Bluebeam Tip: Revu Layer Schema Import/Export for Consistent PDF Coordination

Quickly standardize visibility and coordination across PDFs by importing and exporting layer schemas in Revu.

Why it matters:

• Consistent discipline layers (A-Arch, S-Struct, MEP, etc.) speed reviews and reduce visual noise.
• Shared layer templates keep internal and external teams aligned on what shows, prints, and locks.
• Layer-aware markups let you filter, toggle, and report with precision.

Importing a layer schema to a PDF:

1. Open the target PDF and display the Layers panel.
2. Open the panel menu and choose Import Layers.
3. Select a source PDF that already contains your standard layers (or a saved layer template file).
4. Apply to the current page or all pages as needed; verify toggles (On/Off, Lock, Print) per layer.

Exporting a layer schema for reuse:

1. Open a PDF with your finalized layer structure.
2. From the Layers panel menu, choose Export Layers and save the template.
3. Share that file with project partners or store it in your office standards library for fast onboarding.

Best practices:

• Use clear, prefixed names (e.g., A-Anno, A-Dims, E-Ltg) to sort logically.
• Assign markups to layers: select markup > Properties > Layer, or right‑click > Layer > Add to Layer.
• Apply layers to all pages to ensure consistent visibility throughout multi-sheet sets.
• Lock coordination-critical layers to prevent accidental edits; disable Print on internal-only layers.
• Combine with Overlay Pages to compare revisions—each file becomes a distinct layer for instant toggling.

Troubleshooting and retention tips:

• If Import/Export is unavailable, check document security or ownership in the Document Properties.
• Printing to PDF often removes layers; use Save As to preserve them whenever possible.
• PDF/A exports intentionally flatten layers; avoid for live coordination sets.
• When flattening markups, use Assign to Layer to keep visibility control intact.

Standardize your team’s layer templates and deployment playbook, and share them alongside your Revu Profiles. For licensing, onboarding, and expert guidance, explore Bluebeam solutions at NOVEDGE or contact NOVEDGE for tailored recommendations.