Quick Overview
- 1#1: Bluebeam Revu - Industry-standard PDF tool for markup, measurement, and collaborative review of construction plans and blueprints.
- 2#2: Procore - Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced plan viewing, markup, and issue tracking for streamlined reviews.
- 3#3: Autodesk Construction Cloud - Cloud-based AEC collaboration hub for sharing, reviewing, and coordinating 2D/3D plans with integrated workflows.
- 4#4: Fieldwire - Mobile-first app for on-site plan access, annotations, and task assignments during field plan reviews.
- 5#5: Revizto - BIM-focused platform uniting models, issues, and plans for efficient multidisciplinary plan reviews.
- 6#6: Solibri Office - Automated model checker for rule-based validation, clash detection, and quality control in plan reviews.
- 7#7: Trimble Connect - Cloud collaboration tool for real-time sharing, viewing, and commenting on 2D/3D construction plans.
- 8#8: Navisworks - 3D model review software for clash detection, coordination, and simulation of project plans.
- 9#9: OpenGov - Government permitting platform with digital plan review, workflow automation, and compliance tracking.
- 10#10: Pennant Plan Review - Municipal plan review solution for digital submittal management, redlining, and permit processing.
We selected and ranked these tools based on functionality, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, prioritizing versatility across industries and seamless integration with existing workflows to ensure practical, high-impact utility.
Comparison Table
Plan review software simplifies construction documentation workflows, and with tools like Bluebeam Revu, Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Fieldwire, Revizto, and more, finding the right fit can be overwhelming. This comparison table outlines key features, usability, and ideal use cases, equipping readers to choose software that aligns with their project needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bluebeam Revu Industry-standard PDF tool for markup, measurement, and collaborative review of construction plans and blueprints. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Procore Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced plan viewing, markup, and issue tracking for streamlined reviews. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 3 | Autodesk Construction Cloud Cloud-based AEC collaboration hub for sharing, reviewing, and coordinating 2D/3D plans with integrated workflows. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Fieldwire Mobile-first app for on-site plan access, annotations, and task assignments during field plan reviews. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Revizto BIM-focused platform uniting models, issues, and plans for efficient multidisciplinary plan reviews. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Solibri Office Automated model checker for rule-based validation, clash detection, and quality control in plan reviews. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Trimble Connect Cloud collaboration tool for real-time sharing, viewing, and commenting on 2D/3D construction plans. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Navisworks 3D model review software for clash detection, coordination, and simulation of project plans. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | OpenGov Government permitting platform with digital plan review, workflow automation, and compliance tracking. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Pennant Plan Review Municipal plan review solution for digital submittal management, redlining, and permit processing. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.0/10 |
Industry-standard PDF tool for markup, measurement, and collaborative review of construction plans and blueprints.
Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced plan viewing, markup, and issue tracking for streamlined reviews.
Cloud-based AEC collaboration hub for sharing, reviewing, and coordinating 2D/3D plans with integrated workflows.
Mobile-first app for on-site plan access, annotations, and task assignments during field plan reviews.
BIM-focused platform uniting models, issues, and plans for efficient multidisciplinary plan reviews.
Automated model checker for rule-based validation, clash detection, and quality control in plan reviews.
Cloud collaboration tool for real-time sharing, viewing, and commenting on 2D/3D construction plans.
3D model review software for clash detection, coordination, and simulation of project plans.
Government permitting platform with digital plan review, workflow automation, and compliance tracking.
Municipal plan review solution for digital submittal management, redlining, and permit processing.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedIndustry-standard PDF tool for markup, measurement, and collaborative review of construction plans and blueprints.
Customizable tool chests and dynamic stamps for streamlining repetitive AEC markup tasks
Bluebeam Revu is a leading PDF software solution designed specifically for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, excelling in plan review workflows. It provides advanced markup tools, precise measurement capabilities, quantity takeoffs, and seamless collaboration features through Bluebeam Studio. Professionals use it to annotate blueprints, compare drawings, and manage project documents efficiently, making it a top choice for digital plan reviewing.
Pros
- Extensive markup and annotation tools tailored for construction plans
- Powerful collaboration via Studio Projects and real-time Sessions
- Accurate measurement, calibration, and quantity takeoff functions
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Premium pricing may deter small teams
- Mac version lags slightly behind Windows
Best For
AEC professionals and firms handling complex plan reviews and collaborative document workflows.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $240/user for Revu Basics, up to $600/user for Revu eXtreme.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management platform with advanced plan viewing, markup, and issue tracking for streamlined reviews.
Intelligent sheet matching and automatic revision tracking with markup hyperlinks to RFIs and tasks
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform featuring a robust Drawings module for plan review. It enables users to upload blueprints, track revisions, create detailed markups, and collaborate in real-time across office and field teams. The tool integrates plan reviews directly with RFIs, submittals, observations, and other project workflows, streamlining construction documentation.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full construction management suite
- Advanced markup tools with photo overlays and hyperlinks to issues
- Mobile app supports field markups and real-time collaboration
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- High cost, especially for teams needing only plan review
- Customizable but can feel overwhelming for simple reviews
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms requiring integrated plan review within a broader project management ecosystem.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $500-$700 per user per year depending on modules and team size.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
enterpriseCloud-based AEC collaboration hub for sharing, reviewing, and coordinating 2D/3D plans with integrated workflows.
Integrated 2D plan markup and 3D model review with automated clash detection and coordination in a single platform
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is a cloud-based platform designed for the AEC industry, offering comprehensive tools for plan review through modules like Autodesk Docs and Autodesk Build. It enables collaborative markup, redlining, and issue tracking on 2D drawings and 3D BIM models, streamlining reviews, RFIs, and approvals. The software integrates seamlessly with Autodesk design tools like Revit, supporting real-time collaboration across project teams.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Autodesk BIM tools like Revit for unified 2D/3D reviews
- Robust cloud collaboration with real-time markups and issue tracking
- Advanced automation for clash detection and sheet coordination
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to Autodesk ecosystem
- High pricing that may not suit small firms
- Occasional performance issues with large model files
Best For
Large AEC firms and enterprise teams deeply integrated with Autodesk tools seeking end-to-end plan review and project management.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at ~$65/user/month for Docs module, up to $100+/user/month for full ACC suite with custom enterprise pricing.
Fieldwire
enterpriseMobile-first app for on-site plan access, annotations, and task assignments during field plan reviews.
Pin tasks, photos, and RFIs directly to specific locations on plans for contextual issue tracking
Fieldwire is a construction management platform with robust plan viewing and markup capabilities, enabling teams to upload blueprints, annotate issues, and collaborate on drawings in real-time. It integrates plan markups with tasks, photos, RFIs, and submittals, making it suitable for field-based plan reviews. While not a dedicated CAD/BIM review tool, it streamlines communication and issue tracking on construction plans across mobile and web.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for on-site plan markup and review
- Seamless integration of annotations with tasks, photos, and RFIs
- Real-time collaboration and sheet hyperlinking for efficient navigation
Cons
- Limited advanced redlining and measurement tools compared to specialized software
- No native BIM model support or clash detection
- Customization options are basic for complex review workflows
Best For
Construction field teams and superintendents who need mobile-accessible plan review integrated with daily task management.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Pro plan, billed annually); higher tiers like Business ($54/user/month) and Enterprise (custom).
Revizto
specializedBIM-focused platform uniting models, issues, and plans for efficient multidisciplinary plan reviews.
Unified 2D/3D viewer with clash detection and VR collaboration for immersive plan reviews
Revizto is a cloud-based collaboration platform tailored for the AEC industry, allowing teams to upload, review, and coordinate 2D plans, PDFs, and 3D BIM models in a unified environment. It excels in issue tracking, real-time commenting, clash detection, and immersive reviews with VR and mobile support. The software streamlines plan review workflows by enabling stakeholders to mark issues, assign tasks, and track resolutions collaboratively.
Pros
- Seamless integration of 2D plans and 3D models for comprehensive reviews
- Robust real-time collaboration and issue tracking tools
- VR and mobile capabilities for immersive, on-site plan reviews
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with BIM workflows
- Pricing can be high for smaller teams or simple 2D-only reviews
- Limited built-in automation for regulatory compliance checking
Best For
Mid-to-large AEC teams handling complex BIM projects that require integrated 2D/3D plan review and coordination.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, with team plans starting around $45/user/month annually, scaling to enterprise levels with advanced features.
Solibri Office
specializedAutomated model checker for rule-based validation, clash detection, and quality control in plan reviews.
Rule-based checking engine for automated, customizable quality assurance on BIM models
Solibri Office is a free BIM model viewer and quality checking tool designed for plan review in the AEC industry, allowing users to open IFC models, perform automated checks, and generate reports. It excels in clash detection, rule-based validation for code compliance and constructability, and interactive 3D navigation for issue identification. The software facilitates collaboration by enabling model markup and communication of findings without requiring advanced modeling skills.
Pros
- Completely free with robust model checking capabilities
- Excellent clash detection and customizable rulesets
- Strong reporting and collaboration tools for teams
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-BIM experts
- Limited to IFC and select formats, less flexible for native files
- Performance can lag with very large models on standard hardware
Best For
AEC plan reviewers and quality control teams seeking a no-cost solution for BIM model validation and issue tracking.
Pricing
Free to download and use indefinitely; premium features available in paid Solibri editions.
Trimble Connect
enterpriseCloud collaboration tool for real-time sharing, viewing, and commenting on 2D/3D construction plans.
OpenCDE for standardized, federated model viewing and automated issue workflows across disciplines
Trimble Connect is a cloud-based collaboration platform tailored for the AEC industry, enabling teams to upload, view, and review 2D drawings and 3D BIM models in a secure common data environment. It facilitates plan review through intuitive markup tools, issue tracking, clash detection, and real-time commenting, supporting formats like IFC, DWG, and PDF. With desktop, web, and mobile apps, it streamlines coordination between architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders for efficient plan approvals and revisions.
Pros
- Powerful 3D model federation and clash detection for comprehensive plan reviews
- Seamless integrations with BIM tools like Revit, Tekla, and Trimble ecosystem
- Mobile AR capabilities for on-site plan verification and collaboration
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with BIM workflows
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Less specialized for pure 2D plan review compared to dedicated markup tools
Best For
AEC teams and construction firms requiring integrated BIM collaboration and multi-format plan review in a centralized platform.
Pricing
Free tier available; Pro at $10/user/month, Business at $34/user/month, Enterprise custom pricing with advanced features.
Navisworks
enterprise3D model review software for clash detection, coordination, and simulation of project plans.
Clash Detective for automated, real-time detection and reporting of model conflicts
Navisworks by Autodesk is a powerful 3D model review and coordination platform designed for AEC professionals to aggregate models from multiple sources, perform clash detection, and simulate construction sequences. It excels in identifying interdisciplinary conflicts in BIM models during plan review phases, enabling better project coordination and risk mitigation. While versatile for 3D plan reviews, it is more geared toward complex model-based workflows than simple 2D drawings.
Pros
- Superior clash detection and interference checking across multiple file formats
- Robust 4D simulation and quantification tools for comprehensive plan analysis
- Seamless integration with Autodesk tools like Revit and BIM 360
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High subscription costs and hardware requirements
- Less optimized for 2D plan markups compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Large AEC firms and BIM coordinators handling complex 3D model reviews and clash detection in multidisciplinary projects.
Pricing
Subscription-based; standalone Navisworks Manage ~$2,500/year, or included in AEC Collection (~$3,065/year); free Freedom viewer available.
OpenGov
enterpriseGovernment permitting platform with digital plan review, workflow automation, and compliance tracking.
Deep integration of plan review workflows with financial tracking and procurement for end-to-end government operations
OpenGov's Permitting & Licensing platform provides specialized plan review tools for local governments, enabling digital submission, markup, and collaborative review of architectural and engineering plans. It streamlines workflows with automated routing, version control, and integration with GIS for spatial analysis. The solution supports mobile access for on-site inspections and ensures compliance tracking throughout the permitting process.
Pros
- Strong integration with GIS and other government modules like budgeting
- Real-time collaboration and redlining tools for efficient plan reviews
- Mobile app support for field inspections and remote access
Cons
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for small municipalities
- Initial setup and customization require significant configuration
- Limited advanced automation compared to dedicated plan review specialists
Best For
Mid-to-large local governments seeking an integrated platform for permitting, plan review, and financial management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing based on modules, users, and jurisdiction size; typically starts at several thousand dollars per month—contact for quote.
Pennant Plan Review
specializedMunicipal plan review solution for digital submittal management, redlining, and permit processing.
Native integration with Pennant’s permitting suite for unified plan review and approval processes without data silos.
Pennant Plan Review is a specialized software platform designed for building departments and public agencies to automate and manage the construction plan review process digitally. It enables secure plan uploads, automated routing to reviewers, markup tools, revision tracking, and seamless integration with permitting workflows. The solution emphasizes compliance tracking and reporting to accelerate approvals while maintaining audit trails for regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Strong integration with Pennant Permitting for end-to-end public sector workflows
- Customizable review routing and automated notifications
- Robust security and compliance features tailored for government use
Cons
- Dated user interface that may require training
- Limited native mobile app support
- Customization often needs vendor involvement
Best For
Small to mid-sized municipal building departments seeking integrated plan review within a public sector software ecosystem.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription pricing customized for government clients; contact sales for quotes, typically annual contracts.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools demonstrate varied strengths to address distinct plan review needs, with Bluebeam Revu emerging as the top pick, lauded for its industry-recognized PDF markup and measurement tools. Procore follows as a strong alternative, excelling with comprehensive project management integration, while Autodesk Construction Cloud stands out for its cloud-based collaboration and 2D/3D coordination capabilities, each offering tailored value to different workflows.
For seamless, professional plan review, start with Bluebeam Revu—its intuitive tools and broad compatibility make it the ideal choice to enhance your review efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
