A free, browser-based Bluebeam alternative
In short
If you use Bluebeam Revu mainly for measurement and markup, Solid Takeoff is a browser-based alternative that keeps that workflow — text, arrows, callouts and takeoff — works on Mac and PC, and starts free (no subscription to begin).
Bluebeam Revu is superb at PDF markup, but it's Windows-focused, subscription-only, and older perpetual versions are being retired. If you mostly use it to measure drawings and mark them up, you don't need the whole document suite.
Solid Takeoff gives you the estimating essentials — scale, linear/area/count takeoff, conditions with waste — plus Bluebeam-style markup, in any browser, free to start.
| Solid Takeoff | Bluebeam Revu | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Any browser — Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iPad | Windows (Mac version discontinued) |
| Free plan | Yes | No — subscription |
| Markup | Text, box, callout (aimable), arrow, pen | Extensive markup |
| Takeoff | Linear, area, count + conditions & waste | Measurement tools |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes — live co-editing + presence | Studio (heavier) |
| Export | Annotated PDF + quantities CSV | |
| Pricing | Free, or Pro ~$29/user/mo | Per-user subscription |
The markup you're used to
Solid Takeoff includes text notes, boxed text, leader callouts with an arrow you can aim any direction, arrows and a freehand pen — with colour and size controls, drag-to-move and multi-select. It'll feel familiar if you're coming from Revu.
And because it's in the browser, your whole team is on the same tool whether they're on a Mac or a PC.
Takeoff built in
Beyond markup, Solid Takeoff is a real takeoff tool: set the scale, measure lengths, areas and counts, and group them into conditions with a waste percentage that rolls into your totals and exports. Export a clean annotated PDF or a CSV for your estimate.
The verdict
For heavy PDF document work, keep Bluebeam. For takeoff plus markup on any device, starting free, Solid Takeoff is the straightforward Bluebeam alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Bluebeam alternative?
Solid Takeoff has a genuinely free plan covering takeoff and Bluebeam-style markup (exports carry a small watermark on free; Pro removes it).
Does it run on Mac?
Yes — it's browser-based, so it runs natively on macOS, Windows, Chromebook and iPad. Bluebeam discontinued Revu for Mac.
Can it replace Revu for takeoff?
For measuring PDFs, grouping quantities into conditions, marking up and exporting, yes. For deep PDF document management, Revu remains broader.
Do I need a subscription to start?
No — start on the free plan. Pro (about $29/user/month) is month-to-month when you want clean exports, collaboration and more storage.
Try it on your own plan — free
Open a PDF and measure in your browser. No card, no install, no CAD. Free plan forever.
Comparison based on publicly available information at the time of writing; competitor features and pricing change — check each vendor for current details. All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for identification and comparison only.