A browser-based alternative to desktop PDF review software
Many teams review drawings in desktop PDF software such as Bluebeam Revu. If you want the same kind of review and takeoff without installing software on every machine, here is how Planspector compares, and how to move over.
The short version
Desktop PDF tools are mature and powerful, and if your whole team works on Windows PCs in the office they may serve you well. Planspector is for teams who want the drawings, markups, punch lists and RFIs in one place that works the same on any computer or tablet, shared as the work happens.
How they differ
| Planspector | Typical desktop PDF review software | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | In the web browser on Windows, Mac, Linux and tablets | Installed on the computer (check the vendor for supported systems) |
| Getting started | Open a link and sign in | Download, install and activate a licence |
| Working together | Shared projects, live sessions and field items in one place | Varies by product and edition |
| Your existing PDFs and comments | PDF comments import as editable markups; exports are standard PDFs | — |
| Offline | Opened drawings and field changes work offline and sync later | Desktop apps work offline by nature |
What you can do in Planspector
- Markup and review with statuses, assignees, replies and a sortable markups list
- Quantity takeoff with calibrated scales, room fill, counts, costs and Excel export
- Revision compare and overlays, including whole-set compare
- Punch lists, RFIs, submittals and daily reports, offline on site
- Automatic drawing-set checks
- Live review sessions with guests from outside your company
Moving over
- Upload your current drawing sets as PDFs. Sheet numbers and titles are read from the title blocks.
- Import the comments already in those PDFs — they become editable markups with their authors and replies.
- Set up your statuses, columns and saved tools once, and save the project as a template for the next one.
- Invite the team. Viewers are read-only, so clients and consultants can look without changing anything.
Last reviewed October 2026. Product capabilities change; check each vendor's own site for current details and prices. Bluebeam and Revu are trademarks of their respective owner. Planspector is not affiliated with or endorsed by Bluebeam.
Bring your next drawing set.
We are onboarding teams in early access. Tell us about your projects and we will set you up — or compare two drawings in your browser right now, no account needed.