Can you go straight to modelling?
Yes. Open the frame workspace, place nodes and members, assign supports and loads, then press solve. No account or installation is required for the browser workflow.
What should still be checked separately?
Use NextForm as a modelling and review aid. Confirm units, restraints, load factors, member releases, equilibrium, and code-specific design checks before relying on any result for real work.
About Us
NextForm builds practical web tools for engineers, students, and professionals who need faster ways to model, understand, and improve technical workflows.
Engineering tools
We focus on browser-based tools that reduce setup time and help users move from modelling decisions to useful analysis output more quickly.
Current focus
Frame and beam analysis are our current foundation, with formwork and structural design workflows also part of the product direction.
Built to learn and check
NextForm should help users explore assumptions, compare alternatives, understand result diagrams, and speed up repeated engineering tasks.