If you’re still relying on a patchwork system of screenshots, emails, and texts to edit, share, and markup your construction blueprints, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.
With blueprint markup software, construction professionals can easily markup and collaborate on blueprints in real time, ensuring everyone has access to the latest construction plans.
Of course, some blueprint markup software isn’t as great as others. Because it’s an investment, you’ll want to make sure you’ve chosen the right option before signing on the dotted line.
Keeping that in mind, here are five of the best blueprint markup software solutions to consider.
1. ActiveDraft
ActiveDraft is a browser-based construction document collaboration platform that simplifies blueprint markup and management. It empowers construction teams to collaborate with confidence, knowing that every team member is working from the latest designs.
With this cost-effective platform, you can effortlessly markup and annotate in real time and seamlessly communicate with team members and stakeholders. You can even assign tasks and monitor progress — all from your web browser with no downloads or installation needed.
In addition to streamlining the blueprint markup process, ActiveDraft is also incredibly easy to pick up and use — even for your less tech-savvy team members.
Moreover, it provides a secure environment so stakeholders from other projects can’t access or modify files, fostering trust and enhancing collaboration across the board.
Key features
- The intuitive, user-friendly browser-based interface ensures that team members can easily adopt and use the solution immediately from any device without downloads or installations.
- Document collaboration and annotation features streamline workflows by eliminating the need to switch between various apps for file storage, emails, and document viewing and markup.
- Collaborate on documents seamlessly in real time or asynchronously in a single digital space through real-time messaging and annotations, resulting in time savings and a marked reduction in errors.
- The privacy-focused interface guarantees that only authorized individuals can access and markup PDF files and other documents, enhancing security and confidentiality.
- The platform includes an iOS mobile app for on-the-go connectivity.
Pros
- Extremely user-friendly
- Cost-effective
- Available on any device
Cons
- It’s a supplement to your project management system, not a replacement.
- The solution only provides markup, collaboration, assignment, and share capabilities and is not a complete project management tool.
Pricing
- Get started with ActiveDraft’s free Starter plan.
2. Bluebeam Revu
Bluebeam Revu is a well-known construction software solution designed to streamline document management, markups, and collaboration for project teams.
The platform is undoubtedly sophisticated and has a solid PDF editor. However, its extensive capabilities can be too much for some companies. For small construction teams or those without much software experience, Bluebeam Revu can feel overwhelming and complex to use.
Consequently, numerous teams encounter challenges in effectively utilizing the platform, resulting in miscommunications and costly errors.
On top of that, this construction software’s compatibility is limited to Android and Windows devices, meaning it excludes iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.
Key features
- Offers immense flexibility when it comes to blueprint markups
- Field tools facilitate punches, RFIs, and submittals on any device
- Enables teams to manage projects digitally from start to finish
Pros
- Plenty of features for construction teams
- Good for multinational construction teams with extensive projects
Cons
- Expensive
- Cumbersome to deploy
- Has a steep learning curve
Pricing
- Pricing starts at $200 per user for the most basic plan.
3. Autodesk Construction Cloud
Autodesk is another key player in the blueprint markup software space. With a suite of building information modeling (BIM) and AutoCAD features, the platform is a sturdy option for construction teams seeking powerful design software.
On top of that, the platform boasts document management functionalities, project management tools, and integrations with plenty of other apps.
However, Autodesk isn’t without its downsides. Like Bluebeam, this software platform requires technical know-how if you want to get the most out of it. Its pricing structure is also opaque, so you may end up paying more than you bargained for.
Key features
- The native blueprint markup solution is detailed and ensures real-time alignment between teams.
- Built-in project management software empowers team members to efficiently manage site schedules and tasks, whether they’re in the office or on the job site.
- By leveraging Autodesk’s AI-driven predictive insights, project managers can proactively identify and address potential timeline and budget risks.
Pros
- Robust platform full of valuable construction features
- Helpful for managing and progressing complex projects
Cons
- More valuable for architects than onsite construction teams
- Complex to use
- Opaque pricing structure
Pricing
- Autodesk offers modular pricing depending on your organization’s size and the features you require.
4. Adobe Acrobat
Construction teams often use Adobe Acrobat as a blueprint markup platform. It’s a trusted, intuitive PDF markup solution that makes it easy to annotate and edit blueprints.
However, Adobe Acrobat is by no means a specialist construction tool. It also omits several valuable features that other providers on this list offer, such as real-time collaboration and live chat.
Key features
- Advanced document management tools to organize, categorize, and track construction documents efficiently
- Integration with cloud storage platforms, such as Dropbox and OneDrive, for seamless access to files anytime, anywhere.
- Secure document-sharing options with customizable permissions to control access to sensitive information
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cost-efficient
- Familiar interface
Cons
- Lacks industry-specific features
- Many features are only available on the most expensive plan
Pricing
- Adobe Acrobat starts at $14.99 per month per license for the most basic business plan.
5. Layer
Layer is a construction project management software tool designed to help organizations easily capture and access data relating to their buildings.
While Layer has plenty of great features spanning annotations, real-time communication, and more, it only works if you already use Autodesk’s Revit software. Really, this provider is more of an add-on than a standalone tool.
Key features
- Share and exchange comprehensive building information seamlessly across various devices and platforms.
- Effortlessly interact with and modify detailed building information directly within Revit and Layer’s adaptable window.
- Select any Revit component and view its associated comprehensive building information in Layer’s dockable window and vice versa.
Pros
- Simplifies Revit software usage
- Reduces time spent finding and editing documents
Cons
- Relies on integrations to work
- Expensive when you factor in the price of Autodesk
Pricing
- The Layer app starts at $750 per user per year.
Collaborate on blueprints effectively with ActiveDraft
Blueprint markup software can unleash team productivity, accuracy, and efficiency — but it can also come with a hefty price tag.
Thankfully, with ActiveDraft, you can unlock the power of user-friendly blueprint markup software at an affordable price point.
With capabilities like blueprint annotations, document collaboration, and real-time chat all included, ActiveDraft can help your construction team work together efficiently, no matter where they’re located.
