National Estimator Cloud
Learn how to get started, build estimates, manage costbooks, export work, and troubleshoot National Estimator Cloud.
By Ben 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.
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 LineTo add your own costs to an estimate.
- Cost Row EditorAssign the quantities and description for cost lines.
- 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.
- Current Tax RatesAdds tax to the current estimate.
- 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.