To add columns to your model:

1. Select (Add Column). The Columns dialog opens to the Shapes tab.
2. Select Shape type; either
   • Parametric Shapes —(Rectangle or Circle)
   • or
   • User Shapes.
   To place a custom shape, refer to Adding User-defined Beams and Columns.
3. Select Shape class; either
   • Rectangle or Circle —(Parametric Shapes)
   • or
   • "Custom" User Shape —(User Shapes).
4. Set the shape dimensions:
   • Width and Depth —(Rectangle)
   • or
   • Diameter —(Circle).
5. Complete the Options group of the Shapes tab to set the Assignments for your column (refer to Working With Assignments).
6. Select the insertion point by clicking the appropriate circle in the cross-section diagram (select point will turn red).
   
   Note: As you click on an insertion point, the Delta X or Delta Y dimensions updates.
7. Either:

   Set the Length dimension if you will place by a point (second point will only be used for direction if a Length is entered).

   or

   Set Length to zero if you will place by Line or by two points.

8. (Optional) Enter a dimension for Setdown depth, the distance from the concrete edge.
9. For additional options (Height, Start Offset, End Offsets & etc..), select the Options Tab.
   1. Height
      
   2. Start Offset
      
   3. End Offset, and so on.
      
10. Place your shape (beams or columns) around the work frame using one of the following methods.

    Insert Concrete Shape by a Line – Click on a line to place the shape along the line. Length is determined by the line; you do not need to enter a length dimension.

    Right-clicking will rotate the shape by the default value (90º) or click to accept. You can pick another link or click to return to the dialog.

    or

    Insert Concrete Shape by 2 Points – Click beginning and ending points to place the shape to the length you choose. Length is determined by the points you select; you do not need to enter a length dimension. This method is commonly used to place beams and columns by clicking on grid line intersections.

    Right-clicking will rotate the shape by the default value (90º) or click to accept. You can pick another link or click to return to the dialog.

    or

    Insert Concrete Shape by 3 Points – Click beginning and ending points to place the shape to the length you choose. Length is determined by the points you select; you do not need to enter a length dimension.  The third point determines the shape rotation.

    Right-clicking will rotate the shape by the default value (90º) or click to accept. You can pick another link or click to return to the dialog.

    or

    Insert Concrete Shape on Multiple Lines – Click on a line to place the shape along the line. Length is determined by the line; you do not need to enter a length dimension.

    You can pick another link or click to return to the dialog.

    Note: You will not have the option to rotate the shape after selecting the lines using this method.

    or

    Insert Column at selected Points – After selecting command, it opens and Options dialog, specify the Start and End Heights. Select your insertion method.  Follow command prompts for selected insertion method. 

    Click away from an intersection to return to the Column dialog.

    Tip: At any point when you are placing elements, you can right-click to re-display the dialog and make changes.
11. Click to apply settings and close the dialog.