Accessing the Templates Library
Navigate to the Templates Library
Click on the Estimating tab located at the top left of your screen.
Select Templates Library to open your database of assemblies and parts.
Creating a New Template
Add a New Template
Click the Add New Template button at the top of the page.
Name: Enter a descriptive name for your template. A name related to your company is a good choice since it is the highest level of the template hierarchy.
Description: Provide a brief description for clarity.
User Group: Assign a user group to control access. Initially, you will have the default group, but you can create custom user groups for more specific access control.
Click Save to create your template. It will now appear in your list of templates.
Adding and Managing Folders
Add a Folder
Hover over the template and click the black plus button to the right.
Choose Add Folder to organize your assemblies.
Name: Enter a name for the folder that reflects the contents or purpose, e.g., "Interior Walls."
Click Save to add the folder.
Use the drop-down arrow to view and manage the folder within your template.
Organize Your Folders
Create a folder structure that fits your project needs. For instance, you might create folders for different types of construction work or specific materials.
Adding Assemblies
Duplicate and Drag Assemblies
To save time, you can duplicate and drag assemblies from starter packages.
Access the starter package relevant to your needs, e.g., SquareTakeoff Starter Package.
Navigate to the desired assembly, such as "2x4 Interior Walls."
Click the Duplicate button to copy the folder or assembly.
Drag and drop the duplicated folder into your own template.
Remove any unnecessary assemblies from the duplicated set if needed.
Create Assemblies from Scratch
Go to the desired folder or subfolder where you want to add a new assembly.
Click the black plus button and select Add New Assembly.
Name: Provide a name for your assembly, e.g., "Framing Labor."
Description: Enter a description if necessary.
Type: Choose the assembly type (area, linear, or count). For labor, select Linear.
Linear Width: Set the width of the assembly line as it will appear on the plan (e.g., 4 inches).
Color: Choose a color for visibility.
Click Start to create the assembly.
Adding Parts
Create a New Part
Within your assembly, click the black plus button to add a part.
Part Type: Select the type of part (equipment, labor, material, or other). For labor, choose Labor.
Name: Enter a name for the part, e.g., "Interior Wall Framing Labor."
Description: Provide additional details if needed.
Click Save to add the part.
Define Part Formulas
Open the assembly and navigate to the part’s properties.
Click the X2 button to access the formula editor.
Choose the appropriate measurement type (e.g., linear value for linear assemblies).
Set up your formula to calculate labor or material costs based on the assembly measurement.
Click Save to finalize the part.
Important Note: A part will not appear in the estimate report if it lacks a formula. At a minimum, a part must have either Linear Value, Area Value, or Count Value, depending on the type of the parent assembly. Without a formula, the part cannot calculate quantity and therefore there is nothing to report to the estimate.
Understanding Assemblies and Parts
Assemblies: Represent measurements (linear, area, or count). They are used to calculate quantities of materials, labor, or equipment based on these measurements.
Parts: Parts take the measurement from the assembly, run that measurement through a formula to output a quantity of materials, labor, or equipment. Proper part formulas are key to converting assembly measurements into actionable quantities.