Skip to content
app.trybeam.com
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Best practices for handling files over 50MB with Beam’s AI estimating assistant

Reduce planset file size and improve AI estimate performance when working with large PDFs.

Optimizing Plansets for Beam AI

To get the fastest and most accurate estimates, we recommend keeping your file size under 50MB. Since construction sets often contain hundreds of pages of "boilerplate" info, the best way to reduce file size without losing detail is to remove unnecessary pages.

What to Keep vs. What to Remove

Removing "fluff" allows our AI to focus its processing power on the data that actually drives your estimate.

Keep These (The Essentials) Remove These (The "Fluff")
Floor Plans & Elevations Cover Sheets & Renderings (Heavy images)
Foundation & Framing Plans General Notes & Specs (Boilerplate text)
Schedules (Door, Window, Finish) Landscape & Irrigation (Complex vector lines)
Key Sections & Details Standard Details (Generic cross-sections)

How to Remove Pages (Fastest Methods)

Option 1: Mac Users (using Preview) 

This is the fastest method and automatically optimizes file size.

  1. Open your PDF in Preview.

  2. Click View > Thumbnails to see the sidebar.

  3. Hold Cmd (⌘) and click the thumbnails of pages you don't need.

  4. Hit Delete on your keyboard.

  5. Go to File > Export and save the PDF as a new file 

  6. Check the new file size before replacing the original

Option 2: Windows Users (using Chrome/Edge)

No software needed—just use your browser’s "Print" function.

  1. Open your PDF in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

  2. Press Ctrl + P (Print).

  3. Change the Destination to Save as PDF.

  4. Under Pages, select Custom and enter the page numbers you want to keep (e.g., 1, 5-12, 18-25).

  5. Click Save.

Pro Tip: If you've trimmed your file and it's still over 50MB, try splitting the set into "Architectural" and "Structural" files and uploading them separately!