Bluebeam Tip: Manage CAD Layers in PDFs with Bluebeam Revu

Control which CAD layers appear in your PDFs to keep reviews focused and deliver clear intent.

• Start with a layered PDF
  • Export from CAD using the Bluebeam plugins (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.) with “Include Layers” enabled. Generic print-to-PDF drivers rarely preserve layers.
  • If your PDF has no layers, re-export; scanned drawings will not contain layers.
• Open and manage layers
  • Open the Layers panel in Revu. Click the eye icon to show/hide layers individually.
  • Use panel menu options to Hide All or Show All, then selectively toggle what matters.
  • Lock a layer to prevent accidental edits to markups assigned to it.
• Set the default view for recipients
  • With your preferred visibility set, choose the Layers panel menu and Set as Default.
  • Save the PDF. Anyone opening it will see those layer states first, and you can Reset to Default at any time.
• Assign markups to layers
  • Select a markup, then set its Layer in the Properties panel. Toggling that layer now controls the markup’s visibility—ideal for discipline, phase, or issue grouping.
  • Group related markups under a dedicated layer (e.g., “ASIs,” “Punch,” “MEP”) for rapid on/off control.
• Share with intent
  • Keep layers unflattened if collaborators must toggle them. Flatten only when you need to lock appearance.
  • For external stakeholders, include a brief note: “Use the Layers panel to show/hide disciplines.”

Pro tips:

• Create a template PDF with your standard layer structure for consistent project setup.
• Pair layer control with Legends and the Markups List for transparent quantity and change tracking.

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