Diagram Sign Conventions¶

Whole-structure diagrams use a consistent cut orientation from the endpoint with the smaller (X, Y) coordinate to the larger endpoint. Positive shear and moment offsets lie on the left normal of that direction. This makes diagram geometry independent of member drawing order; negative sagging moments appear below a horizontal beam. Axial force N uses the PyNite convention: positive compression and negative tension. Axial force is independent of member drawing direction; compression offsets lie on the same canonical left normal, and tension offsets lie on the opposite side. Each whole-structure quantity has a common amplitude scale across all members. Member Detail retains PyNite local Fy/Mz signs. Point forces and concentrated moments include both sides of each discontinuity.

Source: GUIDE.md. This manual follows the current repository; the published rc1 wheel has a smaller feature set.