✓Markup & ValidateInteractive user manual · v3
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AEC Drawing Review · Version 2

Markup & Validate
User Manual

A practical, illustrated guide for importing AI-generated drawing sets, marking up issues, checking AEC standards, documenting reviewer decisions, and signing off.

20 sections15 AEC rulesEmbedded screenshotsNo network required

Use the table of contents or search to jump directly to a task. Select any application screenshot to view it at full size.

NEW IN VERSION 3

Cloud accounts, document credits and sign-off

Version 3 runs at markupvalidate.com. Log in with a verified email to use the secured drawing station. The illustrated screenshots below show the same Version 2 workspace controls with the new Version 3 account actions described here.

  1. Create an account and verify your email.

    Registration starts on the Free plan. Confirm the link sent to your email address before entering the review station.

  2. Check your allowance.

    The top toolbar displays this month's credits. Free: 2 files; Starter $5: 10; Professional $14: 50; Team $49: 200. A PDF or image counts as one file; reopening identical bytes during the same UTC month is free.

  3. Add drawings and mark up as usual.

    Original PDF/image file bytes stay on your computer during the normal workflow. The page count and file hash are sent for credit accounting. The maximum file size is 50 MB.

  4. Run validation.

    Text and coordinates extracted from PDF sheets are sent securely to the PHP validation engine. The application displays detected findings and separate manual verification tasks.

  5. Save your review.

    Click ☁ Save to store markup data and findings without uploading the original drawings. ☷ Reviews lists saved records. To restore them, first load the matching drawing files in your browser.

  6. Sign off.

    After resolving all markups and dispositioning every finding, sign off. The server checks the validation receipt and records the authenticated reviewer name, time and approval. This is not a professional seal.

  7. Manage your plan.

    Select Account in the top toolbar to see usage, upgrade through Stripe Checkout, manage billing, or invite coworkers on the Team plan.

Start here

What is Markup and Validate?

The human sign-off layer for AI-generated PDF and image drawing sets.

15AEC QA rules
7Markup tools
4Export formats
100%Local browser workflow*

Version 2 adds an editable 15-rule AEC standards profile, explicit human-verification tasks, a rule coverage view, named reviewer evidence, and stronger sign-off records. The drawing viewer, markups, and exports remain in one browser application.

What you can review

Multi-page PDF, PNG, JPG/JPEG drawings. Cloud or annotate issues, inspect sheet standards, disposition findings, and export a documented review record.

What it does not do

It does not parse native RVT or IFC, certify BIM geometry, apply an engineering seal, or cryptographically authenticate a reviewer.

Start here

The six-step review workflow

Use the same sequence for concept drawings, coordination packages, and AI-generated deliverables.

01

IMPORT

Load PDF and image sheets; confirm source files and page order.

02

MARK UP

Cloud, call out, highlight, and document drawing concerns.

03

CONFIGURE

Confirm profile, expected sheets, sheet ID pattern, and required fields.

04

VALIDATE

Run enabled rules; examine findings and human-verification tasks.

05

DISPOSITION

Resolve, verify, or waive each finding with name and evidence.

06

SIGN + EXPORT

Complete review gates; preserve annotated PDF and review records.

Start here

Understand the workspace

The app uses a source navigator, central canvas, and review panel.

Application workspace with two illustrative architectural sheets loaded.
  1. Top command bar

    Enter the reviewer name, add drawings, run validation, open this manual, or export the review package.

  2. Sources panel

    On the left, browse imported sheets and find Restore review JSON.

  3. Canvas and markup toolbar

    In the center, choose a drawing tool, adjust ink/weight, zoom, or pan.

  4. Review panel

    On the right, switch between Markups, Validation, Sign-off, and Standards.

Drawing review

Upload PDFs and images

Start by importing all source sheets you intend to review.

Sheet navigator showing multiple loaded drawing pages.
  1. Select Add drawings

    Use the top-bar button, Add PDF / images on the left, or drag files into the app.

  2. Check file types

    Supported inputs: PDF, PNG, JPG and JPEG. Multi-page PDFs are separated into reviewable pages.

  3. Verify completeness

    Compare thumbnails, source names, and page counts with the project issue list.

  4. Preserve originals

    Keep the imported source drawings beside exported review records. These source bytes are not saved in review JSON.

Drawing review

Navigate, zoom, and pan

Move quickly between sheets and inspect drawing details.

An imported sample sheet with a cloud and review annotations.
  1. Change sheets

    Select a source thumbnail or use the left/right arrow keys when not typing.

  2. Zoom

    Use the +, − and Fit controls in the canvas toolbar.

  3. Pan

    Choose the pan tool or hold Space and drag on the sheet.

  4. Jump from a register

    Select a markup or finding to go to its sheet, and an approximate location when extractable.

Drawing review

Markup tools and shortcuts

Select a tool, then draw directly over the source page.

Revision cloud and callout in the central markup canvas.
VSelect / move
CRevision cloud
AArrow
RRectangle
EEllipse
TText callout
HHighlight
PFreehand pen
SpacePan while dragging
  1. Set your identity

    Enter the reviewer name before creating markups to attribute each record.

  2. Set appearance

    Choose Ink color and line Weight from the toolbar.

  3. Create annotation

    Select a tool, drag across a location, and provide callout text when prompted.

  4. Adjust or delete

    Return to Select to move or edit a selected item. Use Undo, Redo, or Delete as appropriate.

Drawing review

Manage the markup register

Track markups across all sheets and update their status.

The Markups panel listing issue IDs, status, and review actions.
  1. Filter the register

    Choose a sheet and/or open/resolved status.

  2. Locate a markup

    Select a record or its locate control to jump to that drawing.

  3. Resolve

    Close a markup only after its underlying issue or action is addressed.

  4. Reopen

    Reopen a resolved markup if the issue returns or verification changes.

  5. Preserve the record

    Export the review JSON or CSV to retain a portable audit of the review.

Standards & validation

Open the 15-rule standards profile

Version 2 includes the AEC Drawing Set QA default profile, version 1.0.

Settings tab displaying the AEC profile and sheet configuration.
  1. Select Standards

    Open the Standards tab in the right review panel.

  2. Check profile metadata

    Review Profile name and Version; use project-specific versions for different standards sets.

  3. Inspect setup

    Confirm naming pattern, expected sheets, title-block fields, text height and dimension notation.

  4. Save and rerun

    Use Save standards profile, then Run validation after any changes.

Standards & validation

Configure sheet checks

Set office- and project-specific inputs before running validation.

Settings fields and rule definitions in the Standards panel.
SettingVersion 2 baselineWhat to confirm
Sheet ID regex^[A-Z]{1,2}-\d{3}$Edit to match your firm's sheet numbering.
Expected sheetsUser-defined, initially blankEnter actual sheet IDs, one per line.
Title block fieldsEight fieldsProject name/number; sheet number/title; date; scale; drawn/checked by.
Minimum text height0.125 plotted inches (9 pt)Confirm applicable plotting/text standards.
Dimension notationMixed-notation screen or defined formatVerify drawing units and dimension style visually.
Standards & validation

Edit, import, or export a profile

Rule definitions remain editable, but modifying text does not invent new detection logic.

Expanded rule editor with name, method, source, and failure-condition fields.
  1. Expand a rule

    Select a rule title in the Rule definitions area.

  2. Set enablement and severity

    Choose enabled/disabled and error, warning, or info.

  3. Edit the definition

    Adjust What to check, Data source and Fail condition to describe office requirements.

  4. Save the profile

    Select Save standards profile.

  5. Share or restore

    Use Import JSON, Export JSON, or Restore 15-rule default as needed.

Profile import, export, save and default-restoration controls.
Standards & validation

Reference: all 15 AEC QA rules

A searchable, expandable catalog of the supplied version 1.0 profile.

The list below reproduces each rule's exact intent, data source, and failure condition from the provided profile. The method tag describes the Version 2 application's practical assessment capability, not a guarantee of compliance.

01Title block completenessPDF text screening + manual fallbackerror⌄

What to check

Every sheet carries a filled title block with all required fields: project name, project number, sheet number, sheet title, issue date, scale, drawn by, checked by.

Data source

Text extracted from the title block region of each plotted PDF page.

Fail condition

Any required field is missing, blank, or a placeholder (e.g. 'TBD', '---'). One finding per sheet per missing field.

02Sheet numbering follows the office standardPDF text screening + manual fallbackerror⌄

What to check

Every sheet number matches the office numbering pattern in sheet_naming_pattern, and no two sheets share a number.

Data source

Sheet numbers from the title blocks and the sheet list.

Fail condition

A sheet number breaks the pattern, or a duplicate number exists in the set.

03Required sheet list is completeExpected-sheet list vs extracted IDswarning⌄

What to check

Every sheet on the user's expected sheet list exists in the set.

Data source

User-defined expected sheet list vs. sheet numbers found in the set.

Fail condition

An expected sheet number has no matching sheet in the set.

04Minimum plotted text heightPDF text extraction; visual fallbackwarning⌄

What to check

All annotation text meets the minimum plotted text height (1/8 inch at the sheet's stated scale).

Data source

Text runs on each page, font size, and the sheet's stated scale.

Fail condition

Any text that plots smaller than 0.125 inches. Lists the sheet and the text string.

05Annotation follows the office legendHuman verificationwarning⌄

What to check

Keynotes, tags, and symbols match the office legend and one finished reference sheet in format, placement logic, and symbol choice.

Data source

Annotation extracted from each page vs. the office legend the user provides.

Fail condition

A keynote format, tag style, or symbol deviates from the legend. Cite the sheet and element.

06No duplicate tagsHuman verificationerror⌄

What to check

No element is tagged twice with the same tag type.

Data source

Tag instances extracted per page, keyed by target element.

Fail condition

The same element carries two identical tags. Cite the sheet and the element.

07No orphan tagsHuman verificationerror⌄

What to check

Every tag points at an element that exists in the set.

Data source

Tag leader endpoints and tag target references vs. elements found on the sheets.

Fail condition

A tag's target element cannot be found. Cite the sheet and the tag ID.

08Dimension strings match geometryHuman verificationerror⌄

What to check

Every dimension string agrees with the geometry it describes.

Data source

Dimension strings and the geometry they annotate on each page.

Fail condition

A dimension string disagrees with the measured geometry. Cite the sheet and the dimension.

09Dimension style consistencyPartial text screening + manual reviewwarning⌄

What to check

One dimension style (arrow type, text size, precision, units) across the whole set.

Data source

Dimension style samples from each sheet.

Fail condition

More than one dimension style detected. List the sheets using each.

10Tag values agree with schedulesHuman verificationerror⌄

What to check

Values on element tags (door, window, room tags) match the corresponding schedule rows.

Data source

Tag values vs. schedule pages the user marks.

Fail condition

A tag value disagrees with its schedule row. Cite the tag sheet, the schedule sheet, and the element.

11Every revision cloud has a register entryHuman verificationerror⌄

What to check

Every revision cloud on every sheet has a matching entry in the revision register: number, date, description, affected sheets.

Data source

Revision clouds and delta numbers on the sheets vs. the revision register the user provides.

Fail condition

A cloud or delta number has no register entry, or the register lists an affected sheet that shows no change.

12One revision number per changeHuman verificationerror⌄

What to check

No sheet carries two different revision numbers for the same change.

Data source

Revision numbers and descriptions across the sheets and register.

Fail condition

The same change is numbered differently on different sheets or in the register.

13Drawings agree with the modelHuman verificationerror⌄

What to check

Plans, sections, and elevations agree with the modeled geometry: plan dimensions match the model, section cuts reference existing views, elevations match the current design option.

Data source

The plotted set plus the model data the user provides; where model data is unavailable, cross-sheet agreement is checked instead.

Fail condition

Any disagreement between drawing and model (or between sheets when no model data is given). Quote both sides: what the drawing says and what the model says. This is the highest-severity category; these errors cost money in the field.

14Office standards complianceHuman verificationwarning⌄

What to check

Layer names, view naming, symbol usage, and text styles follow the office standard. The standard is a human document; the app only reports who followed it.

Data source

Layer lists, view names, and symbol catalogs extracted from the set vs. the office standard the user provides.

Fail condition

Any layer, view name, symbol, or text style outside the standard. One compliance report per sheet.

15Review gate before issueApp sign-off gateinfo⌄

What to check

The set does not issue until the QA first pass is clean and every finding is dispositioned by a named reviewer: fixed, accepted with reason, or not an issue.

Data source

The findings list and the reviewer's disposition log in the app.

Fail condition

Sign-off is attempted while any finding is undispositioned.

Standards & validation

Run validation and interpret coverage

Detected findings and manual tasks must be kept distinct.

Version 2 coverage panel displaying rule coverage and review status.
  1. Run validation

    Click Run validation at the top or from the Validation tab.

  2. Review findings

    Open detected items for potential nonconformances supported by available PDF text.

  3. Review human tasks

    Open Verify manually items where PDF evidence cannot conclusively establish compliance.

  4. Read the coverage labels

    HUMAN CHECK, FINDING, NO FINDING, and GATE ACTIVE indicate review capability or condition.

  5. Disposition every open item

    Check unresolved items after automatic checks and manual review.

Standards & validation

Work through the validation report

Every issue includes a scope, severity, status, description, and action.

The validation findings register after running the AEC rules.
  1. Filter issues

    Use page, status and severity filters to focus your review.

  2. Read severity and type

    Error, warning and info indicate impact; VERIFY marks human-review requirements.

  3. Locate the issue

    Click the issue or Locate to jump to the relevant sheet or approximate region.

  4. Inspect the evidence

    Compare the reported observation to the actual drawing and applicable standards.

  5. Record your decision

    Resolve/Verify or Waive the finding with a reviewer name and written documentation.

Standards & validation

Document manual verification

Human verification tasks are not automatically passed.

Human-verification dialog requiring reviewer identity and supporting evidence.
  1. Choose Verify

    Open an item labeled VERIFY in the Validation findings list.

  2. Identify the reviewer

    Provide the person responsible for the technical check.

  3. Describe observed evidence

    Include the sheet, element or location, comparison source, and what was checked.

  4. Save the verification

    Enter a meaningful note and close the manual-review task.

Standards & validation

Record exceptions and waivers

A waiver is acceptance of a known exception, not evidence of technical compliance.

Waiver dialog with reviewer and written-reason fields.
  1. Select Waive

    Choose Waive for an issue eligible for documented acceptance.

  2. Provide an adequate reason

    Cite the sheet, item, approval basis and consequence or limitation.

  3. Name the reviewer

    Use a reviewer authorized to accept that exception.

  4. Reopen if required

    Waived items remain in the review record and can be revisited.

Sign-off & delivery

Complete the sign-off review gate

Version 2 blocks sign-off while any required review item remains open.

Sign-off panel before open markups and findings are closed.
  1. Verify the latest run

    Rerun validation after profile or drawing changes.

  2. Close all markups

    Resolve each open annotation in the Markups register.

  3. Disposition findings

    Resolve, verify, or waive every finding and manual-review task.

  4. Enter the signer

    Provide the named responsible reviewer in the Sign-off tab.

  5. Confirm sign-off

    Approve the dialog, then verify the recorded date/time, counts, profile and waiver summary.

Example Version 2 signed review record for illustrative sheets.
Sign-off & delivery

Export the final QA package

Use all four complementary formats to preserve drawings and review evidence.

Version 2 Export menu with four output options.
PDF

Annotated drawing set

Flattened source pages and visible markup overlays. A signed package can include a sign-off summary sheet.

JSON

Complete review record

Sources, markups, profile settings, findings, coverage, reviewer dispositions and sign-off history.

CSV

Review register

Spreadsheet-ready markup and validation rows with status, reviewer evidence and acceptance reasons.

TXT

Sign-off summary

Reviewer, date/time, drawing scope, counts and dispositions for issue records.

Sign-off & delivery

Resume a saved review

Review JSON restores structured review history, not the underlying drawing file bytes.

Left Sources panel containing Restore review JSON.
  1. Open Version 2

    Launch the HTML review station in your browser.

  2. Load source drawings

    Reimport original PDFs/images using the matching source names and page numbers.

  3. Restore review JSON

    Use Restore review JSON at the bottom of Sources.

  4. Inspect restored records

    Confirm source mappings, markups, findings and evidence.

  5. Review the current edition

    Revalidate if drawings or standards changed.

  6. Sign again if required

    Do not assume a restored session carries a live authenticated approval.

Sign-off & delivery

Worked example: two AI drawing sheets

A sample workflow for a two-sheet architectural set.

01Load

Import A-101 and A-102 images, check thumbnails, and enter the reviewer.

02Mark up

Cloud a door swing on A-101 and add a callout requesting clearance and door schedule verification.

03Set standards

Configure the actual expected sheets, save project profile version and review title-block requirements.

04Run validation

Image-only sheets produce manual tasks for checks that need text or element evidence.

05Review evidence

Inspect title blocks, compare dimensions, schedules and relevant revision register.

06Disposition

Resolve the cloud after correction. Verify manual tasks with locations, names and evidence; explain accepted waivers.

07Sign off

Confirm the review gate shows zero open markups and findings, then sign.

08Export

Save annotated PDF, review JSON, CSV and sign-off TXT alongside originals.

Reference

Keyboard shortcuts and troubleshooting

A practical quick reference for reviewers.

VSelect
CCloud
AArrow
RRectangle
EEllipse
TText callout
HHighlight
PFreehand pen
Space + dragPan
EscReturn to Select
DeleteDelete selected
← / →Previous/next sheet
Ctrl/Cmd + ZUndo
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + ZRedo
Ctrl/Cmd + YRedo

If something seems wrong

PDF does not open

Check internet connectivity for the PDF.js CDN, reopen the HTML and retry.

Too many human-verification checks

Use a searchable properly exported PDF and provide office standards, legend, schedules and model evidence.

Required sheets are not flagged

Enter actual expected sheet numbers; example values in the profile are not enforced automatically.

Title block appears complete but is flagged

PDF text detection is heuristic. Inspect the specific field and record the location before resolving.

Sign-off is blocked

Run validation and disposition all open markups and findings, including manual tasks.

Review disappears after restarting

Reopen source files, restore previously exported review JSON and sign again where required.

The Manual button does not open

Download the manual HTML beside the app HTML, using the original filenames. Or use the combined ZIP package.

Ready to review your drawings?

Return to the application with your manual available in a second tab.

Open Markup and Validate →
Markup and Validate · Version 2 illustrated manual · October 2026 · A human reviewer is responsible for technical sign-off.
Application screenshot