Bluebeam
Bluebeam provides construction professionals with powerful PDF markup and collaboration tools to manage project documents, streamline communication, and improve project efficiency across the entire building lifecycle.
On-Screen Takeoff
On-Screen Takeoff is a specialized construction estimating software that allows you to perform digital measurements and material counts directly from electronic blueprints to increase bidding speed and accuracy.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Bluebeam | On-Screen Takeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Website | bluebeam.com | oncenter.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Custom |
| Starting Price | $20/month | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2002 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Pasadena, USA | The Woodlands, USA |
Overview
Bluebeam
Bluebeam Revu is a specialized desktop and cloud solution designed to help you manage complex construction documents with ease. Instead of dealing with paper blueprints, you can mark up PDFs with industry-standard tools, perform precise measurements, and track all your project comments in a single location. It simplifies the way you handle submittals, RFIs, and drawing sets by keeping everyone on the same page throughout the design and construction phases.
You can collaborate with your team in real-time using Bluebeam Studio, which allows multiple people to mark up the same document simultaneously from different locations. Whether you are an architect, engineer, or contractor, the platform helps you reduce printing costs and minimize communication errors. It scales from individual specialty contractors to global engineering firms, offering tiered subscription plans that include both desktop and mobile access.
On-Screen Takeoff
On-Screen Takeoff helps you eliminate the manual process of paper blueprints by bringing your entire estimating workflow into a digital environment. You can view, measure, and count project components directly on your screen using electronic plans in various formats like PDF, CAD, or BIM. This transition from paper to digital allows you to build more accurate bids in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods.
The platform is designed specifically for construction professionals, including general contractors, subcontractors, and professional estimators across all trades. By using built-in conditions and auto-count features, you can reduce calculation errors and ensure your material lists are precise. It integrates with your existing estimating tools to create a seamless path from initial plan review to the final submitted bid.
Overview
Bluebeam Features
- Custom Markups Create and save high-quality markup tools like callouts and symbols to ensure your team uses consistent industry standards.
- Real-time Collaboration Invite team members to join Studio Sessions where you can all mark up the same PDF together in real-time.
- Precision Measurements Take accurate length, area, and volume measurements directly from your digital drawings to speed up your estimation process.
- Markup Tracking Monitor every comment and change in a centralized list that you can filter, sort, and export for accountability.
- Document Overlays Compare two different versions of a drawing to instantly highlight every change and avoid costly construction errors.
- Batch Processing Automate repetitive tasks like adding headers, footers, or security settings to hundreds of PDF files at once.
On-Screen Takeoff Features
- Multi-Condition Takeoff. Select and draw multiple conditions simultaneously to count items and measure lengths in a single pass across your plans.
- Auto-Count Imaging. Search for specific symbols across all project drawings to automatically count fixtures, outlets, or equipment in seconds.
- Intelligent Overlays. Compare two versions of a drawing visually to spot design changes and revisions instantly with color-coded highlights.
- Digital Point-and-Click. Measure linear distances, areas, and volumes with simple mouse clicks to generate precise material quantities automatically.
- BIM Integration. Extract quantities directly from 3D models to leverage advanced data and improve the accuracy of your complex estimates.
- Work Breakdown Structures. Organize your takeoff data by floor, zone, or phase to match how you actually build and manage the project.
Pricing Comparison
Bluebeam Pricing
- PDF markup and editing
- Real-time Studio Sessions
- Measurement tools
- Bluebeam Cloud (Web & Mobile)
- Shareable Tool Sets
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Everything in Basics, plus:
- Specialty markup tools
- Document overlay and compare
- Batch Link and Batch Sign
- Advanced measurement tools
- Phone and email support
On-Screen Takeoff Pricing
Pros & Cons
Bluebeam
Pros
- Industry-standard tools specifically built for construction workflows
- Powerful real-time collaboration through Bluebeam Studio
- Highly accurate measurement and takeoff capabilities
- Extensive customization options for specialized tool sets
- Reliable handling of very large, complex PDF files
Cons
- Significant learning curve for advanced features
- Desktop version is only available for Windows
- Subscription model is more expensive than previous versions
- Occasional performance lag with very high-resolution files
On-Screen Takeoff
Pros
- Significantly reduces time spent on manual material counting
- Overlay feature makes identifying plan revisions very simple
- High level of accuracy compared to manual scaling
- Strong integration with Quick Bid for seamless estimating
Cons
- Initial setup and learning curve can be steep
- Software performance can lag with very large files
- Pricing is higher than basic entry-level takeoff tools