In addition to automatic dimensions, you can add dimensions manually in an open drawing. Manual dimensions are not recommended to be used in 3D views.

1. Hold down Shift and, on the Dimensioning tab, click one of the dimensioning buttons depending on the type of dimension you want to create:

   Horizontal: Create a dimension in the x direction by picking the points to be dimensioned. X depends on the current UCS.

   Vertical: Create a dimension in the y direction by picking the points to be dimensioned. Y depends on the current UCS.

   Perpendicular: Create a dimension perpendicular to a line you define by picking two points to set the direction of the dimension line, and then picking the points to be dimensioned.

   Orthogonal: Create a dimension in either the x or y direction by picking the points to be dimensioned. Tekla Structures uses the direction of the larger overall distance. X and y depend on the current UCS.

   Curved dimension, orthogonal reference lines: Create curved dimension with orthogonal reference lines by picking three points to define the arc and then picking the points to be dimensioned. The dimension text on the line can be either a distance or an angle value.

   Curved dimension, radial reference lines: Create curved dimension with radial reference lines by picking three points to define the arc and then picking the points to be dimensioned. The dimension text on the line can be either a distance or an angle value.

   Free: Create a dimension parallel to a line between any two points you pick.

   COG: Indicate the location of the center of gravity (COG) in single-part, assembly, and cast unit drawings by creating COG dimensions and adding a COG symbol at the center of gravity. You can also create COG dimensions in section views.

   Parallel: Create a dimension parallel to a line you define by first picking two points to define the direction of the dimension line and then picking the points to be dimensioned.

   Radial: Create radial dimension by picking three points to define the arc and pick a position for the dimension.

   Angular: Create angular dimension by picking the vertex point and two points to define the angle. Pick the side to place the dimension.

2. Modify the dimension properties in the properties dialog box.
3. Add the desired elements in dimension marks and modify their properties.
4. Add dimension tags with the desired elements as required, and set the dimension tag rotation.

   You can also include part count to dimension tags and select a filter that removes the desired default content from the tag.

   The available dimension mark and dimension tag mark elements are the same as those for the part, bolt, reinforcement and surface treatment marks.

5. Click OK or Apply.
6. Add the dimensions by following the instructions on the status bar.

   It is very important to use correct snap switches to get the dimensions correct. You can change the switch temporarily by right-clicking and selecting the switch that suits the best for your purpose.

   In dimension types where you click the middle mouse button to place the dimension line, the placement setting affects the result. If you have set Placing to fixed, the position you click will be the location of the dimension line. If you have set Placing to free, the middle mouse button click defines which side of the object the dimension line is located on, and Tekla Structures places the dimension line.

7. Drag the dimensions to the desired locations.

   When you drag the dimensions, the Placing setting changes to fixed by default.

   You can also drag the dimension mark, and when you drag it, a leader line is automatically created.