Creating and exporting drawing takeoffs

Use takeoffs to organize measured and counted quantities directly on the plans, where you can review the source of each quantity.

Best for: Estimators and project teams · Requires: Permission to add or change takeoffs and a verified sheet scale for measured quantities.

Understand the hierarchy

• A takeoff set groups a body of estimating work.
• A category groups related takeoff items.
• A takeoff item defines what is being counted or measured.

For example, a Concrete set might contain Slabs and Footings categories, each with measured items.

Create a takeoff

1. Open Takeoffs from the viewer menu.
2. Create or open a takeoff set.
3. Add a category.
4. Add an item with the appropriate unit and optional multiplier.
5. Select that item.
6. Place quantity counts or linear/area measurements on the relevant sheets.

The Quantity tool appears only while working in Takeoff mode. Linear and area items rely on the sheet scale, so verify calibration before measuring.

Review totals

The measurement toolbar can show:

• The current measurement
• The item's total on the current sheet
• The total across drawings
• Multiplied totals where configured

Make sure the active takeoff item is correct before placing marks. A measurement attached to the wrong item can produce a believable but incorrect total.

Move and organize items

You can edit categories and items or move an item to another category. Keep naming and units consistent so exported results are easy to understand.

Export takeoffs

Takeoff sets and categories can be exported to:

• CSV for quantity data
• PDF for marked-up sheets

PDF exports can include a takeoff legend. Review the selected sheets and legend items before sharing, especially if the takeoff contains private or incomplete work.

Takeoff access is permission-controlled and may not be available to every project member.

Back to Drawings Help