Linear and polyline tools
Use linear tools for lengths: base, trim, pipe, cable, curb, blocking, rail, and simple runs. Use polyline when the path changes direction. Keep clicks tight to the drawing line and finish the path deliberately so the total length is defensible.
Area and polygon tools
Use area tools for flooring, drywall, paint, roofing, ceiling, slab, and any quantity measured in square feet. Close the boundary carefully and avoid mixing rooms or scopes in one shape unless that is how you intend to estimate it.
Count tools
Use count pins for discrete items: fixtures, doors, windows, devices, outlets, hardware sets, inspection points, or repeated scope items. Counts should be category-specific enough to export cleanly.
Wall and wall polyline tools
Use wall tools when the wall run needs wall-style logic instead of a plain line: length, height, side assumptions, or assembly-style quantities where supported. Wall polylines are best for continuous runs with corners.
Markup tools are communication first
Clouds, callouts, highlights, text, and stamps explain intent. They are not budget quantities unless your workflow categorizes them that way. If the goal is an estimate, use a measurement tool and category; if the goal is coordination, use markup.
Choose the category first
- Pick the category before measuring so the quantity inherits the right classification.
- Use specific category names: “Base trim LF” beats “Trim.”
- If a measurement appears in the wrong bucket, correct the category before exporting.