Elevation markers disappear in different Phases. How do you coordinate the extents and views of these different phases? You can address this by doing the following:
1. Select the Elevation Marker, Cut and Paste Aligned-Same Place. You would do this into the view with the Phase set as desired. The copied Elevation Marker will be in the same place but on the desired Phase.
2. Make a Scope Box. You can drag the extents of the Scope Box to determine where Grids and Levels start and stop. Click on the Grids and Levels, Element Properties, choose the Scope Box you just made. Scope Boxes also have properties that allow you to control the view it's visible in.
3. Organize your Browser. This can also be done by adding a parameter to the views.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Room Number Intelligence
More and more I am seeing the need for room number intelligence or awareness. I am not alone on this, many of our clients are asking this.
Yes, I can schedule what level a ceiling is on but what about what room it's in? You can do this a little bit with the doors so we know that it's possible. What room is that patient bed, furniture, or light etc. in? It would be nice to then schedule 'by room'. For instance, Room 101 contains: patient bed X, X number of lights.
Please comment...
Yes, I can schedule what level a ceiling is on but what about what room it's in? You can do this a little bit with the doors so we know that it's possible. What room is that patient bed, furniture, or light etc. in? It would be nice to then schedule 'by room'. For instance, Room 101 contains: patient bed X, X number of lights.
Please comment...
Tagging Ceiling Heights in Room Schedules
This can't be done automatically.
Here are a couple of workarounds...
1. From release 2009 and on you can do the following:
Settings-Area and Volume Computations-Calculate Volumes
Make sure the Room object is bounded to the ceiling.
Add a Calculated Value to the Room Schedule using the following info:
Name: Ceiling Height, Type: Length, Formula: Volume/Area
Please note that this workaround only works where the Room and Ceiling are the same shape. The ceiling must be flat.
2. Pre 2009, ie.2008 has another workflow. You may even choose do this in all releases because of the complications of the workaround mentioned above.
Make a Shared Parameter called Ceiling Height
Apply this to the Room Object in the Project file as well as the Room Tag
Make a duplicate of your ceiling plan.
Tag all ceilings showing Height Offset from Level
Tag all Rooms
Now that you can see the actual ceiling height you will be able to manually update the Shared Parameter 'ceiling height' in the Room Tags.
This will keep a coordinated Room Schedule, Tags with the ceiling height.
Here are a couple of workarounds...
1. From release 2009 and on you can do the following:
Settings-Area and Volume Computations-Calculate Volumes
Make sure the Room object is bounded to the ceiling.
Add a Calculated Value to the Room Schedule using the following info:
Name: Ceiling Height, Type: Length, Formula: Volume/Area
Please note that this workaround only works where the Room and Ceiling are the same shape. The ceiling must be flat.
2. Pre 2009, ie.2008 has another workflow. You may even choose do this in all releases because of the complications of the workaround mentioned above.
Make a Shared Parameter called Ceiling Height
Apply this to the Room Object in the Project file as well as the Room Tag
Make a duplicate of your ceiling plan.
Tag all ceilings showing Height Offset from Level
Tag all Rooms
Now that you can see the actual ceiling height you will be able to manually update the Shared Parameter 'ceiling height' in the Room Tags.
This will keep a coordinated Room Schedule, Tags with the ceiling height.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Can't Edit Hatch in Family
Many times you will insert a Family into Revit which has hatch on it. You will not be able to edit the location or orientation of that hatch while it is in the Project. You would need to open the Family, adjust the hatch, then reload it back in.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
AutoCAD Pline Widths in Revit
You want to Import or link an AutoCAD file with plines representing walls. The plines are set to the actual thickness of the wall. When this is imported into Revit the plines lose their thickness.
Changing the Revit lineweight is not the greatest solution because the lines change thickness based on scale. Also, you would have to do some calculations to get the corresponding width right.
You would be best to make the change in AutoCAD before you bring the file in. To that end I've attached a lsp routine which will convert plines to mlines with the corresponding width. You might want to add another string of code which explodes the mlines into lines because mlines don't come into Revit either.
Here's the thread where I found the lsp file written by Joe Burke...
(note: this code leaves out closed segments, you will need to change the plines to 'open'.)
http://discussion.autodesk.com/forums/thread.jspa?messageID=1163735
Here's a cut and paste of the code...
;;;thanks Joe Burke
; CHANGE LINE/PLINE TO MLINE
(defun c:lml ()
;returns list associated with a DXF code
;arguments key: DXF code, alist: object data list
(defun massoc (key alist / x nlist)
(foreach x alist
(if (eq key (car x))
(setq nlist (cons (cdr x) nlist))
)
)
(reverse nlist)
) ;end
;(setq s (ssget))
(setq s (ssget '((0 . "LINE,LWPOLYLINE"))))
(setq teller 0)
(repeat (sslength s)
(setq en (ssname s teller))
(setq ent (entget en))
(if (= "LINE" (cdr (assoc 0 ent)))
(setq PtLst (list (cdr (assoc 10 ent)) (cdr (assoc 11 ent))))
) ;if
(if (= "LWPOLYLINE" (cdr (assoc 0 ent)))
(setq PtLst (massoc 10 ent))
) ;if
(command "mline" (foreach pt PtLst (command pt))) ;point list fed to
mline
;(command "erase" en "")
(entdel en)
(setq teller (1+ teller))
) ;repeat
(princ)
) ;end
Changing the Revit lineweight is not the greatest solution because the lines change thickness based on scale. Also, you would have to do some calculations to get the corresponding width right.
You would be best to make the change in AutoCAD before you bring the file in. To that end I've attached a lsp routine which will convert plines to mlines with the corresponding width. You might want to add another string of code which explodes the mlines into lines because mlines don't come into Revit either.
Here's the thread where I found the lsp file written by Joe Burke...
(note: this code leaves out closed segments, you will need to change the plines to 'open'.)
http://discussion.autodesk.com/forums/thread.jspa?messageID=1163735
Here's a cut and paste of the code...
;;;thanks Joe Burke
; CHANGE LINE/PLINE TO MLINE
(defun c:lml ()
;returns list associated with a DXF code
;arguments key: DXF code, alist: object data list
(defun massoc (key alist / x nlist)
(foreach x alist
(if (eq key (car x))
(setq nlist (cons (cdr x) nlist))
)
)
(reverse nlist)
) ;end
;(setq s (ssget))
(setq s (ssget '((0 . "LINE,LWPOLYLINE"))))
(setq teller 0)
(repeat (sslength s)
(setq en (ssname s teller))
(setq ent (entget en))
(if (= "LINE" (cdr (assoc 0 ent)))
(setq PtLst (list (cdr (assoc 10 ent)) (cdr (assoc 11 ent))))
) ;if
(if (= "LWPOLYLINE" (cdr (assoc 0 ent)))
(setq PtLst (massoc 10 ent))
) ;if
(command "mline" (foreach pt PtLst (command pt))) ;point list fed to
mline
;(command "erase" en "")
(entdel en)
(setq teller (1+ teller))
) ;repeat
(princ)
) ;end
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Conditional Formatting Trick...
I just saw this trick on Steve Stafford's blog...
When you are creating/editing a schedule and select a value that can be formatted, like Area or a Number value for example press the ALT & N keys in the formatting tab. You will then be able to select a range or do other snazzy things.
His full article...
http://revitoped.blogspot.com/2009/04/conditional-formatting-was-unfair.html
When you are creating/editing a schedule and select a value that can be formatted, like Area or a Number value for example press the ALT & N keys in the formatting tab. You will then be able to select a range or do other snazzy things.
His full article...
http://revitoped.blogspot.com/2009/04/conditional-formatting-was-unfair.html
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Shared Parameters File
Do I need to send it with my Project file?
Will all of the parameters give errors if it is deleted or moved?
The simple answer is no.
Deleting or moving the actual Shared Parameters File does not cause any immediate errors, unless you try to make a parameter from it again. The information from that file is saved with the main Project rvt file. That means that you do not need to send it with a Project file. If the users at the other end want to edit, add or use it they will either need to get yours or make an exact copy themselves.
Here's a little more explanation...
This goes to show just how good Steve Stafford of Revit OpEd is. This is a 2005 article from his blog (which he wrote on a Sunday).
"...deleting the shared parameter from the shared parameter file (there is no link to the shared parameter file) doesn't directly affect a family or project that already uses it. Only when you remove it from a family or project will it affect the existence of data. Also you won't be able to assign or use the parameter again after it is deleted, since a new parameter by the same name is unique in the world as far as Revit is concerned. "
The rest of the article...http://revitoped.blogspot.com/2005/07/shared-parameters-part-3.html
Will all of the parameters give errors if it is deleted or moved?
The simple answer is no.
Deleting or moving the actual Shared Parameters File does not cause any immediate errors, unless you try to make a parameter from it again. The information from that file is saved with the main Project rvt file. That means that you do not need to send it with a Project file. If the users at the other end want to edit, add or use it they will either need to get yours or make an exact copy themselves.
Here's a little more explanation...
This goes to show just how good Steve Stafford of Revit OpEd is. This is a 2005 article from his blog (which he wrote on a Sunday).
"...deleting the shared parameter from the shared parameter file (there is no link to the shared parameter file) doesn't directly affect a family or project that already uses it. Only when you remove it from a family or project will it affect the existence of data. Also you won't be able to assign or use the parameter again after it is deleted, since a new parameter by the same name is unique in the world as far as Revit is concerned. "
The rest of the article...http://revitoped.blogspot.com/2005/07/shared-parameters-part-3.html
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Autodesk Software Assistance
This is nice news. If you are out of a job in the design industry there is an opportunity for you to get free software and maybe even training within the next few months. Please read the full press release here...
http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=553%3C%2Ftd%3E
A little extra,
If you are in Ontario, Canada and need a business loan or grant check out this site...
http://www.grants-loans.org/ontario-grants.php
http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=553%3C%2Ftd%3E
A little extra,
If you are in Ontario, Canada and need a business loan or grant check out this site...
http://www.grants-loans.org/ontario-grants.php
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Select All Instances Tool Dangerous
I would recommend that all new users not use the Select All Instances tool. If the tool was 'Select All Instances in View', then fine but not as it is. Why? If you pick a piece of text in a drafting view and then use 'Select All Instances' all text of that type will be selected. If you then delete, it's all gone in every view. This holds true for walls, doors and everything.
Linked File Scope Boxes Printing
When a linked file which contains a Scope Box is printed the Scope Box border will print. This will happen even if the 'Hide Scope Boxes' checkbox is ticked.
As a workaround you will need to hide them in each view by using the Visibility/Graphics Overrides box.
Please note that you can override the visibility in the element properties of the Scope Box. If you turn it off in every view you will not be able to click on it again to edit it.
As a workaround you will need to hide them in each view by using the Visibility/Graphics Overrides box.
Please note that you can override the visibility in the element properties of the Scope Box. If you turn it off in every view you will not be able to click on it again to edit it.
Revit 2010 When and How
The Revit Architecture 2010 release is fast approaching.
The when is the middle of April.
The how is a little more difficult...
Subscription customers must choose how they would like their software upgrades to be delivered this year (in Canada).
The delivery options are:
1. Do nothing. Your 2010 Autodesk software DVD / CD will automatically be shipped to you in 30 days. (add on top of this the delivery time which can take anywhere from a few days to weeks)
2. Download your 2010 Autodesk software using the Autodesk Subscription Center.
3. Login to the Autodesk Subscription Center to request a DVD / CD copy of your 2010 software and Autodesk will ship your DVD / CD after you submit your request.
If you need full instructions to get into subscription center call your reseller.
The when is the middle of April.
The how is a little more difficult...
Subscription customers must choose how they would like their software upgrades to be delivered this year (in Canada).
The delivery options are:
1. Do nothing. Your 2010 Autodesk software DVD / CD will automatically be shipped to you in 30 days. (add on top of this the delivery time which can take anywhere from a few days to weeks)
2. Download your 2010 Autodesk software using the Autodesk Subscription Center.
3. Login to the Autodesk Subscription Center to request a DVD / CD copy of your 2010 software and Autodesk will ship your DVD / CD after you submit your request.
If you need full instructions to get into subscription center call your reseller.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Activating Revit on a Slow Network
If you are consistently having trouble getting a Revit license from the server it may be that you have a slow network. You may need to add the following Environment Variable.
(this is found under System, Advanced, Environment Variables.)
Variable Name: FLEXLM_TIMEOUT
Variable Value: 1000000
This will give Revit some breathing room to get a license from the server.
(this is found under System, Advanced, Environment Variables.)
Variable Name: FLEXLM_TIMEOUT
Variable Value: 1000000
This will give Revit some breathing room to get a license from the server.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Newport and Revit
Having a say in Autodesk product development is a unique opportunity that we enjoy in this city, Toronto. Having done some testing myself I can assure you that Newport is going in the right direction. It's also nice to see how seriously the developers take our opinions. If you're not close by, maybe you can get in on the Beta when it comes out? If you are interested in participating contact Ian Hooper at ux.tester@autodesk.com .
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Architects Should Make Ceiling Levels
In talking with the growing MEP group of users it seems apparent that architects should make ceiling levels. This would help in the following ways...
Copy/Monitor would be able to bring the ceiling heights directly into Revit MEP saving hours.
Walls can be drawn to the ceiling height without user math.
Ceilings heights can be adjusted in fewer clicks by just adjusting the Level.
Feel free to comment...
Copy/Monitor would be able to bring the ceiling heights directly into Revit MEP saving hours.
Walls can be drawn to the ceiling height without user math.
Ceilings heights can be adjusted in fewer clicks by just adjusting the Level.
Feel free to comment...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Game Engine for Architects
Autodesk® Project Newport - real-time 3D story building technology for architectural visualization and presentation. With game-engine technology and breakthrough ease-of-use, Project Newport enables architects to show their design in context, rapidly explore design options, and create vivid and immersive 3D presentations. Newport brings architectural designs to life by expressing design intent at every stage of a project.
This may be of interest...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
ORUG Summit-March 4th
ORUG Summit - Wednesday March 4th 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Please join us for our first ORUG Summit. We will have three topic discussion tables:
CAD Manager Issues, Project Manager Issues, and Miscellaneous Topics.
Date: Wednesday March 4, 2009Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Location: Alice Fazooli's, 294 Adelaide St W, Toronto ON, M5V 1P6. Click here for map.
For those taking the TTC, it is conveniently located near both Osgoode and St. Andrew stations on the Yonge-University-Spadina line.
Guest: Charles Simco is a Toronto Litigation lawyer at Shibley Righton LLP who will be available to offer his opinion at the Legal Contract issues discussion table.
Introductions, Welcome and News
Jay Polding will update us about Revit 2010 and what's been going on for the past four months. If you would like to become an ORUG member or attend this meeting as a guest, please contact Jay Polding at jpolding@cadmicro.com. There is no charge to attend.
Topic Discussion Tables
CAD Manager Issues
API
Office Standards and Templates
Project Manager Issues
Integrated Project Delivery
Legal Contract Issues
Miscellaneous Topics
Revit 2010
Revit 2010
Tips and Tricks
There will be 1 moderator at each table and 2 note takers.
Notes will be posted to the ORUG Blog at http://www.orug.ca/.
CAD MicroSolutions Inc.65 International Blvd Toronto ON M9W 6L9P: 416-213-0533 or 1-888-401-5885 F: 416-213-0538http://www.cadmicro.com/ solutions@cadmicro.com
Adding Decimal Places to a Tag
How do you add more decimal places to a tag? For instance, the Property Line tag has two decimal places by default but you may want three. The answer to this also applies to changing a tag from Metric to Imperial units or other formatting issues.
Open Family which you would like to edit. (M_Property Line Tag.rfa)
Click on the Label. (Distance)
Click Edit Label from Options Bar
Click (highlight) on the Parameter which you want to change.
Then click the 'Edit Parameters Units Format' button. (Hand pointing with number sign)
Once it's changed you can save and reload the family.
Once it's changed you can save and reload the family.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Revit 2010 Build Checker
Looks like this might be useful...
The Beside The Cursor Revit Build Checker has been updated to support Revit 2010 products when they are available. No need to launch Revit and search for the build number...just launch my script to get a report on installed versions of Revit from Release 9.1 through 2010.
Also works with 64 bit Windows XP and Vista.
Also works with Revit MEP and Revit Structures.
http://www.integr-8.com/besidethecursor/
The Beside The Cursor Revit Build Checker has been updated to support Revit 2010 products when they are available. No need to launch Revit and search for the build number...just launch my script to get a report on installed versions of Revit from Release 9.1 through 2010.
Also works with 64 bit Windows XP and Vista.
Also works with Revit MEP and Revit Structures.
http://www.integr-8.com/besidethecursor/
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Revit 2010 First Impressions
Autodesk continues to focus on the Revit platform, and they've been busy! Here's what the big picture looks like for this release...
User Interface
This needed attention and was given. Looks like the Type Selector has been enhanced to show preview images. The 'ribbon' in AutoCAD 2009 has been frustrating at times. From the images that I've seen the Revit ribbon is well organized.
Native 64bit support
This enhancement cannot be understated. It's not flashy but it can make a huge difference in the size of model that you work on. Users won't have to 'break up' models into links as much anymore. Now we can finally move beyond 4gb of RAM!
Freeform Modelling
It's funny because you wouldn't think that the masses of designers need this, but many do. When you're designing in 3D it's amazing the array of shapes needed. Even if you're making a 'classic' (rectangle) building there are custom column capitals, window lintels, furniture, lighting and other things that require non-rectangular shapes. I'm looking forward to getting into this feature.
There will be more but that is just a sampling. There are other sites like revit3d.com which go into greater depth and even have videos.
Looking forward to April...
User Interface
This needed attention and was given. Looks like the Type Selector has been enhanced to show preview images. The 'ribbon' in AutoCAD 2009 has been frustrating at times. From the images that I've seen the Revit ribbon is well organized.
Native 64bit support
This enhancement cannot be understated. It's not flashy but it can make a huge difference in the size of model that you work on. Users won't have to 'break up' models into links as much anymore. Now we can finally move beyond 4gb of RAM!
Freeform Modelling
It's funny because you wouldn't think that the masses of designers need this, but many do. When you're designing in 3D it's amazing the array of shapes needed. Even if you're making a 'classic' (rectangle) building there are custom column capitals, window lintels, furniture, lighting and other things that require non-rectangular shapes. I'm looking forward to getting into this feature.
There will be more but that is just a sampling. There are other sites like revit3d.com which go into greater depth and even have videos.
Looking forward to April...
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Lineweight Control
Where are lineweight settings controlled? Where are Imported Lineweight settings controlled?
Lineweights are configured for each file. If a team is working on one file(worksharing) and one person changes the line settings, the file has new line settings. These are found under the Settings drop down menu. This is also true of Object Styles.
The lesson here is a common one in Revit, if you change it in one place it changes everywhere. So, if you want a thicker linetype, make a new one.
Imported Lineweights are controlled by a text file stored in C:\Program Files\Revit Architecture 2009\Data\ importlineweights-dwg-default.txt. You can edit it and make new ones. These settings do not move with the rvt file, they are particular to a workstation. Potentially two users could import the same file and get different lineweight results.
A team may want to make one of these text files and distribute across the team as needed.
Lineweights are configured for each file. If a team is working on one file(worksharing) and one person changes the line settings, the file has new line settings. These are found under the Settings drop down menu. This is also true of Object Styles.
The lesson here is a common one in Revit, if you change it in one place it changes everywhere. So, if you want a thicker linetype, make a new one.
Imported Lineweights are controlled by a text file stored in C:\Program Files\Revit Architecture 2009\Data\ importlineweights-dwg-default.txt. You can edit it and make new ones. These settings do not move with the rvt file, they are particular to a workstation. Potentially two users could import the same file and get different lineweight results.
A team may want to make one of these text files and distribute across the team as needed.
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