A number of first-world countries, including Canada and Australia, are grappling with a major housing crisis. While debates rage about the root cause, one thing is crystal clear: we urgently need more housing.
In a world striving for sustainability, constructing housing comes with a laundry list of criteria: sourcing eco-friendly materials, managing transportation logistics, ensuring design and infrastructure approvals, preparing for natural disasters, and working within tight budgets.
Simply put, the documentation is a logistical nightmare. There are too many moving parts to keep track of. But here’s the good news: with the right construction management software, managing this mountain of paperwork becomes much easier.
In this article, we will explore how construction document management software can streamline workflows and promote collaboration tools.
- What Should You Look for in Construction Document Management Software?
- The 11 Best Construction Document Management Software
- 1. ClickUp (Best for construction project management and document collaboration)
- 2. Procore (Best for managing large-scale construction projects)
- 3. Autodesk Docs (Best for centralized cloud-based document management)
- 4. BIM 360 (Best for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and construction collaboration)
- 5. Bluebeam (Best for PDF markups and construction documentation)
- 6. Buildertrend (Best for comprehensive project management and client communication)
- 7. Contractor Foreman (Best for affordability and feature variety)
- 8. Viewpoint (Best for document and drawing management)
- 9. Aconex (Best for compliance and document collaboration)
- 10. Newforma (Best for email and document management)
- Hammering Out Documents? ClickUp Nails it Every Time
⏰ 60-Second Summary
Here’s a quick list of the best construction document management tools covered in this guide, along with their standout feature areas:
- ClickUp: Best for construction project management and document collaboration
- Procore: Best for managing large-scale construction projects
- Autodesk Docs: Best for centralized cloud-based document management
- BIM 360: Best for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and construction collaboration
- Bluebeam: Best for PDF markups and construction documentation
- Buildertrend: Best for comprehensive project management and client communication
- Contractor Foreman: Best for affordability and feature variety
- Viewpoint: Best for document and drawing management
- Aconex: Best for compliance and document collaboration
- Newforma: Best for email and document management
- e-Builder: Best for capital program management
What Should You Look for in Construction Document Management Software?
Construction projects often run over budget by more than 50% due to delays. While some setbacks are unavoidable, many can be mitigated with organized documentation—something the right construction document management software can help you achieve.
Here’s how good software can make your job easier:
1. Features that do the heavy lifting
The software should handle construction-specific needs, from version control to document approvals. Look for centralized management for blueprints, contracts, and permits, along with tools for task delegation, scheduling, and real-time collaboration.
Bonus points if it simplifies the dreaded submittal review process.
🧠 Did you know: Recently, nearly 30% of private and public construction projects have faced significant delays, indefinite stalls, or cancellations in the past six months, according to a survey by the American Institute of Architects. This marks an increase from 22% in December 2022.
2. Flexibility and ease of use
Let’s face it—no one has time for a steep learning curve. The tool should cater to everyone, from tech-savvy IT folks to on-site foremen. Think effortless usability across devices, offline functionality, and easy onboarding.
3. Integration capabilities
Already using CAD tools or accounting software? Your document management solution should play nice with existing systems, ensuring data flows smoothly without creating extra work.
4. Security and version control
Data breaches are no joke. Ensure the software has strong encryption and versioning features to track changes, maintain audit trails, and keep sensitive information secure.
5. Pricing and trial options
The best tools offer trial periods or free plans, letting you test them before committing. Ensure the pricing fits your budget while delivering essential features.
The 11 Best Construction Document Management Software
With endless blueprints, permits, and contracts to balance, writing and managing project documentation for construction projects can become overwhelming.
Luckily, a range of construction document management software is designed to keep your project documents organized, accessible, and (mostly) headache-free. Here’s a look at the top options:
1. ClickUp (Best for construction project management and document collaboration)
Imagine keeping track of multiple blueprints, licenses, and project changes without a centralized system. In construction, effective project management software can make the difference between a project running smoothly and one constantly bogged down by delays.
ClickUp is built to avoid this by bringing a whole new level of organization to construction projects.
Thanks to its ClickUp Docs feature for collaborative documentation and version history tracking, the software lets construction teams create, organize, and manage documents directly within tasks and projects.
Know what this means for construction teams? Smooth document handling alongside project workflow automation.
With ClickUp’s version history tracking, you can monitor changes to project documents, ensuring everyone on the construction team is working from the latest version—no more outdated blueprints.
Construction teams can also use ClickUp’s impressive AI feature, ClickUp Brain, to facilitate project communication and documentation.
ClickUp Brain helps write reports, generate updates, and answer quick project-related questions.
That’s not all. You can simply ask ClickUp Brain to draft status reports or summarize recent actions with simple prompts, and the job will be done in seconds.
ClickUp best features
- Docs for collaborative documentation: Easily create, share, and update project documents within tasks
- Version history tracking: Keep all documents up-to-date and accessible to relevant stakeholders
- AI-powered automation: Automate status reports, updates, and project summaries with ClickUp Brain
- Task management and dependencies: Organize tasks for each phase of construction, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks
- Mobile and offline mode: Access project details on-site, even without an internet connection
ClickUp limitations
- Limited Table view on mobile: Mobile users may miss out on some data viewing options
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7 per member per month
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
2. Procore (Best for managing large-scale construction projects)
Managing large-scale construction projects often presents its own challenges, one of the most common being the cost and complexity of implementation. While Procore excels at centralizing workflows, starting it requires significant time and resources.
That said, once properly implemented, Procore offers a suite of tools customized specifically for the construction industry. Procore’s document management features allow teams to efficiently handle RFIs, submittals, and as-builts while maintaining version control.
Procore best features
- Document management with version control: Simplifies tracking of RFIs, submittals, and other key documents
- Financial management tools: Offers real-time insights into project budgets and cost management
- Quality and safety tracking: Helps manage inspections, incidents, and site diaries in one place
- Mobile access: Enables on-the-go project management for construction teams
- Extensive integrations: Connects with over 500 tools, from accounting software to CAD applications
Procore limitations:
- High implementation costs: Requires significant upfront investment in time and resources
- Internet dependency: Limited functionality in areas with poor network coverage
- Permissions complexity: Some users find the permissions system restrictive
Procore pricing:
- Custom pricing
Procore ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.6/5 (2,900+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (2,700+ reviews)
Also Read: 15 Best AI Writing Tools for Content
3. Autodesk Docs (Best for centralized cloud-based document management)
Managing construction project documents is no small feat. Autodesk Docs offers a centralized cloud platform for document control and helps deal with extensive documentation workflows.
Autodesk Docs is part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem, designed to reduce errors, simplify document approval processes, and align project schedules. Its cloud-based environment allows multidisciplinary teams to access and share project documents securely.
Autodesk Docs best features
- Centralized document management: Keeps all RFIs, submittals, and drawings in one secure, cloud-based location
- Document approval workflows: Automates the review process, reducing bottlenecks and improving accountability
- BIM content management: Streamlines design efficiency with a centralized catalog of approved digital assets for BIM models
- Real-time collaboration on 3D models: Use immersive tools like Autodesk Workshop XR (sold separately) for design reviews
- File tracking and delivery: Tracks file versions and securely delivers them to stakeholders
Autodesk Docs limitations
- Steep pricing: Not affordable for smaller teams or those with limited budgets
- Lag issues: Some users report delays when accessing or navigating the platform
- Learning curve for new users: The interface can be challenging for professionals unfamiliar with cloud-based tools
Autodesk Docs pricing
- Standalone: $65 per user/month
- Enterprise customers: Custom Pricing
Autodesk Docs reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (3,800+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (2,100+ reviews)
4. BIM 360 (Best for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and construction collaboration)
BIM 360 (now integrated into Autodesk Construction Cloud) is designed to connect construction teams.
This software offers advanced tools to manage Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, enabling real-time team collaboration, issue tracking, and design coordination. Moreover, its cloud-based platform supports 2D and 3D models, a bonus for multidisciplinary construction teams.
BIM 360 best features
- Real-time model coordination: Facilitates clash detection and design collaboration across multiple trades
- Cloud-based document management: Centralizes access to RFIs, submittals, and project drawings
- BIM integrations: Supports advanced 2D and 3D modeling with automatic updates for design changes
- Issue tracking and resolution: Helps teams identify and address design conflicts efficiently
- Predictive analytics: Provides insights into project risks using data-driven dashboards
BIM 360 limitations
- Internet dependency: Limited functionality in areas with poor connectivity
- High pricing: Can be cost-prohibitive for smaller teams or single-project use cases
- Learning curve: Advanced features may be challenging for users new to BIM software
BIM 360 pricing
- BIM Collaborate Pro: $945 per year, billed annually
- BIM Collaborate: $705 per year, billed annually
BIM 360 ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (3,800+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (2,100+ reviews)
5. Bluebeam (Best for PDF markups and construction documentation)
Bluebeam offers powerful tools for marking up PDFs, managing construction documents, and collaborating in real time. For teams that rely heavily on detailed drawings and annotations, Bluebeam delivers industry-specific features that streamline document management and project tracking.
Bluebeam best features
- PDF markup tools: Provides robust capabilities for creating, editing, and annotating PDFs, including specialized tools for 2D and 3D markups
- Collaboration through Bluebeam Studio: Enables real-time collaboration on documents from anywhere, connecting office and field teams seamlessly
- Measurement tools: Offers advanced measurement options for perimeters, angles, volume, and more, ideal for takeoffs and estimations
- Document comparison and overlay: Simplifies tracking changes between drawings, reducing errors and saving time
- CAD integration: Integrates with CAD workflows, making it easier to streamline design and construction processes
Bluebeam limitations
- High pricing: Cost may be prohibitive for smaller teams or occasional users
- Occasional glitches: Users have reported issues with printing and transferring licenses between devices
- Limited advanced features in lower plans: Some critical tools are only available in higher-priced plans
Bluebeam pricing
- Basics: $260 per user, billed annually
- Core: $330 per user, billed annually
- Complete: $440 per user, billed annually
Bluebeam ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (400+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (900+ reviews)
6. Buildertrend (Best for comprehensive project management and client communication)
Buildertrend offers tools designed to manage construction projects and enhance client interactions. However, it relies heavily on users adopting specific workflows, making it challenging for subcontractors or trades unfamiliar with such systems.
Despite that, Buildertrend simplifies complex construction processes by centralizing project information. Its integration with platforms like Xero further enhances its utility for financial management.
Buildertrend best features
- Document organization: Centralized folders for storing project drawings and specifications
- Client portal: Keeps clients informed of project progress without constant back-and-forth communication
- Advanced estimating and proposals: Simplifies project bidding with streamlined tools for creating detailed estimates
- Integration options: Works with accounting platforms like Xero to improve financial management
- Mobile-friendly functionality: Field teams can access project details, update logs, and annotate plans on the go
Buildertrend limitations
- Limited scheduling tools: Some users find the scheduling functionality underwhelming
- No auto-save for logs and to-dos: Losing unsaved work can be frustrating for users
- Subcontractor adoption challenges: Trades often struggle with using the platform, especially on mobile devices
Buildertrend pricing
- Essential: $199/month
- Advanced: $499/month
- Complete: $799/month
Buildertrend ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (150+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (1,600+ reviews)
7. Contractor Foreman (Best for affordability and feature variety)
Contractor Foreman is a construction management tool designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers a range of features at a competitive price point.
It delivers a customizable platform to manage projects, finances, and documents efficiently. Additionally, the integrations with QuickBooks and other popular tools make it a practical choice for construction teams aiming to centralize their workflows.
However, the software’s lack of a built-in takeoff tool may be a dealbreaker for some.
Contractor Foreman best features
- Document management: Includes RFIs, submittals, over 100 prebuilt reports, and 50+ customizable forms for comprehensive documentation
- Financial tools: Offers robust features like job costing, estimates, invoices, and integration with QuickBooks
- Mobile app functionality: Allows field teams to create and manage change orders, track timecards, and update project logs on the go
- Customizable dashboard: Tailors the interface to your specific needs, providing a clear overview of essential metrics
- Client portal: Keeps clients updated on project progress without the need for constant communication
Contractor Foreman limitations
- Locked features in lower plans: Essential tools like advanced reporting and submittals are only available in higher-tier plans
- No built-in takeoff feature: Requires integration with Kreo for takeoff functionality
- Steep learning curve: Initial setup and navigation may feel overwhelming for new users
Contractor Foreman pricing
- Basic: $49/month (billed annually)
- Standard: $79/month (billed annually)
- Plus: $125/month (billed annually)
- Pro: $166/month (billed annually)
- Unlimited: $249/month (billed annually)
Contractor Foreman ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (230+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (650+ reviews)
🌟 Fun fact: Architecture was once an Olympic sport! From 1912 to 1952, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded medals in five creative arts categories, including architecture.
8. Viewpoint (Best for document and drawing management)
Viewpoint is a construction management platform designed to facilitate document and drawing management while ensuring compliance and team collaboration. However, please note that the platform’s steep learning curve and occasional slow performance can make onboarding new users a challenge.
Viewpoint best features
- Centralized document management: Consolidates project documents, drawings, and photos into one platform, ensuring version control and accessibility
- Approval workflows: Streamlines document approvals and ensures compliance with built-in workflows
- Field View integration: Provides mobile access for teams on-site, enabling real-time updates and reducing administrative time
- Security controls: Offers advanced permissions to manage data access and maintain project confidentiality
Viewpoint limitations
- Complex navigation: The search feature can be cumbersome for large file structures
- Learning curve: New users may find it challenging to adapt, particularly with unconventional naming conventions
- Performance issues: Some users report occasional slowdowns, especially during file uploads or revisions
Viewpoint pricing
- Custom pricing
Viewpoint ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (70+ reviews)
9. Aconex (Best for compliance and document collaboration)
Oracle Aconex positions itself as a comprehensive construction management platform designed to ease collaboration and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Aconex’s data ownership model ensures every organization retains control over its data. Meanwhile, its extensive audit trails and traceability features make it a strong contender for managing complex projects, albeit with a slightly steeper learning curve.
Aconex best features
- Unalterable audit trails: Ensures accountability by tracking every project decision and correspondence, minimizing disputes
- Data ownership model: Allows each organization to control its workspace and data sharing, fostering collaboration
- Integrated workflows: Standardizes processes like approvals and reviews, reducing manual input and errors
- Model coordination tools: Supports design-neutral model collaboration with features like clash detection and design issue management
- Compliance management: Automates inspection workflows, safety checks, and quality assurance
Aconex limitations
- Slow performance: Some users report system lags during uploads and correspondence loading
- Complex navigation: The interface can be overwhelming for users managing thousands of documents and emails
- Frequent logins required: Users often need to log in repeatedly, even for simple tasks like reading emails
Aconex pricing
- Custom pricing
Aconex ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (220+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (210+ reviews)
10. Newforma (Best for email and document management)
Newforma is construction project information management software that offers a centralized platform for managing RFIs, submittals, and document filing.
Its drag-and-drop email filing feature and integrations like Microsoft Outlook stand out for managing communication-heavy projects. That said, its pricing structure can be steep for smaller teams, limiting accessibility for those with tight budgets.
Newforma best features
- Email management integration: File emails directly into specific projects using the Microsoft Outlook add-in, enhancing organization
- RFI and submittal tracking: Simplifies tracking and filing of critical project documents, ensuring transparency and accountability
- Collaborative tools: Facilitate online collaboration between architects and engineers, reducing the need for physical meetings
- Centralized document storage: Offers a single platform for storing records and large files, with easy sharing via transmittals
- Mobile app access: Capture new data and retrieve project information from the field
Newforma limitations
- Dated interface: The software’s UI feels clunky and often requires multiple screens to view all details
- Occasional bugs: Users report slow issue resolutions, especially for problems with Microsoft Outlook integration
- Pricing concerns: The cost can be prohibitive for smaller firms, limiting widespread adoption
Newforma pricing
- Custom pricing
Newforma ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.0/5 (90+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
11. e-Builder (Best for capital program management)
e-Builder by Trimble provides project delivery, enhances team collaboration, and improves project outcomes for capital programs.
Looking to create customized reports? e-Builder allows you to configure your dashboard and generate detailed reports that help teams track their KPIs and other metrics. It also comes pre-loaded with cost management features that help provide visibility into the capital program budget and expenses.
e-Builder best features
- Centralized project management: Offers Gantt charts, document management, and real-time data tracking for streamlined workflows
- Cost management: Provides visibility into budgets, forecasts, and expenses, helping teams avoid overspending
- Early warning system: Alerts stakeholders to potential schedule delays, enabling proactive solutions
- Customizable reporting: Dashboards and executive reports are fully configurable to track KPIs effectively
- Asset handover tools: Simplifies the transition from project completion to operations
e-Builder limitations
- Pricing concerns: Users frequently describe the tool as overpriced, particularly given some of its limitations
- Usability challenges: The interface can feel clunky, making it harder for teams to adopt new functionalities
- Limited self-learning resources: Documentation and tutorials are often insufficient, making onboarding slow for some teams
e-Builder pricing
- Custom pricing
e-Builder ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (40+ reviews)
Hammering Out Documents? ClickUp Nails it Every Time
Construction truly lays the foundation of our society, quite literally. But when most people think about the industry, they imagine cement, cranes, and maybe a few dramatic hard-hat selfies. They don’t picture the mountain of documentation involved: blueprints, permits, RFIs, submittals, contracts, and—the endless list.
That’s where ClickUp steps in to lighten the load. With its collaborative Docs, version history tracking, and AI-powered automation, it transforms documentation chaos into simple, trackable workflows.
Whether you’re managing blueprints, summarizing status reports, or assigning tasks, ClickUp ensures that every stakeholder is on the same (digital) page. Its mobile-friendly platform keeps your team connected, even on-site.
So, why wrestle with paperwork when you can create a free account on ClickUp and let it do the heavy lifting?