Step 1: Set or Confirm the Drawing Scale
Before starting your takeoff, make sure your drawing scale is correct.
TakeCost will Auto Scale the drawing based on plan details
Always verify the scale is correct using a known dimension
If the scale is missing or incorrect, click Set Scale
Then click two points on the drawing
Enter the measurement and using the ruler measure another line to confirm
📌 Tip: Even when Auto Scale is detected, a quick manual check prevents costly measurement errors
Step 2: Take the Measurement
Select the Area tool from the bottom toolbar
Click around the perimeter of the space
To stop or finish the measurement:
Press Enter to complete the shape
Press Esc to cancel
Or click the Area tool again in the toolbar to exit the measurement mode
💡 You can measure any shape, not just rectangles
Step 3: Assign a Material (Right-Hand Properties Panel)
Once your area is drawn, assign what it represents.
Look to the right-hand Properties panel
Click into the search field and start typing a material name (e.g., Concrete Slab)
Select an existing material from the list
If the material doesn’t exist:
Continue typing
Then click + Create “Your Material Name”
📌 Tip: The + Create option only appears after you start typing
📌 New Update: Material selection is now handled directly inside the Properties panel, making it faster to apply and edit without leaving the drawing.
Step 4: (Optional) Use Smart Scope
Smart Scope helps automate calculations based on what you’re measuring.
In the Properties panel, locate Smart Scope
TakeCost may suggest a scope automatically based on the drawing
You can:
Select a suggested scope (e.g., Concrete Slab, Brick Wall, Roofing)
Or choose None if you don’t need it
If selected, fill out the additional details (e.g., thickness, brick type, spacing)
📌 Smart Scope is optional - your measurements will still work without it
📌 Use it when you want automated quantities like materials, counts, or assemblies
Step 5: Review Quantities
Your area measurements update instantly
View totals in the Quantities panel on the left-hand side
Switch between Metric and Imperial if needed
Click Review Quantities to see a detailed breakdown
📌 Quantities are automatically grouped by material
What Happens Next?
Quantities update in real time
Everything stays connected to your estimate
Ready for pricing and proposals
Where do I find my Materials or Properties panel?
If you don’t see the Properties panel, it’s usually because no measurement is selected.
The Properties panel only appears when a measurement is selected
If you click off your measurement, the panel will automatically close
To bring it back:
Click on your area, line, or count measurement on the drawing
The Properties panel will re-open on the right-hand side
From there, you can view or change the assigned material