Overview
If you need your takeoff data in a spreadsheet rather than the Estimating software, Ensign X can export to CSV. This is useful for:
- Sharing quantities with colleagues who do not use the Estimating software.
- Importing data into a third-party estimating or project management tool.
- Creating ad-hoc reports or analysis in Excel or Google Sheets.
- Archiving a snapshot of your takeoff quantities for record-keeping.
Exporting to CSV
- 1
Click Export to CSV
In Ensign X, click the Export to CSV button in the toolbar. It is located next to the Export to Estimating button.
- 2
Choose a save location
A save dialog appears. The software defaults to saving within your current project folder on the cloud storage. You can change the location if you prefer, or leave it as the default and copy the files to your local machine afterwards.
Click Save to generate the files.
- 3
Locate the exported files
Ensign X generates three CSV files, each providing a different view of the same takeoff data:
The three CSV files
Merged
The merged CSV provides a combined view of all takeoff data across the entire project. Every item from every drawing and every service is listed together in a single file. This gives you a complete overview of the project in one place.
Services
The services CSV breaks the data down by the services you created during takeoff (e.g. Lighting, Small Power, Containment). Each service appears as a grouping, and the file includes material prices and site hours where they have been specified. This is useful for reviewing quantities on a per-service basis or for comparing takeoff against your estimate structure.
Parts
The parts CSV provides the most detailed breakdown. It lists individual parts, counts, and services, giving you full granularity over every item taken off. Assembly components are broken out into their individual parts in this file.
For assembly items, the services CSV may show the combined price, while the parts CSV splits out each component. If you need to see exactly what is inside each assembly takeoff line, use the parts file.
Accessing the files
The CSV files are saved to your cloud storage. To get them onto your local machine:
- 1
Open your cloud storage (the cloud icon at the top of the screen).
- 2
Navigate to the folder where the files were saved (typically your project's drawings folder).
- 3
Select the three CSV files, then copy and paste them to your local desktop or preferred folder.
Alternatively, if your cloud storage has a linked drive (such as Dropbox or OneDrive), the files may be accessible directly from your local file system without needing to copy them manually.
The CSV export captures the state of your takeoff at the moment you press the button. If you add more items after exporting, you will need to export again to include them. Unlike the Export to Estimating function, the CSV export does not track what has already been sent — it always exports the complete project.