● Online takeoff

Online takeoff software: nothing to install

Short answer: online takeoff software runs in your browser, so you upload a PDF and measure with nothing to install on Windows or Mac. ReadMyBlueprint goes one step further: it does the counting pass for you, returning framing, drywall, insulation and CMU from the plan's own geometry. It costs $49 per plan set with no subscription, and your first plan set is free.

Online vs. desktop

Which takeoff tools run in a browser

Based on each vendor's published product information, September 2026.

Tool	Where it runs	How you measure
ReadMyBlueprint	Browser	Automatic wall takeoff from vector PDFs, then you confirm flagged walls
STACK	Browser (cloud)	Manual digital takeoff
Square Takeoff	Browser, including iPad	Manual digital takeoff
zzTakeoff	Browser	Manual digital takeoff
PlanSwift	Windows desktop install	Manual digital takeoff
On-Screen Takeoff	Windows desktop install	Manual digital takeoff

What we won't claim: we haven't run side-by-side accuracy tests against these tools, so we don't say our counts are "more accurate." What we can show is how our numbers are produced, including a real end-to-end test on a 21-page plan set, with the parts that didn't fully resolve.

How it works

An online takeoff in three steps

1. Upload the PDF

Use the plan set your architect exported from CAD or Revit. Every page is scanned automatically, and each page's printed scale is read for you.

2. Check the flagged walls

Walls that match a spec on your drawings are ready. Anything ambiguous or unmatched is flagged, with the plan's own material pre-filled where possible. One "Confirm all" usually finishes it.

3. Export to your bid

Download the material list as CSV or Excel. Add doors, windows and fixtures with manual count.

What you get back

Metal studs and track
Wood framing and sheathing
Drywall sheets
Insulation coverage
CMU block counts

Questions

Common questions

What is online takeoff software?

Online (or cloud) takeoff software runs in a web browser. You upload a PDF plan set and measure or count quantities without installing anything, and it works on Windows or Mac.

Is ReadMyBlueprint online takeoff software?

Yes. It runs in your browser at app.readmyblueprint.com. Upload a CAD-exported PDF and it automatically counts studs, track, drywall sheets, insulation and CMU block, and you can export the list to CSV or Excel.

Which takeoff software is desktop-only?

PlanSwift and On-Screen Takeoff are Windows desktop programs you install. STACK, Square Takeoff, zzTakeoff and ReadMyBlueprint run in a browser.

How much does online takeoff software cost?

Published comparisons put most online takeoff tools at roughly $150 to $250 per user per month. ReadMyBlueprint charges per plan set instead: $49 per plan set, your first one free, or $199 a month for 10 plan sets.

Can I do a takeoff online without a subscription?

Yes. ReadMyBlueprint's per-upload plan is $49 per plan set with no subscription.