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Module 05 of 5

Advanced & Troubleshooting

The Takeoff Window itself — toolbars, menus, status and information bars, snap-to-object/grid, the magnifier and pan windows, keyboard shortcut customization, and CAD-specific layout/layer features.

83 topics to read·12 quiz questions·pass = 80%
Step 1 · Read

83 topics in this module

Skim or read in order. Each topic links back here when you finish.

  1. 01
    Setup Takeoff WindowSettings on this tab controls the look and operation of the Takeoff Window. It contains the following options: Show Status Bar Show Information Bar Show Style Palette Auto Hide Style Palette Tool Styl
  2. 02
    Show Status BarDisplays information at the bottom of the window about the drawing and also provides instructions while measuring. The default setting for this option is enabled. The recommended setting for this opti
  3. 03
    Show Information BarThe information bar is at the top of the takeoff window, immediately above the takeoff area. It displays the name and page of the currently loaded file the current style setting (if Use Styles is enab
  4. 04
    Show Style PaletteThe style palette provides a list of the available styles. When enabled it is located at the left edge of the takeoff area. (Left image) Moving the cursor over the palette will cause it to appear. (Ri
  5. 05
    Auto Hide Style PaletteThe style palette overlays the left side of the drawing. If this option is enabled, the style palette will hide about 5 seconds after the cursor moves off the palette. If this option is disabled, the
  6. 06
    Tool StyleThis option controls the look of the tool area at the top of the takeoff window. There are two settings, Classic and Version 5. Classic displays the tools on a tabbed bar as in previous versions of Bi
  7. 07
    CAD ToolbarWhen Tool Style is set to Toolbar, this option enables and disables the display of the CAD Toolbar. The default setting for this option is n/a as toolbars are not enabled. The recommended setting for
  8. 08
    Draw ToolbarWhen Tool Style is set to Toolbar, this option enables and disables the display of the Draw Toolbar. The default setting for this option is n/a as toolbars are not enabled. The recommended setting for
  9. 09
    Menu ToolbarWhen Tool Style is set to Toolbar, this option enables and disables the display of the Menu Toolbar. If the Menu Toolbar is not displayed, the menu will appear at the top of the window, just below the
  10. 10
    Rounding ToolbarWhen Tool Style is set to Toolbar, this option enables and disables the display of the Rounding Toolbar. The default setting for this option is n/a as toolbars are not enabled. The recommended setting
  11. 11
    Snap ToolbarWhen Tool Style is set to Toolbar, this option enables and disables the display of the Snap Toolbar. The default setting for this option is n/a as toolbars are not enabled. The recommended setting for
  12. 12
    Style ToolbarWhen Tool Style is set to Toolbar, this option enables and disables the display of the Style Toolbar. The default setting for this option is n/a as toolbars are not enabled. The recommended setting fo
  13. 13
    Zoom ToolbarWhen Tool Style is set to Toolbar, this option enables and disables the display of the Zoom Toolbar. The default setting for this option is n/a as toolbars are not enabled. The recommended setting for
  14. 14
    Cursor StyleThis option controls the cursor used for takeoffs. It can take one of three values: Box Cross Shadow Cross Thin Cross The default and recommended values for this option are Thin Cross.
  15. 15
    Edit Keyboard ShortcutsPressing the Edit Shortcuts button on the setup dialog or selecting Edit Keyboard Shortcuts from the Options Menu will display the Shortcut Editor Dialog. This dialog displays a list of all actions th
  16. 16
    Default Setup ValuesUse Acrobat Enabled Suppress Acrobat Messages Disabled Prompt for Scale on Open Drawing Enabled Suppress Autoscale Messages Disabled Accept Multiple Drawings Disabled Accept Single Drawings Enabled Fa
  17. 17
    Recommended Setup ValuesUse Acrobat Enabled Suppress Acrobat Messages Disabled Prompt for Scale on Open Drawing Enabled Suppress Autoscale Messages Disabled Accept Multiple Drawings Disabled Accept Single Drawings Enabled Fa
  18. 18
    Default Shortcut Key CombinationsArc - Ctrl+Alt+A Annotate - Ctrl+Alt+N Cancel - Alt+F4 Circle - Ctrl+Alt+C Close Area/End Line - Enter Highlight - Ctrl+Alt+H Rectangle - Ctrl+Alt+R Delete Last Point - BkSp Delete All Points - Home N
  19. 19
    Shortcut Key CombinationsShortcut key combinations are a way of performing certain actions from the keyboard. The combinations are shown in the right hand columns of the File menu, the Edit menu, the Zoom menu, the CAD Menu,
  20. 20
    Takeoff Window (Version 5)The takeoff window is the primary work are for BidScreen XL. It is used to preview drawings as they are opened, establish scales, and make measurements. Setup provides customization of the look and fe
  21. 21
    Takeoff Window (Classic)The takeoff window is the primary work are for BidScreen XL. It is used to preview drawings as they are opened, establish scales, and make measurements. Setup provides customization of the look and fe
  22. 22
    Status BarDisplays information at the bottom of the window about the drawing. The rightmost area of the status bar provides instructions while measuring.
  23. 23
    Information BarThe information bar is at the top of the takeoff window, immediately above the takeoff area. It displays the name and page of the currently loaded file the current style setting (if Use Styles is enab
  24. 24
    Drawing ViewMeasurements are made in the drawing view. Think of the drawing view as a window on the drawing. The window can be manipulated using the following commands: Pan - move the window left, right, up and/o
  25. 25
    Toolbars - ClassicThe classic toolbar contains 5 tabs or buttons that display the following toolbars: Measure Style Round Zoom CAD When the takeoff window is first opened, the measure toolbar is displayed. The other to
  26. 26
    Measure Toolbar (Classic)This toolbar displays takeoff results and provides buttons for some takeoff related commands. For counts only the count field contains any information. For section lengths, the count field displays th
  27. 27
    Style Toolbar (Classic)If styles are used, this toolbar provides a control to select a style from the current style set. It also provides a button to allow the current style set to be modified. If styles are not used, the t
  28. 28
    Round Toolbar (Classic)This toolbar contains controls for: Length Rounding Round Up Snap to Grid Snap to Angle See also Rounding Toolbar (Version 5).
  29. 29
    Zoom Toolbar (Classic)The Zoom toolbar contains the following actions: Zoom Zoom to Selection Restore to Full Size Enable/Disable Scroll Bars Pan It also allows defining the cursor used for takeoffs. This can take one of t
  30. 30
    CAD Toolbar (Classic)The CAD toolbar contains the following actions: Layout List Box Snap To Object Layer Selection Color/Monochrome Weighted/Thin Lines See also CAD Toolbar (Version 5).
  31. 31
    Toolbars - Version 5There are eight toolbars available when using Version 5 style toolbars: CAD Draw Measure Menu Rounding Snap Style Zoom The measure toolbar is always enabled. The menu toolbar can only be enabled and d
  32. 32
    CAD Toolbar (Version 5)The CAD toolbar contains the following actions: Layout List Box Snap To Object Layer Selection Color/Monochrome Weighted/Thin Lines See also CAD Toolbar (Classic).
  33. 33
    Draw Toolbar (Version 5)The Draw toolbar contains the following actions: Arc Circle Rectangle Annotate Highlight Positive/Negative See also Measure Toolbar (Classic).
  34. 34
    Menu Toolbar (Version 5)
  35. 35
    Rounding Toolbar (Version 5)This toolbar contains controls for: Length Rounding Round Up See also Round Toolbar (Classic).
  36. 36
    Snap Toolbar (Version 5)This toolbar contains controls for: Snap to Grid Snap to Angle See also Round Toolbar (Classic).
  37. 37
    Style Toolbar (Version 5)If styles are used, this toolbar provides a control to select a style from the current style set. It also provides a button to allow the current style set to be modified. If styles are not used, the t
  38. 38
    Zoom Toolbar (Version 5)The Zoom toolbar contains the following actions: Zoom Zoom to Selection Restore to Full Size Enable/Disable Scroll Bars Pan See also Drawing View and Zoom Toolbar (Classic).
  39. 39
    Measure Toolbar (Version 5)This toolbar displays takeoff results and provides buttons for some takeoff related commands. For counts only the count field contains any information. For section lengths, the count field displays th
  40. 40
    Takeoff Window MenuThe takeoff menu contains the following sub menus: File Edit Zoom Options View Styles CAD Help
  41. 41
    File MenuThe file menu contains the following commands: Save... - only enabled when opening a drawing Save As... - only enabled when opening a drawing Close (OK) - identical to Stop Takeoff Exit (Cancel) - ide
  42. 42
    Save... and Save As...These commands are used to save a modified drawing. Saving the drawing after modification speeds up loading the drawing for subsequent use. The drawing can be saved in one of four formats: Windows Bit
  43. 43
    Edit MenuThe Edit menu contains commands to: Annotate Arc Close Area/End Line Circle Delete All Points Delete Last Point Highlight Negative Line or Area Positive Line or Area Rectangle Select Object Stop Takeo
  44. 44
    Zoom MenuThe Zoom menu contains commands to: Pan Restore to Full Size Zoom Zoom and Pan Off Zoom to Selection
  45. 45
    PanUse this command to turn panning on and off.
  46. 46
    ZoomUse this command to turn Zoom on and off. The left mouse button will zoom in and the right mouse button will zoom out.
  47. 47
    Zoom to SelectionSelect this command by pressing the Zoom to Selection button on the Zoom Toolbar, clicking Zoom to Selection on the Zoom menu or Popup menu.,The Zoom to Selection command can also be assigned a shortc
  48. 48
    Restore to Full SizeThis command will Zoom the drawing so that it is fully displayed in the Drawing View. Select this command by pressing the Restore to Full Size button on the Zoom Toolbar, clicking Restore to Full Size
  49. 49
    Zoom InZoom In, or enlarging the drawing to see more detail can be done several ways. Rotate the mouse scroll wheel away from you. The drawing will increase in size. The center of the drawing will not move.
  50. 50
    Zoom OutZoom Out, or decreasing the size of the drawing to see more can be done several ways. Rotate the mouse scroll wheel towards from you. The drawing size will decrease. The center point of the view is un
  51. 51
    PanningPanning, or moving drawing view can be done several ways. Hold down Ctrl key on the keyboard. The cursor will change to a small hand. Left click the mouse and drag the drawing under the view window. T
  52. 52
    Zoom and Pan OffThis command will turn off all zoom and pan commands. Select this command by clicking Zoom and Pan Off on the Zoom menu or Popup menu.,The Zoom and Pan Off command can also be assigned a shortcut key.
  53. 53
    Scroll BarsThis caomand will enable and disable the display of scroll bars on the drawing view. The scroll bars can be used to pan around the drawing.
  54. 54
    Options MenuThe Options menu contains commands for: Color... Fill Style Line Style Point Style Line Width Length Rounding Snap Angle Snap Grid Snap to Object Cursor Edit Keyboard Shortcuts If Styles are being use
  55. 55
    Length Rounding and Round UpBidscreen XL can round length takeoffs using selected unit lengths. For measurements using English scales, the available unit lengths are 3", 4", 6", 8" and 1'. For metric measurements, the available
  56. 56
    Snap to GridSnap grid forces all points to fall on a grid with a specified spacing. The grid positioning is relative to the first point entered. Available grid sizes are 1/8", 1/4", 1/2" and 1". These are units o
  57. 57
    Snap AngleSnap angle forces all lines to be drawn on a multiple of the angle selected. For example, if 45 is selected, lines can only be drawn at 0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, 315 degree angles from the previo
  58. 58
    Snap to ObjectSnap to Object works with CAD vector files only. As the cursor is moved around the drawing a small box is drawn at the snap location. The location is the nearest line intersection or point in the draw
  59. 59
    View MenuThe View menu provides a means to show or display many aspects of the takeoff window: Magnifier Window Pan Window Toolbars (When using Version 5 toolbars) Status Bar Information Bar Style Palette Anti
  60. 60
    Magnifier WindowThe Magnifier Window provides a zoomed in view of the drawing, similar to haolding a magnifying lens over the drawing. The cross hair indicates the cursor position on the drawing view. The zoom track
  61. 61
    Pan WindowThe Pan Window provides a view of the full drawing. The blue rectangle defines the area shown in the drawing view. The drawing view can be panned by dragging the blue box around the Pan Window. The zo
  62. 62
    ToolbarsWhen using Version 5 toolbars, these menu items allow showing and hiding the individial toolbars. Note that the Measure toolbar will always be shown, and the Menu toolbar visibility can only be change
  63. 63
    Status BarThis menu item shows or hides the status bar.
  64. 64
    Information BarThis menu item shoes or hides the information bar.
  65. 65
    Anti-AliasingThis menu item enables and disables anti-aliasing. Anti-aliaising improves the clarity of most drawings and should be enabled at all times. It not available for CAD drawings.
  66. 66
    CAD MenuThe CAD menu contains the following items: Select Layout Snap to Object Layers... Color Monochrome Weighted Lines Thin Lines The CAD menu is only available when using CAD drawings.
  67. 67
    Select LayoutCAD drawings, except dwf files, can have multiple layouts. Use this command to select the desired layout for use during the takeoff.
  68. 68
    Layers...CAD drawings can have multiple layers. Use this command to select which layers are visible during the takeoff.
  69. 69
    Weighted/Thin LinesThe lines in a CAD drawing can be displayed in width used when the drawing was created or as single width lines. Use these command to select the desired display.
  70. 70
    Help MenuThe Help menu contains these commands: Contents... Index... Drawing Info... Help on Takeoff Window... Register... About...
  71. 71
    Select FolderPress the drop down button to open a list of folders. The list can then be used to navigate to the desired folder.
  72. 72
    Up one folderPressing this buttons changes the displayed folder to the parent of the current folder.
  73. 73
    List or DetailIf list, the left button, is depressed, only the file names will be shown in the file list. If details, the right button is depressed, additional information on the files will be displayed in the list
  74. 74
    Show PreviewIf this button is depressed, a preview of the selected file and page will be shown to the right of the file list. If the button is not depressed, the preview will not be shown.
  75. 75
    Folder ShortcutsThe panel to the left displays shortcut buttons to navigate to predefined folders. The available buttons are: My Documents Desktop My Computer Drawings Temp The Drawings button, as installed, points t
  76. 76
    File ListThe file list displays a the files of the selected type in the current folder. The list can show only the file name, or details on the file.
  77. 77
    File Type SelectionThis combo box allows selection of the type of file displayed in the file list. Available file types are: AutoCAD DWF (*.dwf) AutoCAD DWG (*.dwg) AutoCAD DXF (*.dxf) CALS (*.cal) Intergraph Vector (*.
  78. 78
    Page Number SelectionThis field allow selection of a single page from a multi-page drawing file. The page selected is shown in the preview window. If the selected drawing has only one page, this field is not available.
  79. 79
    Drawing PreviewThis area displays a preview of the selected drawing, if Show Preview is on.
  80. 80
    Cancel OpenPressing this button will close the Open Drawing Dialog and return to Excel.
  81. 81
    File NameThis box displays the currently selected drawing. This drawing is shown in the preview.
  82. 82
    ClosePress this button to close the preview window.
  83. 83
    StatusThe status contains information relative to the printout. Left left hand side displays the drawing being used.
Step 2 · Test yourself

Advanced & Troubleshooting quiz

The takeoff window, snap modes, magnifier and pan windows, keyboard shortcuts, and miscellaneous power-user features.

  • 12 questions
  • multiple choice · true/false · screenshot
  • pass = 80%
  • progress saved in your browser
Start the quiz
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