STACK vs Bluebeam

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Our analysts compared STACK vs Bluebeam 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

STACK is a cloud-based estimating and materials management software solution that helps users measure plans, collaborate with stakeholders, create proposals and finalize estimates. It is designed for suppliers, manufacturers, general contractors and subcontractors and helps them with team collaboration, plan viewing and reporting. Its engagement inclusions and flexible offerings connect materials to customers.

It has robust callout, markup, invitation and sharing modules that align information between teams. Users can create proposals by adjusting markup tax, costs and overheads. Its centralized hub enables growth and project efficiencies. It also organizes documents and project details.

Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Collaboration features
  • Mobile app availability
  • Integrations with other tools
Cons
  • Limited free plan features
  • Learning curve for advanced tools
  • Can be slow with large projects
  • Limited customization options
  • Customer support costs extra
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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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$49/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$49/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
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

  • Improved Efficiency: Streamline workflows with automated calculations, standardized takeoffs, and real-time data access, reducing project time and minimizing manual errors.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Foster seamless communication and project visibility with cloud-based storage, shared models, and integrated communication tools, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
  • Cost Optimization: Gain accurate material estimates and detailed cost breakdowns early in the planning process, enabling informed decision-making and budget control.
  • Reduced Risk and Errors: Minimize errors with standardized methods, pre-built libraries, and real-time error checking, leading to improved project quality and reduced rework costs.
  • Increased Transparency and Reporting: Generate comprehensive reports and track project progress in real-time, providing stakeholders with clear insights and improving project transparency.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Adapt to projects of all sizes and complexities with customizable workflows, user roles, and integrations with existing software, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs.
  • Improved Mobile Accessibility: Access project information, update quantities, and collaborate with team members on the go using the mobile app, maximizing flexibility and productivity.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage historical project data and industry benchmarks for informed bidding, resource allocation, and project planning, maximizing profitability and competitiveness.
  • Enhanced Team Performance: Empower teams with intuitive tools, automation, and real-time insights, enabling them to work smarter, faster, and achieve better results.
  • Reduced Administrative Burden: Automate repetitive tasks, streamline data management, and centralize project information, freeing up valuable time for strategic work.
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  • 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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  • Comprehensive Takeoff & Estimating: Calculate accurate material quantities and costs with advanced tools like multi-dimensional takeoffs, automatic assemblies, and integrated cost databases.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration: Store project documents, plans, and models securely in the cloud, enabling real-time access, version control, and seamless collaboration across teams.
  • Mobile App for Field Productivity: Access project information, capture data, update quantities, and collaborate with team members directly from the field using the mobile app.
  • Integrated Issue & Punch List Management: Identify, track, and resolve issues and deficiencies efficiently with photo markups, task assignments, and progress tracking tools.
  • Advanced Drawing & Markup Tools: View, annotate, and collaborate on plans and drawings with features like layer control, dimensioning tools, and cloud-based markups.
  • Customizable Reports & Dashboards: Generate comprehensive reports and dashboards tailored to your needs, providing real-time insights into project progress, costs, and performance.
  • Open API & Integrations: Integrate STACK with existing software and tools like accounting systems, project management platforms, and industry-specific applications.
  • Role-Based Permissions & Security: Control access to project data and features based on user roles and permissions, ensuring data security and project integrity.
  • Offline Functionality: Access essential project data and tools even without an internet connection, maximizing productivity in remote locations.
  • Advanced Quantity Takeoff Tools: Utilize features like automatic takeoffs from 2D and 3D models, takeoff libraries, and integrations with estimating software for faster and more accurate material calculations.
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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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Product Ranking

#2

among all
Takeoff Software

#4

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

82
90
87
87
90
92
57
100
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Reports and Dashboards
Trades Management
Measurement Tools
Plans Management
Measurement Management
Mobile Capabilities
Plans Management
Project Management
Measurement Tools
Trades Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

STACK
Bluebeam
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 87 90 57 88 72 63 100 100 87 92 100 100 88 100 86 91 0 25 50 75 100
87%
0%
13%
87%
0%
13%
92%
0%
8%
92%
0%
8%
57%
0%
43%
100%
0%
0%
88%
0%
12%
100%
0%
0%
67%
0%
33%
83%
0%
17%
63%
0%
37%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
86%
0%
14%
100%
0%
0%
91%
0%
9%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 1077 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 2083 reviews
90%
of users recommend this product

STACK has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 1077 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

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.

4.8 (1)
4.4 (16)
3.7 (10)
4.5 (298)
n/a
4.68 (880)
4.5 (1066)
4.7 (778)
n/a
4.4 (111)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated STACK and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Reports and Dashboards. STACK stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Reports and Dashboards Award

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

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User-Friendly Interface: Users appreciate STACK's intuitive and modern interface that simplifies navigation and reduces the learning curve for new users.
Cloud-Based Accessibility: Being cloud-based enables team members to access project information and collaborate in real-time from any location, enhancing flexibility and remote work possibilities.
Accurate Takeoffs: STACK provides precise and reliable takeoff capabilities, which is critical for construction professionals to estimate materials, labor, and costs accurately.
Integrated Cost Estimating: Users can seamlessly transition from takeoffs to cost estimating, improving workflow and reducing potential for error between these integrated processes.
Customizable Reporting: The software offers customizable reporting features, allowing users to generate detailed and specific reports tailored to their needs.
Responsive Support Team: The customer support team is noted for being responsive and helpful, providing quality assistance when users encounter issues.
Continuous Updates: STACK is commended for its ongoing updates and feature enhancements, keeping the platform up-to-date with the latest industry standards and user requirements.
Comprehensive Training Resources: The provision of extensive training materials and webinars facilitates user education and maximizes the software’s value.
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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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Limited Customization: Some users report that STACK's customization options are not as extensive as they would prefer, leading to a less personalized experience that may not precisely fit unique workflows.
User Interface Complexity: The learning curve for new users can be steep, with some finding the interface and navigation to be not as intuitive, affecting onboarding and productivity.
Integration Challenges: Certain users have encountered difficulties when trying to integrate STACK with other systems, which can disrupt data flow and overall project management efficiency.
Performance Issues: There are occasional reports about the software lagging or being unresponsive, especially when handling large and complex projects or datasets.
Cost Considerations: For some small businesses or independent contractors, the cost of STACK can be prohibitive, particularly when considering the additional features and users that may be necessary.
Limited Reporting Features: Feedback indicates that the reporting functionality may not be as robust or versatile as required by some users for in-depth analysis and decision-making.
Customer Support Concerns: There have been instances where users have expressed dissatisfaction with customer support response times and the effectiveness of the assistance received.
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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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User reviews of STACK in the past year highlight its user-friendly interface, cloud-based accessibility, and collaborative features as key strengths. Many users appreciate the intuitive design and the ability to access project information and collaborate with team members from anywhere. Compared to competitors like PlanSwift or OnCenter, STACK is often praised for its ease of use, especially for those new to construction software. However, some users mention a learning curve for advanced features and limited customization options compared to more specialized estimating software. Another frequently cited advantage is STACK's mobile app, allowing users to capture data and update quantities on the go. This is seen as a significant benefit for field work and real-time project tracking, differentiating it from desktop-only competitors. However, some users report performance limitations with very large projects, which can be a drawback for complex builds. Overall, STACK seems to be a popular choice for small and medium-sized construction companies or teams valuing ease of use, collaboration, and mobile accessibility. While it may not offer the same depth of features as advanced estimating software, its user-friendliness and cloud-based platform resonate with many users. Carefully considering your project needs and team's technical expertise is crucial before deciding if STACK is the right fit.

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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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