BB-Bid Interface Questions

Q: How do I configure BB-Bid to interface with eTakeoff?
A: After you log in to BB-Bid, do the following:

  1. Select a project and navigate to the Plan Room.
  2. Click on "My Preferences".
  3. In the "For Drawings" preference, select "eTakeoff".
  4. Press the "Save" button to save the new setting.

Q: How do I view BB-Bid plans in eTakeoff?
A: First you must set your drawing viewer preference as described in the previous question. Then do the following:

  1. Select a project and navigate to the Plan Room.
  2. Click on the "View Plan Room" tab.
  3. Click on the "Select All Drawings" button or check individual plans.
  4. Click on the "View" or "Markup/Takeoff" button.
  5. eTakeoff will start automatically and display the first of the selected plans.

Q: How can I view different plans without going back to the BB-Bid plan page?
A: Before viewing the first plan, be sure to select all the plans you may wish to view. Or press the "Select All Drawings" button as described above. eTakeoff keeps a list of all the plans you selected. To view another plan, do the following:

  1. Note that the name of the current plan is displayed in the Project Toolbar.
  2. Press the down-arrow button to the right of the name to display a list of the other plans.
  3. If needed, you can drag the edge of the last to make it larger or smaller.
  4. Click on the plan you wish to view.
  5. eTakeoff will download the plan (if necessary) and display it.

Q: How do I create an eTakeoff project for a BB-Bid project?
A: First you must view one of the plans for the project as described above. Then do the following:

  1. Select "File/Save" from the main menu (or press the "Save" button on the main toolbar).
  2. The "New Project Information" window will be displayed.
  3. Press the "Browse" button to create a new folder for the project.
  4. Complete the other project information and press the "Next" button.
  5. The Drawing Information window will be displayed.
    6. You can put the drawing directly in the project folder or in a sub-folder within the project folder.
    Note: If you check the box to automatically save all project files, any files you view from the internet will automatically become part of the project and be saved in the project folder or a sub-folder.