top of page
Search

Xactimate Download Made Simple: Install the Software and Start Estimating

  • Writer: DM Monticello
    DM Monticello
  • Jul 3
  • 7 min read

What Is Xactimate and Why You Need It

Who Uses It and What It Does

Xactimate is the leading estimating software used in the insurance and property restoration industries. It’s designed to help:

  • Adjusters write damage reports

  • Contractors build insurance-approved estimates

  • Restoration pros manage job costs and scope of work

It includes tools for sketching property layouts, selecting pricing line items, and submitting PDF or ESX estimates to carriers.

Not sure what it can do? Read Xactimate Software: What It Is, How It Works.



Why Downloading the Right Version Matters

There are three main versions of Xactimate:

  • Desktop: Full-featured, best for power users and admins

  • Online: Browser-based for light to moderate estimating

  • Mobile: App version for use on job sites

Downloading the correct version ensures you have the tools and access your workflow requires.

Want to compare them? See Xactimate Online: A Beginner’s Guide.



How to Download Xactimate Software

Downloading Xactimate Desktop

  1. Go to the Xactimate Installation Page at xactware.com.

  2. Click on “Download Xactimate Desktop.”

  3. Select the current version (e.g., X1 or X2).

  4. Follow the install wizard prompts to download and install.

  5. Enter your XactNet ID and Product Key when prompted.

This version is best for professionals who need advanced tools and full customization.



Accessing Xactimate Online

No download is needed for the online version. To access:

  1. Visit Xactimate Online Login.

  2. Enter your Verisk/XactNet credentials.

  3. Start estimating directly in your browser.

Online is perfect for new users or teams without Windows devices.



Installing Xactimate Mobile

To download the mobile app:

  1. Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

  2. Search for “Xactimate Mobile.”

  3. Download and install the app.

  4. Log in with your XactNet credentials.

The mobile version is ideal for documenting site visits, taking photos, and sketching on the go.

For mobile tips, check out Xactimate Mobile Training.



System Requirements Before You Download

Windows and Internet Needs

Xactimate Desktop requires:

  • Windows 10 or 11

  • At least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended)

  • 30 GB of free storage space

  • Stable internet connection for syncing and price list updates

It does not work on Mac unless using a Windows emulator like Parallels, which is not officially supported by Verisk.



Supported Devices for Mobile

Xactimate Mobile runs on:

  • iPhones (iOS 13 and up)

  • iPads

  • Android devices (Android 10 and up)

For the best experience, use devices with:

  • Strong cameras

  • At least 64 GB storage

  • Stylus support (for sketching)



Storage and Software Prerequisites

Before downloading:

  • Disable antivirus temporarily if it blocks installation

  • Ensure admin access on your device

  • Close other large programs to avoid memory issues

Want more setup tips? Check out How to Streamline Back-Office Operations.



Setting Up Your Xactimate Account

Creating a Verisk ID

To download and use Xactimate, you’ll need a Verisk/XactNet ID:

  1. Go to xactimate.com

  2. Click “Create Account”

  3. Enter business and contact details

  4. Verify your email

This ID will connect all your devices and versions of Xactimate.



Choosing a Subscription Plan

You must choose a plan before downloading:

  • Xactimate Online only (lower cost)

  • Xactimate Professional (includes desktop, mobile, and online)

Plans can be billed monthly or annually. Learn more in Xactimate Pricing Explained.



Activating Your Product Key

Once you’ve subscribed, Verisk will send you a product key via email. During installation:

  1. Enter your XactNet ID

  2. Input your product key

  3. Confirm activation and sync settings

Your license will now be tied to your devices.



Common Download Issues and How to Fix Them

Installation Errors

If your download fails:

  • Check for admin permission on your device

  • Pause antivirus or firewall temporarily

  • Reboot and reinstall with updated browser



Login Problems

Make sure:

  • Your Verisk ID is confirmed by email

  • Your subscription is active

  • You’re using the latest software version

Use the “forgot password” link or contact Verisk support if needed.



Compatibility Tips

For best performance:

  • Use the software on Windows (not Mac)

  • Keep mobile devices updated

  • Use Chrome for accessing Xactimate Online

Still stuck? Consider setting up SOPs like in How to Automate Back-Office Operations.



What to Do After You Download

Set Up Your Company Profile

Inside Xactimate:

  • Upload your logo

  • Set your business contact info

  • Choose your default pricing region

This ensures all your estimates are professional and branded.



Customize Templates and Preferences

Create:

  • Room layouts with Sketch

  • Line item macros

  • Job folder structures

This reduces time spent on repetitive tasks and avoids errors.

Learn more in Xactimate Training.



Start Your First Estimate

To begin:

  1. Create a new project

  2. Enter the property address

  3. Sketch rooms and add line items

  4. Review the estimate and export as PDF or ESX

Want help improving estimate accuracy? Check out Xactimate Price List.



How to Optimize Xactimate After Download: Setup, Tools, and Workflow Tips

Downloading Xactimate is only step one. To unlock its full power, you need to set it up correctly, configure your tools, and align it with your business workflow. Whether you're a solo estimator or managing a team, this section shows how to optimize Xactimate to work faster, reduce errors, and get paid sooner.



1. Build Estimate Templates

Templates eliminate repetitive work and speed up job creation. You can create templates for:

  • Water mitigation

  • Fire damage restoration

  • Roof repairs

  • Contents pack-out

Each template should include:

  • Line items you frequently use

  • Preloaded scope notes

  • Common room layouts

Use naming conventions like “Water_Standard” or “Roof_Wind_Damage” to stay organized.

Want to learn template strategies? See Xactimate Training.



2. Create and Use Macros

Macros are time-saving bundles of line items for recurring tasks. Some examples:

  • Dryout Setup Macro – 2 air movers, 1 dehumidifier, monitoring, PPE

  • Board-Up Macro – plywood, labor, nails, and equipment

Macros let you drop in 10+ line items with a single click. They're especially helpful in water jobs and mitigation estimates where setups are similar.

Macros also help new team members estimate correctly without needing to memorize codes.



3. Set Up Custom Price Lists When Needed

While Xactimate includes Verisk’s regional price lists, some markets or job types require custom pricing. You can:

  • Adjust labor or material costs for specialty trades

  • Add nonstandard line items

  • Justify pricing using the Xactimate White Pages

This helps ensure your bids are both profitable and defendable.

Learn how to use data to support pricing in Xactimate White Pages.



4. Organize Jobs Using Smart Folder Structures

A good folder structure inside Xactimate makes project tracking easier. Suggested structure:

  • New Inspections

  • In Progress

  • Pending Carrier Approval

  • Approved

  • Closed and Archived

You can also tag by service type (e.g., Mitigation, Reconstruction) or by region/team. This is especially important for companies managing 50+ open jobs at once.



5. Sync Mobile, Desktop, and Online Projects

Ensure your Xactimate Mobile, Online, and Desktop versions are synced. This helps:

  • Field users upload photos and notes

  • Office staff finish and review estimates

  • Admins export for billing or insurance portals

To sync:

  1. Make sure cloud services are enabled on all devices.

  2. Use consistent project names or job numbers.

  3. Train users to sync after every edit.

Mobile setup tips are available in Xactimate Mobile Training.



6. Build a Scope Review Checklist

Before submitting any estimate, have a simple checklist. Example:

  • ✔️ All rooms sketched?

  • ✔️ Line items match scope?

  • ✔️ Photos uploaded?

  • ✔️ Notes for any custom pricing?

  • ✔️ Exported as PDF and/or ESX?

Use this with your team to avoid costly rejections from insurance carriers.

Looking to standardize operations? See How to Automate Back-Office Operations.



7. Train Estimators With Practice Projects

The best way to improve accuracy is through practice. Create training files like:

  • A sample water loss in a basement

  • A hail-damaged roof

  • A fire-affected kitchen

Let trainees write estimates and review them using your checklist. This builds confidence and ensures consistency before they touch real jobs.



8. Set Permissions and Audit Trails

In larger teams, assign roles:

  • Estimators create and edit projects

  • Admins manage accounts and folders

  • Reviewers finalize and submit estimates

Use audit trails to monitor who made what changes and when. This prevents confusion during revisions or QA.



9. Link Xactimate With Your Project Management Tools

While Xactimate doesn’t integrate directly with most CRMs, you can:

  • Match job numbers between systems

  • Use Google Drive or Dropbox for storage

  • Export estimates into project folders by stage

Some companies build Zapier automations or use virtual assistants to help keep Xactimate and back-office tools in sync.



10. Measure Productivity to Maximize ROI

Track:

  • How many estimates your team completes per week

  • Average turnaround time from site visit to submission

  • Approval rate on first submission

Compare these metrics before and after training or system improvements. This shows where Xactimate setup is paying off and where to improve.

Also, measure how long it takes to recover your subscription cost in approved estimates. Most users make their money back in just 1–2 claims per month.

For workflow ROI guidance, check How Operational Efficiency Drives Sales Growth.



Set Up Once, Save Time Forever

Optimizing Xactimate is about more than knowing how to use it—it's about making it work for your process. With the right templates, structure, and tools, your team will:

  • Create estimates faster

  • Submit cleaner files

  • Win approvals and payments sooner

And if you'd rather focus on jobs while someone else sets up and manages your tools? OpsArmy can do that for you.

We handle full Xactimate workflows: setup, training, estimating support, and documentation—so your team works faster and earns more.

👉 Visit operationsarmy.com to learn how we can optimize your software and your success.



Final Thoughts: Get Downloaded and Start Earning

Downloading Xactimate is your first step toward accurate, fast, and carrier-approved estimates. Whether you’re an adjuster, contractor, or estimator, setting it up the right way saves time and increases approvals.

Once installed, focus on training, building macros, and organizing your workflow. And if you want help getting set up, OpsArmy can do it for you.



OpsArmy Can Help

OpsArmy is building AI-native back office operations as a service (OaaS). We help businesses run their day-to-day operations with AI-augmented teams, delivering outcomes across sales, admin, finance, and hiring. In a world where every team is expected to do more with less, OpsArmy provides fully managed “Ops Pods” that blend deep knowledge experts, structured playbooks, and AI copilots. Think of us as your operational infrastructure: running faster, leaner, and smarter business execution.

👉 Visit operationsarmy.com to learn more.



Sources


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page