Step 1: Set or Confirm the Drawing Scale
Before starting your takeoff, make sure your drawing scale is correct.
TakeCost may Auto Scale the drawing
Verify the scale using a known dimension
If needed, click Set Scale
Then click two points on the drawing and enter the real measurement
Click Validate
📌 Accurate scale = accurate lengths
Step 2: Take the Measurement
Select the Linear tool from the bottom toolbar
Click to start the line
Continue clicking to add points along the path
To stop or finish the measurement:
Press Enter to complete the shape
Press Esc to cancel
Or click the Linear tool again in the toolbar to exit the measurement mode
💡 Hold Shift to keep lines straight
💡 Use multiple points for corners and changes in direction
Step 3: Assign a Material (Right-Hand Properties Panel)
Once your measurement is drawn, assign what it represents.
Look to the right-hand Properties panel
Click into the search field and start typing (e.g., Baseboards, Footing, Trim)
Select an existing material
If it doesn’t exist:
Keep typing
Click + Create “Your Material Name”
📌 The + Create option appears only after typing
Step 4: (Optional) Use Smart Scope
Smart Scope helps apply additional logic to your linear measurements.
In the Properties panel, locate Smart Scope
You can:
Leave it as None
Or select a type (e.g., Stud Wall, Brick Wall, Concrete Footing)
If selected, fill out any required details (e.g., wall height)
📌 Smart Scope is optional
📌 Use it when you want automated calculations (like wall area from linear length)
Step 5: Review Quantities
Your linear 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
📌 Each measurement is grouped by material for easy tracking
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 panel only appears when a measurement is selected
Clicking off will close it
To bring it back:
Click on your line measurement
The Properties panel will reopen on the right
What Happens Next?
Lengths update in real time
Measurements are automatically organized
Ready to flow into your estimate or proposal
Pro Tips
Hold Shift for straight lines
Use multiple points for accuracy around corners
Break long runs into sections if needed for clarity