PDF → ESX conversion

Only got the PDF? I’ll turn it into a working ESX.

When the adjuster sends a PDF instead of the file, you’re stuck rebuilding the whole estimate line by line before you can even start. Send me the PDF — I’ll hand you back a clean ESX you can import into Xactimate and work.

What comes back
Every line item
Folders & room structure
F9 notes
Reconciled to the totalto the penny
Typical turnaroundsame day
The problem

A PDF can’t be imported. So you rebuild it.

Adjusters write the estimate in Xactimate, then send only the PDF report. To review it, revise it, or write your supplement, you need the ESX — and half the time you never get it. What should take an hour turns into a full day of retyping.

Without conversion

Rebuild 90% of an estimate that already exists

You retype every line item, quantity, and note by hand from the PDF — hours of duplicate work, and a real chance of missing something before you can even start on your scope.

With Direct Estimating

Send the PDF, get the ESX, start working

I rebuild it in Xactimate for you — line items, folders, and F9 notes, checked against the original totals — and send back an ESX you import and go. Most files come back the same day.

How it works

Three steps. Most files back same day.

1

Send me the PDF

Any Xactimate PDF estimate — the carrier’s, the adjuster’s, or your own. Upload it through the work-request form.

2

I rebuild it in Xactimate

Every line item, folder, and F9 note entered by hand and checked line-for-line against the original totals — not auto-generated.

3

You get the ESX back

Import it into Xactimate, review, revise, and submit. Same-day on most files; large estimates may take a little longer.

What’s captured

The whole estimate — not just the numbers

Line items
Every code & quantity
CAT/SEL/ACT codes, quantities, and calc values, exactly as written.
Structure
Folders & rooms
The estimate’s grouping and room breakdown, rebuilt as it was.
Notes
F9 notes
Line-item notes carried over so nothing’s lost in translation.
Accuracy
Reconciled totals
Checked against the original estimate’s total — to the penny.
Pricing
Same price list
Built on the same price list the original was written on.
Speed
Same-day turnaround
Most files back the day you send them.
Pricing

Simple pricing for PDF to ESX

Pay per file, or subscribe monthly if you convert often. Large or commercial estimates are quoted — send it over and I’ll confirm before any work starts.

Pay per file
Single file
One PDF converted to a ready-to-import ESX.
$40
Up to 250 line items · 25¢/line over
Start a conversion →
Monthly plans · save up to 50%
Standard
10 conversions a month. For busy estimators.
$250/mo
$25/file · 25¢/line over 300 · extra files $25
Choose Standard →
Enterprise
40 conversions a month. For large teams.
$800/mo
$20/file · 15¢/line over 500 · extra files $20
Choose Enterprise →
Not just a file — a finished job if you want one.

Every conversion is human-built and checked against the original totals — never auto-generated junk. And because it’s already on my desk, I can QC it, write the supplement, or finish the estimate for you. Just say the word when you send the file.

FAQ

Common questions

What exactly do I get back?

A native Xactimate ESX file containing all the line items, folder/room structure, and F9 notes from the PDF — reconciled to the original estimate’s total. You import it into Xactimate and work from an editable estimate instead of retyping one.

How long does it take?

Most files come back the same day. Larger estimates (1,000+ line items) can take a little longer. When you send the file I’ll confirm the turnaround before anything starts.

How accurate is it?

Every conversion is rebuilt in Xactimate by hand and checked line-for-line against the original estimate’s totals — not auto-generated. If the numbers don’t reconcile, it doesn’t ship.

Which price list do you use?

The same price list the original estimate was written on — it’s printed on the first page of the PDF. That keeps your ESX identical to the source.

I only have the PDF, not the ESX. Is that a problem?

Not at all — the PDF is all I need. That’s the entire point of the service.

Can you also write the supplement or finish the estimate?

Yes. Since it’s already on my desk, I can QC it, write a supplement, or produce the full estimate. Just mention it when you send the file and I’ll quote it.

Send me the PDF.

Upload your estimate and I’ll turn it into a working ESX — and tell you the turnaround before anything starts.

Send me the PDF