Free PDF takeoff tool
Measure plans in your browser on Mac, Windows or iPad. Your PDF is never uploaded.
How to do a takeoff from a PDF
- Open the plan. Drop a PDF on the sheet area or use Open PDF. Big plan sets are fine; only the page you're on is drawn.
- Set the scale. Pick the scale printed on the sheet, or use Set scale and click both ends of a dimension you can read, then type its length.
- Measure. Length for walls, trim and pipe runs; Area for floors, roofs and paving; Count for fixtures, outlets and doors. Name each item as you go.
- Use the numbers. Totals add up across pages. Export a CSV, or send them to an estimate and add your prices.
Keyboard shortcuts
V pan · K set scale · L length · A area · C count · Enter or double-click to finish · Shift for straight lines · Esc cancel · ⌘/Ctrl + Z undo · Space + drag to pan · ⌘/Ctrl + scroll to zoom · Page Up/Down to change sheets.
What it doesn't do (yet)
- No automatic room or wall detection. You click the points yourself.
- No snapping to lines in the PDF, no CAD (DWG) files, and no multi-user markup sessions.
- Measurements are saved in this browser only. Saving projects to your account is part of the upcoming Pro + Takeoff plan.
Coming from Bluebeam or PlanSwift on a Mac? See Bluebeam for Mac: your options and PlanSwift on a Mac.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PDF takeoff tool really free?
Yes. Opening plans, setting the scale, measuring lengths, areas and counts, the totals across pages, the CSV export and sending quantities to an estimate are all free, with no account. A paid Pro + Takeoff plan for saved projects and more exports is coming later.
Are my drawings uploaded anywhere?
No. The PDF opens inside your browser tab with the open-source PDF.js library and never leaves your computer. Your measurements are kept in this browser so they come back if you reopen the same file.
Does it work on a Mac, iPad or Chromebook?
Yes. It runs in Safari, Chrome, Edge and Firefox on macOS, Windows, iPadOS and ChromeOS. Nothing to install.
How accurate are the measurements?
As accurate as the scale. Calibrate each sheet against a printed dimension rather than trusting the title block, and check one known wall before you measure the rest. Scanned or 'not to scale' drawings will be off.
Which scales are supported?
Architectural scales from 1" = 1'-0" down to 1/16" = 1'-0", engineering scales from 1" = 10' to 1" = 100', metric 1:20 to 1:500, and any custom scale you calibrate from a known length. Each page keeps its own scale.
Can I turn the takeoff into an estimate?
Yes. Send to an estimate adds every total as a line item (quantity and unit) to a HardHat Quote estimate. Add your prices, your logo and download the PDF or send it for online approval.