What is Bluebeam used for?

Bluebeam is PDF markup and collaboration software for architecture, engineering and construction, with drawing management, takeoffs and review workflows. It is a good fit for reviewing drawings with project teams, estimating quantities from plans and managing construction closeout documents.

How much does Bluebeam cost?

Paid plans for Bluebeam start at $260 per seat per year, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.

Is Bluebeam open source?

No. Bluebeam is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include ONLYOFFICE Groups, Univer and Linkwarden.

What are some alternatives to Bluebeam?

Bluebeam competes with Adobe Acrobat, Foxit PDF Editor and Nitro PDF.

Bluebeam: features, pricing and alternatives

About Bluebeam

Bluebeam is a commercial software suite for architecture, engineering and construction teams. Its core product, Bluebeam Revu, is used to mark up, measure and manage PDF drawings and documents, and to collaborate on them from design through completion.

Workflows listed include drawing management, design review, takeoffs, site logistics, RFIs, submittals, punch lists and construction closeout. Core capabilities cover markups, collaboration, user management, security and AI, with an AI add-on called Bluebeam Max for Revu, plus an integrations directory for connecting other construction tools.

Bluebeam is sold as a paid commercial product with a free trial, a download center, training and certifications. Roles it targets include architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, estimators, skilled trades and MEP.

Key features

PDF markup and measurement
Real-time document collaboration
Drawing management and design review
Takeoffs for estimating
RFI and submittal workflows
Integrations directory for construction apps

Good fit for

→Reviewing drawings with project teams
→Estimating quantities from plans
→Managing construction closeout documents

Tags: pdf-markup; construction; document-management; takeoffs; collaboration; aec

Bluebeam: questions and answers

What is Bluebeam used for?: Bluebeam is PDF markup and collaboration software for architecture, engineering and construction, with drawing management, takeoffs and review workflows. It is a good fit for reviewing drawings with project teams, estimating quantities from plans and managing construction closeout documents.
How much does Bluebeam cost?: Paid plans for Bluebeam start at $260 per seat per year, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.
Is Bluebeam open source?: No. Bluebeam is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include ONLYOFFICE Groups, Univer and Linkwarden.
What are some alternatives to Bluebeam?: Bluebeam competes with Adobe Acrobat, Foxit PDF Editor and Nitro PDF.