Batch Processing

Process multiple construction plans at once with batch upload. This feature streamlines takeoff for large projects with many sheets.

Overview

Batch processing allows you to:

• Upload multiple PDFs simultaneously
• Configure shared settings across all documents
• Track processing progress in real-time
• Review results as each document completes

This is ideal for projects with multiple floors, phases, or disciplines that share common settings like scale and trade type.

Accessing Batch Upload

1. Open the Takeoff workspace
2. Click the AI Takeoff menu in the toolbar
3. Select Batch Upload

Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Shift+B.

Batch Upload Workflow

Step 1: Upload Multiple PDFs

The upload dialog accepts multiple files:

• Drag and drop multiple PDFs directly onto the upload zone
• Click to select and use your file browser's multi-select (hold Ctrl/Cmd or Shift)

Supported formats:

• PDF (recommended for best quality)
• PNG, JPG (raster images)
• TIFF (scanned documents)

Step 2: Configure Batch Settings

After uploading, configure settings that apply to all documents in the batch:

Batch Name

Give your batch a descriptive name (e.g., "Building A Floor Plans" or "Phase 2 Electrical"). This helps you organize and find results later.

Trade Type

Select the primary trade for detection:

Shared Scale

If all documents use the same scale, set it here:

• Auto-detect - AI attempts to read scale from each drawing
• Manual entry - Enter a ratio (e.g., 1:48, 1/4"=1'-0")
• Per-document - Leave unset to configure each file individually

Step 3: Processing and Progress Tracking

Click Start Processing to begin. The batch manager shows:

You can continue working while processing runs in the background.

Working with Batch Results

Reviewing Completed Documents

As each document finishes:

1. Click the document row in the batch manager
2. The takeoff workspace loads that document
3. Review detections in the Results panel
4. Accept, reject, or edit as needed

Batch Status Indicators

Handling Failures

If a document fails:

1. Click the failed item to see the error message
2. Common issues:
   • Corrupted or password-protected PDF
   • Image resolution too low
   • Unsupported file format
3. Fix the source file and re-upload individually

Tips for Efficient Batch Processing

Organize by trade: Group similar documents (all electrical, all floor plans) for consistent detection settings.

Use consistent scales: When possible, export all drawings at the same scale for easier configuration.

Review as you go: Start reviewing completed documents while others are still processing.

Name batches clearly: Use project names, phases, or dates for easy reference later.

Limitations

• Maximum 50 documents per batch
• Maximum 100 MB per individual file
• Processing time varies based on document complexity and server load
• Very large batches may take 15-30 minutes to complete

Next Steps

• AI Detection - Learn more about detection types and accuracy
• Results & Measurements - Working with your takeoff data
• Exporting Data - Export batch results to spreadsheets