# Creating nodal loading graphically
The following nodal load types can be created using the respective commands in the Sculpt > Create nodal loading menu:
- Node loads
- Applied displacements
- Settlements
The Create nodal loading menu is also available on the right-click menu that is displayed when the cursor mode is set to Select nodes. The procedure is broadly the same for creating each load type and is as follows.
- Set the cursor mode to Select nodes.
- Select the nodes that are to be loaded.
- Give the respective Create nodal loading command.
- Specify the load in the respective nodal load definition dialog box.
# Mapping node loads on nodes
The sculpt Map node loads on nodes command allows node loads to be applied to selected nodes with loading values expressed as a function of the coordinates of the nodes. Normal mathematical notation is used in expressions. For example:
z + abs( sin(x) ) * pi
Operations may be with respect to standard (e.g. global) or user defined axis sets.
Node loads can be mapped on nodes using the Sculpt > Create nodal loading > Map node loads on nodes menu command. The procedure is as follows.
- Set the cursor mode to Select nodes.
- Select the nodes to be loaded.
- Give the Map node loads on nodes command.
- Specify the action to be taken in the Map node loads dialog box.