Solid Takeoff vs On-Screen Takeoff
In short
On-Screen Takeoff (OST) by ConstructConnect is a long-established, powerful Windows desktop takeoff tool — with the install, per-seat pricing and learning curve to match. Solid Takeoff gives you fast, accurate takeoff in the browser on any device, with a free plan and no per-seat commitment.
On-Screen Takeoff is one of the veterans of digital takeoff. It's deep and capable, and big estimating teams have used it for years.
It's also Windows desktop software with per-seat licensing, quote-based pricing and a real learning curve. If that's more tool than you need, Solid Takeoff does the core takeoff in the browser — start free, on a Mac or PC.
| 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 |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes — live co-editing | Limited/enterprise |
| Best for | Trades, fit-out, small–mid teams | Large estimating departments |
Power you may not need
OST is built for high-volume estimating departments, with a matching price and onboarding. For a trade contractor or fit-out estimator, most of that capability sits unused while you pay per seat.
Solid Takeoff focuses on the workflow you use every day: scale, measure, group into conditions with waste, mark up, export. It's quick to learn because there's far less to learn.
No install, no per-seat lock-in
Because Solid Takeoff runs in the browser, there's nothing to install or maintain, and it works on Macs and Chromebooks that OST can't. Pricing is per active user, month-to-month — scale up for a big bid, scale down after.
The verdict
On-Screen Takeoff is built for large estimating teams that need its depth. If you want the core takeoff without the install, per-seat cost and training — and you're on a Mac or mixed fleet — Solid Takeoff is the leaner, cheaper route.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an On-Screen Takeoff for Mac?
OST is Windows desktop software; Mac users would run it via virtualization. Solid Takeoff runs natively in any browser on macOS, Windows, Chromebook and iPad.
Is Solid Takeoff a lighter On-Screen Takeoff alternative?
Yes — it covers linear, area and count takeoff, conditions with waste and PDF/CSV export without the install, per-seat pricing or training overhead.
Can I try it before paying?
You can use the free plan indefinitely, and even measure without an account (work saves to your browser). Pro has a 14-day trial.
How does pricing compare?
Solid Takeoff is free to start and ~$29/user/month for Pro; OST is per-seat and typically quoted annually. Confirm current pricing with each vendor.
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.