Best Bluebeam Alternative

Bluebeam ticks almost every box when it comes to PDF markup and collaboration throughout the lifecycle of a building project. So why do AEC teams search for the best Bluebeam alternative?

When working on AEC projects, effective collaboration between firms/agencies and clients is paramount. However, the challenge lies in the technical and complex nature of AEC-specific tools like Bluebeam.

This makes it difficult for clients and other non-technical project parties to seamlessly engage in the document review and collaboration process. 

Recognizing the need for a more accessible and user-friendly solution to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, tools like zipBoard emerged as the best Bluebeam alternative.

While Bluebeam serves as a robust AEC-specific tool, its technical complexities may pose challenges for clients.

Meet the Best Bluebeam Alternative - zipBoard

zipBoard is a best-in-class document markup and review tool made with non-technical stakeholders in mind. It’s so intuitive and easy to use; your staff will pick it up in no time.

Both Bluebeam and zipBoard offer comprehensive features catering to the unique needs of Architectural, Engineering, and Construction projects. These tools streamline workflows, enhance communication and collaboration, and ensure efficient document management in a central hub.

But here’s how zipBoard mainly differs from Bluebeam and why it’s the best Bluebeam alternative:

Economical and Collaborative. No Need to Purchase Licenses for All Users

While Bluebeam operates on a pricing structure that scales with the number of licenses or users – a factor that can significantly escalate costs for larger teams or organizations – zipBoard adopts a more inclusive and budget-friendly model.

With zipBoard, you can add an unlimited number of collaborators without incurring additional costs. This feature is particularly beneficial for projects involving extensive teams or where there is a need for frequent and varied client involvement.

By eliminating the financial constraints associated with adding more collaborators, reviewers, and clients, zipBoard not only makes project collaboration more accessible but also encourages more inclusive participation.

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Easy to Use - even for Non-Technical Collaborators and Clients

While Bluebeam offers a comprehensive array of features for architects, engineers, and contractors, the tool is not user-friendly for non-technical collaborators and clients. Hence, these technical functionalities may pose a challenge for clients who are not deeply embedded in the AEC industry.

zipBoard, on the other hand, is easy to use and provides an intuitive platform that allows clients (including those who are not tech savvy) to seamlessly review documents, provide feedback, and collaborate on projects with ease.

The streamlined and user-friendly interface in zipBoard reduces the learning curve for clients – ensuring a smoother onboarding experience. In Bluebeam’s case, the potential delays caused by a steep learning curve can impede the timely progress of projects and increase costs.

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Standard Integrations with Popular Tools and Custom Integrations via APIs

Bluebeam has an array of standard integrations and custom ones via APIs to streamline workflows and increase productivity. However, Bluebeam Cloud only supports integrations for users in the United States. Another limitation deals with the integrations available to users via Bluebeam’s Studio Prime API. This service requires a subscription in addition to your plan (more cost).

Additionally,  even though you can add third-party integrations or create new ones, Bluebeam does not offer Technical Support for these integrations. What do you do when technical support becomes necessary for progress?

On the other hand, with zipBoard, all integrations are accessible to users across the globe, and you can seamlessly integrate the platform with your DMS, ERPs, cloud storage systems, and other tools – via APIs. Additionally, we provide technical support for API integrations at all times.

[Case Study]
SAP ERP x zipBoard Integration Success Story

See how EO increased overall operational efficiency by 80%, achieved a 95% SLA compliance, and saved 2hrs per employee per day by integrating zipBoard with their SAP ERP

Read the Case Study

Automatically Convert Annotations and Comments into Tasks and/or Issues

zipBoard automatically converts annotations and comments into actionable tasks or issues. This streamlines the workflow from collaboration to task management and reduces friction. With Bluebeam, the transition from annotation/comment to task involves additional steps or external tools.

But zipBoard automates this process. And this helps you save time and ensure streamlined document collaboration and task management.

Optional Sign-Up for Clients and Unlicensed Users

Another reason zipBoard is the best Bluebeam alternative is because with zipBoard, clients and unlicensed users can review documents without the need for signing up or having an account. 

So with a customized review link, stakeholders not required to sign up can easily access the necessary documents for review based on the permissions you grant them. This aspect enhances client collaboration and removes a significant barrier to entry.

In comparison, Bluebeam, with its focus on AEC-specific tools does not provide such a seamless experience for clients. The need for accounts or licenses is a pain in efficient and effective collaboration – particularly when dealing with clients who may need to review documents only occasionally or are not technically inclined to navigate through AEC tools.

Why choose zipBoard over Bluebeam?

Bluebeam users generally rely on other visual collaboration software for their submittal reviews.

Therefore, avoid dependency on third-party tools with zipBoard’s built-in PDF annotation features engineered specifically for construction review management.

See what makes zipBoard Construction Design Reviews and PDF Mark-up Tool the #1 Alternative to Bluebeam.

Compare by Features

Features

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Browser-based - no installation required

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Only Cloud, not Revu

Advanced capability of keeping documents secure in your own store.

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Easy navigation

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Access to API integrations

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Technical support for third-party API integrations

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Automatically convert annotations and comments into tasks and/or issues

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Intuitive version control

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Collaboration tools

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Efficient task management

zipBoard

Bluebeam

File sharing

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Fast upload for files with large sizes

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Markup and review tools

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Connect with 3D Revit, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Embed vector-based CAD drawing into a document

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Easy to set up customized workflows

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Centralized document hub due to multiple integrations

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Customized approval stamp

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Autogenerated reports

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Fast syncing across board, ensuring real-time collaboration

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Supports linked files

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Available on Mobile

zipBoard

Coming Soon

Bluebeam

Only Cloud, not Revu

Suitable for larger projects alongside smaller

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Markup, review, and approval tools for unlicensed users

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Clients and Guests can review without signing into the platform

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Real-time collaboration

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Advanced engineering tools

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Document status for submittals, RFIs, and drawings

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Archive, retain and recover files

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Compare by Price

Pricing Details

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Affordable pricing - only scales with your growth

zipBoard

Bluebeam

Cost per seat/user

zipBoard

Unlimited collaborators, guests, and clients. Charges per team, agency, or enterprise.

Only additional account admins and managers not listed in pricing cost extra.

Bluebeam

Limited collaborators. Charges per seat/user

Billed

zipBoard

Monthly or Yearly

Bluebeam

Yearly

Unlimited Stakeholders and Collaborators

zipBoard

Bluebeam

What Are Our Customers Saying?

By integrating zipBoard into our submittal review process we were able to significantly speed up our pre-construction review phase and hit our construction field goals on time.


What do you say?

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API integration, directly to your ERP

  • Have complete control over your data
  • Keep your documents secure, organized, and consolidated
  • If you choose to archive, retain, or recover your files with us as a backup, we have you covered

To learn more about how to get access to our API and create your own custom features, click here.

 

clarified team roles on zipBoard's online proofing tool for asynchronous content review, construction review submittal tool

Unlimited collaborators, one price

  • Add an unlimited number of collaborators
  • We don’t charge based on the number of users or licenses

Cloud-based, work from anywhere

  • Streamline your document management process online
  • Access your documents from anywhere
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different tasks in zipBoard for the pre-construction planning phase

Get notified, stay in the loop

  • Receive notifications when a submittal moves to the next phase
  • Save time in your review, revise, and resubmit process

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