If you’ve recently installed Bluebeam Revu and are looking for its plugin within your CAD software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, SketchUp Pro, or SolidWorks, but can’t find it, this guide will help you resolve the issue. This guide is applicable to Bluebeam Revu 21 and Revu 20.
Understanding Plugin Availability
It’s important to know which Bluebeam Revu editions include CAD plugins.
- Revu 21: CAD plugins are available for Bluebeam Core and Complete subscribers.
- Revu 20: Access to CAD plugins is included with Revu CAD and Revu eXtreme editions.
If you are using Bluebeam Basics (Revu 21) or Revu Standard (Revu 20), you won’t have direct CAD plugins. However, you can still create high-quality PDFs from these CAD applications using the Bluebeam PDF printer, which is available in all editions.
Prerequisites for Plugin Installation
Before proceeding with the installation, ensure that your Bluebeam Revu version is compatible with your CAD software version. You can verify this by consulting the Bluebeam Compatibility Chart.
Steps to Activate and Troubleshoot CAD Plugins
To ensure the Bluebeam plugin loads correctly, it’s essential to run your CAD software using the current Windows account. Follow these steps to activate or troubleshoot your plugin:
- Close CAD Software: If your CAD software (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.) is currently running, close it.
- Open Bluebeam Administrator: In Bluebeam Revu, navigate to the menu bar, click on Revu, and then select Administrator (look for the administrator icon ).
- Enable Plugin: In the Bluebeam Administrator window, go to the Plugins tab. Select the checkbox corresponding to your specific CAD software. Click OK.
- Restart CAD Software: Launch your CAD software again.
Troubleshooting When the Plugin Doesn’t Appear
If the checkbox for your CAD software was already selected, or if the plugin still doesn’t appear after the initial steps, try the following troubleshooting sequence:
- Open Bluebeam Administrator: Access the Bluebeam Administrator as described above.
- Clear and Apply: On the Plugins tab, uncheck the box for your CAD software and click Apply. Keep the Administrator window open.
- Open and Close CAD Software: Start your CAD software. As soon as it opens, close it immediately.
- Re-enable Plugin: Return to the Bluebeam Administrator. Re-select the checkbox for your CAD software and click OK.
- Final Restart: Restart your CAD software one more time. You can now close the Bluebeam Administrator.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install and activate the Bluebeam plugin within your compatible CAD software, enhancing your PDF creation and markup workflow.