CtrlCore or CtrlSketch vs Structio for BAS drawings
By Bassirou Thiam, building automation engineer · Updated
CtrlCore is a connected BAS engineering platform where specification review, takeoff, assemblies, estimating and drawings share one project model; CtrlSketch is its standalone drawing product. It suits teams that want one tool from bid to closeout. Structio covers one part of that work: it draws the network riser and builds the points list from the building description.
What CtrlCore and CtrlSketch do well
- One project model. Specifications, takeoff, assemblies, BOMs, drawings and AI read the same project data, so scope is not typed again at each step.
- Estimating built in. CtrlEstimator generates BOMs, submittal packages and estimating outputs; Partsify builds reusable control assemblies with approved parts and alternates.
- Drawing sets. CtrlSketch produces wiring diagrams, controller schedules, risers and closeout-ready project sheets, with BOM-aware tagging.
- Made for controls teams: BAS engineers, contractors, estimators, programmers, commissioning teams and project managers.
What to weigh before choosing it
- Priced per named user. As listed in October 2026: CtrlSketch $49/month, CtrlCore Individual $149/month for one user, CtrlCore Team from $599/month for 5 to 10 named users, Enterprise on quote. A 14-day trial, no permanent free tier.
- AI is an Enterprise feature. CtrlCore AI and company knowledge are listed in the Enterprise plan only.
- A whole workflow to adopt. Most of the value comes from running specs, takeoff, assemblies and estimating in the same platform. A team that only needs the submittal drawings uses part of it.
- Export formats are not listed on its public page. If your reviewer expects DWG or a set points list layout, ask for a sample first.
Side by side
| CtrlSketch | CtrlCore Individual or Team | Structio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | BAS drawings and controls documentation | Specs, takeoff, assemblies, estimating, drawings | Network riser and points list |
| Starting point | A drawing canvas with controllers and points | The specifications and plans | The building: floors, rooms, equipment, controllers |
| Users | 1 named user | 1, or 5 to 10 named users | Unlimited |
| Pricing basis | Per user | Per user; AI on Enterprise only | Per active job |
| Free trial | 14 days of CtrlCore Individual | 14 days | 7 days |
When to choose CtrlCore
If your team wants one platform from specification review and takeoff through estimating, BOMs and drawings, and prices controls jobs from the same data it draws them from, CtrlCore covers more of that workflow than Structio. CtrlSketch alone is a sound pick for one person who mainly produces BAS drawing sets.
When to choose Structio
Structio is built for one job: you describe the building once (floors, rooms, equipment, controllers) and it draws the network diagram and builds the points list from that same project, kept in sync when the job changes. Any controller brand, unlimited users, a 7-day free trial.