How are you handling Bluebeam Markups CSV → Excel quantity schedules?

Question

I've been looking quite closely at the workflow between Bluebeam's Markups List and Excel recently, particularly for people using Revu for takeoffs.

One thing I kept coming across was people exporting the Markups List to CSV and then using Excel formulas, Power Query, macros or their own templates to turn that export into the quantity schedule they actually wanted.

I ended up building a small tool called Takeoff Tidy specifically for that step. You export the normal Markups CSV from Revu, choose how you want the data grouped (Subject, Label, Space etc.), select the quantity and unit fields, and it generates an organised Excel workbook containing the quantity schedule, exceptions and original source data.

Full transparency: it's a commercial tool (£45 one-off, no subscription), so I'm obviously not an unbiased recommendation - I'm the person who built it. For anyone outside the UK, checkout displays supported local pricing where available.

But I'm also genuinely interested in how people here currently handle this part of the workflow. Do you generally use Power Query, your own Excel templates/macros, Quantity Link, or something else?

And if you regularly go from Markups List - CSV - Excel, what's the most annoying part of that process for you?

I've deliberately kept Takeoff Tidy focused on that one step rather than trying to replace Revu or become another estimating platform.

takeofftidy.com

Doug McLean · Answer

I'm kind of known for it actually.

Owen Meek · Answer

Ah yeah, sounds like you’ve taken it quite a bit further than just cleaning up the CSV then. Appreciate you explaining it, always interesting seeing how people have their own workflows set up.

Doug McLean · Answer

oh, I do a LOT with them.

My custom tools are set up as an extension of my Estimating software. My markups get cleaned up and fed into it and then used to create an estimate.