Quick Overview
- 1#1: Bluebeam Revu - Provides precise digital takeoffs, measurements, and markups from PDF blueprints for construction estimating.
- 2#2: PlanSwift - Enables fast drag-and-drop takeoffs with assemblies, real-time costing, and export to estimating software.
- 3#3: Togal.AI - Automates quantity takeoffs from digital plans using AI for rapid and accurate construction estimates.
- 4#4: Stack - Cloud-based takeoff platform with collaborative tools for preconstruction quantity extraction and bidding.
- 5#5: Autodesk Takeoff - Cloud-integrated 2D takeoff solution within Autodesk Construction Cloud for detailed quantity takeoff.
- 6#6: Beam AI - Generative AI tool for instant trade-specific takeoffs and estimating from uploaded drawings.
- 7#7: Kreo - AI-powered 2D/3D takeoff and full estimating software with model-based accuracy.
- 8#8: Buildxact - All-in-one takeoff, estimating, and job costing platform tailored for residential builders.
- 9#9: Groundplan - Online digital takeoff software for quick measurements and customizable estimating templates.
- 10#10: On-Screen Takeoff - Desktop-based digital plan takeoff tool with point-and-click quantity calculation and reporting.
Tools were evaluated based on advanced features (including AI and real-time costing), user-friendliness, platform integration, and overall value, prioritizing those that deliver reliability and impact across typical construction processes.
Comparison Table
For construction professionals, choosing the right building takeoff software impacts accuracy and project timelines. This comparison table outlines key tools like Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, Togal.AI, Stack, and Autodesk Takeoff, detailing features, pricing, and use cases. Readers will discover which solution aligns best with their specific project requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bluebeam Revu Provides precise digital takeoffs, measurements, and markups from PDF blueprints for construction estimating. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | PlanSwift Enables fast drag-and-drop takeoffs with assemblies, real-time costing, and export to estimating software. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Togal.AI Automates quantity takeoffs from digital plans using AI for rapid and accurate construction estimates. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Stack Cloud-based takeoff platform with collaborative tools for preconstruction quantity extraction and bidding. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Autodesk Takeoff Cloud-integrated 2D takeoff solution within Autodesk Construction Cloud for detailed quantity takeoff. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Beam AI Generative AI tool for instant trade-specific takeoffs and estimating from uploaded drawings. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | Kreo AI-powered 2D/3D takeoff and full estimating software with model-based accuracy. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Buildxact All-in-one takeoff, estimating, and job costing platform tailored for residential builders. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Groundplan Online digital takeoff software for quick measurements and customizable estimating templates. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | On-Screen Takeoff Desktop-based digital plan takeoff tool with point-and-click quantity calculation and reporting. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
Provides precise digital takeoffs, measurements, and markups from PDF blueprints for construction estimating.
Enables fast drag-and-drop takeoffs with assemblies, real-time costing, and export to estimating software.
Automates quantity takeoffs from digital plans using AI for rapid and accurate construction estimates.
Cloud-based takeoff platform with collaborative tools for preconstruction quantity extraction and bidding.
Cloud-integrated 2D takeoff solution within Autodesk Construction Cloud for detailed quantity takeoff.
Generative AI tool for instant trade-specific takeoffs and estimating from uploaded drawings.
AI-powered 2D/3D takeoff and full estimating software with model-based accuracy.
All-in-one takeoff, estimating, and job costing platform tailored for residential builders.
Online digital takeoff software for quick measurements and customizable estimating templates.
Desktop-based digital plan takeoff tool with point-and-click quantity calculation and reporting.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedProvides precise digital takeoffs, measurements, and markups from PDF blueprints for construction estimating.
Quantity Link for automatic syncing of takeoff data to Excel with live updates and error checking
Bluebeam Revu is a leading PDF-based software suite designed specifically for the AEC industry, enabling precise digital takeoffs, markups, and estimations from blueprints and drawings. It offers comprehensive measurement tools for quantities like lengths, areas, volumes, and counts, with support for custom tool chests and scripting for automated workflows. The software stands out with seamless Excel integration via Quantity Link and real-time collaboration through Studio Projects, making it ideal for construction estimating and takeoff processes.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate and flexible takeoff tools with dynamic measurements and visual data linking
- Robust collaboration via Studio for cloud-based project sharing and real-time edits
- Highly customizable with scripting, tool sets, and seamless Excel/ERP integrations
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for non-technical users
- Higher pricing may deter very small firms or solo users
- Mac version lags slightly behind Windows in advanced features
Best For
Construction estimators, contractors, and AEC teams handling complex PDF-based takeoffs and collaborative bidding processes.
Pricing
Subscription tiers: Basics ($239/user/year), Core ($349/user/year), Complete ($549/user/year); perpetual licenses available with maintenance fees.
PlanSwift
specializedEnables fast drag-and-drop takeoffs with assemblies, real-time costing, and export to estimating software.
Drag-and-drop assemblies that automatically apply pre-configured formulas, quantities, and costs across entire plans in seconds
PlanSwift, offered by ConstructConnect, is a leading on-screen takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals handling building projects. It allows users to digitally measure quantities from PDF, CAD, or scanned plans using an intuitive point-and-click interface, while supporting drag-and-drop assemblies for rapid quantity and cost calculations. The tool excels in generating detailed reports, exporting data to Excel or popular estimating platforms, and customizing workflows to match specific trade needs.
Pros
- Lightning-fast point-and-click takeoffs that significantly reduce manual measuring time
- Highly customizable assemblies and databases for tailored estimating
- Strong integration with Excel, QuickBooks, and other estimating software
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows), lacking robust mobile or cloud access
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced customization
- Higher upfront cost may deter very small operations
Best For
Mid-to-large construction contractors and estimators focused on accurate, scalable building takeoffs and bidding.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $1,695 per user, plus ~$400 annual maintenance; subscription options available via ConstructConnect.
Togal.AI
specializedAutomates quantity takeoffs from digital plans using AI for rapid and accurate construction estimates.
AI Object Recognition that auto-detects, counts, and measures 25+ building components without manual tracing
Togal.AI is an AI-powered construction takeoff software that automates quantity extraction from digital blueprints, identifying and measuring elements like walls, doors, windows, and openings in seconds. It processes PDF plans with machine learning algorithms for rapid, accurate takeoffs, reducing manual effort by up to 90%. The platform supports collaboration, exports to Excel or CSV, and integrates with popular estimating tools for streamlined pre-construction workflows.
Pros
- Ultra-fast AI-driven takeoffs on large plans
- High accuracy for standard building elements
- Cloud-based collaboration and easy exports
Cons
- Struggles with highly custom or poor-quality plans
- Steep pricing for small firms
- Limited advanced customization options
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction estimators and GCs handling high-volume, standard commercial projects.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $995/month for basic teams, scaling to enterprise plans with custom quotes; free trial available.
Stack
specializedCloud-based takeoff platform with collaborative tools for preconstruction quantity extraction and bidding.
AI Instant Takeoff that analyzes and quantifies entire plan sets in under a minute with editable results
Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-powered building takeoff software designed to automate quantity extraction from PDF and CAD plans for construction estimators. It uses machine learning to rapidly identify and measure elements like walls, doors, windows, and areas, significantly reducing manual takeoff time. The platform supports cloud collaboration, custom assemblies, and integrations with tools like Procore, Excel, and estimating software for seamless workflows.
Pros
- Ultra-fast AI-driven takeoffs process drawings in seconds with high accuracy
- Strong integrations with Procore, PlanGrid, and Excel for streamlined estimating
- Cloud-based collaboration allows real-time team access and revisions
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small firms or infrequent users
- Occasional AI inaccuracies on complex or non-standard drawings require manual tweaks
- Limited advanced customization options compared to desktop-heavy competitors
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms and estimators seeking AI automation to accelerate takeoffs without sacrificing precision.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $99/user/month for Basic (limited projects), $199/user/month for Pro (unlimited), with custom Enterprise pricing.
Autodesk Takeoff
enterpriseCloud-integrated 2D takeoff solution within Autodesk Construction Cloud for detailed quantity takeoff.
Native integration with Autodesk Revit and Construction Cloud for pulling quantities directly from BIM models into 2D takeoffs
Autodesk Takeoff is a cloud-based tool within the Autodesk Construction Cloud suite designed for performing 2D quantity takeoffs from PDFs, scanned drawings, and CAD files. It enables construction professionals to measure lengths, areas, counts, and volumes with customizable assemblies for accurate material estimation. The software supports real-time collaboration and seamless integration with other Autodesk products like Revit and Autodesk Build for streamlined preconstruction workflows.
Pros
- Deep integration with Autodesk Construction Cloud and Revit for unified workflows
- Real-time cloud collaboration for team reviews and issue tracking
- Customizable assemblies and reporting for precise quantity calculations
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for users outside the Autodesk ecosystem
- Primarily focused on 2D takeoffs with limited advanced 3D model extraction
- Requires subscription to higher-tier Autodesk plans, increasing costs
Best For
Construction teams already invested in the Autodesk ecosystem seeking collaborative 2D takeoff and estimating capabilities.
Pricing
Included in Autodesk Construction Cloud Build plan at ~$100/user/month (annual); higher tiers available for full suite access.
Beam AI
specializedGenerative AI tool for instant trade-specific takeoffs and estimating from uploaded drawings.
AI-powered PDF plan analysis that automatically detects and quantifies 50+ building elements in seconds
Beam AI is an AI-powered platform designed for construction professionals to automate building takeoffs from PDF plans. It uses computer vision and machine learning to detect and quantify elements like walls, doors, windows, and areas instantly, generating accurate material takeoffs. The tool integrates with popular estimating software and allows for quick edits and exports to streamline the bidding process.
Pros
- Rapid AI-driven takeoff generation from PDFs saves hours of manual work
- High accuracy for standard residential and commercial plans
- Seamless integrations with estimating tools like Procore and PlanSwift
Cons
- Requires manual verification for complex or non-standard plans
- Limited customization options for advanced users
- Pricing can add up for high-volume projects without volume discounts
Best For
Mid-sized contractors and estimators who need fast, AI-automated takeoffs for repetitive bidding on standard projects.
Pricing
Pay-per-square-foot starting at $0.10/sq ft or subscriptions from $99/month for unlimited plans up to 50,000 sq ft.
Kreo
specializedAI-powered 2D/3D takeoff and full estimating software with model-based accuracy.
AI-powered Smart Takeoff that automatically detects and quantifies building elements with trainable accuracy improving over use
Kreo is an AI-powered building takeoff and estimating software designed to automate quantity extraction from 2D drawings, PDFs, and CAD files. It streamlines the takeoff process for construction professionals by using machine learning to identify and measure elements like walls, doors, and areas with high accuracy. The platform also supports collaborative estimating, real-time updates, and integration with project management tools to facilitate faster bidding and cost analysis.
Pros
- AI automation significantly reduces manual takeoff time
- High accuracy in quantity extraction from complex drawings
- Real-time collaboration and cloud-based accessibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced AI customization
- Limited integrations with some legacy construction software
- Pricing can be high for small teams without volume discounts
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms and estimators handling high volumes of bids who need AI-driven speed without sacrificing precision.
Pricing
Starts at €49/user/month for Lite plan; Pro at €99/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Buildxact
specializedAll-in-one takeoff, estimating, and job costing platform tailored for residential builders.
Real-time supplier price feeds that automatically update estimates with current material costs
Buildxact is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating software tailored for residential builders and remodelers, enabling precise 2D and 3D material takeoffs directly from PDFs or images. It automates quantity calculations, generates professional quotes, and integrates real-time pricing from supplier databases to ensure accurate cost estimates. The platform also supports job costing, scheduling, and progress tracking, streamlining the entire pre-construction workflow.
Pros
- Intuitive digital takeoff tools with 2D/3D capabilities for quick and accurate measurements
- Live supplier pricing integration for up-to-date material costs
- Seamless transition from takeoff to quoting and job management
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small or solo operations
- Limited advanced customization for complex commercial projects
- Learning curve for advanced features despite overall ease of use
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers who need efficient takeoffs and estimating integrated with job management.
Pricing
Starts at $149 AUD/user/month for Essentials plan; scales to $299+ for Pro and Elite with more features (annual billing discounts available).
Groundplan
specializedOnline digital takeoff software for quick measurements and customizable estimating templates.
AI Auto-Takeoff that instantly detects and measures elements from uploaded PDFs and images
Groundplan is an AI-powered building takeoff software designed to automate quantity extraction from PDF plans, images, and CAD files, significantly reducing manual measuring time. It supports area, length, count, and volume takeoffs with high accuracy and allows exporting to popular estimating tools like Excel and Procore. The cloud-based platform enables team collaboration and real-time updates, making it efficient for construction estimators.
Pros
- AI automation delivers takeoffs in seconds with impressive accuracy
- Intuitive interface suitable for beginners and pros alike
- Seamless integrations with estimating and project management software
Cons
- Limited support for highly complex or custom assemblies
- Pricing can be high for solo users or small firms
- Occasional AI inaccuracies on non-standard plans requiring manual adjustments
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction firms and estimators seeking fast, automated takeoffs without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Subscription plans start at $99/user/month for Pro (billed annually), with pay-per-project options and enterprise custom pricing.
On-Screen Takeoff
specializedDesktop-based digital plan takeoff tool with point-and-click quantity calculation and reporting.
Intelligent Assemblies feature for one-click application of stacked material, labor, and cost items across similar plan areas
On-Screen Takeoff (OST) by ConstructConnect is a desktop-based software solution for construction professionals to perform digital quantity takeoffs directly from PDF plans, blueprints, and CAD files. It enables precise on-screen measurements, organization of items into customizable assemblies, and export to estimating tools like Quick Bid. Widely used for its accuracy in 2D takeoffs, OST streamlines pre-construction quantity extraction but requires a Windows environment.
Pros
- Highly accurate point-and-click measurement tools for complex plans
- Customizable assemblies and databases for efficient reuse
- Strong integration with Quick Bid for seamless estimating
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Windows-only with no native Mac or cloud support
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and multi-user needs
Best For
Experienced construction estimators in general contracting firms focused on detailed 2D plan analysis.
Pricing
Free basic takeoff version; full professional edition starts at ~$1,800/year per user, with volume discounts and add-ons for estimating.
Conclusion
The top 10 building takeoff software delivers diverse solutions, with Bluebeam Revu emerging as the top choice for its precise digital takeoffs and PDF blueprint processing. PlanSwift distinguishes itself with fast drag-and-drop functionality and real-time costing, while Togal.AI impresses through AI automation for rapid, accurate estimates, serving as compelling alternatives for different needs. Each tool streamlines preconstruction workflows, ensuring efficient and reliable cost projections for projects.
To boost your estimating efficiency, start with Bluebeam Revu—its precise takeoffs and seamless integration make it the ideal tool for modern construction planning.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison