Bluebeam Revu 2019 features so many tools that it would be time consuming to have to access them all from the Menu Bar. For this reason, Revu features a variety of modifier keys, a type of keyboard shortcut that modifies how your mouse interacts with the program. The modifier keys make use of the Ctrl, Alt and Shift keys on your keyboard, with each key activating a different function based on the context they are used in. Utilizing these modifier keys can empower you to complete your work more quickly with just the press of a button. For those wanting to increase efficiency without needing to put in extra work, here are my top ten modifier keys in Bluebeam Revu 2019.

The following examples were taken using the 64x Bluebeam Revu 2019 eXtreme edition, but these functions can be performed in all versions of Bluebeam Revu.

1. ADD & SUBTRACT CONTROL POINTS

When working with polygon or polyline markups (such as the Cloud, Polygon, Polyline, Perimeter, and Area tools) you can create new control points by holding down Shift while selecting a line segment. Using the control point, you can then create new line segments and adjust the shape and size of the markup.

In the same manner, you can delete control points from the same markup types by holding down Shift and selecting the point you want to delete.

Adding/subtracting control points can also be done by right clicking on the markup, but using this modifier can make the process much faster.

2. Duplicate markups

Although you can copy and paste markups to duplicate them, there is also a quick modifier that lets you do the same thing. By holding down Ctrl, you can click and drag a markup to duplicate it. With just one click, you can quickly duplicate your markups with ease, saving time that would usually be spent manually selecting, copying, and pasting.

3. Select several markups

By holding down the Shift key, you can select several markups at once. Once you have several markups selected, you can then perform actions on all of them simultaneously. This can be a quick way to change the Subject or visual properties of various markups at once.

4. Move Measurement captions

When working with Measurement markups, by default the caption (or the text that states the measurement) will be placed in the middle of the markup. There are often times where this placement may not be ideal, and can be hard to read based on the underlying PDF content. Luckily, there is a modifier key to quickly move these measurement captions, without affecting the measurement markup as a whole.

To move a measurement caption, hold down Shift while selecting and dragging the text to a new location. This location can be outside of the measurement if needed.

5. Convert control points from straight to curved (or vice versa)

When working with polyline markups, you can always convert lines from straight to curved arcs by right clicking on control points. There is also a quick modifier to do this as well! To convert a straight line to an arc, hold down Ctrl while clicking on a control point. This can help ensure the accuracy of your markups, especially those with rounded corners.

In the same manner, curved lines can be quickly converted to straight lines by holding Ctrl and selecting a control point.

6. Draw straight horizontal, vertical, or 45° lines

When using Line, Polyline, Arrow, Polygon, or any Measurement markups, you can ensure that your lines stay straight every time using modifier keys. Holding Shift while drawing markups will lock them to be straight, allowing you to create perfect horizontal, vertical, or 45° lines with ease.

7. Move markups in a straight line

The same modifier key you can use to create straight lines while drawing markups can also be used when moving them, as well. When you need to move your markups around, but want them to stay on the same vertical or horizontal plane, you can hold down the Shift key when clicking and dragging the markup. The markup will only be able to be moved straight, either horizontally or vertically.

8. Create perfect circles and squares

Bluebeam Revu features an Ellipse tool and a Rectangle tool, both of which enable you to quickly draw shapes to your specifications. You can use these tools to create circles and squares normally, but it requires a good amount of precision. However, Revu also features a modifier key to speed up the process. By holding down Shift while using the Ellipse or Rectangle tools, you will automatically be able to draw perfect, symmetrical circles and squares without any extra work.

9. Draw circles from the center outward

When using the Ellipse tool, by default, the ellipses you create will be drawn from the corners as you drag the markup tool. If you want to draw circles from the center outward instead, such as if you need to draw based on a known radius, you can do this with a modifier key. Holding down Alt while drawing with the Ellipse tool will allow you to drag the shape out from the center – just another way to use the same tool to your advantage.

10. Add/Delete leader lines

When using the Callout tool, you can choose to add or delete leader lines by right clicking on the tool. There is also a modifier key that does it automatically! After placing a Callout markup, hold down Shift and select a control point in the bend of an existing leader to add an additional leader line. Just the same, you can delete leader lines by holding Shift and selecting a control point on the leader’s point.

You can find the full list of modifier keys available in Bluebeam Revu 2019 here.

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Lauren Hecker is a Bluebeam Certified Instructor and teaches Onsite Bluebeam Certified Courses, virtual Bluebeam Basics and Advanced courses, and custom onsite or virtual courses. To see her next open enrollment course, please visit our calendar. To schedule an onsite or custom course, please contact us!