STACK Takeoff & Estimate is a browser-based application and does not require software installation. Before you get started, verify that your device, browser, and internet connection meet the recommended requirements below for the best performance.

Internet Browsers

STACK Takeoff & Estimate supports the following web browsers:

• Google Chrome - Download
• Mozilla Firefox - Download
• Safari (macOS and iPadOS) - Download

NOTE
Use the latest version of a supported browser for the best performance. Other browsers may function, but only the browsers listed above are officially supported. Internet Explorer is not supported.

Browser Hardware Acceleration

Keep hardware acceleration enabled. STACK Takeoff & Estimate draws plans on a graphics canvas, and disabling acceleration shifts that work to the CPU, which slows panning, zooming, and rendering.

Hardware acceleration is on by default. If it has been turned off, check these settings:

• Chrome: Settings > System > Use graphics acceleration when available
• Firefox: Settings > General > Performance > Use recommended performance settings
• Safari: On by default and not user-configurable

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If pages do not load correctly or unexpected behavior occurs, clearing the browser cache may resolve the issue.

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows 10 or later
• macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later
• Linux

NOTE
Mac users should use Safari 26 on macOS Tahoe (26), macOS Sequoia (15), or macOS Sonoma (14). Older versions of Safari are not supported and may prevent certain features from working correctly, including selecting a scale from the Takeoff toolbar. To determine whether your Mac can be upgraded, refer to Apple's compatibility documentation.

Chrome and Firefox on macOS are supported on the same macOS versions listed above.

Hardware

STACK Takeoff & Estimate runs in a browser, so hardware needs are modest compared to desktop takeoff software. Use the recommended column for teams working with large plan sets.

NOTE
A discrete graphics card is not required. Integrated graphics handle STACK Takeoff & Estimate on any processor listed above.

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The browser shares memory with everything else open on the device. Running Outlook, Teams, and Excel alongside STACK Takeoff & Estimate is common for estimators, and 16 GB gives room to work in large plan sets without slowdowns.

Internet Connection

Bandwidth requirements scale with the number of people working at the same time. Plan for each active user, not for the office as a whole.

For a five-person estimating team working at the same time, that is 25 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up recommended, or 15 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up minimum.

Latency

Latency matters as much as raw speed. Satellite and some cellular connections deliver good download numbers with high latency, which makes panning and zooming feel sluggish even when a speed test looks fine.

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Test your connection with Speedtest by Ookla. It reports latency as "ping" alongside download and upload speeds.

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A VPN adds latency and will slow plan loading.

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel 2010 or later is required to use the Project Cost Calculator.

Input Devices

An external mouse is recommended for the most precise takeoff experience on desktop and laptop devices.

NOTE
If using an Apple Magic Mouse, we recommend adjusting to a lower scroll speed. Click here for instructions.

iPad Compatible

IMPORTANT
STACK Takeoff & Estimate runs in a web browser. No mobile app is required.

STACK Takeoff & Estimate supports touch input on compatible iPads through a mobile browser.

Any newer model in these lines also works. Run iPadOS 17 or later with the latest version of Chrome or Safari.

For best results on an iPad:

• Work in landscape orientation
• Use a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection so plans load quickly
• Close other browser tabs before opening a large plan set

NOTE
Older iPads with less memory will struggle with large plan sets. The iPad 9th generation and earlier iPad Air models ship with 3 GB of memory and are not supported.

Some desktop workflows are not yet available on tablet. See Takeoff & Estimate on Tablets and iPads (TE) for supported workflows and current limitations.

Project Size Guidelines

For optimal performance, keep the size of each project in STACK within these guidelines:

GOOD PRACTICE
For very large jobs, consider splitting drawings across multiple projects to maintain the best performance.

Related Articles

Takeoff & Estimate on Tablets and iPads (TE)
Access STACK Takeoff & Estimate
Troubleshooting Browser and Device Related Performance Issues
Clear Your Cache - Chrome, Firefox and Safari
Download Chrome or Firefox

See how others use this feature in the STACK Community.

If you need additional assistance, please Contact Us.