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Autodesk Acquires REVIT Technologies

I started using REVIT shortly after it was acquired by Autodesk which was April 2, 2002.

Hard to believe it's been ten years.

Where did the time go?

I open AutoCAD 2013 now and I hardly know what I am looking at.

I think I have forgotten more about AutoCAD than most people know.

I also assumed that everyone was on REVIT Subscription and running the latest release of REVIT or at worst one version back but after networking with my BIM / CAD manager buddies at the Calgary REVIT User Group I discovered that is no where true.

It seems that many consultants are still using REVIT all the way back to version 2009 !!

Go figure.

Tons of REVIT Jobs In Calgary Alberta

I receive email notifications on job postings from 'Indeed' and 'Jobrapido'

with keywords 'REVIT' and 'Calgary'.

The notifications are POURING in every day. 10-12 at a time. Juniors, Seniors and Managers.

Finally . . . . it's about time !

If you are CAD Draftsman in Architecture, Structure or MEP you'd better get up to speed.

AutoCAD skills are becoming less and less valuable.

It's no longer about Layers and Xref's it's about Levels and Categories.

 This time next year you'll be filed away with the pencil drafting group and the Leroy lettering sets.

The students coming out of College are REVIT trained.

You've been warned : )

If your company is not going to train you in REVIT I suggest you invest in CADclips because they may just hire someone who has.

Live One on One REVIT Training in Calgary

Daryl Gregoire is now offering

Live One on One REVIT Training

in Calgary Alberta, Canada.

Learn REVIT software from the Best of the Best

and launch your career into the BIM world of employment.

Don't delay !

Email Daryl here to arrange

REVIT 2013 Sky Background

New REVIT 2013 Sky Background.

I like the new Sky option in REVIT 2013. When you first turn it not you may not see anything until you have the Sky (above horizon line / Level 1) in your view. You need to be looking 'Up' to see the sky.

The resulting sky is impacted by the Sun settings for Azimuth and Altitude. So the higher the sun is in the sky the lighter the sky will be. Give at a whirl.

This effect is located in the view's 'Graphic Display Option' dialog box as a view property. You can also set the color of the space below the horizon line (shown in Green). Why not take the extra step and save the View Template. Keep in mind that the view templates now update the views instantly like everything else in REVIT. HUGE !

The Sky functionality is available in Elevation, Section, Isometric, and Perspective 3D views. Also the background options are available in Hidden Line, Shaded, Consistent Colors and Realistic visual styles.

REVIT 2013 Stair Components

 

Above is an image of two of the new REVIT 2013 Stair Components.

Can YOU spot the problem ? This is hilarious.

There is a property to set the Parallel Treads at Start and End of the stair but that still doesn't fix it.

I must be missing something ?

13 New REVIT 2013 Features

Here's a link to the Latest and Greatest in REVIT 2013 > http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Revit/enu/2013

I had wishful thinking that Autodesk may scrap the Project Browser as it is and allow us to create custom access to what is managed thru the Project Browser. (Palettes) However my hopes once again are shattered.

Some of favorite features are:

1. The ability to search the Project Browser for content. Yes, thank you, that helps . . . a little bit but no cigar.

2. The Design Suite is now delivering Architecture, Structure and MEP in a single interface all under one application. Yeah !

3. Real time updating from View templates to the actual view. Most would wonder why it didn't do this already as that would be the intension.

4. Dimension enhancements.

5. Double click a Family to open it for editing. I think I've been doing this instinctively for ever so no adaptation will be required here.

6. REVIT Server enhancements to allow storage of a central model on multiple servers.

7. Parts and Assemblies have improved but I haven't tested the waters.

8. Double click the wheel button to Zoom All to Fit.

9. Stair and Railing Improvements look promising but from what I have read it's not 'Complete'. . . . what  . . . . Autodesk releasing a half baked feature  . . . . could this be true !

10. MEP allows centerlines of rounder elements. WE'VE BEEN WAITING : )

11. MEP includes Site Tools. Thank you.

12. Save your selection sets. Yes, great feature and HUGE time saver.

13. Structure has some nice REBAR and Reinforcing improvements that will be well accepted.

More stuff to follow as time rools on . . . 

REVIT LT and Project Spark Training Video Tutorials

For those of you moving to REVIT LT (Limited Technology not Lite) 2013 and need training or tutorials you can get everything you need at CADclips.

REVIT LT is just a watered down version of Full REVIT.

In other words, everything that the LT version does the full version does the same way. Much like AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.

A few things that REVIT LT will NOT do is:

 Worksets

API Aps

Design Options

Point Clouds

Groups

Photo Realistic Rendering

Shared Coordinates

Massing

In-Place Families

Parts

Assemblies

Sun Path

View Filters

REVIT LT and Full REVIT cannot read each other's files but they can both link in each others files.

There are also features in REVIT LT that are a Simplified version of the Full REVIT.

Floating REVIT Ribbon Panels

Most of us are aware that you can click and drag the Ribbon Panels to re-arrange them within the Ribbon but did you know (as shown above) that you can drag the Panel(s) right off the Ribbon ?

I have been forcing myself to use 'Keyboard Shortcut' commands a fair bit these days but floating my favorite Panels onto my second monitor seems to be working quite nicely and beats the heck out of having to click the Tab on the Ribbon before getting access to the tool you want.

REVIT Rocks !  

CADclips and Bredin Institute Partner in REVIT Training

CADclips and The Bredin Institute

Are excited to announce a partnership in REVIT / BIM Training.

The REVIT Training Facility is Located in Calgary AB, Canada.

Training Includes:

42 hours of Live “Project Based” Training by Daryl Gregoire

Text Book

6 DVD Video Training Set + 1 Year of Site Download Access

Maximum Class Size of 10

This partnership promises to become

“The” BIM Training Center of Western Canada.

Combining Bredin’s administrative infrastructure and facilities with CADclips expertise on the subject matter is Pure Dynamite.

The training program(s) offer live REVIT Architecture, Structure or MEP training and includes the famous "CADclips 6 DVD Video Training Series".

If you are interested or have a question please Contact us.

AU Sale 50 Percent Off All CADclips Training Videos

In honor of AU (Autodesk University) 2011 CADclips is Offering a 50% Sale

Any Single Purchase will recieve a 50% refund immediately after the purchase is made.

Good until the end of day December 1, 2011

REVIT Tip Cannot Rename Level Name Entered is in Use

I run into all kinds of wonderful REVIT problems in my day to day teaching.

Here's a great tip for REVIT users new and old. 

The first time you attempt to rename a Level or associated, non duplicated Floor Plan or Ceiling Plan, REVIT will prompt you to rename the corresponding Level and Views. . . . . depending on which one you are renaming.

You can reply Yes or No to the 'Would you like to rename. . . . " question.

Here is the message when renaming a Level for the first time.

Here is the Message when you rename a Floor Plan or Ceiling Plan.

Take note of the slight variation.

As long as you answer 'Yes' to either message above REVIT will rename the views and the level and keep them synchronized. The problem starts when you click the 'No' button and then decide you would rather have them synchronized.

When you say 'No' you have Separated the naming of the Ceiling Plan, Floor plan and Level altogether. If you want to go back to being synchronized follow the 5 steps below.

(* Duplicated Views do not come into play. They always stay independantly named.)

Once separated you may attempt to get them all synchronized back again but you may get this aggravating message and cannot solve the problem:

"The name entered is already in use. Enter a unique name."

If Expand this message says:

You can however re-synchronize them but you must follow these steps in this order.

1. Decide on a name you want the Views and Level to use. ie: Level 1

2. Rename both the Floor Plan and Ceiling Plan something other than Level 1and nothing already in use.
(Right click the view in the project browser)
This is a temporary.

3. Rename the Level to be > Level 1
(click the level name in a section or elevation view)

4. Rename the Floor Plan and Ceiling Plan > Level 1

5. They are now re-synchronized. Try renaming either the Floor Plan, Ceiling Plan or Level and you will get the 'renaming' message again and this time you can say 'Yes'

Now you are back on track ! 

Quite often the culperate is the Ceiling Plan. Don't forget about the Ceiling Plan.

REVIT Cut Geometry With Walls and In Place Void Family

The REVIT model in the image above was generated in about 5 minutes by using the Cut Geometry tool, two wall types and a couple In Place Voids.

After the model is done you can use the Paint tool to paint each surface with the material of your choice.

The Cut Geometry Tool Rocks !

All part of the next CADclip REVIT Video Training series.

REVIT Copy and Paste Razzle Dazzle Video

In REVIT, using Copy and Paste from Level to Level is such a powerful tool. Over time it simply becomes the norm to all of us regular REVIT users. To loose that ability at this point would be devistating. I'd have to change trades.

For those who are not in the 'know', you can instantly copy many objects from one level (or area) of a building to other levels or areas.

This is available with model elements as well as annotation elements.

Everytime I show someone how you can create an entire multi storey building and have all the schedules etc.  update instantly it brings a smile to the room. All in under10 seconds !

Below I extend that 10 seconds to a 6 minute CADclip and add my 2 cents along the way.



CADclip on REVIT 2012 3D Plans and Sections

Below is a great REVIT training video tutorial on how to create cool 3D views of your floor plans, sections and callouts.

CADclip Load Structural Beams Columns and Place Beams

The CADclip below (part of a 75 video series) demonstrates how to load structural beams and columns into REVIT Architecture and at least one way of placing the beams overhead.

The components are created and viewed in Plan, Section and 3D.

CADclip on REVIT Footing Linestyles and Linework

In REVIT there are at least a two ways to to get your footing lines to be 'dashed' in a plan view.

After adjusting the 'View Range' of the plan view to include the footings you can use the 'Beyond' 'Linestyle' or you can use the 'Linework' tool to override the linestyle.

You can even make lines 'Invisible' with the 'Linework' tool.

Outside the View Range aspect you can use this same process to override the linework in almost any view type, including 3D views.

Below is a CADclip demonstration.

REVIT Footing Corners Will Not Mitre or Join

If you have ever come across this REVIT problem it can be very frustrating.

You cannot get the footing corners to mitre or join properly !

This problem is caused when the footing Type Property "Structural Usage" is set to "Retaining" instead of "Bearing".

Change it to "Bearing" and problem solved.

All REVIT 2012 Kitchen Families

Here is an image of all the Kitchen related Families that REVIT Architecture 2012 includes out of the box.

These families are located in the Casework and Specialty Equipment folders (categories) of the REVIT Library.

If you want a variation of one of these families just click on it, then click Edit Type on the Properties Palatte. Then Duplicate it and name it. Then change some of the Type Parameters and Bob's your Uncle !.

The counter top families have grips and you can stretch them around but only in a Plan view.

Do some investigation by checking out the different Type Parameters on each individual Family.

Here is a link to the REVIT 2012 Kitchen Families Project that you see above.



REVIT Training for iPod iPhone and iPad in MP4 and M4V

CADclips has a virtual REVIT Tutorial / Training APP.

CADclips has started releasing their REVIT Video Training Tutorials in both MP4 and M4V for the iPod, iPhone and iPad !

After all, why not use your hand held Apple Device to Learn REVIT ? We all have one.

Now you can Learn REVIT while sitting on the bus or sitting on the john !

YOU DECIDE : )

Below is a sample REVIT CADclip Tutorial in MV4 format Zipped up for your iPhone along with basic directions on getting the video onto your iPhone.

 This is the raw video file.

http://www.cadclips.com/downloads/RAC-2011-SECTION-BUBBLES.m4v

This is a zipped version of the file.

Click here to download a zipped M4V CADclip for your iPhone

1. Download the zip file above and unzip it somewhere.

2. Plug your iPhone into your computer.

3. Sync the iPhone with iTunes

 4. Note that your iPhone now shows up in iTunes as a Device with different folders below it including 'Movies'.

5. Click into the iPhone 'Movies' folder.

6. Drag and drop the unzipped RAC-2011-SECTION-BUBBLES.M4V video file to the iPhone 'Movies' folder and let it copy.

7. Close iTunes and unplug your iPhone.

8. On your iPhone go to the iPod APP, then Movies and play the CADclip.

The rest is up to you.

If anyone has any suggestions as to a better process just add a comment.

Can anyone suggest a good APP for downloading directly to your iPhone . . . . iDownloads ?

Daryl's REVIT Oath



I do alot of teaching and the above REVIT Oath is provided to all REVIT Students who need to Learn REVIT and get into the REVIT mind set.

READ IT OUT LOAD and READ IT PROUD !

CAD is out, BIM is in.

I will be adding 'REVIT Expert' to my resume.

I will clear my mind of all AutoCAD knowledge.

All objects are drawn real world size.

All Annotation objects are View Specific and REVIT Controls the Scale.

I will keep my Left hand poised over the ESC key and my Right hand on the Mouse. (pencil in mouth).

I Understand that with Change and Knowledge comes Anguish and Frustration but I will Persevere.

These are my friends in this order: Project Template, Levels, Grids, Floors, Walls, Roofs, Discipline Specific Content.

I will not be afraid of Worksets and Linking Files.

The 'Align' tool is my best friend.

I will learn the difference between Instance Properties and Type Properties.

I will create 3D Perspective Views, Sections and Elevations that I have no intension of printing.

I promise to look busy when I can get the work done in half the normal time.

CADclips WILL show me the way.

REVIT Worksets At a Glance

I was reviewing the concept of enabling and using REVIT Worksets to someone who had to learn the concept pretty much immediately.

In a nut shell, REVIT Worksets allow multiple users to work on the same project file at the same time which equates to productivity and distribution of REVIT skill sets on the project.

 ". . . . . .and this ain't AutoCAD Xref's my friends !"

I am now developing a new CADclips Video Training Tutorial Series on Worksets and thought I'd throw together this post for your learning pleasure.

Outside the multi user access, Worksets allows you to break up the model into logical user defined groups (for lack of better word) of your choice. The value of this comes blazing through when you are undertaking a large project with a large model file and a hand full of REVIT users with 'varying skill sets'. It allows you to 'check out' a Workset and you become the temporary owner of that workset. You do not need 'editing access' to the entire model to do your work (although you can see the entire model and you can borrow elements from each other). Having the entire REVIT model available for 'editing' maaakes yooour commmmputer gooooo sloooow. Here's a scenerio > Today I am working on 'exterior walls' and you are managing all the 'sheets'. Someone else is working on 'Stairs and Ramps'. A forth person is managing the 'links' from other REVIT models. Can you just see the productivity !

Here's a few possible workset names:.A Wing, B Wing, C Wing, Building Core, Exterior Walls, Interior Partitions, Curtain Walls, Foundations, Views, Furniture, Bathrooms, Windows, Doors, Roofs, Floors, Site, Sheets, Levels and Grids, Annotation, Railings, Egress, Load Bearing Walls, Project Standards, Mechanical, Structural, Architectural, Level 1 Walls, Level 2 Walls,  etc. etc. You can make up your own workflow logic.

Worksets are not just limited to tangable elements like walls and floors and roofs. Worksets can included things like material definitions, annotation styles, views, families.

REVIT automatically generates specific worksets. The rest is up to you.

Here's another good use. Worksets allows you to manage the model editing access based on REVIT user skill. Junior staff do not get access to the critical elements of the model.

Worksets can be allocated based on REVIT skill set or expertise.You draw the line !

Below are a few pointers on the 'overview' of enabling and using REVIT Worksets. If anyone wants to add to this please feel free. I know there's more to it than just this.

Part 1 - Prepare and create the Central File.

1. Get the Project under way by regular REVIT processes and create the levels, grids, floors, exterior walls, roofs and 'project standards'.

2. Save the Project as is and then save it again and name it using the word 'Central' for example Central_Halifax_Theatre.rvt.

3. Open the new file named 'Central' and Enable 'Worksets'.

 4. (Optional) Split the project up into additional worksets other than the default 'Workset1'.

5. Save this new Central file on the server, then close it. It is now a true Central File.

(REVIT can actually distinguish the difference between a regular rvt file and a central rvt file when the file gets opened)

Part 2 - Creating a local copy of the Central file for editing purposes

6. Varify your 'Username' in the REVIT Options dialog box under the 'General' Tab'. This will be used to name the local file you are about to create.

7. Varify the 'Default Path for User Files' in the REVIT Options dialog box under the 'File Locations' tab. This is where the local file will get located by completing the next few steps. 

8. Open the central file but MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE 'Create New Local' toggle.

Warning !!
DO NOT OPEN THE CENTRAL FILE from here on in unless you are an administrator. 
Always, always always create a local copy.

I once saw a newbie double click a central file from windows explorer. My eyes bugged out and I just about #$%& myself !

9. Save the new local copy to your c:\ drive and put your own name in the file name.

For example Halifax_Theatre_YourName.rvt or consider the name REVIT prompts you with by appending the Central file name with your REVIT user name.

10. Work in this new local file, check out worksets or borrow elements. Save it locally regularly, save and synchronize to central regularly and relinquish elements / worksets you no longer need to edit. 

11. Use the 'Reload Latest' tool up update your local file but not save your changes to the Central File. This is 'oneway' communication with the Central file. 

12. At the end of the day
save locally,
save to central,
relinquish all elements,
close the local file
. . . . hit the golf course.

13. It is also highly recommended and a best practice to repeat steps 8 and 9 each day.

Yes this sounds crazy but true.

In other words, scrap yesterday's local file and start each working day with a fresh new local file. Don't be scared. Over time, local files can develop issues that can even effect the central model so don't keep your local file around for too long.

Rename the local file and save it away somewhere but make a new, fresh local file at least every couple days. You've been told : )

A wonderful 15 video series (approx. 3 hrs) has been produced and should be posted at CADclips shortly.

---------------------------------------

Below is a snipit of information on the new

REVIT 2012 Worksharing Display Modes

REVIT Lecture Theatre Presentation Plans

Above is a 3D Section View and a Plan View of a Lecture Theatre.

Basically made up of Walls. Floors, Individual Stairs and a bunch of Tablet Chairs.

Below is a 2d Section.

REVIT ROCKS !

Cool REVIT Presentation Plans

It's so easy to create a very basic but impressive presentation plan with REVIT.

Here's how to quickly create a plan as shown above.

1. Duplicate a view (without detailing) and rename accordingly.

2. Use 'copy' and 'paste same place' if you need to go back to the original view and get some of the detailing or text.

3. Select an item(s) in the new presentation view and click the light bulb tool (hide in view) and hide the categories and elements that you do not want to see.

4. In the 'type' properties of the Walls that you are using, set the 'Course Scale Fill Pattern' to 'Solid' and the 'Course Scale Fill Color' to 'Black'.

5. Now set the view 'Detail Level' to be 'Course'.

6. Click the 'Shadows' button and turn on Shadows..

7. Open the 'Graphics Display Options' dialog box and darken or lighten the shadows.

8. In the Graphics Display Options' dialog box click the 'Sun Settings' button and adjust the 'Altitude'. Click 'Apply' and play with these setings and use the apply button to see how your doing.

Bob's you're Uncle !

Maybe save a 'view template' from here and apply that to other views. You still may have to hide some random elements per view.

This works pretty much the same way for plans, elevations or 3d views.

REVIT 2012 has also added Ambient Shadows and Lighting to further enhance the effect.

This project below is still under way but you can get the idea.

REVIT 2012 View Control Bar



Above is the 2011 Visual Style button.

2012 has removed the 'Shaded' option (that no one ever used anyway).





With the Release of REVIT 2012 we see some modifications to REVIT's 'View Control Bar'. Outside playing musical chairs with the 'Grapic Diplay Options' I like it. 

This post describes some of those changes.



Above is the 2012 Visual Styles button where 'Shaded with Edges" has become 'Shaded'. Then we also see that the 'Graphics Display Options' dialog box has been added here.



Above we see that 2012 has also moved the 'Graphics Display Options' to the View's Properties (where it should be).

Above we see the 2011 'Shadows' button.

Now it's just a toggle On / Off and the 'Graphics Display Options' has been relocated to two other locations described in this post.

Above we see the 2012 Shadows Toggle. On or Off. Thank you !

Above we see the new, awesome 2012 Lock 3D view option for annotation purposes.

If you are in the default {3D} view it will prompt you to duplicate the view.

Last we have the wonderful 2012 WorkSharing Display and settings !

WAIT FOR IT !!