Questions and answers

Why can't I measure on a sheet?

The sheet has no scale yet. Calibrate it (K) by picking two points a known distance apart, or confirm the units (U) for a DXF/DWG. This prevents numbers built on a wrong scale.

A DWG file will not open.

DWG files need the free ODA File Converter. Install it from the Open Design Alliance website and open the drawing again, or save the drawing as DXF from your CAD program.

My wall measures slightly long or short.

A thick wall is drawn as two lines, so its corners offer several points a few millimetres apart, which is where a ±0.5% error creeps in. QTac snaps to the centre line of a pair of parallel lines, which is the length a wall should be measured on. It is on by default; Shift+F9 turns it off. Press F8 (Right Angles) to keep segments truly horizontal or vertical.

Snapping does not work on my PDF.

Snapping needs drawn lines in the PDF. A scanned drawing is only a picture, so there is nothing to snap to; measure by eye and zoom in for accuracy.

How do I deduct something?

Measure it, include it in the item and set its Nos to -1 in the Quantities tab. Openings and footprints entered in the item's dialog are deducted in full, from every face measured. You decide which openings to mark: there are no automatic size limits or jamb additions (type jambs as a manual row if your contract measures them).

Several floors are identical. Do I measure each one?

No. Measure one floor, then set Nos of structures on its rows in the Quantities tab to the number of identical floors or buildings. The working shows it ("... x 5 structures") and the Excel dimension sheet carries it as its own column, so a checker can see where the multiple came from. Nos stays what it has always been: how many of that shape there are on the one floor you measured.

Can I change one row without splitting its group?

Yes. Double-click a light blue cell in the Quantities tab: Nos, Area, L, B or D. A typed B or D applies to that row only; a typed Area or L keeps the measured value in the working and the shape turns purple on the drawing. To give several rows one value, select them, then right-click, Change selected rows (or press F2 and type).

Can I reuse beam sizes for formwork?

Yes. Right-click a group of beams in the Quantities tab, Copy these rows to another item, and choose the formwork item. Widths, depths, Nos, typed sizes and particulars come with the rows; check them before saving.

Can I add my own BOQ items?

Yes, in the Item Library (Ctrl+L): running metre, sqm, cum, nos, kg and MT items measured by length, area, perimeter or count.

Do my drawings leave my computer?

No. Drawings, measurements and projects stay on your computer. See the Privacy Policy.

What does QTac cost?

Create a free account (your name and email, and a 6-digit code we email you) and the first 14 days are free, with everything switched on. After that it is Rs 349 for 30 days. Buy on our website; we email you an access code, which you paste into Support tab, Licence. There is no auto-debit: nothing is charged unless you buy the next period yourself.

What happens when my 30 days run out?

Your projects still open, and everything you have measured is still there and still saves. Measuring, assigning items and the two exports switch off until you enter a new code. Nothing is deleted and no work is lost.

Can I use one account on two computers?

No. One account runs QTac on one computer, and each access code is issued for that computer's installation code (Support tab, Licence). Changing computer is free: write to bqi.support@brainquisitive.com with the new installation code and we move your account.

Does QTac work without internet?

Yes. It needs the internet twice: once to create the account (the 6-digit code is emailed to you), and whenever you check for an update. Access codes are checked on your own computer, so QTac keeps working on a site with no network.

Why does QTac ask me to save before I measure?

Because it saves your work as you go, and it needs a file to save into. Once the project has a name, every measurement is written to it and a recovery copy is kept, so a crash or a power cut costs nothing. File tab, Recent Projects opens a window listing your projects with the folder and when each was last changed.

Can colleagues open my project?

Yes. Send the .qtac file together with the drawings, or keep both in a shared folder. The project remembers which drawing each measurement was taken on.

Are the Excel numbers formulas?

Yes. Every row on the dimension sheet multiplies its own Nos, Length, Breadth, Height and Area cells, and the Summary refers to the item totals, so a reviewer can check or adjust any figure.

Where do I enter my access code?

Support tab, Licence, then paste the code and press Activate. The same window shows this computer's installation code, which you send when you buy or renew.

How do I know when a new version is out?

Support tab, Check for Updates. It asks our website and tells you what you have and what is available; the Download button turns on only when there is something newer. QTac never installs anything by itself.