Convert AutoCAD Points into XYZ Points for Revit Toposurface

You can't directly convert AutoCAD 'Points' into a Revit surface. But you can convert the AutoCAD 'Points' into a csv with XYZ coordinates. Seems that contours come out a little smoother but if this is all you got it's better than nothing. Here's how...

Open AutoCAD file which contains 'points' 

Type DATAEXTRACTION

Create New, next

Give Name, next

Select current file, next

Filter only Points, next

Filter only Geometry, next

Clear Show count and name, next

Output Data to external file, choose name and csv, next

Finish

Open csv

Delete header rows

Move all data rows up

Save (as CSV) and close

Open Revit

Toposurface

Create from Import, Points

Select CSV

Select Unit

#TAADAAA

Dynamo Simple, Practical Examples: Write Family Type to Type Comments

When writing one instance parameter to another you use the 'get and set' method. This does not work for Type Parameters (wish it did). The best way to explain in this case is to show the image of my Dynamo Graph:

Why might you use this? You can't filter a Schedule by Type (wish you could) but you can filter by Comments.

Disable Optimized View Navigation in Revit 2017

Problem: 

When you orbit your Revit model the outlines and hatches disappear. I find this effect very ugly and defeats the purpose of examining your model in 3D using Orbit. Revit used to have a simple checkbox in the Options-Graphics dialog to disable or enable, but not any more. Now we need to edit the Revit.ini...sigh.

Solution/Workaround:

Add text OptimizedViewNavigation=0 under the [Graphics] heading in the Revit.ini

The Revit.ini can be found here:

C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\Revit\

Add the text here:

Discalimer: Read this Revit help before editing the ini...

http://help.autodesk.com/view/RVT/2017/ENU/?guid=GUID-ECD1B2C6-7612-431E-ACDE-92A557862020

Dynamo Simple, Practical Examples: Export Coordinate info to Excel

Dynamo Simple, Practical Examples: Draw a Revit Floor

Dynamo Simple, Practical Examples: Draw a Revit Wall

Learning Dynamo is hard. Is it worth it? Yes, it offers great potential in a number of areas. Here are a few things that Dynamo can help you with:

• Importing and Exporting Excel data very easily. Beside being able to use this data in Excel, this provides a bridge to other software like Inventor, Solidworks and more. For example you could export points from a curtain wall in Revit to Inventor or vice versa. 
• Automating the placement of Families. Good example is auditorium and stadium seating. 
• You can connect parameters from one Family to another. For example connect the floor thickness to the wall top offset.

Because it's hard to learn I would like to provide a few simple (practical?) Dynamo examples. Here's my first...a Dynamo Graph which shows you a way to draw a wall in Revit using Dynamo.

Floors Auto-Attach to Walls Bug

This is not new. I want to blog about this because it needs to be made clear. Floor sketches will lock to Walls regardless of using the Align and Lock tools or Pick Walls Tools. What this means is that Floor edges will move with Walls if the Floor sketch referenced an Osnap on a Wall or was Aligned to a Wall (without Lock). Autodesk, please fix this. We need to be sure that the edge of a Revit Floor will not move (unless we move the Floor sketch line). Floor Slab edge drawings are critical to a construction project and must be 100% reliable.

Revit Doors with FRAMES in Revit 2016

Good news, Autodesk has provided us with Doors Families with frames. Seems like a small detail but isn't that what counts? I had one client use the 'Single-Flush' door families extensively in a design with very tight constraints. When the design was developed further he realised that he needed to swap the frameless 'Single Flush' door family with a door with a frame. Like I mentioned, tolerances were tight and you cannot compromise on egress requirements.  This caused much frustration, wasted time and a mark on my reputation for not advising him on this issue. A small detail which caused problems for all involved. 

You may be thinking 'why don't you just make a Door with frame or download one from ARCAT or Autodesk Seek'? The person who is using Revit at the time will use what Family is immediately available for the immediate need. So from that time on I recommend to NEVER use the 'Single-Flush' Door Family and provide a door with frame Family. But that dreaded 'Single-Flush' door still rears it's ugly head after a reinstall or a new new versions etc.

So, thank you Revit Development team for paying attention to this seemingly small detail. Now there are both commercial and residential folders with doors with frames installed with Revit.

There is also a separate hardware folder which contains a variety of hardware Families which can be loaded into a Door Family.

Revit Scratchpad: Fake Revision Clouds in Revit

Revit Scratchpad: Fake Revision Clouds in Revit: Nice little workaround to get Detail Clouds. Make a Revision cloud, cut and paste the Sketch Lines, Paste as Detail Line or Filled Region. Thanks Joe and Nat!

Favourite Standard Revit Keyboard Shortcuts

Favourite Standard Revit Keyboard Shortcuts

f2: Rename View

WT: Tile Windows
ZA: Zoom All Windows to Extents
ZE:  Zoom Extents
ZZ: Zoom Region

CS: Create Similar

WA: Wall
DR: Door
DL: Detail Line

SL: Split
TR: Trim Corner
AL: Align

SE: Snap Endpoint
SM: Snap Midpoint

VV: Visibility Graphics Overrides

Model Beams Underneath a Complex Roof

This is an excerpt from a 2011 article written by Marcello Sgambelluri. Even though Marcello has figured out a way to do this with Dynamo, this technique is still quite simple and valid. You can find the entire article here: https://www.augi.com/library/methods-for-modeling-complex-geometry

1. Make a Wall which intersects the Roof.
2. Join the Wall to the Roof
2. Use the 'Pick Lines' tool in the Beam command. Turn on 3D snapping. Select the intersecting line of the wall and roof.

Revit (2016?) Wish List

First of all, making software is very hard and complicated and I am very grateful of the hard working and caring people at Autodesk. This is mostly a re-post from 2011, yes that long ago. Since then I have trained over 1000 people in Revit and consulted on over 1 million sf of Revit projects, many now constructed. Along the way I have observed certain questions/issues/requests/frustrations that come up repeatedly. I am re-posting this to emphasize where Autodesk has improved Revit and what they still need to do in my opinion. I am aware that there are apps and bits and pieces of software which do some of what I'm asking for but this needs to be thoughtfully integrated into Revit. I have not seen the Beta so maybe some of this is already done, which would be great. Please add to this list in the Comments.

Open the Revit Database Already!

Most of my wishes revolve around opening up the Revit database, some specific examples:

-Schedules which can query anything from any category. i.e. list everything in a particular room.

-Tags which are able to read data from other objects and categories i.e. Doors reading Room numbers.

-Universal Search. Search by multiple conditions and save searches. Or just start typing a find anything. (you can search the Project Browser now)

Automated Project Browser and View Tools

-Project Browser makes and manages Phase and Design Option views automatically.
-Automated 3D Section Box views which are linked to the extents of plans, sections and elevs.

-View Folders (not parameter). Drag and drop views between folders.

-Automated naming of views i.e. Room 101 South Elevation

Connections

-Please provide linking of Excel, Word and PDF files into Revit.

Schedules

-Schedules to include Family thumbnails.-They checked this one off the list. Maybe the next improvement is to combine Legend views with Schedules, add tagging to Legend Components while you're at it :-)

Other Stuff 

-Edit Family button for Annotation i.e. Levels and View Titles.

-Walls which have a 'centreline' built in for various uses ie.fire rating plans

-Automated lineweight control based upon distance

- Site tool enhancements.(Did they give us this one? Sorry but the Eaglepoint stuff is just too complicated)
-Two Click Revision Bubbles (Yay, we have this)
-Spell check that checks all of the spelling
-Phase filters that show multiple phases backward. Allow for more Graphic Control over previous and future Phases.
-Universal Annotation Settings Interface

Set Default Viewport

When you drag a view onto a Revit sheet the default Viewport is 'Title W Line'. Although there is no 'Set Default Viewport' button you are able to set one default Viewport. You can do this by renaming and editing the properties of the current default Viewport (Title W Line).

Revit OpEd: Revit 2015 R2 - Perspective View Changes

Another long-time wish list item...



Revit OpEd: Revit 2015 R2 - Perspective View Changes: It is not uncommon for a new Revit user, that is already familiar with Sketch Up for example, to be a bit surprised that we can't do rou...

Revit OpEd: Revit 2015 R2 - Reveal Constraints

Steve Stafford demonstrates a long-time wishlist item. Maybe now we can allow our beginner users to constrain the model...maybe not.



Revit OpEd: Revit 2015 R2 - Reveal Constraints: A new view override feature called Reveal Constraints is part of the subscription only R2 release for Revit 2015. It is intended to make it ...

Ontario Revit Users Group Blog: 2015 ORUG Social – Featuring Oculus RIFT & Revit

Ontario Revit Users Group Blog: 2015 ORUG Social – Featuring Oculus RIFT & Revit: Join us on Thursday October 16 at The Spoke Club as we discuss future topics for 2015. During this session we can explore different t...

revit in plain english: Revit Apps, Add-ons, Plugins, Extensions and Whate...

revit in plain english: Revit Apps, Add-ons, Plugins, Extensions and Whate...: New reviews of Wall Join tool and new Revit Site Designer tools.

Revit OpEd: Supplementary Files

Revit OpEd: Supplementary Files: Ryan Duell, with Autodesk and The Revit Clinic , created a list of ten supplementary files for Revit and where they are located by default, ...

1. UniformatClassifications.txt - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\\Program - This file houses theUniformat Assembly Codes, and the location is fixed; it cannot be moved or specified in a library location. Sorry this means you can't move it to a server. If you wish to edit this file in one location, it is recommended to keep a copy on a server location, and create a batch file to copy and replace the specific file on the user workstation. This file is read once at the Revit application launch.
2. Revit.ini - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\\Program - This file contains the variables, paths, recent files, worksharing paths and more for each version of Revit. For some additional tips on editing this file see one of The Revit Clinic's previous posts HERE.
3. RevitKeynotes_Imperial_2004.txt - C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\\Imperial Library - This file contains the full set of keynotes, provided by Autodesk, which can be assigned to elements in their Type Properties. This file's location can be specified in the project or template, and modified under Annotate > Tag > Keynote Settings.
4. Journal files - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit Architecture 2011\Journals - Revit creates these files as you work. Journal files capture all actions from the current Revit session. For additional information please see the four part series at The Revit Clinic: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.
5. Worksharing Log File – Central file location "..._backup" folder - The file is named after the central file, with a .SLOG extension. For worksharing-enabled projects all of the central file and user interactions are recorded in this log file. For some additional information please see the previous post HERE.
6. Exportlayers-dwg-AIA.txt – C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RAC 2011 - Export Layers and Properties settings are stored in this layer mapping file. This is used when exporting a project to DWG or DGN for example. For additional information reference the Help Documentation HERE.
7. UIState.dat - C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Revit\ - Revit stores user specific customizations to the user interface such as the ribbon and quick access toolbar. For additional information see the Help documentation HERE or if you need to reset this file Click Here.
8. KeyboardShortcuts.xml - C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Revit\ - After any change is made to the User Interface and Keyboard Shortcuts, this user-specific file is created to maintain the shortcut customizations. As a rule use the Revit interface to edit your keyboard shortcuts because it is easy than trying to edit this file directly. You can copy (via a Batch File process as mentioned earlier) the file to pass the office standard shortcuts to other workstations however. For additional information reference the technical solution HERE.
9. Shared Parameters Text file – User Defined - This text files stores the parameters added to families or project files. This file is not actively linked, and should never be manually edited. Additional information is available HERE. I've also posted several times about this concept, One, Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six. I've mentioned them in many others too.
10. Revit Server Log Files - C:\logfiles - If using Revit Server, these log files are very useful should you run into any troubleshooting issues.
11. Importlineweights-xxx.txt - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit xxx 2011\Data (XP Location) - These files are used to define how imported cad file elements are interpreted to use different lineweights within Revit. If you import cad details and the don't properly show the graphical quality you expected then you need to change the settings for the file you are actively using. There are several sample files included with Revit. You can change the file you want to reference prior to importing information. This means you can have different "rules" for different kinds of external CAD data.
12. Revit.pat - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit xxx 2011\Data (XP Location) - This is the resource file that your template's have for fill patterns and use to define the patterns for each filled region. A fill pattern can be acquired from other .pat files but they do need an extra declaration of either %TYPE=MODEL or %TYPE=DRAFTING. These help Revit understand which purpose they are intended for. You can read more about this by opening the file and reading the introductory paragraphs provided in the file. A metric version is included too.
13. shxfontmap.txt - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit xxx 2011\Data (XP Location) - This file tells Revit which True Type Fonts you want it to use when it encounters a .shx font in a CAD file during the import process. It is a simple text file. Just add a line the defines the .shx font you want to catch and which TTF font to use instead. Setting this may help you keep some pesky external details from having their text information stretched or compacted because .shx fonts are not supported in Revit directly.
14. Add-ins - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\Revit\Addins\2011 (XP Location) - If you install external applications (3rd Party Software) they should be placing information that Revit needs to run their application in this folder location. If you need to disable their software for some reason or want to create your own you should be aware of this location. You can READ a post at The Revit Clinic for some additional information.
15. IFC Shared Parameters.txt - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit Architecture 2011\Program - Similar purpose as other Shared Parameters but for IFC export instead. I don't know why this file isn't with the other Shared Parameters.
16. OmniClassTaxonomy.txt - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit Architecture 2011\Program (XP Location) - Similar to the Uniformat structure used for Assembly Codes, this is the file that defines the available OmniClass selections when you are creating a component/loadable family.
17. Sitename.txt - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit Architecture 2011\Program (XP Location) - This file is the preset locations provided if you choose to pick a city for your project location. Perhaps somewhat unnecessary with the new Internet based map tool for location but you can add cities via this file.
18. SiteAndWeatherStationName.txt - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit Architecture 2011\Program (XP Location) - Similar to previous but for Weather Stations.

Revit Hatch Mirror Bug

I have filed a Defect case with Autodesk regarding this issue and I recommend you do the same. I'm hoping they will fix this in the next update. I will welcome any workarounds that you have found on top of the one that I have offered.

Fill Patterns (Hatch) do not mirror correctly. Below is an image of a Ceiling, mirrored. It contains a Model Pattern which rotated when the Ceiling was mirrored. Making a Group of the ceiling seems to help. That being said I just witnessed a client's Fill Pattern rotate to some odd angle when mirrored.

Below is an image of a simple Filled Region mirrored. Should it not be bookmatched? Yes, it should but you can't do it.

Another Visibility Issue: View Range not Affecting Structural Slabs

Autodesk Revit Development team, please fix this bug. Okay maybe it's not exactly a 'bug' but it is a feature which causes confusion and delay.



Model elements located outside of the view range generally are not shown in the view. The exceptions are floors, stairs, ramps, and components that stay or are mounted on the floor (like furniture). These are shown even when slightly below the view range.
Slab edges are shown when their bottoms are within a tolerance of the primary view range bottom.

Foundation slabs and structural floors located outside the view range use an adjusted range that is 4 feet (approximately 1.22 meters) below the bottom of the primary range.Floors are drawn with the Beyond line style if the floor exists within this adjusted range. 

Here's the credit: http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?137848-Slab-showing-when-below-View-Depth