How to Measure Lengths, Areas, and Counts on a PDF Plan
To measure a PDF plan in SimpliTake: install on one Windows PC, start a project, set the scale, then take linear lengths, areas, and counts by hand. Export quantities to Excel or a marked-up PDF. $179 one-time. 30-day trial. No refunds. Fully offline after activation. This is a measurement and markup tool — not estimating software, and not automatic takeoff.
Prefer video? The same steps are in the training videos. Updated September 10, 2026.
1. Install on Windows and open the tools
Download the program and install it on one Windows 10 or 11 PC. The download is the full program, not a separate trial build. After 30 days it locks until you activate with a license file.
2. Start a project and load PDF plans
Create a new project, load your PDF plan set, and label pages so you can find them later. The project file keeps the PDF and takeoff data together.
3. Set the scale before you measure
Set scale first. Wrong scale throws off every length and area after it. Calibrate with a known dimension on the plan, or use a preset. Then add more PDF pages to the same project if you need them.
4. Measure linear lengths
Use linear takeoff for walls, pipe, trim, and other length work on the plan. You draw the measurements yourself — SimpliTake does not auto-detect them.
5. Measure areas (square footage on a PDF)
Use area takeoff for floors, roofs, paint, and other square footage. Scale must already be correct. Export later to Excel when you are ready to price the job your usual way.
6. Add markups and notes
Mark up the plan and jump back to any note from the sidebar so you are not hunting across sheets.
7. Count fixtures and other symbols
Use count takeoff for fixtures, outlets, openings, and other items on the plan. Counts are manual placements, not automatic symbol recognition.
What you still do outside SimpliTake
You still price the job in Excel, or however you already bid. SimpliTake does not do estimating, assemblies, cost databases, pricing, bidding, or material lists. Outputs should be checked in the field like any takeoff.
FAQ
How do you measure square footage on a PDF plan?
Set the scale first, then use an area takeoff. Wrong scale ruins the numbers.
How do you count fixtures on a plan?
Use count takeoff and place counts on each symbol. It is manual — not automatic recognition.
Is this automatic or AI takeoff?
No. Measurements are manual.
What does it cost?
List price is $179 one-time on one Windows PC. 30-day trial with all features. No refunds. Launch code LAUNCH100 takes $79 off at checkout while it lasts.