PlanSwift Reviews: Pros, Cons, Pricing, and Is It Worth It?

PlanSwift is a popular digital construction takeoff and estimating software widely used by estimators, general contractors (GCs), and subcontractors. It allows users to measure lengths, areas, and counts directly on digital blueprint files, helping replace time-consuming manual takeoffs with a faster, more accurate process.

This review covers what the PlanSwift software offers, its pros and cons, pricing details, and whether it is worth the investment for your construction business.

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What is PlanSwift?

PlanSwift is a takeoff and estimating tool designed for the construction industry. Instead of using paper plans and rulers, estimators can upload digital plan files (PDF, DWG, images, etc.) into PlanSwift and perform measurements with a point-and-click interface.

The quantity takeoff software automatically calculates totals (like square footage of flooring or linear feet of piping) from these digital plans. Contractors use PlanSwift to quickly quantify materials and labor needs for bids, helping improve accuracy and efficiency in the bidding process. It’s used across various trades – from concrete and drywall to plumbing and electrical – and is especially popular among small to mid-sized contractors who need an affordable yet powerful estimating solution.

Key Features Of The Take Off And Estimating Software

PlanSwift comes with a range of features that streamline the takeoff process and integrate with your estimating workflow. Some key features include:

• Digital Plan Takeoffs: Import digital blueprints (PDF, CAD files, images) and perform screen takeoffs. This eliminates printing plans and manual measuring, reducing errors and saving time.
• Point-and-Click Measurements: Easily measure lengths, areas, volumes, and quantity counts by clicking points on the plan. For example, you can trace the perimeter of a room to get its area or click on each light fixture symbol to count them. PlanSwift automatically calculates quantities based on the scale, greatly speeding up the process.
• Custom Assemblies & Templates: Create reusable assemblies (groups of materials and labor) for common tasks. For instance, an assembly for a wall might include drywall, studs, insulation, and labor hours. By dragging and dropping that assembly onto your plan takeoff, PlanSwift will instantly calculate the total materials and cost for that item. This customization helps maintain consistency and saves effort on repetitive estimates.
• Excel Integration: Export takeoff results to Microsoft Excel for further calculation, reporting, or integration with other systems. Many estimators appreciate the ability to push quantities and costs into their own spreadsheet templates or other software (like project management or accounting systems).
• Collaboration Options: PlanSwift allows multiple team members to share and work on project files. While it’s a desktop application, teams can set up projects on a network or use cloud drives so that estimators and project managers can access the latest takeoff data. This facilitates collaboration and ensures everyone is working with up-to-date information.

PlanSwift Pros and Cons

Like any software, PlanSwift has its advantages and drawbacks. Below is a summary of the major pros and cons based on user feedback and industry reviews:

Pros

• Easy Digital Takeoffs: Simplifies measuring quantities from plans with an intuitive, user friendly drag and drop interface, which speeds up the estimating process and improves accuracy.
• Highly Customizable: Offers flexibility to create custom formulas, parts, and assemblies tailored to specific trades or project needs. This means you can adapt the software to fit your workflow.
• Saves Time and Increases Bid Volume: Users report significantly faster takeoff completion compared to manual methods, allowing estimators to bid more projects in less time. This efficiency can increase the number of bids you handle and potentially win more jobs.
• Excel & Software Integration: Smooth integration with Excel (and other construction management or estimating tools) makes it convenient to generate detailed reports or import/export data. It fits well into existing workflows and software ecosystems.
• Training Resources Available: PlanSwift provides tutorials, webinars, and even one-on-one training sessions (often included with purchase) to help new users learn the software. Responsive technical support (when available) can assist with troubleshooting and custom setup.

Cons

• Stability Issues: Some users have experienced software crashes or program lock-ups during use, which can interrupt the estimating workflow. Working with large plan files or long sessions might require frequent saving due to these hiccups. Others on Reddit have been frustrated with the lack of updates.
• Licensing and Updates: The licensing process can be confusing or cumbersome. PlanSwift historically offered a one-time license with optional paid updates; now an annual subscription model is also available, which some find expensive. Keeping the software up-to-date might involve additional fees, and a few users report difficulties with license transfers or activations.
• Cost for Small Firms: The upfront cost (or yearly subscription fee) is relatively high for very small contractors or occasional users. While many say it pays for itself through time savings, the price can be a hurdle if you’re on a tight budget. We're unsure if this will change in the near future.
• Limited Cost Database: PlanSwift does not come with an extensive built-in pricing database for materials and labor. Estimators need to input their own prices or update items manually. Building a cost database from scratch can be time-consuming, especially for new users.
• Mixed Customer Support: Experiences with customer support are mixed. Some users praise PlanSwift’s support team and training staff for being helpful and knowledgeable, but others have reported slow response times or difficulty getting timely assistance when facing technical issues.

Explore other PlanSwift alternatives here.

PlanSwift Pricing

PlanSwift’s cost or pricing can be approached in a couple of ways. The software is often sold as a one-time purchase (perpetual license) of around $1,595 for a single user, which includes support and updates for the first year. After the first year, continuing to receive updates and support is optional (for an additional maintenance fee, typically a few hundred dollars annually). This one-time licensing model means you can keep using the software indefinitely without mandatory recurring fees if you choose not to pay for updates.

In recent years, the provider has also introduced an annual subscription plan (roughly $1,749 to $2,000 per year per license). This subscription includes ongoing updates, support, and usually a set number of training hours. The subscription ensures you always have the latest version without separate upgrade fees, but it does mean a recurring cost.

For those interested in trying PlanSwift, the company offers a free 14-day trial. This trial allows you to download the full software and test its features on your own projects. You can get more info here. Additionally, PlanSwift’s team provides free demonstrations and webinars, which can be very useful to see the software in action and ask questions before committing to a purchase.

Customer Support and Training

Implementing new software or other programs can be challenging all the time, but PlanSwift offers several resources to help users get up to speed. Upon purchasing, users often receive a couple of hours of one-on-one training with a PlanSwift expert. These personalized training sessions guide you through the basics of setting up projects, performing takeoffs, and using advanced features like assemblies.

Beyond that, PlanSwift maintains a library of online computer tutorials and webinars covering topics from beginner tips to advanced techniques. This on-demand training material is valuable for new estimators learning the ropes or experienced users looking to leverage more of the software’s capabilities.

When it comes to customer support, user opinions vary. Many have had positive experiences with the support staff, describing them as knowledgeable and quick to help with technical questions or troubleshooting. However, others have encountered delays in getting responses – for example, waiting for callbacks or email replies when time is of the essence. Support is typically available by phone or online ticket, but if you work in a fast-paced bid environment, be aware that help may not always be instant during peak times.

Overall, the combination of training resources and support options can significantly ease the learning curve, even if the consistency of support responsiveness is sometimes hit-or-miss.

Is PlanSwift Worth It?

Is PlanSwift worth the investment? The answer largely depends on the volume and complexity of estimates your business handles. For many estimators and contractors, PlanSwift quickly pays for itself by dramatically reducing the time spent on quantity takeoffs and minimizing costly errors. If you regularly bid on projects, the ability to complete takeoffs faster means you can bid on more jobs and improve your chances of winning work. The increased accuracy helps avoid underestimating (which can hurt profits) or overestimating (which can lose bids).

PlanSwift is especially valuable for small to mid-sized construction companies that want to step up from manual estimating or basic digital tools. It offers a good balance of power and affordability compared to some enterprise-level estimating systems. Trades like concrete, flooring, drywall, electrical, and plumbing can all benefit from PlanSwift due to its flexibility to handle different measurement types and custom assemblies.

However, if you only do occasional estimates or very small projects, the cost might not be fully justifiable. In such cases, you might not see a strong return on investment unless you start taking on more bids. Additionally, be prepared to invest some time in learning the software and setting up your templates or assemblies – the payoff in speed and accuracy will come, but PlanSwift is most valuable when you leverage its advanced features to fit your workflow.

PlanSwift vs. Bluebeam Revu

Compared to PlanSwift’s vs BlueBeam, they both have different foxuses, PlanSwift has an estimating focus while Bluebeam Revu excels in PDF markup and team collaboration, ideal for annotation-heavy workflows. While PlanSwift offers robust takeoff and cost estimation (~$1,595 one-time or ~$1,749/year), Bluebeam’s takeoff tools are precise but lack built-in estimating, with a lower cost (~$260–$440/year). Choose PlanSwift for bidding efficiency or Bluebeam for collaborative PDF management.

In summary, for active contractors and professional estimators aiming to improve efficiency, PlanSwift is generally worth it. It streamlines a tedious part of the job and helps you focus on higher-level tasks like analyzing costs and refining your bids, rather than spending hours on manual measurements. Just weigh the upfront cost against your estimating needs: for those with a steady bidding load, PlanSwift can be a game-changer, whereas very small operations should evaluate if a simpler solution might suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does PlanSwift offer a free trial or demo?

A: Yes. PlanSwift provides a free 14-day trial of the full software. You can download the trial from their website and use it to perform actual takeoffs on your own projects. This is a great way to evaluate its features and user interface. Additionally, the PlanSwift team offers free online demos and webinars, so you can see the software in action and ask questions before buying.

Q: How much does PlanSwift cost?

A: PlanSwift can be purchased via a one-time license or a subscription. The one-time perpetual license costs around $1,595 for one user, which includes the first year of support and updates. After that, updates and support can be renewed annually for an optional fee (often a few hundred dollars). Alternatively, you can opt for an annual subscription plan (roughly $1,750–$2,000 per year), which includes ongoing updates, support, and training. Prices may vary, so it’s best to check the latest pricing on PlanSwift’s official site or through an authorized reseller.

Q: Does PlanSwift integrate with other software (like Excel)?

A: Yes. One of PlanSwift’s strengths is its ability to integrate with other tools. It has a built-in export to Microsoft Excel, allowing you to send your takeoff quantities and costs into a spreadsheet for further analysis or custom reporting. PlanSwift also offers plugins or APIs for certain industry software; for example, some users integrate it with job cost accounting systems or specialized estimating programs by importing/exporting data. This interoperability makes it easier to include PlanSwift in your existing workflow.

Q: Is PlanSwift cloud-based, or do I install it?

A: PlanSwift is primarily a desktop application that you install on a Windows PC. Your project files are saved locally (or on your network drive). It’s not a fully cloud-based app, so you don’t run it in a web browser. However, you can still collaborate by sharing PlanSwift files via cloud storage services or network folders to ensure team members have access to the latest files. (If you’re a Mac user, note that PlanSwift doesn’t have a native macOS version – you would need to run it on a Windows environment via Boot Camp or virtualization.)

Q: Who is PlanSwift best suited for?

A: PlanSwift is best suited for construction professionals who need to perform digital takeoffs regularly. This includes estimators and project managers at general contracting firms, subcontractors in trades like painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, concrete, and so on, as well as independent cost estimators. The software can handle both residential and commercial project plans of various sizes. Small and medium-sized companies find it particularly useful because it provides robust functionality without the complexity (and high cost) of some enterprise estimating systems. Essentially, if you’re involved in preparing bids or material estimates and want to move away from manual measurements, PlanSwift is a fitting tool.