Field Notes · · walkthrough
From PDF to BOM in 15 minutes: a takeoff walkthrough
A narrated walkthrough using a real one-line diagram. Scale calibration, templates, counts, grouping, totals — start to finish.
Placeholder body — to be written. Outline below.
What you’ll need
- A PDF of a one-line diagram (we’ll use a real one).
- Five minutes to set up the templates.
- Ten minutes to do the actual takeoff.
Step 1 — Upload and calibrate scale
Drag a PDF in. Click two points on a known dimension, type the dimension. Done.
Step 2 — Set up your templates
For this walkthrough: a Receptacle template (type, voltage, circuit), a
Lighting fixture template (same shape), and a Conduit run template (size,
type). Show the property panel as we build each one.
Step 3 — Click and measure
Run through the actual takeoff. Show the totals panel updating in real time. Highlight the property-based grouping kicking in as we annotate fixtures of different types.
Step 4 — Read the BOM
Open the totals view. Group by template, then by property. Copy out the breakdown. Paste it into your estimating spreadsheet.
What’s not in this walkthrough
Find Similar (separate post coming), overlay comparison (separate post), exports (still in development).
Replace this placeholder with the real walkthrough — ideally with embedded screenshots or a short video — when the supporting material is ready.