Best Practices using SnapAI

SnapAI only works with vector PDF files and only with a Premier license. If the user loads a non-vector PDF file, SnapAI will be disabled.

Because not all vector PDF files are alike and Architects DO NOT typically create the PDF with the estimator in mind, SnapAI may work very well with some PDF files, but not others. The trick is to get familiar with how the different SnapAI modes sense points, lines and polylines on the drawing and use all three modes interchangeably to perform your takeoff efficiently.

eTakeoff recommends the Best Practices below to take the most advantage of the powerful SnapAI tool.

• When you first open a new drawing:
• Turn on SnapAI
• If SnapAI is disabled, the drawing is most likely a Non-Vector file
• Or, the user does not own a Premier license
• With SnapAI On
• Double click on a trace that you need to measure with
• Notice that the Snap Assistant Window
  pops up which has instructions that change accordingly as the
  user performs takeoff. It also has a link to a
  SnapAI Overview Video
  which we strongly recommend for new users to preview.

  

• Click on the “Snap Point” button
• Move the mouse over the drawing noticing where the sense indicator turns to a solid circle which means that it found a vector end point
• Press the right & left arrow keys or the Tab and Shift+Tab keys to toggle the Snap mode between Point, Line and Polyline
• Continue to move the mouse over the drawing noticing where SnapAI detects line vectors and polyline vectors accordingly.

  

• Be careful not to waste too much time looking for polylines or the perfect connected lines! Certain PDF vector files have overlapping vector lines or underlying vector data which makes Snap to Line or Snap to Polyline difficult for practical use.
• Switch to Point Mode as a fall-back if you think you’re spending too much time finding lines or polylines. Point mode makes it easy to find corners and points with the solid sense indicator circle.