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Adding an item 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 item to a model:

Select a blank line where you want to insert the item.
Click .
From the Item List window, select an item from the list in one of the following ways:
- Double-click on a single item in the list.
- Select a single item and press Enter.
When you finish adding items to the model, close the Item List window. All selected items appear in the model.
(optional) Enter the default value to prefill the item fields during takeoff. Any variables used by formulas attached to the item 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 select the Hide checkbox.
To adjust the display of a grid, place the cursor on one of its borders and drag in the desired direction.
The Insert Line – Item 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.