How to Create a Custom Dimension in a Line Item

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Overview

Custom dimensions in Bolster allow you to tailor measurements to meet specific project requirements. You can create a custom dimension from the Item Library, as described below, or directly from within a line item while building an estimate.

Before You Begin

• Know the full name and a three or four letter code you want to use for your custom dimension.
• Decide on the dimension measurement type, and gather any instructions, equations, keywords, or icon you want to associate with it.

Creating a Custom Dimension from the Item Library

1. From the left-hand menu, navigate to Estimating, Item Library. (You may need to click More to reveal the full drop-down menu.) Then select Custom Dimensions.
2. To create a new custom dimension, click Create New.
3. Define your custom dimension by entering all relevant information. Provide the Full dimension name and Custom dimension code.
4. Choose the appropriate dimension measurement type from the drop-down list.
5. Optionally, add any instructions or descriptions for this custom dimension.
6. You may also include keywords, assign a color code, and select an icon that represents this dimension.
7. Once all necessary details are entered, click Save to create your new custom dimension.

Your custom dimension is now ready to use and can be used in future projects like a deck build. This helps with project customization and efficiency in Bolster.

Creating a Custom Dimension from a Line Item

1. On your line item, click the cube icon, then select Quantity. This shows you all of the linked dimensions already available to you.
2. Click See All Dimensions.
3. Click the plus button to create a custom dimension.
4. Enter the name and a three or four letter code for the dimension.
5. Choose the dimension type.
6. Add any instructions and any equation that may link to it.
7. Choose an icon and add any keywords.
8. Click Save.

Your custom dimension is now created and ready to use as needed.

Tips & Best Practices

• Use a short, memorable code for your custom dimension so it's easy to identify in line items.
• Add keywords and an icon to make the dimension easier to find and recognize later.

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Why This Matters

• Lets you measure line items using your own company's terminology or measurement types that aren't included by default.
• Custom dimensions can be reused across future projects, improving consistency and efficiency.

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Summary

You can create a custom dimension either from the Item Library under Estimating or directly from a line item's Quantity settings, by entering a name, code, dimension type, and optional instructions, equation, keywords, and icon, then saving it for future use.