Import an underlay image in Xactimate mobile

Updated by Heather Jones

Underlay images are typically virtual floorplans placed under your sketch so you can essentially trace them to create an accurate sketch. To learn more about underlays, view this video about underlays in Xactimate desktop:

To import an underlay in Xactimate mobile, complete the following:

Open Sketch

  1. Within your project, select the hamburger menu (three parallel lines) at the top left.
  2. Select Estimate. This opens two options, which you can navigate between by sliding the screen to the left or right (depending on which one is visible):
  • Sketch allows you to create the sketch and add items directly to it.
  • List View allows you to add rooms, levels, and items in list form without a sketch.
  1. Select Start Estimate in the Sketch screen.

Import underlay image

  1. Within Sketch, select the icon with the house and pencil to open the Sketch menu.
  2. Select ADD OTHER DATA at the top of the screen.
Note: Xactimate adds the underlay image under whichever level is currently selected. If you want it visible on a different level than the one selected, select that other level before continuing to Step 3.
  1. Select Import Underlay.
  2. Choose the right import option for your needs (Camera or Photo Library).
  • Camera: Select this if you still need to capture the image.
  • Photo Library: Select this if you already have the image in your photo library.
  1. Select (from the photo library) or capture (via the device camera) your photo based on the option you chose. The Import Underlay Image screen opens.
  2. Follow the instructions on the page by tapping and dragging along the longest known length in the image to create a line. You can tap and drag each end afterwards to adjust them as needed.

Note: You can zoom in and out while drawing or adjusting the line by touching two fingers to the screen and dragging them closer together or farther apart.

  1. Select Save. The Enter Length screen appears.
  2. Drag your finger up and down on the screen to adjust the length.
  3. Select OK.
  4. Create your sketch as usual with the image underneath.

Hide underlay image

You can hide the underlay at any time, if needed. To do so, complete the following from within Sketch:

  1. Select the Preferences icon.
  2. Scroll to the OPTIONS section.
  3. Select the Show Underlay Images toggle so it switches off.
  4. Select Done.
  5. The underlay image is no longer visible. You can repeat this process to make it visible again.

Remove underlay image

If, for any reason, you want to remove the underlay image entirely, complete the following:

  1. With the underlay image visible, tap anywhere within the image that is not covered by your sketch.
Note: If the underlay image is not visible, but has not been hidden, try changing the sketch level.
  1. Select the Delete icon.
  2. Confirm deletion.

How Did We Do?