Fields

BidMagic fields are used to enter information about the size of the project, and the quantities of work you'll be doing on it.

Types of Fields

The BidMagic estimating software includes four types of fields, each designed for a particular type of data.

• Number Fields-- Most of the fields in BidMagic allow you to enter any number. The text in number fields is aligned to the left (Example 1). You can type in a number from the keyboard, or use the nudge button (see page 85). Negative numbers are accepted in Specifications and in a few Dimension fields where a negative number is logical. On most number fields, six digits are displayed. WARNING: You can enter a larger number than will show in a number field (or use more decimal places), but the extra digits will not be visible on the screen. If you think you may have accidentally entered a huge number, double-click on the number and re-enter it.
• Integer Fields-- Some fields in BidMagic are limited to whole numbers only (for example, room counts). You won't be allowed to type decimals into these fields. Integer fields have their text centered (Example 2).
• Locked Fields-- If you lock a field, you'll still be able to see its value, but you won't be able to change it. Locked fields are in italics, with no box around them.
• Text Fields-- On each room card there is a text field where you can type in the name of the room. Text fields are also found in Specifications whenever you choose an 'other' item (see page 253). You can type any text (letters or numbers) into a text field. Text fields have a plain rectangular box around them (example above).