New Video | Use Keyboard Shortcuts

In this video I demonstrate a lean tip to eliminate wasted motion.  Using the keyboard shortcuts can save a lot of time.  And the more you use them, the more familiar you will get with them, and naturally will become more efficient.  Using the keyboard is typically faster than scrolling down with your mouse and your eyes to find an option.  You can keep your mouse where you are, and simply type one letter to get the option you want instantly.  Try it out.  Look for the shortcuts in each menu that pops up.  Any letter that is underlined, is the shortcut.  I hope you try this out.

New Video | Use Layers to Simplify Group Selection

Being able to select multiple objects at once to copy, delete, move, etc. can be a pain when all the layers are on.  Fortunately when we set up our Style Set, we set up the conditions on different layers.  Not only does this help when trying to visually only see particular conditions, but it also helps as you are working on the takeoff.  Check out the latest video below!

New OST tip!

I discovered this tip by accident, but it is quite a time saver.
You can extend multiple lineal takeoff lines at once with just one click!  Check out this video tutorial to see the example and how to do it.  The video shows this for extending horizontal takeoffs, but this will also work with extending vertical takeoffs too.

Save time - Reassign

Here is another 'tip' for you.  If you made a mistake and took off something as the wrong condition type - fight your instinct to erase it and redo the takeoff.  OST has a reassign feature that allows you to simply reassign the takeoff to the condition you choose.  This will save you time when changes arise or if you made a mistake.  Plus, it will keep the takeoff consistent, as you 'move' square footage or lineal feet from one condition to another.
I hope you find this tutorial helpful - it is a time saver.

Here's a Lean tip

I discovered this by accident, but it is a time saver. 
Once your takeoff is complete in On Screen Takeoff - this data needs to be transferred to the excel sales template.  Rather than retyping it all, you can simply cut and paste the quantities from the takeoff tab, right into your quantity column in excel.  Since the excel template has the widths and heights broken up, these will have to be typed in manually and in the same order they appear in the takeoff tab.  But at least the quantities don't have to be retyped.
Maybe in the future, more data can be cut and pasted from OST into the template, but for now this is what I found helpful.

Below is the video tutorial for this tip.  It has been added to the OST playlist on the W&W You Tube channel.

New Video Tutorial - Zones

A new video has been posted on how to create zones.  What is a zone?  It is simply a way to organize your takeoff into areas that your project may need to be broken into.  For example, by building, by floor, by elevation, you get the idea.
After you complete your takeoff you may need to separate it or see how much quantities you have in just one zone or break up your estimate.  This is a handy tool so that you can do a full takeoff, and break it up as needed afterwards.

Click here to see the video:  CREATE ZONES

This has been added to the Walters and Wolf You Tube channel, and the OST playlist.

Video Tutorials posted

Two more video tutorials were created today.  They are demonstrating the first things that have to get done before you can even start using On Screen Takeoff.  The first is, creating your PDF that you will be working from.  The second is, to get that PDF imported into On Screen Takeoff.

These first two steps are truly what needs to be done first, in order to get started in On Screen Takeoff. 

Videos are here:

EXTRACTING PDFS
IMPORTING PDF

Video tutorials are on the way

I have had a few technical difficulties and trials that I had to get through, but I'm happy to say it is now worked out.  I have the software now that will allow me to record me screen, edit my video, and add voice narration afterwards.  I also now have a microphone that picks up the sound clearly and at the appropriate volume.
Needless to say, my first video tutorial for On Screen Takeoff is now published on You Tube.  It has been added to the OST playlist on the Walt Wolf You Tube channel.  Here's a direct link to this first video, if you're curious.  FIRST OST VIDEO TUTORIAL
I've added a link to the video on the How To Takeoff page on this blog and the playlist is now linked on the Videos page of this blog.

At this beginning stage, I will send emails to the team to let them know when new videos are uploaded.  Eventually I hope the team is checking back frequently or subscribed to the You Tube channel, so the email from me will not be needed.  Until then, I will let the team know and request for feedback to ensure the quality and content of the tutorials meet the needs of everyone.

Thank you all for your patience as I now begin to roll out these videos.

Ezlie

OST You Tube Playlist

Click HERE to access the W&W You Tube playlist.  This playlist will be the host of all W&W video tutorials made for On Screen Takeoff.  Videos will be added frequently - especially at this beginning stage, so check back often.