MACROS AND TEMPLATES

A macro is a saved list of line items you can add to a structure. Using macros is a more efficient way to replicate repetitive tasks.

A template is a saved sketch of a frequently used or hard-to-sketch structure, such as a gabled roof or spiral stairs. A template can also include line items.

Load macro

Create macro

Load template

Create template

Download template from the Xactimate online Sketch Gallery

Load macro

In Sketch

1. On the Sketch tab, click Options.
2. Select a structure on the sketch workspace.
   • to select multiple structures, click and drag on the sketch workspace, or hold Ctrl and select the appropriate structures.
3. Click Macros in the Sketch ribbon to open the Macros dialog box.
4. Select a macro, and click OK.

In Estimate Items – method one

1. On the Estimate Items tab, click Items.
2. Click Macros.
3. In the Grouping pane, select a structure or group.
4. In the Macros pane, select a macro. Click Run.
5. The item will be added to the structure or group you selected.

In Estimate Items – method two

1. In the grouping pane, right-click a structure or group.
2. Select Retrieve Macro to open the Macros dialog box.
3. Select a macro, and click OK.

Create macro

In Sketch

1. On the Sketch tab, click Options.
2. Click Macros in the Sketch ribbon to open the Macros dialog box.
3. Click Add.
   • To edit an existing Macro, click Edit.
4. Type a name and a description for your macro.
5. To add line items, click Line Items.
6. Enter the Category (Cat), Selection (Sel), and Calculation for a line item. Click Add Item.
7. Repeat step 6 for each line item you want to include in the Macro.
   • You can select Bold or Underline so that items added with a macro can be differentiated from other line items.
8. Select and configure any other options.
9. Click OK to save your macro.

In Estimate Items – method one

1. On the Estimate Items tab, click Items.
2. Click Macros.
3. In the Macros pane, select a macro. Click Add.
   • To edit an existing Macro, click Edit.
4. Type a name and a description for your macro.
5. To add line items, click Line Items.
6. Enter the Category (Cat), Selection (Sel), and Calculation for a line item. Click Add Item.
7. Repeat step 6 for each line item you want to include in the Macro.
   • You can select Bold or Underline so that items added with a macro can be differentiated from other line items.
8. Select and configure any other options.
9. Click OK to save your macro.

In Estimate Items – method two

1. Add the appropriate line items to a structure or group.
2. In the grouping pane, right-click the structure or group with the line items you want to save as a macro.
3. Select Save Macro to open the Macros dialog box.
4. Type a name in the Code box and a description for your macro.
5. Click OK to save your macro.

Load template

1. On the Sketch tab, click Options.
2. Click Load Template to open the Template List dialog box.
3. Select a template, and click OK.
4. Click on the Sketch Workspace to place the template.

Create template

1. Click Sketch.
2. Draw the template in the sketch workspace.
3. Add the line items you would like included in your template.
4. Select the structure you wish to save as a template in the sketch workspace.
5. In the Sketch ribbon, click Options.
6. Click Save Template, and type a name for your template.
7. Click OK. The Template is now added to your template list.

Download template from the Xactimate online Sketch Gallery

1. On the Sketch tab, click Options.
2. Click Load Template to open the Template List dialog box.
3. Click Online Sketch Gallery to open the Sketch Gallery in your browser.
4. Type a keyword in the search box, or select a keyword from the Tag Cloud.
5. When you find the template you want to use, click Download.
6. Save the file.
7. Return to your estimate, and click Save & Exit to return to the Control Center.
8. On the Control Center, click Data Transfer.
9. Ensure Folder is selected for Transfer Type. Click Browse, and select the location where you saved the template.
10. Click Select Item(s).
11. Select the template, and click Retrieve.
12. Locate the template file. If it does not appear, you may need to change the file type on the Windows dialog box. Just click the file type list (screenshot), and select Sketch Template (*.SKX). Select the template, and click Open. Then click Done.
13. Return to your estimate, and load your template.