Autodesk Qty Tutorial PDF

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Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

Getting Started Guide
Overview
Creating a Project
Exploring QTO
Organizing Your Project
Creating Takeoff Items
Performing Quantity Takeoff
Welcome to Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

2012 (QTO).
QTO gives you the tools to perform digital
quantity takeoff, which is faster, easier, and
more accurate than manual methods.
Use the exercises in this guide to learn how
to use QTO by following a typical workflow.
You can follow this workflow when you
create your own takeoff projects.
Topics in this section
Viewing and Validating Takeoff

Data
Overview
Creating and Viewing Reports
Creating a Project
Exporting Takeoff Data

Publishing a Project to a DWF
File
Exploring QTO
Data
Publishing a Project to a DWF File
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Overview
Overview
Creating a Project
Using QTO, you can combine multiple

sources of two-dimensional (2D) and threedimensional (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.
Exploring QTO
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.

Data
File
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 downsample 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 downsampling and
compression settings to publish clear
images at the smallest possible file size.
(Downsampling 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 PDFs and TIFs, 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.
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Creating a Project
Overview
Creating a Project
Exploring QTO
Data
File
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
New.
not display, click File menu
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
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.
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Exploring QTO
Overview
Creating a Project
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
Menu Bar
Toolbar
Canvas
Palettes
Cross-Selection of Objects

QTO Window
Menu Bar
Toolbar
Canvas
Palettes
Setting Up Your Workspace

Data
File
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QTO Window
Exploring QTO
QTO Window
Menu Bar
Toolbar
Canvas
Palettes
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.
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Menu Bar
Exploring QTO
QTO Window
Menu Bar
Toolbar
Canvas
Palettes
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.
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Toolbar
Exploring QTO
QTO Window
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.
Menu Bar
Toolbar
If there are multiple tools grouped under one tool icon, click
to the icon to display all options.
next
Canvas
Palettes
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
Select. Selects geometry on a sheet or model.

Pan. Moves a sheet or model on the canvas.
Zoom Tools
Zoom. Zooms in and out on a sheet or model.

Zoom Rectangle. Zooms in to a specified rectangular area on a
sheet.
Tip From a zoomed view, double-click a Zoom tool to fit the content
to the window. The result is the same as clicking View menu

Window.
Fit to
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.
Automatic Takeoff Tools
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.
Linear Takeoff Tools (Manual)
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.
Rectangle Linear Takeoff. Yields a linear measurement from
rectangular geometry.
Ellipse Linear Takeoff. Yields a linear measurement from
elliptical geometry.
Area Takeoff Tools (Manual)
Polyline Area Takeoff. Yields an area measurement from a

closed polyline made up of line or arc segments.
Rectangle Area Takeoff. Yields an area measurement from
rectangular geometry.
Ellipse Area Takeoff. Yields an area measurement from elliptical
geometry.
Count Takeoff Tool (Manual)
Count Takeoff. Counts takeoff objects.

Backout Takeoff Tools (Manual)
Polyline Backout Takeoff. Removes a takeoff measurement from

a closed polyline area.
Rectangle Backout Takeoff. Removes takeoff measurements
from rectangular geometry.
Ellipse Backout Takeoff. Removes takeoff measurements from
elliptical geometry.
Count Backout Takeoff. Removes count takeoff.
Markup Tools
Shape. Adds markup shapes to a sheet. Options include Line,

Polyline, Rectangle, and Ellipse.
Text. Adds markup text to a sheet.
Callout. Adds a callout to a sheet.

Stamp. Adds a stamp to a sheet.
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Canvas
Exploring QTO
QTO Window
Menu Bar
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.
Toolbar
Canvas
Palettes
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.
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Palettes
Exploring QTO
QTO Window
Menu Bar
Toolbar
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.
Canvas
Palettes
Documents Palette
Documents Palette
Takeoff Palette
Takeoff Palette
Properties Palette
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Contextual Tools Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers Palette
Layers Palette
Search Palette
Workbook
Search Palette
Workbook
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Documents Palette
Palettes
Documents Palette
Takeoff Palette
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers 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.
Search Palette
Workbook
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 scaleddown 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 reducedsize thumbnail image to the left of the

sheet name.
List: Displays the file icon and sheet

name.
Tip
You can also access the display options by

right-clicking an empty area of the
Documents palette and clicking View
Options.
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Takeoff Palette
Palettes
Documents Palette
Takeoff Palette
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers 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.
Search Palette
Workbook
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.
To show/hide takeoff data:
Use the Show/Hide option to filter or isolate takeoff data for
review and validation. A checkmark in a box at any level of the
tree indicates that takeoff graphics are visible on the canvas.
You can control the visibility of all takeoff graphics by

selecting/clearing the check box next to the column headings.
A group-level selection controls the visibility of all subgroups,
items, and objects within the group. An item-level selection
controls the visibility all objects within the item. Objects can be
selected individually.
To lock/unlock takeoff objects for editing:
Use the Lock/Unlock option to control the editing of completed
in a box at any level of the tree indicates
takeoff items. A
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).
To locate a takeoff object on the canvas:
1. On the Takeoff palette, right-click the object, and click
Views.
QTO displays a list of all project views that contain the
object.
2. Select a view drawing from the list.
QTO opens the view and zooms in to the selected takeoff
object.
3. To zoom back out to the full window view, click View
Fit to Window.
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Properties Palette
Palettes
Documents Palette
Takeoff Palette
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers Palette
Search Palette
Workbook
When you view a DWF sheet or model that

was published from a design application,
such as AutoCAD Architecture or Revit
Architecture, the Properties palette
displays property data for an object
selected on the canvas.
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
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Navigator Palette
Palettes
Documents Palette
Takeoff Palette
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers Palette
Search Palette
Workbook
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.
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Model Palette
Palettes
Documents Palette
Takeoff 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.
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers Palette
Search Palette
Workbook
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:
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Palettes
Documents Palette
Takeoff Palette
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers Palette
Search Palette
Workbook
The Contextual Tools palette identifies the currently selected tool and
provides access to tool options, such as line or fill color, opacity,
hatch pattern, text color, and font size.
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Bookmarks Palette
Palettes
Documents Palette
Takeoff Palette
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers Palette
Search Palette
Workbook
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.
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Layers Palette
Palettes
Documents Palette
Takeoff Palette
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers Palette
Search Palette
Workbook
Use the Layers palette to show or hide

layers that were created in the design
application from which the drawing file was
published.
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Search Palette
Palettes
Documents 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.
Takeoff Palette
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers Palette
Search Palette
Workbook
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.
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Workbook
Palettes
Documents Palette
Takeoff Palette
Properties Palette
Navigator Palette
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.
Model Palette
Bookmarks Palette
Layers Palette
Search Palette
Workbook
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 and click
to view its object data.
In the summary view, the tabs are active. Click a tab to view its contents. In
the detail view, the tabs are inactive (dimmed) because the view is limited to
the object data for the selected item.
Working with Data in the Workbook
The Workbook contains object data for all of the takeoff you create in a
project. When you select an item on the Takeoff palette and use a takeoff tool
to count or measure a piece of geometry on a sheet, that takeoff
measurement is recorded for the item in both the summary and detail views of
the Workbook. As long as the item remains selected on the Takeoff palette,
subsequent takeoff measurements are added to the totals for that item in the
Workbook.
Navigate and edit Workbook cells using functionality like that found in
Microsoft Excel. With a cell selected:
Press the TAB key to move one cell to the right.
Press SHIFT + TAB to move one cell to the left.
Press the ENTER key to move one cell down, vertically.
Use the arrow keys to move up, down, left, or right one cell at a time.
Override item data, such as dimensions and measured quantities, by
making entries in cells and pressing the ENTER key.
Use the formula bar to enter formulas for items and objects.
Viewing Data for the Current Sheet or Entire Project

By default, the Workbook displays takeoff data for the current sheet; however,
it includes the option to view data for the entire project. To switch between
Sheet and Project views, click
Filter, and select a view option.
(Workbook palette menu)
Workbook
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.
Adjusting Row Size and Column Layout
By default, Row Size is set to Medium. To change the height of the rows in
the Workbook, click
Row Size, and select
a size option. When you increase or decrease the row size, the font is
increased or decreased proportionally.
Resizing the Selection Field
The Selection field in the upper-left corner of the Workbook displays the
group, item, or object that is currently selected in the Workbook. To change
the width of the Selection field, put the cursor over the boundary on the right
side of the field. When the cursor changes to a double-headed arrow, drag the
boundary until the field is the width you want.
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Exploring QTO
QTO Window
Menu Bar
Toolbar
Canvas
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 objectson the canvas, at the
project level (Takeoff palette), and at the sheet or project
level (Workbook)can help you manage and validate
takeoff data.
Palettes
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, doubleclick 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.
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Exploring QTO
QTO Window
Menu Bar
This section describes various options for

arranging the elements of the QTO user
interface to suit your work preferences.
Toolbar
Arranging Tools and Palettes
Canvas
Modifying the Column Layout on

Palettes
Palettes
Modifying the Column
Layout on Palettes
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Modifying the Column Layout
on Palettes
You can move the toolbar and palettes to

best suit your needs. At any time, you can
revert to the default workspace layout by
clicking Window menu
Reset Window
Layout.
Move the toolbar:
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.
Center docking controls

3. Drag the palette over one of the
docking controls, and release the
mouse button to dock the palette.
Reset the window layout:
After docking palettes, you can restore the
default layout by clicking Window menu
Reset Window Layout.
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on Palettes
on Palettes
You can show/hide, resize, and sort

columns on the Documents palette, on the
Takeoff palette, and in the Workbook to
manage the display of data. You can move
columns on the Documents palette and in
the Workbook. The column settings you
specify persist from session to session.
Hide or show a column:
Right-click any column heading, and click
the name of the column you want to hide or
show.
Change the width of a column:
1. Put the cursor over the boundary on
the right side of the column heading.
The cursor changes to a doubleheaded arrow when the boundary is
selected.
2. Drag the boundary until the column is
the width you want.
Optimize the width of a column:
Double-click a column boundary to change
the column width to fit the contents.
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.
Change the column order:
On the Documents palette and in the
Workbook, move any column (except the
Description column) by selecting it and
dragging it to a new position on the palette.

Change the tab order in the Workbook:
Move any tab by selecting it and dragging it
to a new position in the Workbook.
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Overview
Creating a Project
Exploring QTO
Importing Documents
Organizing Documents
Organizing Takeoff Groups
and Items
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.

Data
File
Importing Documents
Organizing Takeoff Groups and
Items
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Importing Documents
Importing Documents
and Items
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 &
(Documents
Models, or click
Import.
palette menu)
2. In the Import Sheets & Models dialog,
navigate to C:\Program
Takeoff 2010\Help\Getting Started
(Metric).
3. Press and hold CTRL while selecting
the following files:
A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level
1_m.gif
1_m.pdf
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.
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Importing Documents
and Items
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:
Old folder
name
QTO Dormitory
Revit A101
Sheet_m
New folder
name
Floor Plans
QTO Dormitory
Revit A200
Sheet_m
QTO Dormitory
Revit A300
Sheet_m
Elevations
QTO Dormitory
Revit A601
Sheet_m
Ceiling Plans
A101 - Entry
Level & Upper
Level 1_m
Non-DWF
Sections
Move documents to folders:

4. Expand QTO Dormitory Revit A103
Sheet_m, and drag Sheet: A103 Upper Level 2 & Roof into the Floor
Plans folder.
5. Using the same method, move all of
the 2D sheets to the appropriate
folders, and delete the empty folders,
as shown:
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.
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and Items
Importing Documents
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.
Delete unneeded takeoff groups:
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.
Rename a takeoff group:
3. Right-click Shell, and click Properties.
4. In the Takeoff Group Properties dialog,
for Name, enter Exterior.
5. For Remarks, enter Exterior

Construction.
6. Click OK.
Add top-level takeoff groups:
7. On the Takeoff palette, click an empty
area of the palette so that nothing is
(New Group).
selected, and click
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:
10. Select Electrical, and click

Group).
(New
11. Enter Lighting Fixtures for the group

name, and press ENTER.
The Lighting Fixtures subgroup is
added within the Electrical group.
Using multiple levels of groups helps
you create the organizational structure
you need for your project.
12. Using the same method, add these
subgroups:
Under this
group
Add this
subgroup
Building Site
Surface
Furnishings
Furniture
Plumbing
Plumbing
Fixtures
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.
Export a takeoff catalog:
17. Click File menu
Export
Catalog.
18. In the Save as Catalog dialog, to

export the catalog to a non-default
location, navigate to that location.
19. For File name, enter Getting Started Modified, and click Save.
The hierarchical structure of the groups
and item data displayed on the Takeoff
palette is saved in the catalog.
Modifying a standard catalog and
saving it with a new name is an
efficient way of creating catalogs to

meet the requirements of your project
or office standard. Use catalogs to
ensure a consistent data structure
across QTO projects within your
organization.
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Overview
Creating a Project
Exploring QTO
Creating a Takeoff Item
Creating an Assembly
Data
File
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.

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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.
Create a plumbing fixture item:
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
palette menu)
New Item.
(Takeoff
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
(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.
Create a carpet item:

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.

For Material Cost, enter 3.90, and
(Area).
For Labor Cost, enter 1.30, and
(Area).
Note
You can also specify a value for
Equipment Cost to account for the
cost of purchased or rented
equipment needed for installation.
14. Click OK.

15. Save the Dormitory project.
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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.
Create an item by copying a similar item:
1. On the Takeoff palette, expand Materials
Composites.
Woods, Plastics and
2. Select 2440mm Wood Studs 50 x 100mm, right-click, and click

Duplicate.
Copy of 2440mm Wood Studs 50 x 100mm is added to the Takeoff
palette.
3. Double-click Copy of 2440mm Wood Studs 50 x 100mm.

4. In the Takeoff Item Properties dialog, for Name, enter 2440mm Wood
Studs 50 x 150mm.
5. For Type, select Count.
6. On the General tab:
For Height, enter 2440, and for Unit, select mm.
For Thickness, enter 50, and for Unit, select mm.
For Material Cost, enter 2.95, and accept the default multiplier.
For Labor Cost, enter 3.60, and accept the default multiplier.
8. Click OK.
2440mm Wood Studs 50 x 150mm is added to the Takeoff palette. All
components of the wall assembly are now available.
Create an interior wall assembly:
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.
Enter formulas for components:
17. For Gypsum Board, 16mm, click in the Quantity 1 column.
18. In the Formula Editor:
For Quantity Values, select Area.
The value is displayed in the fx field, and the formula is displayed
below it. All formulas begin with an equal sign (=).
For Operators, select /.
In the fx field, after Area/, enter 2.88.
For a standard 1220 x 2440mm sheet of gypsum wallboard (2.88
square meters), the formula to determine the number of sheets
needed for one side of a wall is Area/2.88. If you want to calculate
the number of sheets needed for both sides of a wall, you would
enter (Area/2.88)x2.
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.)
21. Click OK.

The wall assembly is now set up so that quantity and cost totals will be
updated when you create takeoff for wall objects in project drawings.
Takeoff groups and items do not display in the Workbook until they
contain at least one takeoff object. In a later exercise, you add takeoff
objects to the wall assembly, and then view the quantity and cost totals
in the Workbook.
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Overview
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.
Creating a Project

Exploring QTO
Understanding Takeoff Methods

Specifying Sheet Scale
Using Automatic Takeoff Tools
Using Manual Takeoff Tools
Understanding Takeoff
Methods
Using Automatic Takeoff
Tools
Data
File
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Overview
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.
Creating a Project

Exploring QTO
Understanding Takeoff Methods

Methods
Tools
Data
File
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Methods
Methods
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):
Document
Type
Automatic
Takeoff
Available?
Manual
Takeoff
Available?
3D DWF
model
Yes
No
2D DWF
sheet
Yes (except
Yes
Model Takeoff)
DWG sheet
(from DWG
TrueView)
No
Yes
PDF or image
file (TIF, GIF,
JPG)
No
Yes (except
Single-Click
Linear Takeoff)
Automatic Takeoff Tools

Use automatic takeoff tools with 3D DWF
models and 2D DWF sheets. These tools
create takeoff data using the design data
embedded in the DWF files by publishing
applications. These tools are:
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
objects 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 items 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.
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Methods
Selecting a Predefined Scale
Specifying Scale Manually
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.

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In this exercise, you select a predefined

scale for an image file because the scale of
the original drawing is known to be 1:50.
1. On the Documents palette, expand
Non-DWF, select A101 - Entry Level &
Upper Level 1_m.tif, right-click, and
click Properties.
2. In the Document Properties dialog,
click the Units and Scale tab.
3. For Scale Style, select Engineering.
4. For Drawing Units, select Millimeters.
5. For Sheet Scale, select 1:50, and click
OK.
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When you do not know the scale of the

original drawing, set the scale of the image
file manually by plotting points in the
drawing. Specifying the scale calibrates the
manual takeoff tools to resolve distortions in
scanned image files. In this exercise, you
use a known object measurement to
specify the scale for an image file.
1. On the Documents palette, select
1_m.pdf.
2. On the canvas, zoom in to the south
entry door.
3. Click Document menu

Units and
Scale.
This command opens the Document
Properties dialog directly on the Units
and Scale tab.
4. In the Document Properties dialog:
For Drawing Units, select
Millimeters.
Click Set scale by plotting points.
5. In the Set Scale by Plotting Points

dialog, for Baseline Segment Length,
enter 1830, and select Millimeters.
In order to scale a drawing accurately,
you select an object with a known
dimension to use as the baseline
segment. Because the south entry
door is known to be 1830 millimeters
wide, you enter the value, and then
draw the segment that represents that
value.
6. On the canvas, trace the width of the
south entry door as the baseline
segment by clicking to specify the
start point and clicking again to specify
the end point.
Tip To draw a line that is perfectly
horizontal or vertical, press and hold
SHIFT while drawing.
QTO records the measured length of
the segment and calculates the scale
of the drawing. If you change the length
or unit of measure of the baseline
segment, the scale calculation
updates dynamically.
7. Click OK.
In the Document Properties dialog, the
calculated scale displays as the value
for Custom Scale.
8. Click OK.
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Tools
Methods
Using the Model Takeoff Tool
Using the Search Takeoff
Tool
Using the Single-Click Auto
Takeoff Tool
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.

Using the Search Takeoff Tool
Using the Single-Click Auto Takeoff
Tool
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Tools
Methods
Using the Search Takeoff
Tool
Takeoff Tool
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.

Using the Single-Click Auto Takeoff
Tool
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Tools
Takeoff Tool
Model takeoff is available only for 3D models. You can perform

model takeoffs on multiple models in a project. If the project
contains matching 2D sheets, these sheets are marked up and
cross-referenced.
When you perform a model takeoff, QTO extracts the object tree
from the 3D model and places it in a group on the Takeoff palette.
The first time you use the tool, all items in the group have an
Undefined item type. When you define the item types, you create
valid takeoff for those items and objects, and your selections are
used to predictively assign item types during subsequent uses of
the tool.
In previous exercises, you created the hierarchy for your takeoff
project and created items with cost and dimension data. In this
exercise, you perform a model takeoff, and then you define
objects from the model to populate your takeoff structure with
data.
Perform a model takeoff:
1. On the Documents palette, expand QTO Dormitory Revit 3D
DWF, and select QTO Dormitory Model.
2. On the toolbar, click
(Model Takeoff).
3. Click the model on the canvas to start the takeoff.

You can also perform a model takeoff by clicking Takeoff
Model to start the takeoff immediately.
menu
4. When a dialog prompts you that the takeoff is complete,
click Close.
The object tree that populated the Model palette when you
imported the 3D model is now added to the Takeoff palette.
Define the model takeoff data:
5. Open the Takeoff palette, and locate the QTO Dormitory
Model group.
The QTO Dormitory Model group holds all of the model
takeoff data.
6. On the palette title bar, click
7. Put the cursor over the boundary on the right side of the
palette.
8. When the cursor changes to a double-headed arrow, drag
the boundary until all of the dimension columns are visible.
Objects created through model takeoffs and other automatic
tools are quantified when their item type is defined and at
least one dimension is mapped. Pinning and resizing the
Takeoff palette can help you work more efficiently as you
define model takeoff results.
M_Bifold-4
9. Under QTO Dormitory Model, expand Doors
Panel 1220 x 2134mm to display the door object
(M_Bifold-4 Panel).
The object is Undefined. Only defined objects are measured
and counted in QTO. Next, you define the door object by
dragging it to a defined item on the Takeoff palette.
QTO generates quantities for model objects by extracting
their embedded design data and mapping it to dimensions in
the catalog. As you work, notice that some dimensions are
mapped automatically, based on item type. The item type
defines the primary dimension of the item; for example, by
default, Linear items are mapped to Length. Each dimension
is also mapped to a default object property, which is the
property that is measured during takeoff. Default object
properties are specified on the Mapping tab of the
Preferences dialog. By default, Linear objects are mapped to
the Length property. Therefore, if a Linear object contains a
Length property, the length of the object is measured and
reported during takeoff.
Some Linear objects, such as interior walls, have additional
linear properties, such as Width and Unconnected Height.
When additional properties are available for an object, they
display in the dimension columns. You can select a different
property to change the property that is measured during
takeoff.
Some objects do not contain the default property. In this
case, the primary dimension value is Undefined on the
Takeoff palette and no measurement can be generated for
the object. By specifying a property for the primary
dimension, you can generate a takeoff measurement for the

object. If an object does not contain a mappable property,
you must enter an override in the Workbook to create a
measurement for the object. Later in this exercise, you
select a property for Stair objects that do not contain the
default Length property.
Interior Doors
Door,
10. Drag M_Bifold-4 Panel to Interiors
Bifold-4 Panel, 1220 x 2134mm. Notice that when you put
the cursor over the group and subgroup, they expand.
11. Expand Door, Bifold-4 Panel, 1220 x 2134mm.
The door object inherits the Count item type from the bifold
door item, and the values in the dimension columns remain
Undefined. Count objects do not require any dimensions to
be mapped.
12. Under QTO Dormitory Model, under Doors, expand
M_Single-Flush 0762 x 2032mm, and drag the door object
Interior Doors
Door,
(M_Single-Flush) to Interiors
Single-Flush, 762 x 2032mm.
The door object inherits the Count item type from the singleflush door item, creating a measurable takeoff object. Next,
you define multiple takeoff objects.
13. Under QTO Dormitory Model, under Doors, expand Single0915 x 2134mm, select the first door object, press
Flush
and hold SHIFT, and select the last door object.
Interior Doors
Door,
14. Drag the door objects to Interiors
Single-Flush, 915 x 2134mm.
The door objects are now measurable takeoff objects.
15. Using the same method, drag the M_Single-Flush Vision

Interior
door objects to the appropriate items in Interiors
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
Move the
Undefined
objects in this
location:
Ceilings
Compound
600 x
Ceiling
600mm Grid
To the
appropriate
takeoff item in
this group:
Type
Interiors
Finishes
Ceiling
Area
Interiors
Finishes
Ceiling
Count
Exterior
Doors
Exterior
Count
Ceilings
Compound
600 x
Ceiling
1200mm Grid
Ceilings
Compound
Plain
Ceiling
Doors
M_DoubleFlush1730 x
2134mm
Doors
M_Double-Glass
2 1830 x
2134mm
Floors
Floor
ConcreteCommercial
362mm
Floor
LW
Concrete on
Floor
Exterior
Construction
Area
Metal Deck
Specialty Equipment
M_Electric Lift1300 x
wall based
950mm
Mechanical
Elevator
Count
Roofs
Basic Roof
Warm Roof Timber
Exterior
Roof
Construction
Area
Walls
Basic Wall
Exterior - Brick on
Mtl. Stud
Exterior
Walls
Walls
Basic
Interior Wall
108mm Cavity
Wall
Exterior
Linear
Linear
Interiors
Partitions
Walls
Basic
Interior Wall
155mm Partition
(2-hr)
Note Do not move
the objects for Basic
Interior Wall
124mm Partition (1hr). They will be
moved in the next
exercise.
Windows
400 C35
Andersen Exterior
C35
Windows
Exterior
Count
Define a wall assembly object:

17. On the Documents palette, verify that QTO Dormitory Model
is selected.
The takeoff you defined for the model displays in the
Workbook.
18. In the Workbook, click the Interiors tab, and expand
Partitions.
Walls
19. On the Takeoff palette, under QTO Dormitory Model
Basic Wall
Interior - 124mm Partition (1-hr), select one
wall object.
Partitions
Wall, Interior, 50 x
20. Drag it to Interiors
150mm Wood Stud Assembly.
The object inherits the Linear item type, and the Length value
is mapped automatically. The item quantity and costs are
updated in the Workbook.
Modify the Workbook display:
21. In the Workbook, on the Interiors tab, under Partitions,
expand Wall, Interior, 50 x 150mm Wood Stud Assembly.
22. Right-click in the column header area of the Workbook, and
select Remarks.
The Remarks column is now hidden. Only the Description
and Quantity 1 columns are displayed.
23. Right-click in a blank area of the column header, and select

Material Cost.
The Material Cost column displays to the right of the
Quantity 1 column.
24. Use the same method to display the Labor Cost, and Total
Cost columns to the right of the Material Cost column.
The Workbook displays the quantities and costs for the wall
assembly and its component items in the summary view.
Define the remaining wall assembly objects:

25. On the Takeoff palette, select all of the remaining Interior 124mm Partition (1-hr) wall objects, and drag them to the
wall assembly item.
26. Notice that the item quantities and costs are updated in the
summary view of the Workbook.
View the detailed object data:

27. Double-click the wall assembly item.
The detail view of the Workbook displays. The item displays
at the top of the view, and the detailed object data
associated with the item is indented below it.
28. Scroll through the object data.

(Back) in the upper-left corner of the Workbook to
29. Click
return to the summary view.
Filter the takeoff data:
30. On the Takeoff palette, click the Filter list, and select View
Undefined.
This filter limits the takeoff data to only Undefined items and
objects, so you can quickly locate the takeoff data that still
needs to be defined. Note that all Undefined data is in the
model takeoff results, which you finish defining in this
exercise.
31. Click the Filter list, and select View All.
The default view of the Takeoff palette is restored. In the
previous steps, you defined model takeoff data by dragging
Undefined objects to defined items on the Takeoff palette.
Next, you define the remaining model takeoff data by
specifying item types and dragging the defined items to
groups on the Takeoff palette.
Finish defining takeoff data:
32. On the Takeoff palette, under QTO Dormitory Model
Topography
Surface, select Model Takeoff.
This is the default name given to an unnamed item when the
embedded data is extracted from the model.
33. Click the item name to enter editing mode, and then enter
Dormitory Land Surface, and press ENTER.
34. For Type, select Area.
35. Notice that the property in the Area column is Undefined.
36. In the Area column, select Surface Area.

All available Area properties are listed as values. Any
property you select will yield a takeoff measurement.
37. On the Takeoff palette, drag the Dormitory Land Surface item
Surface.
to Building Site
The item and its associated object are added to your project
catalog and the Workbook.
38. Continue defining the Undefined items from the model
takeoff, using the following table as a guide. Be sure to
select an item type for each item. For item types other than
Count, be sure to select a property whenever the items
primary dimension is Undefined.
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
Move this Undefined

item:
Furniture
M_BedStandard 1525 x
2007mm - Queen
Furniture
M_Chair Desk
Chair-Desk
Furniture
M_Desk
1525 x 762mm
Furniture
Table-Night
Stand 0457 x 0457 x
0610mm
Lighting Fixtures
M_Ceiling Light - Linear
Box 0600 x 0600mm(2
Lamp) - 120V
To this
takeoff
group:
Type:
Furnishings Count
Tip To
Furniture
assign the
same Type
value to
multiple
items,
press CTRL
while
selecting
the items,
and then
select the
Type value.
Electrical
Lighting
Fixtures
Count
Plumbing
Count
Lighting Fixtures
M_Troffer Light - Lens
0600 x 1200mm(2 Lamp) 120V
Plumbing Fixtures
i_Pedestal Sink-3D
Pedestal Sink
Plumbing Fixtures
M_Toilet-Commercial-Wall3D 380mm Seat Height
Plumbing Fixtures
M_Tub-Rectangular-3D
M_Tub-Rectangular-3D
Note Do not move M_Toilet-
Plumbing
Fixtures
Commercial-Wall-3D
480mm Seat Height. These
toilet objects will be created
as manual takeoff in a later
exercise.
Railing
Railings
Rectangular
Handrail - Interiors
Stair
190mm max
Stairs
riser 250mm going
Interiors
Linear
Linear
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.
Sheet:
42. On the Documents palette, select Floor Plans
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.
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Tools
Takeoff Tool
Using the Search Takeoff tool, you can quickly create

takeoff for similar objects by using design data
(dimensions and text) as search criteria. In this
exercise, you use the Search Takeoff tool to find model
objects with a Room property and create takeoff
objects for them.
Note
Search Takeoff is run on the entire project.
Select the takeoff geometry:
1. Verify that Sheet: A101 - Entry Level & Upper
Level 1 is displayed on the canvas.
2. On the Takeoff palette, expand Building Areas
Rooms, and select the Room item.
When you select a group or item on the Takeoff
palette before starting the search takeoff, the
takeoff objects are added to the selected group or
item. If no group or item is selected, the objects
are added to the root of the Takeoff palette.
(Zoom Rectangle), and
zoom in to Room 5 at the upper left of the Entry
Level.
(Search Takeoff).
5. On the canvas, move the cursor next to one of the
walls inside Room 5 until the cursor changes from

an arrow to a hand, and then click to select the
room.
Specify the search criteria:
6. In the Search Takeoff dialog:
For Name and Item Type, notice that the
values cannot be modified. These values are
inherited from the Room item you selected on
For Destination, notice that the location is
determined by the item you selected.
If you browse to a different item, the Name
and Item Type values are updated
accordingly.
For Property, select Name in the Identity Data
section.
The selections you make under Property are
used as search criteria.
Click Search.
The takeoff objects are added to the Takeoff
palette and the Workbook.
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.
10. Click
Workbook
Filter
Project.
The detail view is updated to show all room objects
that exist across all sheets in the project.
(Back) to return to the summary view.
11. Click
By using the Search Takeoff tool to find model
objects with a Room property, you have created
takeoff for all of the living spaces. Using the same
method, you can create takeoff for the bathrooms,
conference room, lobby and corridor, mechanical
rooms, and stairwells in your project.
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Takeoff Tool
Tools
Takeoff Tool
Using the Single-Click Auto Takeoff tool, you

can create a takeoff measurement with a
single click on a piece of geometry in a 3D
model or 2D sheet. By default, the takeoff
data you create with this tool is grouped
according to the family (or style) defined in the
objects properties. However, on the
Contextual Tools palette, you have the option
of grouping the takeoff data by selection
instead. The grouping option you select
becomes the default setting.
When you group by selection, the takeoff is
added to the group or item that is selected on
the Takeoff palette. If you add the takeoff to an
item, the object(s) display below the item,
using the name from the model properties. If
you add the takeoff to a group, the object(s)
are added to an Auto item within the group.
In this exercise, you create takeoff objects for
lighted emergency exit signs in the stairwells.
Modify the sheet display:
1. On the Documents palette, select Sheet:
A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level 1.
2. Click View menu
Fit to Window.
(Zoom
Rectangle), and zoom in to the area
around one of the stairwells.
Create automatic takeoff objects:
4. On the Takeoff palette, select Electrical.

Auto Takeoff).
(Single-Click
6. On the Contextual Tools palette, for

Group by, select the Selection option.
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
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.
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Methods
Using the Count Takeoff Tool
Using an Area Takeoff Tool
Using a Backout Takeoff
Tool
Add Markup to a Sheet
Use manual takeoff tools to create takeoff

for objects on 2D DWF sheets and nonDWF 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.

Using a Backout Takeoff Tool
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The Count Takeoff tool tallies the

occurrences of a particular object on a DWF
or non-DWF floor plan and creates takeoff for
each occurrence of the object. Use this tool
to create takeoff for objects, such as
windows and doors, that have a Count item
type. In this exercise, you use the Count
Takeoff tool to count toilets on a floor plan.

Sheet: A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level
1.
2. Click View menu
Fit to Window.
(Zoom Rectangle), and zoom

3. Click
in to the toilet next to the North Stair, at
the upper right of the Entry Level.
Select objects to create takeoff:

4. On the Takeoff palette, under Plumbing
Plumbing Fixtures, select Toilet 480mm Seat Height.

Takeoff).
(Count

Symbol Size, select 4.
7. Select the toilet in Room 10, next to the
North Stair.
Each time you select a toilet, a count
symbol is placed on the sheet, and an
object is recorded both on the Takeoff
palette and in the Workbook.
8. Select the 3 remaining 480mm toilets on
Sheet: A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level
1. Do not select the toilet in Room 15. It
has a seat height of 380mm.
Drag the blue rectangle on the Navigator
palette to navigate the floor plan.
Sheet: A103 - Upper Level 2 & Roof.
10. Using the same method, select the 2
toilets on Upper Level 2. Be sure to
select Toilet - 480mm Seat Height on
the Takeoff palette before you select the
toilets on the floor plan.
All 6 toilet objects are recorded both on
the Takeoff palette and in the Workbook.
11. In the Workbook, click the Plumbing tab,
and expand Plumbing Fixtures.
12. Double-click Toilet - 480mm Seat Height
to view the object data.
When you performed the search takeoff
exercise previously, you set the
Workbook filter to Project view. If you
retained this filter, all of the toilet objects
for the project now display in the
Workbook. If you changed the filter back
to Sheet view, the Workbook shows data
only for the active sheet; therefore, only
2 of the objects are shown. If this is the
case, change the Workbook filter to
Project view to view all 6 objects.
13. Click
(Back) to return to the
summary view.
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.
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In this exercise, you use a manual takeoff

tool to yield an area measurement for
carpet.
1. On the Documents palette, under Floor
Plans, select Sheet: A101 - Entry
Level & Upper Level 1.
2. Click
(Pan), and move the sheet
to show the south portion of the lobby
and corridor on the Entry Level.
Create a takeoff object with a polyline
tool:
Floor Finishes
Floor, Carpet.
Area Takeoff).
(Polyline
5. On the canvas, begin to trace the

corridor walls by clicking to specify the
start point and end point of your first
line segment.
Tip To draw a line that is perfectly
horizontal or vertical, press and hold
SHIFT while drawing.
6. Continue to specify points to trace the
corridor walls and create a closed
polygon, as shown. To close the
polyline area, click near the start point
or right-click.
Tip To pan the drawing when you are
in the process of tracing geometry,
press and hold the SPACEBAR to
switch from the takeoff tool to Pan
mode. Pan the drawing until the
geometry you need is in view. Release
the SPACEBAR to return the takeoff
tool to its original state, and complete
the takeoff measurement.
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.
Floor Finishes
Floor, Carpet.
Area Takeoff).
(Rectangle
11. In Room 14, click one corner to specify

the start point of the rectangle, move
the cursor diagonally across the room,
and click the opposite corner to
specify the end point.
12. In the Workbook, double-click Floor,

Carpet to view object data.
13. Make note of the area calculation
listed for Floor, Carpet_2.
Next, you use an area backout tool to
subtract from this area measurement.
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Use the backout tools in QTO to refine

takeoff data by subtracting from a
previously calculated measurement or
count. In this exercise, you use the
Polyline Backout Takeoff tool to remove a
portion of the carpet area measurement to
account for the void created by the curved
wall.

1. On the canvas, zoom in to the curved
wall in Room 14.
Backout Takeoff).
(Polyline
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.
The area measurement displayed on

the canvas is updated as well.
5. Click
(Back) in the upper-left
corner of the Workbook to return to the
summary view.
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In this exercise, you use markup tools to

add a callout and text to a sheet.
Add a callout to the curved wall:

1. On the Toolbar, click
2. On the Contextual Tools palette, select

4 pt for the callout font size.
3. Place the callout:

Specify a point on the right side of
the curved wall as the start point.
Move the cursor up and to the
right to specify the second point.
In the text box, enter Is wall
continuous from floor to
ceiling?, and then click outside
the box.
, and select
the callout on the canvas.
5. To resize the text box, drag the right
edge of the box to the left.
Add a stamp:
6. Click View menu
Fit to Window.

Stamp, select Preliminary, and for
Size, select 14 pt.
9. Specify a point near the top of the
sheet to place the stamp.
, 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.
, 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.
14. Save the Dormitory project file.
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Viewing and Validating Takeoff Data
Overview
Creating a Project
Exploring QTO
Data
File
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 crossreferencing of objectson 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.
Validate takeoff data:
1. On the Documents palette, select Floor Plans
Sheet: A101 - Entry Level & Upper Level 1.
2. If necessary, click View menu
Fit to Window.
3. In the summary view of the Workbook, click the

Exterior tab, and expand Exterior Windows.
4. Double-click Window, Andersen 400 C35 to view

object data.
Exterior
5. On the Takeoff palette, expand Exterior
Window, Andersen 400 C35, and select
Windows
Andersen 400 C35[75233].
6. Verify that the window is selected on the canvas and
in the Workbook.
Tip
Move any column (except the Description column) by

selecting the column header and dragging it to a new
position on the palette.
7. Click
(Back) in the upper-left corner of the
Workbook to return to the summary view.
8. Using the same method, continue validating takeoff
data:
Open this Sheet
Validate this
takeoff item
Ceiling Plans
Sheet:
A601 - Typical Ceiling
Plan
Electrical
Lighting
Fixtures
0600 x
1200mm (2 Lamp) 120V M_Troffer Light Lens [95219]
Elevations
Sheet:
A200 - Elevations
Exterior
Exterior
Door, DoubleDoors
Glass, 1830 x 2134mm
M_Double-Glass 2
[73073]
Exterior
Roof
Warm
Construction
Roof - Timber Basic
Roof
QTO Dormitory Revit 3D

QTO Dormitory
DWF
Model
Navigate to a takeoff object on the canvas:

Lighting
9. On the Takeoff palette, expand Electrical
0600 x 0600mm (2 Lamp) - 120V.
Fixtures
10. Right-click M_Ceiling Light - Linear Box [94414], and
click Views
Sheet: A601 - Typical Ceiling Plan.
QTO opens the selected view drawing, and zooms in
on the selected takeoff object.
Fit to Window to restore the
11. Click View menu
canvas to the full view of the drawing.
Navigate to a takeoff object on the Takeoff palette:
12. On the Takeoff palette, click
collapse the group.
next to Electrical to
14. On the canvas, select a different light fixture, rightclick, and click Locate Object.
The takeoff object is selected on the Takeoff palette.
15. Notice that the Locate Object function expands
groups and items as necessary to display the
selected object.
You can continue to validate the takeoff data by using
the Views command to navigate to objects on the
canvas, or by using the Locate Object command to
locate objects on the Takeoff palette. You can also
use the Search function.
Search for objects:
16. In the Search text box at the upper right of the
drawing window, enter wall, and press ENTER.
The Search palette opens and displays the results
from sheets, models, takeoff groups, items, and
objects as navigational links.
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
Search. Keyword searches can
Window menu
help you validate takeoff data by locating all
occurrences of a word or phrase throughout the entire
project.
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Overview
Creating a Project
Exploring QTO
Data
Creating Custom Reports
Running a Recent Report
File
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.

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Creating and Viewing
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.
Create a material report:
1. Click Report menu
Custom Report.
2. On the General tab of the Reports

dialog:
For Name, enter Dormitory
Materials - Items and Objects.
By default, the project name is
used as the report name. Give
reports descriptive names (based
on report type and content, for
example) so that you can easily

distinguish among various reports
listed on the Documents palette
and the Recent Reports menu.
For Report Type, select Material
(Items and Objects).
The Report Type value controls
the content that can be specified
for the report. Material reports can
include quantity and cost
information, object properties and
dimensions, and sheet location for
each item and object in your
project. The actual content of the
report is determined by your
selections on the General tab and
Columns tab. For example, to
generate a report that shows only
cost by item (excluding object
data and quantities), you would
select the Material (Items Only)
report type and specify only costrelated columns.
Under Takeoff Entity, for Level of
Hierarchy, accept the default value
of All, and in the Available list,
expand Electrical
Lighting
Fixtures.
Takeoff entities are the takeoff
groups and items that are defined
on the Takeoff palette for the
current project. The Level of
Hierarchy value controls how
many levels of groups are
displayed in the entities tree that
makes up the Available list. For
example, if you specify 1, the
entities tree includes only top-level
groups. If you specify 0, the
entities tree includes no groups,
only items.
Under Takeoff Entity, for Level of
Hierarchy, select 1, and in the
Available list, expand Electrical.
Notice that the Lighting Fixture
subgroup no longer displays but
that all items are displayed in the
entities tree, regardless of the
number you specify for Level of
Hierarchy.
For projects that have many levels
of nested groups, it can be
beneficial to simplify (flatten) the
entities tree to make it easier to
select the content to include in
the report.
In the Available list, select all

to move
groups, and click
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
move them to the Selected list:
to
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.
View report data:
16. On the Report toolbar, click

(Go
to Page), enter 4, and click OK.
QTO displays page 4 of the report.
(Find Text), enter basic
17. Click
wall, and click Find Next.
QTO finds the next instance of Basic
Wall. Note that searches are not casesensitive.
18. In the Find Text dialog, click Cancel.
(Zoom flyout), and select a
19. Click
zoom factor.
The view magnification increases or
decreases.
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.
Create and view a detail report:
1. Using the same method that you used
to create the material report, create a
detail report using the Group (Items
Only) report type and 0 for Level of
Hierarchy.
2. Review the report, noting that selecting
0 for Level of Hierarchy produces a
report with no group headings.
Depending on the label style you
selected, parent or root groups may be
included in item descriptions.
3. Create another detail report using the
same settings that you used for the
last report, except for Level of
Hierarchy, select All.
4. Notice the group and subgroup
headings that are included in the
report.
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Creating and Viewing
Reports
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.
Recent Reports,
2. Click Report menu
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.
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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.
Export Workbook data:

Overview
Creating a Project
Exploring QTO

Data
File

Floor Plans
Sheet: A101 - Entry
Level & Upper Level 1.
If you select a report or a drawing
sheet that does not contain takeoff
data, the export file will not contain
data.
2. Click File menu
Quantities.
Export
3. In the Export Quantity Options dialog:

Under Sheets, select Current
Sheet Only.
The All Sheets option exports
takeoff data from all sheets in the
project.
Under Takeoff, select Export
Hidden Takeoff.
You can use the Show/Hide
check boxes on the Takeoff
palette to hide takeoff data. Select
Export Hidden Takeoff to include
data from takeoff groups, items,
and objects that are currently
hidden.
Click OK.
4. In the Export Quantities dialog:
Navigate to the desired export
location.
For File name, enter a descriptive
name.
For Save as type, select either
XML Spreadsheet (*.xml) or
GAEB Data Exchange XML v3.0
(*.x81).
Click Save.
5. Open the export file to view the takeoff
data.
Export a takeoff catalog:
6. Click File menu
Export
Catalog,
or click
(Takeoff palette menu)
Save as Catalog.
7. In the Save as Catalog dialog:
location.
name.
Takeoff Catalog (*.att), CSV
(Comma delimited) (*.csv), or Tab
Separated Variable (*.txt).
Click Save.
Export report data:

8. At the top of the report preview, click
(Export).
9. In the Export Report dialog:
location.
name.
Crystal Reports (*.rpt), Adobe
Acrobat (*.pdf), Microsoft Excel
(*.xls), Microsoft Excel Data Only
(*.xls), Microsoft Word (*.doc), or
Rich Text Format (*.rtf).
Click Save.
10. In the Export Report message box,
click OK.
11. Open the export file to view the data.
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File
Overview
Creating a Project
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.
Exploring QTO
Publish to DWF:
Publish to DWF.
1. Click File menu
2. In the Publish to DWF dialog:

Data
File
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.

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Home

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

Welcome to Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

Topics in this section

Viewing and Validating Takeoff

Creating and Viewing Reports

Exporting Takeoff Data

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

Using QTO, you can combine multiple

Creating Takeoff Items

DWF stands for Design Web Format,

Performing Quantity Takeoff

Optimize PDF files for use in QTO by using

(Downsampling reduces file size;

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

The first step in using QTO is to create a

create takeoff measurements.

subgroups, and items for your sample

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

The following topics introduce you to the

Topics in this section

Setting Up Your Workspace

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

The menu bar at the top of the QTO window

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

Select. Selects geometry on a sheet or model.

Zoom. Zooms in and out on a sheet or model.

to the window. The result is the same as clicking View menu

Turntable. Used to change the position of a 3D model, with the

Model Takeoff. Extracts the object tree from a 3D model and

Search Takeoff. Searches for and creates takeoff for all

Single-Click Linear Takeoff. Measures a single piece of linear

Polyline Area Takeoff. Yields an area measurement from a

Count Takeoff. Counts takeoff objects.

Polyline Backout Takeoff. Removes a takeoff measurement from

Shape. Adds markup shapes to a sheet. Options include Line,

Callout. Adds a callout to a sheet.

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

The canvas is the large area in the middle of the QTO

When displaying a 3D model, the canvas contains an

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

Project documents, takeoff data, and the

Topics in this section

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

The Documents palette is where you store

represent the sum of manual takeoff and

Small Thumbnails: Displays a reducedsize thumbnail image to the left of the

List: Displays the file icon and sheet

You can also access the display options by

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

This hierarchy of groups, items, and objects is graphically

View and Edit Options

You can control the visibility of all takeoff graphics by

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

When you view a DWF sheet or model that

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

When you are viewing a 2D sheet on the

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff

When you are viewing a 3D DWF file, the

You can make a selection at any level of

results on the Takeoff palette

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff