Welcome to the first in a 4-part series extolling the virtues of Autodesk Sheets. In this episode you’ll learn what Autodesk Sheets are and what you need to get started. FYI, this is written from a Civil Engineering perspective. The architects out there may have differing views on how exactly to implement this feature.

As always, if you’re interested in learning more or if you would like some help on your journey, let our friendly service staff know, and we’ll be there to help.

First question:

What is the Autodesk Sheets tool? Well, this is directly from the Autodesk Documentation:

The Sheets tool in Autodesk Build allows you to upload and publish PDF and RVT files and publish individual sheets for use in the field. Once sheets are published, the entire project team, whether in the office or the field, can access and view those sheets either on web or the Autodesk Construction Cloud mobile app.

Second question:

Why would we want to use it? You could ask ChatGPT (I already did—click the link) .

But what does all that really mean? Give it to me bluntly, Doctor Kolberg! Sheets solve several problems.

• Viewing performance: A single multi-page PDF is split into individual PDFs, called sheets. These PDFs are optimized for mobile viewing, making them especially helpful in the field.
• Organization: You can organize sheets from multiple consultants into a single set. Then create Collections for various milestones or submissions.
• Search: Sheets have metadata assigned and that metadata is searchable. In addition, Optical Character Recognition is used to make text within the PDFs searchable. So, you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
• Versions: Easily compare version history.
• Markups: Issues and markups made in the field are synchronized to the cloud. Office staff can view markups made by field crews, almost in real time.
• Hyperlinks: Hyperlinks can be made automatically when the tool detects sheet callouts. For example, there is a note that reads “See Sheet A.02 For Details”. If A.02 is the name of a sheet, the tool will insert a hyperlink automatically.

Last Question:

This sounds great! What do I need to get started?

• You need a subscription to Autodesk Build. Build has many tools in addition to the Sheets tool. And there are sheet limits depending on your subscription options.

Autodesk® Build provides a toolset for streamlining workflows between the office, trailer, and jobsite. You can track the quality and safety of the project with issues and forms. Use RFIs, submittals, and meetings to manage the flow of information in the project. You can even track your schedule as the project evolves.

• You need a subscription to Autodesk Docs. If you subscribe to one of Autodesk’s Collections, such as the AEC Collection, you’ll get Autodesk Docs included with that. But this is moot because a Docs subscription is included when you subscribe to Autodesk Build.

Autodesk Docs is a cloud-based platform within the Autodesk Construction Cloud that provides document and data management for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry

After that, there’s a little setup and preparing to create your first set of sheets. I will cover that in the next episode.

Ciao for now.