Quick Comparison
Use the documented capabilities, subscription requirements, and review checks below to compare Autodesk Forma Takeoff with CyanBuild.
Vendor documentation checked 2026-10-01: Autodesk Forma Takeoff overview; Autodesk Forma Takeoff subscription options; Automated Symbol Detection AI Transparency Card. Feature availability depends on the subscription. This is a documentation comparison, not an independent performance benchmark.
| Feature | Autodesk Forma Takeoff | CyanBuild |
|---|---|---|
| AI takeoff from PDF | Automated Symbol Detection: select a symbol, then find and count matching symbols | Yes, built in |
| Cloud-based | Yes; Autodesk documents cloud-based takeoff collaboration | Yes |
| Pricing | Subscription; confirm current regional price and bundle contents with Autodesk | Free: 3 PDF pages per month; Starter: $29/month for 30 PDF pages; Pro: $99/month for 120 PDF pages; Enterprise: $299/month for 400 PDF pages |
Autodesk Forma Takeoff documented capabilities and purchase checks
Autodesk Forma Takeoff documented capabilities
- 2D drawings and 3D model quantities in one takeoff environment
- AI-assisted matching-symbol detection
- Cloud-based takeoff collaboration
Autodesk Forma Takeoff purchase and review checks
- Automated Symbol Detection starts with a user-selected symbol; review the matches
- Confirm the current subscription price and included products
- Test required 2D and 3D workflows on a representative project
What to verify before choosing a takeoff workflow
- Check whether your projects need 2D drawing quantities, 3D model quantities, or both.
- Try user-directed symbol detection on representative drawings and review the matches.
- Confirm the current Autodesk subscription price and included products; older ACC bundle prices are not verified here.
- Compare CyanBuild monthly PDF page allowances and renewal terms on the pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Autodesk Forma Takeoff cost?
Autodesk Forma Takeoff pricing: Forma Takeoff requires a subscription. The reviewed purchase page did not establish a numeric price; confirm the current standalone or bundle terms with Autodesk. Reported pricing: Subscription; confirm current regional price and bundle contents with Autodesk. Confirm the vendor's current terms. CyanBuild uses monthly subscriptions with page allowances: Free: 3 PDF pages per month; Starter: $29/month for 30 PDF pages; Pro: $99/month for 120 PDF pages; Enterprise: $299/month for 400 PDF pages. Paid subscriptions renew even when usage is low; see /pricing for current features and terms.
Does Autodesk Forma Takeoff have AI takeoff?
Yes. Automated Symbol Detection uses computer vision: the user selects or traces a symbol, and Autodesk AI finds and counts matching symbols on the drawing. This describes one documented AI capability, not automatic detection of every construction element. Review the matches and confirm that the feature supports your required workflow.
Can I replace Autodesk Forma Takeoff with CyanBuild?
Do not assume a PDF takeoff workflow replaces Autodesk Forma Takeoff, particularly if your team relies on 3D model quantities or Autodesk project workflows. Compare supported inputs, exports and review steps on a sample project. This comparison does not establish a supplied unit-cost database or AIA billing capability in Forma Takeoff.
Is there a free alternative to Autodesk Forma Takeoff?
CyanBuild's Free plan includes 3 PDF pages each month without a credit card. Use a representative drawing, check the detected quantities against your plan, and compare the review work before choosing a paid monthly plan.
What should I compare before choosing Autodesk Forma Takeoff or CyanBuild?
CyanBuild provides a PDF takeoff and estimating workflow with monthly page allowances. Check supported inputs, review detected quantities and verify your rates before using an estimate in a bid. Compare required exports and integrations on a representative project.