Gather's Instructions feature significantly improves how interior designers and architects create specification packages. It allows quick assignment of detailed guidelines to product types, ensuring consistency, quality control, and clear communication across projects. By streamlining processes from procurement to installation, this tool not only preserves design intent but also enhances project outcomes, leading to smoother executions and more satisfied clients.
Let's dive into everything you need to know about creating, managing, and using instructions:
Managing Instructions
Access the Instructions List:
Click on your account drop-down menu
Go to the Settings tab
Select the Instructions tab on the left side
You'll see a list of 50 pre-populated, industry-standard instructions to get you started
Applying Existing Instructions:
Click the pencil icon next to the instruction you want to use
Edit the instruction text if needed
Select the schedules and types you want to apply the instruction to
Applying to All Types in a Schedule:
Toggle the switch next to the schedule name
This ensures the instruction appears for all current and future types in that schedule
Applying to Specific Types:
Check the box next to individual types
Save Your Changes:
Don't forget to click the Save button to confirm your changes!
Adding New Instructions
Click on your account drop-down menu
Go to the Settings tab
Select the Instructions tab on the left side
Click the green plus sign to add a new instruction
Type your new instruction in the text box
Apply it to desired schedules and types
Viewing Instructions
Instructions Visibility:
Instructions are not visible to clients, ensuring internal communication remains confidential.
Instruction Assignment:
To view which schedules or types an instruction has been applied to, open the instruction settings. A column will show the number of schedules or types associated with that instruction.
New types added to a schedule will not automatically have the instruction applied. You must manually assign instructions to new types.
Editing Instructions
From the Instructions Tab:
Within any item, click the pencil icon next to an instruction to edit it. This will open the settings in a new tab, allowing you to make changes.
Bulk Editing:
Select multiple instructions using the checkboxes, click the pencil icon icon in the top right corner, and bulk edit them as needed.
Deleting Instructions
To delete a single instruction:
Click the trash can icon next to the instruction
To bulk delete instructions:
Select multiple instructions using checkboxes
Click the trash icon in the upper right corner
Bulk Applying Instructions
Select multiple instructions using checkboxes
Click the pencil icon in the top right corner
Choose the schedules and types to apply the selected instructions to
Using Instructions in Projects
Open a Project: Head to any project in Gather.
Pick an Item: Choose any item you want to add instructions to.
Find the Instructions Tab: Look to the left side of the item modal, next to the product image. You'll see a tab labeled "Instructions."
No instructions yet? No worries! A friendly "No instructions have been added to this item" message will show you.
You'll see all instructions assigned to the item's schedule and type
You can turn off specific instructions for individual items if needed
Exporting Instructions
Instructions are available on multi-page PDF exports:
Multi-page PDF spec package
Individual spec sheet
When exporting, make sure to check the "Include instructions" box in the export checklist
By default, instructions will appear unless explicitly turned off.
You can turn off specific instructions for an item by toggling the switch next to the instruction. Disabled instructions will not appear in the export for that item.
Note: Instructions are only available on the Firm plan and can be exported as Single Spec. and Multi-page PDF exports.