Adding a drop-down question to a model

Before you begin

If you have not already opened the Model window (Database > Models) and selected the model you want to work with:

  1. On the Data menu, click Models.

    The Database Model window opens.

  2. Click the list button (List button) and then select the model you want to work with.
  3. Click [OK].

When you click 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 a drop-down question to a model:

  1. Select a blank line in your model where you want to insert the question.

    Note: You can also select an existing line to either add a new line or over-write the line.

  2. Click Dropdown list icon to enter a blank drop-down question in the model.
  3. From the menu, select whether this is a Text or Numeric question.
  4. Place your cursor in the text area of the line, type the question, and then press Enter.
  5. Click Properties icon to open the Properties window where you can do any of the following:
    • Enter a Question Name in the Value column.
    • Select a Value option in the Question Type column. You can change the Question Type from the type that appears.
    • Enter any helpful notes about the question in the Value column.

  6. Under Drop-down list properties, enter the contents of the dropdown list.

    Note: The information you enter in the Visible Text column is what to the model user sees during takeoff. The information you enter in the Value column is not visible to the model user at takeoff, but it is used internally in assemblies, formulas, or for other questions in the model.

  7. Click [OK].

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