Effective project reviews are crucial for project success, whether you're reviewing architectural drawings, checking construction progress, or coordinating MEP systems. This guide will walk you through using Vibe Canvas for smoother, more productive review sessions.
Before the Review: Getting Ready
Setting Up Your Account
Start by creating your Vibe Canvas account using your work email. This keeps your professional projects separate from personal use and makes it easier to access all your construction documents, drawings, and project files in one place.
Creating Your Canvas
Begin with an infinite canvas – it gives you plenty of room to spread out your blueprint or plan, just like a real drafting table.
Importing Your Documents
Upload your review materials to the canvas. Files you can import include:
Construction drawings (PDF)
Site photos (PNG, JPG, GIF)
Schedule documents (Microsoft Word & PowerPoint, Google Docs & Slides)
BIM exports (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)
Do this from either your computer or directly on the Vibe Board. While your laptop offers convenience, the board's large screen is perfect for viewing detailed drawings and specifications.
Pre-Review Preparation
Before the meeting, mark up key areas that need discussion:
Circle areas requiring contractor coordination
Highlight potential clash points in MEP drawings
Note dimension discrepancies
Mark safety concerns on site plans
This advance preparation helps keep your review focused and ensures no critical issues are overlooked. (Learn more about Canvas tools)
During the Review: Making the Most of Your Session
Starting Your Review
Sign in to your canvas on the Vibe Board, and your prepared materials will be ready to go. Everything is exactly as you left it – no time wasted searching for files or reorganizing documents.
Including Remote Team Members
For team members who can't be on-site, share the canvas and invite them to join i. They'll see your markups in real time, whether they're at the office, on the job site, or working from home. They can contribute just as if they were standing at the board with you. (Learn more about remote meeting set up)
Using Review Tools
Vibe Canvas offers several intuitive tools perfect for construction document review:
Laser pointer: Direct attention to specific details
Pencil tool: Sketch proposed solutions or changes
Color markers: Highlight different systems or issues (red for urgent, yellow for pending, green for approved)
After the Review: Documentation and Follow-up
Saving Your Work
Everything is automatically saved in the cloud – no need to take photos or write separate notes. Your marked-up drawings and discussion points are preserved exactly as reviewed.
Sharing the Results
Share the review results in two ways:
Share this canvas to your team members - great for ongoing collaboration
Export as PDF - perfect for formal documentation or permit submissions
Team members can reference these materials anytime, ensuring everyone stays aligned on project decisions and action items.
Printing for Site Use
Need hard copies for the job site? Print your reviewed drawings by:
Setting the canvas to a standard paper size (A3 or A4) before starting
Using the print function to create properly scaled drawings
Pro Tips for AEC Teams
Create your own templates for different review types (design review, site inspection, punch list)
Use consistent color coding across projects
Set up separate canvases for each project phase
Keep an archive of historical reviews for reference
Remember, effective project reviews keep your project on track and help avoid costly mistakes. Vibe Canvas makes this process smoother and more collaborative, whether your team is all in one room or spread across multiple locations.