Construction Management · Forma Build
Forma Build
The complete construction management solution, now with a simplified two-tier structure designed around how your team actually works, whether in the field or in the office.
Important update effective May 7, 2026: Autodesk Build is transitioning from three tiers to two plans, Forma Build Essentials and Forma Build. The legacy Forma Build 550 and Forma Build 5000 plans will no longer be available for new purchases or renewal after this date. Please review the options below and contact your Microcad advisor to plan your transition.
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Plan 1
Forma Buil Essentials
Field Operations
Built for lean crews and growing jobs, Forma Build Essentials brings the jobsite tools contractors rely on together in one place. Projects are quick to set up and easy to access. Designed for small to mid-sized contractors who need simple, mobile-friendly workflows with minimal setup and training.
Key Benefits
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Fast purchase-to-project setup with low administrative lift - 2
Accelerated time-to-value focused on core field workflows - 3
Simplified user experience that supports rapid adoption by field crews with minimal training - 4
Mobile access to drawings, 3D models, documents, forms, photos, and issues - 5
Available on web and mobile, with offline-capable workflows for low-connectivity environments
Included Tools
- Sheets (drawings viewer, including 3D model viewing)
- Files & document management
- Issues management
- Forms & inspections
- Photos & field documentation
- Members management
- Bridge (cross-project data sharing)
- Core Admin (projects, members, companies, templates, settings)
- Locations
Not Included
- Specifications, RFIs
- Submittals, Meetings
- Correspondence, Schedule
- Assets, Reports & analytics
- Autodesk AI (Autodesk Assistant, Quick Create Issues, Quick RFI Create)
- Extended Admin (custom roles, libraries, apps, integrations, advanced permissions)
- Docs, Insight, Cost products
- Handover & Classifications
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Plan 2
Forma Build
Full Project Delivery
The complete construction management platform for project owners, general contractors, and office teams who need full project controls, advanced reporting, and AI-powered insights. Includes everything in Forma Build Essentials plus the full suite of project management, cost management, and field management tools.
Everything in Essentials, plus
- Specifications
- Submittals management
- Correspondence
- Assets
- Autodesk AI (Autodesk Assistant, Quick Create Issues, Quick RFI Create)
- Docs, Insight, Cost management products
- RFIs (Requests for Information)
- Meetings
- Schedule
- Reports & analytics dashboards
- Extended Admin (custom roles, libraries, apps, integrations, advanced permissions)
- Handover & Classifications
What Does This Mean for My Licenses?
Whether you’re a new customer or renewing existing licenses, here’s what to expect after May 7, 2026.
| SCENARIO | YOUR OPTIONS | KEY CONSIDERATION |
|---|---|---|
|
New purchase (after May 7) |
Choose between Forma Build Essentials (field use) or Forma Build (full project controls) | Selection is based on the functionality your users need, not on sheet volume. |
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Renewal, Downgrade path |
Renew as Forma Build Essentials | Users will lose access to Specifications, RFIs, Submittals, Reports, AI, and advanced permissions. Best suited for field-only users. |
| Renewal, Upgrade path | Renew as Forma Build (full product) | Retain all current capabilities plus AI features and advanced permissions. Recommended for project management and owner teams. |
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- Note on upgrades: A Forma Build Essentials license can be upgraded to Forma Build at any time, you do not have to wait until renewal. All existing project data is retained when upgrading.
Note on downgrades: Downgrades to Forma Build Essentials can only happen at renewal, in accordance with Autodesk policy.
Capability Overview
| Functionality | Forma Build Essentials | Forma Build |
|---|---|---|
| Products | ||
| Docs | ||
| Insight | ||
| Cost | ||
| Tools | ||
| Sheets | ||
| Files | ||
| Issues | ||
| Forms | ||
| Photos | ||
| Bridge | ||
| Core Admin* | ||
| Locations | ||
| Extended Admin** | ||
| Specifications | ||
| RFIs | ||
| Submittals | ||
| Meetings | ||
| Correspondence | ||
| Schedule | ||
| Assets | ||
| Reports | ||
| Autodesk AI | ||
*Core Admin includes: projects, members, companies, templates, and settings.
**Extended Admin includes: custom roles, libraries, apps, integrations, and advanced permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forma Build the same as Autodesk Build?
Yes. Autodesk Build is now part of Construction Management · Forma Build. The platform keeps the construction management capabilities teams already use, now organized into a simplified two-tier structure: Forma Build Essentials for field operations and Forma Build for full project delivery. If your team currently uses Autodesk Build, your workflows carry over, and the main decision at renewal is which tier best fits how your users work.
What is the difference between Forma Build Essentials and Forma Build?
Forma Build Essentials is focused on core field workflows, including drawings and 3D model viewing, document management, issues, forms and inspections, photos, and basic administration. Forma Build includes everything in Essentials plus the full project management, cost management, and reporting toolset, such as RFIs, Submittals, Specifications, Meetings, Schedule, analytics dashboards, and Autodesk AI features.
Which Forma Build plan is right for my team?
It depends on the functionality your users need. Forma Build Essentials is designed for small to mid-sized contractors and field crews who need simple, mobile-friendly tools with minimal setup and training. Forma Build is recommended for project owners, general contractors, and office teams who manage RFIs, submittals, costs, schedules, and reporting. Many organizations benefit from reviewing each user’s role before choosing a plan, and a MicroCAD specialist can help you map users to the right tier.
Are there sheet limits in Forma Build?
No. Seats are user-based, and no sheet limits apply. Plan selection is based on the tools your users need, not on the number of sheets in your projects.
What happens to my licenses when I renew after May 7, 2026?
At renewal, you can choose between two paths. Renewing as Forma Build keeps all your current capabilities and adds AI features and advanced permissions. Renewing as Forma Build Essentials is a downgrade path best suited for field-only users, since it removes acces
Does Forma Build Essentials include RFIs and submittals?
No. RFIs, Submittals, Specifications, Meetings, Correspondence, and Schedule are only available in the full Forma Build plan. If your team manages RFIs or submittals as part of daily project work, Forma Build is the plan that supports those workflows.
Can field crews use Forma Build Essentials offline?
Yes. Forma Build Essentials is available on web and mobile, with offline-capable workflows for jobsites with limited connectivity. Field teams can access drawings, 3D models, documents, forms, photos, and issues directly from their mobile devices.
Which Autodesk AI features are included in Forma Build?
The full Forma Build plan includes Autodesk AI capabilities such as Autodesk Assistant, Quick Create Issues, and Quick RFI Create. These features are not included in Forma Build Essentials.