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Best Free Alternatives to PlanGrid (Autodesk Build)

Stop paying $39 - $119/mo per user. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.

Category: ConstructionVerified for 2025

Top Recommended Replacements

Fieldwire (Basic Plan)

FREE

Best Direct Alternative

Why we like it

The 'Basic' plan is free forever for up to 5 users; includes plan viewing, task management, and punch lists; allows up to 100 sheets and 3 projects.

Keep in mind

The 100-sheet limit is strict (you must delete old sheets to add new ones); custom forms and advanced reports are locked behind the Pro tier.

Google Drive + Xodo

FREE

Best for Unlimited Sheets

Why we like it

By storing PDFs in Google Drive and opening them with the Xodo app (iOS/Android), you get a lightning-fast blueprint viewer with annotation tools for $0; no sheet limits.

Keep in mind

No 'automatic hyperlinking' of detail callouts; manual version control (you must manage folders carefully to avoid using old drawing sets).

Autodesk Viewer

FREE

Best for Client Sharing

Why we like it

A free web-based viewer that handles over 50 file formats (DWG, RVT, PDF); perfect for sending a 'View-Only' link to a client or sub who doesn't have software installed.

Keep in mind

Requires an internet connection; strictly a viewer (no task management or punch list capability).

STACK (Free Account)

FREE

Best for Pre-Construction

Why we like it

While focused on Takeoffs, the free account allows you to upload and view plans cloud-natively; excellent for estimators who need to view drawings without a license.

Keep in mind

Field tools are less developed than PlanGrid; mobile app is optimized for estimating/takeoff rather than site management.

Procore (For Subcontractors)

FREE

Best for Large Projects

Why we like it

If the General Contractor (GC) pays for Procore, access is free for all subcontractors; allows you to view drawings, RFIs, and submittals without paying a dime.

Keep in mind

You only get it for free if the GC invites you; you cannot use it for your own independent projects without a massive enterprise contract.

ProjectLibre

Best for Scheduling

Why we like it

A free alternative to MS Project; handles Gantt charts and WBS (Work Breakdown Structure); runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Keep in mind

Desktop-based software; does not handle PDF drawings or field blueprints—strictly for schedule management.

Connecteam (Free Small Business)

FREE

Best for Crew Management

Why we like it

Free for up to 10 users; includes time clocks, daily checklists, and basic task management; great for managing labor on site.

Keep in mind

Not a blueprint viewer; you cannot upload or mark up drawings effectively.

OpenDocMan

Best for Self-Hosted DMS

Why we like it

A web-based document management system you can host on your own server; unlimited storage and users (if self-hosted); controls file revisions.

Keep in mind

Requires technical setup (PHP/MySQL); interface is utilitarian and not optimized for iPad touch gestures.

BulldozAIR (Free Trial)

Best Visual Task Manager

Why we like it

Visual-first field reporting; excellent for taking site photos and pinning them to a location; cheaper than PlanGrid for small teams.

Keep in mind

The free version is a trial; primarily widely used in Europe.

LetsBuild (Aproplan)

FREE

Best for European Market

Why we like it

Strong free tier for small projects; excellent punch list and snagging workflows; highly compliant with EU construction standards.

Keep in mind

Less common in the US market; 'Free' plan has limits on active projects.

Drawboard Projects

FREE

Best for Design Review

Why we like it

Real-time collaborative markup on PDFs; feels like a 'multiplayer' whiteboard for blueprints; great for design-build coordination.

Keep in mind

Free tier is limited to 10 documents; lacks formal RFI/Submittal workflows found in PlanGrid.

CamScanner (Site Docs)

FREE

Best for As-Builts

Why we like it

Turns your phone into a scanner; allows you to scan paper sketches or receipts on site and upload them as PDFs instantly; essential utility for the field.

Keep in mind

Not a project management tool; strictly for digitizing paper.

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