Get access in two steps

Create an account to get a license key, then sign in to the CDS Platform with your email.

Step 1

Purchase a company license

Full access to MasterFormat®, UniFormat®, and OmniClass® for your whole team, always on the latest editions.

Step 2

Sign in with your email

Enter your email and we'll send a one-time code. Your license key is only needed when teammates sign up under your company's paid license.

How licensing works

Licenses are purchased at the company level. An administrator gets the key and shares it with the team, and each member enters it at sign-up to unlock full access. Without a license, users get free two-level MasterFormat lookup for 2020 and earlier.

Purchase a license on the signup page.

Pricing built for companies of all sizes

CSI Dynamic Standards gives your team a current, authorized way to work with MasterFormat®, UniFormat®, and OmniClass®—so the standards you rely on every day are easier to search, easier to keep current, and easier to carry across specs, models, bids, handover, and operations.

  • Work from one trusted source with current and past CSI standards in a connected digital experience.
  • Reduce RFIs, rework, and costly disconnects by keeping project information aligned from planning through closeout.
  • Move faster than static PDFs with searchable standards, edition awareness, change history, and clearer cross-standard workflows.
  • Deliver more defensible work with standards-true project manuals, bids, models, asset data, and handover information your team can stand behind.
Your Price
MonthlyYearly
$699 / yr.CSI member savings displayed after log in.

Keep drawings and specs in lockstep—carry UniFormat® to MasterFormat® decisions forward without retyping.

Architecture Firm
Company type
0 - $2M
Annual Revenue
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Licensing FAQs

Common questions about licensing. For anything specific, email info@theconstructionstandard.com.

1. What does a CSI Dynamic Standards License cover?

A license provides authorized, always-current access to 1995 through 2026 versions of MasterFormat®, UniFormat®, and OmniClass®. The platform includes tools to help navigate and apply the standards efficiently. It is not a spec-writing platform and works alongside your existing tools.

2. How do I know if I need a license?

A license is required when CSI standards are used in revenue-generating professional services. This applies to architects, engineers, contractors, owners, manufacturers, and software platforms.

3. Does use in specs, estimates, BIM, file naming, and other deliverables require licensing?

Yes. If your organization uses MasterFormat numbers and titles in specifications or deliverables—including estimates, BIM, file naming systems, and project documentation—a license is required. Software tools do not sublicense CSI standards.

4. Are firms using spec-writing platforms already covered?

No. Use of CSI standards in deliverables requires a CSI Dynamic Standards license regardless of which software platform is used.

5. Can older versions of the standards still be used?

If you previously purchased a PDF edition of MasterFormat®, UniFormat®, or OmniClass®, you may continue using that edition within the scope of the original license. Those legacy PDF rights were granted to a single user only. They were not company-wide, multi-user, transferable, or shareable rights for teams, departments, offices, or enterprise organizations. If more than one person is using the content, or if your organization needs standards access across shared templates, deliverables, workflows, or systems, CSI Dynamic Standards is the appropriate path.

6. Why is pricing based on firm revenue rather than simple seats or user tiers?

The firm-level model provides organization-wide access rather than limiting use to individual seats. By introducing these standards to your entire firm, you improve access and communication across your firm. CSI Dynamic Standards is licensed at the firm level with pricing based on company type and company revenue range. Larger organizations typically have more users and more financial resources to support such subscriptions. One firm-wide subscription supports consistent project information across teams, tools, and deliverables. CDS licenses cover all users in your firm.

7. Are fees scaled for small firms, sole proprietors, consultants, contractors, and owners?

Yes. Fees are based on annual use and are applied at the company level. The amount is determined by company type (commercial or professional) and company size, based on the tiered ratings described on the website.

8. Why did CSI move to an annual subscription fee?

To support ongoing efforts to keep the standards up to date in a rapidly changing industry. The new fee structure reflects the multi-user access typical of firms and ties copyright usage of MasterFormat to the company rather than the individual. A steady subscription model also enables more regular and predictable updates.

9. Will there be lower-cost options for individuals who need limited access to the standards?

Yes. Member-specific pricing tiers are available. And, a two-level online lookup is available for free.

10. Where can I find pricing, licensing terms, and the EULA?

For use-case-specific questions, contact info@theconstructionstandard.com.

Still have questions?

Get in touch and we'll answer any questions you have.

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