BidScreen XL

BidScreen XL version 5.3 is a comprehensive tool that transforms the way electronic plans are handled directly within Microsoft Excel. Developed by Vertigraph, Inc., this invaluable freeware falls under the Photo & Graphics category and specifically caters to 3D Design needs. It supports a wide array of operating systems, including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11, ensuring broad usability.

Users can download multiple file types like pdf, tif, bmp, jpg, pic, dwg, dxf, and even more directly into Excel. This functionality, coupled with the ability to zoom and pan images while working in Excel, makes engaging with the electronic plans not only feasible but efficient. One of the standout features of BidScreen XL is its seamless integration where users can click on a cell in the spreadsheet to measure and identify areas, lengths, and counts effortlessly from electronic drawing files using a mouse.

The ability to electronically measure directly within Excel and save the measurements along with digitized drawings ensures that edits and prints stay tethered to their respective Excel cells. Drawings can be enhanced with colors, count symbols, line styles, and area fill patterns, making them visually distinguishable and editable.

Other key features include the convenience of loading multiple files and pages with a single click and a newly introduced thumbnail view in Excel’s toolbar to identify loaded drawings swiftly. This latest version also boasts a robust style library, enhanced print capabilities, and extended support for new file formats like AutoCAD 2009 vector files, DWF V6, DJVU, and an expanded PDF library. Users can measure directly from AutoCAD DWG files without needing to convert them to raster files, with the added option to isolate CAD layers for precise measurements.

BidScreen XL version 5.3 also emphasizes user customization and efficiency with configurable toolbars, easily accessible style pallets, annotation tools, and the ability to set user-definable keyboard shortcuts. Not to be overlooked is the program file name v_osrefview.exe, ensuring you get the right tool during your download. For those without an Adobe Acrobat license, special pricing on Adobe Acrobat Version 9 Standard is available, making the BidScreen XL package even more appealing.

Pros:

• Free to download
• Integration with Microsoft Excel for electronic plans
• Supports a wide range of drawing file formats
• Customizable toolbars and palette styles
• Easy to measure and annotate on plans directly within Excel

Cons:

• Advanced features may have a learning curve for beginners
• Requires Microsoft Excel for full functionality

Overall, BidScreen XL version 5.3 by Vertigraph, Inc. is an indispensable tool for anyone in need of robust electronic plan management directly from Excel, enhancing overall workflow and precision in 3D Design tasks.

You may want to check out more software, such as Spire XLS Alternative, XL Delete or Advanced XLS Converter, which might be related to BidScreen XL.