Assemblies and formulas

We don't have an exact date, but we're working on it as fast as we can. I can say it's near the top of our priority list along with wall heights, slopes, layer visibility per user, grouping projects in folders, rotate pages, and converting items to different types.

This will be huge! let me know if you need a test dummy. Red rover, send Kyle on over?

We would love to have your input once we get this ready for testing. We have our DEV server and we'll make sure your account is active on there for early testing. At some point, we want to have an official "Inside Track Program" where users can sign up for access on the DEV server. We'll get that more organized and official as we move forward. Right now, it blocks any new accounts unless we specifically allow.

I would also like to see what’s going on dev side as well, since I will need to thoroughly understand your implementation in order to prepare data for POS.

Sounds good. Once we get a little closer to the next release, we'll put it on DEV and make sure you guys have access. 🙂

Putting my name in the hat for DEV as well

I have just downloaded a trial version. There is actually no value in this tool for me as it is. Far better for me to continue with the current tools that I am using.

Do you have a current target for your release with assemblies so I can have look at a trial then..

@Geoff,

Following our call I have sent a follow up email and look forward to your reply

For those interested in playing with our latest development version, check out our latest post in Inside Track:

https://www.zztakeoff.com/app/community/inside-track/test-the-latest-on-our-dev-server

Awesome! Gonna check it out. Thanks

Thanks for your patience. Templates, items, & assemblies are available in our latest release. 🙂

Hi! Herber,

I just watched your YouTube podcast with Todd Kaberline and your team about zzTakeoff, and I have to say—it looks like a very promising tool. I’ve been following Todd’s channel for quite a while now, and his insights—especially on database lists and using MS Query—have been incredibly helpful in boosting productivity.

From what I’ve seen, zzTakeoff could be a strong alternative for builders, estimators alike. It seems to strike a balance between usability and powerful automation features that many traditional tools lack.

A bit of background: I’ve been developing custom takeoff templates for another company. These include dynamic assemblies for flat sheets that automatically populate accessory dependencies based on specific input parameters. While the system works well, the pricing model we’re tied to is quite steep, which unfortunately hinders scalability and flexibility across projects.

In a short span of time using zzTakeoff, I’ve already noticed several features that set it apart from other tools:

Takeoff Tool Highlights

Dimension

• The ability to easily adjust font size and line width via sliders is a big plus.
• It would be even more helpful if other shape options (aside from the triangle) were available—such as a tick mark, custom arrow, or additional annotation styles.

Count

• The star shape used for counting is awesome! It's visually distinct.

Area

1. Would it be possible to customize the Area tool further by allowing us to link a database or dropdown list within the properties panel—specifically for selecting sheet sizes?
2. If the above is feasible, could the area shape auto-adjust based on the selected sheet size? For example, choosing "2.4m x 1.2m" would automatically form a rectangular shape matching that dimension.

2.1 Additionally, can we include a label sequence number on each generated area shape (e.g., Sheet 1, Sheet 2, etc.)? This would allow users to quickly count and visually reference sheet quantities directly on the drawing.

3. Linear Tool

• When mapping out boxes (e.g., for windows or doors) using the linear tool, would it be possible to extract both X and Y dimensions into the Properties panel, in addition to the current perimeter value?
• This enhancement would allow users to easily pull out width and height measurements and use them to dynamically generate or customize dependencies for jambs, sills, and head flashings, rather than manually calculating these from the perimeter.

Finixney’s 3rd point would be great with the area tool, as has been mentioned before.

Thanks for the comments and feedback. These sound like some cool features to add, so I'll discuss with the team and push to get these in here. We want to make this the easiest and also most flexible takeoff software available.

Regarding Item 3 in my earlier message, I was specifically referring to scenarios where we map door or window trims using the Linear tool.

Further Enhancement Suggestion: Opening Subtractions

In addition to John's input, it would be valuable if the X and Y dimension properties could also be made available when performing subtractions for openings (e.g., doors and windows).

Even in cases where trims are not required, having access to these measurements would allow us to automatically assign related accessories, such as sealing tapes, air seals, or flashing membranes, based on the opening size.

P.S.

This isn’t related to assemblies or formulas, but just a thought on improving the community interface:

It would be great to have a “Like” button or thumbs-up feature for posts and suggestions. That way, other users can easily show they relate to or support an idea—making it easier to identify common pain points or high-impact feature requests through visible community engagement.

Hi finixney

Thanks so much for your detailed feedback and for watching Todd's content! It's great to hear that zzTakeoff is resonating with you and that you're finding value in it as a potential solution for builders and estimators.

Regarding your item 3 about the Linear Tool and the P.S. section about the community interface - I can see from your screenshot that there is indeed a "Like" button available at the top of posts (as shown in Image).

This allows users to show support for ideas and suggestions, which helps us gauge community interest in different feature requests.

Your suggestions about enhancing the Linear Tool with X and Y dimension properties for door/window mapping, automatic accessory assignments, and opening subtractions are really thoughtful. These kinds of workflow improvements that could streamline the takeoff process are exactly the type of feedback our development team values.

I've forwarded all of your feature requests to the development team for review, including the dimension adjustment capabilities, area tool enhancements, and linear tool improvements you've outlined.

Thanks again for taking the time to share such comprehensive feedback - it's clear you've really thought through how these features could improve the user experience!

Hi! Sam,

Thanks for the update—really appreciate you taking the time to review and forward the suggestions. Glad to know the ideas on dimension mapping and tool improvements are being considered.

Happy to help however I can—looking forward to what’s ahead!

On P.S: Oh! yeah i did see it on the main suggested topic. Thanks.