Join Spreadsheet Import Template

Create an import template to quickly import spreadsheet-based estimates

Accessing a Spreadsheet Template

There are two methods to access a spreadsheet template that can be used for the import process.

  1. Download a blank spreadsheet template from this article
  2. Export a spreadsheet template directly from Join

Download a Blank Spreadsheet Template

Use the following links to download blank spreadsheet templates which can be modified and imported back into Join. Each spreadsheet template includes the required columns depending on the cost breakdown.

  1. Join Spreadsheet Template - Totals Only 
  2. Join Spreadsheet Template - Quantity, Unit, Unit Price
  3. Join Spreadsheet Template - Break Down by Cost Type

Export a Spreadsheet Template from Join

The spreadsheet templates can also be exported from Join by following these steps:

  1. Click the  Milestones tab in the top navigation bar
  2. Create a new Milestone using the + New Milestone button
  3. Click the name of the new Milestone
  4. Click on either the Estimate or Budget tab
  5. Click the New Estimate button
  6. Select the desired cost breakdown type by using the Cost Breakdown  button  in the Total column header
  7. Click the Publish button
  8. Click the Export  button and select "Export Estimate (or Budget) as .xlsx" to download the blank spreadsheet

Tip: If you set up the estimate table in Join with your custom categorization columns, they will be included in the exported spreadsheet, saving time in the next step.

Modify the Spreadsheet Template

Modify the Lines Worksheet

The Lines worksheet in the exported spreadsheet is used to import the estimate line items.

  1. Open the downloaded .xlsx file and click on the Lines worksheet at the bottom

  2. Insert two columns for each new custom categorization

    1. Label the first column with "New Categorization - Number". The values in this column will import into the Category column in the screenshot of custom categories below.
    2. Label the second column with "New Categorization - Name". The values in this column will import into the Description column in the screenshot of custom categories below. A value in this column is optional.
    3. “New Categorization” will be imported into the Name field in the screenshot of custom categories below.
  3. Type or copy-paste the line item data (categorization codes, descriptions, quantities, and costs) from your estimate into the spreadsheet

Caution: All custom categorization columns must be to the left of the Description column.

Modify the Markups Worksheet

The Markups worksheet in the exported spreadsheet is used to import the estimate markups.

  1. Open the downloaded .xlsx file and click on the Markups worksheet at the bottom
  2. In the Description column, type the name or description of the markup 
  3. In the Type column, type either "PERCENT" for percentage-based markups or "LUMP SUM" for lump sum based markups
  4. In the Value column, type either the percentage or lump sum value of the markup
  5. The Total column can remain blank and will be calculated in Join

Tip: The Lines and Markup worksheets can be copied into your estimating spreadsheet, and formulas can be used to automatically populate these worksheets. If you need help setting up a template, reach out to us at support@join.build.

Next Step: Now that your estimate spreadsheet file is ready, let's import it into Join.