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Bluebeam vs PlanSwift: A Detailed Comparative Analysis will be shown in this blog post. Our construction business faces thousands of challenges every day. The biggest challenge is accurately estimating project costs. Making the wrong estimate can not only cost you money, but it can also lead to losing your client’s trust. Today, I’ll be discussing two popular softwares, Bluebeam and PlanSwift – which one is right for you?
First, let’s get some basic information
What is Bluebeam Revu?
Bluebeam is basically a PDF editor, but designed specifically for the construction industry. I’ve been using it since 2018. At first, I just reviewed drawings, then I learned to take off and applied it in my business.
What is PlanSwift?
PlanSwift is an estimation software designed exclusively for the construction industry. A new estimator in our company started using it in 2020. According to him, it’s easy for those who are comfortable working in Excel.
Choose software based on the type of work
If you are an Architect or Engineer
- Bluebeam is the best choice for you
- You can markup directly on PDF drawings
- You can work with other team members in real time
If you are a Contractor or Estimator
- PlanSwift will be more efficient
- You can do detailed costing of materials
- It is convenient to work in an Excel-like interface
Price comparison: Which is more affordable?
When I first went to buy the software, I was surprised by the price:
| Software | Price | Payment Model |
|---|---|---|
| Bluebeam | $349/year | Per Year |
| PlanSwift | $1,495 | One-time |
Head-to-Head Comparison: Bluebeam vs PlanSwift
| Feature | Bluebeam Revu | PlanSwift |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | PDF-based takeoffs & markup | Excel-style quantity takeoffs |
| Learning Curve | Moderate (PDF-focused) | Steeper (database-driven) |
| Takeoff Speed | Fast (markup tools) | Very Fast (drag-and-drop templates) |
| Material Database | Limited | Highly customizable |
| Collaboration | Real-time cloud collaboration | Single-user focused |
| Mobile Access | Yes (iOS/Android) | No |
| Pricing | $349/year (Standard) | $1,495 (one-time perpetual license) |
| Best For | Designers, architects, digital teams | Contractors, estimators, Excel users |
PlanSwift is a one-time purchase and you can use it forever. But Bluebeam has to be paid every year. According to our calculation, Bluebeam will cost 1,745 over 5 years, PlanSwift will cost only 1,745, and PlanSwift will cost only 1,495.
Experience
My experience using Bluebeam
- You can check drawings on the tablet while visiting the site.
- It takes less time to train new employees.
- But it is a bit limited for large projects.
Our estimator’s opinion on using PlanSwift
- The first 1 month was difficult to learn
- The work speed increased later
- It is convenient to create custom reports
When should I use which software?
I will use Bluebeam when
Small or medium-sized projects
Need a quick takeoff
Need to work on a mobile device
I will use PlanSwift when
- Large commercial projects
- Need a detailed estimate
- Need a custom material database
Things to do before making a decision
1. Test the trial version: Both software offer free trials
2. Analyze the type of work: What are the needs of your project?
3. Determine the budget: Calculate the long-term costs
Final advice
We now use both software in our company. We take a quick takeoff with Bluebeam, and do detailed estimates with PlanSwift. If you only have to buy one, then decide based on the type of work. You can check our top 1o construction takeoff software analysis here.
Important links:
Bluebeam official site
PlanSwift official site
Author: Akidul Islam, Construction Manager, 10 years of experience
