TakeCost

User Guide

Use the comments tool to leave notes, questions, or clarifications directly on your drawings.

Can I add comments directly to my drawings?

How does the Linear Measuring Tool work?

What is the Counting Tool used for?

What is the difference between Axis Mode and Box Mode?

What are the core features of TakeCost Software?

TakeCost requires an internet connection to keep your projects synced and up to date in real time.

Can I access TakeCost offline?

Tools & Features Overview

Importing Project Files

Create a new project in TakeCost from the “My Projects” section in just a few clicks.

How do I create a project?

Find out how to create, rename, and manage assemblies built from your catalog materials.

How do I edit assemblies in TakeCost?

Learn how to update material details in your catalog, including names, factors, waste %, units, and colors.

How do I edit materials in TakeCost?

TakeCost automatically saves your work after every action you complete, so you never need to manually save a page.

How do I save a page I am working on?

TakeCost doesn’t create downloadable files, but you can share your project directly in the app by clicking the Share button to give others view or edit access.

How do I save a file and send it to others?

Change a material’s colour by editing it in the Catalog. To apply the new colour in existing projects, reselect the material using Switch Material.

How do I change the colour of a material?

TakeCost makes teamwork simple. Collaborate on projects in real time with roles, permissions, and shared access.

Can I collaborate with my team using TakeCost?

Yes! Multiple users can work on the same TakeCost project at once, with real-time updates and collaboration.

Can two users work on the same project at one time?

Learn how to delete the wrong plan, drawing, folder, or project in TakeCost. Follow simple steps to remove single pages, entire folders, or permanently delete archived projects.

I uploaded the wrong plan or drawing. How do I delete it?

Learn how to create a new opportunity in TakeCost, upload drawings to start takeoffs, link a client, add a job address, or track an opportunity without drawings. This article walks…

How do I create a new opportunity?

Learn how to rotate a drawing if it uploads sideways or in the wrong orientation.

Rotate a Drawing

Project Management

What does the Measure Tool do?

Measurement Tools

See how to scale survey or plan view files and manually calculate areas or overlays for takeoffs.

How do I do takeoffs from a survey or plan view?

Setting a height when creating linear measurements.

How do I edit the height when doing a linear measurement?

Use the Measure Tool to confirm that your drawings are scaled correctly and your takeoffs are accurate.

How can I verify the height or accuracy of a takeoff?

Learn the most useful TakeCost hotkeys, including shortcuts for measurements, cutouts, undo/redo, and how to view the full hotkey list.

Time-Saving Hotkey Tips

If AutoTake isn’t working on an exterior elevation project, rename the page to include “Exterior Elevation” so the AI tool can detect it properly.

Why isn’t AutoTake working on my exterior elevation project?

Click View Estimates on the project page to see all combined measurements across sheets, add pricing, and export your takeoff data.

How do I combine measurements from all sheets to see totals?

TakeCost doesn’t support duplicating measurements, but you can select a measurement and press N to quickly add more of the same material.

Can I copy or duplicate measurements on the same sheet?

Understand how takeoff quantities are automatically added to your worksheet and proposal, how line items update in real time, and why exporting quantities is not required in TakeCost.

How do I import quantities from a takeoff into a proposal?

Step-by-step guide on adding labour cost to your estimate using fixed labour costs or production-based labour rates calculated directly from takeoffs.

How do I add labour cost?

Learn where to add labour and subcontractor costs in TakeCost. This article explains how to create separate line items for labour and subcontracted work, apply costs and markup, and keep…

Where do I add labour and subcontractor costs?

Learn how to add profit and markup in TakeCost by creating or editing line items in the worksheet. This article explains where markup is entered, how profit is calculated automatically,…

How do I add profit and markup to my estimate?

Learn what Box Mode is in TakeCost and how it allows you to quickly draw rectangular measurements using the Area or Linear tools. This article explains when to use Box…

What is Box Mode?

Complete list of keyboard shortcuts in TakeCost for navigation, drawing tools, zooming, panning, undo/redo, and editing takeoffs. Use these shortcuts to speed up estimating and drawing workflows.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Estimating & Takeoff Tools

Find answers and get help from Intercom Support and Community Experts

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