Truss Tape Plus

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions crews ask most.

Install and opening the app

How do I open Truss Tape Plus after install?

On a Mac, open Truss Tape Plus from Finder → Applications (not Launchpad). It opens in its own window. The Dock icon means it is running — click it to bring the window back. Closing the window leaves the app running; quit from Truss Tape Plus → Quit, or press Command-Q.

On Windows, open Truss Tape Plus from the Start menu. It opens in its own window. Closing the window quits the app. If Windows does not recognize the download, choose Keep, then More info. Confirm the publisher is Truss Tape Plus, then choose Run anyway.

The picture guide opens in your browser from inside the app; it is stored in the app and does not need the internet to read.

How do I remove Truss Tape Plus from a Mac?

Double-click Remove Truss Tape Plus (same folder as the installer). That deletes the app from Applications. Search and Launchpad drop the icon.

Do I need an internet connection to print?

No. Truss Tape Plus is a local desktop app. You do not need a cloud account to print. Print with no internet at all. Connect your printer by USB or over your local network.

Mac and Windows?

macOS ships now (Apple Silicon and Intel).

Windows ships now with a Truss Tape Plus digital signature. The browser may still call a new download uncommon. Choose Keep. If Microsoft Defender SmartScreen appears, choose More info, confirm the publisher is Truss Tape Plus, then choose Run anyway. The app opens in its own window.

Printers

Which printer do you recommend?

Works with the printers crews already use: Zebra desktop label printers, Brother QL label printers (QL-1100 over USB; QL-820NWB and QL-1110NWB over Ethernet), and any laser printer with Avery sheets. For hang tapes, we recommend the Epson TM-T20IV or TM-T20III Ethernet model.

Do you sell the printer or paper?

We focus on the software. Pick up a printer and paper from your usual supplier — see supported printers for the list we stand behind.

Does the printer need to be on the same network?

For an Ethernet printer, plug it into your network so this computer can find it. That is the path iPad, Android, and a second computer use when the printer itself is on the network.

A USB printer is reached through the print queue on the computer it is plugged into. On a Mac, open Printer and press Find it. Ethernet is the recommended connection for the TM-T20IV / TM-T20III Ethernet model.

Can other devices use a USB printer shared from a Mac?

iPad and Android cannot. A USB printer plugged into a Mac — even with Mac Printer Sharing turned on — is not a port-9100 printer. Tablets look for a printer on the local network at port 9100, or for a USB queue on that tablet. They will not see the Mac share.

A computer can. Another Mac on the same network can add that share in System Settings → Printers & Scanners, then print hang tapes from Truss Tape Plus: Printer → Find it. The Mac the printer is plugged into must stay on. Do not type that Mac’s IP into the printer address box. Treat the first tape as a check that scale is still 1:1.

The Windows app does not print hang tapes through Mac Printer Sharing. On Windows, use an Ethernet printer on your network, or plug the USB printer into that Windows PC.

Can a Mac use a USB printer shared from Windows?

iPad and Android cannot. A USB printer plugged into a Windows PC — even with Printer Sharing turned on — is not a port-9100 printer. Tablets look for a printer on the local network at port 9100, or for a USB queue on that tablet. They will not see the Windows share.

The Windows PC it is plugged into can. Use the Windows app on that computer. Sharing is not required for that PC.

A Mac on the LAN: Add the Windows share in System Settings → Printers & Scanners, then print hang tapes from Truss Tape Plus: Printer → Find it. The Windows PC must stay on. Do not type that PC’s IP into the printer address box. Treat the first tape as a check that scale is still 1:1.

Adhesive / linerless tape?

Use standard 80 mm receipt rolls on the TM-T20 series, and gaff the tape to the truss.

No CAD / hang list

Do I need Vectorworks or another CAD seat?

No. Truss Tape Plus does not require a CAD seat or a Vectorworks license.

You can build a hang list in the app (get the list out of your head — one less thing to remember). Spreadsheet / CSV hang lists work too. Vectorworks Spotlight worksheet CSV and MVR exports are welcome when you have them; they are not required.

What is a hang list?

A hang list is the positions and fixtures you need on a truss or pipe — channel, fixture type, distance marks — so you can print one position per tape and hang off the marks.

Can I use a spreadsheet?

Yes. A fixture list or hang spreadsheet is a supported way in. Lots of crews start from a spreadsheet, or you can build the list right in the app.

What does “1:1” / built for scale mean?

Truss Tape Plus prints hang marks at full size for the truss: plot distance on paper matches real distance when the printer is calibrated. Stick the tape along the truss and hang off the marks.

Why do I have to calibrate?

Printers and paper stocks vary. Calibration measures how your printer actually feeds so marks stay honest. Calibrate on day one, then re-check if you change paper, replace the printer, or marks start drifting.

How do I know the tape is right?

Verify on site with a steel tape measure and against the plot or hang list before you hang. The on-tape verification ruler helps catch slip. Printed marks are a layout aid — not a substitute for on-site measurement.

One position, one tape?

Yes. Each hang position prints as its own continuous truss tape (plus labels and companion paperwork when you use those features).

License and trial

Is there a trial?

Yes. 30-day trial, no credit card.

What does it cost after the trial?

Founding price $179 through June 1, 2027 · then $249/yr · 30-day trial, no credit card

Who is the seller of record?

Truss Tape Plus / Andrew Martin. Payments are handled securely by Stripe.

How does the license work?

Your license lives on your computer and works offline. You do not need network access to validate the license to print. You may move the license among machines you control within your machine limit, using the app’s license tools.

How do I get a refund?

See the Refund Policy on the website. Short version: trial needs no refund; first paid annual charge may be refundable within 14 days of the charge via Support → Contact Us (or the Stripe customer portal if that is how you paid). Uninstalling the app does not cancel a subscription by itself.

Updates

How do I update Truss Tape Plus?

Use Check for update in the app when available, or grab the latest version for Mac, Windows, or Android from the Download page. Keep the app current so printer profiles, hang features, and license tools stay aligned.

Will updates wipe my calibration or hang lists?

Local preferences and calibration stay on your machine across normal updates. Keep backups of important hang lists / job files the same way you would any production file.

Support

How do I contact support?

What should I include in Report an Issue?

What you were doing, what happened, app version, which Mac or PC you’re on, printer model and connection (and paper if relevant), a sample file if you can share one, and “Copy support details” from the app when available.

Is there a chatbot in Help?

Yes — in-app Help includes Ask, which answers from this FAQ and related Help content. Prefer Report an Issue for bugs and Contact Us for billing / account questions.

Quick answers

Question Short answer
Need Vectorworks? No. No CAD seat required.
Recommended printer? Zebra desktop, Brother QL, laser + Avery; Epson TM-T20IV/III Ethernet for hang tapes
USB printer share? Tablets no. Another Mac via Printer Sharing + Find it. Windows: Ethernet printer or USB on that PC.
Windows? Ships now, signed as Truss Tape Plus. If SmartScreen appears: Keep, More info, confirm Truss Tape Plus, then Run anyway.
Trial? 30 days, no credit card
Price? Founding price $179 through June 1, 2027 · then $249/yr · 30-day trial, no credit card
Support? Contact Us / Report an Issue forms only

Also see: About · Contact Us · Report an Issue · Terms · Privacy · Refunds

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