Starting a New Estimate

To start a new estimate with the BidMagic construction estimating software program, follow these steps:

1. If you haven't already installed BidMagic onto your computer, follow the installation instructions.
2. Open the BidMagic folder on your hard drive by double-clicking on the folder icon. This will open a window showing the contents of your BidMagic folder. NOTE: You may need to open the hard drive icon or a folder on the hard drive, depending on where you put the BidMagic folder.
3. Move the cursor so it is over the BidMagic Template icon, then double-click the mouse button. This will open the BidMagic template.
4. After BidMagic has started up, it will ask you for a new file name to use for the estimate. Type a descriptive name into the box, then click OK. NOTE: If you have previously turned off Keep this File as a Template in Preferences, BidMagic will not ask for a new file name.
5. A copy of the BidMagic Template will be created--it will be a separate file on your hard drive which you will use for just this one project bid. The original BidMagic Template will still be available, unchanged, for making future estimates. HINT: You may want to set up several construction templates for specific types of projects that you do.
6. BidMagic will open and show you a Welcome card with some basic information about the program.
7. You're now ready to begin your first estimate!

NOTE: If you've just opened the BidMagic estimating software for the first time, before you can first do anything, you'll see a legal notice warning you to be careful about your bidding. Click OK, and you'll be able to continue using BidMagic. The notice will not appear when you open BidMagic in the future.