Start with a known dimension
- Find a dimension string or object with a known real-world length.
- Use the scale or calibration tool to draw across that known distance.
- Enter or confirm the real dimension.
- Measure a second known distance as a sanity check.
Use AI-assisted scale detection carefully
AI scale detection can speed setup by reading title blocks or drawing context. Treat it as a suggested starting point, not a legal or estimating guarantee.
- Verify the suggestion before bidding from it.
- Watch for enlarged details, mixed-scale sheets, and not-to-scale diagrams.
- If something looks off, recalibrate manually.
Choose the right measurement type
- Use linear or polyline tools for wall lengths, trim, curb, pipe, cable, or runs.
- Use area or polygon tools for rooms, slabs, roofing, flooring, paint, or ceilings.
- Use count pins for repeated discrete items.
- Use room or category labels when the same boundary supports multiple scopes.
Keep quantities traceable
Every exported number should trace back to a sheet, scale, category, and markup. If you cannot click from the quantity back to the drawing context, the number is too easy to dispute.