Vertigraph, Take Off & Estimating Software
ProductsPricingSupportBlogReviews
Free trialStart free trial
  1. Support/
  2. Training/
  3. BidScreen XL/
  4. Setup & Excel Add-In
Module 01 of 5

Setup & Excel Add-In

Everything from the welcome screen through registration, system requirements, and the three command surfaces (toolbar, menu, popup). Plus the Setup Options that control how BidScreen XL behaves day-to-day.

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

31 topics in this module

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

  1. 01
    We Thank YouVertigraph provides takeoff and estimating tools that increase your productivity and profits. Our guiding principles are: Quality, integrity and value are our highest concerns. Customers are the reaso
  2. 02
    Adding BidScreen XL to ExcelPrior to use, BidScreen XL must be "added" to Excel. 1) Add BidScreen Xl to Excel: a) Excel 2007 Right click on the Office button in the top left corner of the menu bar and select Customize Quick Acce
  3. 03
    System RequirementsMinimum requirements: Windows operating system Microsoft Excel 1GB megabytes of random access memory (2 GB with Vista). 800 X 600 Display resolution. Vertigraph recommends: Windows XP operating system
  4. 04
    Items Installed with BidScreenSeveral sample Excel estimating files are installed in the Public Documents folder (C:\Users\Public\Documents\Vertigraph\BidScreen XL\examples). Use and modify these Excel estimating templates as you
  5. 05
    Other Vertigraph SolutionsBesides BidScreen XL, Vertigraph also supplies other takeoff and estimating tools. These include: BidPoint XL software enables you to digitize quantities from paper plans into any MS Excel workbook us
  6. 06
    BidScreen License AgreementVertigraph, Inc. Program License 12959 Jupiter Road, Suite 252 Dallas, TX 75238 Carefully read the following terms and conditions before using the BidScreen XL or BidScreen Lite program. Use of the pr
  7. 07
    Contact VertigraphVertigraph, Inc can be contacted by phone at 800.989.4243 or 214.340.9436 or via email at support@vertigraph.com. You can also visit the Vertigraph website or post questions on the Vertigraph Message
  8. 08
    OverviewBidScreen lets you view and measure digitized drawings from image and CAD files while working in any Microsoft Excel workbook. Measuring items involves these steps after opening an Excel workbook: Sel
  9. 09
    BidScreen XL Commands in ExcelThere are three ways to issue commands to BidScreen XL while in Excel. Toolbar - The toolbar is located at the top of the excel window. (In Excel 2007 it is located on the Add-Ins Tab.) The toolbar co
  10. 10
    BidScreen ToolbarThe BidScreen XL Toolbar has the following controls, from left to right: Load Drawing Browse Drawing (WEB) Scale Count Section Length Continuous Length Area Print Drawing Information Takeoff Help Scal
  11. 11
    BidScreen XL MenuThe BidScreen XL Menu has the following controls: Load Drawing Browse Drawing (WEB) Load Reference Browse Reference (WEB) Scale Count Section Length Continuous Length Area Print Drawing Information Ta
  12. 12
    BidScreen XL Popup MenuThe BidScreen XL Popup Menu has the following controls: Load Drawing Browse Drawing (WEB) Load Reference Browse Reference (WEB) Scale Count Section Length Continuous Length Area Print Drawing Informat
  13. 13
    Takeoff HelpThis button displays this help file.
  14. 14
    Update CheckThis command instructs BidScreen XL to check the Vertigraph website for any updates to the program.
  15. 15
    About BidScreen XLThis command provides information about the BidScreen XL software including program version and registration number.
  16. 16
    HelpPressing the Help button or selecting Takeoff Help from the Help Menu opens the help file and displays the help topic associated with the current use of the takeoff window: Takeoff Scale Accept Drawin
  17. 17
    SetupThe Setup command displays the setup dialog. This dialog contains 4 tabs: Options Takeoff Window Reports Styles There are several buttons on the right side of the dialog: OK - Press to save changes Ca
  18. 18
    Setup OptionsThis tab contains the following options: Use Acrobat Suppress Acrobat Messages Prompt for Scale on Open Drawing Suppress Autoscale Messages Accept Multiple Drawings Accept Single Drawings Fast Comment
  19. 19
    Use AcrobatBidScreen XL can use Adobe Acrobat to open PDF files. Acrobat Reader is not supported. This option will only be enabled when Adobe Acrobat Version 7 or higher is installed. Vertigraph recommends using
  20. 20
    Suppress Acrobat MessagesIf Adobe Acrobat is not used to open PDF files BidScreen XL will show a message indicating that Vertigraph recommends using Acrobat to read PDF file. Selecting this option will disable the message. Th
  21. 21
    Prompt for Scale on Open DrawingIf this option is enabled, the scale dialog will be displayed when a drawing is first opened. This option does not apply to multiple page or multiple file opens. The default setting for this option is
  22. 22
    Suppress Autoscale MessagesCertain drawing formats do not supply enough information to establish the scale. When one of these drawings is opened a message is displayed suggesting that the drawing be autoscaled. When this option
  23. 23
    Accept Multiple DrawingsIf this option is enabled, each page of a multiple page open, or each file of a multiple file open will be displayed. The page or file can then be accepted or rejected. If this option is disabled, the
  24. 24
    Accept Single DrawingsWhen a single drawing is opened it is displayed and can be accepted or rejected. If accepted it is added to the drawing list. If this option is disabled, the drawing will be added to the drawing list
  25. 25
    Fast Comment ScanningBidScreen XL will operate faster with certain versions of Excel if this option is enabled. However, enabling the option may cause errors in Excel. The default setting for this option is disabled. The
  26. 26
    Automatic Update CheckIf this option is enabled, BidScreen XL checks the Vertigraph website for updates when the program is started. This requires an internet connection. If the computer is not connected to the internet, d
  27. 27
    Changed DrawingsWhen a drawing is changed during the open process, the drawing may be saved with the changes. The drawing will then load faster on subsequent use. This option takes one of three values: Always Save -
  28. 28
    Contents...This command opens this help file to the table of contents.
  29. 29
    Index...This command opens this help file to the index.
  30. 30
    Register...Pressing this command displays the registration dialog. After purchasing BidScreen XL, it is necessary to register the software. Call the phone number at the top of the dialog to register the software
  31. 31
    About...This command provides information about the BidScreen XL software including program version and registration number.
Step 2 · Test yourself

Setup & Excel Add-In quiz

System requirements, installing the BidScreen XL add-in inside Excel, what gets installed, and the most common setup options.

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

Phones ring to engineers who use the software every day, Mon–Fri 8a–5p Central.

800.989.4243Browse FAQs →
← All modulesBidScreen XL training catalogNext · Module 02 →Scale & Drawing Setup
Vertigraph

Takeoff and estimating software for commercial contractors across the United States.

800.989.4243 · 214.340.9436
support@vertigraph.com
Products
  • BidScreen XL
  • SiteWorx/OS
  • Drawing Compare (add on)
  • Pricing
Support
  • FAQs
  • Training videos
  • Product documents
  • Contact
  • BidPoint XL (legacy)
Company
  • About
  • History
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Partners
  • Students
© 2026 Vertigraph, Inc. All rights reserved.
TermsPrivacySitemap