Overview
Square Takeoff is not a design software. However, if you are in a pinch you can create a rough floor plan to run your takeoff. Below are detailed steps and best practices to run a takeoff without a plan.
Step 1: Create a blank page. This can be done from the page management tools or at the inception of the project.
Step 2: Scale your blank page using the manual scale. Set the scale as the length of the largest measurement of the floor plan. Pro tip: Enable Ortho! Go to "options" - "enable Ortho" or use F2 on your keyboard.
Step 3: Label your scale line using the notes tool. You will continue to add notes for all measurements on the floor plan. This makes it easier to reference in the future
Step 4: Use the dimension tool, simply click where you would like to begin and double click to finish. It's best to do each wall as it's own independent segment
You now have a rough plan to use to create your takeoff.
Pro Tips
You can create floor plans from existing spaces using advanced mobile technology known as "Lidar Enabled Applications." While Square Takeoff doesn't have built-in LiDAR capabilities, you can still upload your plans from any LiDAR software to Square Takeoff and run a takeoff directly from your Lidar-generated plans.
Use our Note Tool: Notes are particularly important for this, as it helps with notating dimensions, products, etc.
Use the Hover Label Tool: As you apply assemblies, be sure to enable hover label. This is a great way to reference measurements as you go