The spreadsheet, king of flexibility
Formulas, custom layout, macros: anything is possible. In return, every change needs care (versions, copy-paste errors, files scattered everywhere).
Trade software
A central catalogue, client history, consistent PDF, sometimes status tracking: the gain is organisational. The trade-off is fitting a model - which is why tools that stay close to site language help.
Hybrids and transitions
Plenty of tradespeople mix: spreadsheet for odd complex jobs, a tool for the daily flow. The aim is to cut double entry between site and the office.