> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://calcs.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Video Series: Load Linking – Beams→ Columns → Foundation
> Link deck joists to beams, columns, and footings in Calcs.com; use Member Selector, see dynamic linked updates, and scan results with Member Schedule.
## Streamlining Your Gravity Designs with Load Linking
Designing a structure requires meticulous attention to how loads transfer from one member to the next. Traditionally, this means manually calculating reactions and copying them over to the next component.
At [Calcs.com](http://Calcs.com), load linking automates that path. By dynamically connecting your gravity members, you can iterate designs faster and skip copying reactions between calcs. This article uses a deck design as the running example; you can follow along with our Deck Design Series.
***
## 1. Linking joists to beams
The first step in tracking gravity loads is linking deck joists to deck beams. After you have fully designed the joist, you can push those reactions into the beam calculation.
* Create a new calculation for your deck beams.
* Link the line load from a previous gravity member.
* Pick your designed deck joist as the source.
* Choose which reaction to link (for example which end of the beam) and where the load applies, such as across the full beam length.
* For repeating joists, [Calcs.com](http://Calcs.com) approximates point reactions as a distributed line load based on joist spacing.
Pro tip: once line loads are linked from the joist, remove any redundant manual deck loads on the beam so you do not double-count. Then open Member Selector from Size and grade to try sections quickly and pick a passing member.
Linked reactions replace what you used to type by hand. Delete the extra manual deck surface loads after you confirm the link.
See utilization at a glance and filter the database to land on an efficient section faster.
***
## 2. Video walkthrough: columns, footings, and live updates
The next video is one high-level tour. In a single flow it shows wood column linking from your deck beam or joist, pole footing linking from the column, Member Selector sizing, a design change at the joist (extra dead load) with gear icons and downstream checks, and Member Schedule when you have many linked calcs, not only the beam-to-column step.
### 2.1 Deck beam (or joist) to column
Once the deck beam is designed, transfer its load into a supporting column. The deck example uses an exposed outdoor isolated wood column.
* Add a column calculation and open load linking again.
* Pick the source: you can link from the deck beam or the deck joist, depending on what should drive the column.
* Pick the support location: specify which end of the beam bears on the column. That matters when loads are asymmetrical or trapezoidal, or when point loads differ by end.
* Review the design and use Member Selector if the first size is conservative, for example stepping down from an 8×8 to a 5×5 when utilization allows.
### 2.2 Column to footing
Complete the gravity path by sending column reactions into the footing.
* Add a pole footing (or the footing type you use) for the column.
* Link axial loads and choose your designed column as the source.
* Confirm what comes through: [Calcs.com](http://Calcs.com) pulls the vertical reaction, support location, and direction (X or Y) so you can pick the reaction you need.
* Check capacity and embedment so the footing matches the full linked path, including cases where the footing sits at the limit (for example 100% utilization in the demo).
### 2.3 Copy-paste vs load linking
Load linking removes manual reaction transfer. If the column changes (self-weight or section), you do not need to re-enter footing loads by hand. Updates stay linked in real time, which reduces error risk compared to copying values between calcs.
### 2.4 Change at the source: gears, downstream checks, and Member Schedule
When something changes upstream, linked calcs update together.
* Example: on the deck joist, increase dead load (for example a planter scenario at 25 psf DL). Bending, shear, and bearing on the joist update immediately.
* Gear icons appear on downstream linked calculations so you know the chain may need a look.
* Open the deck beam and you might see a limit state go over, for example about 105% bending, while the column can still pass and the pole footing updates embedment and governing checks.
* With many beams or linked members, use Member Schedule to see which designs pass or fail without opening every calc. Fix the source and let load linking propagate.
***
# Check out more onboarding videos
Philosophy, traffic lights, Member Selector, link loads and more
Set global rules for your design
Organizing projects, folders and calculations
Build a fully connected lateral load path
## Related reading
Load path tracking and load linking
Scan utilization and pick an efficient member
PDFs, print modes, and Member Schedule
Gravity deck example that pairs with this walkthrough