Bluebeam vs Buildxact

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Our analysts compared Bluebeam vs Buildxact based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Takeoff Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Bluebeam is a software platform designed to streamline construction workflows, particularly in the areas of project management, takeoff and estimating. It caters to a wide range of professionals in the construction industry, from architects and engineers to quantity surveyors and contractors. One of its core strengths lies in its ability to centralize and manage project documents efficiently. This includes features like real-time collaboration tools, markups and annotations, and integrated document control. Additionally, Bluebeam offers robust takeoff and estimating functionalities, enabling users to extract quantities, generate bids, and track project costs effectively. When compared to similar products, Bluebeam stands out for its user-friendly interface, collaborative features, and comprehensive set of construction-specific tools. User reviews often praise its intuitive design, efficient workflows, and ability to improve communication and coordination across teams. However, it's important to consider the pricing structure, which can be based on per-user licenses or tiered subscription plans, depending on the specific features and functionalities required.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Accurate takeoff tools
  • Streamlined workflows
  • Improved communication
Cons
  • Subscription cost
  • Limited Mac support
  • Advanced features complexity
  • Minor interface quirks
  • Learning curve for beginners
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Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management and estimating software designed to streamline workflows for contractors of all sizes. It offers features like integrated takeoffs, real-time material pricing, proposal generation, project scheduling, and cost tracking. Buildxact is most suited for builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors seeking an all-in-one solution to improve efficiency and accuracy in bidding, project management, and financials. Users praise Buildxact's user-friendly interface, fast takeoffs, and pre-built templates that save time and effort. Integration with material suppliers and accounting software further enhances its appeal. Compared to similar products, Buildxact offers competitive pricing with various subscription tiers based on user count and project volume. While some users find its reporting features less robust than competitors, its ease of use and affordability make it a popular choice for many contractors.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Fast takeoffs & templates
  • Integrated material pricing
  • Real-time project tracking
  • Affordable pricing tiers
Cons
  • Limited reporting options
  • Fewer customization options
  • Not ideal for large projects
  • Integration issues reported
  • Mobile app lacks features
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$49/User, Monthly
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$249/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time markups, shared workspaces, and centralized document storage streamline communication and feedback loops across project teams, saving time and reducing errors.
  • Improved Efficiency: Automated workflows, batch processing tools, and powerful search functionalities significantly reduce manual tasks and accelerate project delivery timelines.
  • Accurate Cost Estimation: Integrated takeoff and estimating capabilities with industry-standard tools and libraries ensure precise material calculations and bids, leading to better project budgeting and cost control.
  • Reduced Rework & Errors: Robust markup and annotation tools with version control and issue tracking minimize miscommunication and ensure everyone works on the latest information, minimizing costly rework.
  • Increased Transparency & Accountability: Centralized document management and audit trails provide clear visibility into project progress, changes, and responsibilities, fostering accountability and stakeholder confidence.
  • Optimized Field Management: Mobile apps and offline capabilities allow for seamless data access and markups on the go, improving field data collection, communication, and punch list management.
  • Scalability & Customization: Flexible licensing models and customizable toolsets cater to the needs of projects of all sizes and complexities, ensuring a scalable solution that grows with your business.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights into project performance, resource allocation, and collaboration trends, enabling data-driven decision making for future projects.
  • Enhanced Security & Compliance: Secure cloud storage, user access controls, and audit trails ensure data privacy and compliance with industry regulations.
  • Strong User Community & Support: Access to extensive online resources, training programs, and responsive technical support empowers users to get the most out of the software and address any challenges efficiently.
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  • Manage Projects Efficiently: With faster takeoffs and streamlined administrative processes, spend more time scaling up the business and increasing profits.  
  • Streamline Communications: Leverage the client portal to communicate with customers whenever required. Keep projects running smoothly with centralized communication. 
  • Track Project Costs: Stay on top of costs and profitability in real time. Track key financial points and change them to ramp up profits. 
  • Simplify Takeoffs: Bid adieu to paper plans and scale rulers. Convert digital plans into PDFs and complete takeoff on-screen in moments.  
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  • Real-time Collaboration: Simultaneous markups and annotations with team members across various locations.
  • Centralized Document Management: Secure cloud storage and version control for all project documents.
  • Advanced Markup Tools: Diverse annotation tools like text boxes, stamps, shapes, and freehand drawings.
  • Integrated Takeoff & Estimating: Measure lengths, areas, and volumes directly from PDFs for accurate material calculations and bids.
  • Batch Processing: Automate repetitive tasks like scaling, stamping, and adding headers/footers to multiple documents.
  • Quantity Link with Excel: Synchronize takeoff data with spreadsheets for detailed cost analysis and reporting.
  • Studio Sessions: Real-time collaboration environment for markups and discussions on specific project documents.
  • Mobile Apps: View, annotate, and manage documents on the go with dedicated iOS and Android apps.
  • Dynamic Stamps: Create custom stamps with variable data fields that automatically update based on project information.
  • 2D Photo Markups: Embed and annotate photos directly within PDFs for clear visual communication.
  • Document Comparison & Overlay: Visually compare different versions of PDFs and identify changes efficiently.
  • Scripting & Automation: Create custom scripts to automate complex workflows and repetitive tasks.
  • Advanced Security: Secure cloud storage, user access controls, and audit trails ensure data privacy and compliance.
  • Openness & Integrations: Integrate with various construction management platforms and BIM software for seamless data exchange.
  • Extensive Training & Support: Access to online resources, training programs, and responsive technical support.
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  • Accounting: Sync invoices and purchase orders to keep track of cash flow. Reduce human accounting errors by automating the entire accounts payable process.
  • Activity Dashboard: Track and organize all project activities in an interactive dashboard. Manage areas that require improvement and allocate labor in necessary areas.
  • Assembly Takeoff: Measure material and labor quantity to get an overall cost estimation of the project. Streamline materials and project management.
  • Bid Management: Create and manage bids quickly to win more work. Carefully design attractive bids that capture the imagination of clients.
  • Billing: Automate traditional billing and make the process more productive. Reduce paper dependency and process bills faster.
  • Change Order Management: Manage work change and additional services from contractors in a single place. Never miss out on anything while calculating payable amounts.
  • Contractor Management: Update contractors daily with changes in project schedules. Keep them accountable for all services they provide.
  • Audit Trail: Keep track of cash invoices and all transactions and processes through audits. Stay on top of bills and project progress to maintain accountability.
  • Calendar Management: Organize the workforce to complete priority work first and on time. Designate effort to required areas and plan calendars accordingly.
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Product Ranking

#4

among all
Takeoff Software

#12

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

90
66
87
73
92
50
100
57
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Mobile Capabilities
Plans Management
Project Management
Measurement Tools
Trades Management
Trades Management
Reports and Dashboards

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Bluebeam
Buildxact
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 87 92 100 100 88 100 86 91 73 50 57 58 72 73 86 100 0 25 50 75 100
87%
0%
13%
73%
0%
27%
92%
0%
8%
50%
0%
50%
100%
0%
0%
57%
0%
43%
100%
0%
0%
59%
0%
41%
83%
0%
17%
67%
0%
33%
100%
0%
0%
75%
0%
25%
86%
0%
14%
86%
0%
14%
91%
0%
9%
100%
0%
0%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

60%
0%
40%
30%
0%
70%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 2083 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 165 reviews
93%
of users recommend this product

Bluebeam has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 93% when considering 2083 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

92%
of users recommend this product

Buildxact has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 165 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (16)
n/a
4.5 (298)
n/a
4.68 (880)
4.57 (97)
4.7 (778)
4.6 (68)
4.4 (111)
n/a

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Bluebeam and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Takeoff Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Mobile Capabilities, Plans Management and Project Management. Bluebeam stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

Analysts' Pick Award
User Favorite Award
Mobile Capabilities Award
Plans Management Award
Project Management Award

Buildxact stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Functionality: The solution provides all the necessary tools and features required to perform quick and accurate takeoffs, according to 76% of users.
Ease of Use: According to 94% of users, the application’s user interface is slick and user-friendly. They found it easy to navigate and find desired features.
Support: About 94% of users who mentioned this pro praised the quick response and ability to solve issues quickly.
Sharing & Collaboration: Regarding this feature, approximately 80% of users said that the solution separates documents in order and exports them to a designated folder seamlessly.
PDF Viewing: According to 99% of users, the software offers an optimum PDF viewing experience that streamlines takeoff measurements.
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User-friendly interface: Praised for its intuitive design and clear navigation, Buildxact minimizes the learning curve and empowers users to quickly grasp its functionalities, even with limited software experience.
Fast and accurate takeoffs: Integrated tools and pre-built libraries streamline the takeoff process, saving users time and reducing errors in material calculations, leading to more precise estimates and bids.
Real-time project tracking: Buildxact offers a centralized dashboard for tracking project progress, costs, and tasks in real-time, enabling better decision-making and proactive issue management.
Improved communication & collaboration: Built-in communication tools and shared project data foster seamless collaboration between teams, subcontractors, and clients, enhancing project transparency and efficiency.
Time-saving automation: Features like automated report generation and proposal creation free up valuable time for contractors to focus on core business activities and strategic planning.
Affordable pricing: Buildxact's tiered subscription plans cater to various company sizes and project volumes, offering a cost-effective solution compared to some competitors, making it accessible to a wider range of contractors.
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Speed & Performance: In spite of having top features, the solution is laggy and hangs from time to time, according to 62% of users.
Deployment: According to 76% of users, the software lacks dynamic integration capabilities with in-house systems.
Training: About 58% of users who mentioned this con said the application has a steep learning curve.
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Limited reporting options: While Buildxact provides basic reports, some users find them less customizable and comprehensive compared to competitors, limiting in-depth data analysis and insights.
Fewer customization options: Buildxact offers limited flexibility in customizing workflows and user interfaces, potentially hindering adaptation to highly specific needs or complex project types.
Mobile app limitations: While the mobile app allows basic project access, users report shortcomings in managing complex tasks or leveraging full functionalities compared to the web version.
Integration issues: Some users encounter challenges with integrations between Buildxact and other software, requiring troubleshooting or workarounds, potentially impacting workflow efficiency.
Not ideal for large projects: Buildxact's scalability might be limited for very large or intricate projects, where more robust features and advanced management capabilities might be necessary.
Learning curve for complex features: While generally user-friendly, some advanced features might require more in-depth training or support, especially for users unfamiliar with construction software.
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Bluebeam's user reviews in the past year paint a picture of a powerful and versatile construction software with some room for improvement. Users praise its intuitive interface, extensive PDF editing and markup features, and seamless integration with popular project management platforms. These strengths are particularly valuable for streamlining communication and collaboration across disciplines, as exemplified by a reviewer who noted how Bluebeam "eliminated the need for paper markups and endless email chains" on their project. However, some users find Bluebeam's takeoff functionalities less robust compared to dedicated takeoff software like OnCenter or PlanSwift. While Bluebeam offers basic auto-scaling and dimensioning tools, complex projects often require manual verification and lack features like real-time material cost integration. This can be a dealbreaker for users who prioritize advanced takeoff capabilities. Another point of contention is the subscription pricing model, which some users find expensive compared to perpetual licenses offered by competitors. However, others appreciate the continuous updates and access to cloud-based features that come with the subscription. Ultimately, the cost-effectiveness depends on individual needs and project scale. In conclusion, Bluebeam excels in collaboration, communication, and general PDF management for construction projects. It's a strong choice for teams seeking a user-friendly platform to streamline workflows and centralize information. However, users requiring advanced takeoff functionalities or those on a tight budget might find other options more suitable.

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Buildxact garners positive reviews for its user-friendly interface, efficient takeoffs, and affordability, making it a popular choice for contractors seeking to streamline workflows and improve project management. Users appreciate its intuitive design, which minimizes the learning curve and empowers even beginners to quickly grasp its functionalities. Integrated tools and pre-built libraries expedite takeoffs, saving time and reducing errors in material calculations, leading to more accurate estimates and competitive bids. However, some users find its reporting capabilities less versatile compared to competitors. While Buildxact offers basic reports, they lack the customization and depth desired for comprehensive data analysis and insights. Additionally, customization options are limited, potentially hindering adaptation to highly specific needs or complex projects. While a mobile app exists, its functionality is restricted, making it less suitable for managing intricate tasks on the go. Buildxact stands out for its affordability, with tiered subscription plans catering to various company sizes and project volumes. This makes it accessible to a wider range of contractors compared to some competitors with similar features. Users also praise its customer support, with most reporting prompt and helpful responses. However, during peak seasons or for complex issues, wait times might be longer. In conclusion, Buildxact is a user-friendly and affordable construction management software with strengths in takeoff speed, accuracy, and ease of use. However, its reporting and customization capabilities are less robust, and the mobile app has limitations. Users considering Buildxact should weigh its strengths against its limitations and compare it to competitors based on their specific needs and budget.

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Screenshots

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