How to Create Custom Toolsets in Bluebeam

What Are Bluebeam Toolsets?

In Bluebeam Revu, toolsets are a powerful feature that allows users to store and save customized markups for efficient reuse. These markups can be tailored to specific project needs, such as measurement markups for different flooring materials or color-coded punch key symbols. By adding these customized markups to the tool chest, you can quickly access them in future sessions without the need for manual customization each time. Toolsets enhance both efficiency and organization, making it easy to find and apply the exact tools you need for markup tasks.

Types of Bluebeam Toolsets

Bluebeam Revu offers various types of toolsets to accommodate different workflows and requirements. Some of the key toolsets include:

• My Tools: This toolset is designed for commonly used tools, such as text boxes and highlighters, and is prepopulated with essential markup tools. Each tool in this set includes a keyboard shortcut for quick access.
• Recent Tools: The Recent Tools toolset displays markups that were placed most recently during your Bluebeam session. It provides quick access to tools used in the current session and automatically clears at the end of each session.
• Custom Toolsets: Users can create custom toolsets to organize markups according to specific project needs. Custom toolsets are especially useful for standardizing tools across multiple project teams.
• Profile-Specific Toolsets: Depending on the profile you’re using in Bluebeam Revu, you may have access to different too sets tailored to specific industries or workflows. For example, the Quantity Takeoff profile includes measurement toolsets, while the Field Issues profile includes punch walkthrough symbols.

Steps for Creating Custom Toolsets In Bluebeam

Now, let’s explore how to create and customize your own toolsets in Bluebeam Revu. Follow these steps to get started:

 Step 1: Access the Tool Chest Panel

1. Launch Bluebeam Revu and open your PDF document.
2. Locate the Tool Chest panel in the panel access bar. The panel’s exact location may vary depending on the profile you’re using, but in the default profile, it’s typically found on the left side of the Revu interface.

Step 2: Customize Default Toolsets

The Tool Chest panel will display default toolsets, including “My Tools” and “Recent Tools.” You can customize these toolsets by showing or hiding specific tools. To reuse a tool from a toolset, simply select the tool icon, and it will be automatically docked onto the cursor for reuse.

Step 3: Create a Custom Toolset

• To create a custom toolset, go to “Tool Chest” and select “Manage Toolsets.”
• In the “Manage Toolsets” window, click the “Add” button to create a new toolset.
• In the “Add Toolset” window, provide a title for your new toolset under “Title.”
• Under “Options,” configure the settings:

• • Display: Check this option to make the toolset automatically display in the Tool Chest.
  • Show in All Profiles: Enable this option to display the toolset in all profiles within Revu.
  • Relative Path: Keep this option selected for default behavior.

Click “OK” to create the new toolset and exit the “Manage Toolsets” window.

Step 4: Customize Your Custom Toolset

Your new, blank toolset will now appear in the Tool Chest panel. To customize it, add tools to the set.

Step 5: Add Tools to Your Custom Toolset

There are two methods to add tools to your custom toolset:

• • Drag and Drop: If the desired tool is already within a toolset, you can add it to your custom set by dragging and dropping it.
  • Add from PDF: If the desired tool is not available within a toolset, first add it to an open PDF. Customize the tool’s visual appearance and properties as needed. Then, right-click on the markup and select “Add to Toolset.” Choose your custom toolset to place it in.

Step 6: Export and Share Custom Toolsets

• To share your custom toolset with others, select the context gear next to the toolset and choose “Export.”
• Save the toolset as a .btx file on your local drive. This file can be shared via email, network, or cloud file-sharing systems.
• Recipients can activate the toolset in their Bluebeam Revu application by double-clicking the .btx file.

By following these steps, you can create, customize, and share custom toolsets in Bluebeam Revu, streamlining your PDF markup workflows and ensuring consistency in project teams.

Whether you’re in architecture, construction, engineering, or other industries, custom toolsets can enhance your productivity and efficiency.