What's New in CostOS 8: A User's Manual

Revision History

Revision Number	Author	Date	Comment
Rev.1	Kostas Savvits	14/08/2020	What's New in CostOS 8: A User's Manual

What's New in Project Creation

Fill WB1 & WBS2 with Group Coding

Function description

A new function where users can select Group Coding for WBS1 and WBS2 has been introduced in Standard and Quick New Project, project creation, methods.

Requirements

To create a New Project, "Open/Edit Projects" & "Create Projects" roles should be assigned to users (if they are not Administrators).

How to select Group Codes for WBS1 & WBS2 on "Create New Project"

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon Bar -> click "Home" TAB and select "New Project"
Step 2: Fill all the mandatory fields (Code, Project Name & EPS)
Step 3: Fill any other field required for the project (non-mandatory)
Step 4: Select from the drop-down list to "Fill WBS1 and/or WBS2", each with a Group Code (1-9) according to the needs of the Project.

Quick New Project

Function description

Users can now create projects through a new, clean and easy to use interface.

Requirements

To create a Quick New Project, "Open/Edit Projects" & "Create Projects" roles should be assigned to users (if they are not Administrators).

How to create a Project using the Quick New Project Interface

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon Bar -> click "File" TAB and hover cursor over "New"
Step 2: Click on the "New Quick Project" icon

Step 3: Type "Project Name" (mandatory field)
Step 4: Type "Project Code" (mandatory field)
Step 5: Click "…" to select from or create a new EPS code (mandatory field)
Step 6: Click "Select Icon" to open the Media Library and select an image for the project
Step 7: Type a "Revision" for the project
Step 8: Location: Type co-ordinates or select from the map a geo-location for the project.

Step 9: Description: Users can type a short project-related description
Step 10: WBSs fill: Users can choose to pre-fill the WBSs of the project with a Group-Code stored at CostOS Main Database
Step 11: Database URL: Users can choose whether to use Project Database (default) or New Database
Step 12: More Project Options:
a) Currency: Select from the drop-down list a currency to be used in the Project
b) Project Duration: Select Start & End dates from the calendar provided (to enable calendar click on the date)

Step 13: Project Variables: Click "Add Project Variable" icon to Add PV(s) from the Master Database that will be used in the Project
Step 14: Layouts: Click "Add Layout" icon to Add Layout(s) from the Master Database that will be used in the Project

Step 15: Click "Create Project"

Creating New Projects using Project Templates

Function description

Users can now create templates with predefined settings for their projects so they do not have to select PV Templates, Assemblies, Layouts and other project specific elements, every time they want to create a new project.

Requirements

To create a Project Template, "Open/Edit Projects" & "Create Projects" roles should be assigned to users (if they are not Administrators).

How to Setup a Project Template

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon Bar -> click "Tools & Help" TAB
Step 2: Click the "New Project Templates" icon
Step 3: At the "New Project Template Editor", select a Template from the drop-down list. Alternatively, create a new template using the button at the upper right corner of the window
Step 4: Type: Bottom Up / Top Down: Select to specify the location (in File/New) where the New Template will be saved and sorted
Step 5: Template Image: Users can add an image for the Project Template by clicking the "…" button. This action opens up the Media Library. Users can then select an image from the repository or import new ones
Step 6: Assemblies: Users can add Assemblies stored in CostOS Master Database
Step 7: Layouts: Users can add Layouts stored in CostOS Master Database
Step 8: Project Variables: Users can add PVs stored in CostOS Master Database
Step 9: 2D Drawings: Users can select to add 2D drawings / takeoffs to the Project
Step 10: BIM: Users can select to add 3D models/ takeoffs to the Project
Step 11: GIS: Users can select to add geo-location data to the Project
Step 12: Add from Worksheet: Users can add mapping templates for the Project's imported Excel Worksheets
Step 13: WBSs fill: User can choose to pre-fill the WBSs of the Project with a Group-Code stored at CostOS Main Database
Step 14: Description: Users can type a short Project Template-related description

Step 15: Once, Project Template information is filled and required options are selected, click "Apply"/ "Save"

How to open a Project Template

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon Bar -> File TAB -> Hover cursor over "New"
Step 2: Select the Template created by clicking on its icon

Step 3: Click "Create" at the Template Window opened

Step 4: Type/Select Project information
Mandatory fields:
a) Project Name
b) Project Code
c) Enterprise Project Structure (click at "…" to create EPS or select if any)

Non-Mandatory fields:
a) Project Icon: Click "Select Icon" to open the Media Library and choose an image for the Project
b) Location: Click on the map or type co-ordinates
c) Description: Type Project-related description
d) Fill WBS1/2: Keep or change Group Codes for WBSs
e) Database URL: Change if required Project Database URL (default) to NEW DATABASE
f) More Project Options: Use the drop-down list to set currency
g) Project Duration: Add Start and End Date for the Project using the pop-up calendars

Project Variables/ Layouts/Assemblies/2D/3D and GIS info that was set in the Template can be assigned to the project by clicking on the triggers changing them from Pending to Complete mode.

What's New in CostOS User Experience and Interface

CostOS Media Library

Function Description

Users can use the Media Library as a medium to upload images and files into CostOS.
These images and files can be used in a variety of functions such as Project Template Icons or as additional files at the Description TAB of the BOQ item's Assignments Panel.

How to use

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon BAR -> Tools & Help TAB -> click "Media Library"
Step 2: Click "Add Images" to bring into the Media Library any image-associated files
Step 3: Click "Add Files" to bring into the Media Library any other type of files (including image-associated files)

All images are saved and shown under the Images Title.
Any other type of file is saved and shown under the Project Design Title.

Step 4: Select any file to bring into display the DELETE option or click "Select All" to Delete all files
Step 5: Select a file to Preview. Options such as Download/ Replace or Delete are now available. In addition, more information on the selected file is now displayed (such as file type and size)

How to add a file from Media Library to the Assignments Panel

Step 1: Open a Project and add a BOQ item
Step 2: On the Assignments Panel, click Description TAB
Step 3: Click "Add/Remove" next to Media Library label

Step 4: Tick to select any file(s)
Step 5: Click "Select"
Step 6: The file(s) selected have now been added and Preview is available

How to add files from Media Library to a Project Template

This has been described in the "Project Template" section (page 10)

New CostOS Theme

A new theme named "Blue_2019" is introduced in CostOS 8. To toggle between themes:
Step 1: Click on "User" at the upper right side of CostOS interface
Step 2: Select "User Properties"

Step 3: Click the Appearance TAB
Step 4: Select a Theme from the drop-down list

Step 5: Click "Apply" / "OK"
NOTE: As the message below indicates, user should sign off and back into CostOS in order for the changes to take effect.

New Useful Shortcuts

Auto-match	ctrl+F
Review resources	ctrl+R
Assign local resources	ctrl+L
Assign online resources	ctrl+O
Assign type quantity	ctrl+Q
Add from local database	ctrl+Shift+L

New Currencies Added

Kazakhstani tenge	KZT
Uzbekistani som	UZS
Belarusian ruble	BYN
Ukrainian hryvnia	UAH

New Language Added

Russian language has been added

Dock & Undock the Mini Visualizer & the Assignments Panel

Function Description

Users can dock and undock both the Mini Visualizer and the Assignments panel.
By default, both panels are docked. This means that they have a specific place in CostOS interface by default.

How to Use

To undock, simply click . The panel is now allowed to "float" within the workspace. Users can move it wherever they want and even resize it. In addition, the window automatically resizes to inform the user that it can be docked to other areas of the workspace.

Pin & Unpin the Mini Visualizer & the Assignments Panel

Function Description

Users can pin and unpin both the Mini Visualizer and the Assignments panel.
By default, both windows are unpinned. This means that by using specific arrows one can either show or hide these windows.To pin a panel simply click . A pinned panel is on display when the user clicks on its TAB. When the user clicks on any other area of the workspace the panel disappears.

NOTE: Only docked panels can be pinned

Fast Assign Group Code

Function Description

This is a modal type of window that allows users to assign Group Coding to BOQ items having always in display the "Select Group Code" window. Users can select BOQ items, then select Group Coding from the Group Code structure and click "Select", repeatedly for as many items as they want to assign group coding to.

How to enable Fast Assign Group Code Function

Step 1: Click on "User" at the upper right side of CostOS interface. Select "User Properties"
Step 2: Select the "Appearance" TAB
Step 3: Click to select "Fast Assign Group Code" choice
Step 4: Click "Apply / OK"

Pick multiple Quantities, Rates and Costs straight from the BOQ table

Function Description

Users can pick more than one numeric-content cell from the BOQ table.

How to Use

Step 1: Simply hold down the CTRL key and use the left mouse button to pick quantities from BOQ table
Notice that the column named cells multiply factor changes accordingly to the cells that are added or removed by the user

Excel Style Labels in CostOS Status Bar

Function Description

Excel style labels for Average, Count and Sum are available on selected numeric-content cells (such as quantities & rates)

How to Use

Step 1: Pick more than one Quantity (as described above)
Notice how Average, Count and Sum values are affected by adding or removing in-cell values (such as rates and costs)

Project Resource Database

Function Description

Users can Add Estimate items to a Project using the Project Database.
The Project Database is a repository which has plain, project-specific resources (Labor, Equipment, Material, Subcontractor, Other Costs). Users can add, delete and edit resources. Then add them as BOQs or Assignments to BOQs.

How to Add Items from the Project Resource Database to a Project

Step 1: Open a CostOS Project
Step 2: At CostOS Ribbon -> Estimate TAB -> click "Add Estimate Items"
Step 3: Select "From Project Resource Database"
Step 4: From the Project Resource Table, click to select the Resources required and click "Add Items"

How to populate a Project Resource Database with Resources

Step 1: Open a CostOS project
Step 2: At CostOS Ribbon -> Estimate TAB -> click "Add Estimate Items"
Step 3: Select "From Project Resource Database"
Step 4: Right-click any row of the Project Resource Table and Select "Add new"
Step 5: Select from the menu what type of Resource is needed. Alternatively, change the type of the Resource using the drop-down list from the column "Resource Type"

Note 1: Users can also use the green cross button to add a new Resource

Step 6: To edit a Resource, right-click on a Resource, select "Edit". When done with the editing, click "Update" to save all changes

Import resources via xml/ser files

Steps 1 to 4 are the same as above
Step 5: Select "Import From XML/SER"
Step 6: Locate the Resources xml/ser file from Window's File Explorer and click "Open"

Import resources straight from the Master Database

Steps 1 to 4 are the same as above
Step 5: Select "Import Resources from Master Database"
Step 6: Click to select Resources
Step 7: Click "Select" to add them to the Project Resource Table

Or simply drag & drop from the Master Database to the Project Database

Paste as Duplicates

Function Description

There are two ways now to PASTE line items in CostOS Master Database: Paste & Paste as Duplicate. While Paste creates a copy of the first level only, Paste as Duplicate, creates a copy of items in all levels.
This means that any resources that are assigned to a line item will not only be Pasted but new Group IDs for the resources will be created, therefore, these resources will now appear as new registries in the Master Database resources table.
Example: A line item with Labor & Subcontractor resources assigned that is Copied and Pasted as Duplicated will create a new Labor and a new Subcontractor resource for the corresponding Resource databases.

How to Use

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon Bar -> Home TAB -> click "Line Items"
Step 2: Select a line item or create a new one with at least one Resource
(in the example below a new line item was created with 4 different types of resources)

Step 3: Right-click the line item and select "Copy"
Step 4: Move cursor down a row
Step 5: Right-click and select "Paste as Duplicate"

Step 6: The line item has been "pasted as duplicate"

Note: At the assignment panel, right-click on columns to add (if not already on display) the "Group ID" column.
Toggle between the two (2) line items (original and pasted).
Notice that the Group ID values are not the same for the resources (at the pasted item the number of the ID has been increased by one digit for each resource).
Step 7: Open a Master Database's resource table and select a resource type (use a resource that was used in the copy-paste procedure as described above)
(in the example below the Labor resource table has been opened)

Step 8: Notice that a new resource has now been created
(if the Resources table is already opened right-click anywhere in the table and select "Load all")
This new resource, is a product of the "Paste as Duplicate" function

Support Microsoft Excel in Project Variables

Function Description

Users are able to select between Jxcel or Microsoft's Excel. This changes the Excel type on Project Variables.

How to enable Microsoft's Excel Function

Step 1: Click on "User" at the upper right side of CostOS interface
Step 2: Select "User Properties"

Step 3: Click the "Appearance" TAB
Step 4: From "Properties" drop-down list select "Microsoft Excel"
Step 5: Click "Apply"/ "Ok"

"Define Variable" Straight from a BOQ Item's Cell

Function Description

Users can define a new Project Variable straight from the BOQ panel. Users can create Project Variable that refers on BOQ item column or BOQ Group Code column.

How to use

Step 1: Right click on a BOQ item's cell
Step 2: Select "Define Variable" from the menu

Step 3: On the "Add new Project Variable" window:
a) Select the PV Template the new Variable will be saved in
b) Change if required the Project Variable's name
c) Toggle between text or number to select "Mapping Type"
d) Change if required the Project Variable's description
e) View Project Variable's formula
Step 4: Click "Add"

Project Variable - Drag & Drop

Function Description

Users can drag & drop Project Variables from the Project Variable's panel straight to a BOQ item's cell

How to use function

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon BAR -> Estimate TAB -> Project Variables -> Select "Project Variables Editor"
Step 2: Click to enable "Designer's Mode"
Step 3: Create a new Variable or select "Variables" TAB to open Variables already created
Step 4: Click to select a Variable
Step 5: Drag and drop the Variable selected straight to the BOQ table in the cell which the Variable should be imported

"Calculated selection list option" for custom text, decimal & cumulative fields

Function Description

On "Columns Customization Templates" users are able to setup a column (custom decimal, text or cumulative) as a "Calculated selection list" / ex. simple: ARRAY_CREATE(1,12,14) / Formula:ARRAY_CREATE(1,VAR("test")-10+n(123),4)

How to use

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon Bar -> Tools & Help TAB -> click "Columns Customization"
Step 2: At a Custom_text, custom_cum_decimal or custom_decimal field, click on "Retrieval Method" column (default "formula or input")
Step 3: Select "Calculated selection list" from the drop-down list

Step 4: On Calculate selection list formula for (example CUSTOM_TEXT1) panel, type a formula
Step 5: Click "Update Formula"

Multiple Column Customization templates

Function Description

Multiple Column Customization templates are now available. Columns can be renamed and formulas can be added. Users for every project can now have a different Custom Column Template per Layout and many Layouts per Project

How to import/ add and rename Column Customization Templates

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon Bar -> Tools & Help TAB -> click "Columns Customization"
Step 2: Click to import a template or to add a new one
Step 3: Type a "Template Name" and click "OK"

How to link Column Customization Templates with Layouts

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon Bar -> Table & Layouts TAB -> click "Open Layout"
Step 2: Click to import a layout or click to select a Layout from the list (if available)
Step 4: Click to edit the Layout
Step 5: Click to enable "Column Customization Template" drop-down list and select a Template
Step 6: Click "Save"
Step 7" Click "Open"

.

Snapshots in Mini Visualizer

Function Description

Users can take snapshots of takeoffs directly from the Mini Visualizer

How to Use

Step 1: Open the "Mini Visualizer" in 3D/2D Visualizer (example)
Step 2: Click on a BOQ item that has a Takeoff assigned (ex a 3D takeoff)

Step 3: Click "Snapshot"
Step 4: Change the Mini Visualizer's view to "Snapshot Visualizer"

Report: Bill of Quantities with Resources (and Snapshots)

Function Description

There is a new report available named "Bill of Quantities with Resources"

How to Use

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon Bar -> File / Reports -> select "Reports"
Step 2: From "Dynamic Reports" select "Bill of Quantities with Resources"
Step 3: Click/ tick "Show BIM Snapshots" to have snapshots shown in the Report

Step 4: Click "Select"

What's New in CostOS 2D / 3D

New 2D Takeoff tool

Function Description

There is a new tool for bringing into CostOS pdf files (2D drawings) for measurements, takeoffs and therefore estimations.

How to Use

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon Bar -> Estimate TAB -> Add takeoffs -> Select "3D/2D Takeoffs"
Step 2: To bring/import a PDF drawing into CostOS:
a) Click the button to create a folder for models/drawings import (BIMCT Projects)
b) Type Code / Name / Description on the type fields
c) Click the button to add a model/drawing (BIMCT Models)
d) Select a PDF file by navigating through your files at the "Add Model to Project" window
e) Click "ADD"
Step 3: At the "Add Model" window:
a) Type a name for the imported model/drawing
b) Type a "Revision"
c) Select/ tick to set this model/drawing as the default model for the Project
d) Click "Done"
Step 4: At the BIMCT File Import" Options window, users can:

a) Use the drop-down list to change "File Type"
b) Select which page from the drawing imported, the actions of this panel will apply for
c) Select between Color & Black and White Palette
d) Select between Metric or Imperial System of Measurement
e) Select Scale Size (list changes and is dependable on the System of Measurement selection above)
d) Elevation For 2D (changes between MM and Inches, also dependable on the System of Measurement selection)
e) Set "Origin Point"
f) Set "Rotation Angle"
e) Change default entries (untick): Calculate Quantities / Optimize Geometry / General Conceptual Faces / Extract Textures
g) Change value on "Max Faced Per Element"
Step 5: Click "OK" to start importing
Or
Step 6: Click "Calibrate Model" to custom-calibrate the drawing

How to Calibrate a Model using the Calibrate Model function

Step 1: Model Scale
Depending on user's choice on "System of Measurement" there is a Scale List for users to select from
Or
Click to tick "Custom" selection tick-box and enable the "Set Custom Scale" button (not greyed out)
Step 2: Zoom in our out the model/drawing and click to start drawing a line for measurement. Click again to terminate the measurement and type the correct value in the "New Length" type field.
Click "OK" to continue or "Cancel" to measure again
Step 3: Axis Alignment
a) Click "Set" to set Axis X
b) Click 'Set" to set Axis Y
For each Axis Alignment simply draw a line by clicking 2 points within the imported drawing
Notice the Angle change according to user's settings
Re-apply if needed the Axis settings
Step 4: Set "Origin Point"
a) Click "Set Origin Point"
b) Click to set a point within the drawing
Notice that "Origin Point" applied is now indicated
Re-apply if needed the "Origin Point" setting
Step 5: Elevation
a) Type to add manually "Elevation" for your drawing (in meters if Metric system was previously chosen or in inches if Imperial system was chosen)
b) Click "Apply" to save "Elevation"
Step 6: Reset
Click "Reset" to return all option to default/blank and start again with all measurements
Or
Step 7: "Cancel" / "OK"
Click "Cancel" to return to the previous window, or
Click "OK" to have all calibration settings saved

Change 2D/3D Default Quantities

Function Description

Users are able to change the 2D/3D default Takeoff Units of Measurement Quantities (Calc-Quantities)
For each type of Add Takeoff Element (ex. area, volume) three UoM Quantity types are preselected as default settings
Users are free to change these default settings
There are two ways to do this:
1^st) Change the default Quantities from the "Properties/CalcQuantities" panel.
Step 1: At 3D/2D Takeoff Ribbon BAR, click "View" TAB
Step 2: Select "Properties" (click to gray out the button)
Step 3: At 3D/2D Takeoff Ribbon BAR, click "Home" TAB
Step 4: Having a model/drawing imported, click to add any type of "Add Takeoff Element" or select from the model tree any element.
Step 5: On Properties panel / CalcQuantities right click at a CalcQuantity UoM
Step 6: While on the selected (highlighted) CalcQuantity, right-click to change its default settings and assign any Quantity to it (1,2 or 3).

2^nd) Change the default Quantities from the "Model Tree" panel
Step 1: At 3D/2D Ribbon BAR, click "View" TAB
Step 2: Select "Model Tree" (click to gray out the button)
Step 3: At BIM City Ribbon BAR, click "Home" TAB
Step 4: Having a model/drawing imported, click to add any type of "Add Takeoff Element" or select from the model tree any element.
Step 5: Right click on any element (use expand if necessary)
Step 6: Select any "Change Quantity (1,2 or 3)" to change its default settings

Zoom to Elements (2D/3D takeoffs) on BOQ Assignments Panel

Function Description

This function allows users to zoom in to specific Takeoffs that had been added as 2D/3D Takeoffs to the project. Have in mind, that, the Mini Visualizer should be open and set to "2D/3D Mode"

How to use

Step 1: Add a Takeoff item from 2D/3D Takeoffs to the project (BOQ table)
Step 2: Select the BOQ item (Takeoff) added on Step 1 at the BOQ table
Step 3: On the "Assignments" Panel, select the "Quantity Takeoffs TAB"
Step 4: Right-click on any element (if more than one)
Step 5: Select "Zoom to Selected Items"
This action will zoom in the mini visualizer at the specific Takeoff element

Export to .ifc

Function Description

Users can export 3D models/drawings and estimation information to .ifc format

Requirements

a) An open CostOS project
b) Import a 3D model/drawing to BIM City, and/or
c) Add takeoff elements / or import takeoff elements added from the model tree to the estimation/ BOQ table

How to Use

Step 1: At CostOS Ribbon BAR -> File TAB -> Export -> Select "Export to ifc file"
Step 2: At the "Export to ifc file", click/tick to:
a) Models:

Select which models and/or takeoff elements should be exported to .ifc

Note 1: At least one option should be ticked
b) Misc.:

Select "Estimate takeoff" to export the takeoff elements that have been added to the project/estimation
Select "Estimate Information" to export CostOS estimate information attached to each element
Select "Classification Information" to export CostOS classification information attached to each cost estimate

Note 2: to enable "Classification Information", "Estimate Information" should be selected
Note 3: If more than one selection was made in "Models" section, "Merge all files" in a single .ifc file becomes available. Select this to export all files in a single .ifc file.
c) Group Codes

Select whether to export one or more group coding

Note 4: To enable Group Codes, Estimate Information should be selected

Step 3: Click on the "…" button to select/create a folder to save the .ifc file

Step 4: Click "OK" to export
Step 5: Select "'Open File" to open the generated file on a BIM/.ifc viewer, or
Select "Open Containing Folder" to open the folder the generated file was saved

Add Takeoff Elements

Function Description

Users can add four different types of Takeoff elements to a 2D or 3D drawing/model.
a) Add Count Element
b) Add Linear Element
c) Add Area Element
d) Add Volume Element

How to Use

Requirements:
a) Open a CostOS project
b) Import into BIM City a 3D model or a 2D drawing.
c) "Open" the model/drawing
To enable the "Takeoff Mode":
Simply click any (out of 4) "Add Takeoff Element" types:
1) Add Count Element

2) Add Linear Element

3) Add Area Element

4) Add Volume Element

Properties & Quantities
Click the button on each type of "Add Takeoff Element" to manually measure distances

Direction (available in linear takeoff elements):
Middle Line: The takeoff element's drawing line has a thickness on itself. On Middle Line setting the takeoff's line is drawn keeping the model's line centralized

Inner Line: The takeoff element's drawing line has a thickness on itself. On Inner Line setting the takeoff's line is drawn upon the inner model's line

Outer Line: The takeoff element's drawing line has a thickness on itself. On Outer Line setting the takeoff's like is drawn on the outside of a model's line (peripheral)

How to Add a Takeoff Element

Step 1: Click "Add"
Step 2: Click on the model/drawing to set points (clockwise direction) to create areas/linear or volume takeoffs, or click to add "Count Elements"
Step 3: Use "Enter" button to Terminate any measurements
Step 4: Click "Add BOQ Items and Close (or Continue)"

Quick 2D (available in area and volume takeoff elements)

Function Description

Users can highlight with a click an entire area on their drawings/models

How to Use

Step 1: Click/ tick the option available on "Add Area & Volume Takeoff Elements"
Note: Whether a 2D drawing or 3D model is opened, plan view (2D) will be activated.
Step 2: Click on one or multiple areas to select them

Step 3: Click "Add BOQ Items and Close (or Continue)"

Negative BIM Takeoff quantities

Function Description

Allows users to take negative quantities when picking elements, faces and lines, by switching the quantities label

How to Use

Requirement: Takeoff Mode should be enabled
Step 1: Right-click on a takeoff element on the drawing/model (or directly from the model tree)
Step 2: Select "Add Takeoff"
Step 3: Select "Area (Negative)" or "Quick Area 2D (Negative) - Available for Area and Volume Takeoff Elements
Or Select Distance (Negative) – Available for Linear Takeoff Elements

Step 4: Click on the model/drawing to set points (clockwise direction) to create negative areas/ volume takeoffs or negative distances
Step 5: Use "Enter" button to Terminate a measurement

Transfer or Copy Takeoff(s) from one Element to Another

Function Description

Users can copy or transfer from a same type of a Takeoff Element to another its quantities

How to Use

In the example below two Area Takeoff Elements were added
Step 1: Right-click on a Takeoff Element
Step 2: Select "Transfer Takeoff(s) to another Element" or
"Copy Takeoff(s) to another Element"

Step 3: Click to select a same-type of Takeoff element (ex. area – area)

Step 4: Click "Select"
a) Transfer will "cut" and "paste" the Takeoff quantities from one element to the other
b) Copy will "copy" and "paste" the Takeoff quantities from one element to the other

Page tree

What's New in CostOS 8. A User's Manual

What's New in CostOS 8: A User's Manual

What's New in Project Creation

Fill WB1 & WBS2 with Group Coding

Function description

Requirements

How to select Group Codes for WBS1 & WBS2 on "Create New Project"

Quick New Project

Function description

Requirements

How to create a Project using the Quick New Project Interface

Creating New Projects using Project Templates

Function description

Requirements

How to Setup a Project Template

How to open a Project Template

What's New in CostOS User Experience and Interface

CostOS Media Library

Function Description

How to use

How to add a file from Media Library to the Assignments Panel

How to add files from Media Library to a Project Template

New CostOS Theme

New Useful Shortcuts

New Currencies Added

New Language Added

Dock & Undock the Mini Visualizer & the Assignments Panel

Function Description

How to Use

Pin & Unpin the Mini Visualizer & the Assignments Panel

Function Description

Fast Assign Group Code

Function Description

How to enable Fast Assign Group Code Function

Pick multiple Quantities, Rates and Costs straight from the BOQ table

Function Description

How to Use

Function Description

How to Use

Project Resource Database

Function Description

How to Add Items from the Project Resource Database to a Project

How to populate a Project Resource Database with Resources

Import resources via xml/ser files

Import resources straight from the Master Database

Paste as Duplicates

Function Description

How to Use

Support Microsoft Excel in Project Variables

Function Description

How to enable Microsoft's Excel Function

"Define Variable" Straight from a BOQ Item's Cell

Function Description

How to use

Project Variable - Drag & Drop

Function Description

How to use function

"Calculated selection list option" for custom text, decimal & cumulative fields

Function Description

How to use

Multiple Column Customization templates

Function Description

How to import/ add and rename Column Customization Templates

How to link Column Customization Templates with Layouts

Snapshots in Mini Visualizer

Function Description

How to Use

Report: Bill of Quantities with Resources (and Snapshots)

Function Description

How to Use

What's New in CostOS 2D / 3D

New 2D Takeoff tool

Function Description

How to Use

How to Calibrate a Model using the Calibrate Model function

Change 2D/3D Default Quantities

Function Description

Zoom to Elements (2D/3D takeoffs) on BOQ Assignments Panel

Function Description