#1 most frequent
United States of America
83.1%9,307 installations of 11,203
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
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Screenshot of Bluebeam Cloud with Markup List
Top Performing Features
Cost databases
Pulls information from online databases and aggregates it to allow contractors to compare prices of materials from different suppliers.
Category average: 7.5
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
Areas for Improvement
Custom reports
Users can create custom reports.
Category average: 7.5
Mobile app
Users can easily access the system from the field on mobile devices such as phones and tablets.
Category average: 7.3
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
Who Buys & Uses Bluebeam
#2 most frequent
Canada
6.7%747 installations of 11,203
#3 most frequent
Australia
2.7%303 installations of 11,203
My Bluebeam Review
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
Bluebeam gets the job done
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
Bluebeam won’t disappoint
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
Senior Proposal Manager
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.
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
Master All Things PDF
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
