The Split toolis a precision editing feature that allows you to divide a single linear or area takeoff into multiple smaller pieces.
This is incredibly useful for situations where you initially measured a long wall or a large area that now needs to be broken down into smaller segments or phases.
How to Use the Split Tool
1. Select the Takeoff: Use the Select Tool (arrow) to click on the linear or area takeoff that you wish to split.
2. Activate the Split Tool:
Once the takeoff is selected, look for the Split Tool icon on the left-hand side Control Menu, or hit the shortcut key "S" to activate the tool.
3. Draw the Split Line:
Your cursor will change to indicate you are in Split mode.
Start your first point outside the polygon.
Trace along the path where you want the split to occur.
You can add as many points as needed to shape the split line.
You can split one polygon multiple times or split multiple polygons all at once.
4. Finish the split
Make sure your final point is also outside the polygon, then
Double-left click or press Enter to complete the split.
5. Result:
The original takeoff will be divided into two (or more, if you make multiple splits) new takeoffs.
Each new takeoff is now an independent instance on your Quantities List.
They will initially retain the same classification as the original, but you can now re-classify them individually. For example, you can split a single long corridor area takeoff and re-classify one half as “carpet area” and the other as “tile area”.
Tips and Shortcuts
Shortcut: Press S to activate the Split Tool.
Personalize the split: You can personalize your split by adding as many points as needed to tailor the division according to the desired shape.
Split multiple polygons: Select multiple polygons first (hold Shift and left-click), then split them together.
Split Arc: Press A to use the Split Arc option, which allows you to split using an arc line.
Common Use Cases
Walls: Splitting a long wall measurement at the point where the wall type changes (e.g., from a standard drywall to a fire-rated wall).
Flooring: Dividing a large open-plan flooring area into different zones or rooms without having to delete and redraw the entire takeoff.
Phasing: Breaking up site work or concrete slabs into different construction phases or pour sequences.
The Split tool provides flexibility, allowing you to adapt your takeoffs to new types without starting from scratch.