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Release notes - September 2026

In this article

      Release summary

      This release introduces two new Takeoff enhancements designed to make it quicker to set up drawings and easier to use detailed measurement information outside Chalkstring.

      You can now set a drawing scale by selecting from a list of standard values, removing the need to find and measure a reference dimension first. You can also export every individual Takeoff measurement to an Excel spreadsheet, giving you greater flexibility when reviewing, checking and analysing your measurement data.

      The release also includes an update to Chalkstring’s underlying platform to help keep the software secure, stable and performing at its best, without changing how your existing features work

      Why these changes matters

      • Start measuring sooner
        When a drawing already states its scale but does not include a suitable reference dimension, you no longer need to spend time searching for something to measure. Simply select the stated scale and begin your Takeoff straight away. 
      • Reduce manual work and avoid errors
        Exporting detailed measurements directly to Excel removes the need to copy or re-enter figures into other systems. This saves time and helps reduce the risk of mistakes when transferring measurement data.
      • Benefit from a secure and reliable platform
        The underlying platform update helps keep Chalkstring secure, stable and compatible with future development, without changing how your existing features and workflows operate.

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      Enhancements

      Set Your Drawing Scale from a List 

      You can now set the scale of a Takeoff drawing by choosing from a list of standard scale values, rather than having to find and measure an item on the drawing first.

      This is particularly useful for drawings that clearly state their scale, such as 1:50, but do not include a suitable dimension that you can use to set the scale by measurement.

      The Setting scale window now provides two options:

      • By measurement: The existing method, which remains selected by default and continues to work as before.
      • By value: A new option that allows you to select from ten standard scales ranging from 1:1 to 1:1000.

      You can change the drawing scale at any time using either method. If you need to undo the change, selecting Revert changes will return the drawing to its previous scale setting.

      The new scale options are available on both desktop and mobile. If the scale you require is not included in the standard list, you can continue to use the existing By measurement method.

      Please note: The By value option is available for drawings uploaded from 28 September 2026 onwards. For drawings uploaded before this date, the scale will continue to be set by measurement.

      Benefit: Set up drawings more quickly by selecting a standard scale and beginning your measurements without first needing to find a suitable reference dimension.

      For more details, see knowledge base article Takeoff - Setting the scale

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      Export Your Measurements to Excel 

      You can now export every individual measurement from a Takeoff drawing to an Excel spreadsheet. Previously, this level of measurement detail was only available within the Takeoff PDF export.

      A new Export measurements spreadsheet option is available within the Takeoff export window.

      Each measurement is displayed on its own row in the spreadsheet and includes:

      • Measurement group
      • Product
      • Dimensions
      • Height or pitch
      • Quantity
      • Unit
      • The person who created the measurement
      • The date the measurement was last updated

      Quantities are exported as plain numbers, allowing you to sort, filter and total the information easily within Excel.

      Benefit: Access detailed Takeoff measurement information outside Chalkstring, making it easier to review, check, report on and analyse your data while reducing the need to re-enter figures manually. 

      For more details, see knowledge base article Takeoff - Export options

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      Platform Update 

      We’ve updated Chalkstring’s underlying platform to help keep the software secure, stable and performing at its best.

      This work keeps the platform on supported software and helps maintain compatibility with future development. There are no changes to how your existing Chalkstring features work.

      Benefit: Continued platform security, stability and compatibility, without changing your existing Chalkstring workflows.

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      Questions or Feedback?

      If you have any questions about the changes included in this release, please contact our helpdesk at help@chalkstring.com.

      Thank you, as always, for your feedback — it helps us continue improving Chalkstring for your business needs.

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