Creating an assembly involves defining a “parent” item (what you’ll measure on the plans) and then adding multiple “child” items (the materials and labor) with formulas that calculate their quantities based on the parent.
Assemblies are typically created and managed in the main Library.
Step 1: Create the Parent Item
1. Navigate to the Assemblies section of your Library
2. Click “+ New Assembly”
3. Define the Parent:
Assembly Name: Give it a clear name (e.g., “Interior Partition - 4 7/8” - 9ft High”)
Parent Takeoff Type: This is crucial. Define what you will measure on the drawing. For a wall, this would be Linear. For a concrete slab, it would be Area
Folder/Group: Organize your assembly (e.g., “09 - Partitions”)
Appearance: Set the default color for the takeoff line/area
Step 2: Add Child Items and Formulas
Now you’ll build the “recipe” for your assembly.
1. Click “Add Item” or “+ Child Item” within the assembly editor
2. Add the First Child Item (e.g., Drywall Sheets):
Item Name: “5/8” Drywall Sheet”
Units: “SF” or “EA” (for sheets)
Formula: This is the most important part. You will build a formula using the parent quantity. The parent quantity will be available as a variable, such as Parent.Quantity or Parent.Length
Example Formula for Drywall Area: Parent.Length * 9 * 2(This assumes the parent is a linear wall takeoff, the wall is 9 ft high, and has drywall on 2 sides)
3. Add the Second Child Item (e.g., Metal Studs)
Item Name: “3 5/8” Metal Stud”
Units: “EA” (Each)
Formula:
Example Formula for Studs: (Parent.Length / 1.33) + 1(This assumes 1 stud every 16 inches, which is 1.33 feet)
4. Continue Adding All Items: Add child items for top/bottom track, screws, tape, labor, etc., each with its own unique formula
Step 3: Save the Assembly
Once all child items and their formulas are defined, save the assembly to your Library. It is now ready to be imported into a project and used for takeoffs.