Dimensions and measurements

Dimensions allow you to show distances between the appropriate points in your structure. The dimension lines are included on any drawings you create. You can also measure distances and angles without creating dimensions.

Create a dimension between existing construction points

The default dimensioning option (i.e. with theFreehand Dimension checkbox cleared) allows you to create a dimension between any existing construction points, or gridline intersections in the model.

On the Model tab, click Dimension.
In the Properties window ensure the Freehand Dimension checkbox is cleared.
Click Point 1 at the start of the dimension, this must be an existing construction point, or grid point.
Click Point 2 at the end of the dimension, this must be an existing construction point, or grid point.

Tekla Structural Designer shows a line between the selected points.
Move the line to the point where you want the dimension line to lie. (This line can be positioned so as to define the projected dimension in X, the projected dimension in Y, or the parallel dimension between the two points.
Click to create the dimension.

Create a freehand dimension between any two points in a plane

By selecting the Freehand Dimension checkbox in the Properties window you are able to create dimensions between any two coordinates in a specified plane.

Note: Because freehand dimensions are plane based, it is recommended they are created from 2D views.

On the Model tab, click Dimension.
In the Properties window ensure that Freehand Dimension is selected.
Select a suitable Reference Point in the plane in which you want to create the dimension.
Pick freehand Point 1 in the reference plane to define the start of the dimension.
Pick freehand Point 2 in the reference plane to define the end of the dimension.

Tekla Structural Designer shows a line between the selected points.
Move the line to the point where you want the dimension line to lie. (This line can be positioned so as to define the projected dimension in X, the projected dimension in Y, or the parallel dimension between the two points.
Click to create the dimension.

Measure a distance

To know the exact distances or angles between different points in the model, you can use the Tekla Structural Designer measuring commands.

On the Model tab, click Measure.
Click a node to define the start position.
Click a second node to define the end position.

The distance between the nodes is displayed in the current view. To clear the measurement, press Esc.

Measure an angle

To know the exact distances or angles between different points in the model, you can use the Tekla Structural Designer measuring commands.

Angles can only be measured in 2D scene views.

On the Model tab, click Measure Angle.
Click a node to define the arc center.
Click a second node to define the start position.
Click a third node to define the end position.

Both the clockwise and anti-clockwise angles between the start and end position are displayed in the current view. To clear the measurement, press Esc.