Understanding Bluebeam’s Markup Tools

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.