Side by side

BidScreen XL vs PlanSwift

Both stand on construction takeoff software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Choose PlanSwift if you need Windows-based digital takeoffs, estimating, and Excel-connected workflows for construction projects. Look elsewhere if you need browser-based software or a native Mac application.

Visit PlanSwift

The facts

	BidScreen XL	PlanSwift
Free plan	No	A free trial
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Windows	Windows
Lowest paid plan	Not published	PlanSwift Essential: $2,000 a year
Plans published	None	3
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	vertigraph.com	planswift.com
On construction takeoff software	#22 of 25	#18 of 25

BidScreen XL: what it does well

PlanSwift: what it does well

Measures areas, lengths, counts, slopes, and volumes on digital plans.
Applies labor and material assemblies to calculate costs.
Live Excel Link updates connected cells as takeoff values change.
Takeoff BOOST includes four automated takeoff tools.
Customizable assemblies, templates, formulas, plugins, and starter packs.

What to know first

Requires an installed Windows desktop application; it is not browser-based.
Not available natively for Mac.
Windows Home editions and server or Remote Desktop environments are not tested or supported.
No free plan; paid plans start at $1,500/user/yr.

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