Displaying the Bill of Quantities in Construction: Fixed Column, Colors, and Column Width
The bill of quantities is now easier to read in large projects: the Item column stays fixed during horizontal scrolling, each main item and what’s under it gets its own color and each level its own icon, and the table uses the full screen width and saves the column widths.
Required PermissionsThe permission to view or edit the record
How to AccessCost Sheets / Construction Quotations / Contracts → Bill of Quantities
Table of Contents
Fixed Column
- The Item column stays fixed when scrolling horizontally, along with the select, add, and drag columns.
- The Item column takes 25% of the table width by default.
Colors and Icons
- Each main item and its children have a distinct color to distinguish groups.
- Each level (main, sub, work item, material) has its own icon.
Long Text
- A setting in the table header (Table Settings → Cell Overflow) to choose between Wrap (the default) or Truncate.
- When truncated, the full text appears when hovering over the cell.
Column Width and Navigation
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Changing the width | Drag the edge of the column header. |
| Fit to content | Double-click the column edge. |
| Saving | The width is saved for each user and for each record type. |
| Scrolling | Keyboard arrows scroll horizontally when the table is focused. |
| Alignment | Cost, total, and subtotal are right-aligned with smaller spacing. |
Where Do These Improvements Apply?
| Screen | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cost sheet (add/edit) | Includes the materials/labor level with its color and icon. |
| Construction quotation (add/edit) | Without the materials level. |
| Contract (add/edit) | Without the materials level. |
Tips for Large Tables
- Use Collapse Group from the bulk actions to fold groups you’re not working on.
- Keep item titles short and distinctive, because truncation shows the beginning of the text.
- Set the width of the Item column once; it is saved for you in all records of the same type.
- Drag items to reorder them under another parent at the same level.
FAQs
Why does the column width reset after reopening the page?
The width is saved for each user; if it isn’t saved for you, the feature hasn’t reached your account yet.
Does the column width affect my colleagues?
No, it is saved for each user.
How do I see truncated text?
Hover the mouse over the cell.
What is the default text setting?
Wrap.
Can the Item column be unpinned?
No.
Do the colors appear in printing?
The colors are for easier reading on screen; printouts follow the print template.
Does this apply to the record view page?
The improvements are in the bill of quantities inside the add and edit forms.
How do I restore the default column width?
Drag the edges manually or double-click to fit.
Does arrow scrolling work while typing in a cell?
It works when the table itself is focused, not inside an input field.