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Takeoff Tool Introduction

Overview
You can measure an area in the Takeoff tool by drawing its shape on the canvas. The area is sent straight to the template in your estimate, and related measurements are calculated automatically. This article uses the deck area in the Deck template as an example.

Before You Begin

  • You need an estimate with a template that has dimensions (for example, the Deck template). Click Save estimate changes after adding the template so it is saved to the estimate.

Open the Takeoff Drawing Tool

1. In the left-hand menu, click Jobs.

2. Click Job list and select the estimate. You can also click Pipeline and select it from there.

3. In the estimate's left sidebar, click Takeoff.

4. In the top right corner, click Draw takeoff.

5. In the Draw your takeoff window, click Start drawing to be guided through each measurement, or click Skip to draw on your own.

 

Draw the Area

1. On the right side of the canvas, under Layers, click the arrow next to the template layer (for example, Deck) to expand it.

2. Click Select to draw next to the area measurement (for example, Deck Area).

3. Click on the canvas to place the first corner point. Zoom in if you need more precision.

4. Click to place each of the other corners. The length of each side shows as you draw, so you can match your dimensions (for example, 16 ft by 15 ft).

5. Close the shape, then right-click, or click the minus sign, to stop drawing. The tool keeps drawing until you do this.

The area appears next to the measurement in the layer (for example, Deck Area shows 240.00 ft²). Related measurements, such as Number of joists, Total joist length, and Deck Perimeter, are calculated automatically from the area you drew.

 

Fix Mistakes

1. If something goes wrong, use the undo button in the toolbar at the top of the canvas to go back. Use redo to go forward again.

 

Check the Measurement in Your Estimate

1. In the estimate's left sidebar, click Estimate.

2. The template now shows pricing based on the area you drew. Click the arrow next to the template (for example, Deck) to expand it.

3. Review the scope of work and adjust anything that needs to change.

Why This Matters

  • Drawing the area sends the measurement straight into your template, so you don't have to enter it by hand.
  • One area drawing also calculates related measurements, such as perimeter and joist counts.

Summary

To measure an area, open Takeoff in your estimate and click Draw takeoff. Under Layers, click Select to draw next to the area measurement, click to place each corner on the canvas, then right-click to stop drawing. The area and related measurements are calculated automatically, and the template in your estimate is priced from them.