Scale: automatic detection & calibration
How CTC Takeoffs reads a sheet's scale, and how to verify or set it yourself.
Automatic scale
When a sheet loads, CTC Takeoffs reads the scale printed on the plan (for example 1/4" = 1'-0") together with the PDF's page size and works out the true size of everything you draw. A badge on the sheet shows the detected scale.
Verify with a known dimension
- Pick the Linear tool and measure something with a printed dimension — a wall, a door opening.
- Compare the label with the printed dimension. They should match exactly (for example, a 20'-0" wall reads
20' 0").
Calibrate manually (2-point)
- Open the scale controls for the sheet and choose to set the scale by calibration.
- Click two points a known distance apart on the plan.
- Enter the real distance between them. The sheet's scale updates and all measurements follow it.
Presets
Common architectural and engineering scales are available as presets if the sheet states one but detection missed it.
Changing a sheet's scale re-prices everything on it. Quantities are computed from the scale, so always verify against a printed dimension before trusting a total.
