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Adding an assembly to a model

Before you begin

If you have not already opened the Model window and selected the model you want to work with:

On the Database menu, click Models.

The Model window opens.
Click and then select the model you want to work with.
Click [OK].

When you click on a line in an existing model, Estimating refreshes the current variables from the items and assemblies in the database. If it encounters any changes made to the database since you last loaded the model, it asks you if you would like to run Check Model.

To add an assembly to a model:

Select a blank line in your model where you want to insert the assembly.
Click .
From the Assembly List window, select an assembly in one of the following ways:
- Double-click a single assembly in the list.
- Select a single assembly and then press Enter.
When you finish adding assemblies to the model, close the Assembly List window. All selected assemblies appear in the model.
(optional) Enter the default value to prefill the assembly fields during takeoff. Any variables used by formulas attached to the assembly already appear.
- In the Detail grid, click to choose a default from a list of available values.
- In the Variable grid, select the Hide option next to a variable to hide it during takeoff. Variables without defaults automatically appear.
- If desired, use a question or a question formula to calculate a default value during takeoff.

Tips:

To hide a variable without entering a default, enter 0 in the field and mark the Hide option.
To adjust the display of a grid, place the cursor on one of its borders and drag in the desired direction.
If an assembly contains a select-at-takeoff item, you must enter a default value for that item.
The Insert Line – Assembly Line command is available when you right-click on a line header.
Once you add a line to a model, you can copy or move it.