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We want you to get the most out of your software purchase and we receive many questions from users who are trying to setup their software for the first time or change their settings to take best advantage of the software. Well, we have compiled some "How to's" and "We wouldn't do that's" below. Not every environment is the same so you may need to customize a system that works for you. This article assumes you are using Microsoft® Access® database(s). See Related Articles for some great information on using SQL as your database engine.We recommend that you consult with a qualified IT Professional before implementing any network sharing to ensure your network is up to the task. Making an initial investment in time and resources will help prevent problems after rolling out the applications to multiple users.If you are looking for suggestions on simply speeding up the application's performance, see Improving the Performance of OST, DPC, and QB.There is a lot of information we'd like to share with you, please take the time to review this entire article.How to Share Information Between UsersFirst, ask yourself what you are actually trying to accomplish. If you want them to use the same Master Table information as you, they can use your database as a template and Synchronize with your database. (Synchronizing database is detailed in the product's User Guide). If you want all estimators to use a set of Master Tables, this is a great solution. They can still have a local database, but periodically synchronize with a network/Master database that a department manager updates. This will not affect existing bids but will affect bids that are created after synchronizing.You can also share a database or a single bid. If you want the user to access a copy of your database including all your bids, you can store a copy of the database on a network drive (never a working copy) and advise the other user how to access it. You can also copy a database to a CD or USB drive and physically give the other user a copy of the database.Never work in Microsoft Access databases stored on a network drive. Although the programs can access these databases, application performance can and will be significantly reduced and the possibility of the database becoming unstable and/or unusable is high. If you need to share databases and/or store databases on a network, you must use Microsoft SQL database (see Related Articles below).You can also share bids with other users. Depending on the version of the software you are using you can use Bid Packages, Takeoff files, even send information directly from On-Screen Takeoff to other users.Check out these articles:Importing and Exporting - Overview (On-Screen Takeoff)What is Project Express and What Can I Do With It?Importing and Exporting (Quick Bid)Sharing a DatabaseLet us say your company employs multiple estimators and you want them all using the same Styles, Sets, Condition Assemblies, Item, and other master table information or simply to be able to access each others' work. This means accessing a centralized, shared database.SolutionsIf multiple users need to access any one database, Microsoft SQL Server is the approved solution. SQL Server allows an organization to centralize their information in a safe and stable server application and providing easy, scalable sharing.See Using SQL Server to Share Databases in On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid for more details.If you do not want to migrate to SQL, each user can work in his or her own database stored on the local "C" drive of their computer and synchronize with a master database (stored on a network) so that all users are starting with the same master tables. You can also configure the program to store BACKUPS of the database on a network drive, but the working database must be stored locally.Users can share Bid Packages with each other via e-mail or Project Express (On-Screen Takeoff only).Is it hard to switch from MS Access to SQL?Not at all! Migrating users to a SQL database is easy and the system requirements to house a SQL Server are very reasonable.Instructions for creating SQL databases, synchronizing master tables, and copying over bids can be found in the User Guide for your product - the programs do all the hard work for you! You will need to install a supported version of SQL and have the skills (or have someone you can rely on with those skills) to manage your SQL Server.Why not Share MS Access Databases?Microsoft Access is suitable as a single-user, local database, it is not capable of handling the high volume of read-writes that occur when more than one user accesses a database through enterprise level software such as On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid. Sharing a Microsoft Access database can easily cause the database to become unstable or unusable.SQL Server is designed for networked and shared environments and provides stable, reliable performance. SQL databases are generally not affected by one user experiencing system or network difficulties - SQL Server simply ignores the error and processes the transactions for the users who are still connected.Storing DatabasesCan I store my Database on a USB or External drive?No, we recommend against that. You risk damaging your database.We encourage you to setup the programs to store your backups on your removable media but your working database must be stored on your physical hard drive.Can I Store/Work From a database stored on my Network?As we've indicated above, this is not a good idea. Microsoft Access databases are prone to failure when accessed across a network by certain programs (such as OST, QB, DPC).Again, we encourage you to setup the programs to store your BACKUPS on the network but your working database must be stored locally. See OST - Program Options - Folders and QB - Program Options - Folders for details.If you must store your data on the network, you must use SQL. See Using SQL Server to Share Databases for more details.Can I store my Access Database in Dropbox, GoogleDrive, OneDrive, or any other "Cloud" service)?The short answer is "NO", but check out: Can I Use "Cloud" Storage with Classic Products? for more information.Again, you can setup the programs to store your "Backups" to your Cloud drive, but your working database must be stored on your physical hard drive.Managing Your Database SizeOver the course of years working with our own software, On Center Software has determined that the size of MS Access type databases should not exceed 40 megabytes. If you notice unusual performance/activity in your database, the first thing you need to do is Compact and Repair your database. Instructions for this are in the program's Help system and online User Guide under "Databases".As time goes by, every database gets larger, even SQL databases - this is normal. Certain activities such as copying and pasting Bids from database to database, importing Bids or Change Files, or copying takeoff from bid to bid can cause your database size to increase. If your MS Access database size is over 40 megabytes, it is time to Compact and Repair. If the size of the database after compacting and repairing is not significantly reduce, it may be time to start a new database. Instructions for creating databases, synchronizing database, and copying bids can be found here: OST - What is a Database? and QB - What is a Database?If you experience over-sized databases regularly, you may want to migrate your projects to Microsoft SQL. See Using SQL Server to Share Databases for more details.Your databases need regular and routine maintenance including Compact & Repair and Shrinking (SQL-only). See: OST - Compact and Repair and QB - Compact and Repair for instructions.Using On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid InteractivelyUsing On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid interactively is a great way to get the most out of your programs. There are a few things you can do to make sure you do not run into problems with interactivity:General RemindersNever 'cross-connect' OST and QB database. Only one On-Screen Takeoff database should ever be interactive with any one Quick Bid database and vice versa. This means, you must maintain a 1:1 database relationship between the programs - you must not connect bids from two or more On-Screen Takeoff to any single Quick Bid database, nor connect On-Screen Takeoff bids in a single database to different Quick Bid databases. The way the programs need to maintain master table information between each other can cause multiple duplicate entries in each database and severely affect program performance.All new Bids, Alternates, Change Orders, Bid/Typical Areas, and Conditions are created, modified, deleted in On-Screen Takeoff. Anything that affects the takeoff portion of the job is done in On-Screen Takeoff.Items, Assemblies, Materials, Labor, and Markups (anything involving money) are handled in Quick Bid.Both products must be installed and authorized on the machine where the Bid is being opened or the interactive link will be broken.See Overview and Rules of Interactivity with On-Screen Takeoff (DOs and DON'Ts) for more information.Microsoft Access UsersEach user must work in his or her database for both applications.Never store Access-type databases on a Network Drive, in a Shared folder, or allow access to the database by more than one person at a time! Your database will become damaged and you will lose data.Users may synchronize their databases to Master databases to keep their master tables current but users must not share (work in) the same database - they will cause each other's bids to disconnect and possibly be overwritten.If your users must share databases and they will be using the bids in Interactive mode, you must use SQL databases and provide each estimating group with a single On-Screen Takeoff and a single Quick Bid database to use.See Using SQL Server to Share Databases in On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid for more details.Upgrading Your Computer to a Different Operating SystemBefore upgrading your Windows version, On Center recommends that you uninstall all On Center Software products. After installing the new Operating System, reinstall the software. Although Windows attempts to migrate installed applications, there are files and settings that may be overwritten or lost that are critical to the proper operation of your software.As a general rule, On Center doesn't recommend upgrading an operating system (for example, you are running Windows 7 and get the prompt to upgrade to Windows 10). We recommend performing a clean installation of your shiny new version of Windows and then reinstalling all needed programs. This may take a little longer but provides a better, more stable environment.The following articles are chock-full of great information:How To Upgrade ConstructConnect's Takeoff and Estimating Apps to the Latest VersionSuggestions for Improving Your Computer's Overall PerformanceMoving your On-Screen Takeoff, Quick Bid, or Digital Production Control Data to a New ComputerDon'tsWe avoid telling our customers "Don't" as often as we can, but these are some disasters waiting to happen...Use Peer-to-Peer networking/file sharing (housing a database on one end user's machine and sharing that database over your LAN). Use more than two or more On-Screen Takeoff databases linked to one Quick Bid database (or vice versa). Interactivity must be a 1:1 relationship. See the Quick Bid User Guide for more information. Store Microsoft Access databases on a network drive, removable drive, or in a "Cloud" folder. Allow more than one person to work in a Microsoft Access database at any one time. Use a shared login for SQL databases. Skimp on training - shortcutting training will cost your company and users in the long run.Related ArticlesUsing SQL Server to Share Databases in On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid

On-Screen Takeoff New Features Expanded Annotation options including Arrow, Line, Oval, Rectangle, Polygon, Cloud, and CalloutNew Intelligent Pasting logicAbility to Save Conditions as a new Style Set directly from Conditions WindowNext and Previous Buttons on the "Rename Page" dialog boxAbility to Delete the current page form the Image TabBack and Forward buttons cycle through viewed pages not zoom levelsNew Bid View selector on the Image TabOption to show the Condition Name next to each piece of Area and Count takeoffOption to apply Image Legend changes to all pages"Follow the leader" logic when rotating or setting zoom on pages - the program identifies a pattern and prompts to apply changes to all pages in the projectAdd Expand All/Collapse All option to the Bids Tab context menu and remember the state between sessionsAdd Expand All/Collapse All option to the Bids Tab context menu and remember the state between sessions (this expands/collapses all folders and open databases)Added “Copy From” and “Copy Timestamp” columns to the Bids Tab to indicate when a Bid is duplicated and its source Changes SQL Performance ImprovementsChange Auto Compress default to Once a weekChange default auto-update to weekly for new installations. Existing installations retain current settingsIncreased the size of the standard takeoff cursor to make it easier to locateImproved Highlighter displayMissing Image Assistance will only show once per Bid (each session)Option to hide Notes when printing Takeoff TabMoved Condition, Zones, and Planroom tabs from the bottom to the top of the Conditions windowIntelligent display of the Text Formatting toolbarAllow user to change the “Bid Date” and time in the Cover Sheet (reflected on Bids Tab)Full product version included with activation request – this allows OCS to better serve youTo enable some functionality, all “Quick Start” dialogs (wizards) will be re-enabled Digital Production Control Changes Full product version included with activation request – this allows OCS to better serve youPer Diem Indirect Expenses no longer shown in Budget Tab Known Issues When using the highlighter tool, text behind the highlighter will not be displayed when the page is printed (#34076).For DPC Users:: If a Change Order's project name is > 10 characters, once the Bid is placed in DPC mode, it will crash the program. If you encounter this issue, contact Support, we can get your Bid fixed. If you have not activated DPC mode, before you do, shorten your Change Order names to less than 10 characters (#32845). (Fixed in 3.91.0.183)(Interactive Bids) After deleting a duplicate Condition and duplicating the original Condition again within On-Screen Takeoff, the duplicate condition doesn't calculate prices within Quick Bid. (#32357). (Fixed in 3.91.0.183)(Interactive Bids) When using the “Duplicate and reassign” function within On-Screen Takeoff, original Condition(s) quantities may not be cleared in Quick Bid (#33879). (Fixed in 3.91.0.183) Related Articles

Previous versions of Quick BidPlease review On Center's Sunsetting Policy for information regarding support for older versions.Do not install a version of Quick Bid for which you do not have a valid license, you will lock yourself out of the program and your database. If you are unsure if your license supports a particular version, contact Support before downloading/installing the product.If the version you're looking for isn't listed here, it is probably no longer distributed or supported, please contact Support for assistance.4.99.04.01 - Released 09/16/2021We are continuing to support this version for customers who use “Active Sections” to manage the Subs Tab. There is a bug in 4.99.05.xx that causes that functionality to break. If you use the Subs Tab with “Active Sections”, please stay on version 4.99.04.01DownloadOr, copy and paste this URL into your browser:https://downloads.oncenter.com/Downloads/QB/499/QB4990401Setup.exeQuick Bid 4.99.04.01 Release NotesRelated Articles

Current Version (3.98.18.03) Released: 06/24/2025If your license supports 3.98, you must install the Current Version, below, all other versions of 3.98 have been deprecated.If you are not under a current maintenance subscription, you will not have access to features such as Auto Name, Transformation Tools, Project Comments, or Project Express. See Why Renew Your Maintenance Subscription for more information.All older versions of On-Screen Takeoff are no longer distributed or supported.Use this link to download the EXE installer: https://downloads.oncenter.com/Downloads/OST/398/OST3981803Setup.exeIf you receive an install error using the EXE or your IT department requires the MSI installer, use this link: https://downloads.oncenter.com/Downloads/OST/398/OST3981803.msiPlease review the System Requirements and Installation Instructions while your product is downloading.If you are not a System Administrator and/or if your company uses a shared SQL database, contact your IT Department before installing any update.Please review these important articles before installing a new version of On-Screen Takeoff:Upgrading Classic Products to Latest Version Checking Which Version a License SupportsGetting StartedLooking for Release Notes? The User Guide? Training Videos?Whether you're new to On-Screen Takeoff or just want to brush up on your skills, all the resources you'll need to get started can be found here:Getting Started with On-Screen TakeoffLicenseYou can find your current license in the Customer Portal (MyAccount) (this is a shared portal for On Center, PlanSwift, and ConstructConnect Takeoff customers), see: What is MyAccount? for more information.If you don't have access to the Customer Portal (MyAccount), contact your manager or your company's accounting or IT department.Review Licensing for details on activating your license.RecommendationsWe recommend that you check with your network administrator or IT department before downloading and installing any updates. Once installed, any database(s) accessed in this version cannot be accessed by users of prior versions. Backup your databases before installing this product. Users of SQL databases must advise their SQL Administrator before installing this upgrade - only an SQL "dbowner" can upgrade SQL databases. If you use a license manager to activate your product, check with your Systems Administrator before installing this upgrade to ensure they have activated a version appropriate license on the server. After installing this program, you will need to Activate Your License by clicking File > Check Authorization... and enter your new license information. For assistance activating your license, see the Related articles. Be sure to check our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to common questions.Terms of UseCopyright© 2025 On Center Software, Inc. (a ConstructConnect company) All rights reserved. The information in this site is protected by copyright by On Center Software, Inc., a ConstructConnect Company ("the Company"). You may not reproduce, adapt, or publish any content from this site in whole or in part for any purpose, without the express written consent of the Company. Without obtaining prior, express, written permission from the Company, you may not retransmit any files from this web site, or make any modified versions thereof.End User License Agreement (EULA)Click here to view a copy of our End User License Agreement> - use of the application implies acceptance of and agreement to the EULA and any successors.If that pop-up is blocked, just enter the following URL into your browser:https://downloads.oncenter.com/Downloads/eula/ON_CENTER_SOFTWARE_EULA.pdfTrademarksOn Center Software by ConstructConnect, the On Center Software by ConstructConnect logo, Contractor Suite, Digital Production Control, Quick Bid, On-Screen Takeoff, and Project Express are registered trademarks, trademarks, or service marks of On Center Software by ConstructConnect. Windows, Excel, and Word, and other products are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.Related Articles

On-Screen Takeoff can accommodate both Imperial and Metric Units of Measure (UOM). When you create a new database, you choose which measurement mode to use as default (this sets the "New Bid" default in Tools > Options to Inches or millimeters). New Bids are set to this measurement mode automatically although the measurement mode can be changed on any Bid's Cover Sheet.All 'UOM' boxes (where you enter dimensions or measurements) are based on the "Base Measurement" setting in the Bid's Cover Sheet (which defaults to whatever is listed in "New Bids" options). Changing the "New Bids" option changes the database from Imperial to Metric and vice-versa.Creating Imperial and Metric bids in the same database is not recommended - we recommend you keep your Imperial bids in one database and Metric bids in database designated for the appropriate UOM.Why? First, it makes it easier to keep your Masters in order, and Second, if you are using Quick Bid to price your bids, you cannot co-mingle UOMs - it will cause issues in Quick Bid.When you create a new database, it defaults to Imperial Measure Mode. Measure System Abbreviation Meaning Imperial EA each IN inches LF linear feet LY linear yard IN2 square inches SF square feet SY square yard SQ* square (Imperial roofing term that means 100SF) (No metric equivalent, but 1 SQ is 9.290304 m2.) CF cubic feet CY cubic yards Metric (Systèm International) EA each mm millimeter m meter mm2 square millimeter m2 square meter mm3 cubic millimeter m3 cubic meter * The roofing industry works with a unit called a Square which equals 10' x 10' or 100 SF. There is no metric equivalent in the roofing industry and a Square is usually considered an Imperial only unit.Using MetricSetting a Database to MetricTo set an entire database to use Metric measurements, select Metric in the Database Properties (Access or Microsoft SQL) dialog when creating the database. All Bids created in this database will use Metric measurements by default, although individual Bids may be set to use Imperial, as needed.As we stated above, we do not recommend storing Imperial and Metric bids in the same database.<You can change the default in Tools > Options > New Bid...Just select "Millimeters" for the Base Measurement.Changing the "New Bids" option changes the database from Imperial to Metric and vice-versa.Setting a Single Bid to MetricMetric may also be selected on a per-Bid basis (not recommended).Open the Cover Sheet for any Bid Select the Preferences tab In the General field select Millimeters as the Base measurement - this sets this Bid to use Metric measurementsOn-Screen Takeoff relies on specific number formatting to display quantities correctly. If Windows is set to use Regional Settings other than US-English (using commas as thousands separators) metric quantities over "999" may not display correctly. Please review the Related article for instructions on adjusting Windows settings. Sorting, Searching, Filtering, and Grouping How to Enter Values into Measurement Boxes Related ArticlesMetric Quantities Display Incorrectly in On-Screen Takeoff or ConstructConnect Takeoff

Knowledge Base

Popular articles

Best Practices For Using On-Screen Takeoff, Quick Bid, and Digital Production Control

On-Screen Takeoff 3.91.0.144 Release Notes (01/20/2014) - OST DPC

On-Screen Takeoff 3.92.0.52 Release Notes (02/16/2015) - OST DPC

Previous Versions of Quick Bid (still Supported)

On-Screen Takeoff® Product Information and Download

On-Screen Takeoff - 01.03.04 Using Imperial or Metric (SI) Units of Measurement (Setting UOM)

Knowledge base

Knowledge Base

Popular articles

Best Practices For Using On-Screen Takeoff, Quick Bid, and Digital Production Control

On-Screen Takeoff 3.91.0.144 Release Notes (01/20/2014) - OST DPC

On-Screen Takeoff 3.92.0.52 Release Notes (02/16/2015) - OST DPC

Previous Versions of Quick Bid (still Supported)

On-Screen Takeoff® Product Information and Download

On-Screen Takeoff - 01.03.04 Using Imperial or Metric (SI) Units of Measurement (Setting UOM)

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