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This page explains how to start working inside the takeoff workspace, with focus on:
  • The top toolbar tools
  • Picking an object type
  • Setting metadata in the Inspector

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Open a takeoff

You can enter takeoff from:
  1. Projects list, then open a project and click Open Takeoff
  2. Direct URL: /takeoff/{documentId}

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Workspace layout

The takeoff workspace is organized into:
  • Top toolbar: primary tool mode (Select, Draw, Measure, etc.)
  • Canvas: where you place and edit objects
  • Inspector (bottom panel): type, dimensions, system values, notes, scale, and more
  • Pages panel: navigate sheets in the selected takeoff document

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Toolbar tools

Use these modes in the top toolbar:
  1. Select (1) Edit existing objects, select one or many, and inspect metadata.
  2. Draw tool (2) Create new takeoff objects using the active type and metadata.
  3. Measure (3) Measure distances on the current sheet.
  4. Angle Finder (4) Measure/display angles for layout and fitting decisions.
  5. SymbolSight Opens symbol matching workflow when matches are available.
Other top toolbar controls:
  • Filters toggle: show/hide filtered-object view on the canvas
  • Search: find items/pages quickly
  • Status indicator and file/help/user controls on the right

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Pick a type before drawing

When you are in Draw tool mode, pick what you want to place first. Fast options:
  • Quick Type pills near the bottom-left of the canvas
  • A for Duct
  • S for Pipe
Full type picker:
  1. Open the Inspector’s Type field.
  2. Choose from Generic types (grouped by category), or from Parts/Assemblies (if enabled).
  3. The selected type becomes your active drawing type.
Tip: You can use T to quickly open the type picker while focused in the workspace.

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Set metadata in the Inspector

The Inspector updates based on context:
  • Create mode: edits the pending object template (applies to what you place next)
  • Select mode: edits currently selected object(s)

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Typical metadata fields

Fields are type-aware, so you only see relevant inputs. Common examples include:
  • Dimension fields (width/height or diameter)
  • Shape and system fields
  • Material/connector/seam options
  • Elevation
  • Scale
  • Notes
Some fields are always present for traceability:
  • Group
  • Created/Updated metadata (when available)

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Important Inspector behavior

  • There is no separate save button for object edits; changes apply immediately.
  • If the document/project is locked, edit controls become read-only.
  • In Select mode with multiple objects, bulk update tools are available for shared fields.

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Lock-assisted metadata options

For duct workflows, the Inspector header includes optional toggles:
  • Lock to standards: applies standards-based metadata constraints
  • Lock to specs: applies active project specs as metadata corrections
Use these when you want stronger consistency and fewer manual corrections.

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Duct-specific: Lock to standards

When the selected or pending object is a duct type, Lock to standards helps keep duct metadata aligned to SMACNA standards.
  • It is most useful when editing duct dimensions, connectors, seams, reinforcement, and related duct construction fields.
  • It reduces invalid combinations by correcting metadata toward SMACNA-compliant values.
  • It is available while drawing new duct items and while editing existing duct objects.
How to use it in practice:
  1. Turn on Lock to standards before placing or editing ducts.
  2. Set your duct dimensions and key properties as usual.
  3. Review the resulting metadata in the Inspector and make final adjustments if needed.
If you are working on non-duct objects, this toggle is not the primary control and may not apply.