Search Element Function & Exporting to the Contractor Foreman Estimates Module

Using the Search Elements Function

The Search Elements function is designed to identify repeating symbols on drawings that may not be detected automatically.

In this example, the drawing A1.4X – Extended Design, First Floor RCP Electrical is used. Electrical plans often include symbols, such as outlets or devices, that vary in appearance and are not always captured during automatic takeoff generation.

How Search Elements Works

1. Activate the Search Elements tool.
2. Select a representative symbol directly from the drawing, such as a GFCI outlet.
3. Confirm the symbol selection.
4. Click Search.

The system scans the entire drawing, finds matching symbols, and highlights them automatically. All detected elements are added to a new group in the Legend.

The newly created folder can be renamed, for example, GFCI, to clearly identify the item type.

This approach replaces manual, one-by-one selection and significantly reduces time spent on symbol-based takeoffs.

Repeating the Process for Other Elements

The same workflow applies to other symbols on the drawing.

For example:

• Select a ceiling fan symbol
• Run the search
• Review the detected matches
• Rename the resulting folder to Ceiling Fans

Once this process is complete, the takeoff data for these elements is fully captured and organized within the Legend.

Generating a Takeoff Table

With the elements identified, the next step is converting the takeoff data into a usable format.

1. Open the Chat tab.

2. Request a table summarizing the quantities—for example, a total count of GFCIs and ceiling fans.

The system processes the Legend data and returns a clean table with item names and quantities. This table can be reviewed, saved, or exported.

Exporting Takeoff Data

Takeoff results can be exported in multiple formats, including:

• Excel
• CSV
• PDF
• Contractor Foreman Estimate Import template

To integrate takeoff data into estimating, export the table using the Contractor Foreman import format.

Importing into the Estimates Module

After exporting:

1. Open the Estimates module in Contractor Foreman.
2. Create a new estimate.
3. Import the CSV file generated by the takeoff tool.

During import:

• Item names and quantities are populated automatically

Once inside the estimate, you can:

• Assign item types
• Add unit costs
• Apply markup
• Finalize the estimate structure

At this point, the takeoff data is fully integrated into the estimating workflow.

Summary

• Search Elements identifies and groups symbols not detected automatically
• Chat converts takeoff data into structured tables
• Export tools move quantities into Excel, CSV, PDF, or directly into estimates
• Estimates module integration completes the workflow from drawings to pricing

Combined with automatic takeoffs, manual takeoffs, editing tools, and AI-assisted queries, these features form a complete and efficient takeoff-to-estimate process.