Comparison

Autodesk Forma vs TopBuilder

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Autodesk Forma

This construction management app streamlines jobsite operations by allowing users to capture issues, mark up drawings, log daily reports, and access 3D models. It connects field teams with project management tools to keep work moving efficiently and make faster decisions.

Highlights
  • Capture punch list items and issues
  • Markup drawings and view 3D models
  • Log daily reports and site conditions
  • Access construction sheets and project files
  • Manage RFIs and submittals
  • Track project assets and correspondence
Features
Read full description

Capture punch list items, markup drawings, log daily reports, view the latest sheets, and review 3D models from the jobsite with the Forma mobile construction app. The Forma mobile app puts the tools and project information you rely on in your hands. Stay connected to your crews on site, manage projects, and keep work moving. Make critical decisions faster with the Forma mobile construction app: • Forma Build Essentials for efficient, focused field execution • Forma Build for connecting field execution and project management Forma Build Essentials: Built for lean crews and growing jobs. Projects are quick to set up, easy to access, and designed for everyday work on site. • Capture punch list items and issues from the field • Complete daily reports, logs, and forms • View current construction sheets, drawings, files, and models • Open project files and documentation Latest sheets, files, and models View and mark up sheets directly from the jobsite. Access project files and review 3D models to understand design intent and context. Confirm the latest versions before work begins. • View and mark up drawings • Open project files, sheets, and construction documents • Review 3D models Punch list and issue tracking Capture punch list items and issues as you walk the jobsite. Track quality concerns. Log safety observations, near misses, and good catches. Assign responsibility and track work from open to closed. • Log issues with photos, locations, and references • Assign owners and due dates • Track progress from open to closed Daily reports, checklists, and forms Capture daily activity and site conditions, complete quality or safety inspections, and attach photos, signatures, and supporting files. • Complete daily reports and logs • Record site conditions and project information • Attach photos and signatures Fast mobile workflows Open a project and jump straight into work. • Access sheets, issues, forms, photos, and models quickly • Use shortcuts for common field actions • Keep project information accessible as connectivity changes Forma Build: With Forma Build, bring the office and field together to keep projects aligned and on track with connected project management workflows. • Includes core field capabilities • Review project schedules and work plans • Manage RFIs and track responses • Access approved submittals • Capture meeting notes and manage correspondence • Track project assets • Manage document and package reviews Connected across Forma: The Forma mobile app connects you to your Forma project information, construction documents, files, and 3D models across Forma Build Essentials, Forma Build, PlanGrid, Forma Design Collaboration, and Forma Data Management, while providing access to files created in Autodesk tools like Revit, Navisworks, and AutoCAD. See what our customers have to say: "The ability to access 3D models from the field eliminates confusion and allows us to come to a real-time resolution for any issues onsite. This capability reduces risk and provides cost and time savings while ensuring we deliver high-quality projects to our clients." Briana Mitchell, Project Manager, Boldt Company "We have about 460 field employees and for them to access documents in real-time directly on their iPhone or their iPad is priceless." Ken Mabe, Director of Field Operations, Eckardt Group

About

TopBuilder

Features
Read full description

TopBuilder’s mobile app helps general and specialty commercial contractors manage their daily work and stay connected to projects, whether in the field or the office. View project updates in real time, record new activity, and keep all job information organized in one place. TopBuilder mobile is designed for teams who need simple, reliable access to business and project data. Sign in with your TopBuilder login to: • Stay connected to every lead, bid, and job • Make faster, smarter decisions with real-time insights • Eliminate paperwork and scattered information • Boost productivity from anywhere FEATURES • Complete Business Visibility Track business development, bidding activity, customer interactions, and job progress. • Instant Notifications & Alerts Never miss an important deadline, appointment, or job milestone. • Quick Access to Critical Info Pull up recent jobs, leads, and customer details in seconds. • Smart Scheduling & Appointments View your calendar and daily agenda to stay on top of meetings and commitments. • Lead & Job Management Update job details, review leads, and monitor progress from the field. • Customer & Contact Database Manage contacts, accounts, and communication history with ease. • Documents, Files & Photos Capture, upload, and access project documents and job-site photos anytime. • Tasks & Activity Tracking Assign tasks, track progress, and review past activity. • Quote & Bid Information Access important bid and quote details to stay competitive and informed. TopBuilder is a leading software solution provider, including a construction CRM, ContractorBI™ data analytics software, and Construction Data Services designed for general and specialty contractors and CFOs.

Screenshots

Autodesk Forma4 screens
TopBuilder4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TopBuilder at none against Autodesk Forma's 5. TopBuilder also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). Autodesk Forma's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs monthly). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Autodesk Forma sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. TopBuilder asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Autodesk Forma ships an update every 9 days, TopBuilder monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Autodesk Forma versus TopBuilder: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAutodesk FormaTopBuilder
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (22K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews42.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings22K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size627 MB27 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAutodesk Inc.Dave Knowles

Bugs and requests

Autodesk Forma

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Inability to rotate photos
  • Issues with loading and viewing documents
  • Problems with task report formatting
  • Inconsistencies between mobile and desktop apps

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add a to-do list feature
  • Improve report editing and customization
  • Allow selective project/document downloads
  • Enhance photo management and organization

TopBuilder

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Autodesk Forma

One-time5
  • Nailgun$49.99
  • Dozer$69.99
  • Forma Build Essentials$99.99
Show 2 more
  • Crane$139.99
  • Autodesk Build Unlimited$174.99
None

TopBuilder

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Autodesk Forma free?
Autodesk Forma is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TopBuilder free?
TopBuilder is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Autodesk Forma or TopBuilder have ads?
Neither Autodesk Forma nor TopBuilder shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Autodesk Forma or TopBuilder?
Autodesk Forma ships an update every 9 days, and TopBuilder monthly. Most recently, Autodesk Forma was updated on November 9, 2026 and TopBuilder on November 5, 2026.

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