Cutouts and Subtracing from Takeoffs

Overview

Cutouts and subtracting from takeoffs allow you to remove specific areas, segments, or sections from an existing takeoff. This is useful when measuring areas that contain openings, exclusions, or spaces that should not be included in material or labor calculations, such as windows, doors, shafts, or equipment zones.

Using cutouts ensures your takeoff quantities remain accurate and reflect only the areas that need to be counted.

When to Use Cutouts

Use cutouts or subtraction when:

• A floor area contains openings or voids
• Certain sections should not be included in material quantities
• You need to remove overlapping or incorrect measurements
• Equipment or structural areas should be excluded
• You want to refine an existing takeoff without redrawing it

How to Subtract a Cutout from a Takeoff

Step 1: Select the Takeoff

1. Open your project and navigate to the plan sheet.
2. Locate the takeoff you want to modify.
3. Click on the takeoff to select it.

Step 2: Choose the Cutout Tool

1. With the takeoff selected, open the Takeoff Tools panel.
2. Select Cutout or Subtract Area.
3. The cursor will change to indicate subtraction mode.

Step 3: Draw the Cutout Area

1. Click to start drawing the cutout.
2. Trace the area you want to remove.
3. Continue placing points around the exclusion area.
4. Double-click to complete the cutout.

The selected area will be removed from the original takeoff.

Step 4: Verify the Updated Quantity

1. Check the updated measurements.
2. Confirm the area, length, or count has been reduced correctly.
3. Adjust if needed.

Editing or Removing a Cutout

To Edit a Cutout

1. Select the takeoff.
2. Click on the cutout shape.
3. Drag points to adjust the cutout area.
4. Save changes.

To Delete a Cutout

1. Select the cutout.
2. Press Delete.
3. The original takeoff area will be restored.

Best Practices

• Zoom in before drawing cutouts for better precision
• Use cutouts for windows, shafts, and mechanical spaces
• Verify quantities after subtracting areas
• Keep cutouts clearly aligned with plan geometry
• Avoid overlapping cutouts