Takeoff is where bids are won or lost. Get the quantities wrong and every number after it is wrong. AI takeoff software promises to read plans for you, but not every tool fits every trade.
Here is a straight comparison of the main options contractors and trades are actually using.
## Togal.ai
Best for: general builders, interior finish subs, and tenant-improvement work on clean plan sets.
Togal reads PDFs and CAD files, auto-detects rooms, doors, windows, and finishes, then exports quantities. On a well-drawn set, it can cut a two-hour takeoff to fifteen minutes. It struggles with messy drawings, field sketches, and specialty trades like MEP or concrete. Use it as a first pass, then verify counts.
## Alice Technologies
Best for: large schedules and resource planning, not takeoff itself.
Alice is AI-driven construction scheduling. It optimizes sequences, crew loading, and equipment. It is not a takeoff tool, but it pairs well once your quantities are solid. Overkill for jobs under $2M.
## Bluebeam Revu
Best for: trades that want control and don't mind building their own templates.
Bluebeam is the digital takeoff standard. It does not use AI for counting, but it is fast, accurate, and handles any drawing type. The trade-off is setup time. If you want AI on top, run Togal first and verify in Bluebeam.
## PlanSwift
Best for: general builders and framers who want a simpler UI.
PlanSwift is strong for assemblies and common residential or light commercial work. It is less flexible than Bluebeam for custom trades, but easier to learn.
## STACK
Best for: MEP subs and teams that need cloud access.
STACK is browser-based, friendly for specialty trades, and has solid collaboration features. It is a digital takeoff tool, not AI-powered, but it integrates well with AI workflows.
## Which one should you pick?
- Bid less than once a month? Manual takeoff is fine. - Bid a few jobs a month? Start with Bluebeam or STACK. - Bid weekly on clean plan sets? Add Togal.ai for the first pass. - Running complex schedules above $2M? Look at Alice.
## Where CogniBuild fits
AI takeoff software is only one piece. The [Blueprint](/checkout) shows you how to plug the takeoff into estimating, proposals, change orders, and daily logs — so the number actually turns into money.
CogniBuild is not takeoff software. It is the system that makes the software pay off.
AI doesn't replace field knowledge. It just stops paperwork from owning your evening.
