PlanSwift vs Takeoff Live

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Our analysts compared PlanSwift vs Takeoff Live based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Takeoff Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Takeoff Live Software Tool

Product Basics

PlanSwift, a ConstructConnect offering, is an estimation software designed for general and specialty contractors. It helps manage concrete, drywall, electrical, flooring, framing, HVAC and more while improving accuracy, saving time and increasing profit margins.

Users can complete estimation for simple and complex areas, volumes, items, perimeters and length with point and click support. They can also drag-and-drop assemblies like labor costs, waste and materials and calculate expenses. It can do internal, material and labor calculations and export them to users’ Excel sheets.

Pros
  • Easy to learn & use
  • Fast, accurate takeoff
  • Flexible reporting tools
  • Good customer support
  • Cloud-based & mobile
Cons
  • Limited 3D capabilities
  • Fewer integrations
  • Higher cost for some projects
  • Can be slow on complex models
  • May require training for advanced features
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Takeoff Live is a digital estimation software assisting architects in performing accurate calculations of square feet and volumes. Ideal for contractors, architects and subcontractors, it digitizes construction calculations and measurements to make the entire process hassle-free. It provides users the much-needed flexibility and features to streamline their daily work.

Some capabilities are accessible in the basic, free pricing tier, with additional functionality offered in paid standard and extended packages. It provides exports to Excel and allows users to work off of PDF drawings. All changes are color-coded, which simplifies progress tracking. It speeds up manual calculations and saves time for contractors.

Pros
  • Fast project setup
  • Easy collaboration
  • Scalable platform
  • Cost-effective
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Limited customization
  • Fewer integrations
  • Learning curve for features
  • Support response time
  • Limited offline capabilities
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$1,749 Annually
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Tailored to your specific needs
$49/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Faster Takeoff Times: Drag-and-drop interface and automated calculations dramatically reduce manual work, saving significant time on takeoffs.
  • Improved Accuracy: Eliminate manual errors with PlanSwift's precise measurements and automatic calculations, leading to more reliable estimates.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time cloud-based access allows teams to collaborate efficiently, ensuring everyone works with the latest information.
  • Streamlined Estimating: Generate professional estimates quickly and easily with flexible reporting tools and customizable templates.
  • Increased Project Visibility: Gain insights into material needs, costs, and potential risks with detailed takeoff reports and visual aids.
  • Reduced Material Waste: Accurate takeoffs lead to more precise material ordering, minimizing waste and saving costs.
  • Improved Bidding Competitiveness: Submit faster, more accurate bids with confidence, giving you an edge in the competition.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Access project data and takeoffs on the go with the mobile app, enhancing flexibility and productivity.
  • Scalability for Growth: As your business grows, PlanSwift easily adapts to handle larger and more complex projects.
  • Peace of Mind: Trustworthy customer support and regular software updates ensure you have the ongoing assistance you need.
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  • Improved Efficiency and Speed: Streamline processes with automated takeoff, estimates, and material lists, saving you time and resources.
  • Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: Real-time project updates and shared workspaces facilitate seamless collaboration between teams, improving project transparency and communication.
  • Accurate Costing and Budgeting: Generate precise estimates based on real-time market data and historical project information, ensuring accurate budgeting and financial planning.
  • Reduced Errors and Risk Mitigation: Eliminate manual errors with automated calculations and standardized processes, minimizing risk and ensuring project quality.
  • Increased Scalability and Flexibility: Adapt to changing project demands with a scalable platform that accommodates diverse project sizes and complexities.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage comprehensive reporting and analytics to gain valuable insights into project performance, enabling informed decision-making.
  • Improved Project Visibility and Control: Gain real-time visibility into project progress, costs, and resource allocation, fostering better control and decision-making.
  • Enhanced Mobile Accessibility: Access project information and manage tasks on the go with mobile app compatibility, increasing flexibility and agility.
  • Simplified Workflows and Streamlined Processes: Automate repetitive tasks and implement standardized workflows, allowing teams to focus on higher-value activities.
  • Improved Communication with Clients and Stakeholders: Share project updates, reports, and visualizations with clients and stakeholders in real-time, fostering transparency and trust.
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  • Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplify takeoffs with point-and-click measurements and direct placement of pre-defined assemblies onto plans.
  • Automatic Calculations: Eliminate manual errors with PlanSwift's automatic calculations for lengths, areas, volumes, and more.
  • Multiple File Format Support: Seamlessly import and work with various file formats, including PDFs, DWGs, and images.
  • Customizable Assemblies: Create and save reusable assemblies for frequently used materials and components, streamlining takeoffs.
  • Advanced Measurement Tools: Handle complex shapes and curved lines with tools like arc calculations and automatic cut-out deductions.
  • Color Coding and Annotation Tools: Highlight different takeoff items, track progress, and add notes directly on plans for clear communication.
  • Powerful Reporting Tools: Generate detailed takeoff reports with customizable layouts, filtering options, and cost summaries.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration: Work together on projects in real-time with team members and clients, regardless of location.
  • Mobile App Integration: Access project data, view plans, and perform basic takeoffs on the go with the mobile app.
  • Open API Integration: Connect PlanSwift with other software you use through its open API for increased data flow and automation.
  • Scalability and Customization: Adapt PlanSwift to your specific needs with customizable settings, user roles, and data fields.
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  • Import Multiple Files: Save time on lengthy file conversions by importing all construction-related files into a single software.
  • Assembly Takeoff: Calculate the total materials and staff required for a project quickly. Provide accurate estimates to clients and win more work.
  • Excel Export: Export component data, measurements and charts to Excel and make them accessible to all. Save additional paper costs and keep adding new data to Excel sheets.
  • Highlighter: Color the necessary parts of a drawing that require attention. Track changes by coloring new additions to bring them to everyone’s attention.
  • Sheet Manager: From accounting sheets to blueprints, collect and coordinate sheet storage in a centralized location. Ensure that the team has access to all required files.
  • Insert Notes: Highlight important portions or add additional information in the form of notes in drawings. Resolve issues and get approval faster.
  • Estimating: Submit accurate project estimates to clients on time. Carefully review material quantities and workers required to complete the project successfully.
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Product Ranking

#6

among all
Takeoff Software

#34

among all
Takeoff Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

83
52
87
73
92
50
29
0
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Trades Management
Plans Management
Measurement Tools
Platform Capabilities
Project Management
Trades Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

PlanSwift
Takeoff Live
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 87 92 29 94 91 88 71 100 73 50 0 69 64 0 29 100 0 25 50 75 100
87%
0%
13%
73%
0%
27%
92%
0%
8%
50%
0%
50%
29%
0%
71%
0%
0%
100%
94%
0%
6%
71%
0%
29%
83%
0%
17%
58%
0%
42%
88%
0%
12%
0%
0%
100%
71%
0%
29%
29%
0%
71%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

60%
0%
40%
20%
0%
80%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 411 reviews
Great User Sentiment 63 reviews
86%
of users recommend this product

PlanSwift has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 411 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

84%
of users recommend this product

Takeoff Live has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 63 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

4.3 (23)
4.5 (1)
n/a
4.16 (31)
4.3 (377)
4.2 (31)
4.0 (11)
n/a

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated PlanSwift and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Platform Capabilities.

Platform Capabilities Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User-Friendly Interface: Planswift is praised for its intuitive and straightforward interface which allows users to easily navigate and utilize the software, enhancing productivity for takeoff and estimating tasks.
Accurate Takeoffs: Users appreciate the precision that Planswift provides, enabling them to quickly generate accurate materials and labor estimates, essential for competitive bidding and managing project margins.
Customizable Templates: With Planswift, the ability to create custom templates for various project types helps streamline the estimating process, saving valuable time while ensuring consistency across estimates.
Integration with Other Software: The software's compatibility with third-party applications ensures a seamless workflow, allowing for the easy import and export of data and enhancing overall efficiency.
On-Screen Takeoff: The on-screen takeoff feature allows users to directly measure plans on their computer screen, reducing the need for physical plans and promoting a paperless environment.
Support and Training: Responsive customer support combined with a robust set of training resources empowers users to maximize the potential of the software.
Cost-Effective: Many users find Planswift to be an affordable solution without compromising the functionality required for managing takeoff and estimating complexities.
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Effortless Takeoffs: Users praise the intuitive interface and point-and-click simplicity for quick material quantification, saving them hours compared to manual methods.
Accuracy Boost: Reviewers highlight the software's precise measurements, reducing errors and ensuring accurate estimates, leading to cost savings and project efficiency.
Flexibility for All: Takeoff Live's compatibility with various file formats (PDFs, CADs, photos) and scaling options cater to diverse project types and data sources.
Collaboration Made Easy: Users appreciate the real-time collaboration features, enabling teams to work on projects simultaneously, share tasks, and track progress, improving communication and project management.
Time-Saving Automation: Macros and scripting features automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more strategic work and reducing the risk of human error in calculations.
Budget-Friendly Choice: Compared to competitors, Takeoff Live's pricing is seen as affordable and accessible, making it a valuable tool for small businesses and individual contractors.
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Steep Learning Curve: For new users, PlanSwift can be quite daunting to learn and master, particularly for those with limited tech experience, potentially delaying project starts.
Occasional Bugs: Users have reported running into software glitches that can disrupt the takeoff and estimating process, requiring workarounds or customer support intervention.
Inconsistent Customer Support: While some users find the support helpful, others report slow response times and varying levels of assistance when facing issues with the software.
Performance Issues with Large Files: Handling large and complex projects can sometimes slow down the software, leading to longer loading times and decreased responsiveness.
Limited Cloud Capabilities: Compared to competitors, PlanSwift's cloud features are not as robust, potentially hindering collaboration and remote access for teams.
Cost Prohibitive for Small Businesses: The pricing structure can be on the higher end, presenting financial challenges for small firms or independent contractors.
Outdated Interface: Some users feel that the user interface is not as modern or intuitive as other solutions, affecting user experience and efficiency.
Limited Integration with Other Platforms: PlanSwift's ability to integrate with other construction management or accounting software is often seen as insufficient or overly complex.
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Learning Curve Concerns: Some users find the initial learning curve steeper than expected, requiring extra time to become proficient in using all features effectively.
Limited Mobile Options: While Takeoff Live offers cloud access, a dedicated mobile app is lacking, which can hinder flexibility and on-site project management for some users.
Occasional Glitches: Some users report encountering occasional bugs or glitches that can disrupt workflow, although updates are frequent.
Customization Limitations: While Takeoff Live offers flexibility, some users wish for more advanced customization options for specific workflows or complex project needs.
Limited Free Trial: The free trial period is considered short by some users, making it difficult to fully evaluate the software's suitability for their needs.
Support Response Times: While support options exist, some users report occasional delays in receiving responses from customer service.
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Users consistently praise Planswift's user-friendliness and affordability compared to industry giants like Bluebeam Revu and OnCenter Estimating. Newcomers find its interface intuitive and training resources abundant, enabling them to become productive quickly. Additionally, Planswift's subscription model makes it financially accessible to smaller firms and individual contractors. However, some users lament a perceived lack of advanced features present in competitors. While Planswift boasts core functionalities like 3D takeoff and integration with popular CAD programs, it may not cater to highly complex projects requiring specialized tools for intricate assemblies or detailed cost estimating. A key differentiator highlighted by users is Planswift's customer support. They commend its responsiveness and helpfulness, often exceeding expectations compared to competitors. This personalized support is crucial for users encountering technical issues or seeking guidance on advanced functionalities. Ultimately, user reviews depict Planswift as a valuable tool for those prioritizing ease of use, affordability, and reliable customer support. However, users requiring in-depth features for highly specialized projects might find themselves needing to explore alternative solutions. Weighing individual needs against Planswift's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for making an informed decision.

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Users' experiences with Takeoff Live in the past year paint a picture of a user-friendly, accurate, and affordable takeoff software solution, but not without its limitations. While lauded for its intuitive interface, time-saving automation, and budget-conscious pricing compared to competitors like Planswift and OnCenter, Takeoff Live faces critiques for its initial learning curve, lack of a mobile app, and occasional technical glitches. Positive reviews highlight the ease of use, with users particularly impressed by the ability to quickly quantify materials from diverse file formats and scales. This efficiency translates to significant time savings compared to manual methods, a crucial advantage for busy contractors. Accuracy is another strength, with users praising the software's precise measurements, leading to more reliable estimates and reduced project costs. Additionally, Takeoff Live's pricing structure is seen as more accessible for small businesses and individual contractors, making it a standout in a market dominated by pricier options. However, some users found the initial learning curve steeper than anticipated, requiring extra effort to master all features. The absence of a dedicated mobile app also presents a hurdle for users seeking on-site project management flexibility. While Takeoff Live offers cloud access, a mobile app would further enhance its usability and cater to the increasingly mobile workforce. Occasional bug reports and limited customization options raise concerns for specific workflows and complex projects. Finally, the short free trial period and reported delays in customer support responses leave some users wanting more. In conclusion, Takeoff Live's strengths lie in its user-friendliness, accuracy, affordability, and diverse file format compatibility. However, a steeper learning curve, lack of mobile app, and occasional technical issues are noteworthy weaknesses. Ultimately, users seeking an intuitive and cost-effective takeoff solution will find Takeoff Live a valuable tool, but those requiring advanced customization, extensive mobile functionality, and immediate customer support might need to consider alternative options.

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Screenshots

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