Measuring with the Length Tool

The Length Tool is used to calculate meters or feet on plans, which appear in the bill of materials on the Bill of Quantities table. Follow these steps to effectively use the Length Tool,

Adding a Length Measurement

• Via Bill of Quantities Table

1. In the bill of quantities table, right-click and select "Create Task."
2. Enter a description for the new item.
3. Click the "Link Drawing +" icon and choose  "→" Length measurement.
4. On the Plan, click to begin a Length.

⚠️To measure a Length, set the Plan Scale 

 

• Via Quick Launch Menu:

1. Access the top quick launch menu and select the "Length →" icon.
2. This action will create a new Length item in the bill of quantities table, listed as a child item under the drawing name/description parent.
3. Click on the plan to begin a new Length measurement.

Navigation hints:

• Click once to change direction.
• Click, hold, and drag to pan around the plan.
• Hold CTRL / Command⌘ and press Z or esc to undo the last point.
• Double-click to complete the measurement.

Using the Length Tool to Begin Measuring

On the plan, click to begin a Length measurement.

Plan Navigation Hints:

• Click, hold, and drag to pan around the plan.
• Use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom in and out for greater accuracy.

Straight line tool

The Straight Line Tool is designed to create straight lines for precise measurements on your plans. Follow these steps to effectively use the Straight Line Tool,

1. Access the top quick launch menu and select the "Straight line  " icon in addition to the Length tool.
2. Click on the plan to begin a new length. 

Alternatively you can ensure the line is straight by holding the 'S' key while moving the cursor without selecting the tool from the quick launch.

Editing the Length Measurement 

1. Right-click an element to open the context menu with options to,

• Access properties
  
  • Change color
  • Adjust opaqueness
  • Line width
  • Line style
  • Display quantity text
• Grade
• Remove the Length
• Hide the Length

Edit Length measurement

• Hold the CTRL key down while hovering over the element. The edit points will appear and can be dragged to their new locations. 

Continuing with a Previous Measure

• At any time, you can continue with a previous measure by selecting the "" icon from the bill of quantities table.
• Click to place a Length on the plan.

Adjusting Count Totals

• You can adjust measurement totals using the equation field. Measurements can be manipulated with Excel-type formulas. For example, multiplying the Length by a set number [l]*2.6 will multiply the total length by 2.6. This may require you to edit the measurement unit of measure to area.
• The formula follows the PMDAS rule: Parentheses (brackets) first, followed by multiplication, division, addition, then subtraction.
• Detailed information and examples on using formulas are provided in the article "Using Formulas." Refer to the Industry Articles for specific examples in construction, electrical, landscaping, painting, plastering/insulation, plumbing, and roofing.