Takeoff Tool Introduction

Overview
The Takeoff tool lets you draw your project on a canvas and send the measurements straight into a template in your estimate. You need an estimate with a template that has dimensions first, then you draw, and the template's quantities and pricing are calculated from your drawing. This article uses the Deck template as an example.

Before You Begin

• Create a client and an estimate.
• Add a template that has dimensions to the estimate (for example, the Deck template). Takeoff measurements fill in that template's dimensions.

Add a Template to Your Estimate

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 Estimate.

4. Scroll down to the catalog and, in Search assemblies..., enter the name of the template (for example, deck).

5. Under AutoCost templates, select the template (for example, Deck). The template is added to your estimate as one assembly.

6. In the top right corner, click Save estimate changes so the template is saved to the estimate.

Open the Takeoff Drawing Tool

1. In the estimate's left sidebar, click Takeoff. The template's sections are listed (for example, Deck, Deck Permit & Engineering, Deck Framing, Decking, and Deck Railing).

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

3. The Draw your takeoff window opens. To be guided through each measurement one at a time, click Start drawing. To draw on your own, click Skip.

The guided walkthrough takes you through three steps: select a shape type, draw on the canvas, and move to the next step once your shape is closed.

Draw Your First Measurement

On the right side of the canvas, under Layers, the template's layer (for example, Deck) lists the measurements it needs, such as Deck Area, Number of joists, Deck Height, Total joist length, Deck Perimeter, and Railing Length.

1. Under Layers, click the arrow next to the template layer (for example, Deck) to expand it.

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

3. Click on the canvas to place each point and trace the shape. The length of each side shows as you draw (for example, a 16 ft by 15 ft deck). Zoom in if you need more precision.

4. When the shape is complete, right-click, or click the minus sign, to stop drawing. The tool keeps drawing until you do this.

Once the area is drawn, related measurements are calculated automatically. For example, drawing the deck area also fills in Number of joists, Total joist length, and Deck Perimeter.

Adjust the Template Settings

1. Scroll down to Deck settings.

2. Under Deck height, select the height of the deck (for example, 24in (Raised deck, often requiring one step)).

3. Under Post spacing, select the spacing (for example, 6 ft).

4. Scroll down to Joist settings. Here you can adjust the Perimeter, Joists, Beams, and Ledgers. Each one has Edit, Auto, and Lock options.

5. To move a ledger, click Edit next to Ledgers, then click the side of the shape where the ledger should be. The ledger shows as a red line on the drawing. If a second ledger appears on a side you don't want, click it again to remove it.

6. Click Lock next to Ledgers to keep the ledger in place.

7. Under Material, select the lumber size (for example, 2x8).

8. Under Spacing (oc), select the spacing you need.

Draw Another Measurement

1. Under Layers, click the dot next to the next measurement (for example, Railing Length).

2. Click on the canvas where the measurement starts and trace it along the drawing. For example, start the railing past the spot where stairs will go.

3. Right-click to stop drawing.

4. Under Railing settings, adjust options such as Post spacing and Spacing mode.

Use the Toolbar

The toolbar at the top of the canvas includes:

• Undo and redo: Go back or forward if you make a mistake.
• Select and Navigate: Move items around on the canvas.
• Zoom: Zoom in and out.
• Add layer: Opens Choose layer type, where you can add layers, including Upload plans/image to import a drawing you already have.

Review the Estimate

1. When you're done drawing, click Estimate in the estimate's left sidebar.

2. The template now shows pricing based on your measurements. 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

• Measurements you draw go straight into your template, so quantities and pricing are calculated for you.
• Drawing one measurement, such as the deck area, also calculates related measurements automatically.
• The guided walkthrough helps you fill out each measurement step by step.

Summary

To use the Takeoff tool, add a template with dimensions to your estimate and save your changes. Click Takeoff, then Draw takeoff, and either follow the guided walkthrough or draw each measurement yourself using Select to draw. Adjust the template settings, then go back to the estimate to review the pricing pulled from your drawing.