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.
Togal.AI
Togal.AI is an automated construction estimating software that uses deep learning to perform architectural takeoffs in seconds, helping you reduce manual clicking and increase your bidding volume significantly.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Carlson Takeoff | Togal.AI |
|---|---|---|
| Website | carlsonsw.com | togal.ai |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $99/month | $249.99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 7 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 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Maysville, USA | Miami, 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.
Togal.AI
Togal.AI is a cloud-based takeoff platform designed to automate the most tedious parts of the construction bidding process. By using proprietary machine learning algorithms, you can upload your project blueprints and let the software automatically detect, measure, and label rooms, walls, and objects. This eliminates the need for manual point-and-click measurements, allowing you to complete takeoffs that used to take days in just a few minutes.
You can manage complex project revisions easily with built-in comparison tools that highlight changes between different drawing versions. The platform is built for estimators, pre-construction teams, and general contractors who need to respond to more bids without increasing their headcount. It integrates directly with your existing workflow, allowing you to export quantities to Excel or other downstream construction management tools.
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.
Togal.AI Features
- Auto-Takeoff. Automatically detect and measure areas, linear lengths, and counts across your entire drawing set in seconds.
- TogalGPT. Search through thousands of pages of project documents and specifications using natural language to find critical information instantly.
- Cloud Collaboration. Work on the same project simultaneously with your team members and see updates in real-time from any device.
- Version Comparison. Overlay different drawing revisions to instantly identify what has changed, ensuring your estimates remain accurate as designs evolve.
- Custom Classifications. Organize your takeoff data by creating custom folders and labels that match your specific estimating style and requirements.
- Smart Legend. Generate automated legends that summarize all your quantities and measurements for easy export to your final estimate.
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
Togal.AI Pricing
- Unlimited projects
- AI-powered auto-takeoff
- TogalGPT document search
- Version comparison tools
- Export to Excel
- Standard support
- Everything in Monthly, plus:
- Significant annual discount
- Billed as $1,999.99 per year
- Priority feature updates
- Dedicated account management
- Full API access
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
Togal.AI
Pros
- Drastically reduces time spent on manual area measurements
- High accuracy in detecting standard room boundaries
- Intuitive interface requires very little technical training
- TogalGPT makes searching massive spec books effortless
- Frequent software updates and responsive customer support
Cons
- Requires manual cleanup for highly complex architectural shapes
- Higher price point compared to basic manual tools
- Performance depends on the quality of uploaded PDFs