TRACEBUILD vs PlanSwift
Both do construction takeoff from plans. TRACEBUILD Lite runs in the browser, free while in early access, and auto-detects rooms and runs for you. PlanSwift is a mature, paid Windows tool built around drag and drop assemblies. Here is where each one fits.
Side by side
| Capability | TRACEBUILD | PlanSwift |
|---|---|---|
| Runs in the browser | Yes, in Lite | No, Windows desktop |
| Cost to start | Free (Lite, early access) | Paid license or subscription |
| Mac and Chromebook | Yes, any browser | No, Windows only |
| PDF markup and measurement | Yes | Yes |
| Area, length, count to scale | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-detect rooms and runs | Yes, one click | Manual / assembly based |
| Assemblies and cost databases | Estimating in Pro | Yes, mature |
| CAD import | DXF; DWG via converter (Pro) | Broader native import |
| On-device AI estimating | Pro, coming soon | No |
| Export to Excel | Yes | Yes |
| Drawings stay on your device | Yes | Yes, local |
| Assemblies depth and maturity | Newer, focused | Deep, established |
Comparison reflects our understanding of publicly available information as of July 2026 and may change. Verify current features and pricing with each vendor.
Where TRACEBUILD leads
Free and cross-platform
Runs in any browser on Windows, Mac, or Chromebook, with nothing to install. Free while in early access.
One-click detection
Detect Spaces and Detect Runs quantify a sheet automatically, naming rooms from the drawing's own text.
On-device AI, coming to Pro
The Windows app turns a priced takeoff into a basis of estimate with a local AI model, fully offline.
Fast to start
Open a PDF, set scale, and quantify in minutes, without a training-heavy setup.
The road ahead
PlanSwift has a mature, well-loved assembly library built up over years, and that head start is real. TRACEBUILD starts from a different place, browser-first, detection-driven, and quick to learn, and it is expanding quickly. Here is where we are taking it.
- Assemblies and custom cost books. Build reusable assemblies and priced cost libraries, coming in the Pro app.
- On-device AI estimating. A private local model turns a takeoff into a basis of estimate, no cloud.
- AI auto-takeoff. One pass detects and quantifies rooms and runs for you to review.
- Ever-wider interop. PDF and DXF today, DWG conversion, with more formats on the way.
Early-access members help shape what ships next.
Common questions
Is TRACEBUILD a free alternative to PlanSwift?
TRACEBUILD Lite is free in the browser during early access and does real area, length, and count takeoff with auto-detect for rooms and runs. PlanSwift is a paid Windows desktop tool with deep, established assemblies.
Does TRACEBUILD run on Mac or Chromebook?
Yes. TRACEBUILD Lite runs in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, or Chromebook. PlanSwift is a Windows desktop application.
Can I export quantities to Excel?
Yes. TRACEBUILD exports quantities to CSV and Excel so they drop straight into your estimate.