--- title: "PlanSwift Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is PlanSwift the right Takeoff solution for you? Explore 402 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/70808/PlanSwift/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- PlanSwift 4.3 (402) [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 August 4th, 2026 # Reviews of PlanSwift Ease of use 4.4 Customer Service 4.1 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews CC Caleb C Estimator- Project ManagerConstruction, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “The software makes it easy to measure quantities directly from plans, build assemblies, and organize takeoff data, helping improve estimating efficiency and consistency.“ July 14, 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 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. “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 Adella G ConstructionArchitecture & Planning, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “I found the drag-and-drop functionality and customization options useful for adapting to different project types.“ April 20, 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 Adella G ConstructionArchitecture & Planning, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “After the initial learning curve, it becomes an efficient part of the workflow, though improvements in usability and integrations would enhance the experience further.“ April 20, 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 402 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Manuel Alejandro V. Administrative Assistant Business Supplies and Equipment Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Strong Support and User friendly " April 4, 2026 5.0 Pros I like how they support all the customers at the current level and offer tools to elevate the business Cons No issues with PlanSwift yet, I haven’t had any big troubles or errors while navigating on the platform Review Source DB Douglas B. President Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "customer service is the worst" August 14, 2023 4.0 The software is really good but you cannot count on the customer service to resolve any ploblem, ive been trying to rech them out to resolve a situation with the software and the only thing that i get is the "will call you back" but they never do. it has been over 7 weeks and they still haveent resolved my issue. Unsupportive agents.Lack of support.False promises to resolve issues. Running from responsibility.Transferring customer from agent to agent.Putting Customers on Hold for too Long.Agents Offer No Empathy. Pros Nothing in special. I thought it would be easy to work with but it is limited. Cons Customer service is the worstUnsupportive agents.Lack of support.False promises to resolve issues. Running from responsibility.Transferring customer from agent to agent.Putting Customers on Hold for too Long.Agents Offer No Empathy. Alternatives considered [Procore](https://www.capterra.com/p/56250/Procore/)[Bluebeam Revu](https://www.capterra.com/p/121586/Bluebeam-PDF-Revu/)[Buildertrend](https://www.capterra.com/p/70092/Buildertrend/) Reason for choosing PlanSwift I thought it would be easy to work with but it is limited. 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 SL Sam L. Office Manager Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Estimations made easy!" May 1, 2026 5.0 Pros PlanSwift has the best value for cost of any program we've tried previously. The workflow for our company has improved vastly. Also, the takeoff, estimate creation, and overall estimating is so easy to use that it's cut our work time in half. Cons In the beginning I had a couple of issues with the workflow processes, but someone from their awesome customer support team walked me through a learning session and It's been great ever since! Review Source John Armon O. Civil Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Takeoff Software!" July 14, 2022 5.0 As an estimator, I would definitely choose PlanSwift all the time when it comes to construction estimation and takeoffs. It is very efficient and user-friendly, making me more productive in my work. Pros What I like the most about this software is its takeoff accuracy. I can even set my own scale depending on the plans I have, especially if my Client/Consultant did not give the preset scale. Cons Even with its efficient features, PlanSwift is not exempted from having drawbacks, just like any other software. Being able to markup shapes like arrows and circles might be more useful for estimators like me since I won't have to transfer to other PDF readers just to put shape markups. Review Source Mary April K. Cost Engineer cum Quantity Surveyor cum Procurement Officer Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Planswift TakeOff Review" November 9, 2022 5.0 Always a great Take Off tool to rely on and depend on Pros Planswift has been built its good name as one of the best user friendly Estimating Tool in the Construction Industry for a long time. I have been a user since 2012 and it was a great help for my everyday Take-Off requirement since then. Cons Since I was an employee I was equipped with Planswift in my laptop via the company's subscription, and now that I started my own consultancy firm I find Planswift pricey compared to other Estimating tool which can also give the same output. Review Source Ahmed A. Freelancer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "PlanSwift is my partner for my freelance work for Estimating Civil Works Quantities" July 6, 2022 5.0 Pros PlanSwift is a best software for quantity estimation for Civil Works . PlanSwift has made my work so easy, and you I don't have to do manual hand calculation that is time-consuming, and handling drawings is also not an easy task. In PlanSwift, you can attach pdf drawings and scale them according to your needs and calculate quantity of each activities from Excavation to finishing of the project and the best part is that it integrate well with excel and make BOQ at the backend on excel Cons I get hang when switching tabs also it does not remember the last drawing you were working so you have to open every time when you restart the software. Review Source 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 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 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 JN Joseph N. owner Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great product in the beginning" July 18, 2024 5.0 Great when the company started years ago but as of now I am done with them, they are just being sold to low grade scam comanies to get more money out of you then they will be sold again. Cant do it anymore Pros it is very easy to use and is user friendly. I have worked with this product for 10 years. Cons Every time they get sold I have to re buy their product. I had gotten a call last month that I have to hand over a large sum of money or my plan swift "may not work one day" if I don't hand them over more money, when it doesn't work it will cost me a lot more than what they are extorting out of me now. I purchased to program years ago about 13. I am sick of being fleeced. Review Source 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 MD Matt D. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Very easy tool for accurate quantity takeoffs, but has not improved features in awhile" August 17, 2018 3.0 Pros Low learning curve, very easy to use. Accurate quantities generated, and graphical representations of takeoff items (color-coding items on drawing sheets). Can be very flexible if you want to create custom takeoff tools or templates Cons Since purchased by Textura and then Oracle, the product has not improved at all. There is a clear limit to the number of drawing sheets that can be published; the program freezes or crashes if too many drawings loaded- this makes it a poor choice for large construction projects. Can be difficult to copy/paste transfer takeoff items between drawing versions, and can't transfer at all between project files. Also, navigability of drawing sheets could be easier- providing links to open additional sheets for referencing sections/details/callouts, etc. Review Source JF Jeff F. President Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Disappointing over the long run" February 17, 2016 2.5 Pros I found it easy to learn and it became the go-to program for viewing, measuring, and recording any info relating to architectural drawings. On many occasions, if I thought of some action I would like to see the program perform, a little research revealed that it was already built into the program. I have been surprised many times by the wealth of things this program can do. Cons One thing the program doesn't do well anymore is load drawings. When I first purchased about two years ago, the drawings loaded very well, and viewed as clearly as the source pdf file. But after a month or so, and a couple of hundred drawings later, the program began to have trouble loading drawings. Sometimes the program would just stall during upload, or if it did upload, a lot of lines would be missing from the drawing. It was possible to still do take-offs, but I would often have to keep the source pdf drawing open on another monitor. The latest batch of drawings I loaded were a real mess. Internet forums discuss this problem, but last time I looked no one had a solution. I contacted the company when this problem first appeared, but they were no help. I now regard a take-off program as indispensable, so I'm now shopping around for something to replace the Planswift program. Review Source PM Paul M. IT System Administrator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Planswift is Great" June 28, 2021 5.0 Overall has been great! ran into a licensing issue with one of my computers but it was the computer itself that was an issue rather than Planswift so once I had fixed the issue with the computer everything got better. Pros What I like about this software is that it is easy to install and manage. I also like the online portal where I can see all my licenses as well as what computers they are installed in and how long the license is valid for until it reactivates itself. The customer support is also great as I had remote support from them and they really stayed on there trying to solve the issue and escalated it to a supervisor when needed, Cons Not much to say about what I don't like since they did a really good job when I needed support with fixing an issue as well as it is overall easy to administer Review Source TD Trey D. HR Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Tool" March 5, 2019 5.0 Able to do our job quicker and more accurate with this product Pros Easy to take of square footage, significantly faster than the old way of doing it by hand. It provides a one stop shop where all the drawings are. Customer service/training is available which is nice when you're trying to learn the program. Cons The only con we've found is that it takes a while to get set up Review Source CM Charlie M. Application Engineer Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Solid Takeoff Software " January 4, 2017 4.0 Used this software for two years for Mechanical/Air Distribution Equipment Takeoff. It is quick and easy to perform counts and linear/area takeoffs. There were some minor glitches, but once I learned how to avoid them I had no problems with accuracy/ease of use. The software has a lot of potential for speeding up takeoff with custom columns/properties, templates, that require some set-up by the user. When I first got the software there was a great plug-in store that provided added features, but unfortunately, that has been taken down for the foreseeable future. My biggest complaint is that support does not seem to respond to many of my emails or takes a long time which is unacceptable given the cost of yearly maintenance/support. I did not use some of the tools like parts and reports, so I can't comment on those. Pros Easy to get started with takeoff (counts, linear, area) and organize your takeoff items Fast takeoff, quick to load new pages/zoom in and out Custom columns/properties allow for in software calculations Cons Have to import pages to the software, has proprietary plan swift job files that make sharing a bit harder. Some glitches such as takeoff items getting jumbled when exporting/importing Have to create folders for breakouts/separating takeoff by page (without plugins at least) which can make things like room schedules a bit tedious. Review Source mP mark P. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Problems with planswift" April 12, 2017 3.0 Over all it is a pretty good program I use it on a daily basis. Pros Easy to use, I like the many features and the overall functionality. The value is pretty good accept for the fact that you can no longer download previous versions. Cons Program crashes frequently Gets really slow when using Joist tool Sometimes when I do a measuring tool it skips back to another page. Don't like the way the program jumps around like when you start a takeoff item it will jump to another corner of the plans. Review Source MC Michael C. Operations Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Honest Review" August 8, 2019 5.0 Great. Getting quotes out in no time Pros It will allow you to take off plans in a fraction of the time compared to doing it with pen and paper. It can export all of your takeoff to Excel and makes sending quotes a breeze. Cons That i did not find out about this software sooner 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 Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.