Compare
Paper, generic PDF apps, or MyMarkups?
Here's the honest comparison. Paper is great for a single walk-around. Generic PDF apps are great for sending a quote. MyMarkups is built for running a whole job.
| Capability | Paper markup | Generic PDF app | MyMarkups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works offline | Yes | Partial | Yes |
| Pins anchored to plan coordinates | No | No | Yes |
| Tasks with status and evidence | Sticky notes | No | Yes |
| Non-destructive drawing layers | Copies of copies | Usually flattens | Yes |
| Measurement tools (scaled PDF) | Ruler on paper | Basic | Yes |
| Per-item handover export | No | No | Yes |
| Barcode scan linked to plan | No | No | Yes |
| Sheets / notes tied to the job | Separate notebook | No | Yes |
| Private contacts directory | Phone app | No | Yes |
| Data stays on device by default | Yes | Often cloud | Yes |
| No account required | Yes | Usually requires | Yes |
The honest bit
When to stick with what you've got
- If your whole workflow is marking up a single page and emailing it, a generic PDF app is probably fine.
- If you're running a multi-floor, multi-trade job with evidence and handover, that's where MyMarkups shines.
- Paper still has its place for quick walk-arounds. Bring it back into MyMarkups with a photo of the marked-up sheet attached to a pin.
Ready to mark up your next job?
MyMarkups is built for site teams who need to move fast without giving up control of their data. No accounts. No cloud lock-in. Runs offline.