Getting started with the pallet designer

The designer models a pallet from its properties, draws it, lists its parts and checks it against common design rules, all in the browser. This page walks through a first design from start to quote.

#Step 1: open a template

Start from the closest standard pallet. The home page lists every template, and each one opens the designer at that configuration. The 48 × 40 GMA template is the usual starting point for North American grocery and general freight: 7 top deckboards, 5 bottom deckboards and 3 notched stringers.

Inside the designer you can switch templates at any time from the Templates list at the bottom of the left-hand Browser panel, or from the Template menu in the Pallet section of the inspector. See Templates for the full list.

#Step 2: set the size and construction

The inspector on the right has a Properties tab with collapsible sections:

1. Pallet: the pallet Type (wood stringer, wood block, plastic, metal, presswood, paper, slip sheet or anything else), the template, and Length (L) and Width (W). Length is the stringer or stringerboard direction and is stated first.
2. Construction sections for the chosen type. For a wood stringer pallet these are Type, Top deck, Bottom deck, Stringers, and Lumber & fasteners.
3. Load & handling, Compliance & marking and Order, which describe how the pallet will be used and what you want to buy.

Every change updates the 3D model, the drawing, the parts list and the checks immediately. Type numbers directly or use the arrow keys in a field. Values outside a field's allowed range are ignored.

#Step 3: clear the design checks

The status bar at the bottom shows the check result: a green dot and "Checks pass", an amber dot with a warning count, or a red dot with an error count. Click it, or open the Checks tab, to read each message. Fields with a problem are highlighted, and hovering over them shows the message.

Errors block a quote request. Warnings do not. The full rule list is in Design checks.

#Step 4: open the drawing

Click the Drawing tab in the top bar. The designer lays out an ANSI B (17 × 11 in) sheet with top, bottom, front and right views, an isometric view, a parts list, general notes and a title block. The scale is chosen automatically. See The drawing sheet.

The Parts tab in the inspector lists every component with quantity, size and board feet. See Parts list and board feet.

#Step 5: share, print or request a quote

The top bar has three actions:

Details are in Sharing and printing and Requesting a quote.

#What the designer does not do

The designer does not calculate load capacity. Capacity depends on how the pallet is supported (racked, floor stacked or on forks), the lumber and the load, so the rating comes from the manufacturer that builds the pallet. If you need a certified rating, for example a PDS report for Costco, set Certified rating in Compliance & marking and it is included in the quote. Pallet load capacity explains the rating types.

For a checklist of what to decide before you start, read How to spec a custom pallet.