A standalone Autodesk Takeoff alternative
In short
Autodesk Takeoff combines 2D and 3D quantities inside Autodesk's construction platform. Solid Takeoff is a standalone alternative for estimators who need focused 2D PDF takeoff — no platform commitment, free to start.
If you're not on Autodesk Construction Cloud, adopting Autodesk Takeoff means buying into the whole platform to do your quantities. That's a lot of overhead for 2D take-off.
Solid Takeoff is standalone: open a PDF in any browser, set scale, measure and export. No ecosystem or BIM setup, and a free plan to start.
| Solid Takeoff | Autodesk Takeoff | |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone | Yes — no suite required | No — needs Autodesk Construction Cloud |
| Free plan | Yes | No — ACC subscription (trial) |
| Pricing | Free, or Solo $12.99/mo · Team $49.99/mo | Per-user ACC subscription |
| 2D / 3D | 2D PDFs and images | 2D + 3D/BIM |
| Runs on | Any browser — Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iPad | Cloud (browser) |
| Setup | Minutes | ACC onboarding |
No platform lock-in
Autodesk Takeoff is worth it when you're already invested in ACC and Autodesk models. Outside that, Solid Takeoff gives you 2D take-off without buying a platform — and without a per-user subscription to begin.
Everyday 2D takeoff
Scale, linear/area/count, conditions with waste, markup and export — the parts most estimators use daily — in any browser, free to start.
The verdict
If you're committed to Autodesk Construction Cloud and need BIM takeoff, Autodesk Takeoff fits. If you want standalone 2D takeoff — free to start, no platform — Solid Takeoff is the straightforward alternative.
Sources and comparison method
We compare the products' published capabilities with the Solid Takeoff features and prices shown on this site. Vendor products change, so use the linked first-party sources to confirm a detail before buying.
Working on a Mac? Most desktop takeoff tools are Windows-only — see takeoff software for Mac for the options that actually run on macOS.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Autodesk Construction Cloud for Solid Takeoff?
No — Solid Takeoff is fully standalone. Autodesk Takeoff requires an ACC subscription.
Is Solid Takeoff a good Autodesk Takeoff alternative?
For standalone 2D PDF takeoff, yes — simpler, free to start, no platform. It doesn't do 3D/BIM model takeoff like Autodesk Takeoff.
Does it run on Mac?
Yes — browser-based, so macOS, Windows, Chromebook and iPad.
Is there a free version?
Solid Takeoff has a genuinely free plan; Autodesk Takeoff is part of a paid ACC subscription.
Try it on your own plan — free
Open a PDF and measure in your browser. No card, no install, no CAD. Free plan forever.
Comparison based on publicly available information at the time of writing; competitor features and pricing change — check each vendor for current details. All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for identification and comparison only.