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Packt Publishing

Bluebeam is a software for working with PDF documents in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Bluebeam helps teams stay coordinated during design and construction, giving you a robust data set through to completion. With great tools and workflows, Bluebeam enables you to save hours and reduce opportunity costs by eliminating redundant and complicated tasks. Giving project teams an efficient up-to-date and paperless environment ultimately saves money.

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Bluebeam is a software for working with PDF documents in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Bluebeam helps teams stay coordinated during design and construction, giving you a robust data set through to completion. With great tools and workflows, Bluebeam enables you to save hours and reduce opportunity costs by eliminating redundant and complicated tasks. Giving project teams an efficient up-to-date and paperless environment ultimately saves money.

In this course, you will learn how to seize these productivity benefits by utilizing the tools in Bluebeam and leverage its built-in cloud collaboration features to manage your construction projects in a paperless environment, using multiple workflows and examples. Bluebeam estimating, and its markup and document management tools, will help facilitate effective document control throughout your project cycles.In addition, by taking this course you will gain the skills to search for more than just text: with Bluebeam, you'll learn how to find symbols, details, and callouts throughout a set of documents. You will also learn about multiple versions of Bluebeam and the differences in features between them.

This highly functional mix of theory, exercises, and practical cases will take you to the next level in your Bluebeam learning.

Please note that this course features Bluebeam Revu 2018.

About the Author

Dalton Goodwin is a BIM Coordinator with over 3 years’ experience using Bluebeam. He manages BIM projects on a variety of jobs at DLR, Overland Park, KS, USA. Prior to this, he served as a BIM Lead for CRB, managing projects from concept through to build and occupation.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the fundamentals of bluebeam: simple interface navigation; template set-up; and plugins
  • Create pdfs and navigate the template creation settings to facilitate more efficient workflows and tracking
  • Comprehensive coverage of markups: annotation and measurement tools; changing properties; and using the view, filter, sort, markups, and comments
  • Prepare documents for review by using the side by side display, comparison, overlay, and searching for symbols
  • Create custom toolsets in bluebeam and save and deploy them effectively
  • Create reports and manage them using studio sessions
  • Work with and manage documents and files in a studio project

Syllabus

Introduction to Bluebeam

This video will give you an overview about the course.

In this video, we will learn in brief about the different versions of Bluebeam.

   •  Define what Bluebeam is

   •  Get a brief overview of the different versions of Bluebeam

   •  Get a look at the Bluebeam website

Read more

In this video, we will learn how to install and setup of Bluebeam.

   •  Head on to the online store on the website

   •  Go through the setup process of Bluebeam

In this video, we will look into the interface of Bluebeam.

   •  Get a look at the various functionalities of the Bluebeam interface

In this video, we will look at the various Bluebeam profile and templates.

   •  Explore the templates and profiles being offered by Bluebeam

In this video, we will look at the various Bluebeam plugins.

   •  Get to know the different types of plugins

In this section, we will look at opening Revit and Word, and then use the Bluebeam plugin to print PDFs.

   •  Open Word and look at creating a PDF

   •  Create a PDF in Navisworks

   •  Get a brief about Revit and start creating a PDF

Here, we shall look at how settings are an important part of Bluebeam and its ability to work fast.

   •  Open the add-ins setting in Revit and learn some of the options

   •  Explore Navisworks and its options

   •  Look up a word and its settings in it

Bluebeam has great templates and great tools to create templates. So, we look at how to use and create these templates.

   •  Look at a new PDF from the templates

   •  Go through the different tools in creating a template

   •  Save that template for future use

We will take a look at how Bluebeam not only prints 2D PDFs, but also prints 3D PDFs.

   •  Create a 3D PDF in SketchUp

   •  Look at the different tools we can use with the 3D PDF

   •  Create 3D PDFs using SketchUp and Revit

Here, we shall look at creating page labels, which is an important step in efficiently managing and navigating Bluebeam PDFs.

   •  Look into the thumbnails panel

   •  Create page labels

   •  Look at the updated labels

Here, we look at the side by side function within Bluebeam. We can then use the tool to effectively review the drawings.

   •  Open two PDFs

   •  Look at splitting the screen for the side by side function

   •  Look at using the tool to review the drawings

We use the annotation tools to add text, lines, clouds, and so on, which is an important part of Bluebeam’s functionality.

   •  Look at the different annotation tools we can use

   •  Add the different annotations

   •  Explore the Markup list

In this video, we will look at the different measurement tools in Bluebeam, that we can then place on a drawing to view.

   •  Look at the different measurement tools

   •  Look at adding the different measurements to the drawings

   •  Add check marks that we then can view in our Markups list

To make Bluebeam as efficient as possible, you can edit the settings for each item, and then save them for future use on other projects.

   •  Add some elements to the drawing space

   •  Look at the different properties that we can change

   •  Understand what we changed and updated with our setting changes

Sometimes it is better to manage and see our changes and updates in a different format such as Excel, which we shall use to schedule the quantities in the project.

   •  Open Bluebeam and Excel, so that we can schedule our Markups

   •  Add some Markups to the drawing, that we will be able to look at in Excel

   •  Move to Excel and look at the link quantities tool

Drawings, at times, get cluttered with Markups. We can manage the same using the Markups list in Bluebeam.

   •  Add some Markups

   •  Open the Markup list panel, where we can change different settings

   •  Go through the different ways to organize our Markups

There needs to be some work done before we compare documents. Here, we briefly talk about what we need to do, to do so.

   •  Open two different drawings

   •  Ensure that drawings must be of the same size or calibrated to one another

   •  Go through the drawings and explore some functionality

Comparison is a great function in Bluebeam, that will compare two drawings and then, automatically annotate the differences.

   •  Browse to the comparison button

   •  Work through the settings and review the tools output

Overlay is a great function. It is different in a way that you are not annotating the drawings separately, but you are just identifying the differences between the drawings.

   •  Browse to the tool

   •  Work through the settings

   •  Review the drawings and identify the differences

Drawings can have a lot of information on them and sometimes, we miss things when we manually go through the PDFs. That is we the ‘search for symbols’ tool come in handy.

   •  Open a drawing

   •  Open the search panel

   •  Use the search tool to search for the window tags in the drawing

In this video, we will look at the tool set overview.

   •  Look at the different tool sets

   •  See how they work

In this video, we will look at creating tools and legends.

   •  Look at creating tools and legends

In this video, we will learn about text search.

   •  Learn how to search text on the PDF

   •  Learn how to put check marks among others

In this video, we will look at running OCR.

   •  Understand how OCR works

   •  Count the tools

In this video, we will look at how to use count tool.

   •  Learn to count elements on a PDF

   •  Perform visual search of elements to count

In this video, we will see how to use reports.

   •  Learn the steps to generate a report

In this video, we will look at importing report data.

   •  Learn to import report data

In this video, we will look at exporting spaces from Revit.

   •  Learn to export spaces from Revit

In this video, we will look at how to set up a report.

   •  Learn the steps to set up a report

In this video, we will use sessions to collaborate on the Project.

   •  Learn to use sessions to collaborate

Projects is great way to collaborate on a Project, through its entire lifecycle. We will talk about Bluebeam Projects and their uses.

   •  Open Bluebeam

   •  Look at a Project that has been set up

   •  Learn how to use it

Projects is great way to collaborate on a Project, through its entire lifecycle. We will talk about creating a new Project.

   •  Sign into Bluebeam Studio

   •  Create a new Project

   •  Look at the interface

Projects is great way to collaborate on a Project, through its entire lifecycle. We will talk about adding PDFs to a Project.

   •  Open and sign into the Bluebeam Studio

   •  Drag some PDFs directly into the Project

   •  Learn to open the required PDF

Projects is great way to collaborate on a Project, through its entire lifecycle. We will talk about adding people to the Project.

   •  Open and sign into Bluebeam Studio

   •  Open the Project invitation dialog box

   •  Go through few options for adding people and groups

Projects is great way to collaborate on a project, through its entire lifecycle. Setting permissions is an important step in managing a Project.

   •  Open the Project setting dialog box

   •  Look at the general, user access, permissions, and folder permissions

   •  Look at editing some of those options

We will learn and brush up what we learnt throughout the course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers Bluebeam Revu, which is widely used for PDF document management in architecture, engineering, and construction industries
Explores cloud collaboration features, which can help teams manage construction projects in a paperless environment
Taught by a BIM coordinator with experience managing BIM projects, offering practical insights
Begins with the fundamentals of Bluebeam, including interface navigation and template setup, which is helpful for new users
Teaches how to search for symbols, details, and callouts within documents, which can save time in document review
Features Bluebeam Revu 2018, so learners should be aware that the interface and features may differ from newer versions

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Reviews summary

Practical bluebeam essentials for aec pros

According to learners, this course offers a quick and practical introduction to Bluebeam Revu for professionals in the AEC industry. Students appreciate its time-efficient format, noting that it successfully covers essential tools like markups, measurements, and Studio collaboration features within approximately three hours. The instructor is described as knowledgeable and effective at explaining concepts. However, some reviews suggest the pace can feel too fast for complete beginners, potentially requiring prior familiarity with AEC workflows. Additionally, the course features Bluebeam Revu 2018, which is considered somewhat outdated by some users.
Directly applicable to work tasks.
"...this course really solidified my understanding of the basics and introduced me to several time-saving tools..."
"I could immediately apply what I learned."
"The focus on practical application is appreciated. It's definitely geared towards getting you operational quickly."
"Walked me through setting up profiles, using tool chests effectively, comparing documents, and leveraging Studio projects. All things I needed to master for my role."
Quick and practical learning experience.
"This course is fantastic! Dalton covers so much information in just 3 hours."
"The 'in 3 hours' format is perfect for busy professionals. I could immediately apply what I learned."
"Incredible value for the time invested. This course is dense with practical information."
"Perfect for a quick start! I needed to learn Bluebeam basics fast for a new project. This course delivered."
Focuses on core features for daily use.
"I use Bluebeam daily in my job in construction, and while I knew some features, this course really solidified my understanding of the basics..."
"Good quick overview of Bluebeam Revu. The course hits on the key functions needed for project collaboration and document markup..."
"It provides a clear, step-by-step guide through the essential tools for my daily tasks - markups, measurements, and using Studio."
"Solid introduction to Bluebeam for construction professionals. Covers the essentials like markups, measurements, and Studio."
Uses Bluebeam Revu 2018.
"Also, it uses Revu 2018, which is a bit outdated now."
"The Revu 2018 version is also a drawback as newer versions have different interfaces and features."
"My only minor complaint is that it uses an older version of the software."
"The use of Revu 2018 is limiting."
Might be too fast for absolute novices.
"Some parts felt a little rushed, maybe trying to cram too much into 3 hours?"
"The pace is fast, which is good for the '3 hours' promise, but challenging if you're completely new or want more detailed explanations."
"The course is far too fast-paced for true beginners. It assumes some level of familiarity with AEC documents and workflows."
"For someone completely fresh to AEC and Bluebeam, it would be overwhelming. It's a rapid-fire overview of features."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Bluebeam in 3 Hours with these activities:
Review PDF Creation Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of PDF creation, which is essential for using Bluebeam effectively.
Browse courses on PDF Creation
Show steps
  • Practice creating PDFs from various sources like Word, Excel, and CAD software.
  • Experiment with different PDF settings and compression options.
  • Familiarize yourself with PDF security features.
BIM Handbook
Gain a broader understanding of BIM principles and how Bluebeam integrates into the overall BIM workflow.
Show steps
  • Read the sections on BIM workflows, collaboration, and data management.
  • Consider how Bluebeam can be used to support these BIM processes.
  • Reflect on how BIM principles can improve your Bluebeam workflows.
Mastering Bluebeam Revu
Expand your knowledge of Bluebeam Revu with a comprehensive guide that covers advanced features and workflows.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to your specific needs and interests.
  • Try out the examples and exercises provided in the book.
  • Refer to the book as a reference while working on Bluebeam projects.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Markup and Measurement Exercises
Improve your proficiency with Bluebeam's markup and measurement tools through targeted exercises.
Show steps
  • Download sample PDF drawings from online resources.
  • Practice using different markup tools to annotate the drawings.
  • Perform various measurements on the drawings using Bluebeam's measurement tools.
  • Compare your results with the expected values.
Develop a Bluebeam Standards Document
Deepen your understanding of Bluebeam best practices by creating a standards document for your organization or team.
Browse courses on Standards
Show steps
  • Research and document best practices for using Bluebeam in your specific industry or context.
  • Create a comprehensive standards document that covers topics such as file naming conventions, markup guidelines, and workflow procedures.
  • Share the standards document with your team and solicit feedback.
  • Refine the document based on feedback and distribute it to all users.
Create a Custom Tool Set Tutorial
Solidify your understanding of custom tool sets by creating a tutorial for other users.
Browse courses on Customization
Show steps
  • Identify a specific workflow or task that can be streamlined with a custom tool set.
  • Design and create the custom tool set in Bluebeam.
  • Record a video tutorial demonstrating how to use the tool set.
  • Share your tutorial with other Bluebeam users online.
Implement Bluebeam on a Real Project
Apply your Bluebeam skills to a real-world project to gain practical experience and improve efficiency.
Show steps
  • Identify a project where Bluebeam can be used for document management and collaboration.
  • Set up Bluebeam Studio Projects or Sessions for the project.
  • Use Bluebeam's markup and measurement tools to annotate and analyze project documents.
  • Generate reports and track progress using Bluebeam's reporting features.

Career center

Learners who complete Bluebeam in 3 Hours will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
BIM Coordinator
A building information modeling (BIM) coordinator is responsible for managing the digital building models used in design and construction. The job duties include maintaining model accuracy, coordinating models across disciplines, and ensuring BIM standards are followed. This course helps a BIM coordinator excel, given Bluebeam is a key tool in BIM workflows. The course provides practical knowledge in using Bluebeam for document management, markup, and collaboration, which are essential for BIM project coordination. The course helps to enhance a BIM coordinator's ability to share, review, and comment on design models, thus maintaining up-to-date project information and facilitating effective communication among project stakeholders. This course is particularly helpful for those interested in enhancing their BIM skills.
Document Controller
Document controllers are responsible for managing and organizing project-related documents, ensuring that information is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to all relevant parties. This course provides training on Bluebeam, a software widely used for managing documents in the AEC industries. The course teaches workflows, document management, and effective collaboration, all of which are important for document control. Document controllers will find this course especially helpful in learning how to use Bluebeam to organize project files, track document versions, and ensure efficient document distribution. The strong focus on practical application and cloud collaboration makes this course a great choice for those in document control.
Construction Estimator
A construction estimator analyzes project requirements and creates cost estimates for materials, labor, and equipment. This position needs someone detail-oriented and familiar with construction documents. This course on Bluebeam is quite helpful to construction estimators. Bluebeam allows them to perform quantity takeoffs directly from digital documents, measure areas, and manage project markups which is crucial for cost estimation. The course also covers how to work with and manage documents and files, which can make the estimation process faster and more accurate. Construction estimators who wish to enhance their skills should take this course.
Architectural Designer
An architectural designer creates drawings and plans for buildings and structures. They utilize computer-aided design software and collaborate with other professionals. This course in Bluebeam provides a valuable tool for architectural designers to manage and review design documents. Bluebeam allows designers to markup PDFs, compare drawing versions, and collaborate with the project team, enhancing the design review process. The course's focus on document management and workflow efficiencies will help improve an architectural designer's ability to create and manage design documentation. This course may be helpful for an architect interested in optimizing their design workflow.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design and oversee construction of infrastructure projects ranging from roads to bridges to utility systems. They work with drawings and specifications, and collaboration among teams is crucial. This course in Bluebeam may be useful to civil engineers, as it is useful in managing and reviewing project documents. Bluebeam's markup, measurement, and collaboration tools are relevant for civil engineering projects, particularly for design review and document control. The course helps engineers in efficiently managing project files, tracking changes, and communicating project updates to the team. Civil engineers who want to improve document workflow will want to take this course.
Construction Manager
The construction manager oversees construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. They work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors. This course, focused on Bluebeam, a core tool in the AEC industry, is directly applicable to this role. Construction managers can utilize Bluebeam's suite of tools to coordinate project teams, manage documents, and track progress. The course emphasizes workflows, document management, and collaboration, all of which are critical to successful construction project management. This course may be particularly helpful to construction managers to help improve efficiency and communication among project stakeholders.
Project Manager
A project manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and completion of projects, from concept to final delivery. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage resources and teams. This course provides training in Bluebeam, a software that is heavily used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries for managing project documents and workflows. Project managers can leverage Bluebeam’s features like document markup, collaboration tools, and reporting to streamline project management processes, track progress, and maintain document control. This course helps build a foundation for efficient project execution and may be useful for aspiring and current project managers.
Field Engineer
A field engineer works on-site to provide technical support and ensure that projects are executed according to design specifications. Field engineers also coordinate with engineers, contractors, and project managers. This course on Bluebeam may be valuable for a field engineer, as it is relevant for managing and reviewing project documents on the job site. The course’s emphasis on collaboration, document markup, and cloud sharing, allows field engineers to access and manage project updates in real-time. This course may be useful to field engineers looking to enhance their communication and document management skills.
CAD Technician
A computer-aided design (CAD) technician uses software to create technical drawings and plans. They work closely with engineers and architects and must be familiar with design documentation. This course in Bluebeam may be useful for CAD technicians, providing skills in managing and reviewing digital design files. CAD technicians can utilize Bluebeam's markup features to comment on drawings, track changes, and collaborate with other stakeholders. The course’s focus on efficient document workflows and cloud collaboration can improve document management for CAD technicians. A CAD technician can benefit from this course.
Construction Inspector
Construction inspectors examine construction sites to assure building codes and safety regulations are followed. They must be able to read and understand construction documents and specifications. This course on Bluebeam may prove helpful to construction inspectors, as it helps to manage and review project documents. With this course, construction inspectors can utilize Bluebeam's markup and measurement tools to note discrepancies in the field. They can also track changes and communicate findings with the project team. The course’s emphasis on document workflows and collaboration features will be useful for construction inspectors seeking to enhance their efficiency.
Facilities Manager
A facilities manager is in charge of maintaining and overseeing the operations of buildings and facilities. They need to manage documents, drawings, and maintenance schedules. This course on Bluebeam may be useful for a facilities manager, helping them to efficiently manage and review building-related documents. Bluebeam can help them to organize files, track maintenance, and plan renovations. The course’s focus on document management and cloud collaboration will be helpful to facilities managers looking to enhance their ability to maintain accurate records and schedules. This course may be useful for improving documentation workflows in building management.
Real Estate Developer
A real estate developer oversees the planning, construction, and management of real estate projects. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors and must be able to manage complex project documentation. This course on Bluebeam may be useful to real estate developers, as it teaches key skills in document management and project collaboration. Bluebeam's markup and collaboration tools can help real estate developers to review design plans, track project progress, and manage documentation efficiently. The course may be useful for developers who wish to improve their management of project information.
Interior designer
Interior designers plan and design the interiors of buildings. They must be able to review and revise design plans. This course in Bluebeam may be useful to interior designers, as they can use it to manage and review design files. Interior designers will be able to use the software to markup PDFs, collaborate with the design team, and manage project documents. The course may help interior designers who want to manage design files efficiently, as well as helping to smooth the design review process.
Sustainability Consultant
A sustainability consultant advises clients on how to reduce environmental impact, often in the context of construction. They may need to evaluate building plans and specifications. This course in Bluebeam, while not directly focused on sustainability, may be useful for a consultant who must analyze building documents. The course teaches how to manage, review, and collaborate on project files in Bluebeam. This helps them to more efficiently review and analyze project documents for sustainable design practices. The course may be beneficial for sustainability consultants who wish to manage information more effectively.
Urban Planner
An urban planner develops plans for the growth and development of cities and communities. They work with detailed maps, planning documents, and site plans. This course in Bluebeam may be useful for urban planners, who use maps and planning documents, and are responsible for reviewing, marking up, and collaborating on documents. With Bluebeam, urban planners can improve the review process and collaborate with other stakeholders. This course may help urban planners to more effectively manage maps and planning documents.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Bluebeam in 3 Hours.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Bluebeam Revu, covering everything from basic navigation to advanced workflows. It serves as a valuable reference for users of all skill levels. The book delves into topics such as customization, scripting, and integration with other software. It is particularly useful for those looking to maximize their efficiency and productivity with Bluebeam.

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