Adding up measurements for takeoffs and estimates can be one of the most time-consuming parts of any project. Using bluebeam can make these processes much faster and easier. In this article, we will cover 5 ways that you can speed up and simplify your add-up process in bluebeam.

The first way to increase your efficiency is by utilizing the Measurement Panel. You can access this by either going to Window> Panels> Measurement or by using the hot key ALT + U. The Measurement Panel is where you can place your measurement lines and define what they are measuring. To place a measurement line simply click your first point, then click the second point (Tip: Holding SHIFT allows you to place orthogonal measurement lines). Once you have placed two points you can choose what units you would like to be reporting and calibrate your viewport.

Another great feature to utilize is the Markups List. With this feature you can create a variety of useful custom columns that can be used to keep track of various aspects of your takeoff. For example, creating a column that keeps track of all materials can save a lot of time by eliminating the need to manually input these quantities into your spreadsheet.

Additionally, you can export your Markup List data to Excel at any time, allowing you to use Excel functionality to perform further calculations. From here, you can also share this information with your project partners who may not be using bluebeam.