Top 5 Features To Know About Bluebeam

In a recent webinar, “Top 5 Bluebeam Features You Need To Know About,” Bluebeam Certified Instructor Rick Kremer talked through the top five Bluebeam features users need to be using to make their workflows simpler and more efficient.  

Bluebeam Revu is well known within the AECM industries as a project collaboration and efficiency solution. With all the tools available in the application, it can be difficult to figure out which ones to maximize for efficiency. For those looking to maximize their time with Bluebeam, here are five features to know.

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Missed the Bluebeam webinar? Access the recording here.

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Tip #1: Use the Bluebeam Stapler tool to consolidate multiple files into one.

If you’re working on a job that involves a set of multiple drawings, one easy way to organize them is to combine all the PDF files into one master file with the Bluebeam Stapler. This tool helps users combine individual PDF documents into a single file, eliminating the manual process of importing a single file a time.

It’s easy to use! To launch the Stapler, go to Start> Bluebeam Software> Bluebeam Stapler

Tip #2: Organize files into a smart set.

Working with digital PDF drawings saves a lot of time, but it can be challenging to keep track of files and folders created daily. Working with sets allows users to open a collection of documents in a single view with the pages organized in a specified sorted order.

Tip # 3: Hyperlink Tool (Batch Link).

Navigating through drawing sets can be tedious and time-consuming. Using Bluebeam’s Hyperlink tool to batch link documents like RFI’s and drawing details can make the process faster and efficient.

“(The Batch tool) scans the entire set of drawings, not only to link architecture drawings, but structural, mechanical, and plumbing,” said Rick Kremer during the webinar. “Any cross reference of a drawing will automatically have a link.”

Hyperlinks are embedded into pdfs and are not dependent on Bluebeam, allowing you to share the pdfs with those not using Bluebeam, and the hyperlinks will remain connected in the document. By creating these smart hyperlinks, it connects all the drawings.

To run a Batch Link on a set, go to Batch> Link> Current Set

Tip #4: Apply a signature to multiple pages with one click.

Bluebeam Revu allows you to embed images into a set of PDF drawings. If you’re looking for a way to get your signature on a document without going through each page and signing, you can use the image tool to import your signature. It’s as simple as signing on a sheet of paper, scanning it, and importing it into Bluebeam Revu.

If the image you upload is obscuring existing information on the document, right click on the image and select properties. Then change the mask to white, making the background transparent.

If you want to change the subject name to something you can recognize in the markup list, right click on it and add it to the tool chest under “My tools.” To put the signature on all the sheets, right click and “apply” to all pages. This applies to all stamps and signatures. Instead of using the digital signature, “apply” gives the flexibility to move an image around. This should not be confused with the digital signature feature, because signing a document and certifying a document are two different things.

Tip #5: Set the scale on drawings.

Accurate page scales are a vital part of taking accurate measurements. Revu offers three different options when scaling. Preset for a fast and efficient way to scale. Custom, if you want to manually enter the numbers. And when you’re not sure of the exact scale or whether there might be scaling issues with the drawing, calibrating the scale to a known length on the drawing is a simple and accurate way to set your scale.

Go to Tools > Measure > Set Scale

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You can try Bluebeam Revu for yourself with a full working version on a 30-day free trial. If you want to transform the way you do business with Bluebeam Revu, contact Applied Software. The experts of Applied can help you champion the solution that is right for your company.

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