Active Takeoff vs Takeoff Live

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Our analysts compared Active Takeoff vs Takeoff Live based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Takeoff Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Takeoff Live Software Tool

Product Basics

Active Takeoff streamlines construction takeoffs and estimates, helping businesses of all sizes manage costs efficiently. Users can upload and scale blueprints electronically, then precisely calculate areas and quantities of materials for tasks like flooring, roofing, and painting. It integrates with Excel for flexible cost management and generates professional proposals. While suitable for various construction roles, it particularly benefits estimators, contractors, and design firms seeking user-friendly software at a reasonable price (typically one-time fees or annual subscriptions). Compared to similar options, users praise Active Takeoff's intuitive interface, efficient scaling tools, and accurate calculations. However, some mention limitations in handling specific scales or complex project structures. Ultimately, the best fit depends on individual needs and budget.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Accurate calculations
  • Efficient scaling tools
  • Integrates with Excel
  • Reasonable pricing
Cons
  • Limited scale options
  • Simple project view
  • Not ideal for complex jobs
  • Fewer features than some competitors
  • Occasional bugs reported
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Takeoff Live is a digital estimation software assisting architects in performing accurate calculations of square feet and volumes. Ideal for contractors, architects and subcontractors, it digitizes construction calculations and measurements to make the entire process hassle-free. It provides users the much-needed flexibility and features to streamline their daily work.

Some capabilities are accessible in the basic, free pricing tier, with additional functionality offered in paid standard and extended packages. It provides exports to Excel and allows users to work off of PDF drawings. All changes are color-coded, which simplifies progress tracking. It speeds up manual calculations and saves time for contractors.

Pros
  • Fast project setup
  • Easy collaboration
  • Scalable platform
  • Cost-effective
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Limited customization
  • Fewer integrations
  • Learning curve for features
  • Support response time
  • Limited offline capabilities
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$59/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$49/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small
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Large
Small
Medium
Large
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Increased Efficiency: Simplifies takeoffs with intuitive interface, reducing time spent on manual calculations and measurements.
  • Improved Accuracy: Minimizes errors with automatic scaling and dimensioning tools, ensuring precise material and labor estimations.
  • Cost Management Powerhouse: Integrates seamlessly with Excel for flexible cost breakdowns, markups, and instant cost reports.
  • Streamlined Workflows: Connects directly to plans and documents, eliminating the need for paper-based processes and manual data entry.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Enables easy sharing of takeoff data and estimates with colleagues and clients, boosting project transparency.
  • Proposal Generation at Ease: Generates professional proposals directly from takeoff data, saving time and effort in bidding processes.
  • Scalability for all Sizes: Caters to businesses of all sizes, from small contractors to large enterprises, with flexible pricing options.
  • User-Friendly Experience: Designed with a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to learn and use, even for those with limited technical expertise.
  • Data Security and Accessibility: Ensures data security with cloud-based storage and accessibility from any device with an internet connection.
  • Mobile-Friendly Access: Offers mobile app compatibility for on-site access to plans, measurements, and estimates, enhancing field productivity.
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  • Improved Efficiency and Speed: Streamline processes with automated takeoff, estimates, and material lists, saving you time and resources.
  • Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: Real-time project updates and shared workspaces facilitate seamless collaboration between teams, improving project transparency and communication.
  • Accurate Costing and Budgeting: Generate precise estimates based on real-time market data and historical project information, ensuring accurate budgeting and financial planning.
  • Reduced Errors and Risk Mitigation: Eliminate manual errors with automated calculations and standardized processes, minimizing risk and ensuring project quality.
  • Increased Scalability and Flexibility: Adapt to changing project demands with a scalable platform that accommodates diverse project sizes and complexities.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage comprehensive reporting and analytics to gain valuable insights into project performance, enabling informed decision-making.
  • Improved Project Visibility and Control: Gain real-time visibility into project progress, costs, and resource allocation, fostering better control and decision-making.
  • Enhanced Mobile Accessibility: Access project information and manage tasks on the go with mobile app compatibility, increasing flexibility and agility.
  • Simplified Workflows and Streamlined Processes: Automate repetitive tasks and implement standardized workflows, allowing teams to focus on higher-value activities.
  • Improved Communication with Clients and Stakeholders: Share project updates, reports, and visualizations with clients and stakeholders in real-time, fostering transparency and trust.
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  • Electronic Plan Takeoff: Upload and scale digital blueprints directly in the software for on-screen measurements.
  • Automatic Scaling Tools: Utilize pre-defined scales or manually set custom scales for accurate calculations.
  • Multiple Measurement Tools: Choose from linear, area, volume, perimeter, and other measurement tools for diverse takeoff needs.
  • Material Libraries: Create and manage custom material libraries with specific costs and properties for efficient material takeoffs.
  • Assembly Takeoff: Estimate costs based on pre-defined assemblies of materials and procedures for repetitive tasks.
  • Integrated Cost Management: Seamlessly link takeoffs to Excel for cost breakdowns, markups, and instant cost reports.
  • Proposal Generation: Generate professional proposals directly from takeoff data, including material lists, labor costs, and overall project estimates.
  • Collaboration Tools: Share takeoff data and estimates with colleagues and clients through cloud-based storage and access.
  • Mobile App Compatibility: Access plans, measurements, and estimates on the go with the mobile app for field productivity.
  • Reporting and Exporting: Generate detailed reports in various formats, including PDF, CSV, and XML, for further analysis and sharing.
  • User-Defined Calculations: Create custom formulas and calculations for specific project requirements and material properties.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize keyboard shortcuts for faster data entry and increased efficiency.
  • Customizable Interface: Personalize the user interface with preferred layouts and color schemes for a comfortable workflow.
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  • Import Multiple Files: Save time on lengthy file conversions by importing all construction-related files into a single software.
  • Assembly Takeoff: Calculate the total materials and staff required for a project quickly. Provide accurate estimates to clients and win more work.
  • Excel Export: Export component data, measurements and charts to Excel and make them accessible to all. Save additional paper costs and keep adding new data to Excel sheets.
  • Highlighter: Color the necessary parts of a drawing that require attention. Track changes by coloring new additions to bring them to everyone’s attention.
  • Sheet Manager: From accounting sheets to blueprints, collect and coordinate sheet storage in a centralized location. Ensure that the team has access to all required files.
  • Insert Notes: Highlight important portions or add additional information in the form of notes in drawings. Resolve issues and get approval faster.
  • Estimating: Submit accurate project estimates to clients on time. Carefully review material quantities and workers required to complete the project successfully.
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Product Ranking

#29

among all
Takeoff Software

#34

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Trades Management
Reports and Dashboards
Trades Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Active Takeoff
Takeoff Live
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 73 75 0 52 70 73 86 100 73 50 0 69 64 0 29 100 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 186 reviews
Great User Sentiment 63 reviews
92%
of users recommend this product

Active Takeoff has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 186 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

84%
of users recommend this product

Takeoff Live has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 63 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.5 (1)
4.64 (94)
4.16 (31)
4.6 (92)
4.2 (31)

Awards

Active Takeoff stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

No awards.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User-Friendly Interface: Active Takeoff provides an intuitive and easy-to-use platform, which reduces the learning curve for professionals managing construction takeoffs and estimates.
Precision: Users appreciate the high degree of accuracy in measurements, which is crucial for effective takeoff and estimating processes.
Flexibility: The software supports various file formats, including PDF, CAD, and image files, enabling versatility in handling different types of construction plans.
Customization: Active Takeoff allows users to customize materials and labor costs, ensuring the estimates are tailored to specific project requirements.
Integrated OCR: The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature streamlines the takeoff process by quickly converting plans into actionable data.
Cloud-Based: Being cloud-based facilitates easy access to project data from any location, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders.
Scalability: It suits a variety of project sizes, making it a practical solution for both small contractors and larger construction firms.
Responsive Support: Users report a positive experience with customer support, highlighting their responsiveness and helpfulness in resolving issues.
Cost-Effective: Many find Active Takeoff to be affordable without compromising on functionality, striking a good balance between cost and value.
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Effortless Takeoffs: Users praise the intuitive interface and point-and-click simplicity for quick material quantification, saving them hours compared to manual methods.
Accuracy Boost: Reviewers highlight the software's precise measurements, reducing errors and ensuring accurate estimates, leading to cost savings and project efficiency.
Flexibility for All: Takeoff Live's compatibility with various file formats (PDFs, CADs, photos) and scaling options cater to diverse project types and data sources.
Collaboration Made Easy: Users appreciate the real-time collaboration features, enabling teams to work on projects simultaneously, share tasks, and track progress, improving communication and project management.
Time-Saving Automation: Macros and scripting features automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more strategic work and reducing the risk of human error in calculations.
Budget-Friendly Choice: Compared to competitors, Takeoff Live's pricing is seen as affordable and accessible, making it a valuable tool for small businesses and individual contractors.
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Complex User Interface: Some users find Active Takeoff’s user interface overly complex, which can lead to a steep learning curve for new users, particularly those who are not tech-savvy or unfamiliar with takeoff software.
Limited Integration: Users have cited limitations in integrating Active Takeoff with other construction management tools and platforms, potentially creating extra steps in the workflow.
Performance Issues: There are reports of the software occasionally running slowly or lagging, especially when handling larger projects with more extensive takeoff requirements.
Cost Prohibitive: For small businesses or independent contractors, the cost of Active Takeoff can be a barrier, with some users feeling it does not offer a sufficient cost-to-benefit ratio for less frequent use.
Limited Customer Support: A few users have mentioned challenges in getting timely and effective customer support when encountering issues or needing assistance with the software.
No Mac Support: Active Takeoff is not natively available for Mac OS, which can deter users who are working on Apple's platform and do not wish to use emulation or other workarounds.
Feature Limitations: Some users feel that while the basic takeoff features are solid, Active Takeoff lacks advanced features and customizations that are available in competing products.
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Learning Curve Concerns: Some users find the initial learning curve steeper than expected, requiring extra time to become proficient in using all features effectively.
Limited Mobile Options: While Takeoff Live offers cloud access, a dedicated mobile app is lacking, which can hinder flexibility and on-site project management for some users.
Occasional Glitches: Some users report encountering occasional bugs or glitches that can disrupt workflow, although updates are frequent.
Customization Limitations: While Takeoff Live offers flexibility, some users wish for more advanced customization options for specific workflows or complex project needs.
Limited Free Trial: The free trial period is considered short by some users, making it difficult to fully evaluate the software's suitability for their needs.
Support Response Times: While support options exist, some users report occasional delays in receiving responses from customer service.
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Active Takeoff garners praise for its user-friendly interface and efficient scaling tools, making it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals in the construction industry. Users commend its intuitive layout, streamlined workflows, and accurate calculations, often highlighting its time-saving benefits compared to manual takeoff methods. Compared to competitors, some users find Active Takeoff less feature-rich, particularly for complex projects. However, its affordability and ease of use are often cited as major strengths, attracting users who prioritize user experience and value over advanced functionalities. One key differentiator is Active Takeoff's cloud-based storage and mobile app compatibility. Users appreciate the accessibility and convenience of accessing plans, measurements, and estimates from any device, boosting field productivity and collaboration. Additionally, its integration with Excel allows for flexible cost management and reporting, something users value when dealing with diverse project requirements. Ultimately, user reviews suggest Active Takeoff is a solid choice for contractors, estimators, and design firms seeking user-friendly and efficient takeoff software at a reasonable price. While it might not be the most feature-packed option, its strengths in usability, affordability, and accessibility make it a compelling solution for various construction needs.

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Users' experiences with Takeoff Live in the past year paint a picture of a user-friendly, accurate, and affordable takeoff software solution, but not without its limitations. While lauded for its intuitive interface, time-saving automation, and budget-conscious pricing compared to competitors like Planswift and OnCenter, Takeoff Live faces critiques for its initial learning curve, lack of a mobile app, and occasional technical glitches. Positive reviews highlight the ease of use, with users particularly impressed by the ability to quickly quantify materials from diverse file formats and scales. This efficiency translates to significant time savings compared to manual methods, a crucial advantage for busy contractors. Accuracy is another strength, with users praising the software's precise measurements, leading to more reliable estimates and reduced project costs. Additionally, Takeoff Live's pricing structure is seen as more accessible for small businesses and individual contractors, making it a standout in a market dominated by pricier options. However, some users found the initial learning curve steeper than anticipated, requiring extra effort to master all features. The absence of a dedicated mobile app also presents a hurdle for users seeking on-site project management flexibility. While Takeoff Live offers cloud access, a mobile app would further enhance its usability and cater to the increasingly mobile workforce. Occasional bug reports and limited customization options raise concerns for specific workflows and complex projects. Finally, the short free trial period and reported delays in customer support responses leave some users wanting more. In conclusion, Takeoff Live's strengths lie in its user-friendliness, accuracy, affordability, and diverse file format compatibility. However, a steeper learning curve, lack of mobile app, and occasional technical issues are noteworthy weaknesses. Ultimately, users seeking an intuitive and cost-effective takeoff solution will find Takeoff Live a valuable tool, but those requiring advanced customization, extensive mobile functionality, and immediate customer support might need to consider alternative options.

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Screenshots

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