What is Spec Register Builder?
Spec Register Builder is a Windows app that turns a construction spec book PDF into a cited submittal register. It reads each section number and title from the book, lists every submittal requirement it finds with its paragraph and page, and exports the register to Excel or CSV, on your PC with nothing uploaded.
How do I build a submittal register with it?
Choose Pick a PDF and select the project manual. The register appears beside the rendered page. Filter and sort the rows, select one to open its page, then choose Export XLSX or Export CSV and name the file. The export is named after the book, such as Project Manual - submittal register.xlsx.
What columns are in the export?
Spec Section, Section Title, Part, Article, Paragraph, PDF Page, Printed Page, Requirement Text, Type, Action/Info, Confidence, Submit By, Reviewer, and Notes. Submit By, Reviewer, and Notes are left blank for your team. The XLSX adds a Manifest sheet with the source file’s SHA-256.
Which submittal types does it recognize?
Preconstruction, Shop Drawings, Product Data, Samples, Design Data, Test Reports, Certificates, Manufacturer’s Instructions, Manufacturer’s Field Reports, Operation and Maintenance Data, Closeout, and Sustainability. Each row also carries Action, Informational, or Closeout from its article, or G and Info on UFGS books.
Where in a section does it look for submittals?
In every article of every section, not only the Submittals article. Samples under Quality Assurance, test reports under Field Quality Control, and warranties under Closeout are listed too, and each row records the part and article it came from, such as Part 1, article 1.4.
Which section numbering does it read?
Six-digit MasterFormat numbers such as 03 30 00, level-four numbers such as 31 62 13.13, six digits run together, and older five-digit numbers such as 03300, from title lines like SECTION 03 30 00 - CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE. Printed pages come from footers such as 03 30 00 - 3 or Page 2 of 12.
What does the confidence number tell me?
It is a hint from 0 to 1 that shows where to look first. It weighs how directly the paragraph asks for a submittal, which article it sits in, whether a submittal type is named, and whether the sentence is complete. Rows at 0.40 or below carry a Review flag, and sorting by Conf. brings them to the top.
Can it read scanned or password-protected spec books?
Yes. Pages without a text layer are read with the OCR engine built into Windows, and the status line and the Manifest sheet name the pages read with OCR. A password-protected PDF asks for its password when you open it; type it and choose Open, and the file itself is not changed.
What happens to my original PDF?
It stays exactly as it was. The spec book is opened for reading only and is never written. Exports are new XLSX or CSV files you name in the Save dialog. Recent keeps access to up to 20 books you picked, and Forget releases one at once.
Where are my files processed?
On your PC. Spec Register Builder makes no network connections, has no account, and collects no telemetry. It runs in the Windows app sandbox with no declared capabilities, so it reaches only the PDF you pick and the file you save.
What does it cost, and is there a trial?
Spec Register Builder is a one-time purchase in the Microsoft Store, and the listing shows the current price in your currency. The Store runs a 15-day free trial with every feature, and there is nothing to activate in the app. There is no subscription.
What Windows version do I need?
Windows 10 version 2004 or later, or Windows 11, on an x64 or ARM64 PC. Scanned pages are read with the OCR language installed in Windows. The window opens at 1100 by 720 and works down to 960 by 600.
