> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stru.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Generate RFIs & RFAs from Drawings

> Use the Structural Agent to turn a drawing sheet into a ready-to-send RFI or RFA in PDF format

## Overview

The Structural Agent can read a drawing sheet and draft a **Request for Information (RFI)** or **Request for Approval (RFA)** for you — a ready-to-send PDF that references the relevant details on the sheet. You point it at the drawing, describe the question or the change you want approved, and the agent handles the reading, the writing, and the formatting.

The whole workflow happens in the chat: pick the Structural Agent, attach or tag your drawing, and write your prompt.

***

## Step-by-Step

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select the Structural Agent">
    Open [app.stru.ai](https://app.stru.ai) and pick **Structural Agent** from the agent dropdown in the top-left corner.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/struai/GHb6GrtF1zg6JHAT/images/agent-picker-structural.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=GHb6GrtF1zg6JHAT&q=85&s=627ae894ad8a1992101f80a5a950aac7" alt="Agent picker with Structural Agent selected" width="319" height="238" data-path="images/agent-picker-structural.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Attach or tag your drawing">
    Two ways to get your drawing in front of the agent:

    * **Upload it** — click the **+** button in the message box and choose **Upload from computer** (or just drag the PDF onto the page).
    * **Tag an existing file** — if the drawing is already in your Files, type **@** in the message box and pick it. The picker lets you browse your Standards and Files, and navigate into project folders with the arrow keys.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/struai/GHb6GrtF1zg6JHAT/images/at-mention-file-picker.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=GHb6GrtF1zg6JHAT&q=85&s=e0a0b1b3d679cc445a36326a56bf155f" alt="Typing @ opens a file picker to tag a drawing from your Files" width="1062" height="464" data-path="images/at-mention-file-picker.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write your prompt">
    With the drawing tagged, describe the RFI or RFA you need. Name the sheet, the detail, and the specific question or proposed change:

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/struai/GHb6GrtF1zg6JHAT/images/rfa-prompt-tagged-drawing.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=GHb6GrtF1zg6JHAT&q=85&s=e2499351cc93a1f332ff304d5a2860c9" alt="A prompt with the drawing tagged: generate an RFA to use bolted connection instead of welded connection on detail 2" width="1025" height="418" data-path="images/rfa-prompt-tagged-drawing.png" />
    </Frame>

    ```text Example: RFA (propose a substitution) theme={null}
    @1PGDEMO.pdf Review the attached drawing sheet and generate
    me an RFA to use bolted connection instead of welded
    connection on detail 2.
    ```

    ```text Example: RFI (ask for clarification) theme={null}
    @1PGDEMO.pdf The base plate thickness on detail 5 conflicts
    with the schedule on S-501. Generate an RFI asking the EOR
    to confirm which governs.
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Let the agent work">
    Send the message and let the agent run — it typically takes **around 10 minutes** depending on the task. It reads the drawing, pulls the relevant details, and drafts the document.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download your PDF">
    The finished RFI or RFA comes back in the conversation as a **PDF**, ready to review and send. It's also saved to the conversation's folder under **Documents** in your Files area.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Using Your Company's RFI/RFA Template

If your company has a standard RFI or RFA format, the agent can follow it instead of its default layout:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Upload the template">
    Click the **+** button in the message box and choose **Upload from computer** to add your template.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/struai/GHb6GrtF1zg6JHAT/images/plus-menu-upload-standards.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=GHb6GrtF1zg6JHAT&q=85&s=5fd4dfc2f8e16a14415d741279e02abe" alt="The + menu with Upload from computer and Formatting standards" width="949" height="290" data-path="images/plus-menu-upload-standards.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tag it in your prompt">
    Reference the template with **@** alongside the drawing, and tell the agent to follow it:

    ```text theme={null}
    @1PGDEMO.pdf @Company_RFI_Template.pdf Generate an RFI about
    the beam-to-column connection on detail 3, following the
    attached template format.
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  **Using the same template every time?** Put it in your [Standards folder](/how-to/file-management#the-organization-area-and-standards-folder) instead. With **Formatting standards** switched on in the **+** menu (it's on by default), the agent consults your standards automatically — no need to tag the template in every prompt.
</Tip>

***

## Tips for Better Results

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Be specific about the detail and sheet" icon="magnifying-glass">
    Point the agent at the exact location: *"detail 2 on the attached sheet"* beats *"the connection."* If your drawing set has multiple sheets, name the sheet number too.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="State the change and the reason for an RFA" icon="file-signature">
    An RFA proposes something for approval — give the agent both the substitution and the justification if you have one: *"bolted connection instead of welded, to simplify field erection."* The agent builds the case around it.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Frame the question clearly for an RFI" icon="circle-question">
    Say what's unclear or conflicting and what answer you need: *"confirm which governs"*, *"clarify the intended weld size"*, *"provide the missing dimension."*
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Review before sending" icon="user-check">
    The agent drafts the document — you're the engineer of record on what goes out. Check the references, the technical claims, and the project details before it leaves your desk.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="File Management" icon="folder-open">
    Learn where your drawings and generated PDFs live

    [File Management guide](/how-to/file-management)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Try It Now" icon="play">
    Upload a drawing sheet and generate your first RFI

    [app.stru.ai](https://app.stru.ai)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  **Questions?** Email **[support@stru.ai](mailto:support@stru.ai)** or [book a call](https://cal.com/bhosh).
</Info>
