Professional Documents
Culture Documents
• Overview
• Creating a Project
• Exploring QTO
• Organizing Your Project
• Creating Takeoff Items
• Performing Quantity Takeoff
• Viewing and Validating Takeoff Data
• Creating and Viewing Reports
• Exporting Takeoff Data
• Publishing a Project to a DWF File
Overview
Using QTO, you can combine multiple sources of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) design data and
generate quantity takeoff to create a cost estimate. Both DWF and non-DWF files can be used as source files. All data
associated with a given estimate is stored in a QTO project.
DWF Files
DWF stands for Design Web Format™, which is an open, secure file format developed by Autodesk. Using DWF, you can
combine rich 2D and 3D design data, as well as other project-related files, into a single, highly compressed file. You can
use DWF files (and DWFx files) that are published from several design applications. Because of variations in publishing
methods, the source application of the DWF file determines the level of automatic takeoff functionality that will be
available when you import the file into QTO.
Non-DWF Files
Non-DWF files that can be used in QTO include PDF files, DWG files, and image files, such as JPG, TIF, and GIF. To import
DWG files, you must have DWG TrueView™ installed. DWG TrueView is included as an installation option on the QTO
product DVD.
Tip
Optimize PDF files for use in QTO by using the image settings within the PDF print driver to down sample all images to
below 150 ppi. The default setting of 300 ppi is optimized for printer output, not on-screen display, so it will not deliver
optimal performance for importing and displaying PDF images in QTO. For best results, test your PDF output in QTO
and, if necessary, make adjustments to down sampling and compression settings to publish clear images at the smallest
possible file size. (Down sampling reduces file size; compression reduces files size and can affect image clarity.)
Takeoff Methods
QTO provides a comprehensive set of takeoff tools for use with 3D DWF models, 2D DWF sheets, and non-DWF files.
Tool availability is determined by the types of files you use. If you work with model-based 2D and 3D DWF files, you can
use either automatic takeoff tools or manual takeoff tools. If you work with DWG and image files, such as PDF’s and
TIF’s, only manual tools are available.
• Automatic takeoff tools: For use with 3D DWF models and 2D DWF sheets. Using the design data
embedded in the DWF files by publishing applications, these tools create takeoff data automatically.
• Manual takeoff tools: For use with 2D DWF sheets and non-DWF files (DWGs, PDFs, TIFs, GIFs, and JPGs).
These tools create takeoff data by measuring drawing geometry that you select or manually trace on a
sheet.
Note
Manual takeoff is sometimes called on-screen takeoff.
Creating a Project
The first step in using QTO is to create a project. A QTO project is a collection of drawing files and takeoff items that
yield the material quantities needed for a construction or renovation job. Drawing files can include both DWF and non-
DWF files. Takeoff items are typically organized in a catalog, grouped by disciplines, divisions, trades, or other
categories. In this exercise, you create a project and import a set of Revit® Architecture plans to use in subsequent
exercises.
1. Start QTO. When you start QTO for the first time, the Quick Start dialog displays.
2. In the Quick Start dialog, click New Project.
Note: If the Quick Start dialog does not display, click File menu new.
3. In the Project Setup Wizard dialog, on the Name Project page, for Name, enter Basic Takeoff. For Path,
accept the default of My Documents, or click Browse and select a different location for the project.
4. Click Next.
5. On the Project Settings page, select a Unit System. Select Set as default for new projects if applicable.
6. Select a currency. Select Set as default for new projects if applicable.
7. Click Next.
8. On the Select Catalog page, for Catalog, select Browse.
Catalogs define the organizational structure of your project. They typically contain groups of takeoff
items that define the materials for which you will create takeoff measurements.
9. In the Import Catalog dialog, navigate to
C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2012\Help \Getting Started (Metric), select
Getting Started_metric.att, and click Import.
10. Click Next.
11. On the Import Files page, under Drawings/Models, click Add.
12. In the Import Sheets & Models dialog, navigate to
C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2012\Help\Getting Started (Metric),
Select only the QTO Dormitory files with a .dwf extension, and click Import.
NO LABEL the selected files display on the Import Files page.
The selected files display on the Import Files page.
13. Click Finish.
The project is created, and a message notifies you that the project is ready to use.
14. Click Close.
The project opens. Because you selected a catalog to import, QTO now gives you the opportunity to
specify the exact catalog content to import.
15. In the Select Items to Import dialog, expand Interiors, and then expand Interior Doors to see the items in
this subgroup.
You can control the content of your project catalog at any level of the hierarchy. If you clear the Interiors
check box, the Interiors group and all its subgroups and items will be excluded from the catalog you
import. If you clear the Interior Doors check box, only this subgroup and its items will be excluded. If you
clear an interior door item, only that item will be excluded from the project catalog; all other interior
door items will be included.
16. Retain checkmarks at all levels of the Interiors group. You need the Interiors group, subgroups, and items
for your sample project. However, the Existing Conditions group is not needed.
17. Clear the check box for Existing Conditions to exclude this group from your project, and click OK.
The catalog import is complete.
18. Click the Takeoff palette on the left side of the QTO window, and expand Interiors\Interior Doors. The
Takeoff palette is where you store and manage all takeoff data for a project. When you import a catalog,
the Takeoff palette is populated with groups, subgroups, and items that are derived from the catalog.
The catalog structure forms the organizational model for your takeoff project. In a later exercise, you
refine the catalog in preparation for creating takeoff.
Exploring QTO
The following topics introduce you to the default QTO user interface and describe options for customizing it to best suit
your needs.
Tip:
If you are already familiar with the QTO user interface, skip to Organizing Your Project to continue working in your
newly created project.
QTO Window
By default, the toolbar is docked at the top of the QTO window, the Workbook is docked at the bottom, and frequently
used palettes display as tabs at the left of the window. In the following illustration, the default window is populated
with takeoff data you create by doing the exercises in this guide.
Menu Bar
The menu bar at the top of the QTO window gives you access to all available actions. Clicking a menu bar item displays
a set of related commands.
Toolbar
Directly below the menu bar, the toolbar provides all the tools you need to navigate sheets and models, create takeoff
data, and add markup. Using the takeoff tools, you can measure lengths and area, as well as count objects in project
drawings.
If there are multiple tools grouped under one tool icon, click next to the icon to display all options.
When you select a tool, tool options are displayed below the tool on the Contextual Tools palette. For example, if you
select the Polyline Linear Takeoff tool, you can specify the segment type (line or arc), the method for handling
continuously drawn segments (as a single takeoff measurement or as individual takeoff measurements), and the color
and opacity applied to the markup.
General Tools
Zoom Tools
Rotate Tools
Turntable. Used to change the position of a 3D model, with the Z axis constrained.
Orbit. Used to change the position of a 3D model, allowing movement in any direction.
Model Takeoff. Extracts the object tree from a 3D model and adds it to the Takeoff palette.
Search Takeoff. Searches for and creates takeoff for all geometry that matches user-defined search criteria.
Single-Click Auto Takeoff. Measures a single piece of geometry in rich DWF sheets with published attributes.
Single-Click Linear Takeoff. Measures a single piece of linear geometry in rich DWF sheets.
Polyline Linear Takeoff. Yields a linear measurement of one or more line or arc segments.
Polyline Area Takeoff. Yields an area measurement from a closed polyline made up of line or arc segments.
Polyline Backout Takeoff. Removes a takeoff measurement from a closed polyline area.
Markup Tools
Shape. Adds markup shapes to a sheet. Options include Line, Polyline, Rectangle, and Ellipse.
Canvas
The canvas is the large area in the middle of the QTO window, which displays the sheet or 3D model selected on the
Documents palette. On the canvas, you create takeoff from sheets and models, annotate sheets using markup tools,
and validate the completed takeoff data.
When displaying a 3D model, the canvas contains an additional screen element that is not displayed with sheets: the
ViewCube. Click the ViewCube to switch between standard and isometric views of your model. Use the compass ring on
the ViewCube to orbit the model in any direction.
Palettes
The menu bar at the top of the QTO window gives you access to all available actions. Clicking a Project documents,
takeoff data, and the tools you use to organize and view documents and data are arranged on palettes that display as
tabs on the left side of the QTO window by default. Put the cursor on a tab to display the palette. If a palette is not
shown in the QTO window, you can access it on the Window menu.
Documents Palette
The Documents palette is where you store and organize all sheets, models, and images for your project. The document
you select on the Documents palette displays on the canvas. Project documents are organized in a folder structure that
is similar to the navigation tree in Windows® Explorer®. You can add, rename, and delete folders to organize project
documents. In the following illustration, the Documents palette contains the folder structure that is created when you
import files for the Basic Takeoff project in this guide. In a later exercise, you reorganize the folders and documents.
Takeoff indicators display on document icons to identify sheets and models that contain takeoff data. The amount of
takeoff contained in each document is displayed in the Takeoff column on the Documents palette. The values in the
Takeoff column represent the sum of manual takeoff and visible automatic takeoff for each sheet and model.
Automatic takeoff that is present in multiple views is counted for each document in which it is visible. The check box in
the Legend column controls the visibility of sheet legends. A legend is a reference table on a drawing sheet that lists
and defines the colors used for takeoff markup on the sheet. You can add a legend to any 2D sheet in a QTO project.
View Options
On the Documents palette, click View Options to access the display options:
• Large Thumbnails: Displays a scaled-down image to the left of the sheet name. Thumbnails can serve as a
graphical index, making it easier to visually scan and recognize images.
• Small Thumbnails: Displays a reduced-size thumbnail image to the left of the sheet name.
Tip
You can also access the display options by right-clicking an empty area of the Documents palette and clicking View
Options.
Takeoff Palette
The Takeoff palette is where you store and manage all takeoff data for a project. The data is organized in the following
hierarchy, which forms the organizational structure of your project:
• Groups: Like folders and subfolders, groups store takeoff data. In a typical construction takeoff, the
information is organized by discipline, division, trade, or view type (such as plans, sections/elevations, and
details). In QTO, this highest level of organization is represented by groups. You can create multiple levels of
groups and subgroups.
• Items: Groups contain items, which are families of objects, such as interior walls and plumbing fixtures, to be
measured and counted.
• Objects: Items contain objects, which are individual instances of the takeoff items in the sheets and models in
your project.
This hierarchy of groups, items, and objects is graphically represented in an expandable and collapsible navigation tree.
In the following illustration, the Takeoff palette contains the takeoff data you create by doing the exercises in this
guide.
View and Edit Options
The left side of the Takeoff palette contains check boxes that you use to control whether takeoff graphics are shown or
hidden on the canvas and whether takeoff data can be edited. Use the Takeoff palette context (right-click) menu to
access another view option: The Views command locates and zooms in to a selected takeoff object.
Use the Lock/Unlock option to control the editing of completed takeoff items. A in a box at any level of the tree
indicates that the takeoff cannot be selected on the canvas, although it may be visible. In addition, when you lock an
item, you cannot delete it or drop objects into it (although you can add objects to it using takeoff tools or assignments).
For example, when you select an interior wall on the canvas, the published DWF properties for the wall display on the
Design tab, and the takeoff measurements display on the Takeoff tab, as shown.
Design Tab
Takeoff Tab
Navigator Palette
When you are viewing a 2D sheet on the canvas, the blue frame on the Navigator palette outlines the area of the sheet
that is currently in view. This can be helpful when you are working with a very large detailed sheet.
The blue rectangle acts as a magnifying glass on the sheet. Drag it to reposition the view location on the canvas.
At the bottom of the Navigator palette is a zoom control toolbar. Use the controls to zoom in or out by small or large
increments.
Model Palette
When you are viewing a 3D DWF file, the objects that are published from the design application display on the Model
palette in a navigation tree that is similar to the tree in Windows® Explorer®.
You can make a selection at any level of the tree, and then right-click to access commands for filtering the display of the
model on the canvas and for creating takeoff for the selected group, item, or object:
• Hide. Hides the selected object(s) from view
• Hide Others. Hides all objects from view except the selected object(s)
• Show All. Restores the default view of the model, with all objects shown on the canvas
• Transparent. Toggles the object display between transparent and opaque
• Invert Selection. Selects all objects except the object(s) selected on the Model palette
• Takeoff. Creates takeoff for a selected group, item, or object and places the results on the Takeoff
palette
• Takeoff to Item. Adds takeoff results for selected items or objects to a specified item on the Takeoff
palette
View Options
As you work with a 3D model, click View menu Standard Views to access a full set of model views:
Bookmarks Palette
The Bookmarks palette displays any bookmarks that were created in the drawing file by the design application from
which the drawing file was published. Use bookmarks to navigate to published or user-specified locations in the sheet
or model.
Layers Palette
Use the Layers palette to show or hide layers that were created in the design application from which the drawing file
was published.
Search Palette
Use the keyword search feature on the Search palette to locate all occurrences of a word or phrase in sheets, models,
takeoff groups, items, and objects. Use the navigational links in the search results to navigate to an item and view its
takeoff data.
The Search palette works in conjunction with the Search function on the menu bar.
When you enter a keyword in the Search field, and press ENTER, the Search palette displays the results. You can then
use the Search palette to refine the results.
Workbook
The Workbook palette is located at the bottom of the QTO window by default. Like other palettes in QTO, you can
move the Workbook so that it displays as a tab on the side of the QTO window. Use the Workbook to view detailed
takeoff data for the active sheet or the entire project. The Workbook is organized by tabs that match the top-level
groups (for example, disciplines, divisions, or trades) on the Takeoff palette. It contains one additional tab: the
Summary tab, which is a compilation of all takeoff information for all categories.
Note
The units of measure that display in the Workbook are typically specified when you create takeoff items; however, you
can modify them directly in the Workbook.
By default, the Workbook shows a summary of takeoff items with their associated quantities. To display their
material, labor, and equipment costs, right-click any column header in the Workbook and select the cost columns to
display. The quantity and cost data in the Workbook can help you answer questions, such as: How many doors are
needed for the 3rd floor? How much will they cost? What will it cost to install them?
From the summary view, double-click an item to display the detailed object data associated with it. To return
to the summary view, click the Back button in the upper-left corner of the Workbook. The Forward button ,
which displays next to the Back button in the summary view, provides another way to view item detail. Select an item
the entire project. To switch between Sheet and Project views, click (Workbook palette menu) Workbook Filter,
and select a view option.
When Sheet is selected, the name of the sheet or model displays in the Workbook header. When Project is selected,
the name of the project displays in the header. The filter option you specify is applied to both the summary and detail
views of the Workbook, and it is saved as a display setting, so it persists from session to session.
By default, Row Size is set to Medium. To change the height of the rows in the Workbook, click (Workbook palette
menu) Row Size, and select a size option. When you increase or decrease the row size, the font is increased or
decreased proportionally.
Cross-Selection of Objects
When you select takeoff geometry on the canvas, the corresponding object is selected both on the Takeoff palette and
in the Workbook. Similarly, when you select an object on the Takeoff palette or in the Workbook, the takeoff geometry
is selected on the canvas. This 3-way visual cross-referencing of objects—on the canvas, at the project level (Takeoff
palette), and at the sheet or project level (Workbook)—can help you manage and validate takeoff data.
These are the rules that govern the visual cross-referencing of objects:
• A selected objected is always highlighted in blue on the Takeoff palette and in the detail view of the
Workbook.
• When the item that contains a selected object is collapsed, the item is highlighted in gray, indicating that it
contains the currently selected object. On the Takeoff palette, expand the item to see the selected object.
In the summary view of the Workbook, double-click the item to see the selected object.
• When the takeoff group that contains a selected object is collapsed, the group is not highlighted. Expand
the group to see the highlighted item; expand the item to see the selected object.
• When an object is selected on the canvas, right-click it, and click Locate Object to quickly find the
corresponding item and object on the Takeoff palette. QTO expands groups and subgroups on the Takeoff
palette, as needed, to expose and highlight the selected object. The object is also highlighted in the
Workbook, but QTO does not expose it automatically as it does on the Takeoff palette.
Drag the move handle on the docked toolbar, or the title bar on the floating toolbar, to the new location.
Move a palette:
1. On the palette title bar, click .
2. Drag the title bar to the new location. When you drag the palette, docking controls display at the center of
the canvas and at each edge to show where the palette can dock.
Sort columns:
By default, columns are sorted alphanumerically in ascending order.
1. Click a column header to sort the values in the column alphanumerically in descending order.
2. Click the column header again to sort it in ascending order.
When you create a project, the documents you import are organized in folders on the Documents palette. After
creating the project, you can import additional documents. You can also move, rename, and delete documents and
folders at any time during the project life cycle, but it is generally best to organize project documents before you start
the takeoff process.
In the following exercises, you add documents to your project and organize them on the Documents palette. You also
organize the Takeoff palette to set up the structure that will hold the takeoff data you create.
Importing Documents
When you import DWF files, the sheets and models are placed in folders with names that are derived from the names
of the DWF files. Each folder contains all sheets that were in the DWF file. For image files, such as TIF files, each folder
contains one sheet.
Import documents:
1. Click File menu Import Sheets & Models, or click (Documents palette menu) Import.
2. In the Import Sheets & Models dialog, navigate to C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk Quantity Takeoff
2010\Help\Getting Started (Metric).
3. Press and hold CTRL while selecting the following files:
• A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level 1_m.gif
• A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level 1_m.pdf
• A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level 1_m.tif
4. Click Import.
A folder is created for each imported file.
5. On the Documents palette, expand each A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level 1_m folder to view its contents.
Organizing Documents
All project documents are organized in folders on the Documents palette. You can add, rename, and delete folders, and
you can move documents among folders to organize them for efficient use. In this exercise, you organize documents in
folders based on view type, such as Floor Plans, Ceiling Plans, Sections, and Elevations.
Delete a folder:
1. On the Documents palette, select the A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level 1_m folder that contains the .gif file.
2. Right-click the folder, and click Delete.
3. In the alert dialog, click Yes.
You can delete documents individually, or you can delete them collectively by deleting a folder. Note that if there is
takeoff on a sheet or model you delete, the takeoff is deleted from the project.
Rename folders:
1. On the Documents palette, select the QTO Dormitory Revit A100 Sheet_m folder, right-click, and click
Rename.
Tip
Alternatively, you can highlight the folder or document name, and click it to enter editing mode.
2. Enter Site, and press ENTER.
3. Using the same method, rename the following folders:
Rename a document:
6. Expand the QTO Dormitory Revit 3D DWF_m folder.
7. Right-click QTO_Dormitory_2010.rvt, and click Rename.
8. Enter QTO Dormitory Model, and press ENTER.
Organizing Takeoff Groups and Items
When you created your project, you based it on the Getting Started catalog, which populated the Takeoff palette with
takeoff groups and items. In this exercise, you add, delete, and rename groups and items to customize the Takeoff
palette for your project. After you customize the Takeoff palette, you export it as a catalog, which can be used in other
projects.
1. On the Takeoff palette, click the lock icon in the column header next to Description, and click Yes when
prompted to confirm the unlocking. This unlocks the catalog, allowing you to make changes. You can also
lock/unlock takeoff groups and items individually.
2. Select Specialties and click (Delete).
Tip: You can also delete selected groups by right-clicking and clicking DELETE.
As you saw in an earlier exercise when importing a catalog, you can exclude groups from your project catalog by
clearing check boxes in the Select Items to Import dialog. Takeoff groups, whether created through the catalog import
process or with tools on the Takeoff palette, can be deleted at any time. If you attempt to delete a group or item that
contains takeoff data, QTO alerts you that your selection contains takeoff data and prompts you to confirm the
deletion.
7. On the Takeoff palette, click an empty area of the palette so that nothing is selected, and click (New
Group).
Tip: You can also right-click and click New Group, or you can click (Takeoff palette menu) New
Group.
8. Enter Electrical for the group name, and press ENTER.
A top-level group is added to root of the Takeoff palette.
9. Using the same method, add these top-level takeoff groups: Building Site, Furnishings, and Plumbing. Be
sure to click an empty area of the palette before creating each group.
Add subgroups:
Furnishings Furniture
Rename an item:
13. Expand Exterior Exterior Walls.
14. Select Wall, Exterior, Brick on CMU with Soldier Course.
The dormitory project requires a different type of exterior wall.
15. Click the item name to enter editing mode.
16. Enter Wall, Exterior, Brick on Mtl. Stud, and press ENTER.
After you modify a catalog, you might find it helpful to save it for use in another project.
QTO uses a takeoff item to represent a specific material or unit summarized in a materials list or catalog. Takeoff items
can be simple, such as a door, or more complex, such as a wall assembly, which is made up of several component items.
In the following exercises, you create a takeoff item and an assembly on the Takeoff palette. The manner in which
takeoff is calculated for each item is determined by the item type you specify when you create the item. The following
item types are available:
• Linear. A linear takeoff item yields a linear measurement. Examples of this item type include trim and
beams.
• Area. An area takeoff item yields an area calculation. Examples of this item type include flooring and
carpet.
• Volume. A volume takeoff item yields a volume calculation. Examples of this item type include concrete
slabs and rooms. Objects with this item type can be created only by automatic takeoff tools.
• Count. A count takeoff item yields a total number. Examples of this item type include doors, windows, and
furnishings.
• Undefined. This is the default type for a newly created takeoff item. Undefined items are not counted or
measured when you use takeoff tools. Change the item type to create a valid takeoff item that can be
counted or measured.
In this exercise, you create takeoff items for plumbing fixtures and carpet.
Note:
Item colors are assigned sequentially as you create items. If you have created items in QTO projects prior to beginning
these exercises, the item colors in your sample project may differ from those shown in this guide.
1. On the Takeoff palette, under Plumbing, select Plumbing Fixtures, and click (New item).
Tip: You can also right-click and click New Item, or you can click (Takeoff palette menu) New Item.
2. Enter Toilet - 480mm Seat Height for the item name, and press ENTER.
The new item is added to the Plumbing Fixtures subgroup.
3. In the Type column for the item, select Count.
4. Double-click the new item to open the Takeoff Item Properties dialog.
5. On the General tab, for Height, enter 480, and for Unit, select mm.
6. On the Cost Data tab:
• Under Cost Quantities, notice that the Quantity 1 value (Count) cannot be edited. This is the primary
quantity for the item, which you defined by specifying the item type.
• For Material Cost, enter 196, and accept the default multiplier, Qty 1 (Count). Material Cost is the
cost of raw materials. You can calculate material cost either on a per unit or lump sum basis. By
entering Qty 1 (Count) as the multiplier, you specify that the cost of the item is 196 per unit.
• For Labor Cost, enter 130, and accept the default multiplier, Qty 1 (Count).
Labor Cost is the cost of installation. By entering Qty 1 (Count) as the multiplier, you specify that the
cost of installing the item is 130 per unit.
7. Click OK.
8. On the Takeoff palette, select Interiors Floor Finishes, and click (New item).
9. Enter Floor, Carpet for the item name, and press ENTER.
The carpet item is added to the Floor Finishes subgroup.
10. For Type, select Area.
11. Double-click the new item.
12. In the Takeoff Item Properties dialog, on the General tab:
• Under Visual Display, for Color, click the color value. In the Color dialog, select a green shade, and
click OK.
• For Hatch, click the hatch value. In the Hatch Patterns dialog, view the available hatch patterns, and
then click the Default tab, select Clear, and click OK.
13. On the Cost Data tab:
• For Material Cost, enter 3.90, and accept the default multiplier, Qty 1 (Area).
• For Labor Cost, enter 1.30, and accept the default multiplier, Qty 1 (Area).
Note
You can also specify a value for Equipment Cost to account for the cost of purchased or rented equipment
needed for installation.
Takeoff items that contain component items are called assemblies. For example, if an interior wall item is created as an
assembly, you can expand the wall item in the Workbook and view the component items that make up the wall, such as
gypsum wallboard, wood studs, and insulation.
In this exercise, you create a takeoff item for the interior wall assembly shown below.
Before creating an assembly item, make sure all of the assembly components have been added to the Takeoff palette.
In this case, the gypsum wallboard and R-19 insulation items already exist in the Materials group. However, the wood
studs in the Materials group are 50 x 100 mm, not 50 x 150 mm as the assembly requires.
In this exercise, you create the 50 x 150 mm wood stud item by copying and modifying the 50 x 100 mm item. You then
create the wall assembly item, select its components, and add formulas for quantity calculations.
9. On the Takeoff palette, under Interiors, select Partitions, and click (New item).
10. Enter Wall, Interior, 50 x 150mm Wood Stud Assembly for the item name, and press ENTER.
The new item is added to the Partitions subgroup.
11. For Type, select Linear.
12. Double-click the new item.
13. In the Takeoff Item Properties dialog, on the General tab:
• Under Dimension, for Height, enter 2440, and for Unit, select mm.
• For Thickness, enter 150, and for Unit, select mm.
• Under Visual Display, for Color, click the color value, select red, and click OK.
14. On the Assembly tab, click (Add Unit).
15. In the Browse dialog, select the components by doing the following:
• Expand Materials, and expand the subgroups to display the component items.
• While pressing CTRL, select the following: Gypsum Board, 16mm; Insulation Fiberglass, Blanket, R-19;
and 2440mm Wood Studs 50 x 150mm.
• Click Select.
16. In the Takeoff Item Properties dialog, click Apply.
The interior wall assembly is created. Next, you add formulas for the components, which will allow the
software to calculate item quantities and costs. The costs you specify for the components of an assembly
supersede any costs you specify for the assembly item itself.
• Click .
19. In the Takeoff Item Properties dialog, for Gypsum Board, 16mm, click in the Unit column, and select ea.
This is the unit of measure that the software will use when calculating the count formula.
Note
Only components with a Count item type use this unit of measure. Components with Linear, Area, and
Volume item types use the measurement units that are specified in the Takeoff Item Properties dialog for
the component item.
20. Using the same method, specify formulas for the other components:
• Insulation: For Formula, specify Area/.702, and for Unit, select ea. (This is the area of a standard 2340
x 300mm batt of insulation, converted to square meters.)
• 2440mm Wood Studs 50 x 150mm: For Formula, specify Length/.406, and for Unit, select ea. (This
calculation allows for a stud every .406 m.)
In this section, you use the tools in QTO to perform digital quantity takeoff. First, you learn about takeoff methods and
how to set the sheet scale for image files in preparation for using the takeoff tools.
QTO provides a comprehensive set of takeoff tools for use with 3D DWF models, 2D DWF sheets, DWG sheets, PDFs,
and image files (TIFs, GIFs, and JPGs). The type of document you select on the Documents palette determines the tools
that are available for automatic and manual takeoff (sometimes called on-screen takeoff):
PDF or image file (TIF, GIF, JPG) No Yes (except Single-Click Linear Takeoff)
• Model Takeoff. This tool, which can be used only with 3D DWF files, extracts the object tree from the
model and adds it to the Takeoff palette. The items that are created by the Model Takeoff tool are
placed in a takeoff group whose name is based on the model name. You create valid takeoff for these
items by dragging them to a defined area (root, group, or item) on the Takeoff palette.
• Search Takeoff. This tool, which can be used with 3D models and 2D sheets, creates takeoff data for
multiple items based on search criteria you define. Using the tool, you select a piece of geometry on a
sheet and specify search criteria based on the object’s design data. The software finds all objects in the
project that match the search criteria. The geometry and properties for the objects are loaded into the
Takeoff palette item. Select an item on the Takeoff palette prior to starting a search takeoff to have the
results added to that item and named based on the item’s family or style.
• Single-Click Auto Takeoff. This tool, which can be used with 3D models and 2D sheets, lets you create a
takeoff measurement with a single click on a piece of geometry.
Manual Takeoff Tools
Manual takeoff tools can be used with 2D DWF sheets and non-DWF files, which include DWGs, PDFs, TIFs, GIFs, and
JPGs. They measure drawing geometry to create takeoff data. These tools are:
• Linear Takeoff. This group of tools lets you record linear measurements by tracing lines on a floor plan
or, in the case of the Single-Click Linear Takeoff tool, by clicking on a line.
• Area Takeoff. This group of tools lets you record area measurements by tracing geometry on a floor
plan.
• Count Takeoff. This tool lets you tally and record occurrences of objects, such as windows and doors,
that you want to quantify on a floor plan.
• Backout Takeoff. This group of tools lets you refine takeoff data by subtracting from previously
recorded counts or measurements.
DWF files have a scale that is set when the file is published. That scale is reflected in the measurements that
are calculated and displayed in QTO. You cannot change the scale of a drawing when the scale is set by the authoring
application.
For PDFs and image files (TIF, GIF, JPG), you must specify the sheet scale before you can use the manual
takeoff tools for linear or area measurements. Without a sheet scale, only the Count Takeoff tool is available. You can
select a predefined scale, if known, or set the precision manually by plotting points in a drawing.
For both DWF and non-DWF files, you can specify drawing units.
8. Click OK.
Use automatic takeoff tools to create takeoff for objects in 3D models and 2D sheets. Automatic takeoff tools use the
design data from the publishing application to create takeoff, rather than measuring drawing geometry as manual
takeoff tools do.
15. Using the same method, drag the M_Single-Flush Vision door objects to the appropriate items in Interiors
Interior Doors.
16. Continue defining the Undefined objects from the model takeoff data by moving objects to the
appropriate defined items, using the following table as a guide:
Examples
• Roofs Basic Roof Warm Roof - Timber Exterior Roof Construction Area
• Walls Basic Wall Exterior - Brick on Mtl. Stud Exterior Exterior Walls Linear
29. Click (Back) in the upper-left corner of the Workbook to return to the summary view.
Note
Additional dimensions are defined automatically when the default properties are present in the objects.
You need to define only one dimension to quantify an item, but you may define additional dimensions to
generate secondary quantities.
Examples
To this
Move this Undefined item: Type:
takeoff group:
39. Verify that the primary dimension for each item has a defined property. If you did not define a Length
property for the Stair item when you moved it into the catalog, select a property, such as Actual Riser
Height.
40. Rename items with more descriptive names, as needed. For example, under Furniture, rename 0457 x
0457 x 0610mm as Table-Night Stand 0457 x 0457 x 0610mm, and rename 1525 x 762mm as Desk 1525 x
762mm.
41. Click File menu Save.
42. On the Documents palette, select Floor Plans Sheet: A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level 1. Notice that
the sheet icons in the Floor Plans folder now have takeoff indicators, and the Takeoff column shows the
amount of takeoff data contained in each document.
43. On the canvas, notice that all of the objects you defined now display in their defined colors on the 2D
sheet.
In a real-world project, you would finish defining takeoff data from the model takeoff results by
moving the remaining Plumbing Fixtures and Rooms objects into your project catalog. In this guide, you
quantify these objects using other takeoff tools to learn about the range of tools available in QTO.
Next, you use another automatic takeoff tool to create takeoff objects for the rooms in your project.
Later, you use a manual tool to create takeoff objects for the remaining plumbing fixtures.
Note
Search Takeoff is run on the entire project.
3. On the toolbar, click (Zoom Rectangle), and zoom in to Room 5 at the upper left of the Entry Level.
On the Takeoff palette, notice that the room objects inherit the Area item type from the Room item, and
their primary dimension is mapped to the Area property automatically. Mapping this dimension allows
QTO to quantify the objects.
7. In the Workbook, click the Building Areas tab, and expand Rooms.
8. Double-click the Room item to view room object data.
Because the Workbook is currently filtered to show data for the active sheet, only 16 of the room objects
are shown. You can see the other 6 room objects by viewing the floor plan that contains the rooms.
9. On the Documents palette, select Sheet: A103 - Upper Level 2 & Roof to view the other 6 room objects in
the Workbook.
Alternatively, you can see all 22 room objects reported in the Workbook by switching from the Sheet
filter to the Project filter.
3. On the toolbar, click (Zoom Rectangle), and zoom in to the area around one of the stairwells.
Note: If the Contextual Tools palette is not displayed, click Window menu Contextual Tools.
When you group by selection, the takeoff objects you create are added to the takeoff group or item that
is selected on the Takeoff palette.
7. On the canvas, click the room tags in all 4 stairwells on the Entry Level and Upper Level 1 floor plan.
Drag the blue rectangle on the Navigator palette to navigate the floor plan.
The takeoff objects are added to the Takeoff palette.
8. On the Documents palette, select Sheet: A103 - Upper Level 2 & Roof.
9. Using the same method, create takeoff objects for the room tags in the stairwells on Upper Level 2.
Verify that the Auto item is selected on the Takeoff palette before you click the room tags.
10. On the Takeoff palette, double-click the Auto item.
11. In the Takeoff Item Properties dialog:
• For Name, enter Emergency Exit Signs/Lights.
• For Type, select Count.
• On the Cost Data tab, for Material Cost, enter 29, and accept the default multiplier.
• For Labor Cost, enter 18, and accept the default multiplier.
• Click OK.
12. Expand the Emergency Exit Signs/Lights item, and rename each object with a descriptive name, such as
Exit Sign - Emergency Light, Exit Sign - Emergency Light_2, and so on.
13. On the Takeoff palette, click the Filter list, and select View Defined.
This filter limits the takeoff data to only defined items and objects (and the takeoff groups that contain
them). Now that you have defined the model takeoff data and added defined takeoff data for rooms and
emergency exit signs, you no longer need to view Undefined items and objects.
14. Save the Dormitory project.
Use manual takeoff tools to create takeoff for objects on 2D DWF sheets and non-DWF files, such as PDFs, DWGs, TIFs,
GIFs, and JPGs. Manual takeoff tools count objects or measure drawing geometry, rather than using published design
data as automatic takeoff tools do. This takeoff method is sometimes called on-screen takeoff.
In the following exercises, you create takeoff for toilets on all levels of the dormitory and for carpet in the corridor on
the entry level.
3. Click (Zoom Rectangle), and zoom in to the toilet next to the North Stair, at the upper right of the
Entry Level.
Navigate to an object:
14. On the Takeoff palette, right-click any toilet object, click Views, and click the sheet listed on the flyout
menu.
QTO zooms in to the selected object on the associated view drawing.
15. On the Takeoff palette, click the selected object to enter editing mode.
16. Enter a more descriptive name, such as Entry Level South, and click ENTER.
Tip: In order to rename the objects by location, open the Navigator palette to see where the selected
object is on the sheet.
17. Using the same method, rename the remaining objects, as shown.
2. Click (Pan), and move the sheet to show the south portion of the lobby and corridor on the Entry
Level.
7. In the Workbook, click the Interiors tab, and expand Floor Finishes Floor, Carpet.
The carpet takeoff is recorded both in the Workbook and on the Takeoff palette.
Create a takeoff object with a rectangle tool:
8. Click (Pan), and pan to the left to display the south end of Upper Level 1.
9. On the Takeoff palette, select Interiors Floor Finishes Floor, Carpet.
3. On the Contextual Tools palette, click , and draw an arc that traces the curved wall, as follows:
• For the first point of the arc, specify the intersection of the curved wall and the wall on the left.
• For the second point, specify the midpoint of the curved wall, as shown.
• For the last point of the arc, specify the intersection of the curved wall and the wall on the right.
4. On the Contextual Tools palette, click , and draw a line segment that closes the semicircle.
When you complete the backout, the backout area is subtracted from the carpet area, and the Area
value in the Workbook is updated.
5. Click (Back) in the upper-left corner of the Workbook to return to the summary view.
10. On the toolbar, click , and select the stamp on the canvas.
11. Reposition the stamp as needed.
Add a legend:
12. On the Documents palette, for Sheet: A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level 1, select the Legend check box.
Alternatively, you can click Document menu Legend to add a legend to the selected sheet. The
legend is composed of a color block, an item label, and quantity information, showing the amount of the
item that is used on the sheet. By default, legends show the primary quantity (Quantity 1) and associated
unit for each item.
13. On the toolbar, click , and select the legend on the canvas.
With the legend selected, you can modify the legend settings on the Contextual Tools palette, and
you can reposition the legend as needed.
After you create takeoff data using automatic or manual takeoff tools, it is important to review and validate
the data to ensure the quality of the information.
When you create takeoff data in QTO, takeoff markup is displayed on the canvas, each measurement is
recorded as an object on the Takeoff palette, and quantity and cost data is aggregated in the Workbook. All of this data
is linked in a 3-way cross-reference. Therefore, when you select takeoff geometry on the canvas, the corresponding
object is selected both on the Takeoff palette and in the Workbook. Similarly, when you select an object on the Takeoff
palette or in the Workbook, the takeoff geometry is selected on the canvas. This 3-way visual cross-referencing of
objects—on the canvas, at the project level (Takeoff palette), and at the sheet or project level (Workbook)—is designed
to help you validate takeoff data.
Only items that have a measurable value display in the Workbook. Items are measurable when they have both
a defined Type value (either Linear, Area, Volume, or Count) and a defined property for at least one dimension. For
example, when you defined model takeoff results in an earlier exercise, you needed to specify a Length property for the
Stair item when you moved it into the catalog. If you did not do this, the Stair item would not display in the Workbook.
Cross-referencing items on the Takeoff palette with those in the Workbook can help you validate your data.
In this exercise, you validate takeoff data using the following methods:
• Verify that when you select an object on the Takeoff palette, the same object is selected in the
Workbook and on the canvas.
• Right-click the object on the Takeoff palette, click Views, and click a view drawing on the list that
displays. QTO zooms in to that object on the canvas.
• Right-click the object on the canvas, and click Locate Object. The corresponding object is selected on
the Takeoff palette.
• Use the Search feature to locate all occurrences of a word or phrase, and select a specific search result
to view the related takeoff data.
Ceiling Plans Sheet: A601 - Typical Electrical Lighting Fixtures 0600 x 1200mm (2 Lamp) - 120V
Ceiling Plan M_Troffer Light - Lens [95219]
If the results are extensive, you can use the Search palette to refine them.
17. On the Documents palette, select Sheet: A200 - Elevations.
18. On the Search palette, enter basic wall, and press ENTER.
The search results are filtered to show only Basic Wall results.
19. Under Objects, select the first Basic Wall link. The Search palette closes, and the object is selected on
the sheet, on the Takeoff palette, and in the Workbook.
You can also open the Search palette by clicking Window menu Search. Keyword searches can help
you validate takeoff data by locating all occurrences of a word or phrase throughout the entire project.
Creating and Viewing Reports
Create reports to see summarized or detailed takeoff data for your entire project or a selected portion of it. QTO
provides the following report types that you customize by making selections in the Report dialog:
• Summary. A cost report that can include quantities and cost information for each takeoff group that
contains takeoff data.
• Group (Items Only). A detail report that can include quantity and cost information for each item in your
project.
• Group (Items and Objects). A detail report that can include quantity and cost information, object properties
and dimensions, and sheet location for each item and object in your project.
• Material (Items Only). A bill of materials that can include quantities and cost information for each item in
your project.
• Material (Items and Objects). A bill of materials that can include quantity and cost information, object
properties and dimensions, and sheet location for each item and object in your project.
To generate a report, specify the report type, content, and layout elements that suit your needs. The report is
displayed on the canvas and added to the Documents palette for future reference. In addition, the report name is
added to the Recent Reports list on the Report menu, where you can select it to generate future reports, using the
previously saved report settings. The Recent Reports list displays the last 10 reports generated from the current project.
When you select a report from the Recent Reports list, QTO uses the predefined settings as a report template,
gathering the specified takeoff data from the current project and generating a new report. Predefined reports provide
single-click reporting. Each time you run a report from the Recent Reports list, the newly generated report includes any
modifications you have made to the takeoff data since the report was last run.
Any reports you generate are displayed on the Documents palette as documents, which can be viewed, printed,
and exported. Report documents and predefined reports (that is, Recent Report menu items) are saved within their
respective projects.
Note
If you publish a takeoff project to a DWF file, reports are not included.
Creating Custom Reports
In this exercise, you create material and detail reports for your project. As you create reports, you tailor the report
style, content, and layout to meet your specific requirements.
• In the Available list, select all groups, and click to move them to the Selected list.
Tip: To quickly select all groups, while pressing SHIFT, select the first and last groups.
3. Click the Columns tab.
The report type you selected determines the columns that are available. The Description column is
included for all report types.
4. In the Available list, expand Cost Data.
5. While pressing CTRL, select the following columns, and click to move them to the Selected list:
• Labor Cost
• Material Cost
• Quantity 1
You can move an entire category, such as Cost Data, to the Selected list to include all of the
category's columns in your report. Or, as you did in this step, you can expand the category and select
specific columns to include in your report.
6. Select Quantity 1, and click twice to move the Quantity 1 column directly below Description on the
selected list.
Tip: Rearrange columns using the and buttons on the Selected list.
7. Click the Labels tab.
8. For Label Style, select Item and Parent Group.
Items in reports are listed in ascending alphabetical order, based on the label style you specify (either
Item Only, Item and Parent Group, or Item and Root Group). By selecting Item and Parent Group as the
label style, you choose to have entries are ordered alphabetically by parent group name rather than by
item name or root group.
9. Click the Layout tab.
The settings you specify on the Layout tab determine how the report will look on the screen or on
paper.
10. Under Options, select Show Grid.
11. Under Orientation, select Landscape.
12. Click the Header & Footer tab.
On the Header & Footer tab, you can select predefined information, such as page numbers, your
company name, the date, and the author. You may also specify a logo or other graphic image file to
include in the header or footer.
13. For Header, select this format: <Current Date>,<Report Name>,Page 1 of ?
14. For Footer, select Page.
15. Click Create Report.
The report is added to the Documents palette and displayed on the canvas. Next, you use the Report
toolbar to view the takeoff data.
16. On the Report toolbar, click (Go to Page), enter 4, and click OK.
QTO displays page 4 of the report.
17. Click (Find Text), enter basic wall, and click Find Next.
QTO finds the next instance of Basic Wall. Note that searches are not case-sensitive.
18. In the Find Text dialog, click Cancel.
20. Use the page navigation tools to move forward or backward through the report, either
by single page or to the first/last page in the report.
The Report toolbar also includes the Export tool , which you use in a later exercise.
When you select a report from the Recent Reports list, QTO uses the predefined settings as a report template,
gathering the specified takeoff data from the current project and generating a new report. Predefined reports provide
single-click reporting.
In this exercise, you enter an override for an item, and then generate an updated version of the materials report.
1. In the Workbook, for the exterior wall item, enter an override in the Quantity 1 field.
2. Click Report menu Recent Reports, and select the Dormitory Materials report.
A new report is generated. The report is added to the Documents palette and displayed on the canvas.
3. Locate the exterior wall item in the report, and notice that the report contains the updated item
information.
Because a report is a snapshot of project data at a particular moment, create reports during different
project phases to maintain a history of the takeoff data.
Exporting Takeoff Data
There are several methods for exporting QTO data: from the Workbook, as a catalog, or from a report. When you
export data, you transfer it from QTO to another format, such as XML (a format widely supported by applications such
as Microsoft® Excel® and Microsoft® Word®), TXT, or Comma Separated Variable (CSV) format, which is a text file.
Although exporting can be used as a secondary reporting method, it is primarily used to transfer data to another
application.
6. Click File menu Export Catalog, or click (Takeoff palette menu) Save as Catalog.
7. In the Save as Catalog dialog:
• Navigate to the desired export location.
• For File name, enter a descriptive name.
• For Save as type, select either Takeoff Catalog (*.att), CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv), or Tab
Separated Variable (*.txt).
• Click Save.
When you publish a QTO project to a DWF file, users of Autodesk® Design Review and DWF Viewer can access your
takeoff data.
In this exercise, you publish your project to a DWF file.
Publish to DWF:
1. Click File menu Publish to DWF.
2. In the Publish to DWF dialog:
• For Save in, specify a location for the DWF file.
• For File name, enter Basic Takeoff.
• Click Save.
The publishing process happens one sheet at a time, with a progress indicator reporting the status by sheet.
After all sheets have been published, the DWF file is available in the location you specified.
Congratulations! You have completed your first project in Autodesk Quantity Takeoff. As you continue to work with
QTO, be sure to use the online help as an additional learning resource.