Welcome to the next generation of Tools.
We have reimagined the platform from the ground up to create a faster, more intuitive workspace for construction professionals. The updated experience combines a fresh interface with improved navigation, faster performance, a more flexible project workspace and the introduction of Tools AI Chat.
While the platform looks and feels different, the tools and features you already know remain available. The upgrade is designed to make them easier to find, use and share.
A fresh, modern workspace
The new Tools interface has been designed to feel more like a working environment and less like a traditional reference library.
The enhanced side menu remains open while you work, making it easier to move between features, explore categories and quickly access the information you need. Content hotspots have also been repositioned on the right-hand side, creating a cleaner layout without changing how the underlying tools work.
The result is a simpler, more focused experience that helps you move between information, tools and project resources with fewer steps.
Faster platform performance
Tools now runs on an upgraded graphics and performance engine.
Although many of these improvements happen behind the scenes, you should notice a faster and more responsive experience throughout the platform. Pages load more smoothly, information is easier to explore and actions such as generating share links, QR codes and PDF documents are completed much faster.
PDF generation, which could previously take between 30 and 60 seconds, can now generally be completed in under 10 seconds.
Introducing Tools AI Chat
One of the most significant additions to the platform is Tools AI Chat.
Unlike general-purpose AI platforms that can source information from a wide range of public websites, Tools AI is designed specifically for construction-related questions. It retrieves information from official code and compliance documents available within the Tools platform.
This includes sources such as:
- The National Construction Code
- Referenced Australian Standards
- NASH documents
- Guides to Standards and Tolerances
- Other recognised construction and compliance references
When you ask a question, Tools AI provides an answer together with the relevant code citation and a link to the applicable Tools reference. This allows you to review the original source and explore the requirement in greater detail.
Tools AI is included with a Pro subscription. Free users can also access a sample of the AI Chat experience before upgrading.
Disclaimer: Tools AI is intended to support faster research and understanding. Users should continue to review the cited source documents and apply appropriate professional judgement before making project decisions.
Search, browse or ask
The updated platform brings three ways of finding information into one connected experience:
Search
Use the traditional text-based search function when you know the term, requirement or subject you are looking for. Search provides a fast route to the most relevant result.
Browse
Explore Tools by category when you want to review related information or are not yet sure which specific tool you need.
Ask Tools AI
Enter a construction-related question in everyday language and receive an answer supported by official source material and citations.
Together, Search, Browse and Ask make it easier to find information in the way that best suits your workflow.
Improved sharing options
The refreshed workspace makes it easier to share information with colleagues, consultants, contractors and project stakeholders.
From within a tool, you can quickly:
- Generate a shareable link
- Create a QR code
- Download a PDF
- Send information to the people involved in your project
These options are designed to help teams communicate requirements clearly and keep important information accessible on-site or in the office.
A more flexible Projects workspace
Projects have also received an updated interface and a new-look homepage, including guidance on how to use the feature.
While Projects are commonly used by specifiers, they can also support builders, site managers, building managers and other construction professionals.
You can create a project, select the tools that are relevant to the work and organise them in one central location. The project can then be downloaded, shared through a link or sent directly to the people you work with.
This can help teams:
- Organise project-specific requirements
- Give contractors access to relevant tools
- Communicate quality expectations
- Keep important guidance in one place
- Support more consistent project delivery
Updated playlists
The playlist experience has also been refreshed.
You can continue to access pre-created playlists, with new playlists planned for regular release. Each playlist brings related tools and information together, helping you work through a subject in a structured way.
The ability to create your own playlists is also coming soon. This will allow organisations and teams to organise internal knowledge, lessons learned and preferred Tools resources into customised collections.
CPD and status improvements
Tools is continuing to develop the way users receive recognition for learning and engaging with the platform.
Further improvements to CPD tracking and status points are planned, helping users demonstrate how they are building their knowledge and applying Tools to improve project quality.
More information about these updates will be shared as the features become available.
The same trusted features, with a better experience
Although the interface, speed and navigation have been upgraded, the core Tools experience remains the same.
You can still access the construction tools, guidance and reference information you already use. The new platform simply makes it faster and easier to find information, organise project resources and share them with others.