--- title: "Trimble AutoBid Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra" description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about Trimble AutoBid Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other HVAC Estimating products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/193710/AutoBid/" page_type: "product" language: "en" --- # Trimble AutoBid Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on August 26, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) Trimble AutoBid ## What is Trimble AutoBid? Trimble® AutoBid Mechanical is the market leading estimating software for commercial and industrial mechanical, piping and plumbing contractors. Providing contractors with Integrated OnScreen View graphical takeoff, automatic fitting generation, value engineering, a database of over 100,000 items and multiple industry standard labor books. Trimble AutoBid helps contractors create accurate bids and gain a competitive advantage on bid day. ## What is Trimble AutoBid used for? [HVAC Estimating](https://www.capterra.com/hvac-estimating-software/)[Plumbing Estimating](https://www.capterra.com/plumbing-estimating-software/)[Subcontractor](https://www.capterra.com/subcontractor-software/) Top alternative Featured Overall rating Based on 53 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive 89% Neutral 8% Negative 4% Starting price $1 Per User, Per Month Free trial available Includes Free Version Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Do you work for Trimble AutoBid?[Manage this product listing](https://digitalmarkets.gartner.com/get-listed/claim-bx?url=https://www.trimble.com/&name=Trimble AutoBid) Rating Breakdown 4.3 +− Features4.2 Value for Money4.0 Ease of Use3.9 Customer Service4.3 Rating Breakdown 4.3 Features4.2 Value for Money4.0 Ease of Use3.9 Customer Service4.3 ## Trimble AutoBid Reviewers Verdict Updated August 2026 AI summary - Trimble AutoBid is a strong fit for estimators and preconstruction teams in small to midsize mechanical, HVAC, and plumbing contracting firms. - Users most consistently value its fast takeoff process, ease of use for both new and experienced staff, and flexible project setup options. - It delivers practical time savings and helps teams create more accurate and consistent bids with less manual effort. - Some key downsides are inconsistent menu customization, a learning curve for advanced features, and delays or gaps in product updates. - It suits companies prioritizing efficient estimating and bid management, but those needing advanced integrations or frequent updates may want to weigh alternatives. ## Compare with a popular alternative Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status. ### Trimble AutoBid 4.3 (53) VS. [4.5 (1,399)](https://www.capterra.com/p/147181/STACK-Takeoff/reviews/) Starting Price $1 per user, per month Starting Price $2599 Flat Rate, Per Year Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 3.9 (53) Ease Of Use 4.5 (1,399) Value For Money 4.0 (45) Value For Money 4.3 (1,245) Customer Service 4.4 (50) Customer Service 4.7 (1,278) ## Trimble AutoBid alternatives [4.5 (2,675)](https://www.capterra.com/p/56250/Procore/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 94% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.6 (495)](https://www.capterra.com/p/153475/FieldPulse/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 93% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.5 (836)](https://www.capterra.com/p/166113/Contractor-Foreman/reviews/) Starting price $49.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 92% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars Highest Rated [4.6 (1,480)](https://www.capterra.com/p/127994/Jobber/reviews/) Starting price $39.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 93% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/193710/AutoBid/alternatives/) ## FAQs about Trimble AutoBid Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from Trimble AutoBid? Trimble AutoBid is most used by estimators, estimating managers, and preconstruction teams who need fast, accurate takeoffs, bid preparation, and cost calculations for mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and heating work. Operations leaders, owners, and project-focused office staff benefit from better bid consistency, pricing visibility, and smoother handoffs from estimating to project execution. Answer based on 49 reviews Overview ### What company size and industries is Trimble AutoBid built for? Trimble AutoBid is built primarily for small construction contractors, with 52% of reviewers from small businesses and 89% from construction. It is designed for mechanical, piping, and plumbing contractors, while also serving midsize firms at 40%, with smaller use in mechanical or industrial engineering and building materials. Commonly used for HVAC estimating. Answer based on 53 reviews Features and Usability ### What are the key features of Trimble AutoBid? Trimble AutoBid includes core estimating and bid management tools, with on-screen takeoff, change order management, and quotes/estimates as key workflow features. Reviewers also highlight customizable reports, cost databases with labor rates and prebuilt assemblies, plus takeoff flexibility for systems, zones, and line-item adjustments in HVAC and plumbing estimating. Answer based on 28 reviews Getting Started and Support ### How hard is Trimble AutoBid to set up? Trimble AutoBid offers flexible setup for projects, assemblies, databases, and reporting, but the initial configuration can feel demanding. Experienced estimators and larger contractor teams often like the customization options and shared database access, while field-based users and new admins may find system building, symbols, and cross-product setup more cumbersome. Answer based on 18 reviews Getting Started and Support ### What training and onboarding options does Trimble AutoBid offer? Trimble AutoBid provides in person training, live online sessions, webinars, documentation, and videos to help teams get started. In person and live online formats support guided instruction, webinars offer scheduled learning sessions, videos provide visual walkthroughs, and documentation gives written reference material for self-paced review. Answer based on 8 reviews Getting Started and Support ### What customer support options does Trimble AutoBid offer, and how do users rate the experience? Trimble AutoBid offers email/help desk, FAQ/forum, knowledge base, phone support, and chat. Users often describe support as timely, reliable, and effective at resolving issues, but some report long phone waits, limited urgency on bug fixes, and frustration when recurring glitches require repeated contact. Answer based on 12 reviews Features and Usability ### Is Trimble AutoBid easy to learn and use? Trimble AutoBid feels approachable for basic takeoff work, but advanced estimating features can take time to master. Many estimators find the core workflow fast and learnable, especially with training, while newer users sometimes struggle with menu consistency, library searches, database complexity, report editing, and custom assembly setup. Answer based on 28 reviews Performance and speed ### How fast is Trimble AutoBid for takeoffs? Trimble AutoBid handles on-screen takeoffs quickly and helps estimators finish bids faster than manual methods. Mechanical and sheet metal teams often value the responsive takeoff tools, automatic fitting logic, and flexible reporting, though some users still want fewer clicks, better hotkeys, cleaner PDF imports, and smoother network performance. Answer based on 19 reviews Conference and networking ### Is Trimble AutoBid training and networking helpful? Trimble AutoBid provides training and conference access that can help teams learn features and meet industry peers. Many long-time estimators value classes, product updates, and idea sharing, but some attendees find networking too broad, off-site logistics inconvenient, and advanced training resources or report customization guidance less detailed than expected. Answer based on 16 reviews ## Features AI summary Based on 221 HVAC Estimating reviews Capterra reviewers highlight these as the features that matter most when selecting HVAC Estimating software: - **Dispatch Management** (**67%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **Quotes/Estimates** (**66%**) - **Customer Database** (**66%**) Trimble AutoBid includes **Quotes/Estimates**, which helps teams create accurate project pricing and respond to bid opportunities more efficiently. However, it does not offer **Dispatch Management** and does not include **Customer Database**. Its **Quotes/Estimates** functionality supports more consistent bidding, helping businesses improve estimate accuracy and provide customers with clear, timely proposals. Quotes/Estimates 4.8 (10) 120.00% of 10 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Generate quotes or estimates for customers Takeoff 4.9 (16) 131.25% of 16 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Measure digital plans to calculate labor and materials needed Cost Estimating 4.0 (12) 133.33% of 12 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Forecast the cost and resources required to complete a project Data Import/Export 3.5 (10) 120.00% of 10 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Import and export data to and from software applications Estimating 4.5 (10) 130.00% of 10 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Estimate expected cost based on various factors before a project begins For Plumbing Industry 4.4 (9) 133.33% of 9 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Serving plumbing industry professionals Trimble AutoBid 20 features Share bid details, archive bids, and create bid requests to assist in bid solicitation and quote comparison Tracks all change orders submitted across projects and updates the budget to reflect the most recent costs Provides a channel for team members to share AI models, media files, communicate, and work together For commercial and industrial purposes Collection of data related to the costs associated with various items, products, services, or activities Forecast the cost and resources required to complete a project Alter the layout and content of reports Import and export data to and from software applications Store, manage, and track all electronic documents in a centralized location Estimate expected cost based on various factors before a project begins Software designed specifically for HVAC companies Serving plumbing industry professionals Track, manage, and standardize customer rates for services performed by technicians Organize and schedule projects Monitor the progress of projects from start to finish Generate quotes or estimates for customers Collection, analysis, and representation of numerical data and generation of reports to understand various patterns View and track pertinent metrics to find patterns and gain insights from data Ensure subcontractors are working safely on client sites and document audits/inspections for reference. Measure digital plans to calculate labor and materials needed Get Advice We can help you find the software with the features you need. Features 4.2 (53) 4.2 Based on 53 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 4.0 (45) Free Trial Free Version Basic $1.00 Value for money 4.0 (45) 4.0 Based on 45 reviews Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs. ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.4 (50) Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Deployment - Web - Android - iPhone/iPad Typical users - Freelancers - Small businesses - Mid size businesses - Enterprises Customer Service 4.4 (50) 4.4 Based on 50 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.3 Based on 53 reviews Filter by rating 5(24) 4(22) 3(5) 2(0) 1(2) Mentioned topic Sorted by most recent AR Asim R. Estimating Manager Construction ### "Simple but efficient" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 February 6, 2024 Overall experience is good. Technical support team is really efficient when you encounter an issue. Database could be more friendly if it can be linked directly to alpriser Pros The way you can setup your project and then manipulate and change certain systems or create line items or zones is what i like the most about this software. Cons Not directly linked with Alpriser and we have to manually add all the updates into the database. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. SH Steve H. VP Estimating Construction ### "Estimating review" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 11, 2023 Awesome, great program. Pros Keeps accurate pricing based on specifications. Cons Awesome program, nothing. Great experiences thru the years. Reasons for choosing Trimble AutoBid Not applicable Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. TD Ted D. Estimator /project manager Construction ### "User with limited training, (1) online class " 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 2.0 2.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 0.0 0.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 September 11, 2023 Overall is positive. I need more training to utilize the vast array of functionality in the software. Feels like some of the features could be more intuitive. Maybe limit functionality to the user's ability or comfort level Pros Audit trail works very well for quick line item take off. Cons I get lost in some of tree menus in specifications and in items. Things are not always named what I learned them to be called. Assemblies are tricky to build the way I want them to be. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. JM Jamie M. Estimator Construction ### "AutoBid Sheetmetal" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 September 11, 2023 Work as it is supposed to. Very fast to make on the fly changes from addendums. It can be customized to report data that you collect using excel sheets. Pros Fastest way to take off jobs for contractual work. Cons Can get lost in the options. Database can be cumbersome for the first time. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. LM Lou M. Vice President Construction ### "My Take on the state of current Auto Bid system" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 8, 2023 From begining to end from quick pen Dos through the current version of Auto bid it has allowed us to bid more work with fewer people in shorter time frames without compromising accuracy. Pros It allows estimators flexibility to use a tool that they can trust to be consistent and accurate. Cons The lack of ability to link Auto Bid Mechanical rapid reports with Auto Bid Sheet Metal that will work more than once. Reasons for choosing Trimble AutoBid Auto Bid as we know it today was in it infancy windows version was new in 2003 we also purchased sheet metal along with pipe designer and duct designer at that time they were in beta testing.I had experience running earlier versions of quick pen piping from the original all the way to dos andoverall, at the time it was the most complete operating system one may be better here or there, but none matched the overall package especially in the windows version. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. DG Don G. President/Project Manager/Estimator Construction ### "Trimble Autobid a Great Product" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 7, 2023 We have been using Trimble Autobid Mechancial & Sheetmetal (Quickpen) for over 30 years now. Would not want to be without it. Pros On Screen Take-off is great, easy to use, efficient, accurate. Cons Software updates have been lacking lately Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. TC Tim C. Estimator Construction ### "Pretty good software, has some difficulties" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 3.0 3.0 Features 2.0 2.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 September 7, 2023 It has made our takeoff process a lot simpler, we print less plan sets. Sped up our overall process. Pros The on screen takeoff looks nice, pretty intuitive once you get used to it Cons The lack of keyboard shortcuts for basic takeoff features. It would really speed up the process Alternatives considered [PlanSwift](https://www.capterra.com/p/70808/PlanSwift/) [ChatGPT](https://www.capterra.com/p/169138/Wenduct-and-Wenpipe/) [QuoteSoft](https://www.capterra.com/p/8663/QuoteSoft/) [FastDUCT](https://www.capterra.com/p/105824/FastDUCT/) Reasons for choosing Trimble AutoBid We use many Autodesk products and hoped the support/updates would remain consistent and the software would remain for years to come. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. BK brian K. estimator Construction ### "estimator software" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 September 7, 2023 i have had a great experience Pros it is very easy to learn and operate the program Cons needs more features to be able to make it faster to do takeoff Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. SU Scott U. Preconstruction Construction ### "Trimble Autobid" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 7, 2023 Very positive and it has saved me time that I can now spend in other facets of the business. Pros Ease of use and completeness of product. Cons We haven't experienced any issues that tech support couldn't handle. Reasons for choosing Trimble AutoBid Because it appeared to be the only estimating software specifically tailored for plumbing and mechanical estimating. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. JM Jennifer M. Administration Construction ### "We have cancelled our subscription. " 3.0 Overall Rating 3.0 3.0 Ease of Use 3.0 3.0 Features 3.0 3.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 5/10 September 7, 2023 Pros We have cancelled our subscription. Did not use it enough Cons We have cancelled our subscription. Did not use it enough Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/193710/AutoBid/reviews/) ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. Popular comparisons [Procore vs Trimble AutoBid](https://www.capterra.com/compare/56250-193710/Procore-vs-AutoBid)