Big Sur / Bluebeam Revu for Mac

[richinaus]

Probably truth. But frankly, 90%+ of the crowd for bluebeam are windows users. I’m only one of two people I know tied into design/construction who even thinks of using a Mac.

and trying to use a Mac is actually quite unproductive, in this field.

As an anecdote, I was discussing this the other day with a colleague and he said 2 friends who are mac obsessives just moved their studio to full PC, simply because of productivity. They were shocked at how much better it is.

I think I saw an approx 25% jump in productivity when I invested in PC's over macs [for design and construction work....] for the studio last year. And this is basically using the same apps.... my theory is that the developers spend much less time on the mac versions over PC version, due to volume of users, and I cant blame them.

Hence no Bluebeam.

 

[Airch]

and trying to use a Mac is actually quite unproductive, in this field.

As an anecdote, I was discussing this the other day with a colleague and he said 2 friends who are mac obsessives just moved their studio to full PC, simply because of productivity. They were shocked at how much better it is.

I think I saw an approx 25% jump in productivity when I invested in PC's over macs [for design and construction work....] for the studio last year. And this is basically using the same apps.... my theory is that the developers spend much less time on the mac versions over PC version, due to volume of users, and I cant blame them.

Hence no Bluebeam.

True story there too. I’ve thought about doing a new Mac for my main business machine and a black box for the possible bluebeam or revit. I’m not in a production role, more of a “review and approve” place. But honestly I have issue with Excel on my Mac. And that’s on both MS and Apple. The interface of it is very different from Windows and this sucks for anyone used to using a pc with those titles…..so for me it looks like either two machines or a split intel Mac

 

[richinaus]

True story there too. I’ve thought about doing a new Mac for my main business machine and a black box for the possible bluebeam or revit. I’m not in a production role, more of a “review and approve” place. But honestly I have issue with Excel on my Mac. And that’s on both MS and Apple. The interface of it is very different from Windows and this sucks for anyone used to using a pc with those titles…..so for me it looks like either two machines or a split intel Mac

I am in the same boat - a lot of design with real time viz and markups, not documenting, and have come to the same conclusion. The best solution is a combo of both systems connected to 1 monitor and utilizing my Logitech MX keyboard and mouse / KVM. Split intel mac is probably less productive.

 

[ixxx69]

Bluebeam is my favorite Love/Hate app. There is just nothing to replace it easily, but the user interface is maddening, performance is spotty, licensing is draconian, and of course they dropped Mac support.

Exactly. It's poorly developed software except Bluebeam Studio is the must-have killer feature. Studio completely changed our office workflow.

I don't doubt they told you that, but I think it's a crock. Not that it's untrue, but that it's a poor excuse. Bluebeam seems to have gone out of their way to create a user interface that is like no other app, so I put it on them as I would bet that they are taking all kinds of workarounds rather than sticking to standard APIs and standards.

Exactly. Blubeam is totally full of it. They're terrible software developers that have must-have features.

I am in the same boat - a lot of design with real time viz and markups, not documenting, and have come to the same conclusion. The best solution is a combo of both systems connected to 1 monitor and utilizing my Logitech MX keyboard and mouse / KVM. Split intel mac is probably less productive.

Don't even have to bother with the KVM, etc. Just Microsoft RDC into the blackbox. In a two screen setup, you can even have macOS on one screen and the RDC on the other.

 

[coach_ditka]

I took the plunge and downgraded my license to install Big Sur. I figured that with Monterey around the corner I needed to get off of Catalina.

BB was able to downgrade my license, no questions asked. It registered just fine and works fine in Big Sur. Will miss some of the tools in 2.0 but at least I can do all the basic things I need to do and still use my mac.

 

[spaken]

Anyone tried BB on Monterey Beta?

 

[coach_ditka]

No, I have not tried the beta yet. I'll wait until final release in the fall and give it a shot on my older Mac - I remain hopeful it will run Monterey.

 

[Freeangel1]

just convert your license and run it under Windows 11 when bootcamp supports it on Monterey
Granted you are using an Intel Mac that can run Windows and not a restrictive M1? Windows 11 is great and not that bad

I feel some software are choosing not to hop on board the Apple silicon Conversion and discontinuing Mac Support to save money and just support Windows.

Thats why I'm sticking with an Intel Mac that can run Windows 11.

 

[coach_ditka]

just convert your license and run it under Windows 11 when bootcamp supports it on Monterey
Granted you are using an Intel Mac that can run Windows and not a restrictive M1? Windows 11 is great and not that bad

I feel some software are choosing not to hop on board the Apple silicon Conversion and discontinuing Mac Support to save money and just support Windows.

Thats why I'm sticking with an Intel Mac that can run Windows 11.

That's my plan of last resort - I also got one of the 16" units in late 2020. So far, 1.93 is working swimmingly for me.

 

[coach_ditka]

Has anyone tried BB Revu on an M1 Mac yet?

 

[ixxx69]

Has anyone tried BB Revu on an M1 Mac yet?

BB 2.1 crashes at open on M1 Big Sur 11.6

BB 1.93 appears to work fine on M1 Big Sur, though no in-depth testing. I did log into Studio and made some markups, and it seemed to work fine.

Also, I tried free version of "Vue" for iPad on M1 11.6. It works, was able to sign in to Studio, but I find it very clunky and would much prefer using desktop version. I didn't try the Revu iPad version - I already paid for it on iPad, and it appears they're requiring purchasing it again if you want to use on Mac, which I don't have use for at this time so haven't.

Also, have tested Windows Bluebeam on W11 (preview release) in Parallels on M1. Appears to work great (though I've only used it a few times). I hope Microsoft offers W11 ARM for VM users.

 

[spaken]

Anyone tried it on monterey yet?

 

[BayouTiger]

Where are you folks finding the install app for 1.93? I though i had it archived, but not finding one and haven‘t found one online.

PS Nevermind. I found my backup. It's just so limited as to be unusable compared to what I have been using for the past couple years.

 

[spaken]

You can find it in their archive. Here's the link: https://support.bluebeam.com/download-archive/#revu-mac

 

[coach_ditka]

I have 1.93 working fine on a 2019 Intel 16" with Monterrey.

 

[Ibbo]

Hi, I also have 1.93 working on my 2019 Intel 13" Monterey. But!! I can only get trail working as it seems the version I first registered was 2.1.0 and when I enter serial and product key it comes up as incorrect serial / keys?

Anyone else have the same issue?

Is it not just possible to keep re-installing the image / software every 30 days, or does it time stamp to machine?

 

[coach_ditka]

You can reach out to Bluebeam and ask them to downgrade your license.

Hi, I also have 1.93 working on my 2019 Intel 13" Monterey. But!! I can only get trail working as it seems the version I first registered was 2.1.0 and when I enter serial and product key it comes up as incorrect serial / keys?

Anyone else have the same issue?

Is it not just possible to keep re-installing the image / software every 30 days, or does it time stamp to machine?

 

[Ibbo]

You can reach out to Bluebeam and ask them to downgrade your license.

Coach_ditka,

Thanks I have just had a reply from them explaining they can downgrade the licence, sounds strange saying it though. At least this will work a little longer before I have to purchase a windows based copy. Thanks

 

[coach_ditka]

Coach_ditka,

Thanks I have just had a reply from them explaining they can downgrade the licence, sounds strange saying it though. At least this will work a little longer before I have to purchase a windows based copy. Thanks

Excellent!! Sounds like some have been able to use 1.93 even on an M1 mac, so it may be going for awhile. I hope so, anyway.

Back when the Mac version was discontinued, I seem to recall that BB was intent on making a cloud-based web accessible markup tool. Maybe those plans have been abandoned.

 

[Ibbo]

Excellent!! Sounds like some have been able to use 1.93 even on an M1 mac, so it may be going for awhile. I hope so, anyway.

Back when the Mac version was discontinued, I seem to recall that BB was intent on making a cloud-based web accessible markup tool. Maybe those plans have been abandoned.

Agreed there is nothing else out there that's comparable with the tools that I use. Unfortunately it looks as though I might have to admit defeat and get a PC as I now need AutoCAD / REvit and again AutoCAD for Mac just dosent have all the functions... and REvit non existent. Happy to have BB working though as I use this everyday.

 

[jhouse123]

Contractor here... been using bluebeam for the past 12 years and I've become completely dependent on it, for good reason but I refuse to continue using a PC. Most of my workflow is looking through drawings, marking them up for RFIs and communication between subs, occasional measurements and the big one is takeoffs for estimating. Takeoffs and estimates is when I absolutely need bluebeam. However, I do not work on estimates full time otherwise I'd stick to a PC.

I just got an M1 MacBook and I've been running tests to find an alternative, so here's some feedback on my experience. FYI I have a 14" MacBook Pro with the base M1 pro chip, 32 gb ram and 512GB SSD.

PDF expert - most user friendly pdf software for viewing and comparing documents. This will be my main PDF viewer while in Mac OS but it has minimal markup features and no measurements or takeoff. It will suffice for most of my workflow but no option to zoom in and out with a mouse like bluebeam so only using this with the trackpad. Does have a vertical split screen view!

Bluebeam 2019 on Parallels - works well for me but note that bluebeam 20 will not run on parallels on an M1 Mac. I was hesitant when I first set it up because the performance with the MacBook trackpad was not OPTIMAL - just good - but when I paired my Logitech mx mouse it was just like working on a PC. I'm only testing right now but so far so good. Side note: I'm currently using a trial version of parallels which only allows up to 8GB of ram for the VM. I will probably upgrade to parallels pro which allows up to 128GB ram and I'll probably allocate 16gb to the VM because it does lag if you have multiple larger PDFs open plus multiple tabs on chrome. This is why I opted to upgrade to 32gb despite many YouTube reviews showing little to no improvements between the 16 and 32 when running heavy in MacOS.

Here are the other options I tried:

Adobe acrobat Pro DC - terrible with the trackpad, very slow to zoom in and out. Slower rendering than pdf expert. No option for vertical split screen, only horizontal which annoys me for some reason. Does have measurement tools. No zoom with mouse like bluebeam.

Remote Desktop to PC running Bluebeam 20 - tried Microsoft Remote Desktop... not even viable

Some other top ranked pdf software from the App Store - doesn't open pdfs in tabs... can't live in that type of chaos

**Drawboard PDF - someone mentioned this on this form. has alot of promise. Not too expensive. Syncs beautifully with iPad!! iPad experience is exceptional. But they only have a web app version for Mac and rendering is good but zooming in and out with the trackpad is very slow so also not an option. They do have great markup and measurement tools and the collaborative features are great but I wouldn't use them.

One thing that I have not done yet is call Bluebeam to see what they will tell me about the next version that is releasing soon in Summer 2022.
IMPORTANT: Bluebeam 2019 is only available for purchase until March 22, 2022 (the next 10 days) and will be supported until March 21, 2023. Get it while you can.
All that info can be found here: https://support.bluebeam.com/articles/eol-faq/

Finally, I have one last solution that I stumbled upon and I'll probably try when I'm doing a lot of estimating and takeoff. Logitech has software that lets you move back and forth seamlessly between up to 3 devices using one keyboard and mouse... I think it's called Logitech flow or Logitech options. You can copy/paste, drag files etc. If there are any problems with bluebeam on parallels or I need optimal and reliable performance I have a desktop PC in my office that I'll try it with.

So what's the cost of all this?
PDF expert - $80
Second Bluebeam license - $350 + $99/year (assuming I keep a license for my desktop PC)
Parallels Pro - $99/ year

Not too bad.

The real issue is you only have 14 days to test a new MacBook before the return period expires and my days aren't uniform. Sometimes I'm estimating and doing takeoffs, then I'll be in the field all day for months, then I'll be answering emails and in meetings all day during preconstruction etc.

I'm returning the 14" MacBook and upgrading to the 16" with the M1 Max and 32gb ram so basically I'm betting 3k that it works out... it probably will but I'm scared... maybe you are too, so hopefully this helps.

 

[ixxx69]

@jhouse123 , thank you for sharing your findings.

Bluebeam 2019 on Parallels - works well for me but note that bluebeam 20 will not run on parallels on an M1 Mac.

I'm using Revu 2020 in a Parallels W11 ARM VM right now. What's not working for you?

My AS MBA only has 8GB, and it works amazingly well. However, I think your plan to upgrade to 32GB is a good one if you're going to be using Parallels regularly.

Remote Desktop to PC running Bluebeam 20 - tried Microsoft Remote Desktop... not even viable

Not viable because of what? I've been working from home for the past two years using RDC. It's at least 90% like sitting in front of my Windows PC at work. Way faster than working via a VM.

 

[jhouse123]

@jhouse123 , thank you for sharing your findings.


I'm using Revu 2020 in a Parallels W11 ARM VM right now. What's not working for you?

My AS MBA only has 8GB, and it works amazingly well. However, I think your plan to upgrade to 32GB is a good one if you're going to be using Parallels regularly.


Not viable because of what? I've been working from home for the past two years using RDC. It's at least 90% like sitting in front of my Windows PC at work. Way faster than working via a VM.

Thanks for the reply...

Does your MBA have an M1 chip? When I try to install bluebeam 20 I get an error that I can't run 32bit software and when I contacted parallels support they said its because of the M1 chip. I asked if I could install windows 10 32bit to get around the issue but they said again couldn't do that with the M1 chip.

Are you using Microsoft Remote Desktop or something else? The trackpad is very slow in remote desktop so that's why I said not viable but you got me thinking and I went back and tried it with a mouse... wayyy better, definitely better than parallels.

Ive been working in bluebeam on parallels all morning. Upgraded to parallels pro and increased the ram to 16gb which made a big difference and also maxed out the CPUs which helped. Still just okay but its there if I need it.

 

[ixxx69]

Does your MBA have an M1 chip? When I try to install bluebeam 20 I get an error that I can't run 32bit software and when I contacted parallels support they said its because of the M1 chip. I asked if I could install windows 10 32bit to get around the issue but they said again couldn't do that with the M1 chip.

Yes, I have M1 chip.

It sounds like you're trying to install a 32bit version of BB20. Install the 64bit version, and it should work (I assume you're using W11 for ARM preview release).

Are you using Microsoft Remote Desktop or something else? The trackpad is very slow in remote desktop so that's why I said not viable but you got me thinking and I went back and tried it with a mouse... wayyy better, definitely better than parallels.

Yes, I'm using Microsoft Remote Desktop. My MBA trackpad works normally, though I'm not sure what changes I made to the mouse settings on the Windows side. Also "very slow" is relative... a lot of folks have their mouse speed set way faster than I can handle, but if you mean glacially slow, like you have to swipe multiple times to get the cursor across the screen, then that would definitely not be normal. I'm glad you discovered your mouse fixed things.

 

[BayouTiger]

Yes, it tries to install the 32bit by default. the x64 installed fine for me and I have tried it on my old M1 before this install on M1Pro. It's a bit of a dog, but that's just BB and I have a bunch of other stuff running on the laptop now.

For the record, I have Revit LT and AutoCad LT running in the W11Arm VM as well.