Exporting Data
Get your takeoff quantities out of BuildVision for estimating and reporting.
Export Formats
BuildVision supports multiple export formats:
| Format | Best For |
|---|---|
| Excel (.xlsx) | Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets - most common |
| CSV (.csv) | Any spreadsheet, databases, custom import |
| Quote | Direct export to BuildVision Quotes module |
| PDF Report | Printable summary for clients/team |
How to Export
Open Export Dialog
- In the Takeoff workspace, click Export in the toolbar
- Or press Ctrl/Cmd + E
Select Items to Export
Choose what to include:
- All Items - everything in your takeoff
- Selected Only - just items you've highlighted
- By Category - check specific categories (Doors, Windows, etc.)
- Accepted Only - skip items still pending review
Choose Format
Select your output format:
- Excel for spreadsheet work
- CSV for custom imports
- Quote to create an estimate
- PDF for reports
Configure Options
Depending on format, set additional options:
For Excel/CSV:
- Include dimensions (width x height)
- Include notes/comments
- Group by category or room
- Add unit costs (if configured)
For Quote:
- Select quote template
- Set markup percentage
- Choose sections to include
Download
Click Export and your file downloads automatically.
Excel Export Details
The Excel file includes:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Category | Item type (Doors, Windows, etc.) |
| Item | Specific description |
| Quantity | Count, length, or area |
| Unit | EA, LF, SF |
| Dimensions | Size if applicable |
| Room | Room name if detected |
| Notes | Any comments you added |
Sheet Organization
Multi-sheet export includes:
- Summary - totals by category
- Details - full line-item breakdown
- By Room - measurements organized by space
Export to Quote
Turn your takeoff directly into an estimate:
- Click Export → Quote
- Select or create a quote
- Choose how to organize:
- By category (Doors, Windows, etc.)
- By room (Bedroom 1, Kitchen, etc.)
- By CSI division
- Items become quote line items automatically
When exporting to Quote, quantities and descriptions transfer automatically. You just need to add pricing.
PDF Reports
Generate printable summaries:
Report includes:
- Project information
- Total quantities by category
- Room-by-room breakdown (optional)
- Plan thumbnails with marked items
- Date and preparer info
Customization:
- Add your company logo
- Include or exclude sections
- Add notes and disclaimers
Integration with Other Software
Importing to Estimating Software
Most estimating software accepts CSV or Excel:
- Export as CSV from BuildVision
- Map columns to your software's import format
- Import and apply your pricing database
Common integrations:
- Excel for manual pricing
- QuickBooks for accounting
- Procore for project management
- Custom ERP systems via CSV
API Access
For automated workflows, use the BuildVision API:
- Generate an API key in Settings
- Query takeoff data programmatically
- Build custom integrations
See API documentation for details.
Tips for Clean Exports
Before exporting:
- Review results for accuracy
- Remove duplicate items
- Add meaningful names to custom measurements
- Verify scale is correct
For easier import to other systems:
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Keep categories standard (match your estimating software)
- Add notes for unusual items
Always verify exported quantities against the original plans before sending estimates to clients.
Troubleshooting
Q: My categories don't match my estimating software
Customize category names in Settings → Takeoff → Categories to match your workflow.
Q: Quantities seem wrong
Check the scale calibration - a wrong scale affects all measurements. Recalibrate and compare a known dimension.
Q: Missing items in export
Make sure items are "Accepted" status - pending items are excluded by default. Or select "All Items" in export options.
Next Steps
- Creating Quotes - Price your takeoff
- Projects Dashboard - Track your jobs
- Keyboard Shortcuts - Speed up your workflow