Bluebeam® Revu® 20 Deployment Guide
Download Deployment Packages (MSI)
Before continuing, make sure you download the 64-bit or 32-bit deployment package. These packages include all three Revu editions: Standard, CAD, and eXtreme. They also include the Revu Configuration Editor, OCR Library, and SharePoint Integration app.
Download Revu 20.3.30
Introduction
Typically, large organizations face a wide range of challenges, such as finding the most efficient deployment method, and properly configuring an application for use in networked, multi-user settings. We have presented guidelines in the following pages for planning and implementing your Bluebeam Revu deployment.
This guide was written for IT Administrators, under the assumption that the reader has a firm understanding of fundamental concepts, such as software installation, the Windows Command Line, as well as writing and running batch files.
You can find guidelines for post-installation management of your deployment in the Revu 20 Administration Guide.
If you’re looking for information about using Revu in your Citrix environment, please refer to Bluebeam Revu in a Citrix Environment.
What’s new in Revu 20
- As of Revu 20, MSP files will no longer be used for patching existing installations of Revu. Each new update will now be applied by pushing out an MSI file. However, you’ll still be able to update older versions of Revu (2016-2019) with the MSP files located here.
- Revu’s OCR component has now been separated into a second MSI file. The purpose of this separation was to reduce file size and the time necessary for installation. For more information, see Deploying the OCR Module.
- A new registry key can now be pushed post-install to remove the “Startup Mode” drop-down from Revu Preferences. This is helpful for IT Admins who use Open Licensing and deploy Revu in View Mode. For more information, see Restricting Startup Mode in Revu Preferences.
- ARP_Modifier parameters have been updated to make this process easier. For more information, see the ARP_Modifier section in this guide.
- As of Revu 20.0.30, BB_AUTO_UPDATE, the property that controls the In-App updater, will now be enabled by default. If you do not want your users to receive an in-app update notification every time a new version is released, you’ll need to disable this property.
- As of Revu 20.1, Bluebeam introduced a new SharePoint integration that enables any modern web browser to open PDFs directly in Revu. The integration requires installing the Bluebeam SharePoint integration app within a SharePoint site. For more information, see Installing the SharePoint integration app.
Planning Your Deployment
Compatibility & System Requirements
The latest compatibility information can be found in the Bluebeam Revu 20 Compatibility & System Requirements.
The Revu 20 Administration Guide
The Revu 20 Administration Guide covers various post-installation topics such as the Bluebeam Administrator Console application, Revu Preferences and settings, license management, Bluebeam Studio, as well as electronic and digital signatures.
The Revu Configuration Editor
The Revu Configuration Editor is an optional tool that allows you to easily configure scripts for your Revu MSI deployment, MSP patch update, or creating scripts for post-installation deployments of custom assets, such as Profiles, Tool Sets, Hatch Patterns, and Line Styles.
As a best practice we highly recommend using this configuration tool for creating all of your deployment scripts, which can be used with your deployment tool or other method of choice. You can still create your deployment scripts manually as described in the Deployment Process section.
The Enterprise Deployment Packages
As of Revu 20, there is only one package (Deployment Files MSI for Revu 20) available for download from our Enterprise Deployment page. This package works for both updating Revu and performing a full installation.
The MSI Package
This is the file you’ll use for deploying a full installation of any Revu Edition.
It is very important that you download the correct deployment package for your environment. Once you have done that, open the .zip file and become familiar with its contents, which are:
- A ReadMe file listing the contents of the MSI package and installation pre-requisites.
- The Revu MSI installation file
- The OCR MSI installation file
- Bluebeam Revu Configuration Editor
- The Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.1 offline installer. The .NET Framework 4.7.1 installation under Windows 10 requires either the Windows 10 Anniversary or Windows 10 Creators Update. For more information, please refer to the Microsoft website.
- A Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015. If this is not already installed on the machines, it must be deployed prior to deploying the MSI.
- A script for removing older Revu versions.(Uninstall Previous Version.txt – Please change the file extension to .bat before running it. Once the file is changed from a text file to a batch file, run it with elevated privileges. This batch file will unregister and uninstall Revu (any version) on the machine).
- An Add-Remove-Programs (ARP) Modifier, in case you want to display the Edition of your Revu software, in addition to the product name and version number.
- A SharePoint extension. Supported on SharePoint 2019 or later on-premise servers, and SharePoint Online (Office 365) instances.
- A SharePoint add-in. Supported on SharePoint 2013 or later on-premise servers, and SharePoint Online (Office 365) instances.
To learn more about installing the Bluebeam SharePoint integration app within a SharePoint environment, see Installing the SharePoint integration app.
The process for running this installer is covered later in this guide, and you should carefully follow the instructions. Please do not take shortcuts or otherwise change the workflow.
Custom Settings and Assets
If your organization uses custom or shared settings and assets, such as Preferences, Profiles, Tool Sets, and Stamps, please refer to the Revu 20 Administration Guide for the best practices for exporting, gathering and staging these items.
Setting Up a Staging Computer
If you do need to create custom settings and assets as mentioned above, you’ll need to manually install Revu on a machine so you can create and stage these assets, as described in the Managed Net Configuration section of the Revu 20 Administration Guide.
The Deployment Process
Best Practices
Before we get into the actual steps of the deployment process, there are some important details which must be considered:
- Bluebeam does not support manually editing the MSI (or MSP) file, as it will invalidate the files’ digital signature.
- We strongly recommend using the Bluebeam Revu Configuration Editor for configuring your deployment options and scripts.
- If you are upgrading to Revu 20 from a pre-existing installation of an older Revu version, you must remove the older software first by pushing out the “Uninstall Previous Versions” script included in the Revu 20 MSI Deployment Package. Any account you use to unregister Revu requires internet access.
- Be sure to run the Uninstall script with elevated privileges.
If you’re using SCCM, the Uninstall Previous Version script can be pushed out through a Task Sequence. If you need assistance with the SCCM process, please refer to the Microsoft SCCM documentation.
- We strongly recommend setting up a pilot group of end-users to test new Revu versions before deploying it throughout your organization.
If don’t have the new license information at the time, you can deploy Revu to the pilot group as a fully-functional trial by setting the TRIAL toggle on.
You can also achieve this by manually setting the BB_SERIALNUMBER property to “TRIAL” (BB_SERIALNUMBER=TRIAL) in your MST file or directly in the deployment script.
- The MSI file must be run with elevated privileges, regardless of whether the account used is part of the local machines Administrative Group. Windows 10 users should refer to Windows User Account Control for reference. Typically the Windows SYSTEM account is used to install the MSI, since this account has the necessary permissions to install software. However, this account typically does not have Internet Access. If this account is used to uninstall previous versions of Revu, be sure this account can access the Internet, so that it can unregister Revu during the uninstallation process.
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When Using SCCM
When creating an MSI Applications Package, selecting the Install for user behavior can be used instead of the SYSTEM account (Install for system). This method of installation allows the user logged in on the client machine to install Revu.
The user must have access to the internet in order to register and unregister Revu.
Deployment Tools
Regardless of which package or deployment tool you use, your Command Line script will launch the Windows Installer (msiexec.exe) during your installations.
There are various deployment tools which utilize the command line for running an MSI installer, such as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), Quest KACE (formerly Dell KACE), and Microsoft Windows Group Policy.
When creating an MSI Applications Package, selecting the Install for user behavior can be used instead of the SYSTEM account (Install for system). This method of installation allows the user logged in on the client machine to install Revu.
Authorization
To make sure your software is successfully authorized, your firewall or proxy server must be configured to allow access to our licensing servers listed below, via HTTPS on port 443.
- Authorization Server: https://login.microsoftonline.com/
- Activation Server:https://activation.bluebeam.com
Delayed Authorization
Delayed Authorization is the supported registration method when using deployment tools such as SCCM, and/or in situations where the System account does not have access to the internet. In this instance, Revu will not try to communicate with the licensing servers until the end-user opens Revu post-installation and tries to save a document. The registration process runs “silently” in the background and requires access.
To enable Delayed Authorization you will need to use the DA property found in the MSI Properties Table.
License Information
In Revu 2019 and above, the full set of features in the eXtreme edition are installed and enabled by default. The edition is determined by the serial number and product key. Once a Standard or CAD license is registered, the feature set for each edition is enabled. Please make sure the licensing information you use matches the Revu edition (Standard, CAD, or eXtreme) you are deploying. See the Edition Overview page for detailed information about the features in each edition.
The Revu MSI Properties Table
The MSI Properties table lists the properties that allow you to configure and customize the Revu installation.
Required Properties
These properties are needed for successful authorization of the software.
In Revu 2019 and above, the edition of the software made available to your users is determined by the serial number and product key used, which version and edition listed on your License Certificate.
Please contact us if you have lost your License Certificate.
BB_SERIALNUMBER | Enter the Revu Serial Number. Enter TRIAL to install as trial. |
BB_PRODUCTKEY | Enter the Revu Product Key. All upper-case characters. |
Supported Optional Properties
BB_AUTO_UPDATE | Enable or Disable in-app update notifications: Enabled (default) = 1, Disabled = 0. See notes. |
BB_DISABLEANALYTICS | Enable or disable sending application usage info to Bluebeam. Send (default) = 0, don’t send = 1. See notes. |
BB_DEFAULTVIEWER | Set as the default application (default) = 1, Do not change the default = 0. See notes. |
BB_DESKSHORTCUT | Bluebeam Revu desktop shortcut (default) = 1, No shortcut = 0 |
BB_DESKSTAPLER | Bluebeam Stapler desktop shortcut = 1, No shortcut (default) = 0 |
BB_FEATURES | Disables various Revu features: All Features Enabled = 65535 (default). See Enabling and Disabling Revu Features with BB_FEATURES for more information. |
BB_IE_PLUGIN | Install and enable = 1, Disable (default) = 0 |
BB_JOBOPTIONS | Enter the UNC or fully-qualified path to your custom. jobOptions file. |
BB_NETCONFIG | Enter the UNC or fully-qualified path to your managed NetConfig folder. |
BB_PAGESIZE | Enter “A4” to override default page size for the Bluebeam PDF printer. |
DISABLE_WELCOME |
Disables the Revu HTML Welcome page and Workflow Training Videos page. Enable (Default) = 0, Disable = 1 Creates a registry entry Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Bluebeam Software\20\Revu and DWORD named WorkflowsInitialized“. |
BB_REVUPREFERENCES | Enter the UNC or fully-qualified path to your RevuPreferences.xml file. |
DA | Delayed Authorization = 1, Normal Standard Authorization (default) = 0 |
IGNORE_RBT | Disable Check for Pending Reboot = 1, Check for Pending Reboot = 0. See notes. |
MBCODE | Determines which of the Bluebeam plugins are enabled. The default value of 1023 enables all of them. See Enabling the Bluebeam Plugins with MBCODE for more information |
The BB_AUTO_UPDATE Property
As of Revu 20.0.30, BB_AUTO_UPDATE will now be enabled by default. When left enabled, users will receive an in-app notification when a new Revu update is available. If you do not want your users to receive an in-app notification when a new version is released, you’ll need to disable this property.
The BB_DISABLEANALYTICS Property
By default, Revu sends usage data to Bluebeam in order help improve the application. The info you provide will help us better understand usage behavior and trends, so that we can continue improving our products and services. All information provided is anonymous and is not shared with third parties. Bluebeam will not collect personal information about you. If you want to disable this, deploy your installations with the BB_DISABLEANALYTICS property set to One (BB_DISABLEANALYTICS=1) in your MSI command line script or MST file.
Users opening Revu 20 for the first time will see a new window called “Tell us about yourself” that will ask for some basic customer information.
If you choose to opt out of sending usage data by passing BB_DISABLEANALYTICS=1, this will also suppress the “Tell us about yourself” window. For more information about the data we collect, see Bluebeam’s Privacy Policy.
Setting the Default PDF Program with BB_DEFAULTVIEWER
Microsoft has changed how default applications are selected in Windows 8 and above, which result in the BB_DEFAULTVIEWER setting being overridden. This means that your users will have to follow the steps in Changing the Default PDF Viewer. Further information can be found on the Microsoft website.
Enabling and Disabling Revu Features with BB_FEATURES
Each Revu feature has an assigned numerical value as shown in the table below. To disable a feature, subtract its numerical value from the default value of the BB_FEATURES property (65535) shown in the table of Supported Optional Properties above, and enter the answer as the new value for the BB_FEATURES property.
For example, to disable the Redaction feature in a Revu eXtreme deployment, you would subtract the value of that feature (2) from 65535, and then enter the balance (65533) as the new value for BB_FEATURES.
Revu Features and Their Numeric Values:
Administrator Button (Revu Menu) = 128 | Product Updates Button (Help menu) = 16 |
AllFeatures = 1023 | Redaction in eXtreme (Includes Cut Content & Erase Content in all Editions) = 2 |
DigitalSignatures = 4 | Registration Button (Revu Menu) = 256 |
EditText = 1 | SelfSignCertificates = 8 |
ExportToOffice = 64 | TranslateMarkups = 32 |
Session Following Feature = 512 |
More information about the Session Following Feature
Some users may need the ability to prevent other users from following them in a Studio Session in order to comply with privacy and labor regulations. The following scenarios illustrate what happens when this feature is turned off:
User X tries to follow User Y
– User X’s screen will still show as if they are following User Y, but they will not receive any position updates from User Y.
User X sends a “Follow Me” request to all users
– User Y will not display the request dialog
User Y tries to follow User X
– User Y will not be able to follow another user (all Session following UI elements are removed)
Disabling “Check for Pending Reboot”
By default, the installer sets the property IGNORE_RBT to 0. When the MSI is launched, the installer checks to see if there is a reboot pending on the machine. The install is halted if both the IGNORE_RBT=0, and there is a pending reboot. If the property IGNORE_RBT=1 is passed, the install won’t be halted, even with a pending reboot. Without this flag, the installation will stop if a user does not reboot when requested.
Additionally, a Microsoft parameter called REBOOT=ReallySuppress allows you to control when a machine reboots. This parameter would need to be added manually to the MSI install script, as it is not a parameter that is part of the Configuration Editor tool.
Enabling the Bluebeam Plugins with MBCODE
Each of the Bluebeam plugins for supported third-party software has an assigned numerical value, as shown in the table below. If you only want to enable a single plugin – for example, the plugin for AutoCAD-- you would replace the default MBCODE value of 1023 (all plugins enabled) with the number 2. In cases where you need to enable more than one plugin, you would add up their numerical values and enter the total as the new MBCODE value. Changing the value to 0 disables all of the plugins.
Revu Plugins and Their Numeric Values
All Plugins Disabled = 0 | Microsoft Outlook = 128 |
AutoCAD = 2 | ProjectWise = 64 |
AutoCAD LT (32 & 64-bit) = 4 | Revit & Navisworks = 16 |
Internet Explorer = 32 | SketchUp Pro = 256 |
Microsoft Office = 1 | SolidWorks = 8 |
Markup & View Modes
As of Revu 2018, Revu offers two modes of operation: Markup Mode and View Mode. By default, the software is installed in Markup mode, and can be switched between the two from within the Revu menu. If you would like Revu to start in View Mode, see Deploying Revu in View Mode.
Language Transforms
You can deploy installations in a different language from what Windows uses by setting the TRANSFORMS property to one of the language codes listed below. Otherwise, Revu is installed in the language used by the host operating system by default.
Command line examples for MST and MSI installations can be found later in this guide.
Revu Language Transform Codes:
Danish = 1030 | Italian = 1040 |
Dutch = 1043 | Japanese = 1041 |
English = 1033 | Korean = 1042 |
Finnish = 1035 | Norwegian = 1044 |
French Standard = 1036 | Spanish = 1034 |
German = 1031 | Swedish = 1053 |
Deploying the OCR Module
To speed up future updates, we are delivering the OCR module in a separate MSI outside of the Revu application. Both the Revu MSI and OCR MSI are included in the deployment packages found on our site.
If you want your users to be able to take advantage of certain Revu features that utilize text detection such as OCR, AutoMark, Sets, and Batch Link, then you will need to deploy the OCR MSI file. As many of these features are shared across the Revu platform, the OCR MSI will impact the usability of ALL Revu Editions (Standard, CAD, and eXtreme).
The Revu MSI and OCR MSI can be deployed in any order. One is not dependent on the other. When updating Revu to a new minor point release, you will not need to re-deploy the OCR module if it was previously deployed in your initial installment. In this situation, you will only need to deploy the Revu MSI.
In order to streamline the update process and keep file size to a minimum, the OCR MSI will not be supplied through the In-App Updater. Since the OCR module is rarely modified, Bluebeam will provide an update with every major release.
The OCR package has no special parameters beyond standard msiexec options. Here is an example of a silent install of the 64 bit OCR MSI:
msiexec.exe /i "[path to deployment folder]\BluebeamOCR x64 20.msi" /qn
When using the Uninstall Previous Version bat file, both Revu and the OCR installers will be removed. However, if uninstalling from "Apps & features", Revu and OCR will appear as separate line items and must be uninstalled individually.
If you find yourself troubleshooting an individual machine and re-install using the Suite .exe, OCR will be installed automatically.
Optional Pre-Installation Check
If you’re unsure about which Revu editions are already installed in your user community, it may be a good idea to consider writing a script which queries the following Windows Registry keys. This information is useful if you want to deploy multiple editions of Revu:
RevuBuildNo – Key Data values show the current build of Revu installed.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Bluebeam Software\<RevuVersion#>
Registered – Key Data value displays the Revu Serial Number.
Edition – String Data value displays the Revu Edition that corresponds to the License that Revu is currently registered with. This value updates when Revu is launched. Possible values are Extreme, Standard, or CAD. If Revu is unregistered or in Trial Mode, the registry will default back to Extreme.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Bluebeam Software\<RevuVersion#>\Licenses
PowerShell Scripts
RevuBuildNo – Key Data values show the current release version of Revu installed
Get-ItemProperty -Path HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Bluebeam?Software\<RevuVersion#>
Registered – Key Data value displays the Revu Serial Number.
Edition – String Data value displays the Revu Edition that corresponds to the License that Revu is currently registered with. This value updates when Revu is launched. Possible values are Extreme, Standard, or CAD. If Revu is unregistered or in Trial Mode, the registry will default back to Extreme.
Get-ItemProperty -Path HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Bluebeam?Software\<RevuVersion#>\licenses
Command Line Scripts
Revu Build Number/Version:
"HKLM\SOFTWARE\Bluebeam Software\<RevuVersion#> /v "RevuBuildNo"
Edition:
"HKLM\SOFTWARE\Bluebeam Software\<RevuVersion#>\Licenses" /v "Edition"
Serial Number:
"HKLM\SOFTWARE\Bluebeam Software\<RevuVersion#>\Licenses" /v "Registered"
Deployment Methods
This section covers topics such as Windows Installer Switches, how to write scripts for MSI installations, as well as how to deploy multiple Revu Editions (in different languages within your environment as needed).
A Note about Windows Installer Switches
There are four important Windows Installer switches to be aware of when writing a script for MST, MSI, or MSP installations:
/i
Tells the Windows Installer to call up msiexec.exe to run an installation
/p
Tells the Windows Installer to call up msiexec.exe to run a 2019 patch (not applicable to Revu 20).
/qn
This switch lets you run unattended and silent installations
TRANSFORMS
Used if you’ve created an MST that needs to be called up. This is done by entering the folder path to where the MST file is located and the filename of the MST. TRANSFORMS also lets you install Revu in different languages.
Writing an Installation Script
Let’s look at the different methods for deploying your Revu software, each of which utilizes the command line in slightly different ways.
Using a Microsoft Transform (MST) file
A Microsoft Transform (MST) file allows you to:
- Minimize typographical errors, as all property/parameter changes are done in the MST file, which is called up by a short command-line script. This means you can double-check your changes to the Properties table before they’re passed on during the installations.
- Hide the licensing information from your end-users.
Important Note About Transforms
When using a Language TRANSFORMS, the MST file should be in the same root as the MSI. Do not use a path to the MST; just the MST name. Also, there should be NO spaces in the name of the MST file and NO quotes around the MST file name.
TRANSFORMS=:1031;MyTransforms.mst
TRANSFORMS=:1031;<do not use path to mst, just the mst file name>
When using TRANSFORMS, the MST file should be in the same root as the MSI. Use quotes around the pathing to the MST file.
TRANSFORMS="C:\Deployment Folder\MyTransforms.mst"
TRANSFORMS=<path with quotes to mst file name>
Creating and Editing an MST File
If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to download and install an MSI editor such as InstEd. Once you’ve done that, please follow the steps listed below:
- Launch InstEd, click the File menu, and open the original MSI file.
- Click the Transform menu and select New Transform.
- When the New Transforms dialog opens, name the MST file then click Save.
The file should not be called “Transforms.mst,” and must be saved in the same folder as the original MSI installer.
- Click the Tables tab on the left, select Property in the Tables list. At this point, it might help to click the Property column heading to alphabetically sort the Properties list.
- Edit the Properties to suit your requirements.
DO NOT edit any properties other than the ones listed in the MSI Properties Table
- Click the File menu and Save the file.
Writing a Command Line Script that Uses Your MST File
Here are a couple of installation script examples that call up an MST file:
msiexec.exe /i "Bluebeam Revu x64 20.msi" TRANSFORMS=YourMSTFile.mst /qn
A silent German Language Installation:
msiexec.exe /i "Bluebeam Revu x64 20.msi" TRANSFORMS=:1031;MyTransforms.mst /qn
It’s very important that you test your script in an elevated command prompt on a test machine, before deploying the installation to ensure that it runs correctly.
Using the MSI Properties Directly
Another method of building your deployment is to write a complete installation script which calls up the Revu MSI file and lists all relevant mandatory and optional property changes.
To get an idea of how this is done, look at the following example of a basic installation script written so that Revu Standard installs silently, with Delayed Authorization:
msiexec.exe /i "Bluebeam Revu x64 20.msi" BB_SERIALNUMBER=YourRevuSerialNumber BB_PRODUCTKEY=YourRevuProdKey DA=1 /qn
Additional MSI Script Examples
To help give you a better idea of how command line scripts can be written for various installation requirements and configurations please refer to the following examples:
Basic silent installation of CAD Edition:
msiexec.exe /i "Bluebeam Revu x64 20.msi" BB_SERIALNUMBER=YourRevuSerialNumber BB_PRODUCTKEY=YourRevuProdKey /qn
Basic silent installation that also deploys a specific RevuPreferences.xml file
Notice the difference in pathing between the .msi and .xml file:
msiexec.exe /i "\\MyServer\BluebeamDeployment\Bluebeam Revu x64 20.msi" BB_SERIALNUMBER=YourRevuSerialNumber BB_PRODUCTKEY=YourRevuProdKey BB_REVUPREFERENCES=\\MyServer\Bluebeam?Deployment\RevuPreferences.xml /qn
Deploying Multiple Editions of Revu
As the MSI installer includes Revu Standard, CAD, and eXtreme, a single MSI can deploy multiple Editions within your end-user community by staging a single MSI file in a shared location,” which can be called up by any of the three installation scripts (one for each Revu Edition) that you’ll need to write. Each script must include the corresponding values for the BB_SERIALNUMBER and BB_PRODUCTKEY Properties. The edition of Revu is automatically determined by the Serial Number when the machine is registered. Each script must use the correct Serial number for the edition of Revu you want to install.
Once you’ve written and checked your scripts in an elevated command prompt on a test machine, you can use Group Policy or a task sequence in your deployment tool to determine the Revu Edition they should be running, and then automatically run the correct deployment script.
An alternative method of confirming the Edition and Serial Number of an existing Revu installation is to write a script which queries the Windows Registry keys in the section titled “Optional Pre-Installation Check”
Running and Troubleshooting a Deployment
Assuming you have written your script and tried it out in an elevated command prompt on a test machine, you can now run it in a deployment tool of your choice, such as SCCM, Dell KACE, or Group Policy.
If the installations do not go as intended, or otherwise fail,” you’ll need to go back and check your work. If your script is calling up an MST file, reopen it with MSI editor and make sure you’ve correctly set the Properties. After that, confirm that you’ve used the correct syntax in the script you have written which calls up the MST file, and test again in an elevated command prompt on a test machine.
In the case of an MSI or MSP script, check the syntax again to make sure it’s formatted correctly, and that you’ve included the relevant Properties with the correct settings. Once you’ve done that, you should run it on your test machine as described earlier.
The MSI installer creates a verbose log file in %TEMP% directory on the local drive of the machine on which Revu is installed. The naming convention is MSIxxxxx.log” where xxxxx” are random characters like MSIjfb1d6.log.” Review this log for common Windows installation errors.
Updating Existing Installations
As of Revu 20, MSP files will no longer be used for patching existing installations of Revu. Each new update will now be performed by pushing out the 20.x MSI file located here.
The new MSI process removes the currently-installed version of Revu 20 and replaces it with the latest Revu 20 update that you’re deploying. The process also doesn’t require re-distributing the OCR MSI file. Since the OCR module won’t be needed in newer Revu 20 updates, your Revu deployment package will be smaller.
Below is an example of a script that can be used to update an existing installation of Revu 20:
msiexec.exe /i "Bluebeam Revu x64 20.msi" BB_SERIALNUMBER=YourRevuSerialNumber BB_PRODUCTKEY=YourRevuProductKey DA=1 /qn
If passed previously, you do not need to pass the license information again.
You will still be able to update older versions of Revu (2016-2019)with the MSP files located here.
Post-Installation: Optional Customization Deployment
Bluebeam Administrator Console
The Administrator application (PbMngr5.exe) lets you perform the following post-installation functions, via the Windows Command line:
- Install Plugins
- Set Revu as the Default Application
- Reinstall/Uninstall our Bluebeam PDF Printer
- Set default DPI for the Bluebeam PDF Printer
- Setup Net Config
- Register License
- Update License Server with new computer name
- Expire Trial
- Backup, Reset, Restore Revu user settings
For more information about the available features you can access the PbMngr5.exe help information from the Windows Command Prompt by clicking Start > Search and typing CMD.
Revu Preferences
There are two Bluebeam configuration files containing application settings which can be deployed: the RevuPreferences.xml file which can be deployed at any time, and the UserPreferences.xml which can only be deployed once a new Revu installation has been finished.
RevuPreferences.xml
This file contains all settings configured in the Revu Preferences dialog (Ctrl+K). Clicking Export in the dialog window lets you save the RevuPreferences.xml file to any location, such as a centralized folder on a server.
Although it can be deployed as part of an MST or passed as an MSI Command Line, you can also do so post-installation using a command line option that calls up the Bluebeam Administrator. This allows you to automate changes within the Bluebeam Administrator.
Here’s an example of how to deploy an updated set of Revu Preferences where all plugins except the one for Internet Explorer need to remain enabled:
"%ProgramFiles%\Bluebeam Software\Bluebeam Revu\20\Revu\PbMngr5.exe" /setup /PREFSPATH:"G:\Bluebeam Software\Settings\RevuPreferences.xml"
You can also copy or push the RevuPreferences.xml file to:
C:\ProgramData\Bluebeam Software\Bluebeam Revu\RevuVersion#\Revu
Setting an Offline PIN Requirement
As of Revu 2018 users can setup an Offline PIN for accessing Studio files when they’re not connected to Bluebeam Studio. Although this isn’t a default requirement, you can make it so by editing the Studio section of the RevuPreferences.xml file on your staging environment and export it to a staging location on your network. Typically this is the same location as the MSI you are deploying.
The RevuPreferences.xml modification consists of:
True
This can be deployed using the BB_REVUPREFERENCES MSI property.
UserPreferences.xml
This file contains settings for an individual Revu user. Although this file cannot be deployed to existing installations, it can be deployed to a new one, prior to their initial launch, by pushing a modified UserPreferences.xml to the following location on each machine:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Bluebeam Software\Bluebeam Revu\RevuVersion#\Revu
Merging Revu Preferences
If you only want to add new settings, you should first open the RevuPreferences.xml file in a text editor and add Merge=”True” to the beginning of the file as shown below, before staging it for deployment. After you have made all your edits, delete all the other settings that you do not want to change. Refer to the Revu Administration Guide for more information. The Merge process is a replacement of the data to be updated or edited in the RevuPreferences.xml file.
Example of an Edited RevuPreferences.xml File
The following set of Revu Preferences provides a Revu installation which merges these settings into an existing UserPreference.xml file (Merge=”True”), provides the URL for an organization’s SharePoint server:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><br />
<RevuPreferenceDictionary Version="2" Merge="True"><br />
<DocManSys><br />
<ActiveIndexx64.>0</ActiveIndexx64.><br />
<AdvancedTestIfSharePointPathx64.>False</AdvancedTestIfSharePointPathx64.><br />
<AutoDetectProjectWisex64.>False</AutoDetectProjectWisex64.><br />
<CacheSharePointFilesx64.>False</CacheSharePointFilesx64.><br />
<CertificateAuthentication.x64.0>False</CertificateAuthentication.x64.0><br />
<CertificateAuthentication.x64.1>False</CertificateAuthentication.x64.1><br />
<CheckcoutOnOpenFromHyperlinks.x64.0>False</CheckcoutOnOpenFromHyperlinks.x64.0><br />
<CheckcoutOnOpenFromHyperlinks.x64.1>False</CheckcoutOnOpenFromHyperlinks.x64.1><br />
<CheckoutOnOpen.x64.0>False</CheckoutOnOpen.x64.0><br />
<CheckoutOnOpen.x64.1>False</CheckoutOnOpen.x64.1><br />
<ClaimsSupported.x64.0>False</ClaimsSupported.x64.0><br />
<ClaimsSupported.x64.1>True</ClaimsSupported.x64.1><br />
<Countx64.>2</Countx64.><br />
<DefaultFileFilterPDF>True</DefaultFileFilterPDF><br />
<DocumentHiddenLibrary.x64.0></DocumentHiddenLibrary.x64.0><br />
<DocumentHiddenLibrary.x64.1></DocumentHiddenLibrary.x64.1><br />
<DocumentLibrary.x64.0></DocumentLibrary.x64.0><br />
<DocumentLibrary.x64.1></DocumentLibrary.x64.1><br />
<LastAccessedLibraryPath.x64.0>Test</LastAccessedLibraryPath.x64.0><br />
<LastAccessedLibraryPath.x64.1></LastAccessedLibraryPath.x64.1><br />
<LoginName.x64.0>sa</LoginName.x64.0><br />
<LoginName.x64.1>sa</LoginName.x64.1><br />
<Password.x64.0></Password.x64.0><br />
<Password.x64.1></Password.x64.1><br />
<PromptForCheckinCommentsx64.>True</PromptForCheckinCommentsx64.><br />
<PromptForCheckoutFromIEx64.>True</PromptForCheckoutFromIEx64.><br />
<RegKey.x64.0>SharePoint2007</RegKey.x64.0><br />
<RegKey.x64.1>SharePoint2007</RegKey.x64.1><br />
<SelectionDialogx64.>False</SelectionDialogx64.><br />
<SharePointUseExistingCookies>True</SharePointUseExistingCookies><br />
<SharePointXmlDebug>False</SharePointXmlDebug><br />
<Site.x64.0><span style="color: #ed4337;">http://sharepointserver1</span></Site.x64.0><br />
<Site.x64.1><span style="color: #ed4337;">http://sharepointserver2</span></Site.x64.1><br />
<SiteAlias.x64.0>SharePoint</SiteAlias.x64.0><br />
<SiteAlias.x64.1 /><br />
<SiteAlias.x64.2></SiteAlias.x64.2><br />
<SiteAlias.x64.3></SiteAlias.x64.3><br />
<StoreLastAccessedFolderx64.>True</StoreLastAccessedFolderx64.><br />
<TestIfSharePointPathx64.>True</TestIfSharePointPathx64.><br />
<ToolbarIntegrationOnlyx64.>True</ToolbarIntegrationOnlyx64.><br />
<UseDefaultCredentialsx64.>True</UseDefaultCredentialsx64.><br />
</DocManSys><br />
</RevuPreferenceDictionary><br />
*These Sharepoint server URLs will change when the data is merged with the Revu Preferences file.
Deploying Revu in View Mode While Allowing Users to Switch to Markup Mode
For example, if you only were concerned with pushing out Revu in View Mode but allow users to be able to switch to Markup Mode, these are the only six lines you would need in your RevuPreferences.xml file. Note this example uses Merge=”True” for merging this setting into a users existing RevuPreferences, without changing any of their existing settings.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><br />
<RevuPreferenceDictionary Version="2" Merge="True"><br />
<General><br />
<RevuAppDefaultModeInt>2</RevuAppDefaultModeInt><br />
</General><br />
</RevuPreferenceDictionary><br />
Restricting Startup Mode in Revu Preferences
Restricting Startup Mode requires a Windows Registry key change that IT Admins can push out post-install. Enabling this restriction will hide the “Startup Mode” dropdown in Revu Preferences. If you intend to set your users to View Mode (as outlined above), Restricting Startup Mode ensures that your changes won’t be overwritten by the end-user.
Hiding “Startup Mode” also prevents users from taking a seat on an Open License each time Revu is opened. Follow the steps below to hide “Startup Mode” from Revu Preferences:
- Create a new registry key called Revu in:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Bluebeam Software\20
If the Revu key already exists, move on to step 2.
- Create a new DWORD registry key value called DisableStartupMode in:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Bluebeam Software\20\Revu
- Set the value to 1.
When Revu launches in this state, the “Startup Mode” option in Revu Preferences will be hidden. Setting the key Value to 0 or deleting it all together will cause “Startup Mode” to reappear in Revu Preferences.
Restricting Users to View Mode Only
To set any or all of your Revu installations to View Mode (Revu 2018 and above):
- Create a new DWORD registry key called ViewModeOnly in: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Bluebeam Software\20.
- Set the value to 1.
When Revu launches in this state, the Markup Mode and Register/Unregister options in the Revu menu will be hidden. Setting the key Value to 0 or deleting it all together switches the Revu installation back to Markup Mode.
Deploying Custom Extensions via the Revu.exe Command Line
Revu.exe Command Line Switches
The following switches allow you to determine how the import process runs and which assets to copy into a user’s default local %appdata% Revu roaming folder:
- /bpximport:[File] – Imports and activates a profile.
- /bpxdir:[Path] – Lets you specify a folder path if you want to designate a new profile directory. This is the path to a network shared location where Profiles are located and shared across an organization.
To prevent users from making changes to the Profiles in this directory, set its Folder Permissions to “Read Only.”
- /bpxactive:[Name] – Designates a specific Profile as “Active in either the users local %appdata% Revu roaming folder or in a shared Profile directly if you have used /bpxdir: to specify a shared Profile directory in a network location. Make sure the Profile you set as Active is in the specified directory.
Setting a Profile as Active suppresses the initial “Select a Revu Profile” and “Studio Sign-in” dialogs that appear the first time a new Revu installation is opened.
- /btxadd:[File] – This tells a Revu installation to use a Tool Set located in a non-default location without importing it.
- /btximport:[File] – Imports a Tool Set into the current profile directory.
- /bhxadd:[File] – Tells Revu to use a Hatch Pattern set located in a non-default location without importing it.
- /bhximport:[File] – Imports a Hatch Pattern set into the current profile directory.
- /blxadd:[File] – Tells Revu to use a Line Style located in a non-default location without importing it.
- /blximport:[File] – Imports a Line Style set into the current profile directory.
Usage Examples
The following script silently imports the Power Profile, as well as the “toolset1.btx” and dimensions.btx files, into that profile:
"C:\Program Files\Bluebeam Software\Bluebeam Revu\RevuVersion#\Revu\Revu.exe" /s /bpximport:"U:\netProfiles\Power.bpx" /bpxactive:Power/btximport:"U:\netProfiles\Revu\toolset1.btx" /btximport:"U:\netProfiles\Revu\dimensions.btx"
- /s – This switch turns off any on-screen prompts that normally appear during the import process.
Imports a profile and makes it active:
"C:\Program Files\Bluebeam Software\Bluebeam Revu\<RevuVersion#>\Revu\Revu.exe" /bpximport:"U:\Temp\Name_Profile.bpx" /bpxactive:Name_Profile
Imports tool set:
"C:\Program Files\Bluebeam Software\Bluebeam Revu\<RevuVersion#>\Revu\Revu.exe" /btximport:"U:\Temp\name_Toolset.btx"
Imports hatch pattern:
"C:\Program Files\Bluebeam Software\Bluebeam Revu\<RevuVersion#>\Revu\Revu.exe" /bhximport:"U:\Temp\name_Hatch.bhx"
Imports line style:
"C:\Program Files\Bluebeam Software\Bluebeam Revu\<RevuVersion#>\Revu\Revu.exe" /blximport:"U:\Temp\name_Line.blx"
ARP Modifier
As mentioned earlier in this guide, the MSI Installation package includes an Add-Remove Programs (ARP) Modifier, in case you want to display the Edition of your Revu software, in addition to the product name and version number.
Here is an example of running the ARP Modifier. As of Revu 2019, the Edition parameters are no longer needed.
Examples:
Calls up the file from a script where the ARP Modifier is located on a network drive:
ARP_Modifier_<version>.exe
Calls up the file from a script passing the parameter of -1 to remove the Revu Edition from the product name:
"\\MyServer\Bluebeam Software\ARP_Modifier_<version>.exe" -1
Using the Revu Configuration Editor
Our MSI packages include the Bluebeam Revu Configuration Editor, which was designed to simplify the Bluebeam Revu deployment process.
The main screen lets you select and configure a New Deployment using our MSI installer, Patch (update) an existing Deployment using a Revu 2019 MSP installer, or add any Extensions (Profiles, Tool Sets, etc.). You can also visit our License Key Lookup page to confirm that your license information is accurate.
Please note that the Configuration Editor was introduced with Revu 2019 and is not supported in prior versions.
The Analytics opt-in check box, which allows collection of usage data to improve the application is checked by default. When enabled, Revu usage data is automatically captured and sent to Bluebeam servers. This does not capture or transmit Individual user data, and you can opt out by unchecking the box.
New Deployment (MSI)
New Deployment Location
Start by selecting the Bluebeam Revu 20 MSI file you want to deploy and specify its Deployment Folder. It’s important that this location is on a centrally located network drive that will be able to reach all users during deployment. You also have the option clicking "Use configuration from a previous deployment" to add an MST file to utilize any pre-configured custom parameters.
The Configuration Editor will copy the OCR MSI to the destination directory along with the Revu MSI, and generate a script that installs both packages sequentially. If the OCR MSI is not present in the same folder as the selected Revu MSI, the application will display a warning but allow the user to continue without adding OCR to the deployment script.
A sample script for silent install might look like this:
START /WAIT msiexec.exe /i "[path to deployment folder]\BluebeamOCR x64 20.msi" /qn && msiexec.exe /i "[path to deployment folder]\Bluebeam Revu x64 20.msi" TRANSFORMS="[path to deployment folder]\Bluebeam Revu x64 20.mst" /qn
License Information
The Revu Edition (Standard, CAD, or eXtreme) will be determined by the Serial Number and Product Key entered. This automatically occurs during the installation process.
As a best practice, we strongly recommend setting up a pilot group of end-users to test any new Revu version before deploying it throughout your organization.
Deployment Configuration
This page offers options for configuring various MSI properties such as:
- Delayed Authorization
- Set Revu as Default PDF Viewer
- In-App Update
- Language Update
- Default Page Size
- Job Options Path
- Net Config
Please refer to the MSI Properties Table for further information.
Revu Features
All features on this page are switched on by default. Before making your final decision about which one should remain “Off,” please contact a Project Manager or someone in your organization who has a deep knowledge of all end-user workflows, and the Revu features required to complete them. Their advice will help mitigate end-user reports of missing features within their Revu installations.
Bluebeam Plugins
All features on this page are switched on by default. This page is where you can activate our plugins for various third-party applications.
Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, and ProjectWise are available in all Revu editions (Standard, CAD, or eXtreme).
All other plugins listed require Revu CAD or eXtreme.
Create Deployment Package
This dialog is where your Deployment Script is generated.
The Deployment Folder field will auto-populate based on the folder you specified while setting the New Deployment Location.
Once you’ve configured the Skip Pending Reboot and Silent Install Properties, click Create to generate your Deployment Script and save it in the Deployment Folder along with any files you may have designated earlier.
A reboot may be required for files that were in use during installation. You can prevent a forced reboot, but the pending reboot must occur at some point after the installation has completed for Revu to function correctly.
Patching an Existing Deployment (MSP)
This deployment method is used when updating from one point-release to another within the same major version. For example, updating from 2019.0 to 2019.x.
In this scenario the MSP installation is applied to an existing installation of the same version. In other words, the MSP will update any Revu edition (Standard, CAD, or Extreme), but the features available to the user are determined by the licensing information from the original installation being updated.
Deployment Location
Start by selecting the Bluebeam Revu MSP file you want to deploy and specify its Deployment Folder. It’s important that this location is on a centrally located network drive that can reach all users during deployment. You also have the option to add an MST file to utilize any previously configured custom parameters.
Use configuration from a previous deployment
This optional setting lets you select a pre-existing MST file from a previous MSI deployment and reapply its properties during the MSP deployment.
You also will need to select the MSI file that was used to create the MST file selected above.
Deployment Configuration
When setting the parameters on this page, it’s important to set up the same configuration used in the original MSI deployment that you’re updating.
For example,” if the original MSI was deployed with “Set As Default PDF Viewer” (BB_DEFAULTVIEWER) and “Revu Desktop Shortcut” (BB_DESKSHORTCUT) switched on, you need to make sure these options are also switched on for this MSP deployment, otherwise these values revert back to their default settings.
Revu Features
All Revu features will be enabled by default. As with the Deployment Configuration settings above, it’s important to set up the same configuration used in the original MSI deployment that you’re updating, otherwise your end-users will find that the wrong features have been disabled or enabled.
Bluebeam Plugins
If any of these plugins were enabled during your initial MSI deployment, you need to enable the same plugins here, to ensure they remain active after the patch is installed.
Create Deployment Package
This dialog is where your Deployment Script is generated.
The Deployment Folder field will auto-populate based on the folder you specified while setting the Patch Deployment Location.
Once you’ve configured the Skip Pending Reboot, Silent Install,” and Suppresses Reboot Properties, click Create to generate your Deployment Script and save it in the Deployment Folder along with any files you may have designated earlier.
Deploying Extensions
This is a post-installation process in which custom or shared settings and assets, such as Preferences, Profiles, and Tool Sets are deployed using a separate script.
If you need to create custom settings and assets you’ll need to manually install Revu on a machine, and refer to the Revu Administration Guide for the best practices for exporting, gathering and staging these items.
For further details on Post Installation scripting command line options refer to Revu.exe Command Line Switches.
Deploy Profiles
Custom Profiles can be added here by clicking the plus sign in the lower-left corner,” navigating to the server location you’d designated as described in the Revu Administration Guide, selecting the items, and clicking Add.
Deploy Tool Sets, Hatch Patterns & Line Styles
To include any custom Tool Sets, Hatch Patterns, and Line Styles in the deployment, click the plus sign in the lower-left corner,” navigate to the server location you’d designated as described in the Revu Administration Guide, select the items and then click Add.
Create Custom Assets & Settings Scripts
On this final window, you can Designate a New Profile Directory on your network, where Profiles are located and shared across an organization. Leaving this switched off results in all assets being copied to each end-user’s machine.
The Silent Import option is switched on by default, but you can turn it off if you would like the end-users to see any prompts that may appear during the deployment.
Checking Your Licenses
License Key Lookup
Selecting the Check Licenses option on the Welcome page takes you to the License Key Lookup page, where once you’ve entered the Serial Number, Product Key, and Primary Contact Email address, you will see all information attached to your license.
This includes a list of all machines names using the software, and the number of available seats.
You can also look up and manage your Revu licenses in the Bluebeam Gateway.