Redline/markup program

[Anonymous]

I am looking for an easy to use redline program the can be utilized for several different offices.

Easy is the key word here. Any recommendations?

Dave Z.

[pendean]

Redlining what exactly: DWG files, C3D DWG files, PDF, DWG, DWF, something else?
And how do you want the person addressing the redlines to deal with them: attach into the C3D file, overlay it in there, or just print to paper, pin them up on a board and hope they catch everything?

TIA

[Anonymous]

Would like see it be attached to the file in some way that when the changes are made the markup file is saved, so there is a record of the changes and who requested the changes.

At the present we open the drawing file in read only make the comments in some obnoxious color, create a pdf of the drawing then close the file with out saving. Then send pdf's for corrections.

Just looking to see if there is some other options that might be a bit more effecient.

[Jeff_M]

We create PDF's then mark them up using the Comment tool in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

[pendean]

Since everyone is doing everything in C3D/CAD now...

1) why are comments not done on a "comments" layer in the DWG file and left there?
or
2) have a COMMENTS template dwg file that the reviewer always starts in, they then XREF the dwg file to be reviewed in there, when done do a SAVEAS and have a record of their comments in DWG file format that everyone can overlay to double-check afterwards if needed?
or
some combo of the above.

HTH

[BrianHailey]

Have you looked at Bluebeam Revu? 

Here's the workflow:

• Print the file to .pdf
• Upload the .pdf to a Studio Session
• Invite all reviewers to session
• Everyone marks up the .pdf in real time seeing any new markups in the set on your screen as others add them.
• Tag the markups with the team/department/whatever that is responsible for them.
• Create reports of the markups and send them to the responsible party.

[jeff_rivers]

My organization switched to using BlueBeam recently, about 18-24 months ago.  It is easy to use the basic features, although the interface is intimidating at first.  We distribute PDF's electronically, reviewers get a link to a BlueBeam review session where they mark up the PDF.  At a 90% or final review for a large project we may have up to or more than 15 reviewers.  Once one of them has commented that a particular note or detail is wrong, we don't need ten more identical comments on that same note.

The big advantage is adding structure to the review.  The PM defines a time limit when the review session is created, and the session allows others to see all comments in real time, which avoids duplicate comments.  

Some other advantages are that other files can be embedded in the review copy by commenters.  So for example, if I need to update a project spec, I can find the updated text and attach it to the copy I am reviewing.  Then our spec writer can copy that text, and edit it into the final document.  This helps eliminate transcription errors.  

[tcorey]

For your internal review process: Plot to Autodesk .dwf format, use Autodesk Design Review for reviewers to create markups, and AutoCAD Markup Set Manager for designers/drafters to view and complete those tasks inside AutoCAD. If you use Collaboration for Civil 3D, there are markup tools built-in with BIM 360 Design.

For external review, PDF is king. You're not going to get the City of Wherever to switch to DWF from PDF. I agree with other posters that BlueBeam is good for this.

[jeff_rivers]

Too late to edit my reply, so I am replying to it - I wasn't clear and @BrianHailey touched on it- Successive reviewers can see all the earlier review comments, which is why using a Review Session eliminates duplicate or conflicting comments.  

[BAshcroftXN9FJ]

YOU CAN USE AUTODESK DESIGN REVIEW DWF UPDATES AS A REDLINE DRAWING AND SITS IN VAULT ALIGNED TO YOUR DRG. THAT OR OLD SCHOOL ON PAPER OR AS OTHERS HAVE MENSIONED ACROBAT FOR PDF'S. YOU CAN ALSO CREATE A 3D PDF AND ADD CMMENTS TO THE MODEL.

Autodesk Design Review | Download installershttps://www.autodesk.com/products/design-review/download https://www.autodesk.com/products/design-review/overview?

us_oa=dotcom-us&us_si=0bce7be7-1742-404b-a6c8-0a30a06fdb4e&us_st=DESIGN%20REVIEW&us_pt=ADR 

[RobertEVs]

SECOND THIS!

"...real time seeing any new markups in the set on your screen as others add them."

We like to use colors per reviewer and at the bottom of the screen, when dragged up, you can see who and exactly what time they commented.

[joelmasters]

If you're looking for something easy and fast... PDF Engineer

Save the dwg to pdf, open in PDF Engineer and add redlines directly to the pdf. Send off to where it needs to go... everyone can open a pdf.