- How do I rotate / flip a takeoff in TradeTek?
- Navigate to the Tool tab and the Takeoff Item button group.
Here you will find various rotate and flip buttons related to takeoff item adjustment.
Click here for more details: rotate-flip-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Tool Tab – Takeoff Item Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I continue a takeoff in TradeTek?
- To continue a takeoff, at least one takeoff section must be added, the takeoff item becomes
visible beneath the active page in the Pages side panel.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Adjust Takeoffs: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- Can I move a takeoff section in TradeTek?
- Navigate to the Home tab or Page tab and from the Pages side panel you can make adjustments.
To move a takeoff section on a page, left-click-hold, drag the section to the desired new
location and release.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Adjust Takeoff: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I edit, add or delete a takeoff point in TradeTek?
- To add or insert a takeoff point into a linear takeoff or area perimeter linear line takeoff,
place the cursor in the desired location of the new point and double click.
To delete a takeoff point, select the takeoff section to make the points visible then double
click on the point that you would like to delete.
To move a takeoff point on a page, left-click-hold, drag the point to the desired new location
and release.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Adjust Takeoff: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- Does TradeTek have keyboard shortcuts or hotkey functions?
- Yes, here's a quick reference list to TradeTek's Shortcuts or Hotkeys:
(some features only exist in newer builds of TradeTek)
- Esc = terminates a takeoff
- R = terminates a takeoff
- Double-click = completes a takeoff section while keeping the tool active
- N = completes a takeoff section while keeping the tool active
- C = toggles curve mode on and off
- Del or Delete = deletes a selected takeoff or markup
- Left Arrow = moves a selected object or rotates a panel clockwise if in rotate mode
- Right Arrow = moves a selected object or rotates a panel counter clockwise if in rotate mode
- Up Arrow = moves a selected object
- Down Arrow = moves a selected object
- Shift = moves or rotates 10 times faster
- Left and Right Arrow keys can move individual joists within Joist takeoff
(double-click on individual joist line)
- Up and Down Arrow keys can resize individual joists within Joist takeoff
(double-click on individual joist line)
- Arrow keys can move a selected curve control point
- Shift key also applies to these features
- Shift and click to add additional takeoffs to the current selection
- Shift and double-click Green dot on Template side panel to create takeoff and suppress dialog.
- Shift and double-click TakeOff Icon in Pageside panel to continue takeoff and suppress dialog.
- Shift and double-click TakeOff Icon in Estimating side panel to continue takeoff and suppress dialog.
- Shift key held down continuously for a minute will abort report generation in progress.
- When drawing an Area, Linear, Joist or Cutout, remove the last point by pressing the Shift key when clicking the next point.
An independent Question & Answer window can be presented with Ctrl+H keys.
An independent TradeTek Store window can be presented by holding down the Shift key while selecting Help from File menu.
- How do I use the Measure Tool in TradeTek?
- To measure a distance on a plan page, from the Home tab locate the Dimension button group.
Click on the Measure button to launch the tool.
Click on the starting point and then the ending point of the dimension and the measured
dimension will be displayed in a message box.
Click here for more details: page-measurements.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Dimension Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I perform an area takeoff in TradeTek?
- From the Home tab, select the Area takeoff tool located in the Takeoff button group.
Click the OK button to launch the dialog.
Select a folder from the drop-down menu if you you'd like the takeoff item to be placed within.
Click the OK button to launch the tool.
Start by clicking points around the parameter of the area. Each time the parameter line changes
direction, you must click to add a new point.
To complete one area takeoff section and to begin another area takeoff section, double click
at the last point.
To terminate or end the area takeoff tool, either tap the 'esc' key on your keyboard or click
the Area takeoff tool button.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What information is displayed in the Area Takeoff Tool - Takeoff Tab?
- Area: Displays the area takeoff measurement which can be adjusted by the Multiply and Pitch
inputs in the Info tab.
Segment Count: Displays the number of perimeter line segments. A line segment is a portion
of the perimeter line between two points.
Point Count: Displays the total number of takeoff points around the perimeter of the area.
Perimeter Linear: Displays the total linear measurement around the perimeter of the area.
Section Count: Displays the total number of takeoff sections that have been created.
A takeoff section represents one instance of a takeoff.
Add Property: Add up to ten custom properties in the Takeoff tab.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- I changed a property value and saved the Takeoff dialog.
Later, I noticed the edited value was not saved.
- Perhaps the property is assigned to a sub-item that is connected to a list.
Values from matching columns in that list are automatically retrieved to replace values
for properties having the same name as the column.
While it might be confusing at first, a sub-item is connected to a list so property values
are automatically updated from the list.
- How do I start a new section with a continuous takeoff in TradeTek?
- To end one takeoff section and start a new takeoff section either double click at the last point
of the section or tap the 'N' key.
Once at least one takeoff section has been added, the takeoff item becomes visible beneath the
active page in the Pages side panel.
To re-launch the takeoff tool to add more takeoff sections, double click on the takeoff item from
the Pages side panel to launch the dialog and click the Continue Takeoff button at the bottom of
the dialog.
To undo the last takeoff point while the tool remains active, tap the Shift key.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What information is displayed in the Area Takeoff Tool - Info Tab?
- Name: Type in the name of the area takeoff.
Multiply: The area measurement will be multiplied by the number in the Multiply input.
Quantity: The default value is [Area] which will result in the area square footage.
Click the ellipsis (…) button to the right of the Quantity input to add a custom calculation
formula for the quantity value.
Units: Change the quantity value units.
Color: This is the color of the takeoff item on the page. Colors are selected randomly by
default but can be changed by the user here.
Pitch (_/12): Add a pitch factor to the Area takeoff property value found in the Takeoff tab.
Add Property: Add up to ten custom properties in the Info tab.
Refresh: The refresh button will refresh the values of all properties when changes have been
made.
Folder: If a takeoff folder(s) has been added in the Estimating tab, a folder can be selected
from the drop-down list for the takeoff item to be placed into.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I launch or start a Takeoff Tool in TradeTek?
- Launch TradeTek, open your job and scale your page(s) accordingly.
From the Home tab, select your desired takeoff tool located in the Takeoff button group.
Click the OK button to launch the dialog.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
See Takeoff Basics: Takeoff-Basics.pdf
- What information is displayed in the Linear Takeoff Tool - Takeoff Tab?
- Linear: Displays the linear takeoff measurement which can be adjusted by the Multiply and Pitch
inputs in the Info tab.
Segment Count: Displays the number of line segments. A line segment is a portion of the linear
between two points.
Point Count: Displays the total number of takeoff points in the linear takeoff.
Section Count: Displays the total number of takeoff sections that have been created.
A takeoff section represents one instance of a takeoff.
For example, if a Linear takeoff tool is launched and two separate lines are drawn on a page
then two takeoff sections have been created.
Add Property: Add up to ten custom properties in the Takeoff tab.
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What information is displayed in the Linear Takeoff Tool - Info Tab?
- Name: Type in the name of the linear takeoff.
Multiply: The linear measurement will be multiplied by the number in the Multiply input.
Quantity: The default value is [Linear] which will result in the takeoff linear footage.
Click the ellipsis (…) button to the right of the Quantity input to add a custom calculation
formula for the quantity value.
Units: Change the quantity value units.
Color: This is the color of the takeoff item on the page.
Colors are selected randomly by default but can be changed by the user here.
Pitch (_/12): Add a pitch factor to the Linear takeoff property value located in the Takeoff tab.
Add Property: Add up to ten custom properties in the Info tab.
Refresh: The refresh button will refresh the values of all properties when changes have been made.
Line Width: Set the width of the line that is drawn on the page.
Line Width Units: Set the units of the line width that is drawn on the page.
Folder: If a takeoff folder(s) has been added in the Estimating tab, a folder can be selected from
the drop-down list for the takeoff item to be placed into.
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I end or terminate a Takeoff Tool in TradeTek?
- To end or terminate the takeoff tool function, either tap the 'Esc' key on your keyboard or
click the Takeoff Tool button again.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What information is displayed in the Segment Takeoff Tool - Info Tab?
- Name: Type in the name of the segment takeoff.
Multiply: The linear measurement will be multiplied by the number in the Multiply input.
Quantity: The default value is [Linear] which will result in the takeoff linear footage.
Click the ellipsis (…) button to the right of the Quantity input to add a custom calculation
formula for the quantity value.
Units: Change the quantity value units.
Color: This is the color of the takeoff item on the page.
Colors are selected randomly by default but can be changed by the user here.
Pitch (_/12): Add a pitch factor to the Linear takeoff property value located in the Takeoff tab.
Add Property: Add up to ten custom properties in the Info tab.
Refresh: The refresh button will refresh the values of all properties when changes have been made.
Line Width: Set the width of the line that is drawn on the page.
Line Width Units: Allows the user to set the units of the line width that is drawn on the page.
Folder: If a takeoff folder(s) has been added in the Estimating tab, a folder can be selected
from the drop-down list for the takeoff item to be placed into.
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- Can I edit takeoff tool properties in TradeTek?
- Yes, default characteristics for each takeoff tool can be set in the Templates tab and from
the Set Default Properties tab.
From within the Set Default Properties tab, click on a takeoff tool to launch its dialog,
make changes, or add properties and this will become the default configuration for that
takeoff tool.
You can add up to 10 custom properties in the Info tab and ten custom properties in the
Takeoff tab.
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What's the best takeoff and estimating software that can handle large Takeoff Projects?
- TradeTek was designed with intent to be able to handle very large plan sets and
large amounts of takeoff data without a drop in performance.
Click here for more details: about-us
- How do I perform an area cutout takeoff in TradeTek?
- From the Home tab, select the Area Cutout takeoff tool located in the Takeoff button group to launch
the tool.
Start by clicking around the parameter of an area within an existing area that you'd like to deduct.
To complete one area cutout section and to begin another area cutout section, double click at the
last point.
To terminate or end the area cutout tool, either tap the 'esc' key on your keyboard or click the
Area Cutout takeoff tool button.
The combined area of all cutout takeoff sections will be deducted from the total area measurement that
the cutouts were applied to.
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What information is displayed in the Segment Takeoff Tool - Takeoff Tab?
- Linear: Displays the linear takeoff measurement which can be adjusted by the Multiply and Pitch
inputs in the Info tab.
Segment Count: Displays the number of line segments. A line segment is a portion of the linear
between two points.
Point Count: Displays the total number of takeoff points in the segment takeoff.
Section Count: Displays the total number of takeoff sections that have been created.
A takeoff section represents one instance of a takeoff.
For example, if a Segment takeoff tool is launched and two separate lines are drawn on a page
then two takeoff sections have been created.
Add Property: Add up to ten custom properties in the Takeoff tab.
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What information is displayed in the Count Takeoff Tool - Info Tab?
- Name: Type in the name of the count takeoff.
Multiply: The count will be multiplied by the number in the Multiply input.
Quantity: The default value is [Count] which will result in the takeoff count.
Click the ellipsis (…) button to the right of the Quantity input to add a custom calculation
formula for the quantity value.
Units: Change the quantity value units.
Color: This is the color of the takeoff item on the page.
Colors are selected randomly by default but can be changed by the user here.
Shape: Choose the shape of the takeoff item as seen on the page from a drop-down selection.
Add Property: Add up to ten custom properties in the Info tab.
Refresh: The refresh button will refresh the values of all properties when changes have been made.
Folder: If a takeoff folder(s) has been added in the Estimating tab, a folder can be selected
from the drop-down list for the takeoff item to be placed into.
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I perform a linear takeoff in TradeTek?
- From the Home tab, select the Linear takeoff tool located in the Takeoff button group.
Click the OK button to launch the dialog.
Select a folder from the drop-down menu if you you'd like the takeoff item to be placed within.
Click the OK button to launch the tool.
Start by clicking points along the linear takeoff. Each time the linear takeoff changes
direction, you must click to add a new point.
To complete one linear takeoff section and to begin another linear takeoff section, double click
at the last point.
To terminate or end the Linear takeoff tool, either tap the 'esc' key on your keyboard or click
the Linear takeoff tool button.
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What information is displayed in the Count Takeoff Tool - Takeoff Tab?
- Point Count: Displays the total number of takeoff points.
Shape Width (Units): Set the shape width and width units as seen on the page.
Shape Length (Units): Set the shape length and length units as seen on the page.
Add Property: Add up to ten custom properties in the Info tab.
Click here for more details: vidoe=count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I "Get Started" with takeoffs?
- Prior to starting the takeoff of a project, it’s important to think about how you want to
organize the takeoff overall.
Most often, depending on the type of work that you are doing you will want to organize the
takeoff by building, level, area, room or maybe CSI (Construction Specifications Institute)
division.
You may also want to have nested levels of grouping to organize your takeoffs most accurately.
You can also add properties to the folders in the software whose values can be inherited by
all the takeoff items inside of that folder.
Click here for more details: takeoff-basics
See Takeoff Basics: Takeoff-Basics.pdf
- How do I perform a segment takeoff in TradeTek?
- From the Home tab, select the Segment takeoff tool located in the Takeoff button group.
Click the OK button to launch the dialog.
Select a folder from the drop-down menu if you you'd like the takeoff item to be placed within.
Click the OK button to launch the tool.
Start by clicking the first point to start the segment takeoff and click the second point to
complete that section. Click the first point of the next section to being another segment takeoff
section.
To terminate or end the segment takeoff tool, either tap the 'esc' key on your keyboard or click the
segment takeoff tool button.
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I copy / paste takeoffs in TradeTek?
- Navigate to the Home tab.
To copy an existing takeoff item, click to select the takeoff item on the page.
Then click the Copy button located in the Takeoff button group.
Then click the Paste button located next to the Copy button.
Choose if you'd like to 'Paste into the Same Takeoff' or 'Paste into a New Takeoff'
To copy and paste multiple takeoff items or folder, select the item located in the Estimating tab.
Then click the Copy button located in the Clipboard button group.
Next, click the Paste button located next to the Copy button.
Select if you'd like to 'Retain or Clear Takeoff Measurements'.
Another option is to select an item from the Estimating side panel and click the Duplicate button
and select OK.
Click here for more details: copy-paste-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I delete a takeoff section in TradeTek?
- To delete a takeoff section, click into the takeoff section to select it and tap the delete
key on your keyboard. Click Yes to confirm the delete function.
If you are deleting the last remaining section of the takeoff, you will be ask if you would
also like to delete the takeoff item from the Estimating tab. If you don't delete it, it will
remain in the Estimating tab with a zero quantity for future use.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I perform a count takeoff in TradeTek?
- From the Home tab, select the Count takeoff tool located in the Takeoff button group.
Click the OK button to launch the dialog.
Select a folder from the drop-down menu if you you'd like the takeoff item to be placed within.
Click the OK button to launch the tool.
A point count is added for each click while the count tool is active.
To terminate or end the Count takeoff tool, either tap the 'esc' key on your keyboard or click the
Count takeoff tool button.
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Takeoff Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- Can I quickly search for a takeoff name in TradeTek?
- Yes, from the Home tab or Page tab, select Estimating from the side panel drop-down menu to view
all takeoff items that exist in the Estimating tab.
Type the takeoff name into the search field found at towards the top of the Estimating side panel.
The search field will compare the typed name against the takeoff or assembly item names narrowing
the list of visible takeoff items to help find items faster.
Click here for more details: estimating-side-panel.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Side Panels: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I edit, add or delete a Takeoff Tool Property?
- Navigate to the Template tab.
Click the Set Default Property tab to adjust or add default properties for all the standard
takeoff tools, markup tools, job property and estimating folder items listed in the tab.
Launch an items dialog by clicking on its icon and make changes to existing properties or
add new properties. From this point on, the changes will be included each time a new instance
of the item is created.
Click here for more details: takeoff-properties.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – Set Default Propery: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- Where can I find all my takeoff items in TradeTek?
- From the Home tab or Page tab, select Estimating from the side panel drop-down menu
to view all takeoff items that exist in the Estimating tab.
Click here for more details: estimating-side-panel.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Side Panels: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I make Mouse zoom more sensitive so I don’t need to scroll the mouse so far to zoom in or out one level?
- On the Windows control panel, go to Settings, then search for Mouse Settings.
Adjust the Lines to scroll at a time option.
Now zoom in and out of a page in TradeTek using the mouse scroll wheel.
- How do I perform a beam assembly takeoff in TradeTek?
- First, you must add a beam assembly to the desired assembly group located in the Template tab.
To use a beam assembly, navigate to the Home tab or Page tab and the Templates side panel.
Click to select the beam assembly and click the green button to launch to the tool to draw
the appropriate beam segment(s) takeoffs.
Double click on an individual beam segment to present the Beam Tool dialog.
From here you can view the actual beam length, regenerate totals, or make a list map adjustment
if the assembly is connected to a list.
To adjust the length of a beam segment, click on it to make the end points visible, then click
and drag a point to adjust the length.
Any time you adjust the length of a beam segment, be sure to click the Regenerate Totals button.
If the beam assembly is connected to a list, when the beam sub-items are generated, the List Map
dialog will present that shows the generated beam length and allows you to pick the appropriate
item from the connected list by clicking in the List Value column and choosing the item from the list.
Once the list has been presented, type in the search box at the top of the list to narrow the search.
Once all presented beam lengths have been selected, click OK to proceed with generating the beams.
Once you have made a list selection for a beam length, that selection will be stored in memory and
automatically applied to any future beams that get generated of the same length from that assembly
Click here for more details: assembly-beam.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – New Assembly Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I hide my takeoff items in TradeTek?
- From the Pages side panel, the light bulb button to the right of the red & blue color button will
toggle all takeoff items on that page from visible to invisible.
Click here for more details: pages-side-panel.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Side Panels – Pages: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What information is displayed in the Panel Assembly Takeoff dialog
- Takeoff Tab in Panel Mode?
- The following inputs are found under the Takeoff tab in Panel mode:
- Area: Displays the area measurement of all combined panel pieces, not including scrapped pieces.
- Piece Count: Displays the total number of panel pieces.
- Point Count: Displays the total number of panels.
- Batten Linear: Displays the total linear measurement of all batten strips.
- Perimeter Points: Displays the total number of perimeter points of all panel pieces.
- Perimeter Linear: Displays the total perimeter linear measurement of all panel pieces.
- Batten Strip: Set the checkbox to turn batten strips on.
- Batten OC: If Batten Strip is checked, set the on center spacing.
Click here for more details: panel-siding.mp4
Click here for more details: roll-good-flooring.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – New Assembly Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I delete a takeoff in TradeTek?
- From the Home tab or Page tab, select Estimating from the side panel drop-down menu
to view all takeoff items that exist in the Estimating tab.
Select the takeoff item from the Estimating side panel and click the Delete button located
at the top of the Estimating side panel to delete the selected takeoff item or folder and
all of its contents.
Click here for more details: estimating-side-panel.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Side Panels: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I draw a curve takeoff in TradeTek?
- You can draw curves by using the Linear Takeoff Tool and Linear Assembly as well as the
Area Takeoff Tool and Area Assembly, including the Joist Assembly.
Launch the takeoff tool and start by clicking the first point of your takeoff, click to add
a point at the beginning of the curve, then tap the 'c' key on your keyboard to toggle
the tool into curve-mode.
Tap the 'c' key again to cancel out of curve-mode and continue with the takeoff.
Click here for more details: drawing-curves.mp4
- How do I add a takeoff point in TradeTek?
- Navigate to the Home tab or Page tab and from the Pages side panel you can add a takeoff point.
To insert a takeoff point into a linear or area perimeter linear line, place the cursor in
the desired location of the new point and double click.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Adjust Takeoffs: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- Can I change or customize a takeoff color displayed in TradeTek?
- TradeTek users can easily change a takeoff display color by selecting the Color button from either
the Pages side panel or Estimating side panel.
The color button displays the color of the takeoff item on the page.
Click the color button to change the color of the takeoff item to one of the preset color options
or by Shift + Click on an unassigned RBG button on the right side of the dialog box, type in a
custom color code and select OK to save it for future use.
Click here for more details: page-tabs.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Page Area section: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I perform a panel siding & trim takeoff in TradeTek?
- First, you must add a panel assembly with the Panel radio button selected to the desired
assembly group located in the Template tab.
To use a panel assembly in Panel/Trim Takeoff mode, launch the Panel Assembly Takeoff dialog
from the Pages side panel, Templates side panel, or Estimating side panel.
From the Panel Assembly dialog:
- Set the board's wide and length.
- Set the Textured checkbox, if applicable.
- Set the Batten Strip checkbox and set the Batten OC from the drop-down menu, if applicable.
- Add SubItems for each tab from the drop-down list.
Either select the Continue Takeoff button or from the Templates side panel, click to select
the panel assembly and click the green button to launch to the tool.
Click to add a panel(s) to the page.
Drag the panel to the desired location on the page.
Double click on a panel to launch the Panel and Roll Tools dialog to customize the takeoff.
Click here for more details: panel-siding.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – Panel/Trim Mode Takeoff: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I perform a joist assembly takeoff in TradeTek?
- First, you must add a joist assembly to the desired assembly group located in the Template tab.
To use a joist assembly, navigate to the Home tab or Page tab and the Templates side panel.
Click to select the joist assembly and click the green button to launch to the tool to draw
the appropriate joist area(s).
Double click in a joist area to present the Joist/Rafter Tool Takeoff dialog.
Here, you can draw new joists or rafters, clear the joists or rafters in the selected area
or regenerate the joist totals.
To draw joists, click the beginning and second point of the reference line to locate the first joist.
After the second point is clicked, the remaining joists for the joist area will be drawn in and the
appropriate joist sub-items will be generated.
To adjust an individual joist, double click on the joist line to present the Edit Joist dialog.
The dialog displays the actual length of the joists (not including the joist depth that gets added
to rafters to account for the angle cut).
You can move or resize the joists with the arrow keys (hold down the Shift key for faster movements),
delete the joist or duplicate the joist.
If you manually adjust an individual joist, be sure to double click in the joist area to re-launch
the Joist/Rafter Tool dialog and click the Regenerate Totals button.
If the joist assembly is connected to a list, when the joist sub-items are generated, the List Map
dialog will present the generated joist length and allows you to pick the appropriate item
from the connected list by clicking in the List Value column and choosing the item from the list.
Once the list has been presented, type in the search box at the top of the list to narrow the search.
Once all presented joist lengths have been selected, click OK to proceed with generating the joists.
Once you have made a list selection for a joist length, that selection will be stored in memory and
automatically applied to any future joists that get generated of the same length from that assembly.
Click here for more details: assembly-joist.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – New Assembly Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What is Box Mode in TradeTek?
- The Box / Ortho / Verify Points toggle buttons are found in the bottom right corner of the
application window Home, Page, Tool tabs.
Box mode toggles the drawing mode for area, area cutout and linear takeoffs between standard
and Box mode.
To draw in Box mode, click the first point at the top corner of the box and drag the cursor
away from the first point diagonally, then click the second point to complete the box takeoff.
It is recommended that Ortho be toggled off when Box mode is active.
Click here for more details: box-ortho-verify-points.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Page Area: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What is Ortho Mode in TradeTek?
- The Box / Ortho / Verify Points toggle buttons are found in the bottom right corner of the
application window Home, Page, Tool tabs.
Ortho mode toggles between freehand and ortho drawing mode.
Ortho mode makes it easier to draw horizontal, vertical, and 45-degree lines.
Click here for more details: box-ortho-verify-points.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Page Area: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What is Verify Points Mode in TradeTek?
- The Box / Ortho / Verify Points toggle buttons are found in the bottom right corner of the
application window Home, Page, Tool tabs.
When Verify Points is toggled on, when each takeoff point is added, a dialog is presented
allowing for the distance from the previous point to the current point to be verified and
adjusted if needed.
Click here for more details: box-ortho-verify-points.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Page Area: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I use the Image Tool in TradeTek?
- Navigate to the Page tab.
Select Image from the Markup button group, from the Markup Image dialog, select either Stored in
Job or External File. An image that is stored in the job will be included in an exported job file
while an external file will only be available from your computer.
Click the Select button, select the image to be added, click the first point at the top left corner
of the desired image location then click the second point at the bottom right corner to add the image.
Left-click-hold and drag to reposition the image.
Click on the image to select it then tap the Delete key to delete the image.
Click here for more details: markup-image.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Page Tab – Markup Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I use the Page Overlay Tool in TradeTek?
- Navigate to the Page tab.
Select Overlay from the Markup button group, from the Markup Overlay dialog, name the overlay,
select the page to be overlayed onto the currently displayed page, adjust the overlay transparency
and overlay color if needed. Click the OK button to add the page overlay.
Click here for more details: markup-overlay.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Page Tab – Markup Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What information is displayed in the TradeTek Side Panel(s)?
- From the drop-down list at the top of each side panel you can choose to display
Pages, Estimating or Templates in either side.
Click here for more details: estimating-side-panel.mp4
Click here for more details: pages-side-panel.mp4
Click here for more details: templates-side-panel.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Side Panels: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I continue a takeoff in TradeTek?
- Navigate to the Home tab or Page tab and from the Pages side panel you can make adjustments.
Once at least one takeoff section has been added, the takeoff item becomes visible beneath the
active page in the Pages side panel.
To re-launch the takeoff tool to add more takeoff sections, double click on the takeoff item
to launch the dialog and click the Continue Takeoff button at the bottom of the dialog.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Adjust Takeoffs: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- Does the Panel Assembly tool account for Batten Strip in TradeTek?
- Yes, the Panel Assembly tool has an optional Batten Strip checkbox that can be toggled on/off.
From the Template tab, choose the desired assembly group from the drop-down menu.
Either add a new Panel Assembly or double click an existing one to launch the Panel Assembly
dialog.
Select the Takeoff tab to view:
- The Batten Linear displays the total linear measurement of all batten strips.
- Click the Batten Strip checkbox to turn batten strips on/off.
- If Batten Strip is checked, set the on center spacing from the Batten OC drop-down menu.
Click here for more details: assembly-panel.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – New Assembly Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I edit a Panel or Roll takeoff item in TradeTek?
- To cut or modify a panel or roll piece, double click on the takeoff piece to display the Panel
and Roll Tools dialog.
From here, users can choose several cutting options, rotation options, undo actions, alignment,
delete and scrap options as well as moving a piece to another page.
The additional buttons below are visible when in Roll mode:
- Add Seams: Click the button, then draw the linear takeoff at all seam areas.
- Delete Seams: Click the button, then click on a seam line to delete it.
Click here for more details: panel-siding.mp4
Click here for more details: roll-good-flooring.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – Panel/Trim Mode Takeoff: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What does the Panel & Trim tool do in TradeTek?
- The Siding Panel and Trim tool is specifically designed to allow users to accurately calculate
the quantity of textured siding panels and associated items for a project.
Each panel and trim piece displays the panel or trim number that it originated
from, along with an optional texture that allows users to ensure the piece is actually
usable in a particular location.
Additionally, the panel and trim piece numbers allow page screenshots to be used as an
installation guide for the installers in the field.
Click here for more details: panel-siding.mp4
- What information is displayed in the Panel Assembly Takeoff dialog
- Takeoff Tab in Panel Mode with Trim?
- The following inputs are found under the Takeoff tab in Panel mode with Trim checkbox checked:
- Point Count: Displays the total number of trim panels.
- Piece Count: Displays the total number of trim panel pieces.
- Linear: Displays the total liner measurement of all trim pieces.
Click here for more details: panel-siding.mp4
Click here for more details: roll-good-flooring.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – New Assembly Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What information is displayed in the Panel Assembly Takeoff dialog
- Takeoff Tab in Roll Mode?
- The following inputs are found under the Takeoff tab in Roll mode:
- Point Count: Displays the total number of rolls.
- Piece Count: Displays the total number of roll pieces.
- Area: Displays the total area measurement of all roll pieces.
- Seam Linear: Displays the total linear measurement of all seams.
- Perimeter Points: Displays the total number of perimeter points of all roll pieces.
- Perimeter Linear: Displays the total perimeter linear measurement of all roll pieces.
Click here for more details: panel-siding.mp4
Click here for more details: roll-good-flooring.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – New Assembly Button Group: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I perform a roll good flooring takeoff in TradeTek?
- First, you must add a panel assembly with the Roll radio button selected to the desired assembly
group located in the Template tab.
To use a panel assembly in Roll mode, launch the Panel Assembly Takeoff dialog
from the Pages side panel, Templates side panel, or Estimating side panel.
From the Panel Assembly dialog:
- Set the roll's wide and length.
- If the flooring is patterned, set the Textured checkbox.
- Add SubItems for each tab from the drop-down list.
Either select the Continue Takeoff button or from the Templates side panel, click to select
the panel assembly and click the green button to launch to the tool.
Click to add a flooring roll to the page.
Drag the roll to the desired location on the page.
Double click on a roll to launch the Panel and Roll Tools dialog to customize the takeoff.
Click here for more details: roll-good-flooring.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – Panel/Trim Mode Takeoff: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I add open seams to my roll good flooring takeoff?
- After you've added a few roll good flooring takeoffs, double click on a roll piece to launch
the Panel and Roll Tools dialog.
Click the Add Seams button to quickly draw in the required open seams.
Click here for more details: roll-good-flooring.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – Panel/Trim Mode Takeoff: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- What does the Roll Good Flooring tool do in TradeTek?
- The Roll Good Flooring tool is specifically designed to allow users to accurately calculate
the quantity of patterned roll good flooring and associated items for a project.
Each flooring piece displays the roll number that it originated from, along with an optional
texture that allows users to ensure the piece is actually usable in a particular location.
Additionally, the flooring piece numbers allow page screenshots to be used as an
installation guide for the installers in the field.
Click here for more details: roll-good-flooring.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Template Tab – Panel/Trim Mode Takeoff: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I relaunch a takeoff tool to add more sections?
- To re-launch the takeoff tool to add more takeoff sections, double click on the takeoff
item to launch the dialog and click the Continue Takeoff button at the bottom of the dialog.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Adjust Takeoffs: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I move a takeoff section in TradeTek?
- To move a takeoff section on a page, left-click-hold, drag the section to the desired new
location and release.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Adjust Takeoffs: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I insert or add a takeoff point in TradeTek?
- To insert or add a takeoff point into a linear or area perimeter linear line, place
the cursor in the desired location of the new point and double click.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Adjust Takeoffs: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I delete a takeoff point in TradeTek?
- To delete a takeoff point, select the takeoff section to make the points visible then
double click on the point that you would like to delete.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Adjust Takeoffs: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How do I move a takeoff point in TradeTek?
- To move a takeoff point on a page, left-click-hold, drag the point to the desired new
location and release.
Click here for more details: area-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: area-cutout.mp4
Click here for more details: linear-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: segment-takeoff.mp4
Click here for more details: count-takeoff.mp4
See TradeTek User's Guide – Home Tab – Adjust Takeoffs: TradeTek-User-Guide.pdf
- How can I take a screen snapshot at specific zoom level so circle labels on panel takeoffs are all legible to the installers?
- Use a big monitor and open TradeTek full screen.
Zoom into the page until all the circle labels are readable in the Panel takeoff.
On the Tools panel, press the Shift key and click the Copy to Clipboard command.
Draw a rectangle around the area of interest on the plan by clicking once at the top left, then at the bottom right.
The resulting picture at the desired zoom level is saved to your desktop.
You need to keep the Shift key down until the action is completed.
- My round column(s) takeoff show as elongated ovals on the page. How do I resolve this?
- To resolve this, go into the Takeoff tab of the Assembly and change the Shape Length value
to something like 1 or 2 feet.
Users can also make these changes in the Template tab so that it saves as the Default Value.