ForemanFOREMAN

Parameters and measurements

Measure area, linear footage, count, and volume right on the plan — then add depth, width, radius, or pitch to derive volumes and sloped areas from a flat measurement.

Each thing you measure is a takeoff — a named row that adds up its measurements as you draw. Pick the measurement type that matches what you're counting.

Choose a measurement type

Pick Takeoffs in the dropdown next to the filename — that also slides open the Takeoffs panel on the right — then pick a tool in the toolbar at the top of the editor:

  1. Area — trace a polygon to measure square footage (slabs, walls, roofing).
  2. Linear — trace a line for linear footage (trim, curb, fence).
  3. Count — click each item to tally a count (fixtures, posts, outlets).
  4. The scale chip — set or reset the sheet scale with a preset or Calibrate manually… (see Upload and scale plans).

Draw a measurement

  1. Pick a tool, then click on the plan to drop points.
  2. For an area or linear takeoff, keep clicking to add points and double-click (or press Finish in the floating bar at the top of the canvas) to close the shape.
  3. The running total appears live in the Takeoffs panel on the right as you draw. If you've collapsed the panel, click the floating Annotations button at the top-right of the canvas to reopen it.

Note

On an area takeoff, use the Add / Cut toggle in the toolbar to subtract openings — doors, windows, or a cutout — from the same measurement.

Change the unit

In the Takeoffs panel, click the unit next to a takeoff's value to switch it — for example ft² to yd² on an area, or LF to yd on a linear takeoff. The value converts automatically.

Derive volumes and sloped areas

Add a dimension to turn a flat measurement into something else without re-measuring.

  1. In the Takeoffs panel, click Options on a takeoff row.
  2. Add a derived input:
    • Area takeoffs can take a Depth (area × depth → volume) or a Pitch (flattens to a sloped area).
    • Linear takeoffs can take a Width (length × width → area), a Width + Depth (trench volume), or a Radius (pipe/cylinder volume).
  3. Enter the value and unit. The derived result replaces the raw value in the row.

Note

Volumes derive to cubic yards and sloped/road areas to square feet — the units contractors actually order and bill in.

Organize takeoffs

  • Click Group at the bottom of the Takeoffs panel to add a group, then drag takeoffs into it.
  • Rename a takeoff from its Options menu (clicking the name selects the row), or click the color swatch to recolor it.
  • Use the eye toggle to hide a takeoff on the drawing without deleting it.
NextAdd measurements to the budget