Risa Tips & Tricks: How to Use Our Structural Analysis Software

July 30, 2026

Need Help with RISA? Here Are Your Go-To Resources

RISA supports you at every stage of your design process, from the first click in the program to the final design. Whether you need a quick answer or in-depth guidance, we offer a wide range of resources to help you work efficiently and with confidence. The RISA Help Files Get answers on all the behind-the-scenes technical information including analysis methods, variable definitions, and design assumptions. The help file provides transparency into the program methodology to make sure RISA engineers can feel confident in the results. The help file is available for each program in the RISA suite for tailored information. It can be accessed at risa.com/help or press F1 within the program for even easier access. Tips & Tricks Blog Explore modeling tips, troubleshooting ideas, and engineering insights on the RISA blog. Our blog articles are designed as quick reads to help engineers find answers fast. Start reading at blog.risa.com. The Video Library See the workflow in real time with the RISA video library at risa.com/videos. From quick clips showing a specific concept to full on-demand webinars, these videos help you understand workflows and seamlessly navigate the interface. Learning Paths Start exploring RISA with on-demand interactive training through our learning…

Read More

RISASection

August 16, 2016

Why Can’t I See My RISASection Shapes in the Shape Database?

When using RISA Integration between RISASection and RISA-3D, RISA-2D...

Read More
August 07, 2015

How to Create a Custom Shape in RISA-3D

There are multiple options in RISA-3D and RISAFloor to create a custom...

Read More
January 02, 2014

Designing Built-Up Sections using RISA-3D

Use RISASection to find the properties of built-up steel sections, then...

Read More
October 15, 2012

Updated Torsional Shape Properties

RISASection v2 includes updated torsional shape properties for a more...

Read More
March 01, 2012

How to Get a Code Check for Custom Cold Formed Steel Shapes

In order to get code calculations, RISA-3D and RISA-2D need to know what...

Read More
December 14, 2011

How to Import a RISASection Shape into RISA-3D

RISASection 2.0 includes the ability to assign your section as one of the...

Read More
September 22, 2011

Building Cross Sections using DXF

The latest version of RISASection, includes a powerful new DXF import...

Read More
July 05, 2011

How to Model Composite Sections in RISASection

Modeling built-up or composite sections can easily be done in RISASection....

Read More
June 30, 2011

How to Model a Void in a RISASection Shape

In order to model built-up or composite sections, RISASection includes the...

Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Our monthly "Structural Moment" newsletter is the best way to keep up with RISA’s product updates, new releases, new features, training events, webinars and more...