1.0 Getting Started in Xactimate

Summary

Keyboard Shortcuts: You can download a comprehensive list of keyboard shortcuts above. While you do not need to memorize all of these, it is important that you make yourself familiar with them. Knowing how to effectively use the most common shortcuts will increase workflow and productivity, saving you time.

Dashboard Overview: When you launch Xactimate, you’ll first encounter the dashboard. This area provides a quick snapshot of your recent projects, making it easier to access and manage ongoing work. We’ll walk you through the various sections of the dashboard, helping you understand how to efficiently use this starting point.

Menus and Toolbars: Xactimate features a range of menus and toolbars that house essential functions and tools. We’ll explore these menus, explaining their purpose and how to access them. You’ll learn where to find options for creating new projects, importing data, generating reports, and more.

Tabs and Tabs Manager: Xactimate organizes project information into tabs, making it simple to switch between different sections of a project. We’ll guide you through using tabs effectively and show you how to access the Tabs Manager, where you can view and switch between open projects.

Project Settings: Within Xactimate, you can customize project settings to align with specific requirements or preferences. We’ll delve into the project settings menu, demonstrating how to configure settings related to measurements, pricing, and more. This customization ensures your estimates are accurate and tailored to your needs.

Sketch and Diagram Tools: Understanding the sketch and diagram tools is vital for creating accurate estimates, especially for projects involving complex structures. We’ll introduce you to these tools, explaining how to sketch rooms, roofs, and other elements. You’ll also learn how to annotate diagrams for clarity.

Project Navigation: Efficiently navigating within a project is key to productivity. You’ll learn how to move between rooms, areas, and project sections seamlessly. We’ll also cover keyboard shortcuts and other tips for speeding up your workflow.