Bluebeam Tip: Streamline RFI Responses with Bluebeam Revu Overlay Pages

Use Overlay Pages in Bluebeam Revu to turn ambiguous RFIs into clear, visual answers fast.

• Prepare
  • Use consistent page size/orientation and clear filenames (e.g., A101_IssuedForBid vs A101_Addendum1).
  • If you plan to measure on the result, calibrate each sheet first.
• Create the overlay
  • Go to Document > Comparison > Overlay Pages.
  • Add the drawings (current vs previous, or differing disciplines).
  • Assign distinct colors (e.g., New = Green, Existing = Red, Demo = Blue).
  • Enable Create Layers and Add Labels, and insert a Legend for stakeholder clarity.
  • Click Align/ Pick Points and snap three consistent registration points for precise alignment.
  • Generate the combined overlay PDF and save as “RFI-###_Overlay.pdf”.
• Communicate the question
  • Cloud and callout only the affected zones; keep the rest dim for focus.
  • Use Named Views to bookmark each RFI location and link your callouts to them.
  • Toggle overlay Layers to isolate trades and reduce visual noise.
  • Use Split View + Sync to cross-check overlay against source sheets live.
• Package for response
  • In the Markups List, add Custom Columns (RFI #, Sheet, Discipline, Impact) and apply Status.
  • Filter to create an at-a-glance summary; export to CSV/Excel for the RFI log.
  • Flatten when issuing to lock intent; keep a layered working copy for internal edits.

Pro tips

• Use Skew/Align on scanned sheets before overlaying to prevent false deltas.
• Separate overlays by discipline to level-set reviews (e.g., arch vs structural).
• Route the overlay in Studio Sessions for time-stamped collaboration and faster signoff.

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