FAQ’s

Because BidScreen XL is an Excel add-in application it can only be used through Microsoft Excel. This means that Excel must be installed and BidScreen XL must be added to Excel. So once BidScreen XL is installed and added, a BidScreen XL ribbon tab will then be available in Excel.

The following steps to add BidScreen XL to Microsoft Excel depend on the Excel version and the number of bits.

Adding BidScreen XL to Excel version 2010 and later

1. Firstly, you’ll need to determine if Excel is 32 bit or 64 bit, because there are different BidScreen XL installation files for 32 bit and 64 bit Excel. To determine the number of bits in Excel, open the Accountor Help submenu under the Excel File tab, then click on the About Excel button; the number of bits will be shown on the first line. Once you know the number of Excel bits, ensure that the proper BidScreen XL file has been installed.
2. After you’ve installed the correct BidScreen XL installation file, click on the Excel File| Options sub-menu.
3. On the left side, click on Add-Insand then click the Go
4. A list of available Add-Ins is displayed. Click the Browsebutton to the right of the list.
5. Browse to C:\Program Files (x86)\Vertigraph\BidScreen XLand open the xlam file when using the 32 bit version of Excel.  When using the 64 bit version of Excel, browse to C:\Program Files\Vertigraph\BidScreen XL to open this file.
6. On the add-ins list, confirm BidScreen XL is checked and then click 
7. A prompt to register appears. If evaluating, simply select ‘no’ at this time.
8. The BidScreen XL ribbon tab will now be added to Excel.

Adding BidScreen XL to Excel version 2007

1. Right clickon the round Microsoft Office button, which you’ll find at the top left hand corner of Excel.
2. Left clickon the Customise Quick Access Toolbar.
3. On the left side click on Add-Insand then click the Go button at the bottom.
4. This will now display a list of available Add-Ins. Click the Browsebutton to the right of the list.
5. Browse to C:\Program Files (x86)\Vertigraph\BidScreen XLand open the xlam file when using the 32 bit version of Excel.
6. At the add-ins list, confirm BidScreen XL is checked and click 
7. A prompt to register appears. If evaluating, select ‘no’ at this time.
8. The BidScreen XL ribbon tab is now added to Excel.

You’ll discover a selection of takeoff and estimating templates for general contractors, concrete subcontractors and many more trades installed with BidScreen XL. These Excel files are found under Example Workbooks at the BidScreen XL Program Group located on your Apps or Program listing.  Furthermore, these Excel files may be customised to meet your requirements.

The path to these Excel workbooks is C:\Users\Public\Documents\Vertigraph\BidScreen XL\examples.

After you’ve loaded a drawing file to Excel, the path of the file location is written to the Excel workbook.  To view the drawing file, simply click on any blank Excel cell and then click on one of the four Takeoff commands (i.e. either Count, Section Length, Continuous Length or Area).  Once the command is selected, the drawing will appear. Remember that the scale for the loaded drawing file or page will have to be set before the Takeoff commands can become active.

Once you’ve installed the SiteWorx O/S, go to the apps or programs list, print the tutorial and simply follow the tutorial steps for the sample project. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us  or call  01782 835764.

You’re good to go

Following completion of the PDF file tutorial and after viewing the video tutorials, you’re ready to start calculating site excavation quantities for your own projects. If you have any questions or issues, please feel free to contact us.

PLEASE NOTE: Using the F1 key on the keyboard will access Help while operating SiteWorx O/S.