IMAGINiT Building Solutions Blog

Saving Your Graphic Settings to Apply to Other Revit Projects

We got this question the other day from our Visibility Graphics Smackdown video on Youtube. "Is there a way to save my graphic setting as a template so I could apply it to my other project?" Since the answer was pretty intensive, we thought we'd share here:

You can save the settings of a view to a view template which can then be transferred into other projects using Transfer Project standards. 

Create the View Template

On the project browser find the view you want to create a view template for, right click then select create view template from view.

Name the template.

Select what you want to include in the template and OK.

Transfer Project Standards

You must have the source and destination files open in the same session of Revit.

Apply the View Template in the New Project

On the project browser find the view you want to apply a view template for, right click then select apply template properties.

A Busy Week in November - IMAGINiT at Autodesk University 2016

Today we have another post from Carl Storms one our top Application Experts here at IMAGINiT:

This year Autodesk has moved Autodesk University (AU) before Thanksgiving, two weeks earlier than normal. Without the turkey hangovers the learning will just be than much easier. Like past years IMAGINiT will have a great group of Speakers, along with a booth on the exhibition area (Booth #2917). The goal of this post is to share information about the IMAGINiT Speaker’s sessions, but before we learn about the sessions let’s get all the details about AU 2016.

This year AU Las Vegas is on November 15^th – 17^th and will be held again this year at The Venetian Las Vegas. If you still haven’t got approval to go just head over to the Autodesk University Website and check out the Convince Your Boss selection for a little help.

Now for our main attraction of this post, IMAGINiT’s AU 2016 Sessions. This year IMAGINiT has 4 speakers, two from the Building Solutions Division, and two from the Manufacturing Solutions Division, that are delivering 8 sessions.

First our friends from MSD:

• Session:  PD17300
• Date: Tuesday, Nov. 15th
• Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
• Class Length: 90 Minutes
• Class Type: Instructional Demo
• Topic: Unlocking the Power of Shape Generator & Modelling with Meshes
• Instructor: David Ponka – Senior Applications Expert, IMAGINiT Technologies

                    

• Class Description: In this class we will follow new design workflows made possible by the introduction of Inventor’s shape generator, mesh tools and modern 3D printing technologies. The class will start by looking at the physical properties of current 3D printed plastics and metals. Then, with the material specifications, required for proper design simulation, we will configure the shape generator to automatically create an optimized shape based on sample design requirements. Using the resulting mesh, the class will examine the ins and outs of two separate workflow paths; using the generated mesh directly for manufacture & placement in an assembly, or modifying the part using Inventor’s mesh and surface tools to tweak the design. Join this session for a close up look at the possibilities in generative design by combining Inventor’s shape generator and mesh handling with modern 3D printing capabilities. This session features Inventor Professional.

 

• Session:  MP20871
• Date: Thursday, Nov. 17th
• Time: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
• Class Length: 90 Minutes
• Class Type: Instructional Demo
• Topic: ReCap and Factory Design Suite—A Great Combination
• Instructor: Rusty Belcher – Applications Expert, IMAGINiT Technologies
• Class Description: Rusty Belcher is a manufacturing application expert working with IMAGINiT Technologies. Belcher provides implementation, training, and support services at every level for all Autodesk, Inc., manufacturing products. His specialty involves the integration of 3D design practices into manufacturing production environments. He is an instructor and mentor, and IMAGINiT regularly receives outstanding reviews of his impact to their organization. Belcher started his career as a structural steel fitter at Newport News Shipbuilding. He is a graduate of the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, and he worked in the shipyard's Mold Loft Engineering Division. Over the past several years Belcher has worked directly with Autodesk to develop and author the current Factory Design Suite software training courseware, and he has also developed and recorded many of the tips and tutorial videos available on the Factory Design Suite software’s YouTube channel.

Now for the BSD folks:

• Session:  FAB22941
• Date: Wednesday, Nov. 16th
• Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
• Class Length: 60 Minutes
• Class Type: Instructional Demo
• Topic: Revit Tricks for Fabricators
• Instructor: Nicholas Bowley – Mechanical Designer/Solutions Consultant, IMAGINiT Technologies

                        

• Class Description: Learn advanced skills capitalizing on the new Fabrication functionality in Revit 2017 software. Using Revit schedules, assemblies, tags, views, interference checking, and new features in Revit 2017 software, we can produce fabrication documentation inside of the Revit software interface, which enables us to be fully coordinated with design consultants. While Fabrication Parts was introduced in 2016, it was in Revit 2017 software that they became fully functional while remaining in a single interface. We’ll cover how to model using Fabrication Parts; how to convert the design model into Fabrication Parts; how to use assembly views to create spools sheets and details; how to annotate Fabrication Parts in plan view and 3D; how to coordinate with other consultants in Revit software; how new Revit 2017 software features relate to Fabrication Parts; and how to import existing as-built conditions from Fabrication CADmep software into a new renovation project. This session features Revit and Fabrication CADmep.

 

• Session:  AR16178
• Date: Tuesday, Nov. 15th
• Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Class Length: 60 Minutes
• Class Type: Instructional Demo
• Topic: Dynamo – Everyone’s Doing It
• Instructor: Carl Storms – Senior Applications Expert, IMAGINiT Technologies

                        

• Class Description: This session is not for people who are heavy Dynamo software users. This session is for people who aren’t programmers (visual or other), but from time to time may need to use Dynamo as part of their workflows. It’s also for people who have heard of Dynamo, or visual programming, but never thought it was something they could do (but it totally is!). It’s also for those who just don’t think Dynamo can help them in their everyday workflows (don’t be so sure). By the end of this session, you will have an introductory understanding of Dynamo. You will learn that Dynamo can be used to create geometry with parametric relationships, and that this geometry can then be pushed into a Revit software project or family using the Revit software database. You will learn that Dynamo can do more than just geometry. It can also help with everyday tasks like creating grids and levels, adding some trees to your site, performing an energy analysis, or even changing your text from sentence case to all CAPS. This session features Revit and Dynamo Studio.

 

• Session:  AR16698-L
• Date: Wednesday, Nov. 16th
• Time: 8:00 am – 9:30 am
• Class Length: 90 Minutes
• Class Type: Hands-on lab
• Topic: Revit + FormIt 360 + Dynamo Studio = Awesome! (Hands-on)
• Instructor: Carl Storms – Senior Applications Expert, IMAGINiT Technologies

                        

• Class Description: This lab session will focus on some of the newer features of FormIt 360 mobile and web app, as well as tips and tricks to help with your Revit software and FormIt 360 workflow. With FormIt 360, you can create conceptual designs and massing studies right on your iPad, Android tablet, and phone (if you are daring), and on any computer with a web browser, or you can use FormIt 360 for Windows. You will learn tips and tricks to help with this design process, using some similar commands and processes you may already use in Revit software. This session will also look at what the cool and useful FormIt 360 Pro features enable, like real-time team collaboration on a design, whole-building energy analysis, and solar analysis. We will also explore the new Dynamo Studio software workflow within FormIt 360 for Windows. And we will spend some time focusing on taking your project from conceptual design all the way to construction documents with these 2 connected products (Revit software and FormIt 360 mobile and web app) without having to leave the .RVT file format. This session features Revit and Dynamo Studio.

• Session:  DP16577-R & DP23758-R
• Date: Wednesday, Nov. 16th
• Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm & Repeat at 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm (same day)
• Class Length: 60 Minutes
• Class Type: Roundtable
• Topic: Technical Training for Revit – Roundtable Discussion
• Instructor: Carl Storms – Senior Applications Expert, IMAGINiT Technologies

                        

• Class Description: This session will be an interactive roundtable discussion about tips, tricks, and user experiences with technical training for Revit building design software. These tips, tricks, and experiences will be suggested by the attendees and presenter alike, but will then be discussed and perhaps debated by all, with the end goal of an improved process at the close of the discussion. We will add all of the content collected during the session to the handout and share it with all attendees after the session has concluded. All topics are fair game as long as they pertain to Revit software and the training of Revit software. See some examples of topics in the learning objectives below. This session features Revit.

• Session:  AR16258
• Date: Thursday, Nov. 17th
• Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
• Class Length: 60 Minutes
• Class Type: Industry talk
• Topic: BIM as a Business Versus BIM as a Process
• Instructor: Carl Storms – Senior Applications Expert, IMAGINiT Technologies

                        

• Class Description: During this session, we will try to come up with definitions for both Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a business and BIM as a process. What goes into both philosophies, and how do they differ? Are there benefits to any particular sector of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry regarding ways of thinking? And, finally, is there a realistic way to have both different philosophies coexist? As a starting point, and only a starting point, here are 2 high-level definitions to help you pick your side in this debate. BIM as a business is focused on the big picture, driven by the return on investment (ROI) of BIM, always looking to jump on board with the latest and great technologies, and concerned with what’s best for the firm first, BIM second. BIM as a process is focused on the process of day-to-day production, on the improvement of ROI by refined and standardized processes, and on using the best technology available that has been tested and proven to increase production—and the needs of BIM are seen as equal to the needs of the firm.

If you don’t get a chance to see the IMAGINiT you wanted to, then you come visit us at booth #2917, the IMAGINiT booth in the exhibition hall. You might also want to stop by our sister company Ascent’s booth, #2705 for some excellent Autodesk Courseware.

Hope to see you in Vegas!

Carl

Creating Rolled Plates in Autodesk’s Advance Steel

Today's post comes from James Branagan another Application Expert here at IMAGINiT.....

I have had questions from customers about creating a rolled plate in Autodesk’s Advance Steel, as opposed to folded plates. Whilst Advance steel does not have a tool to create rolled plates directly there are some things we can do to approximate them.

The first option we have is to use the Folded Beam option.

1. Draw an Arc and Copy it then select the width of the plate you want to create.
2. On the Home tab > Objects panel, click the Folded Beam.  This command can also be found on the Objects tab > Beams panel.
3. Choose the Arc option

What the command asks for next is information about the location of the system axis line. For a curved plate like this, we should place the axis line in the center of the arc, both horizontally and vertically. Defining the start and end of the system axis line will determine the width of the curved plate.

4. Choose a Center for the system Axis Line
5. Click the Start and End of the system Axis Line

Once you have defined the system Axis Line, the Plate Definition dialog box will pop-up where you can further define your plate. All of the regular plate parameters can be defined here such as plate thickness, position and material.

As you can see from the above image, the plate is still not a smooth bend as you would expect to get with a rolled plate. Advance Steel has created small plates and joined them to approximate a curve.

You can obtain the same results with Conical Folded Plate command but with more versatility.

Using the Conical Folded Plate command, create a plate with two circles of the same diameter. Once created you can select any of the red connection lines to remove the association between one plate segment and an adjacent one.

Using the Conical Folded Plate command instead of the Folded Beam command, gives you the added versatility of being able to specify how many segments are used to approximate your curve as well as check the unfolding if necessary.

Revit Fails – A Top 5

Today we have a tip from Carl Storms one our top Application Experts here at IMAGINiT

Revit fails, we have all had them at one time or another. I like to think that I’ve learned from mine and end the end they made me a better Revit user. Of course what happens if you don’t know you don’t know what you are doing is a fail? Well, in that case, you should check out this short YouTube video of IMAGINiT’s Top 5 Revit Users Fails for Autodesk Revit.

I had a blast making the video, and I hope you enjoyed watching it. If your favorite (or maybe most dreaded) Revit fail didn’t make the video, leave it in the comments below, because you never know there might be a Top 5 Revit Fails Part -2!

Carl

Revit vs. Revit LT

What is the real difference between Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Revit LT?  This is a question I get asked almost every week.  So I'm going to chime in with my opinion and its only my opinion so please look at it that way.  To me Revit is an authoring tool and Revit LT is primarily an editing tool.  Now you can absolutely start a project in Revit LT and get it fairly well set up.  But there are some important limitations to be aware of.  First look at Autodesk's site as it does list the differences between the two products (Revit vs. Revit LT feature comparison).  This list will show you what is and is not included, but what it doesn't do is really explain what the impact is of these omissions.

A Deeper Dive into the Key Differences:

So there are some key tools that are missing (I'm not mentioning all that is missing, but just what I consider the key limitations): 

• First of course is that Revit LT is targeted for the Architectural community: Revit LT does not contain much for Structural Design and nothing for MEP Design (although it can open and do some "editing" of Revit Models with content from both of those disciplines).

• The Conceptual massing & adaptive components tools are not present: Now these tools you can generally live without, unless you do a lot of conceptual design work as these tools can easily replace sketch-up if needed.  Also these tools can also be used to create final production level model components, that the base family engine cannot create which is where I have found this tool to be very useful for.

• Rendering can only be done in the cloud: Also with this one, it's not too big of an issue as the cloud rendering tools are pretty capable.  But this is a paid service so after you have consumed the first 100 free credits, future renderings will cost you between $5.00 and $16.00 per rendering (although the process is so fast the time you save is well worth it)

• There are no analysis tools:  So if LEED credits and building energy performance are not important to you then this too can easily be lived without.

• Linking or other Revit Models into Revit LT Models:  Now I would like to clarify this a bit, you can still link in other Revit models into yours.  So you can absolutely collaborate with other MEP and structural engineers.  What you cannot do is control visibility of those models separately from your views.  In the full version of Revit, visibility of linked models can be controlled separately from the view they are linked into if needed.

• Point clouds, cannot be used in Revit LT:  So if you do work with reality capture you will need the full version of Revit.

• There is no API or what is known as a Application Programming Interface:  So no customization of the software is allowed and third party applications cannot be used with Revit LT, even those from Autodesk.

• "In-place" Families are limited to walls only: In my opinion one of Revit LT's most significant omission is the fact that you cannot create in place Families (Other than custom profile walls).  Without this tool adding all the little unique objects such as Casework, residential Trim objects, Complex stairs etc. becomes very difficult.  You would have to create these items as separate component families and without having the in-place graphics in the model as a reference. This can triple the time it takes to model certain objects and makes it harder to change them on the fly.

• Collaboration: By far though, this is the most significant of the the missing features in Revit LT.  There are no "Worksharing" tools at all so only one person at a time can be working on a Revit LT model.  Also, although you can work on a Workshared model, if you open a Workshared project everyone else is locked out of the model until you are done editing the file which can be problematic in a firm.

So in summary, Revit LT may be a good fit for your firm as long as you understand and can live with the omissions in functionality.  I see Revit LT as a good tool for project managers, that way you don't have to dedicate a more expensive license to a part time user (as long as they understand how to work with the users using Worksharing).  It's also good for a firm just doing a little space planning or if you just need to edit Revit models that are already completed. So now you have the information to help you make an informed decision on which tool will be the best fit for your firm.

 

Tired of dealing with Revit Sheet Sets?

Clarity has always tried to leverage your Revit Sheet Sets, so you could tell it what to Print, Export, etc.

Inside of most Clarity tasks where you pick the views/sheets you want, you'll find a dropdown like this:

And that's nice and all - but isn't it a bit of a pain? Someone has to keep track of all the sheets that are added, and make sure that you've checked the box for them on any of the appropriate sheet sets. Ugh.

Clarity actually has a nice feature that not many users know about: dynamic view/sheet sets. Anyplace where you can put in a sheet set name, you generally can also put in an expression, something like:

• Appears In Sheet List=Yes
• Sheet Issue Date=04/16/2016

It works with any view or sheet parameter, and a corresponding value. If you have the latest-and-greatest task server upgrades for Clarity 2017.0, we even support wildcards, like:

• Sheet Number=A-*

There's even some built-in tricks, like doing a dynamic sheet set specifically based on the Revit Revision that sheets are associated with (this is not a parameter, this is using the API to find the sheets associated with a given revision number):

• Revision Number=6

So there you have it. You can do your Sheet Sets dynamically, rather than having to keep a separate checklist. One less thing to worry about!