PDF takeoff software for reviewable construction quantities
Rivet Estimator gives contractors a structured path from the current PDF plan set to calibrated measurements, organized scope, labour and material pricing, and a customer-ready proposal.
PDF plansImport and verify scaleTakeoffLength, area, countEstimateLabour, material, proposalRivet CloudOptional encrypted sync
Windows · Android · web
SOURCEPDF plan sets
SCALECalibrated before use
TOOLSLength · area · count · curves
NEXT STEPEstimate + proposal
THE WORKFLOW
A clear path from source drawing to reviewed work.
Each step keeps the project understandable to the estimator who created it and the person who reviews it next.
01
Confirm the plan issue
Gather the complete current PDF set, drawing index, specifications, and issued addenda before starting takeoff.
02
Verify drawing scale
Calibrate the sheet and spot-check a known dimension. Do not trust a filename, print size, or scale note without confirmation.
03
Measure and label
Capture straight or curved lengths, areas, and counts, with names and organization that let another estimator review the result.
04
Price and review
Carry quantities into labour and material costs, check the scope, preserve a baseline, and prepare the proposal.
SCALE FIRST
A digital measurement is only as reliable as its source
PDF takeoff starts with the correct drawing issue and a verified scale. A page can be resized, exported incorrectly, or contain details at different scales. Calibrate and check a known dimension before using the result for pricing.
If a page has no dependable dimension or scale reference, request clarification rather than turning an uncertain measurement into a confident-looking number.
Rivet supports calibrated length, area, and count takeoff. On web and Windows, exactly three shape points create a circular arc; 4–64 control points create a smooth adaptive freeform curve or curved wall.
Finished curves are saved as Linear or Wall takeoffs, with length calculated using the active sheet scale. You can open, review, edit, and sync them on mobile. The Android app does not include the dedicated curve drawing tools.
Keep naming consistent and separate scope items that need different costs, crews, assemblies, or review. The goal is a quantity another person can trace, not just a total.
Build labour and material costs from plan measurements in the same project. Reviewers can trace an estimate line back to the measured work.
Before updating the project with a revised PDF set, preserve the current baseline. Review the complete revision and update the affected scope, including changes that may not be marked with revision clouds.
Can Rivet measure length, area and count from a PDF?
Yes. Rivet supports calibrated length, area, and count takeoff from imported PDF plan sets.
How does Rivet measure a curved wall?
On web and Windows, use three points for a circular arc or 4–64 control points for a smooth freeform curve. Rivet uses the verified sheet scale to calculate its length and the entered wall height to calculate the curved-wall quantity.
How should I verify drawing scale?
Calibrate the active sheet, then compare a measured result with a dependable stated dimension. Resolve any mismatch before measuring the job.
Can Rivet turn quantities into an estimate?
Yes. Use your takeoff quantities to build labour and material costs and prepare a customer-ready proposal.
What happens when a revised PDF arrives?
Preserve the prior baseline, review the complete revision, identify affected scope, and update the required quantities. Rivet does not automatically detect every drawing change.
No card is needed for the downloaded-app trial. Use a representative PDF plan, verify the scale, measure the scope, review the estimate, and test the handoff that matters to your team.
