# PlanSwift Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is PlanSwift the right Takeoff solution for you? Explore 396 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/70808/PlanSwift/reviews --- PlanSwift 4.3 (396) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/70808/PlanSwift/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of PlanSwift Ease of use 4.4 Customer Service 4.1 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews KAREEM A RepresentativeAccounting, Self-employedUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “Unlike complex CAD programs, PlanSwift feels intuitive for anyone who has spent time looking at physical blueprints. Why it’s great: You can measure areas, linear totals, and unit counts simply by clicking on the digital plan. As one user put it, "If it's colored, it's counted."“ March 23, 2026 KAREEM A RepresentativeAccounting, Self-employedUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “Review Tip: Mention the lack of real-time collaboration. If two people need to work on the same takeoff, you have to pass files back and forth rather than working simultaneously in a browser.“ March 23, 2026 CM Candida M CEOConstruction, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Measuring areas, lengths, and counts directly on digital blueprints saves enormous time compared to manual takeoffs.“ December 12, 2025 KAREEM A RepresentativeAccounting, Self-employedUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “This means you can’t just log in from any laptop and see your plans; you usually have to be at your specific workstation where the software is installed.“ March 23, 2026 KAREEM A RepresentativeAccounting, Self-employedUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “The Quick Start: You likely found the basic "point-and-click" takeoff tools incredibly easy to learn, seeing an immediate 50% jump in speed compared to manual methods.“ March 23, 2026 EB Elizabeth B Multifamily Sales and SchedulingConstruction, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Sometimes it takes a while to upload large plans and sometimes the pan tool gets stuck, and you have to CTRL ALT DELETE for it to unstick.“ May 13, 2025 Aaron H Project ManagerConstruction, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Once you get your assembly's set up, doing quantity takeoffs is super easy. “ March 4, 2026 AH Andrew H Senior Engineering EstimatorCivil Engineering, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Unfortunately both methods are raster based so there is no intelligence for selecting lines, planes etc.“ July 8, 2025 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 396 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Steve B. Homebuilding Project Consultant Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Estimating 2.0" July 16, 2018 4.0 Pros Drawing tools are easy to use. Assemblies make the process simple as a single line can capture multiple items at one time. The reporting functions make it easy to review the results and modify the assemblies as a whole as standards change. Cons The updating process is very slow. As more assemblies are added to the file, the software gets bogged down and glitchy. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer IT Manager Furniture Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great floorplan markup and estimating tool" November 16, 2018 5.0 The customer service team was really helpful when we were trialling out the software and helped us adapt it to our specific needs. No more paper plans! And if a floor plan changes, it is easy to add or subtract items. Pros We used to mark up paper floor plans with pencils and highlighters. We were looking for a way to go digital in this area. We looked at a couple different software options, and Planswift was the winner. We find the UI to be very intuitive. While we mainly just use the software to mark up items on floorplan, there are lots of other features, such as calculating areas and volumes and creating detailed estimates. There are a number of industry-specific plugins available to help you estimate (Siding, Concrete, Framing and Drywall, etc.) You can import any floor plan, even something sketched on a piece of paper! We generally import pdfs, but I believe you can import CAD files or jpgs as well. Cons There is a bit of a learning curve to learn the software and get set up. However, once you have it tuned for your business, it easily saves hours of time every week. Review Source IB Israel B. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Bait & switch scammers" April 10, 2025 1.0 Great for years, until they got too greedy and stopped caring out their customers. Pros I think Planswift is a great software. It is customizable and effective. Cons Customer service. 100%. I paid thousands of dollars back in 2017 to buy perpetual licenses for the software. They told me that these are lifetime licenses. However, in 2025, they told me that they no longer support perpetual licenses and that we would have to pay an annual subscription fee to "support" our license. We worked with our sales rep and worked to pay for the annual fee for one seat, but not the other. They told us that this is perfectly fine. A few weeks later, they deactivated our seat without telling us, saying that it wasn't allowed. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Estimating using PlanSwift " November 6, 2018 5.0 Pros There were a few things that I enjoyed about this software, the ease of finding all of the tools you need to do a take off was very convenient. Also being able to do a take off then drop in the material you are needing and having the software do an estimate for you is also very convenient. Cons A con would be that sometimes when you upload a set of drawings they come in messed up, they will be upside down or aligned wrong. The drawings also tend to be uploaded without their sheet names. Review Source Zachary O. Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best On Screen Take Off Software. Period. " October 12, 2018 5.0 Highly recommend Planswift to General Contractors and Specialty Contractors alike. Best On-Screen Take Off software available. Pros Ease of use, very user-friendly interface. Quickly rip takeoffs. Great reporting and customization capabilities. Cons One time fee may be expensive for some, but it is well worth the investment! Review Source Justine L. Flooring and Paint Director Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easy to use but I know it can do even more" August 28, 2018 4.0 Great tool. I use it daily for quickly estimating flooring needs on jobs. Pros I like how fast i can create take-off's Cons Trying to create full estimates through the software is a very lengthy process. It also doesn't accurately pick up points when I do the "one-click" feature. Review Source Tamara A. Project Estimator Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Always a Favorite" November 20, 2018 4.0 Pros Planswift makes quantity take off much easier and more effective. The ability to create files and folders helps to keep your information sorted and organized. Cons I feel that their are many features offered in this program that I am most likely not utilizing. While I realize that there are most likely many tutorial options, it would be nice to have a way to see quickly the types of features available. Review Source Nathan K. Project Engineer Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "PlanSwift Review" November 21, 2018 5.0 It makes takeoffs very easy which makes us more productive Pros I love how easy it makes plans to read and how fast takeoffs can be with this. Cons I didn't like how my computer will slow down and it bogs down with more takeoff items in it. Review Source Radiah A. Social Media Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Makes Reading Plans Easy" January 13, 2019 5.0 Pros My assistant uses this software to take measurements off of blueprints. She loves this software before it she use to take hours getting measurements off of blueprints. Now she can get it done in half of that time and the numbers are more accurate. Cons I can't find a problem today this software has saved us alot of time when reading plans. I wished we found this years ago glad to have it today. Review Source SM Suja M. Quantity Surveyor Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "PlanSwift save my times" March 3, 2019 5.0 Pros \* Easy to learn \* Easy to teach \* Easy to work Cons I am using this application for takeoff quantities and this application reduce 50% time to take of my time Review Source RH Ryan H. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Planswift Take Off Software" March 24, 2025 4.0 Used the product for years, recently just moved our commercial estimators to something a bit more complete, but still have Planswift in use for our residential estimators and ops teams for take offs. Its really good if you are ok with building your estimate outside of the platform. Take off is super easy to learn and use. Pros The ease of use of the take off features. They just made sense. Cons To actually put numbers to the take offs inside of planswift and do formulas etc was really not user friendly and hard to use. Review Source NN Nick N. Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great for Takeoffs" January 17, 2022 5.0 Pros It is very easy to create templates for our specific scope as a subcontractor and perform a takeoff. It is very helpful to be able to plot and print a set of plans with the layers of items and a legend. We can create a new set of plans specific to our scope. Cons Not a lot to complain about. Sometimes it's a little buggy when signing out and trying to use on another computer. It will say the license is logged in and occupied elsewhere even though it's clearly been signed out on the other device. When performing a takeoff and a VERY large set of plans it seems to get a little laggy with so many items on the page...could also be due to the power of the computer running the software. It's hard to say. Other than that, there are probably many more features it offers that we aren't taking advantage of, but that's up to us to learn more about what it could do for us. Review Source Response from ConstructConnect January 20, 2022 Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are so glad it is easy for you to do your takeoffs. May it continue to make you successful. JP Jeanine P. Junior Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great software for organizing and implementing budget information" November 24, 2020 5.0 I have used PlanSwift from the beginning of my training as an estimator 4 years ago, and even the formal training class I took used PlanSwift as the basis for the training. I have rarely needed Customer Service, but when I have, they have been great. The free webinars also have been helpful. Pros Extremely simple measurement takeoffs, and excellent features for organizing information. It is also intuitive to use as far as the takeoffs go. The detailed budgeting information and ability to export so that the data can be used with other software is what makes PlanSwift so valuable as an estimating tool. Cons It is difficult to find files when there are a lot in one folder. I haven't been able to figure out how to search or reorganize the import list in a way that keeps me from having to just scroll through the list until I find the file I want to import. The good thing is, the most recently saved file is at the bottom of the list, so if it's a new file, it is easy to find. And those are usually the files I'm looking for. The other downside for me was that I had to have my computer rebuilt, and the PlanSwift files were stored in a place on my computer that is not routinely copied when an IT tech rebuilds the computer. Sorry I don't remember where the files were stored. HOWEVER, the PlanSwift customer service team was extremely helpful and worked with my IT tech to try to find and restore the files. Although they were not able to restore any of the files, they were able to change the location of storage so that wouldn't happen again. Also, I waited to have my computer rebuilt until I had finished a big project, so I didn't really miss anything that I had lost. Review Source SA Shane A. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great takeoff software, good parts estimation, NO database" October 24, 2017 4.0 Planswift is like an open-source, do-it-yourself platform. It is awesome in it's capability to write what you need and even design the input screens to look very clean and professional. But negatives come with that...it's not good at all for multiple users, you have to define all your own processes and there is little to no bid-level abilities with the software. Most of the great reviews for Planswift are based on the Takeoff aspect. They are correct. But the estimation side is only great for a single, hands-on user. Pros \-Takeoff probably couldn't be better. All takeoff software should be judged against Planswift. -Estimation is confusing at first, but very powerful. Everything is customizable. -Price is very low for what you can do. Cons \-No database. This is a basic requirement. You can connect to MS database, but one shouldn't need to do that. -Reporting is not good at all. It is very glitchy. So it appears easy to customize, but then things just quit working. -Support and upgrades have seemingly stopped. Ownership has a changed a few times and now the software seems to be in limbo. Review Source RD Robert D. Project Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Planswift is and essential tool that we use everyday - could be improved though " September 5, 2018 4.0 Please lower price ? Or introduce discounts at certain times of the year for existing customers who have had the software for a certain amount of time. Pros I love that we're able to take off drawings digitally, a lot different than I when used to have to take off projects when I was younger by hand. I love the support we're able to access when we have questions, everyone seems to be very knowledgeable about the software and knows how to answer our questions directly and effectively. I also like how we're allowed to disable the license each time we're finished using the software each day at the office - allows me to pick up different projects that I work on for personal projects at home with not having to buy two separate licenses (which can be costly) Cons The price can be overwhelming at times - we like to keep up with the maintenance/updates and support which is an additional couple hundred dollars every year. Not to mention wanting to get a couple more computers with Planswift on each with their own license is impossible for us at this time, which is actually holding us back. Review Source DK Dean K. Owner/Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easily the best takeoff & estimating software available!" June 8, 2017 5.0 We are a large GC and self-perform much of our own work (concrete, framing, roofing, drywall, siding, etc.) and even do takeoffs on the work we are subbing out to keep our subs in check. We feel the sample parts & assemblies that come with the software as well as the plugins PlanSwift offers are useless. We found a company (www.precisiontakeoffs.com) that makes what PlanSwift refers to as "Third Party" plugins and they have been amazing. We have purchased 6 plugins from this company and they are very easy to use, very detailed, and very versatile. These plugins weren't cheap but are worth the investment. We would still recommend PlanSwift without these plugins as it is very easy to use and extremely accurate. I don't understand all the negative comments I see about PlanSwift. You don't need to be a computer programmer to use PlanSwift. It doesn't crash all the time. We rarely have any issues with it and when we do it almost always is a user issue, not a PlanSwift issue. Pros We love the fact that you can do everything (takeoff, pricing, overhead, profit, & bid proposal) within PlanSwift! Cons It does have a bit of lag on bigger takeoffs as it is only a 32 bit system. Customer service is terrible! Review Source MH Matt H. Project Director/Chief Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Digital Take-Off" August 23, 2019 5.0 Very positive experience as the product is constantly updated. I would and do recommend this software to everyone. Pros \- Ease of use - Layering Function (ability to turn on and off items) - PDF snap shot of take-off areas with legend to provide to sub-trades Cons The cost can be an obstacle for a growing company. I've talked to a lot of other Estimators who use this software and I feel departments always seem to be sharing several copies between multiple users as having a dedicated license for each user is cost prohibitive. Alternatives considered [On-Screen Takeoff](https://www.capterra.com/p/121585/On-Screen-Takeoff/) Reason for choosing PlanSwift Cheaper Review Source JS Jesse S. Operations Manager Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Decent digital take offs" October 25, 2016 4.0 After using Planswift for the last few years, I would have to say the program is definitely worthwhile and provides bang for the buck. As an affordable program, the features included, after a bit of getting used to, rival the more expensive suites out there in terms of usability and over all value. Coming from a civil background, the features were relatively easy to dive in and get figured out. With a wealth of resources available, anyone who can't figure it out in a hurry is simply not trying enough. Pros Planswift is relatively easy to navigate, with the user interface friendly and not too cumbersome. As some programs tend to feel bogged down with features that are specific to a few endusers, Planswift allows the addition of add-ons to free up the real-estate and allow for an easier transition. Further, the customer support is great and has helped me on numerous occasions to get through whatever issue arose at the time. Technically tight, easy to use and a wealth of support. Cons There has not been many instances where the program has left me desiring, however, there has been a couple of shifts internally since I have been using the program and things have been rather confusing as to who, what, where and when the ownership was being turned over. There was a bit of confusion when my licence had expired and the company had been purchased by Oracle, along with the Gradebeam service. However, even during this uncertainty, the helpful customer service was able to set things right. Review Source LQ Linda Q. General Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Planswift meets our growing needs and is expandable" July 12, 2018 4.0 Overall, we love this product for our companies needs. Pros Easy to use and great support for training and technical issues. The support team works well to accomplish better performance and has a great system for followup and trouble shooting. The program itself is very intuitive to use for the takeoff section, and lots of autocad shortcuts work wtih planswift. Cons Building of assemblies is not straight forward. It is cumbersome to put them together. The reporting function as well is not as all encompassing as we would like to see it. Too generic in its applications with no real way to modify the output without great difficulty. Review Source KS Kristen S. Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Versatile Takeoff Progream" January 17, 2018 4.0 Ease of operation is the biggest perk of this software! Easy to get started and lots of resources to find help.. such as YouTube! Pros This program saves time, paper and money! It is incredibly easy to use and easy to train on. The program is very intuitive and easy to navigate through the takeoff commands. Cons Technical support is not always easy to get a hold of. Getting answers to basic questions takes longer than one would normally anticipate. I also wish that the program could "talk to" my estimating software, it is kind of a bummer to do double entries. Review Source YS Yojan S. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Estimating on Planswift for 3 years and still going!" September 14, 2018 4.0 This product has been a game-changer for our Finish estimating. It has helped us estimate painting and wallpapering to an incredible capacity, in comparison to traditional methods. Pros Great layout Navigating through plan files is fluid Never have lost progress, even with occasional crashes Easy-to-use tools Create custom equations When takeoffs are finished, the estimating page is very easy to read and adjust Cons I little pricey for a software, but worth it Lack of compatibility with QuickBooks Large files may take a while to upload, may cause software to become unresponsive Review Source KL Klaus L. Project Estimator Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "simple can be to simple" May 1, 2018 1.0 It is for sure not a pro tool and for that reason much to expensive, considering the yearly subscription. Pros it is simple in a way that you can start fast - but that is already all you can say regarding "pros" Cons It cannot do a multi takeoff, there are no instructions or help available to create lists, you cannot organize your takeoff by divisions, quantities are not added together using different drawings. The auto-quantity tool does not work always, there is no rectangular snap, you cannot add points to a shape wherever you will (only at the end pint) and for that reason changing a form/ shape is so difficulty that you better start over - which is time consuming. Plan import settings do not work as supposed too and the quality you get is really bac - without any chance of improvement if you convert to tiff. Review Source HM Hardial M. Civil Inspector Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Review of PlanSwift" November 22, 2022 4.0 I have used this software for estimating and quantity take out. It’s pretty much accurate but you have to be a good user. Pros I like this software because it provides you free 14 days trial….And they also offer you a training….An accurate software for estimating. Cons Actually, I don’t see anything Bad about PlanSwift but there were some limitations. You need to be little careful or say try to be active while using PlanSwift. This software has needs the user to be attentive. Review Source DL Derek L. PM Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My Favorite Takeoff Software" November 22, 2018 4.0 Great! Its helped to increase productivity with takeoffs! Pros Its easy to use, intuitive, and great for any estimator with very little experience. Cons Often times you cannot overlay drawings how you'd like. Review Source JC Jerry C. Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Must Have" July 11, 2017 5.0 Pros Fast and accurate generating from drawings. Like the overlay feature and has build in estimating support. Cons The custom markup and note functions are very basic, can use some improvement. The other marking shapes are also not quite customizable too. Review Source Similar Products Featured