A Faster PlanSwift Alternative for HVAC Takeoffs
PlanSwift is a capable general construction takeoff tool, but HVAC contractors often find themselves doing all of the mechanical interpretation by hand inside it — clicking every duct run, tallying fittings, and reading schedules manually. DuctIQ takes a different approach: it is built only for HVAC mechanical takeoff, so it reads the drawing for you.
If you bid ductwork from mechanical PDFs, DuctIQ is a focused alternative that starts the takeoff already done and hands it back for review.
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General-purpose vs purpose-built
A general takeoff package gives you tools to measure anything, which means you measure everything yourself. For HVAC, that is a lot of manual clicking: every duct segment, every fitting, every piece of equipment.
DuctIQ is purpose-built for HVAC ductwork. It classifies the mechanical sheets, finds and measures the duct at scale, and pulls fittings and equipment together — so the starting point is a takeoff to review, not a blank drawing to click.
What DuctIQ does differently
- Reads mechanical PDF drawings and measures ductwork automatically, rather than requiring manual point-and-click measurement.
- Separates supply, return, and exhaust and groups duct by size.
- Counts fittings and lists equipment from the schedules.
- Surfaces low-confidence items for review instead of forcing all-manual entry.
- Produces fabrication-ready shop drawings with SMACNA-aware gauge, material, and seam callouts.
- Exports to Excel/CSV for pricing.
When DuctIQ is the better fit
If your shop bids mostly HVAC and sheet metal, a tool that understands ductwork will save more time than a general one you have to teach by hand every bid. If you take off many trades beyond mechanical, a general package may still have its place — DuctIQ is deliberately focused on doing HVAC takeoff well rather than doing everything.
The honest comparison: DuctIQ is narrower and, for HVAC ductwork, faster to a reviewable result.
Run your first takeoff free
Upload a mechanical PDF and get a reviewable ductwork, fittings, and equipment takeoff you can export to Excel. No credit card to try your first drawing.
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Frequently asked questions
Is DuctIQ a drop-in replacement for PlanSwift?
For HVAC ductwork takeoff, DuctIQ replaces the manual measuring with an automatic, reviewable takeoff. If you also take off many other trades, DuctIQ is focused specifically on mechanical/HVAC rather than general construction.
Do I still have to click every duct run?
No. DuctIQ reads the drawing and measures the ductwork for you; you review and adjust the results rather than measuring each run by hand.
Does it export to Excel like a takeoff tool should?
Yes. The takeoff exports to Excel and CSV for pricing.
Does DuctIQ do shop drawings?
Yes — it produces fabrication-ready shop drawings with gauge, material, and seam callouts, which a general takeoff tool does not.
How do I try it?
You can start a free takeoff by uploading a mechanical drawing and reviewing the result before committing to a plan.