Viewing, comparing, and marking up drawings
Measuring and calibrating drawings
The viewer supports linear and area measurements. Accurate results depend on an accurate sheet scale.
The viewer supports linear and area measurements. Accurate results depend on an accurate sheet scale.
Best for: Field, coordination, and estimating users · Before you begin: Verify the revision and scale; changing the shared scale requires drawing-management access.
Check the scale first
Constructable may detect a scale while processing the drawing. When the scale was set automatically, the measurement toolbar indicates it.
Before relying on a measurement:
- Confirm that you're on the correct revision.
- Check the displayed scale.
- Measure a known dimension if one is available.
- Recalibrate if the result is off.
A scale printed in a title block may apply to only one viewport. Detail sheets with multiple scales need extra care.
Calibrate from a known distance
- Select Calibrate.
- Draw a line over a known dimension.
- Enter the real-world distance.
- Save the calibration.
Use the longest reliable known dimension available. Small reference distances magnify point-placement errors.
Calibration cannot be changed in Split View. Close the second panel first.
Measure distance
Choose Measure and place points along the path. Multi-segment measurement is useful for routed work rather than straight-line distance.
The toolbar shows the current total as you work. Select End when finished.
On phones, measurement actions appear as compact icons in the bottom context bar. The current total remains visible, but sheet-wide and drawing-wide takeoff totals are easier to review on a larger screen.
Measure area
Choose Area and trace the perimeter. Close or finish the polygon to calculate the area.
Takeoff settings may display square feet, square yards, or multiplied units. Verify the unit before copying a value into an estimate.
Precision and copied values
Measurements use the sheet's rounding setting. You can copy current, sheet, or drawing totals to the clipboard where available.
Digital measurement is a planning aid. Poor scans, an incorrect scale, or resized source PDFs can affect accuracy. Confirm critical dimensions against the contract documents or field conditions.