Explode Area

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Applying horizontal and/or vertical grid pattern lines to an area takeoff type measurement is a great way to help visualize linear components associated with takeoffs for joists, concrete cuts, carpet seams, ceiling or floor tiles, metal roof panels, etc.

STACK’s Explode Area tool gives you the ability to actually get quantifiable data from those lines.

The Explode Area tool lets you to create individual linear measurements from the perimeter and any horizontal and/or vertical grid pattern lines applied to an area takeoff measurement. You can associate the linear measurements with any linear takeoff* on the project you choose to provide quantities and costs on your estimate.

*You must have items and/or assemblies added to the takeoff in order for data to be included on the estimate.

What to Know

• Explode Area only works on area takeoff type measurements.
• You need to create/add the takeoff(s) (and add the desired items and/or assemblies) to which you want the new linear measurements associated on your project before using Explode Area on a measurement.
• You can choose to create linear measurements from the perimeter lines of the original area takeoff measurement, as well as any horizontal and/or vertical grid pattern lines that have been applied to the area takeoff measurement.
• You can choose to keep or delete the original area measurement.
• The individual line measurements that are created will function like any other measurement and can be edited or deleted.

See below for instructions to:
Explode an Area Measurement into Linear Measurements

If you need instructions on how to apply a grid pattern to your area measurements, see Choose Takeoff Color and Line Size.

Explode an Area Measurement into Linear Measurements

1. Select the area measurement that you want to “Explode” into individual line measurements.
2. Click Edit on the right-side tool bar and select Explode Area.
   TIP: You can use keyboard shortcut X to accomplish this step.
3. Click the Horizonal Grid Pattern, Vertical Grid Pattern, and/or Perimeter dropdown(s) to select the takeoff* to which you want each of those specific line measurements associated OR leave as Do not explode if you do not want that type of line to be converted to measurements.
   *If you select a takeoff from the dropdown that is a pitched linear measurement type, you will be able to enter the Rise and Run, or Angle.
4. If you want to delete the original area measurement, click the toggle next to Delete Original Measurement so it moves to the right and turns green. 
5. Click Explode.

Related Articles

Choose Takeoff Color and Line Size
Takeoff Library
Add or Remove Items from a Takeoff
Add, Edit, or Remove an Assembly on a Takeoff
Estimate Overview
Unit Cost Estimate Material and Labor Estimate Overview

If you need additional assistance, please Contact Us.