Overview

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Introducing CSI Dynamic StandardsSM

CSI Dynamic StandardsSM keeps MasterFormat®, UniFormat®, and OmniClass® current and edition-aligned, so models, drawings, specs, bids, and handover move in lockstep, with fewer requests for information (RFIs) and less rework.

A Live, Connected Standards System

MasterFormat®, UniFormat®, and OmniClass® are the construction industry’s shared language. They shape how projects are planned, designed, specified, bid, built, and operated.

Static books and PDFs make it difficult for teams to stay aligned. CSI Dynamic StandardsSM solves that through an online navigational tool that transforms standards into connected, version-aware workflows.

Available March 31, 2026.

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Includes MasterFormat® 2026

The release of MasterFormat® 2026 continues CSI’s stewardship of the most widely used specifications classification system, supporting clearer organization, stronger coordination, and more consistent construction documents.

You can access it starting March 31 through CSI Dynamic StandardsSM.

Licensing

A license has always been required for use, just like previous MasterFormat® versions.

Instead of individual user licenses tied to books, licenses are now issued at the firm level. 

CSI Dynamic StandardsSM licenses include access to MasterFormat®, UniFormat®, and OmniClass® and the online navigator tool.

CSI Professional Members will get free access for an introductory period to MasterProductSM when licensing CSI Dynamic StandardsSM.

Pricing is tiered based on firm revenue with member rates available.

The Construction Standard is the authorized partner for licensing CSI Dynamic StandardsSM.

CSI will no longer publish printed or electronic books for standards.

Member Pricing

Annual Firm Revenue Member Price Savings
Up to $2,000,000 $399/year $300
$2,000,000 - $5,000,000 $999/year $400
$5,000,000 - $10,000,000 $2,499/year $700



Explore Licensing Options

Coming Soon: MasterProductSM

MasterProductSM is the most extensive building product catalog ever assembled with more than 12 million products organized for the way buildings are actually specified and delivered.

Unlike other libraries, manufacturers don’t pay for placement, so results stay neutral, inclusive, and reliable—a true view of what’s available in the market.

Designed to help you save time in searching, each product is structured with thousands of standardized attributes (consistent names, units, and formats), enabling highly specific, apples-to-apples searches and comparisons in seconds. And because it’s linked to CSI Dynamic StandardsSM, you can move seamlessly from products to spec sections and back again. Expected to launch March 31, 2026.

New Member Benefit

CSI Professional Members will get free access for an introductory period to MasterProductSM when licensing CSI Dynamic StandardsSM.



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MasterFormat®

MasterFormat® is the specifications standard for the built environment. 

  • Lists of numbers and titles help you organize and communicate your plan to the whole project team
  • On task and on time - expect more of your projects to be completed as planned when you apply the information presented in MasterFormat
  • MasterFormat is the basis for organizing information for contract documents 
  • Design professionals rely on CSI standards like MasterFormat to produce buildings that are safe, up-to-code and long-lasting
  • MasterFormat has changed the construction industry and influenced countless associated classifications, including the ASTM standard for sustainability assessment of building products, MasterSpec, SpecText, National Master Specifications (NMS), Building Systems Design (SpecLink), and SpecsIntact systems

Additional Resources



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UniFormat®

UniFormat® helps you arrange system information as the project design is finalized
 
  • Common classification for the description, analysis, and management of a building throughout its life cycle
  • Estimators and design teams benefit from the UniFormat® cost analysis and early project design documentation
  • UniFormat® allows you to better evaluate design alternatives that affect facility performance

Additional Resources



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OmniClass®

OmniClass® provides a classification structure for electronic databases and software

  • Enriching your information with a classification system designed for the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry
  • Especially useful in Building Information Modeling (BIM), the classifications can be applied when organizing library materials and establishing structures for electronic databases.
  • Developed with a North American focus, but can be used to classify construction and its components in other countries

Additional Resources

Section Format

SectionFormat/PageFormat® gives guidance on organizing and formatting text for specification pages. The guidelines help reduce the chance of omissions or duplications and ensure consistency in your presentations. 

National CAD Standard

The National CAD Standard (NCS) is a collection of standards, guidelines, and tools to streamline and simplify the exchange of building design and construction data from project development through completion.

Learn More



CSI Standards Steering Committee

As part of our stewardship of these vital classification standards, we have a committee of distinguished volunteers from across the AECO community to guide the ongoing maintenance of CSI standards.

Meet the Committee

Revisions Process