Bluebeam Revu

Pros

So many functions that are pertinent to the construction industry that I can use on a daily basis from viewing files to doing quick measurements to editing files to combining or converting to and from PDF files. One very big pro about Bluebeam is the customer service. I had a laptop die on me and it locked out my bluebeam account. I contacted customer support and within a few hours, they unlocked my account for me to register on my new laptop. I thought that was absolutely incredible with the quick turnaround on my Bluebeam license.

Cons

Probably my biggest con for Bluebeam is the cost of the software. It is a little pricey, little higher than competitors. But well worth it if you use this program on a daily basis.

Pros

Very versatile PDF editing software for people to use especially for engineers and architect like me. Love the cut and paste and measuring function of the software

Cons

The shortcut commands of the software are too long and cumbersome to use because most of them require 3 key strokes like measuring requires ‘alt shift L’. Shortcuts should be maximum of 2 key strokes, not 3. Provide autosave function and more videos on how to be an expert user. Provide function to enable users to change small caps into all caps & vice versa without the need to rely on additional plugged in app of another add on software.

Pros

Ease of use. Intuitive user interface. Very useful for PPDF editing and measuring.

Cons

Switching between computers is a bit more involved than I would like.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Bluebeam Revu

Pros

It is a good pdf editor. It is a good pdf editor.

Cons

I purchased the license and couldn't get my subscription to work. The customer service team tried a couple of time but didn't bother spending too much time to fix it. I had ask cancel and ask for a refund.

Pros

Bluebeam has an immense amount of features, compared to competitors.

Cons

There are so many features and functions within Bluebeam that it becomes overwhelming to train employees.

Pros

The fact that BlueBeam adds up all the values that have been measured/counted makes life so much easier. I was using PDF X-Change before which allowed me to measure all that I needed to but I was stuck with an excel spreadsheet, hovering over every single line to add everything up with formulas. This took literal hours. Now everything is added up along the way and there's no need to use additional programs to get my totals.

The fill feature was also a game changer for me. it lessened my time measuring area measurement significantly.

Cons

When using the Fill feature, the lines do have to be solid and bold for it to work effectively. This took a little while for me to figure out and there are some plans that is won't work for at all, such as hand drawn plans. There are work arounds like using the border feature to try to contain it but any opening will ruin the progress so far.

Pros

Very functional, everything you could need in the construction world for a PDF software.

Cons

I'd like it to be able to read text better, my phone can decipher text from a photo better than Revu can decipher the same text from a pdf of the same photo.

Pros

It seems to work with any type of PDF I've thrown at it, with no hanging up, no failure to display objects, no matter how weird or obscure they might be.

Cons

While this is meant to be a viewer rather than an editing tool, competitors do offer slightly more editing functions in their basic entries.

Pros

AutoCAD's non-Ivy League cousin, Bluebeam is simple to use but has the potential for incredible stuff. I use it daily for take-off's.

Cons

Updated from a one time purchase to a yearly subscription model. Has conveniences for sure, but they are charging more.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Bluebeam Revu

Pros

How everything is in one place and is very beginner and user friendly!

Cons

Sometimes the constant updates take a long time.

Pros

Bluebeam has an amazing customizable tool box which I find the most helpful! There are certain tools I will use over and over again and having this quick popup with all my tools to grab and use saves me so much time. Also, adding pages into a current document is as easy as just dropping into the place where you want it. If you are using bluebeam more for just PDF purposes, this software will do so much more than adobe and give me cleaner documents. I use it alot to make submittals and I need to markup and add/ move pages alot and this makes it the easiest and fastest way for me to do so. I can remove items off the pages and add notes when needed. I can go on about the list of amazing features this offers, like counting how many outlets I need on the plan, or resizing and signing it. Your options here are endless.

Cons

The biggest downside to bluebeam is that it takes time to learn and isn't very user friendly for the average person. Figuring out what each tool does takes some time, and sometimes there are a few you can use for the same thing. Since bluebeam has so many features it can be hard to narrow down or even locate the one you are needing. This is why that custom tool box is so handy.

Pros

I would like to pass my special gratitude to the customer support team for Bluebeam Revu. A collection of very resourceful team which understands the software so well. They really assisted me in launching and integration of this software. My emails were replied on time and in the most respectful manner. They made the app easy to use for me and that's why I have recommended it to several friends who appreciates it's work too. Keep up the good work.

Cons

With such assistance from the customer support team, I find nothing hard. All the challenges are well addressed.

Pros

It makes marking up, commenting, and editing drawings extremely easy and quick

Cons

Price, I feel it could be a little cheaper but it's not terrible

Pros

Bluebeam is super easy, user friendly. As our part designs change, therefore requiring print changes, we have the capability to use the tools offered in Bluebeam to markup changes, highlight, and add text explaining revisions so everyone is on the same page as to what/why a change occurred and if it effects fit, form or function.

Cons

No dislikes, really. We recently upgraded our SolidWorks® and am finding that Bluebeam will not be connecting/compatible with SolidWorks® any longer. That is not horrible as we can save prints other ways and still read them in Bluebeam Revu.

Pros

it was easy to use, all information could be saved on to desktop. Amazing features to make take off process much smoother

Cons

it is not compatible with Mac. we were old it was going to be cloud based 2 years ago so that Mac users can use the software but never happened

Pros

You will be notified via emails when you have access to project and the file.

Cons

When the system fails ,I was not able to figure out , and had to reach out to the Bluebeam team for clarity.

Pros

Bluebeam is a great software necessity, It helped me get organized and was easy to operate

Cons

Bluebeam's take off functions were basic but efficient. It allowed me to get through the jobs easily.

Pros

Bluebeam Revu is the best software I have ever used. If you have a problem with converting PDF to DWG to make a take-off, don't worry Bluebeam Revu can do it in PDF, and it can identity any plan type and components like pipes, lighting fixtures ...etc.

Cons

One thing that I hate about Bluebeam Revu is that is consumes a lot from the devices' recourses.

Pros

Bluebeam Revu is full of engineering functions and features, best for reading PDF drawings.

Cons

Bluebeam Revu is costly and complicated for basic users.

Pros

One advantage is the ability to encrypt documents, providing an additional layer of security. It also integrates with various formats such as CAD, facilitates modifications.

Cons

It does not have the functionality that would allow you to create, modify or edit any original content. In addition, the individual cost is not small.

Pros

Great when using on the go at different sites

Cons

If you dont know what hour doing it can be challenging

Pros

what i like most is the ease of editing documents and all the different features it offers. mind you i have not used them all but the option is there. and interested in learning more of the features i do not use.

Cons

have not used it to its extent to comment on the product but it is expensive..

Pros

very cheap and good tools and easy to use

Cons

no longer supported on Mac meaning it cannot update and features can no longer be added

Pros

I really enjoy using Studio sessions to do quality control reviews, allows me to comment and have designers addressing comments as I go.

Cons

Sometimes files look different in Revu than they do using other PDF viewing software, like Adobe Acrobat.

Pros

I love the ability to create custom tools, download full preloaded tool sets, layering, and more.

Cons

I haven't found a feature yet that I don't enjoy and utilize.