The Merge toolis the opposite of the Split tool. It allows you to combine two or more separate takeoffs into a single, continuous takeoff. It’s a fast way to correct takeoffs when you missed an area or need to expand coverage, without deleting and redrawing the entire polygon.
Important Note: You can only merge takeoffs that belong to the same classification.
How to Use the Merge Tool
1. Select the Takeoffs:
Hold down the Shift key and use the Select Tool (arrow) to click on two or more takeoffs that you want to combine.
The takeoffs must be of the same type (e.g., you can merge two areas, or two linears, but not an area and a linear).
The takeoffs should be adjacent or overlapping for the merge to be logical.
2. Activate the Merge Tool:
With the takeoffs selected, find and click the Merge Tool icon on the left-hand side Control Menu, or hit the shortcut key "M" to activate the tool. .
3. Draw the area you want to add
Click inside the original polygon to start.
Draw the new shape that represents the additional area you want to include.
Double-click to finish the merge.
4. Result:
The shape you drew will be added to the original polygon.
The selected takeoffs will be combined into a single instance.
For Linear Takeoffs: The lines will be joined into one continuous polyline. The total length in the Quantities List will now be a single line item.
For Area Takeoffs: The separate polygons will be fused into one larger, combined shape. The Quantities List will show one total area.
Common Use Cases
Fixing Mistakes: If you accidentally ended a linear or area takeoff midway, you can draw the rest of it as a new takeoff and then merge the two pieces together.
Scope expansion: Extend a takeoff when boundaries change or you need to include an adjacent zone.
Cleanup: Keep your takeoff list cleaner by merging additions into one polygon/line rather than managing multiple small shapes (e.g., combine rooms or wall segments).
The Merge tool helps you maintain a tidy and logical takeoff list by consolidating related measurements.