The standard Excel export is powerful, but customizing it allows you to get the exact data you need in the format you want. The customization options are typically presented in a dialog box just before you generate the file.
Common Customization Options
Grouping Levels: This is the most powerful customization. It controls how the rows in your Excel sheet are organized and subtotaled. You can often create multiple levels of grouping. For example:
Level 1 Grouping: CSI Division(from a classification folder)
Level 2 Grouping: Classification Name
Result: Your Excel file will have subtotals for each CSI Division, and within each division, it will list the individual classifications and their totals.
Columns to Include: You can pick and choose which columns of data appear in your export. This helps to reduce clutter if you don’t need certain information. Common columns include:
Quantity
Units
Classification Name
Folder / Group
Drawing Name
Drawing Number
Takeoff Name(the specific instance name)
Breakdown Columns: If you used the Breakdown feature, you can choose to include each breakdown category as its own column (e.g., a “Floor Level” column, a “Unit Type” column). This is essential for detailed analysis in Excel.
Output Format:
Single Tab vs. Multiple Tabs: You may be able to choose whether to put all data on one “Detailed” tab or to split it, with a “Summary” tab and a “Detailed Data” tab.
Include Summary/Pivot Table: A checkbox to automatically include a pre-built pivot table for quick analysis.
Saving Export Templates: For maximum efficiency, some platforms allow you to save your custom export settings as a template. This means you can define your perfect export format once and then re-use it on all future projects with a single click.
By customizing your export, you can create a report that perfectly matches the structure of your company’s estimating spreadsheet, saving hours of manual data manipulation.