Bluebeam

Score9.1 out of 10

381 Reviews and Ratings

What is Bluebeam?

Bluebeam Revu is a PDF management, control, and editing tool. It enables collaboration and markup within shared documents across projects’ life cycles and has takeoff and bid creation capabilities.

Categories & Use Cases

Media

Screenshot of Bluebeam Cloud with Markup List

Screenshot of Bluebeam Cloud with Tool Chest

Screenshot of Bluebeam Revu Studio Session

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Screenshot of Bluebeam Cloud with Markup List

Cost databases
Pulls information from online databases and aggregates it to allow contractors to compare prices of materials from different suppliers.
Category average: 7.6
Cost calculator
Application that calculates cost of estimated quantities and materials, typically within spreadsheets.
Category average: 7.7
Checklists
Construction checklists allow you to link important elements in your construction project. Construction checklists detail specific information of activities and phases in your project.
Category average: 7.3

Custom reports
Users can create custom reports.
Category average: 7.4
Mobile app
Users can easily access the system from the field on mobile devices such as phones and tablets.
Category average: 7.4
Takeoff tools
Allow users to list the materials and quantities they will need for the project either manually from hardcopy blueprints or electronically from digital blueprints.
Category average: 7.4

Verified User

Project Manager (51-200 employees employees)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Bluebeam allows me to perform construction takeoffs digitally, mark up plans, modify pdf documents just to name a few of its benefits. Bluebeam basically combines Adobe like software with On Center’s On Screen takeoff software into one platform. Having access to both of these type programs combined into one, saves me time and makes me more productive.

Pros

Digital Takeoffs
PDF creation
Document management

Cons

Take off functionality
More how-to help videos
Easier program navigation

Return on Investment

Made us more productive
Made us more accurate with our estimates
Allows us to closely check/verify change order requests

Usability

Alternatives Considered

Adobe Acrobat

Other Software Used

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Michelle Lyn Paddock View profile

Finance Coordinator in Finance and Accounting at Blue Heron (201-500 employees employees)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I use Bluebeam to open all acrobat files and it allows me to make necessary changes. So far I don't have any issues that is why I love using it.

Pros

it loads fast
it gives many editing options

Cons

it might be a little confusing because the user interface is a little complicated

Return on Investment

the faster things get the done, the more time you have to move on to the next task

Alternatives Considered

Adobe Acrobat

Joey Harman

Sales Assistant Manager - Project Consultant in Sales at Coval Homes LLC (11-50 employees employees)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

As a Home Consultant with a custom home-building company, Bluebeam Revu helps me with everything from home layout modifications and measurements, to site plans, to cost estimation and more.

Pros

Copy, Paste, and Color - The ability to duplicate a second of my Layout and recolor it for home modifications
Square footage Tools - The fill in tool that “bleeds” into the shapes of the rooms is super helpful.
Customized Toolbox - After about three weeks of regular work with the program, I had a saved digital toolbox filled with so many helpful items for future access

Cons

User adaption will probably always been the hardest thing. Keep finding ways to make the tools function simple for new comers.
Mac Vs PC - I had some issues with a few controls going from my PC work computer to my Mac at home. Nothing major.
If I had to pick another possibly issue… maybe simplify the Layers and Print screens? The biggest learning curve for me was trying to print PDFs without getting Layouts mixed up or losing quality.

Return on Investment

Communication - Bluebeam has saved so many declining conversations when customers could not get their imagination around the ideas they were trying to verbalize.
Professionalism - Without a doubt, using Bluebeam set my offers apart from the competition.
Customer satisfaction - After several years of using Bluebeam, I could see a big difference in the excitement and appreciation my customers and team had for my work.

Alternatives Considered

Revit

Other Software Used

HubSpot CRM, Buildertrend, Procreate

Babar Tahirkheli View profile

Senior Proposal Manager in Sales at Pentair (201-500 employees employees)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I have used Bluebeam for several years in while working in the proposal management and development industry. It is a very comprehensive software to create and develop PDF files. There are tons of editing options that make this software way better than Adobe Acrobat, in my opinion. Especially, if you are an engineer, this software is best in editing and developing drawings as well.
It’s a very user-friendly software.

Pros

Creating PDF files
Editing PDFs
Editing engineering drawings
Collaboration software
Best for AEC industries

Cons

It lags and crashes especially when handing very large files
High CPU and memory usage
The interface can be overwhelming for new users due to its wide array of features
Speed of opening and saving large files is sometimes less
Expensive pricing model

Return on Investment

Increased efficiency and productivity
Enhanced collaboration
Improved quality and accuracy
Cost savings
Negative impacts can be initial costs, learning curve, implementation challenges

Alternatives Considered

Adobe Acrobat

Other Software Used

Microsoft 365

Verified User

Project Manager in Professional Services (51-200 employees employees)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Bluebeam does it all! It is always open on my laptop to modify and interact with PDF files. I use it to mark-up drawings, sign documents, do takeoffs, take measurements, and export files into Excel. It is one of the most flexible and useful tools I have at my disposal.

Pros

Modify PDF
Quantity Takeoffs

Cons

Takeoff feature can be cumbersome
Snapshots should be easily saved as a JPEG

Return on Investment

No yearly subscription fees
Ability to cancel takeoff software subscription
No need to pay for Docusign

Usability

Alternatives Considered

Adobe Acrobat

Procore

Autodesk Build

Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro

Bluebeam

What is Bluebeam?

Categories & Use Cases

Media

Key Features

Top Performing Features

Cost databases

Cost calculator

Checklists

Areas for Improvement

Custom reports

Mobile app

Takeoff tools

Reviews

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Pros

Cons

Return on Investment

Usability

Alternatives Considered

Other Software Used

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Pros

Cons

Return on Investment

Alternatives Considered

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Pros

Cons

Return on Investment

Alternatives Considered

Other Software Used

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Pros

Cons

Return on Investment

Alternatives Considered

Other Software Used

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Pros

Cons

Return on Investment

Usability

Alternatives Considered

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