Learn more

About takeoff templates

Opening an existing takeoff template

Assigning a template to a job

Creating takeoffs

Creating a takeoff template

You create and modify takeoff templates as you would a regular takeoff, with the following differences:

  • You use the 9-5 Takeoff Templates window to work with templates. (You use the Takeoff Launch window to open takeoff templates.)
  • Templates do not support attachments, custom fields, row tags, or printing.
  • Templates do not support options that would modify the database (for example, you cannot export purchase orders or budgets).
  • Because templates do not write data to the database, there is no record or field history to track. Therefore, the View menu does not exist for templates.

Tip: You don't always need to create templates from scratch. If an existing takeoff or takeoff template contains elements that you frequently use in jobs, you can export the takeoff or template to create a new takeoff template that you can modify as needed.

Note: Saved templates are stored as files in the Takeoff Templates folder in your company folder. They are not part of the database.

To create a new template:

  1. Open the 9-5 Takeoff Launch window.
  2. Click the Templates tab.
  3. In the Name box, type a name for a template.

  4. Click [New Template].

  5. In the 9-5 Takeoff Templates window that opens, use the grid on the Template Details tab to enter project information as you would for any takeoff.

  6. Save the template.

Tip: If you have a takeoff that represents a typical estimate, and you want to reuse it for takeoffs in the future, you can save it as a template. Simply open the takeoff in the 9-5 Takeoffs window, and then click Export > As Template.

After creating a template

  • In the Takeoff Launch window, set the bid items Active or Inactive, as needed.

  • Assign templates to specific jobs. (In the 9-5 Takeoff Templates window, with the template displayed, click File > Assign to Job.)