The modern (and free) PlanSwift alternative
In short
Looking to move off PlanSwift — whether it's the Windows-only requirement, the per-machine install, or the shift away from perpetual licences? Solid Takeoff is a browser-based alternative that does the same core takeoff, works on any device, and starts free.
PlanSwift is a capable Windows desktop takeoff tool, but a few things send estimators looking: it's Windows-only, it installs and updates per machine, and its move away from perpetual licences left long-time owners re-evaluating.
Solid Takeoff runs in the browser. There's nothing to install, it works on Macs and Chromebooks as well as PCs, and there's a free plan you can use for real jobs before paying anything.
| Solid Takeoff | PlanSwift | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Any browser — Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iPad | Windows desktop only |
| Install | None | Per-machine install + updates |
| Free plan | Yes — every tool | Trial only |
| Pricing | Free, or Solo $12.99/mo · Team $49.99/mo | Per licence; model changed |
| Takeoff | Linear, area, count + conditions & waste | Full takeoff (Windows) |
| Collaboration | Real-time co-editing + presence | Desktop files |
| Export | Annotated PDF + quantities CSV | Reports/exports |
Move your takeoff to the browser
Everything you do in PlanSwift day to day — set the scale, measure lengths, areas and counts, group into conditions with waste, mark up and export — Solid Takeoff does in the browser. Your work saves to the cloud, so it's on every device you sign into.
No installs to manage across the team, no per-machine licensing, and it runs the same on a Mac as on a PC.
Pricing without the lock-in
Instead of a licence you have to re-buy, Solid Takeoff is free to start and paid plans start billed per active user per month. Scale up for a big bid, scale down afterwards.
The verdict
For a like-for-like desktop replacement on Windows, PlanSwift has depth. For a modern alternative that runs anywhere, skips installs and per-seat licences, and starts free, Solid Takeoff is the easy switch.
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
What's the best PlanSwift alternative?
If you want off Windows-only desktop software, a browser-based tool like Solid Takeoff is the natural move — same core takeoff, runs anywhere, free to start. If you specifically need a Mac, see our PlanSwift-alternative-for-Mac page.
Can I switch without losing capability?
For everyday take-off — linear/area/count, conditions with waste, markup and PDF/CSV export — yes. PlanSwift has a deeper niche-assembly library; most trades don't need it.
Is it cheaper?
There's a free plan, and paid plans start about $12.99 a month for Solo (or $49.99 for a 3-user Team). PlanSwift is per-licence and pricing changes — check the vendor.
Do I need to install anything?
No — Solid Takeoff is a web app. Open a plan in your browser and measure.
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.