Supported Image File Types

Image Type

Additional Information

TIF or TIFF

(recommended)

Tagged Image File Format - (recommended file format) – plain image file. For use in On-Screen Takeoff, TIFF images are usually stored as a Group 2 TIFF that keeps the file size down by removing things like color.

PDF

Portable Document Format - On-Screen Takeoff provides support for all PDF versions, however, because there are innumerable options for creating and saving PDFs, some PDF files may need to be converted to another PDF or TIFF outside of the program.

Important information regarding Adobe PDF Portfolios.

By default, all PDFs are displayed in grayscale format - if you need to enable color/enhanced PDF support, you can change this under Tools > Options.

Additional information on this option can be found at: Enhancing Image Quality with the Enable Color PDF's Option.

JPG

JPGs are most commonly used for photographic images. JPGs can be incorporated within On-Screen Takeoff to show a visual representation of a particular area, build, etc.

CAL

a CAD image file, relatively small and usually in gray scale format

DWF and DWFX

Design Web Format - This is an AutoCAD sharable format

CPC (via conversion)

Cartesian Perceptual Compression - A proprietary image file format

OSP

not used very often

PLN

A CAD Plan file, not really an image file. On-Screen Takeoff can render many PLN files, but it is best if they are converted to an actual image file (TIFF, DWF) for use in On-Screen Takeoff. PLN files can sometimes be renamed from *.pln to *.tif and function correctly.

PLT

A  Plotter information file – it is designed to be sent to a plotter, not intended for use as an Image. On-Screen Takeoff can render many PLTs, but if you experience difficulty using a file of this type, contact the Architect or author of the file to request a file in TIFF format if possible.

DGN, DRW, DXF, and DWG

Drawing Files. Compatibility with On-Screen Takeoff is dependent on the actual file. If you experience difficulty using a file of this type, contact the Architect or author of the file to request a file in TIFF format if possible.

CGM

Computer Graphics Metafile - a file format for 2D vector graphics, raster graphics, and text.

HPG, ME, BLA, PCT, and OSE

Older/specialized file types rarely used