Bluebeam software is a feature-rich solution designed to help architecture, engineering, and construction firms improve their collaboration through PDF documents.
With Bluebeam’s extensive list of markup features, team members can express concerns, suggest changes, and highlight specific aspects of project documents. However, before we get into these tools, it’s important to understand what markups are.
What are Document Markups, and Why are They So Important?
In the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) landscape, even the smallest detail can have a massive effect on a project’s overall success. So, precision and clarity are essential. Every line, dimension, and tag on a building document has to be meticulously reviewed by a team of professionals to ensure accuracy. This process is known as “redlining.”
In the not-so-distant past, redlining a document meant physically noting discrepancies on a set of plans in red ink. However, in the digital age of architecture and engineering, reviewing and redlining is done almost exclusively on computers. This is where markups come into play.
Markups are digital annotations and graphics added to a PDF document that allow users to ask questions and clarify details about specific aspects of a project. These notes’ color, style, font, and size can be fully customized to categorize or prioritize comments. While markups are made on existing PDF documents, they sit on top of the host document and can be edited or removed at any time. Additionally, because Bluebeam Revu provides a shared platform, live review sessions can be held remotely through other collaboration programs like Bluebeam Studio.
Understanding Bluebeam’s Basic Markup Functions
Within the Bluebeam Tool Chest, users can find all the tools needed to make effective markups. To access the tool chest, select Window > Panel > Tool Chest. You can also open the markup tools tab by typing Alt + x on your keyboard.
Text Markups
The text markup tool is one of the simplest but most powerful features within Bluebeam’s user interface. Not only do users have the ability to add text of all different colors, fonts, and sizes, but they can also draw attention to specific areas of a PDF document with callouts and text boxes. These text customization options ensure that all annotations are as clear and concise as possible when the documents are handed back to an architect or engineer.
Lines and Shapes
Sometimes, words alone are not enough to convey a specific thought or idea. For this reason, Bluebeam developers have added an entire toolbar dedicated to different shapes and lines. With these tools, reviewers can relay information visually by drawing over the existing PDF. The following lines and shapes can be accessed from the Tools dropdown menu or by typing the corresponding keyboard shortcut.
Line (L): Draws a straight line segment. It can be created at any angle or locked into vertical or horizontal positions.
Arrow (A): Creates a segment similar to the line markup with a customizable arrowhead at one end.
Arc (Shift+C): Used to create curved markup lines. Can be configured to create both elliptical or circular arcs.
Polyline(Shift+N): Creates complex shapes from a series of segmented lines.
Callout (Q): This tool creates a textbox with a leader pointing to a specific document aspect.
Dimension (Shift+L) Creates lines that represent measurements within a PDF.
Rectangle (R): Creates a rectangular shape. Holding the Shift key while drawing will automatically create a square.
Ellipse (E): Creates an elliptical shape. Holding the Shift key while drawing will automatically create a circle.
Polygon (Shift+P) Similar to the Polyline tool, This tool creates a complex closed shape by connecting individual line segments.
Cloud (C): Creates a polygon with a cloud-like appearance to call attention to larger areas.
Cloud+ (K) Creates a cloud with a callout box to describe the highlighted area.
Embedded Images and Videos
Bluebeam’s markups are not limited only to text and shapes. Photos, images, and videos can also be embedded into a file, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the project. For example, construction superintendents can upload videos of a site walkthrough to explain issues or concerns related to the project, and architects may include images to clarify questions regarding a design concept.
Stamp Tool
Bluebeam offers several preset stamps, such as “Approved” and “Reviewed.” However, the software also allows users to create custom stamps with images, text, and company logos to cater to a firm’s specific needs.
Format Painter
Format Painter is an essential tool for maintaining markup uniformity across multiple document pages. Bluebeam users can use this function to copy the style of one markup and apply it to others of the same type, helping to maintain an organized and professional appearance.
Advanced Markup Techniques
Once a user has a grasp of the basic functionality of Bluebeam markup tools, they can begin to experiment with more advanced techniques that customize the user experience and maximize organization on larger and more complicated documents.
Sequencing and Tagging
When working with many markups, keeping them all in order can be difficult. Sequencing and tagging markups can organize them into groups and numerical order, making it easier to find annotations on larger PDF documents.
Layering
Layering markups is another way to enhance document clarity. By placing related notes and graphics onto a specific layer, they can be separated from others, helping others to focus on relevant information. Many design firms create layers for architectural, structural, and electrical markups. These layers can be toggled on and off during group review sessions, helping to minimize distractions from other markup groups.
Custom Tool Sets
Bluebeam Revu allows its users to create custom tool sets that fit their workflow for a given project. These custom tool sets can later be shared with others to promote efficiency and consistency.
Want to Know More About Markup Tools?
By mastering Bluebeam’s markup tools, AEC professionals can increase productivity, enhance collaboration, and reduce mistakes and miscommunications among team members. To learn more about markup tools and how to use them, check out our Bluebeam training services.
Bluebeam gives you the smart tools you need to keep your team in sync and get the job done right—anytime, anywhere.
Bluebeam Revu makes it easy to securely access your work anywhere. You can log into any desktop with Revu installed and access your project files, or send your Tool Chest to Bluebeam Cloud for markups on the go.
Important: You’ll need your Revu serial number and product key to unlock the software. If you’re a license owner with active Maintenance, you can upgrade to get your Revu 21 serial number and product key here.
What’s New with Bluebeam 21?
Sign In: Sign in securely on any desktop with Revu installed and access all the features corresponding to your Bluebeam Plan.
Tool Chest Anywhere: Send your Tool Chest directly to Bluebeam Cloud and access many of your favorite tools on any web or iOS device.
Plugins: Enjoy added support for Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks 2023.
Revu 21
20 September 2022
Fixed an issue where selecting fonts in DPT would crash Revu.
Fixed an issue where text added to a text box was not being recorded in a Session.
Fixed an issue where check-in information was not updated in the SharePoint version history dialog.
Fixed an issue where signatures were incorrectly showing as invalid.
Fixed an issue with Bluebeam Administrator settings for Bluebeam PDF printer.
Fixed an issue with the AutoCAD plugin not respecting an option for deleting temporary files.
Fixed an issue with converting an Outlook email to a PDF.
Fixed an issue where Windows updates were crashing Revu for deployed installations.
Fixed multiple issues with IGC digital certificates significantly increasing file size.
Fixed an issue with editing multi-page files with broken Bookmarks.
Fixed an issue with the Office plugin not converting files with overlapping images.
What’s New with Bluebeam Revu 20.2?
Setting page scale improvements: Ability for users to save their commonly used page scales into the preset list, ensuring the accuracy of takeoffs. Additionally, there will be an option to apply a standard, user-defined y-axis scale across multiple pages.
Flexible length measurement Unit: In Revu 20.2, users can set the length unit independently of the page scale, helping them bid faster & submit more bids, plus it gives international customers the flexibility to take off materials based on project requirements.
Revu 20.2.70
29 March 2022
What’s Fixed
Fixed an issue where selecting fonts in DPT would crash Revu.
Fixed an issue where text added to a text box was not being recorded in a Session.
Fixed an issue where check in information was not updated in the SharePoint version history dialog.
Fixed an issue where signature was incorrectly showing as invalid.
Fixed an issue where Solid Line Style was being overwritten and replaced with Cloud Style.
Fixed an issue where use of full-width Japanese character as input for scale was crashing Revu.
Fixed an issue where Stamp folder location is not exported into Revu Preferences XML.
Fixed an issue where incorrect Revu version was displayed in About information.
Revu 20.2.60
25 October 2021
What’s New
Studio users will now remain signed in until they choose to sign out.
What’s Fixed
Fixed an issue where tools could appear in the wrong Tool Set.
Fixed an issue where automatically creating form fields was corrupting the file in certain cases.
Fixed an issue where copying text with ligated characters would result in an incomplete selection.
Fixed an issue where canceling an error dialog would close the document with unsaved changes.
Fixed an issue where inserting pages from PDFs with bookmarks wasn’t working in some cases.
Fixed an issue where some images were rendered as black squares.
Fixed an issue where files could bloat when adding IGC digital certificates.
Fixed an issue where Revu could freeze when repeatedly copying and pasting certain markups.
Revu 20.2.50
31 August 2021
What’s Fixed
Fixed a SharePoint Extension issue with the “Open In Revu” context menu when multi-tenant deployed.
Updated SharePoint authentication to default to “Modern”.
Fixed an issue where converting an Outlook email to a PDF was displaying an error message.
Fixed an issue causing files to be incorrectly considered as edited on open.
Fixed an issue where users were unable to delete or insert pages on some multi-page files.
Fixed an issue where Revu could crash during the creation of Reports with long file names.
Revu 20.2.40
20 July 2021
What’s Fixed
Fixed an issue where Windows Updates led to some crashes for deployed installations.
Fixed multiple related issues where file sizes were getting inflated by digitally signing a PDF.
Fixed an issue where the AutoCAD plugin couldn’t be enabled by Standard Users.
Fixed a bug causing text corruption after using Batch Sign and Seal with a PFX type digital ID.
Fixed a bug causing PDF Summary to substitute the Euro symbol for the space in the thousands separator.
Corrected Rise/Drop value in Annotations List when drawing calibrated using a preset scale of 1:10 or 1:20.
Fixed an issue blocking Batch Slip Sheet when “Insert revised pages before current…” was selected.
Updated support for FileOpen, assuring secured PDFs can open.
Fixed a bug where Batch Overlay wasn’t respecting the “Advanced Colour Shading” setting.
Revu 20.2.30
18 May 2021
What’s New
Plugin support for the latest versions of AutoCAD, Revit and Navisworks.
What’s Fixed
Fixed an issue causing content to not display as expected.
Fixed a bug causing some files not to open with the SharePoint extension.
Revu 20.2.20
14 April 2021
What’s Fixed
Fixed a bug causing Revu to not delete temporary PostScript files after printing.
Revu 20.2
16 March 2021
Revu 20.2 features improved measurement tools based on feedback from customers like you, including the ability to easily set scale across multiple drawings and apply length units independently of page scale.
Revu 2019 or older
October 2022
Bluebeam is investing in new technology and product enhancements to meet the industry’s toughest challenges. As they continue to invest in the future, they can no longer support or guarantee the integrity of legacy versions.
With that in mind, Bluebeam will no longer support products including Revu 2019 after March 21, 2023.
Why buy your Bluebeam license through Microsol Resources?
We are experts We are experts in Bluebeam software. At times, our customers have interaction/interoperability issues with their design and design and construction tools, and our technical team is capable of identifying and solving those issues quickly.
Outstanding technical support All software sold by Microsol Resources is provided with one-on-one troubleshooting technical support via phone or email at no additional cost.
We are local and work in the same time zone. We understand that companies can’t afford to halt their projects because of software problems. If you ever encounter an issue with your Bluebeam software, you can reach out directly to us and get support within the same day – often immediately or within minutes. We understand how valuable your time is, and our technical team can help you resolve your issue as soon as possible.
Microsol Resources is a Bluebeam Platinum Partner that exemplifies best-in-class customer service, Bluebeam product knowledge, and training.
Maximize ROI with expert consulting tailored to your organization’s unique business needs
Whether you’re new to Bluebeam or looking to get more out of your existing investment, we’re here to help you make the most of your investment.
Determine areas for improvement
We’ll sit down with you to review key metrics and observe existing processes to identify efficiency gaps and develop a customized working plan.
Implement Bluebeam best practices
We know how difficult it can be to get teams on the same page. That’s why we’ll work to quickly standardize digital workflows company-wide which will save time, money, and headaches.
Maximize your team’s future success
Our team knows firsthand what it takes to reduce time to value. We’ll help you jump-start adoption across teams and projects to make your organization as efficient and productive as possible for years to come.
Expert guidance from people who’ve been there
Our consultants have years of industry experience working at companies of all shapes and sizes. We understand the kinds of challenges you face every day — and what Bluebeam can do for teams when properly implemented. No matter what you need, we’ll work side by side to help you reach your goals.
How it works
Our consulting process was specially designed to help companies like yours transform the way they build and effectively drive results.
What does a typical consulting engagement look like?
Before any engagement, one of our consultants will meet with you to determine how we can best help meet your goals. Then we’ll put together a proposed scope of work based on your needs. At a high level, a typical consulting engagement includes three phases:
Discovery — Our consultant takes a deep dive with your team to learn about your current processes and needs.
Recommendations — Our consultant takes this information and proposes a workflow/process based on our best practices to meet your needs. You would do a workshop to validate the process and make any necessary changes.
Knowledge Transfer — We’ll deliver training to your users on how to execute this process.
How long does a consulting engagement take?
Engagement lengths can vary widely depending on the agreed-upon scope of work, but smaller engagements usually last 3-8 weeks.
Do you offer in-person consulting engagements?
We’re only offering remote, online engagements at this time. We look forward to offering in-person consults once it’s again safe to do so.
Can I just talk with a consultant about questions I have?
Yes! In most cases, we do recommend a full engagement where our consultant can look holistically at what you’re trying to achieve and help put together a plan that meets those needs. However, some teams just need a little help to get over a hump or validate a process they’ve already put in place. For this, we offer one-on-one consulting calls starting at two hours where our Bluebeam consultant can offer advice and help point you in the right direction.
How can I get a demo of Bluebeam?
Our Bluebeam team works with new and existing customers who’ve already decided to implement Bluebeam in their organizations. For a sales conversation or Bluebeam demo, contact our sales team at bluebeam@microsolresources.com.
Ready to take your company to the next level?
We offer everything from two-hour phone consultations to intensive multi-day workshops and end-to-end implementations. Set up a quick discovery call with us so we can find the right fit for you.
Features the latest informative and technical content provided by our industry experts for designers, engineers, and construction firms and facility owners.
Determine areas for improvement
Implement Bluebeam best practices
Maximize your team’s future success
Expert guidance from people who’ve been there
Ready to take your company to the next level?
