Guides & help

How to get the most out of CountTooling — from your first PDF takeoff to scale zones, reports, and exports.

How to do a takeoff from a PDF

Step-by-step — upload a plan PDF, set the scale, count fixtures, measure runs, and export a report, all in your browser with CountTooling.

Updated Jun 9, 2026

Setting the scale on a plan

Calibrate a PDF so measurements are accurate — set scale from two points, use architectural/engineering presets, or enter a custom scale.

Updated Jun 9, 2026

Counting fixtures with counters

Place point counts on a plan with custom icons and colors, keep a live tally, and organize them into groups — the heart of any takeoff.

Updated Jun 9, 2026

Measuring runs with lines and polylines

Trace pipe, conduit, and other linear runs to get real lengths off the plan — straight lines, multi-segment polylines, arcs, drops, and the Measure tool.

Updated Jun 9, 2026

Scale zones and multiply zones

Handle multi-scale sheets and repeated areas — give a region its own scale, or multiply everything inside a boundary so typical floors and units count correctly.

Updated Jun 9, 2026

Reports, exports, and sending a takeoff onward

Turn your marked-up plan into numbers and deliverables — the on-canvas legend, Show Report, Export PDF, Copy to PipeTooling, and email summaries.

Updated Jun 9, 2026

Sharing takeoffs and view links

Work together without stepping on each other — share projects with viewers or editors, check out to edit, and send email-gated view-only links that need no sign-in.

Updated Jun 9, 2026

Installing the app and working offline

Add CountTooling to your device for a one-tap icon, and keep working on a takeoff with no connection — built for the job site, not just the office.

Updated Jun 10, 2026

Doing a plumbing takeoff

Count fixtures, measure pipe runs, and price plumbing work straight off the plan PDF — custom counters, scale zones, and exports built for plumbing estimating.

Updated Jun 9, 2026