Critical Note upfront: Autodesk officially discontinued the standalone product "Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (AQTO)" in 2012. It was replaced by Revit (for BIM quantities) and Navisworks Manage (for 3D model takeoffs). You cannot legally download the old AQTO software from Autodesk anymore, and using old versions from third-party sites is risky (malware, lack of updates, no support). This guide covers:
Legacy software risks Current free alternatives from Autodesk How to get a free trial of current takeoff tools Best free/cheap alternatives for quantity takeoff
1. Understanding the Legacy "Autodesk Quantity Takeoff" What it was: A 2D/3D quantity takeoff tool for estimating materials (concrete, drywall, piping, etc.) from digital plans. Why you can’t legally download it today:
No longer sold or supported. Autodesk removed all download links after 2015. Any website offering "Autodesk Quantity Takeoff free download" is likely hosting an outdated, cracked, or malware-infected version. autodesk quantity takeoff free download
Risks of downloading from unofficial sites:
Viruses, ransomware, keyloggers. No technical support or compatibility with modern Windows (10/11). Legal liability for using pirated software.
2. Autodesk’s Current Free Options for Quantity Takeoff Autodesk now integrates quantity extraction into modern tools. Here’s how to use them for free: A. Autodesk Revit (30-day free trial) This guide covers: Legacy software risks Current free
Best for BIM-based quantity takeoff. Generates schedules of materials directly from the model. Free trial: Download from Autodesk’s official website (no credit card often required for 30 days).
B. Autodesk Navisworks Manage (30-day free trial)
Best for 3D model takeoffs (quantity extraction from NWD/NWC files). Includes Quantification Workbook for manual & automatic takeoffs. Autodesk removed all download links after 2015
C. Autodesk BIM 360 / ACC (free viewer tier)
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) has a free "Docs" viewer. You can measure lengths, areas, and counts in 2D sheets (limited takeoff). Access: Sign up for free Autodesk account → BIM 360 Docs free trial.