Carlson Takeoff
Carlson Takeoff is a comprehensive construction estimation software providing site supervisors and estimators with integrated tools for CAD design, accurate dirt-work volumes, and automated machine control file preparation.
PlanSwift
PlanSwift is a professional construction takeoff and estimating software that allows you to calculate costs, manage materials, and perform digital measurements directly from your electronic blueprints and project files.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Carlson Takeoff | PlanSwift |
|---|---|---|
| Website | carlsonsw.com | planswift.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | One_time |
| Starting Price | $99/month | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1983 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Maysville, USA | Bountiful, USA |
Overview
Carlson Takeoff
Carlson Takeoff gives you a specialized toolkit designed specifically for construction estimators and site supervisors. You can transition from raw paper plans or digital PDFs to finished 3D models and precise material quantities without jumping between different programs. It combines powerful CAD capabilities with automated routines to calculate cut and fill volumes, identify topsoil stripping areas, and account for subgrade depths across your entire project site.
You can use the software to prepare your project for the field by creating surface models and linework for GPS machine control systems. It helps you catch design errors before the first shovel hits the ground by visualizing the site in 3D. Whether you are working on a small residential pad or a massive highway project, you can generate professional reports that clearly break down costs and quantities for your bids.
PlanSwift
PlanSwift helps you eliminate manual scaling and paper blueprints by moving your entire takeoff process to your computer. You can calculate everything from square footage and linear dimensions to individual item counts with just a few clicks. It is designed to help you create more accurate bids in less time, whether you are a general contractor or a specialized subcontractor in trades like framing, concrete, or electrical work.
The software integrates your takeoff data directly into estimating spreadsheets, allowing you to manage material lists and labor costs without manual data entry. You can easily adjust for waste, markups, and taxes to ensure your quotes remain profitable. It serves thousands of users across the construction industry who need to speed up their bidding process while maintaining high precision in their project estimates.
Overview
Carlson Takeoff Features
- PDF to CAD Conversion Convert static PDF plans into intelligent vector data so you can start your takeoff process in minutes rather than hours.
- Digitizing & Tracing Trace paper blueprints or digital images with automated contour following to capture site elevations and boundaries accurately.
- Material Quantities Calculate exact volumes for dirt, stone, asphalt, and concrete while accounting for shrinkage and swell factors automatically.
- Subgrade Modeling Define complex subgrade surfaces for roads and building pads to ensure your excavation totals include every necessary inch.
- Machine Control Export Create and export 3D surface files directly to Topcon, Trimble, and Leica systems to keep your field equipment running accurately.
- Trenching & Pipe Takeoff Calculate excavation volumes for utility lines and manholes based on pipe size, bedding requirements, and trench sloping.
- 3D Site Viewing Inspect your finished model in a 3D environment to spot design flaws or missing data before sending plans to the field.
- Automated Reporting Generate detailed Excel or PDF reports that break down your volumes by area, layer, or material type for precise bidding.
PlanSwift Features
- Point-and-Click Takeoff. Measure areas, linear items, and counts by simply clicking on your digital blueprints to generate instant, accurate quantities.
- Drag-and-Drop Assemblies. Drag pre-configured material and labor assemblies onto your sections to calculate all necessary parts for a specific job automatically.
- Digital Scaling. Calibrate your digital drawings instantly so every measurement you take is perfectly scaled to the original architectural or engineering plans.
- Custom Formulas. Create your own mathematical formulas to calculate complex requirements like volume, waste percentages, or specific material weights.
- Excel Integration. Link your takeoff data directly to Excel spreadsheets so your estimates update in real-time as you measure the plans.
- Overlay Tool. Compare different versions of blueprints by overlaying them to identify design changes and potential cost impacts immediately.
Pricing Comparison
Carlson Takeoff Pricing
- Includes built-in AutoCAD engine
- Full 3D site modeling
- PDF and paper digitizing
- Material quantity reports
- Machine control file export
- Perpetual license ownership
- Runs on AutoCAD or IntelliCAD
- Includes Construction module
- Includes CADnet module
- Includes Trench module
- Includes GeoTech module
- Advanced boring and soil analysis
PlanSwift Pricing
- Full takeoff capabilities
- Advanced estimating tools
- Customizable assemblies
- 1-year of updates
- 1-year of technical support
- Standard training session
- Everything in Professional, plus:
- Annual software updates
- Unlimited technical support
- Automatic plan backups
- Access to latest plugins
- Priority customer service
Pros & Cons
Carlson Takeoff
Pros
- Perpetual licensing avoids the cost of monthly subscriptions
- Excellent compatibility with various GPS machine control brands
- Powerful PDF cleanup tools save significant drafting time
- Highly accurate volume calculations for complex subgrades
- Responsive technical support from knowledgeable industry experts
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to CAD
- Interface feels dated compared to modern web apps
- Initial purchase price is a significant upfront investment
PlanSwift
Pros
- Significant reduction in time spent on manual takeoffs
- Highly customizable assemblies for specific trade needs
- Excellent integration with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
- Intuitive point-and-click interface for new users
- Reliable accuracy for complex area measurements
Cons
- Initial setup of custom assemblies takes time
- Software is limited to Windows operating systems
- Large file sizes can slow down performance
- Annual support fees are required for updates