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Module 02 of 5

Scale & Drawing Setup

Loading single drawings, multi-page PDFs, and references; configuring scale (English / Metric / Architectural / Engineering); rotating, deskewing, and inspecting drawings; and the supported file types.

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

34 topics in this module

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

  1. 01
    Load DrawingSelect this command to load a drawing or drawings to measure. It will display the Open Drawing Dialog. This dialog can open a single drawing, multiple drawings of the same type, or multiple pages in o
  2. 02
    Open Single DrawingThere are two setup settings that affect the way BidScreen XL operates when this button is pressed; Accept Single Drawings and Prompt for Scale on Open. With the default and recommended settings for t
  3. 03
    Open Multiple DrawingsThere is one setup setting that affects the way BidScreen XL operates when this button is pressed; Accept Multiple Drawings. If Accept Multiple Drawings is not enabled, the drawings are loaded without
  4. 04
    Open Multiple PagesThere is one setup setting that affects the way BidScreen XL operates when this button is pressed; Accept Multiple Drawings. If Accept Multiple Drawings is not enabled, all the pages are loaded withou
  5. 05
    Browse Drawing (WEB)Select this command to browse the web for a drawing to measure.
  6. 06
    ScaleThis command is used to set the scale for the current drawing for new takeoffs. It displays the Scale Dialog. To change the scale on an existing takeoff use the Change Scale command from the BidScreen
  7. 07
    Drawing InformationThis command provides drawing information including the location, type and size of the currently loaded drawing file.
  8. 08
    Scale (display)This field shows the currently selected scale. When on a cell with a takeoff it will display the scale used for that takeoff. When on a blank cell, it will display the last scale used for that drawing
  9. 09
    Drawing ListThis is a list of drawings available for take off. When on a blank cell, a drawing can be selected from the list. When on a cell containing a takeoff, the list shows the drawing used for the takeoff.
  10. 10
    Select DrawingThis command displays the Select Drawing dialog. This dialog contains a small image, or thumbnail, of each drawing available for take off. Highlight a drawing by clicking on it. When the desired drawi
  11. 11
    Load ReferenceThis command opens a drawing for reference. Multiple drawing can be opened simultaneously. However, no measurements can be made in the reference viewer.
  12. 12
    Browse Reference (WEB)This command opens a web browser window to search for and open a drawing for reference. Multiple drawing can be opened simultaneously. However, no measurements can be made in the reference viewer.
  13. 13
    Change ScaleThis command only appears on the BidScreen XL menu and popup menu. If items were measured using an incorrect scale, the scale can be changed. First select the desired cells (hold down the Ctrl key on
  14. 14
    Supported File TypesBidScreen XL supports the following file types: AutoCAD DWF (*.dwf) AutoCAD DWG (*.dwg) AutoCAD DXF (*.dxf) CALS (*.cal) Intergraph Vector (*.dgn) DjVu (Deja Vu) (*.djv *.djvu) Hewlett-Packard HPGL (*
  15. 15
    Takeoff Window - Open DrawingWhen a drawing is previewed (Accept Single Drawing or Accept Multiple Drawings enabled) the Drawing menu is active. If the drawing is modified, it can be saved, speeding up future loads of the drawing
  16. 16
    Drawing MenuThe drawing menu provides the following tools for manipulation when opening a drawing: Rotate Deskew Reset (Rotations) Modify Palette... Restore Palette After making modifications to the drawing, it i
  17. 17
    Takeoff Menu - Open DrawingThe takeoff menu is modified when opening a drawing. The Drawing Menu is added, and the Edit and Options menus are disabled. If Styles are used, the Styles menu is also disabled.
  18. 18
    Takeoff Window - ScaleWhen digitizing a scale, the takeoff window is used to measure a known distance. Only two points are entered, the beginning and end of the known distance. The most accurate scales result from the long
  19. 19
    Setting ScalesScales are set using the scale dialog. There are two forms of the dialog, one for CAD drawings and one for all others. Basic operation of both dialogs are the same. Use the radio buttons at the top to
  20. 20
    Scale - UnitsUse these radio buttons to select English or Metric Units. If English units are selected then choose between Architectural or Engineering scales.
  21. 21
    Scale - ManualPressing the manual button displays the Enter Factor Dialog. There are two forms of the dialog. The first is form CAD drawings and English Architectural or Metric scales. Enter the factor in the edit
  22. 22
    Scale - Drawing UnitsCAD drawings are drawn in arbitrary units called Drawing Units. The length of the drawing unit then determines the scale of the drawing. Common drawing units are inches, feet and meters.
  23. 23
    Scale - Arch EngWhen using English units, either Architectural or Engineering scales can be used. Architectural scales are defined by fractions of an inch per foot, for example 1/4". Engineering scales are defined by
  24. 24
    Scale - FactorThis displays the factor for the selected scale. For CAD drawings, factors are defined as follows: English units: the factor is 100 times number of feet per scale unit. Metric units: the factor is app
  25. 25
    Scale - SelectAfter selecting the units and scale type, use the drop down list to select the correct scale.
  26. 26
    Scale - DigitizeAfter pressing the Digitize button, the takeoff window will appear, overlayed by a dialog box with instructions. Press OK to continue. Then use the takeoff window to measure a known distance. After cl
  27. 27
    RotateThe print image can be rotated 90 degrees left from the normal position. Press then Rotate Left button to do this. To return the drawing to the normal orientation, press the Rotate Right button.
  28. 28
    BorderWhen this button is down a border will be drawn around the drawing. When up, no border will be drawn.
  29. 29
    DrawingWhen down, the drawing associated with the takeoff will be shown. When up, it will not be printed.
  30. 30
    ScaleUse the list of scales to zoom the drawing in and out. Selecting too small a scale will result in an error message. If this occurs, select a larger scale.
  31. 31
    Preview AreaThe preview area shows the drawing as it will be printed. The drawing can be panned by dragging the mouse across the image. It can be zoomed by changing the scale.
  32. 32
    RotateUse this command to rotate the drawing. The available roations are shown above. Selecting other... displays the ratation dialog allowing manual entry of any angle. Rotations are cumulative. To restore
  33. 33
    DeskewSome drawings, especially scanned paper drawings are not skewed verticly and horzontally. Press the Deskew command and you will be prompted to select two points on a horizontal line. After selecting t
  34. 34
    ResetThis commands restores the drawing to its original orientation.
Step 2 · Test yourself

Scale & Drawing Setup quiz

Loading drawings, setting and changing scale, autoscale messages, references, and the file types BidScreen XL accepts.

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