Bluebeam Tip: Create Auditable BOMs from PDF Measurements in Bluebeam Revu

Turn measurements into a reliable, auditable Bill of Materials (BOM) directly from your PDFs in Bluebeam Revu.

1. Calibrate first:
   • Tools > Measure > Calibrate. Set units and precision; enable Snap to Content for vector plans.
   • Save the scale to the Page Scale list for reuse across sheets.
2. Standardize tools in the Tool Chest:
   • Create separate tools for Area-, Length-, and Count-based items (e.g., “GWB SF,” “Base LF,” “Fixtures EA”).
   • Pre-set Subject, color, layer, and Label so markups auto-categorize in the Markups List.
3. Add Custom Columns (Markups List > Columns > Manage):
   • Part No (Text), Unit (Choice), Waste % (Number), Unit Cost (Currency).
   • Qty (Formula) = [Area] or [Length] or [Count] per tool type.
   • Total (Formula) = ([Qty] * (1 + [Waste %])) * [Unit Cost].
   • Save column presets to your Profile and share with the team.
4. Capture quantities quickly:
   • Dynamic Fill for complex areas; convert to Area measurement in one click.
   • Polyline/Perimeter for linear materials; split segments to reflect assemblies.
   • Count with custom symbols; use VisualSearch/Auto-Count to audit missed items.
5. QA and reporting:
   • Group and Sort the Markups List by Subject, then filter by Layer or Page.
   • Insert a Legend to place live quantities on the sheet.
   • Export Summary to CSV/Excel, or use Quantity Link to synchronize with an estimating workbook.
6. Package and share:
   • Save your BOM Tool Set and Profile; distribute via Studio or network share.
   • Flatten for record sets; keep an unflattened copy for edits.

Need help templating your BOM workflow or licensing guidance? Connect with NOVEDGE or explore Bluebeam solutions at NOVEDGE’s Bluebeam catalog.