National Estimator Cloud
Learn how to get started, build estimates, manage costbooks, export work, and troubleshoot National Estimator Cloud.
By Bilandra and 2 others3 authors66 articles
Getting Started
Start using National Estimator Cloud, understand the basics, and find essential setup info.
- Starting National Estimator CloudFollow these steps to get started with National Estimator Cloud.
- Video: Getting started with National Estimator CloudWatch the basic steps to begin using the software.
- Log on to National Estimator CloudFollow these instructions to log in
- Set your default company info and logoSet up National Estimator Cloud to add your company name, contact information, and logo to every new estimates, bids, and invoices by default
- Abbreviations and symbolsWhat do CSF, MBF, SFCA and other abbreviations mean?
Estimates
Create, save, organize, and share estimates.
- New EstimateBegins a new estimate.
- Open EstimateOpens a list of existing estimates created under your user name and password.
- Save As . . .Creates a copy of the current estimate under a new file name.
- Import Estimate from Legacy National EstimatorImport estimates from Desktop National Estimator into National Estimator Cloud
- Saving an Estimate to FileAuto save on the cloud.
- Rename An EstimateChanges the file name of an open estimate.
- Delete An EstimateDelete an existing estimate.
- Share an EstimateClick the link (above) to learn how to create a version of the current estimate to share with another National Estimator Cloud subscriber.
- Import a Shared EstimateOpen an estimate sent from another National Estimator Cloud subscriber.
- Can I add a negative value or indicate a payment in an estimate?How to indicate a payment or negative value in an estimate.
- Copy from Estimate to EstimateTo copy from an existing estimate and paste to a different estimate.
Costbooks & Pricing
Open costbooks, search items, apply area modifiers, and understand price updates.
- Open CostbookShows the list of estimating costbooks available.
- Turning Costbook PagesHow to navigate from page to page inside of a costbook.
- Finding items with the Index searchThe easiest way to look something up in National Estimator Cloud
- Area cost modifications by postal codeConstruction costs vary by region. An area cost modifier adjusts all costs in a costbook to match your job site.
- Are Canadian area modifiers in Canadian or U.S. dollars?Canadian area modifiers are applied in U.S. dollars, not Canadian dollars.
- Pictures in CostbooksViewing item images in costbooks.
- Subcontract ("Total Only") CostsInclude Subcontract Totals in Grand Total Costs
- Costbook PropertiesWhat does the Costbook Properties Import Date mean?
Bids, Invoices & Exports
Turn estimates into bids, export data, print documents, and work with invoices.
- PrintPrinting estimates, bids, and invoices in National Estimator Cloud
- Exporting EstimatesOptions for exporting estimates.
- Create BidConverts an estimate into a bid.
- Create Invoice in ExcelConverts an estimate into an invoice in Excel.
- Create Invoice in QuickBooks DesktopTurn an estimate into an invoice in QuickBooks Desktop.
- Create Invoice in QuickBooks OnlineTurn an estimate into an invoice in QuickBooks Online.
- Progressive InvoicesCreate an invoice for work completed during the most recent pay period.
Troubleshooting
Fix common login, connection, browser, and estimate-editing issues.
- Can't find a material?The material is probably there — try a broader search word.
- Copy and paste from a costbook to the first line of my estimate
- Fix a blank screen when signing inCheck your computer’s date, time, and time zone settings if National Estimator Cloud opens to a blank white screen.
- Tax doesn't appear on my QuickBooks Online invoiceIf tax is missing from an invoice you sent from National Estimator Cloud to QuickBooks Online, here's how to fix it.
Reference
Browse detailed feature-by-feature reference articles for menus, tools, and editing functions.
- Tool BarQuick access to the most commonly used commands.
- File MenuCreate, open, rename, print or convert estimates.
- RedoReverses the most recent Undo.
- CutRemoves text line or cost line from an estimate.
- CopyCopy any lines from an estimate or a costbook.
- UndoReverses out the most recent change to an estimate.
- Tools MenuArea modifiers, company, client and job info, export settings.
- Edit MenuBuild and edit estimates, bids and invoices.
- Log OutClose out of a National Estimator Cloud session.
- Choose One CostSelect the material needed for the job.
- Drag and Drop in an EstimateMove lines from one place to another in an estimate.
- Drag and Drop from Costbook to EstimateDrag a cost line from costbook and drop into an estimate.
- Paste AfterPaste content from clipboard into estimate.
- Insert a Text LineOpens up space in the estimate where you can type descriptions.
- Insert a cost lineAdd your own custom item, price or labor hours to an estimate — for anything not in the costbook.
- Cost Row Editor: Change quantity, price and labor hoursSet man-hours, craft code and your own costs on any line
- Insert a Subtotal LineInserts a subtotal into an estimate.
- Change a LineMake changes to any line in an estimate.
- Delete LineRemove any line from an estimate.
- Set Percent ChangesIncreases or decreases costs in the current estimate by a percentage.
- Current MarkupAdds overhead, contingency and profit to the current estimate.
- Add current tax rate to an estimateAdd sales tax to your current estimate in National Estimator Cloud.
- Single/Double Space LinesMakes the estimate easier to read.
- How do I know Cloud is safe and secure?Prior to launch, Intuit required that we pass an expert security audit of Cloud Estimator.
- Show/Hide Unit CostsUsed to display or hide costs for each unit of work.
- Show/Hide Component CostsTo hide the breakdown into material, labor and equipment cost categories.
- Edit Customer InformationAdds your customer’s name and address to estimates, bids and invoices.
- Edit Company InformationAdds your company name, details and logo to estimates, bids and invoices.
- Edit Job InformationAdds information about the job to estimates, bids and invoices.
- Accounting SettingsSelect the default program you use for writing invoices.
- Main MenuAccess to all National Estimator Cloud features.