A lighter On-Screen Takeoff alternative
In short
On-Screen Takeoff (OST) is powerful but heavy: Windows desktop, per-seat licensing and a real learning curve. Solid Takeoff is a lighter alternative that does the core takeoff in any browser, with no install and a genuinely free plan.
OST has the depth big estimating departments need — and the install, per-seat cost and training that come with it. For a trade contractor or small team, that's a lot of tool.
Solid Takeoff focuses on the everyday workflow, runs in the browser (including on Macs OST can't), and lets you start for free.
| Solid Takeoff | On-Screen Takeoff | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Any browser — Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iPad | Windows desktop |
| Install | None | Per-machine install |
| Free plan | Yes | No — per-seat licence (quote) |
| Pricing | Free, or Pro ~$29/user/mo | Higher per-seat, often annual |
| Learning curve | Minutes | Steeper — training common |
| Collaboration | Real-time co-editing + presence | Limited/enterprise |
The core takeoff, without the overhead
Solid Takeoff covers scale, linear/area/count, conditions with waste, markup and export — the parts of OST most estimators use every day — without the install, per-seat pricing or training.
It runs on whatever you've got, so a mixed Mac/PC team is on one tool.
Flexible, month-to-month
OST is typically per-seat and quoted annually. Solid Takeoff is free to start and Pro is per active user, month-to-month — right-sized for smaller teams and one-off bids.
The verdict
OST is built for big teams that need its depth. If you want the core takeoff without the install, per-seat cost and training — on any device, free to start — Solid Takeoff is the lighter alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an On-Screen Takeoff alternative for Mac?
Yes — Solid Takeoff runs in the browser, so it works natively on macOS (as well as Windows, Chromebook and iPad), unlike OST's Windows desktop app.
Is Solid Takeoff powerful enough to replace OST?
For everyday linear/area/count takeoff with conditions, waste, markup and export, yes. OST goes deeper for large, specialised estimating departments.
How does pricing compare?
Solid Takeoff is free to start and ~$29/user/month; OST is per-seat and usually quoted annually. Confirm current figures with each vendor.
Do I have to install it?
No — it's browser-based, nothing to install or maintain.
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.