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Create an RFI

Create an RFI when you need the design team or owner to clarify the drawings, specs, or contract.

Create an RFI

Section titled “Create an RFI”
  1. Go to Left menu → RFIs and click Create.
  2. (Optional) Select a Template to prefill the form.
  3. Fill in the details:
    • Number
    • Status: Open (default), Draft, or Closed.
    • Title
    • Question: describe what you need clarified. Reference sheet numbers, spec sections, and gridlines. Click AI Enhance to tighten the wording.
  4. Choose who answers. The fields depend on the project’s RFI workflow:
    • Parallel (default): select one or more Assignees.
    • Sequential: set the Review Order. Add reviewers to Step 1, then click Add Step for each later step.
  5. Set the RFI Manager, the person responsible for the RFI and its final answer.
  6. Add a Due Date, Received From, Specification Section, Cc, and Attachments as needed.
  7. Turn on Email Notifications to notify assignees. Status must be Open for emails to send.
  8. Click Create RFI, or Create and Send Emails.

RFI templates

Section titled “RFI templates”

Owners and project managers can Add Template and Edit Template. Field users can select existing templates, but can’t add or edit them.

Write a better RFI question

Section titled “Write a better RFI question”
  • Ask one question per RFI.
  • Reference the exact drawing sheet, detail, and spec section.
  • Attach a marked-up screenshot or photo.
  • Suggest a solution when you have one. It speeds up the answer.
  • Set a realistic due date that protects your schedule.

Update an RFI

Section titled “Update an RFI”

Open the row menu on the RFIs list and click Update. Save with Update RFI, or Update RFI and Send Emails. Owners, project managers, and field users can update RFIs.

Frequently asked questions

Section titled “Frequently asked questions”

Can I save an RFI without sending it?

Section titled “Can I save an RFI without sending it?”

Yes. Set the status to Draft. Draft RFIs don’t send emails.

What does the RFI manager do?

Section titled “What does the RFI manager do?”

The RFI manager owns the RFI. They get reminder emails, receive ball in court after review, and can delete the RFI. See Parallel vs. sequential RFI workflow.

Why does my form show Steps instead of Assignees?

Section titled “Why does my form show Steps instead of Assignees?”

The project uses the Sequential RFI workflow. The project owner sets this under Update Project → RFI Workflow Type.

Can I attach a photo from my phone?

Section titled “Can I attach a photo from my phone?”

Yes. In the SubmittalLink mobile app for iOS and Android, use your camera or photo album to attach a photo to the RFI instantly.

Why can’t I add an RFI template?

Section titled “Why can’t I add an RFI template?”

Field users can use templates but can’t add or edit them. Ask an owner or project manager.