Customize dimension line arrows

If you do not find a suitable dimension line arrow in the Arrow list in the dimension properties, you can create and use an arrow of your own.

First you need to create the arrow symbol in the Symbol Editor, and save the created symbol in the dimension_arrows.sym file. Then add the position number of the new symbol in the dimension_arrows.sym file to the configuration file dimension_arrows.txt file. This file tells which arrows are available for use in your environment. Finally, you need to create a bitmap for the new arrow to be used in dimension properties and place it in the correct \bitmaps folder.

To open Symbol Editor, on the File menu, click Editors > Symbol editor .
Open the dimension_arrows.sym file located in the Common environment (...ProgramData\Trimble\TeklaStructures\<version>\Environments\common\symbols) or in your environment under the \symbols folder.
Click an empty symbol slot and sketch your symbol with Symbol Editor drawing tools.

You can also import AutoCAD or MicroStation files through File > Import.
When the symbol is ready, point the symbol slot to check the number of the new symbol at the bottom of the window.
Save the dimension_arrows.sym file by clicking File > Save.
To close the Symbol Editor, click File > Exit.
Open the dimension_arrows.txt file located in the same \symbols folder as the dimension_arrows.sym file.

Open the file in Notepad++, for example. The file contains a list of symbol numbers.
Add the number of your symbol preceded by two zeros (00) in a correct position and separate it with a comma:

000,001,002,003,004
Click File > Save to save your change.
Create a bitmap of the new arrow and save it in the appropriate \bitmaps folder, for example ..\ProgramData\Trimble\Tekla Structures\<version>\bitmaps folder.

Use the following naming convention in the file name: dr_dialog_dim_arrow_type_004.bmp.

For more information about the location of the \bitmaps folders, see DAK_BMPPATH.
Finally, restart Tekla Structures.
Check that the new arrow is displayed in the Arrow list in the dimension properties:
- Click a dimension in a drawing to open dimension properties, and then open the Arrow list. If the property pane is not open, double-click the dimension.
  
  The new arrow symbol is now available:

Note:

We recommend that you define a firm folder for symbols and bitmaps, because the default folders are overwritten when you upgrade to a newer version of Tekla Structures. Add the firm folder both for the advanced option that defines the path to the symbols DXK_SYMBOLPATH and for the advanced option that defines the path to the bitmaps DAK_BMPPATH. If you use your env_<environment>.ini file to define the paths, you can use %XS_FIRM% ja %XS_PROJECT% in the definition only if they have been used earlier in the this .ini file. Otherwise, you need to write the absolute paths for both DXK_SYMBOLPATH and DAK_BMPPATH.