Bluebeam Revu Alternatives and Competitors in 2023

Introduction to Bluebeam Revu

In the continually shifting area of project management, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, fostering collaboration, and ensuring success. Among the tools reshaping how projects are conceptualized, planned, and executed, project management software emerges as the linchpin in contemporary methodologies.

In the face of escalating demands in complex projects, the imperative for streamlined communication, precise document management, and seamless collaboration has reached new heights. Project management software has emerged as a catalyst, providing a digital haven where teams can converge, strategize, and execute with unparalleled precision.

Bluebeam Revu is one good example of such software . It is a comprehensive software solution designed for digital collaboration in the construction and design industries. It is a versatile PDF creation, editing, and markup tool, enabling users to streamline communication and collaboration on construction projects. Bluebeam Revu facilitates efficient document review and revision processes with powerful markup and measurement tools. The software is known for its ability to enhance project communication, reduce errors, and improve overall productivity by allowing teams to collaborate on digital documents in real time.

Bluebeam Revu is widely used for tasks such as project estimation, quality control, and document management in the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors. It also plays a significant role in supporting building information modeling workflows in the AEC industry. It enhances BIM processes by providing robust tools for collaboration, communication, and document management.

Bluebeam Revu has a number of features that are at their most effective in the context of BIM-centric tasks, including:

• Real-time collaboration on BIM models, fostering improved communication and coordination among project stakeholders. Team members can work simultaneously on the same document, reducing delays and enhancing overall project efficiency.
• Seamless integration with popular BIM software, allowing for the smooth exchange of information between different tools in the BIM workflow. This integration enhances interoperability and ensures that data is consistent across various stages of the construction process.
• Organization and proper management of BIM documents. Users can create a centralized repository of BIM files, making it easier to access documents, track changes, and maintain version control throughout the project lifecycle.
• Creation of detailed markups and annotations directly on BIM models and drawings. This feature facilitates communication among team members, enabling them to highlight specific elements, request changes, or provide feedback within the BIM environment.
• Accurate quantity takeoffs directly from BIM models, aiding in cost estimation and project budgeting with a more streamlined and accurate approach to quantity surveying.

Of course, this is not the full extent of what Bluebeam Revu has to offer. It has plenty of other capabilities that facilitate and improve collaboration in project-related environments. Unfortunately, Bluebeam Revu is also not a perfect solution, and it would not be suitable for every single potential client in this field, for reasons including price, the lack of a certain feature, etc.

This brings us to the topic of alternatives to Bluebeam Revu. The overall market for project management and collaboration software is rather large, and it is also highly competitive. Multiple different fields can be included in this comparison – collaboration software, PDF editing software (since this is one of Bluebeam Revu’s more popular features), the aforementioned project management software, and more.

Since Bluebeam Revu has something of a history with Mac compatibility (the official Mac version of the software was discontinued in early 2020), it would be wise for us to split our list of Bluebeam Revu alternatives and competitors based on the operating systems they can work with – Mac or Windows.

It should also be noted that there may be some examples of alternatives to Bluebeam Revu that work with both operating systems (for example, if the solution is presented in the form of a web version). These will be placed in the “Mac” category, since the point here is to discern solutions that support Mac devices and software that does not work with the OS at all.

Windows-based Bluebeam Revu alternatives

PlanSwift

PlanSwift is a powerful takeoff and estimating software tailored for the construction industry. This solution streamlines the process of quantifying materials and generating accurate cost estimates from digital blueprints. PlanSwift’s intuitive interface allows users to perform precise measurements directly on electronic plans, reducing manual errors and accelerating the estimation process. With its ability to integrate seamlessly with other construction management software, PlanSwift enhances collaboration and data consistency throughout various project stages. Widely embraced in the construction and contracting sectors, PlanSwift stands out for its efficiency in automating takeoff tasks and optimizing the estimation workflow, and its general project management capabilities are the main reason it is considered a Bluebeam Revu alternative.

Customer reviews:

• Capterra – 4.3/5 points with 395 user reviews
• TrustRadius – 8.0/10 points with 27 user reviews
• G2 – 4.3/5 points with 29 user reviews

Advantages:

• PlanSwift’s measurement taking capabilities are outstanding, extremely detailed, and easy to work with.
• The solution itself is claimed to be rather user-friendly, with most features being convenient and not particularly complicated by the standards of this market.
• It has plenty of customization capabilities for various features, including the reporting feature, which a lot of software struggles with.

Disadvantages:

• PlanSwift has rather polarized reviews, with customers claiming the support is either amazing or terrible.
• The solution’s price scales up quite a lot for larger companies, and it is also quite difficult to get into for small businesses with limited budgets.
• The solution is also hard-coded to open web links in Internet Explorer (Edge), even if the entire system is set to work with another web browser by default.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• The amount of pricing information for PlanSwift that is available to the public is rather small.
• There is only one pricing tier for the full-featured PlanSwift Professional version of the software, $1,749 per year per person.
• This offering includes 2 hours of training, as well as software updates and customer support.
• There may be more to PlanSwift’s pricing model, but complete information is not available on the official website, so the potential customer must contact the company directly to learn more.

My personal opinion on PlanSwift:

PlanSwift deals with blueprints more than anything else – it is an impressive estimating solution that also has plenty of collaboration capabilities at hand. It can offer plenty of estimation-related features, has a user-friendly interface, and can even be customized to a certain degree to ensure a level of personalization for every single user. It is also quite expensive on the whole, and its desktop app has plenty of unusual quirks, so it is not a perfect replacement for Bluebeam Revu – but it is more than enough to cover its document management and collaboration capabilities, at the very least.

Fieldwire

Fieldwire is a cloud-based construction management platform designed to streamline communication and collaboration among construction teams. This solution facilitates real-time information sharing, allowing project stakeholders to access plans, documents, and tasks from any device. With features such as blueprint management, task tracking, and issue resolution, Fieldwire enhances project efficiency and reduces errors. The platform enables teams to annotate directly on project drawings, ensuring clarity in communication and promoting a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Fieldwire is particularly valued in the construction industry for its ability to centralize project data, improving coordination and overall project success.

Customer ratings:

• Capterra – 4.6/5 stars based on 88 customer reviews
• G2 – 4.5/5 stars based on 161 customer reviews

Advantages:

• The software supports the sharing of various types of information, including photos and documents. This centralized approach to information sharing enhances collaboration and ensures that relevant project data is easily accessible to all stakeholders.
• The modeling and rendering capabilities empower architects and designers to express their creative vision effectively. The platform supports both 2D and 3D modeling, allowing for a comprehensive representation of architectural designs.
• The solution facilitates clear and effective communication among project participants. Its collaborative features enable real-time updates and changes, ensuring that all team members are aware of the latest developments in the project.

Disadvantages:

• The software lacks a comprehensive set of preloaded items such as fixed tasks or forms. This can require users to create these items manually, potentially leading to increased time and effort for setup.
• Fieldwire has limitations in terms of budget tracking capabilities. Users may find that the software’s features related to budget management are not as extensive or advanced as some other project management solutions.
• Fieldwire may not offer the ability to generate weekly reports by combining daily reports. This limitation could impact the efficiency of reporting processes for users who prefer or require weekly overviews.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• Fieldwire offers four different pricing plans:
  • Basic is completely free, offering some basic features such as task management, checklists, plan viewing, and more
  • Pro is $54 per month per user, offering custom task statuses, reports/exports, sheet comparison, etc.
  • Business is $74 per month per user, with features such as a BIM viewer, custom forms, file storage synchronization capabilities, and many others
  • Business Plus is $89 per month per user, the most expensive offering from Fieldwire, with RFI creation capabilities, submittals, and a lot of upcoming features such as change orders

My personal opinion on Fieldwire:

Fieldwire is a good example of construction management  solutions as a whole – it is not the best-known offering in this field, but it is popular enough to have had a large number of clients for years now. It is a construction management platform with a significant focus on communication between project participants. It can resolve issues, track errors, and manage blueprints, and it has plenty of other capabilities. It can also render models in both 2D and 3D, providing plenty of options for project visualization for better decision-making down the road. It is also rather limited in certain areas, such as budget tracking, so it is recommended that any user who is interested in this offering check for all the necessary features before committing to a purchase.

Procore

Procore stands out as a comprehensive construction management software solution, providing a unified platform for various aspects of construction projects. Its diverse set of features, spanning project management, quality and safety, financials, and more, contributes to efficient collaboration and communication within construction teams. The ability to access project information remotely and in real-time enhances flexibility and ensures that team members stay informed even when working from different locations. Procore’s focus on connecting people, applications, and devices underscores the importance of collaboration in modern construction projects. As the construction industry continues to leverage technology for enhanced project management, Procore remains a prominent player in this space.

Customer ratings:

• Capterra – 4.5/5 points and 2,667 user reviews
• G2 – 4.6/5 points and 2,165 user reviews

Advantages:

• Effective customer support is a critical factor for any software platform. Procore’s timely assistance and support make a significant difference, especially in an industry where project timelines are often tight.
• Its accessible learning materials are beneficial, especially in a complex field like construction. Resources for both newcomers and experienced users enhance the overall user experience and contribute to a smoother onboarding process.
• Procore’s ability to centralize workflows is crucial for project management efficiency. Having a unified platform streamlines processes and ensures that all team members are on the same page, reducing the risk of errors and miscommunication.
• Robust visualization features are essential for understanding complex construction projects. Whether it is through 2D plans, 3D models, or other visualization tools, this capability aids in better project comprehension and decision-making.

Disadvantages:

• Difficulty toggling between subsequent submittals or RFIs may hinder the efficiency of users. Streamlining navigation processes and addressing any issues with toggling between items could enhance the user experience.
• Slow performance without clear reasons could be frustrating for users. Addressing and optimizing the software’s performance is essential to maintaining a smooth workflow.
• Steep learning curves are a common challenge with comprehensive construction management software, and training and onboarding processes are crucial to ensuring that users can effectively navigate and utilize the platform.
• Certain processes within Procore are time-consuming, which may impact efficiency and project timelines. Identifying specific areas where improvements can be made to speed up processes could be valuable.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• Procore does not provide publicly available pricing information on its official website, and it is necessary to request a quotation directly from the software provider, as is not uncommon in the construction management software industry.
• Enterprise-level solutions, especially those tailored to the complex and customizable needs of construction projects, often follow personalized pricing models based on the specific requirements and scale of the user’s organization. To obtain accurate pricing details, potential users are encouraged to reach out to Procore’s sales or customer support team through the official channels provided on their website.

My personal opinion on Procore:

It is rather difficult to find a solution that is as well-known in the field of construction project management as Procore. The solution offers a wealth of different features, including financial information, health and safety concerns, general project management capabilities, and more. Procore offers complex visualization capabilities, extensive workflow centralization, a customer support team with an impressive track record, and a variety of helpful learning materials. It is not the most user-friendly solution in the world, and it is not exactly easy to get into, as well. However, its complexity is nothing when compared with the value it can bring to capable users.

Revit

Revit, developed by Autodesk, is a widely used architectural software application known for its comprehensive features in rendering, modeling, and construction. It stands out for its collaborative capabilities, enabling teams to stay informed about any changes or updates to a project in real time. The collaborative aspect is crucial for efficient teamwork and coordination in architectural projects. Revit works with other Autodesk products, offers centralized modeling capabilities, and improves collaboration, which also makes it a competitor for Bluebeam Revu in certain circumstances.

Customer ratings:

• Capterra – 4.6/5 points with 412 user reviews
• TrustRadius – 8.8/10 points with 200 user reviews
• G2 – 4.5/5 points with 824 user reviews

Advantages:

• Revit is a versatile solution that caters to the needs of architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Its features include 2D and 3D modeling, parametric design, family editing, and collaborative tools. This versatility makes it a comprehensive solution for various stages of the design and construction process.
• Revit offers powerful 3D modeling tools that empower users to create highly detailed and accurate models of buildings and structures. The emphasis on parametric design allows for the creation of intelligent and data-rich models.
• The availability of praise-worthy customer support adds value to the user experience. Prompt and effective support can be crucial in overcoming challenges, learning advanced features, and ensuring a smooth workflow.
• The software’s compatibility and integration with a vast number of solutions and information types enhance its utility. Whether importing data from other design tools or collaborating with various stakeholders, Revit’s integrations contribute to a seamless workflow.

Disadvantages:

• Revit is known to have a steeper learning curve. Its extensive set of features and capabilities may be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a significant investment of time and effort to become proficient.
• The PC version of the software has higher-than-average system requirements. This means that users need robust hardware to ensure smooth performance, potentially requiring additional investment in computer resources.
• The level of automation in Revit may be considered limited by some users. This could impact efficiency, particularly for those accustomed to highly automated processes in other design and construction software.
• Revit’s version compatibility works primarily in one direction. While upgrading older models is possible, downgrading existing models is not supported. This can pose challenges, especially with complex models that are not frequently updated.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• Similar to most Autodesk solutions, Revit has two pricing options.
• A basic subscription that can be paid for monthly, annually, or every three years:
  • $350 per month
  • $2,805 per year
  • $8,415 per three years
• The Autodesk Flex program offers a slightly different model for Revit – a “pay-as-you-go” option that offers a price in tokens for daily usage of some Autodesk services. Revit’s cost here is 10 tokens per day, and there are at least two token bundles available for purchase:
  • 100 tokens for $300
  • 500 tokens for $1500
  • Custom token amounts may also be ordered. The tokens themselves expire 1 year after purchase

My personal opinion on Revit:

Revit is a very well-known BIM solution from Autodesk – it may be one of the best-known solutions on the market. It packs an impressive array of features, including modeling, rendering, construction management, and more. Its biggest capability is, of course, in collaboration – offering extensive document management, easy communication between departments, a single source of factual information about the project, and so on. As an Autodesk product, it is rather expensive, and it can be difficult to get into – but the software offers one of the best BIM experiences on the market to users with enough knowledge.

PDF-Xchange Editor

PDF-XChange Editor is a feature-rich and user-friendly PDF editing software application that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for viewing, editing, and annotating PDF documents. With a robust set of editing functionalities, users can modify text, add images, and manipulate PDF content effortlessly. The software also supports advanced markup and commenting tools, making it an ideal solution for collaboration and document review. PDF-XChange Editor’s intuitive interface, coupled with its efficient performance, makes it the go-to choice for professionals who require precise control over their PDF documents. Additionally, it provides security features such as password protection and encryption, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information in PDF files.

Customer reviews:

• Capterra – 4.6/5 points with 239 user reviews
• TrustRadius – 8.6/10 points with 23 user reviews
• G2 – 4.6/5 points with 133 user reviews

Advantages:

• The wide range of features available in Adobe Reader, and plenty of additional features on top of that.
• A relatively low price for its features (comparable with Adobe and other products in the PDF management sphere).
• The general efficiency of the solution and the user-friendliness of its interface are great for the majority of users.

Disadvantages:

• Some custom settings may be lost during the version update process.
• A few features of Adobe Reader are not available in this solution.
• It lacks in some areas, including seamless collaboration, integration with other solutions, and more.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• PDF-Xchange Editor’s pricing model is not particularly difficult, but it can be rather confusing at times.
• The software itself is sold in packages and is distributed using perpetual licensing – but customer support and regular updates are available only for a limited time period after purchase.
• Additionally, there are several different versions of the software that have different sets of features – PDF-Xchange Editor, PDF-Xchange Editor Plus, and PDF-Xchange Pro.
• PDF-Xchange Editor is the least feature-rich version of the solution, but it is also the least expensive – starting from $56 per user per year ($72 per 3 years).
  • The biggest package for this solution with a public price is a 25-user package for $907 with 1 year of support or $1,179 for 3 years of support.
• PDF-Xchange Editor Plus offers an extended version of the previous package, with features such as watermarking, automatic bookmarking, and plenty of more comprehensive features.
  • Editor Plus starts at $72 per year for a single user or $93 for 3 years.
  • The biggest publicly available pricing offer for this software is $1,160 (1 year) or $1,510 (3 years) for 25 users.
• PDF-Xchange Pro is a package deal with everything the company has to offer – not just Editor Plus, but also PDF-Tools, PDF-Xchange Standard Printer, and more.
  • The solution starts at $121 and $157 for 1 and 3 years of service, respectively (1 user).
  • The biggest offering here is a 10-user pack for $1,088 for 1 year or $1,414 for 3 years.
• It should also be noted that not all of the possible options are listed on the official PDF-Xchange website – there is no public pricing information for user packs for 50 or more users, and the same goes for corporate licenses as a whole.

My personal opinion on PDF-Xchange Editor:

PDF-Xchange Editor is a good replacement for the part of Bluebeam’s capabilities that deal with document management as a whole – especially PDF management. Xchange Editor offers quite a few features in this department, including editing, annotation, viewing, and more. It is fast, versatile, and a great option for document review due to its extensive annotation capabilities. It is also a relatively cheap offering – although its pricing model can be a bit confusing for newcomers.

Bluebeam Revu alternatives for Mac

Buildertrend

Buildertrend is a cloud-based construction management software application known for facilitating collaboration, enhancing efficiency, and boosting profits in the construction industry. The software encompasses a range of built-in features, including a CRM system, quick bids and proposals, project management tools such as scheduling and budgeting, and customer management functionalities like change order and selection management, payment processing, and warranty requests. Buildertrend supports project management by providing tools for scheduling, time tracking, and budget management. Additionally, its CRM capabilities extend to lead monitoring, proposal creation, document sharing, and more.

Customer reviews:

• Capterra – 4.5/5 points and 1,617 user reviews
• G2 – 4.2/5 points and 153 user reviews

Advantages:

• The interface is easy for users to navigate.
• It has a comprehensive set of features with budgeting, scheduling, and other construction management needs.
• Constant content updates and bug fixes make sure the platform is up-to-date with the current state of the market.

Disadvantages:

• It is unable to monitor various pay rates.
• Its customization possibilities are somewhat restricted.
• It is not possible to work with multiple tabs simultaneously, as they lack synchronization.
• The learning curve for the solution is rather steep, and it takes an average user quite a while to reach the proper level of understanding for most of the solution’s capabilities.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• Buildertrend employs a rather straightforward pricing structure, with three subscription levels:
  • Essential – Priced at $339 per month, this tier provides fundamental features such as scheduling, daily logs, comments, invoices, to-do lists, email marketing, and more.
  • Advanced – At $599 a month, this tier includes an expansion of the capabilities, with budgeting, bills, purchase orders, estimates, lead proposals, change orders, advanced reporting, and additional functionalities.
  • Complete – Positioned at $829 per month, this top-tier subscription includes the comprehensive offering, including warranties, RFIs, selections, and other advanced features.

My personal opinion on Buildertrend:

Buildertrend is a well-known cloud-based collaboration platform with the basic set of features – budgeting, payment processing, warranty management, proposal management, and many others. It has a multitude of CRM capabilities, complex project management features, and a user-friendly interface to fit all of that. As a cloud-based solution, it has the usual disadvantages that come with this method of deployment, but none of those issues are bad enough to deter from Buildertrend as a good collaboration platform for various use cases.

Autodesk Build (formerly PlanGrid)

Autodesk Build stands out as a comprehensive solution for managing construction projects, fostering efficient collaboration across the entire project lifecycle. This cloud-based platform serves as a facilitator for seamless communication, document handling, and project monitoring, effectively uniting stakeholders engaged in design, construction, and operations. Its integration with popular design tools establishes a centralized hub for overseeing project data, promoting real-time collaboration, and refining workflows. Equipped with features like drawing management, issue tracking, and customizable reporting, Autodesk Build elevates transparency and accountability, significantly contributing to the achievement of project outcomes.

Customer reviews:

• TrustRadius – 8.1/10 points and 146 user reviews

Advantages:

• Multiple reviewers have specifically emphasized the high value of mobile access, citing its contribution to enhanced communication and teamwork among on-site and off-site team members throughout different project phases.
• The overall interface of the solution is highly regarded. New users are particularly pleased with the platform’s accessibility, allowing them to quickly engage in basic to moderate tasks without requiring extensive training. The intuitive and user-friendly interface has been highlighted as a key factor in enabling users to navigate the software effortlessly.
• Several reviewers highlight the prompt assistance they received in resolving technical issues or addressing inquiries. This level of support significantly contributes to the positive overall user experience.

Disadvantages:

• The current pricing model is viewed as relatively high, prompting suggestions for the introduction of more cost tiers to accommodate companies of varying sizes.
• Some users have expressed challenges with the solution’s document management capabilities, citing difficulties in locating and organizing attachments within the software.
• The current lack of adaptability in the interface is seen as a challenge, making it difficult for users to tailor the software to their preferences.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• Autodesk Build has a very simple pricing model – it is a subscription-based system that uses the number of customers in its price calculations.
• Autodesk Build costs $145 per month per user ($135 per month if paid for annually), and it is also possible to request personalized quotations from Autodesk based on the number of potential users your company currently has.

My personal opinion on Autodesk Build:

Autodesk Build has been around for quite a while under the name PlanGrid, and it continues to do so under the control of Autodesk. It is a great project management solution with a variety of capabilities and features: a user-friendly interface, impressive customer support, easy project monitoring, seamless communication, and more. As an Autodesk product, it also works great with other software from the company, including some of the biggest BIM and CAD solutions in their respective markets. Autodesk Build is an interesting option for customers who are looking for a more complex approach to their project management while also covering Bluebeam’s niche at the same time.

STACK

STACK is an all-encompassing construction project software solution with a primary emphasis on the preconstruction phase. Renowned for its industry-leading cloud-based capabilities, STACK stands out in enhancing profitability and maximizing efficiency. Serving as a centralized hub, it facilitates seamless collaboration among teams, manages planrooms, generates project reports, conducts material takeoffs, and more. Notably, the software is cloud-based, providing unlimited training and support, and is compatible with both the Windows and Mac operating systems. This positions STACK as a versatile and comprehensive tool for streamlined preconstruction processes.

Customer reviews:

• Capterra – 4.5/5 stars based on 1,386 customer reviews
• G2 – 3.9/5 stars based on 15 customer reviews

Advantages:

• The initial setup and onboarding processes are notably straightforward.
• The cloud-based architecture enables extensive collaborative functionalities.
• It has a comprehensive, meticulously maintained archive of assemblies and items.

Disadvantages:

• The pricing is relatively high, and the trial period is notably brief.
• Navigating the software can occasionally be challenging.
• Scaling for multiple users comes with a steep price tag.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• STACK provides three distinct pricing plans for its software:
  • Takeoff & Estimating – Beginning at $2,499 annually per user, this solution concentrates on preconstruction processes.
  • Field Productivity – Priced at a starting point of $599 annually per user, this solution is tailored for construction-focused needs.
  • Project Management – Starting at $3,588 per company per year, this offering is designed to meet the requirements of the construction phase.

My personal opinion on STACK:

STACK is a bit of an outlier in this list – it is a project management solution with a significant focus on the pre-construction phase. What makes it interesting as an alternative to Bluebeam is its extensive document management capability, which is also one of the main capabilities of Bluebeam’s offering. STACK can also perform estimates, annotate blueprints, and even act as a centralized document management solution. It is in no way a complete replacement for Bluebeam, but its document management capabilities are just as detailed, making it an interesting option for a select audience.

Nitro

Nitro is a user-friendly and versatile solution designed for viewing, editing, and collaborating on PDF documents. Offering a range of essential features, Nitro simplifies the viewing experience with its intuitive interface, allowing users to navigate, search, and zoom into PDF files effortlessly. Nitro’s robust annotation tools enable users to mark up and comment on PDFs, enhancing collaboration and document review. Beyond viewing, Nitro excels in document conversion, allowing users to convert PDFs to popular formats like Word and Excel with accuracy and ease. Its secure and efficient design makes Nitro a valuable PDF solution for individuals and businesses seeking a reliable and feature-rich platform.

Customer reviews:

• Capterra – 4.5/5 points with 517 user reviews
• TrustRadius – 8.7/10 points with 68 user reviews
• G2 – 4.3/5 points with 270 user reviews

Advantages:

• It has the ability to convert scanned text into text that can be edited or formatted.
• It includes a built-in system for signing PDF files with the ability to store multiple signatures at once.
• It is relatively low priced for its feature set when compared with other solutions on the market.

Disadvantages:

• It has regular issues when documents are converted from one format to another.
• The user interface as a whole can be a bit unfriendly when you need access to a particular feature or tool.
• The overall collaboration capabilities of the solution are rather limited.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• The pricing model of Nitro is relatively basic and consists of three different pricing tiers.
  • Nitro Pro – $16.79 per month per user (billed annually) for Nitro’s basic feature set, with most features included in this package.
  • Nitro Pro (for 21+ users) – $11.19 per month per user (billed annually) with the same feature set as the regular Pro offering but created specifically for larger orders (more than 21 users at once).
  • Nitro Pro Business – $16.79 per month per user (billed annually) for the complete Nitro offering for enterprises, with all of its capabilities, including SSO support, 2FA support, advanced eSignature integrations, etc.
• All three pricing tiers also include volume-based discounts on a case-by-case basis.

My personal opinion on Nitro:

Nitro serves as a good alternative to Bluebeam Revu in the department of PDF management. It can view, edit, and convert PDF files in many different ways, while also enabling digital signatures using either a mouse or a trackpad. It has a dedicated mobile version with a separate price tag, and the overall price of the solution is considered relatively cheap. It is not a powerhouse on the level of Adobe Acrobat Pro, but it is also several times cheaper, so it is an excellent option for customers with limited budgets who do not need some of the more case-specific capabilities of Adobe.

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a comprehensive PDF solution that goes beyond basic viewing to offer advanced tools for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents. With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, Acrobat Pro DC allows users to easily edit text, images, and other elements in PDF files, providing precise control over document content. Its powerful commenting and markup features facilitate collaboration, making it a preferred choice for team-based document reviews. Acrobat Pro DC also excels in form creation and data collection, enabling users to create interactive forms and gather information seamlessly. With its robust security features, electronic signature capabilities, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, Acrobat Pro DC is a versatile and indispensable tool for professionals working with PDF documents.

Customer reviews:

• Capterra – 4.7/5 points with 2,314 user reviews
• TrustRadius – 8.7/10 points with 2,738 user reviews
• G2 – 4.5/5 points with 3,260 user reviews

Advantages:

• The interface is relatively easy to work with, unless you need less common and more technical features.
• Plenty of praise goes to the customer support team as a whole.
• It can convert many different document types into the PDF file format.

Disadvantages:

• Even though the basic version of the solution is free, the Pro version with additional features is often considered significantly above average for the market.
• The interface is not exactly complicated, but it has a rather specific style to it, making it somewhat difficult to get into if the user in question is unfamiliar with how Adobe structures the interfaces of its other solutions.
• The desktop version of the solution can be rather resource-consuming for no apparent reason.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• Adobe has plenty of different products, with most products having a dedicated pricing approach and different versions of the software.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro itself costs $19.99 per month per user in its base form.
  • Adobe Acrobat Standard is $12.99 but lacks many important features, such as a native Mac version.
  • There is also an option to purchase Adobe Creative Cloud for $59.99 per month and gain access to a dozen different Adobe products aside from Acrobat Pro.

My personal opinion on Adobe Acrobat Pro DC:

Adobe Acrobat Pro is the best-known solution for PDF viewing and modification, and it is also the creator of the PDF format in the first place. The solution is versatile and feature-rich, and it has a long history in this particular field. Adobe itself is well-known in several different fields, with Photoshop being a good example of a popular software offering from the company. Adobe Acrobat Pro has been used by professionals for decades now, but it has its issues – a rather problematic desktop application, a high price, and a very specific interface configuration that may be difficult to get into at first.

Revizto

Revizto stands out as a comprehensive building information modeling platform, serving to centralize and leverage BIM data for an optimal collaborative experience. Offering features like clash detection, advanced issue tracking, and serving as a central source of truth for all project participants, Revizto goes beyond the conventional. An uncommon but noteworthy feature is its virtual reality exploration capability, allowing the creation of true-to-scale walk-through models in a matter of seconds. As an architecture application, Revizto excels as a collaborative platform, providing tools to experiment with various materials and designs through the project’s 3D model. Additionally, it serves as a foundation for BIM schematics utilizing point clouds and streamlining workflows that encompass site verification, renovations, and more.

Customer ratings:

• Capterra – 4.3/5 stars based on 31 customer reviews
• G2 – 4.2/5 stars based on 21 customer reviews

Advantages:

• Revizto boasts a wide range of integrations with various CAD/BIM platforms and solutions, enhancing its versatility.
• The platform promotes centralized information access and offers a comprehensive toolset that prioritizes collaboration.
• It supports the individual assignment of specific clashes or issues to workers or departments.

Disadvantages:

• The overall user interface significantly differs from many solutions on the market, potentially requiring a learning curve, especially for those transitioning from Navisworks or similar platforms.
• The software might experience slowdowns when dealing with larger projects, impacting efficiency.
• Its reporting features lack extensive customization options, limiting flexibility in generating tailored reports.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• Revizto follows a non-disclosure approach for pricing information, and details are not publicly available.
• To obtain pricing information, interested parties are required to request a quotation directly from the company.
• Additionally, scheduling a demo with Revizto will likely provide users with a more comprehensive understanding of the solution’s capabilities and associated costs.

My personal opinion on Revizto:

Revizto is a truly great collaboration solution with a large focus on issue management and clash detection. There may be some bias involved, but I truly believe that it is one of the most competent examples of collaboration software in the construction industry. It is fast, easy to work with, and packs features that range from the extremely useful and common to one-of-a-kind in the field, such as the ability to perform VR walkthroughs in project models. All in all, Revizto is a great alternative to Bluebeam Revu in terms of collaboration software, while also adding its share of unique and useful features.

ProEst

ProEst is a leading construction estimation software designed to streamline and enhance the estimation process for construction professionals. With its user-friendly interface, ProEst simplifies the creation of accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects of varying sizes and complexities. The software offers powerful features for takeoffs, bid management, and cost tracking, allowing users to manage project costs effectively. ProEst’s integration capabilities enable seamless collaboration and data exchange with other construction management tools, promoting efficiency and accuracy throughout the project lifecycle. As a comprehensive solution, ProEst is widely used in the construction industry, providing a centralized platform for precise project estimation and cost control.

Customer reviews:

• Capterra – 3.6/5 points with 51 user reviews
• TrustRadius – 5.0/10 points with 8 user reviews
• G2 – 4.3/5 points with 62 user reviews

Advantages:

• Its extremely helpful customer service has gathered plenty of praise from customers.
• It offers a wealth of extremely convenient features, including RFI management, document management, budgeting, vendor management, and many others.
• It has extensive customization capabilities for users that are up to the challenge.

Disadvantages:

• The scheduling feature has many issues and can be difficult to work with.
• It is extremely difficult to create assemblies from scratch with ProEst’s toolset.
• The solution’s cloud-based nature means it is very reliant on the stability of both the company’s and the client’s Internet connection to operate properly.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• There is no actual pricing information available on the official ProEst website. The only possible way to obtain such information is to request a personalized quotation from the company directly.

My personal opinion on ProEst:

ProEst is another good example of a solution that covers a part of what Bluebeam is capable of – it is a well-known construction estimating software with a variety of features for this specific niche. The estimating process is one of many parts of a construction process, but it is extremely important to everyone involved, and ProEst makes sure that everything is correct. It can manage documents, manage vendors, manage RFIs, and many other aspects of a construction process that may not come immediately to mind. It has its issues, but none of the issues of ProEst take away from the fact that it is one of the most competent options in its field.

Oracle Aconex

Oracle Aconex is a cloud-based collaboration platform tailored for the construction and engineering industries. This robust solution facilitates seamless communication and project management, allowing teams to collaborate effectively on complex projects. With features for document management, workflow automation, and risk management, Oracle Aconex streamlines project processes and enhances transparency. The platform’s centralized repository of project data ensures that all stakeholders have access to the latest information, promoting collaboration and reducing the risk of errors. Trusted by major construction projects globally, Oracle Aconex is recognized for its ability to improve project visibility, accountability, and overall efficiency in large-scale construction endeavors.

Customer reviews:

• Capterra – 4.4/5 points with 209 user reviews
• TrustRadius – 7.4/10 points with 33 user reviews
• G2 – 4.5/5 points with 218 user reviews

Advantages:

• It offers extreme convenience when it comes to document management and collaboration between different teams.
• It can act as a centralized source of truth for all project participants, eliminating miscommunication and reducing the possibility of conflict.
• There are no limitations on the number of users that can be registered within a single system once an organization has been established.

Disadvantages:

• There are plenty of unfavorable reviews of the customer support experience.
• Synchronization between different machines is somewhat inconsistent and relies a lot on a strong connection.
• The search system is not particularly flexible and is very register-specific.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• Oracle Aconex does not have any public pricing information on its official website, but this information can be obtained by requesting a personalized quotation.

My personal opinion on Oracle Aconex:

Oracle Aconex is a rather well-known collaboration platform based in the cloud. It offers practically anything a customer may need when it comes to collaboration features – document management, simple communication, a centralized single source of truth for all project participants, etc. It has quite a few issues, ranging from the problematic synchronization process to the large number of negative reviews when it comes to customer support, but the existing clientele of Oracle as a whole should be enough to convince plenty of companies that this alternative to Bluebeam Revu is worth considering.

Preview

Preview is a built-in application on macOS that serves as a versatile tool for the viewing and simple editing of PDFs and various image file formats. With an intuitive interface, Preview allows users to open, browse, and annotate PDFs, making it a handy solution for document review and markup. Additionally, Preview offers basic image editing functionalities, enabling users to crop, resize, and adjust images effortlessly. Its ease of use and seamless integration with the macOS environment make Preview a go-to application for quick document and image viewing and lightweight editing tasks on Mac computers.

Advantages:

• It is a completely free PDF viewer.
• It is updated regularly with the OS as a whole.
• It has an extremely easy to navigate, user-friendly interface.

Disadvantages:

• It is a very basic PDF viewer application at its core.
• It cannot be a long-term replacement for a solution as complex as Bluebeam Revu, but it works fine as a temporary replacement.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• Preview for Mac is completely free and is pre-installed on every Mac device.

My personal opinion on Preview:

Preview is one of the most arguable choices when it comes to finding a free alternative to Bluebeam Revu. It is a rather basic PDF viewing solution with a number of editing capabilities, which covers one of the more prominent use cases of Revu – PDF management. It is nowhere near as feature-rich as any of its competitors on this list – but it is also completely free and available on Mac devices, pre-installed on every Mac device out there. As such, it can be quite useful as a temporary free alternative to Bluebeam if there are no complex actions that have to be done with PDF files immediately.

Bluebeam Cloud

Bluebeam Cloud, a relatively recent addition to Bluebeam’s product lineup, represents an online version of Revu designed to function across various web browsers. While it has certain limitations in terms of capabilities, it offers the convenience of accessibility from practically any web browser, eliminating the need for a dedicated Windows device. It is worth noting that a constant internet connection is a prerequisite for its operation. It is particularly advantageous for users who may not have constant access to a Windows device, especially considering that the Mac version of Bluebeam Revu has been discontinued for several years. An added benefit is the ability to access Bluebeam Cloud on mobile devices, further emphasizing its mobility and user-friendly features with no hardware restrictions.

Advantages:

• The majority of Bluebeam Revu’s capabilities are available from any device that has a web browser.
• No prior installation or setup is required for the solution to work on any device.

Disadvantages:

• It is critically reliant on an Internet connection.
• It is a subscription-based service with absolutely no perpetual licensing.
• The lack of an app, mobile or desktop, may be a disadvantage in a specific range of use cases.

Pricing (at time of writing):

• Bluebeam does not differentiate between its solutions when it comes to pricing – there is a single pricing model that includes everything at once.
• There are three pricing plans to choose from here – Basics, Core, and Complete.
  • Basics, at $240 per year per user, is a basic package with PDF modification capabilities, measurement capabilities, project drawing viewing capabilities, etc.
  • Core, at $300 per year per user, expands upon the previous version’s capabilities with CAD plugins, Studio collaborations, enriched drawings, and so on.
  • Complete, at $400 per year per user, is a complete package with everything Bluebeam has to offer, including advanced markup reporting, scripting commands for custom automation tasks, dynamic fill measurements, and more.

My personal opinion on Bluebeam Cloud:

Bluebeam Cloud would probably be first on the list of possible alternatives to Bluebeam Revu if it were not so limited in terms of its feature set. Bluebeam Cloud is not limited by hardware type, but it is also not as feature-rich as its desktop counterpart, and the overall subscription-based licensing model is also not for everyone. As such, choosing Bluebeam Cloud as your Bluebeam Revu alternative is a decision that should not come lightly – careful consideration is necessary to make sure that you do not lose any important functionality in the process.

Bluebeam Revu on Mac using a virtual machine

It is possible to run Windows on a Mac and install Bluebeam Revu using a virtual machine like Parallels. However, this is generally not recommended, as this solution does not offer the same experience as when using actual Windows hardware. Running resource-intensive applications like Bluebeam Revu through a virtual machine may result in performance issues and limitations.

The technical challenges and lack of support make running Bluebeam Revu on a virtual machine on a Mac less than ideal. It is generally preferable to use software in its native environment to ensure optimal performance and access to support resources. If using Bluebeam Revu on a Mac is necessary, exploring alternative PDF editing and markup tools designed for macOS would be a more practical approach.

Conclusion

Bluebeam Revu is a great project management solution with a variety of features, but it is not irreplaceable. This article has showcased several different examples of how Revu can be replaced in one way or another. Some replacements offer similar sets of features, others cover only certain parts of Bluebeam’s capabilities. There are even free Bluebeam alternatives, as well, although they are usually not particularly feature-rich because of their price.

The majority of users also do not have to worry that their current hardware is incompatible with Bluebeam. Revizto is a great Bluebeam alternative for Mac when it comes to collaboration, and it is not the only example, either. Most of our examples of alternatives to Bluebeam Revu are not tied to any particular hardware or OS purely because they are cloud-based and/or web-based, capable of working on practically any device that has a web browser in it, including Windows devices, Mac devices, or even smartphones and tablets.

It is completely possible to find a Bluebeam alternative to your liking, especially if you have a clear understanding of which specific Bluebeam features are necessary in your day-to-day job. These alternatives to Bluebeam may not be as convenient as the original, but finding a solution that fits your specific goals in a market that is this competitive should not be a problem for the overwhelming majority of users and use cases.