REVIT Rocks !

CADclips and Bredin Institute Partner in REVIT Training

2011-12-19T14:37:00.002-04:00

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

2011-11-29T16:47:00.000-04:00

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

2011-11-16T20:23:00.006-04:00

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

2011-09-25T15:38:00.000-03:00

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

2011-09-24T16:20:00.000-03:00

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

2011-09-08T21:39:00.002-03:00

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

2011-09-08T16:14:00.001-03:00

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

2011-09-06T12:55:00.001-03:00

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

2011-08-24T16:16:00.000-03:00

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

2011-08-12T12:39:00.009-03:00

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

2011-08-07T19:35:00.015-03:00

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

2011-07-31T13:03:00.003-03:00

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

2011-07-23T14:01:00.034-03:00

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

2011-07-21T17:45:00.001-03:00

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

2011-07-20T01:49:00.003-03:00

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

2011-07-18T11:19:00.002-03:00

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 !!

REVIT and ICF and IntegraSpec

2011-07-16T10:26:00.003-03:00

This wall system has REVIT Architecture, Structure and more importantly REVIT MEP written all over it !!

REVIT Generated, Carbon Footprint Data.

I have started using ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) for more than just foundations. This wall system is fantastic for the entire building envelope. It also works well with the Hambro Floor and Roof system.

IntegraSpec® (pronounced > integra . . . spec) is an innovative building system that builds stronger, safer, quieter, energy efficient and environmentally friendlier homes and structures.

IntegraSpec® is “The User Friendly ICF” TM is produced in Canada, USA and also 2 plants in Europe.

Their unique and patented design makes it the easiest and most versatile Insulated Concrete Wall System on the market today.

I should be offering a few ICF / REVIT tips over the coming months.

Below are some more images and details.

REVIT Common Edges and Hidden Lines

2011-07-14T00:25:00.002-03:00

Figure 'A'

Have you even noticed the 'Object Style' Sub-category 'Common Edges' and 'Hidden Lines' and wonder "What the %$^# they are there for" ?

See Figure 'B' below.

These 'Common Edges' and 'Hidden Lines' sub-categories show up in the 'Objects Styles' all over the place in many system families.

Have you ever wished you could fine tune the line weights or patterns of the 'internal layers' of a wall, floor or roof etc ?

Well here's the poop.

The 'Common Edges' are the lines between the 'Layers' within a wall, or floor, or roof or ceiling structure. See Figure 'A' above.

The outer edges of the walls, floors etc take on the cut style of the main category 'Wall' or Floor' etc. The internal lines are the 'Common Edges'.

Figure 'B'

Having said that enter . . . . . the override. . . . .

Yes the Visibility Graphics Override (per view) can fine tune those 'common edges' by checking the 'Cut Line Styles' option and click the 'Edit' button. See Figure 'C' below.

So with the 'common edges' sub-category and visibility graphics overrides you can really fine tune the appearance of the internal layers of walls, floors, roofs, ceilings etc. In section or plan.

Figure 'C'

Now, the 'Hidden Lines' sub-category is different.

It is used to display edges of elements that have been told to show as 'Hidden' when behind a particular element. See Figure 'D' below.

Use the 'Show Hidden Lines' tool from of the View tab of the ribbon.

Pick the object to do the 'hidding' then pick the object to 'show as hidden'. The hidden lines then take on the appearance of the line style and weight specified in the sub-category 'Hidden Lines'. This tool can also be used with a combination of both model and detail objects in plan, elevation, section and 3D views !

Figure 'D'

In the image above the wall was told to be hidden by the floor

and the floor was told to be hidden by the wall.

Gotta run . . . .. . . .

Daryl Gets His REVIT Building Design Suite Premium 2012

2011-06-30T14:31:00.001-03:00

Oh BABY !

REVIT Section Head Bubble CADclip

2011-06-29T20:30:00.006-03:00

As shown above you can offer a variation of section head bubbles in
REVIT Architecture, Structure and MEP.

View the CADclip below to learn the best way to modify a REVIT Section Head Bubble.

You can also use this exact same method to change the Section Tail Symbol.

REVIT 2012 Roof Cricket CADclip

2011-06-24T15:30:00.012-03:00

Below is a great little CADclip on how to create a roof cricket around a roof pentration.

In the CADclip above we use the normal roof edge slope methods and 2 very small edges.

You can also accomplish this cricket by using two 'Slope Arrows' as shown in the image below.

In the image below I placed the 2 slope arrows along the gable end of the cricket pointing towards the middle of the cricket. Note that you do NOT need to split the roof footprint linework on the gable edge. The roof footprint is made up of 3 segments only. Then to set the slope properties select the slope arrow(s) and use the properties palette. You can modify both arrows at the same time.

REVIT Railing with Glass Panels

2011-06-20T18:45:00.011-03:00

3D View of Railing Ballaster Panel Family Template

Ballaster Configuration Dialog Box Railing Configuration Dialog Box

Above are 4 images.

The top image is of the completed railings with one railing type for flat railings and one railing type for sloped railings.

Each railing type (flat and sloped) contains two railings, two end posts, 1" ballasters and 2'-0" wide glass panel 'ballasters'. Yes the glass panel is a ballaster !!

The second image is inside the new ballaster family template (Ballaster-Panel.rft).

Here we create and load two new ballaster panel families. Each ballaster panel family is made up of an extrusion 1/4" thick with 4 sides aligned and locked to the reference planes.

For the flat railing type, use the vertical and horizontal ref. planes.

For the sloped railing type, use the vertical and sloped ref. planes.

Make the extrusion material 'glass'.

After you load the two ballaster panel families into the project you can assign them to the new railing family.

Next we need to duplicate the 'Railing- Handrail -Pipe' family twice and rename them 'Glass Panel Rail Flat' and Glass Panel Rail Slope'.

The two new railing types will be identical other then specifying the sloped or flat ballaster panel.

The third image is of the Ballaster Placement dialog box found in the type properties of the railing.

Note the families and the numbers.

The forth image is of the Railing Structure dialog box found in the type properties of the railing.

Note the families and the numbers.

* From what I can tell, when working in the ballaster placement dialog box the 'distance from previous' is measured from the ballaster center lines.

*Also don't forget to set the ballaster 'Justify' to 'Spread Pattern to Fit'.

* You can set the panel width (2'-0" by default) in the type properties of the panel family listed in the project browser (double click).

The panel height is controlled by the ballaster placement dialog box. (top and base offset)

Detailied videos to be prodiuced on this topic process at: CADclips

Copy and Pasting REVIT Legends

2011-05-31T16:21:00.003-03:00

Have you ever tried to 'Copy and Paste' a REVIT legend from a 'Sheet View' in Project 'A' to a 'Sheet View' in Project 'B' ?

It cannot be done or at least not from 'Sheet View' to 'Sheet View'. So how can you copy a legend from one project to the next ??

The answer is to 'Copy and Paste' all the elements from Legend View to Legend View. Not from Sheet to Sheet.

Once you have pasted the elemets into the Legend View of Project 'B' then you place that legend on a sheet.

REVIT Dormers Gone Wild !

2011-05-13T15:11:00.011-03:00

Well today is 'Dormer' day in the REVIT training room and I thought I'd post some of the fun we are having. I can't believe the how well these 12 people have progressed.

Daryl Gregoire Offers Live REVIT Training

2011-05-04T16:58:00.013-03:00

We have a top notch computer lab with all the REVIT software installed. The training facility is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Whether you are local or thinking about flying in, send me an email and we'll give you more details. 1. Students will learn from the best REVIT trainer on the planet. 2. Everyone gets the CADclips 6 DVD Video Training Set. 3. Everyone gets a 1 year download subscription to cap it all off.

REVIT 2012 Assemblies Training

2011-04-28T15:10:00.002-03:00

Below is a CADclip overview on the new REVIT 2012 Assemblies (or Assembly) feature.

First you group elements into assemblies.

Then based on that assembly you can create views, sheets, isolate elements, schedule, tag, create material take offs and parts lists.

Have a look and you'll see what I mean.

Very Cool indeed !

Revit 2012 - Rendering, Materials and Visual Styles

2011-04-21T13:37:00.005-03:00

I am really enjoying REVIT Architecture 2012 and I need to dig into the new 'Parts' and 'Assemblies' features, which will take a little time, but in the mean time the new materials features combined with the new visual styles and ambient lighting really ROCK !

REVIT CADclip In-Place Massing with Rachel Toon

2011-04-07T01:03:00.002-03:00

Below Rachel Toon kicks off a video series on REVIT Architecture 2011 'In-Place Massing'. The series promises to teach curtain systems, panels, mullions, materials, rendering and more.

REVIT Wall with Reveal to Create a Planter

2010-11-30T03:27:00.011-04:00

I had this question come up today and thought it would make a great tutorial.

Below is a 3 part CADclip series on how to use a wall and a built in reveal to create a Planter.

REVIT Design Options Overview

2010-11-19T14:03:00.003-04:00

Below is an overview of what you can do with REVIT Design Options.

REVIT Server

2010-10-06T16:20:00.006-03:00

Wow, I just like the sound of those words . . . . REVIT SERVER . . . . . yes in deed.

Just seems to naturally roll off the tongue.

This is going to 'open a few doors' . . . pun intended . . .

Autodesk has a new product coming out named 'REVIT Server' that uses a WAN and a web based administrative tool to access the 'central file' on the 'central server'. Then the central server manages and syncronizes the data to the local servers which deal with the local PCs.

After all, as everyone gets BIM'd up the next natural step is to be able to connect the models across a WAN for a geographically challanged, collaborative REVIT project.

Imaginit and Avatech Merge !

2010-08-27T16:58:00.002-03:00

Imaginit and Avatech Merge

Wowsers !

REVIT Flared Bottom Tread

2010-08-05T12:05:00.004-03:00

Above your see the 3D and sketched plan view of how to make a flared the base tread of a tread in REVIT.

REVIT Deleting Constraining Dimensions

2010-07-31T13:20:00.007-03:00

We have all seen the dialog box above when we 'delete' a dimension that is 'constraining' geometry but do we pay attention to the difference between options 2 & 3 even though it is explained in the warning dialog box?

Option 1 To click 'cancel' simply cancels the delete and you are back to where you started from.

Option 2 To click 'Unconstrain' deletes the dimension and also unconstrains the geometry.

Option 3 To click 'Ok' is the odd man out. This option deletes the dimension but actually leaves the geometry constrained just like the dimension was actually still there (but it's not).

If you don't understand this, going with option 3 can cause great confusion down stream. You think . . . . I deleted that constraining dimension so how can it still be constrained??

So then if you select one of the elements that is still being constrained after the constraining dimension has been deleted you will see the constrains show up in blue temporary style.

See images below.

Typical 'Equal' constraining dimension before deleting it.

Same as above after deleting the dimension and going with Option 3. The dimension gone but still constrained ! Select one of the elements to see the constraints that still exist. Clear the selection and the constraints disappear. If you do in fact want to clear this 'EQ' constrain click the blue EQ symbol.

This concept also appies to 'Locked' constraining dimensions. Typical locked geometry.

Geometry after the locked dimension has been deleted but going with Option 3. Select an element and the constrains show up. Clear the selection and the display of the constraints disappear. If you do in fact want to clear this constrain clcik the blue lock symbol.

REVIT Basic Arched Opening

2010-07-26T22:25:00.009-03:00

Revit comes with a Basic Arched Opening that can be either Elliptical or Round.

Note that the Elliptical Arched Opening family that comes with REVIT is located in the 'Door' folder even though it is categorized as a 'Generic Model' and not a Door. Therefore it is technically a 'Component' and not a door.

The CADclip below shows you how to load it and how to change it from elliptical to round using the 'Spring Offset' type parameter.

REVIT - All in a Days work

2010-06-30T13:48:00.011-03:00

I was given a set of architectural constraints and asked to 'design a cottage'.

Although I am fairly certain I will not win any design awards, above illustrates what can be created from scratch, delivered to the customer (across the country) and posted to your blog in only a few hours.

We've come a long way baby !

The Design Constraints included:

Building Height (measure from underside of main floor joist).

Floor to floor height

Square footage limits for main and loft

Front Facade

Roof Pitch

Deck sizes

REVIT - Create Similar Tool

2010-06-15T11:26:00.002-03:00

The Create Similar tool has become my new favorite Button. I use it about . . . . . a 1000 times a day.

I call it the 'Gimmy One of These" button.

This button shows up on the ribbon after you select an item. The bonus is it also adapts to the properties of the item selected.

For example if you select a wall it will adapt the properties of the new wall to be created to include wall type, base and top constraints as well as offsets.

This also works with Structural objects and MEP objects.

Very nice in deed !

CADclip - Relocate In Place Family

2010-06-10T11:26:00.005-03:00

Another CADclip on relocating an inplace family to a different surface or shall I say 'Host'.

CADclips announces $29 for Full Download Access

2010-06-03T16:15:00.014-03:00

Your eyes are not playing tricks on you.

Starting June 8, 2010

CADclips is offering a Full REVIT Video Download Access for only $ 29.

Now ANYONE who wants to, can learn REVIT !

On your mark

Get set

GO !

This promotion has been adjusted to $89 as of July 14, 2010.

REVIT Basic Window Family Tutorial

2010-06-02T17:46:00.009-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $89

In the 10 minute CADclip below I show you. step by step. how to create a

Basic Fixed Picture Window Family.

Nothing complicated but the essentials of how to make a Window Family.

If you enjoy this you may want to invest a mere $29 at CADclips for 1000+ more videos !

30 Hours of Free AutoCAD Video Training

2010-05-31T20:26:00.009-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $89

Click the image above for 207 (30+ hours) of free AutoCAD Video Training. On the left hand margin scroll down and click the AutoCAD 2008 - Complete Series.

That's it.

207 videos for over 30 hours of in-depth AutoCAD training.

Lab exercises included.

REVIT Leader with No Text

2010-05-31T12:08:00.007-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $89

Ok, this one is for the migrating AutoCAD people.

Even though AutoCAD has had the 'Multi-Leader' for ever' most AutoCAD users still place the text and leader lines seperately in the DWG.

In REVIT I do not believe there is an 'out of the box' way to just place a leader line with no text.

The answer is to create a new 'Generic Annotation' family (wblock) of 'nothing'. That's right an annotaion family of NOTHING.

Then save and load this (blank) family into your project.

Then within the project right click the family in the (PB) > 'Type Properpties...' and assign a 'Leader Arrowhead' style.

Now drag the new leader family into the editing window.

Now (in 2011), on the options bar, when you place the family you will get a choice of how many leader lines you want.

After the fact you can select the family on screen and then Add or Remove leaders to the instance.

You can also edit the 'type properties' (right click in the PB) and 'Duplicate' the family and make variations of that same family but with different arrow head styles.

I just got a comment from someone on the Student Autodesk Facebook site that said this works great for 'slope arrows' in REVIT and I tend to agree.

Here's the CADclip.

REVIT Structure 2011 Temporary Dimensions

2010-05-28T18:10:00.009-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $89

REVIT Structure (and Arch. , MEP) have a couple welcomed new features in the area of 'Temporary Dimensions'.

1. You can now adjust the size of the text of a temporary dimension (without tweeking the revit.ini file) and specify whether the background is transparent or opaque. Much better !

2. (this is a big one) REVIT now remembers if you relocate the witness line of a temporary dimension. Even if you save the project and open it later. HUGE YEAH !!

Below is the CADclip

Learn Revit 2011 with CADclip Video Tutorials

2010-05-27T18:49:00.010-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $89

The CADclip below shows you a little bit about the latest (and greatest) REVIT Architecture 2011 Tutorial Training Series available at CADclips.

CADclips are available to Individuals or can be delivered Enterprise Wide.

REVIT 3D Section Views

2010-05-26T17:10:00.008-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $89

I like to take advantage of ALL of REVITs wonderful benifits . . . . . and here's another.

Watch the CADclip below to see how you can instantly turn a regular section view into a 3d

sectional view.

OH . . . . . did I mention that this also works for plan views as well. By default the 'section box' gets turned on but the visibility has been turned off so you will have to use the 'light bulb' tool to access the section box.

Great for the MEP people with Plenum Spaces.

REVIT Reset Level to 3D Extents

2010-05-25T13:07:00.010-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $89

Have you ever been frustrated trying to 'Reset to 3D Extents' for a Level !

I know I have.

Here's the tip:

You cannot 'Reset to 3D Extents' for a level 'while the view is being cropped'.

That's it.

Just (temporarily) 'turn off' the 'cropping' of the view you THEN you can freely 'Reset to 3D Extents' for a Level with a 'right click' or by dragging the level's 2D or 3D grips.

This had frustrated me to no end in the past.

Below is a fresh CADclip demonstrating this concept.

UPDATE:

I have since been informed that if all 3D extents of a level line lie 'within' the crop region then you CAN in fact use the 'Reset to 3D extents' tool. When you think you know everything . . . . be afraid : )

REVIT has Totally Changed my Deliverable

2010-05-22T12:39:00.011-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $89

I need new sun glasses because the BIM shining through is making me quint.

I am just tickled to provide drawings like above to my customers. A 3D view that takes about 4.8 minutes to generate and is worth it's weight in plutonium, on the job site. This is just a plain jane residential foundation. Think about what could be done in a much more complex model. I chose to isolate the concrete but you could isolate what ever you wanted for the needs of that BIM aspect.

Spot Elevations are a structural modeler's 'Fairy God Mother'. Sprinkle a little BIM dust on the model and all the spot elevations update instantly. It's easy to do. 1. Duplicate the {3D} view (or create a new camera view etc) 2. Isolate only the objects you want with the temporary hide / isolate tool. 3. Go back and forth with the light bulb tool until the view shows what you want then Apply to the view.

! DANGER: This next step requires the use of Sunglasses 4. Slap in some 'Spot Elevations'.

. . . . NOW, CAN YOU FEEL THE HEAT RISING?

REVIT MEP 2011 Review

2010-05-14T07:04:00.003-03:00

Here is a link to a REVIT MEP 2011 review posted at REED Construction Data.

REVIT MEP 2011 Review

Looks like RMEP has made some significant improvements and is moving in the right direction according to Mark Mergenschroer.

Key features mentioned in the review are:

Fixture Management

Customizing Electrical Panel Schedules and using Panel Schedule Templates

Assign spares and spaces

Rebalance Loads

Move Circuits Easily

Lock the Circuits

The ability to place the Panels on Sheets for Consistency and Size

Demand Factors Monitoring and ‘Total Demand Load’

Functionality to Coordinate Realistic Conduit and Cable Trays

Flat Oval Ducts

Reconcile Hosting Under the Collaborate Tools

Selecting all Instances Visible in the View or in the Project

Worksets in General

Place Valves and/or Fittings in a Section or Elevation View

Tag on Placement

Properties Palette

Speed of Software and Model Management has Improved

CADclip - Waffled or Coffered Ceiling Tutorial

2010-05-13T14:26:00.010-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $89

In the 5 minute CADclip below I demonstrate how to create a Waffled or Coffered Ceiling using a REVIT In-Place Void family.

I keep it pretty basic but you could use multiple void / solid geometry to achieve a more creative result.

REVIT 2011 Interface - Can we stop now ?

2010-05-13T11:35:00.003-03:00

Some days while I am working or teaching on the big screen I just stare at the REVIT 2011 ribbon and go blank trying to find something like . . . . . . . . 'Object Styles'. It is especially frustrating when the button I am looking for has now been moved to it's very own 1 square inch peice of realestate on the ribbon. I know, I know, I can use the keyboard shortcuts but after all I make my living teaching others how to use the software. If the Autodesk programmers redesign the @&# interface one more time I am going to hitch up my dog sled, portage my way to the main land, across New Brunswick, down through Maine to Boston and then stand outside the building and yell profanities. Or maybe I'm just getting old.

REVIT Jogged Section Lines

2010-05-11T16:43:00.008-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $89

This is nothing new but I'm surprised at how many people are not aware of this feature. Select a section line and then use the Split Segment tool to create jogs in the section line and subsequent view.

Free Ball Cap With All CADclip USB Sales

2010-05-10T13:19:00.009-03:00

CADclips is currently having a 33% off sale with a Free Ball Cap or Coffee Mug to all USB sales.

Get them while they are hot !

REVIT 2011 Roof Basic Videos

2010-05-09T17:59:00.004-03:00

Below are 10 great CADclips on REVIT Roof basics as illustrated in the image above. The CADclips cover the basics for Gable, Hip, Intersecting, Gambrel, Mansard, Butterfly and Shed roofs. Alhough I am using REVIT Architecture 2011 in these CADclips these lessons apply to RAC and RST back several versions.

33 Percent Off All CADclips

2010-05-08T13:55:00.006-03:00

Get 33 % off everything at the CADclips Store .

Just use the Coupon Code > B I M and then click Update Cart

Training topics listed below:

REVIT Architecture

REVIT Structure

REVIT MEP

AutoCAD Architecture

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

MAP

Inventor

Sketchup

Navisworks

MS Office

REVIT 2011 Known Issues and Limitations

2010-05-07T12:43:00.003-03:00

The following are known issues with this release: Rendering Additional Render Paths work differently with Realistic Views than with Rendering. Previously, if you moved your model or moved your custom textures and decals, Revit would allow you to add an additional render appearance path. This functionality let you specify a 'back-up' location for Revit to look if it did not find your custom images. In order for Revit to take advantage of the additional render appearance path functionality with Realistic Views, you have to add the path to the original image before you assign the custom image or decal. This tells Revit to use a relative path rather than an absolute path to the image. This only affects Realistic views; Rendering workflow will allow you to specify an additional render appearance path after assigning the image. Many families have 2D masking regions (or filled regions) in plan view and have the visibility of the 3D elements turned off in plan views. If this is the case, then your family will 'render' white when in Realistic view display. This will be true in both the family environment and the project environment. In order for your family to render correctly in Realistic views, you need to make the 3D elements visible in plan views, assign a render material, and delete the masking region. Upgrading IES lights. If your Revit 2010 project file contains IES lights and you upgrade to 2011, then your render may return a black image. If so, try turning off the IES lights. Not all IES lights will render incorrectly, however if a light does not render then try using another IES file. Custom Elevation Tags Best Practices for using Custom Elevation Tags in an upgraded Project If you upgrade a project from a previous releases of Revit to 2011, you will see your elevation tags look and behave exactly as they did previously. If you choose to modify an existing elevation tag and customize it, then you will see erratic changes when reloading the tag. Older elevation tag behavior was not concerned with correctly orienting elevation tags N, S, E, W. The UP direction was rotated to face Left, Right, etc. It is our recommendation not to customize upgraded elevation tags without investing additional work to fix and redraw elevations. Customize the Circular Elevation Tag Family before placing instances If you are starting a new project from the Revit 2011 default template file and you are planning to customize your circular elevation tag family, it is best to customize the family first, then load it into the project, then place instances. Elevations placed before the Circular tag family is customized will not update correctly after loading the custom tag. Pantone The Pantone "Find Color" field does not search for a matching color In the Materials Dialog, click on a color swatch to enable the color picker, and then click the Pantone button. In the Pantone color picker dialog, you are able to type in a number-but the search is currently not performed. You must scroll to find the Pantone color. Conceptual Modeling Division by Intersects Partial and Overhanging border panel conditions may require individual attention. To replace a border panel, delete the panel and manually place curtain panel by pattern or an adaptive component by snapping to the surface nodes. Adaptive Components An Adaptive Component cannot be placed from the component placement tool or using the CM keyboard shortcut. You must drag the component from project browser. Adaptive Components can only be placed in a Mass family, an In-place Mass, a curtain panel by pattern family, or another Adaptive Component family. Model Lines Model Lines and all in-canvas labeled dims and reference points associated with those model lines are absorbed when a form is made from those lines. Consistent Materials Install/Uninstall If you were on a Beta or Alpha with any Autocad, Inventor, Max, Maya, Showcase, or Navisworks product, you must manually uninstall the three material libraries using Windows Add/Remove Programs. The libraries must be removed in this order: Autodesk Material Library 2011 Medium Image Library Autodesk Material Library 2011 Base Image Library Autodesk Material Library 2011 To reinstall the material library, you can use the original installation media: Install Products > Select only >Autodesk Material Library 2011 Medium Image Library.> Proceed with installation. All libraries will be installed. Export Guide grids are not visible when exported to DWG and DWF files. When utilizing Windows Classic appearance theme, the Export CAD Formats dialog may not display properly after resizing the dialog. The dialog will be displayed correctly when the dialog is reopened. Display If your video card supports DirectX 9 or higher, Hardware Acceleration is enabled by default. When utilizing the 3GB Switch, Revit may crash displaying 3D views when Hardware Acceleration is enabled. In order to display materials using the Realistic visual style, Hardware Acceleration must be enabled. If Hardware Acceleration is not enabled, Realistic views will display similar to the Shaded visual style. In order to display Ambient Occlusion, Hardware Acceleration must be enabled. If Hardware Acceleration is not enabled, the Ambient Occlusion setting will be grayed out. When you start Revit, if your computer's video card and driver have not been tested with Revit, or if they do not meet minimum requirements, a warning displays that describes the issue. The warning has a hyperlink to an Autodesk website that lists the tested video cards and drivers. Upon start up of Revit and unknown dialog is displayed. This is due to a conflict with hardware acceleration enabled and ATI FireGL Card V3350 8.563.0.0 Unknown dialog may nolonger display when turning off Desktop Manager through Video Card Properties > Catalyst Control Center > and restarting Revit. When Revit is launched through a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you may need to re-enable Hardware Acceleration (Application Menu > Options > Graphics). Decals in Realistic Views When displaying Decals in views with Visual Style set to Realistic, a graphic box containing an "X" incorrectly displays over the Decal image. Sun Path When using Sun Path and Shadows the size of the ground plane (if active) set large enough as to reflect the shadows from the sun at 5 degrees above horizon. Any position of the sun lower than 5 degrees shall not make the ground plane larger and the shadows can get "clipped" by the edge of the ground plane. The sun path may not be displayed for projects located near the Earth's poles. Design Review If you try to repair the Design Review install you get prompted to insert disk 1. It does not matter if you have the Revit DVD in the drive, this is not what the repair mechanism is looking for. So you have to cancel out and can not repair the install. Workaround: Browse to en-US\Support\ADR, right-click on the msi and select reinstall. Communication Center When selecting some RSS Feed links from Communication Center they may not open correctly, this is caused by incompatible format of the RSS feeds.

REVIT 2011 System Requirements

2010-05-07T12:26:00.003-03:00

Here's the poop on REVIT 2011 performance and recommended hardware. When REVIT Architecture installs it checks your current display adapter configuration. Then on startup you are notified you if certain features will not work. This notification can be turned off. I'm liking it so far but adapting to the new ribbon ain't no picnic. If I go for that stupid 'old' split properties button or right click for 'view properties' one more time I'm going to jump off the Confederation Bridge. 3 releases of REVIT inside 24 months and 3 different interfaces. It looks like Autodesk has finally removed the original REVIT programmers and replaced them with the AutoCAD programmers. Although the specs below are relative to RAC I'm sure RST and MEP are the same. RAC 2011 Performance Recommendations Operating systems Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64 bit Service Pack Service Pack (SP) 2 (or later): Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64 bit Business Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64 bit Home Premium Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64 bit Ultimate Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64 bit Enterprise CPU type Quad Core Intel® Xeon® Processor (2.50 Ghz, 2X6M L2, 1333) or equivalent AMD processor ® Memory 8 GB RAM Video display 1280 x 1024 with True Color Video adaptor 512 MB DirectX® 9 capable graphics card with Shader Model 3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- RAC 2011 64-bit Hardware and Software Requirements Operating systems Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64 bit Service Pack 2 (or later) Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64 bit Business Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64 bit Home Premium Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64 bit Ultimate Microsoft® Windows Vista® 64 bit Enterprise Microsoft® Windows® 7 64 bit Microsoft® Windows® 7 64 bit Home Premium Microsoft® Windows® 7 64 bit Professional Microsoft® Windows® 7 64 bit Ultimate Microsoft® Windows® 7 64 bit Enterprise Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer® 7.0 or later CPU type Microsoft® Windows® XP ® Professional x64 Edition SP2: Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD AthlonTM Dual Core, 1.6 GHz or higher with SSE2 technology Microsoft® Windows ® Vista® 64 bit SP2 (or later) or Microsoft ® Windows ® 7 64 bit: Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD AthlonTM Dual Core, 3.0 GHz or higher with SSE2 technology Memory 3 GB RAM Video display 1280 x 1024 with True Color Video adaptor Basic graphics: Display adaptor capable of 24-bit color Advanced graphics: 256 MB DirectX® 9 capable graphics card with Shader Model 3 Hard disk 5 GB free disk space Pointing device MS-Mouse compliant Media Download or Installation from DVD9 ------------------------------------------------------------- RAC 32-bit Hardware Software Requirements Operating systems Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 2 (or later), including: Microsoft® Windows® XP ® Home Microsoft® Windows® XP ® Professional Microsoft® Windows® Vista® Service Pack 2 (or later), including: Microsoft® Windows® Vista® Business Microsoft® Windows® Vista® Home Premium Microsoft® Windows® Vista® Ultimate Microsoft® Windows® Vista® Enterprise Microsoft® Windows® 7 32 bit Microsoft® Windows® 7 32 bit Home Premium Microsoft® Windows® 7 32 bit Professional Microsoft® Windows® 7 32 bit Ultimate Microsoft® Windows® 7 32 bit Enterprise Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer® 7.0 or later CPU type Microsoft® Windows® XP ® Service Pack 2 or later: Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD AthlonTM Dual Core, 1.6 GHz or higher with SSE2 technology Microsoft® Windows ® Vista® 32 bit Service Pack 2 (or later) or Microsoft® Windows ® 7 32 bit: Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD AthlonTM Dual Core, 3.0 GHz or higher with SSE2 technology Memory 3 GB RAM Video display 1280 x 1024 with True Color Video adaptor Basic graphics: Display adaptor capable of 24-bit color Advanced graphics: 256 MB DirectX® 9 capable graphics card with Shader Model 3 Hard disk 5 GB free disk space Pointing device MS-Mouse compliant Media Download or Installation from DVD9 Connectivity Internet connection for license registration

REVIT 2011 Stepped Footing Family CADclip

2010-04-27T23:25:00.011-03:00

Below are 4 CADclips on how to create a very slick Stepped Footing family.

A family that will get used many times !

CADclip on REVIT 2011 Keyboard Shortcuts

2010-04-25T14:23:00.006-03:00

The CADclip below demonstrates how to use the new REVIT 2011 Keyboard Shortcuts Interface.

Looks like they finally caught up to the AutoCAD interface . . . oops did I say that out loud. . . (you have always been able to edit the keyboardshortcuts.txt file . . .right)

RAC 2011 Truss Tips

2010-04-16T11:37:00.006-03:00

Now that RAC 2011 has some of the RST tools built in, we need to cover a few RST tips.

Here's some basic truss info. that the RST people are already well aware of.

The first time drawing a Truss all members get assigned to the last 'Beam' that was drawn. As shown below with a C-Channel.

Then we change the framing members in the truss type properties as shown in the two images below. Here's the poop:

By default, when you draw a truss the first time it uses the last 'Beam' member used in the project as all the truss chord members. So the first truss may look a little wonkie because it places C-Channels or WF beams as the truss chord members.

If you check the 'type' properties of the truss you can change all the truss members after (or before) the fact. Once the new members have been assigned to the truss type you are ready to draw more trusses or duplicate and create different types.

Try this:

1. Start a new project and use the beam tool or load a different framing family and draw a beam.

2. Start the Truss tool and draw a truss end to end.

3. Go to a 3d view or elevation and check the truss members. They will all be the same family as the last beam you placed in point 1. above.

4. To fix, just change the truss type properties for top, vertical, diagonal and bottom chord.

* Change your detail level to 'Course' and trusses (like all structural framing) become single line diagrams.

* Trusses can also extend upward and downward by 'attaching' (just like walls) to shape themselves to a roof or floor. . . . but that is a different lesson . . . .

REVIT 2011 Tips and Changes

2010-03-31T11:10:00.003-03:00

Below is what appears to be an Autodesk Produced video on some of the technical changes to the REVIT 2011 product line. * The video kept jamming on me so I skipped ahead and it worked.

If you don't have time to watch here's the poop in a nutshell:

1. YOU NEED A CERTIFIED GRAPHICS CARD.

(the list is yet to be published, REVIT 2010 did not produce this list)

2. You will be able to download a utility to check the compatibility of your current card and driver.

3. The 32 Switch for 32 bit systems causes crashes with hardware acceleration graphics enabled.

4. It's all about the new certified card + hardware acceleration.

5. I suspect we all need to go 64bit with the certified card at this point in the game.

6. Rendering Materials is common across AutoCAD, REVIT and MAX so the interface has changed and working with old projects will probably cause problems with materials. I personally think the materials nightmare between the apps is not over yet.

7. No more limit on the processing 'core' requirements. Both Dual and Quad core should work for rendering performance.

8. FBX export to MAX from REVIT 2011 only works in MAX 2011.

9. Worksets have been re-written on the inside.

10. You now have visibility graphics control of worksets through a linked file.

11. Personalized 3D views that 'appends a newly created 3d view's' user name with your name.

12. Sync with Central performance has improved.

New Features of REVIT Architecture 2011

2010-03-25T23:37:00.010-03:00

User Interface A modeless properties palette allows the user to change the properties of an element during placement or modification. Contextual tab improvements reduce the number of tab switches and provide consistent tool locations. Users now have the ability to adjust and customize the order of tools on the Quick Access toolbar. Temporary Dimensions Revit now remembers edits to temporary dimension witness lines per session. Once you tweek a temporary dimension on an object it remembers that tweek during the editing session. Adaptive Components Adaptive component functionality is designed for situations when components need to flexibly adapt to unique contextual conditions. Adaptive points are created by modifying reference points. The geometry drawn by snapping to these adaptive points results in an adaptive component. Form Editing A form can be edited in sketch mode by modifying the curves from which it was created. A form can also be dissolved back to the curves from which it was created. Once a form has been dissolved, its profile curves and path (when applicable) remain. These curves and path can be edited to create a new form. The Dissolve Form command removes the surfaces from a form, leaving the valuable defining profiles, curves and points. Large Team Workflow Improve your ability to work with projects containing linked files with the capability to apply view filters, tag elements, and control visibility of worksets. Text Improvements Improvements to text tools enable you to: Adjust the location of the leader relative to the text block Format text with bullets and numbering Modify text using the Find & Replace Text tool Structural Tools Several structural tools, previously available only in Autodesk® Revit® Structure software, are now available to Autodesk Revit Architecture users. These tools include: Curved Beams Metal Decking Slanted Structural Columns Trusses Beam Coping tool Beam System Tags Enhanced Visualization Autodesk Revit Architecture now provides the ability to display materials and ambient lighting in editable views. Keyboard Shortcuts Autodesk Revit Architecture now provides a new interface for managing keyboard shortcuts for Revit Tools. Add or remove keyboard shortcuts and assign multiple shortcuts for each Revit Tool. Import keyboard shortcuts from another user. Export keyboard shortcuts to share them with other users, or to a spreadsheet program where you can sort, organize, and print a list of shortcuts for quick reference. Custom Elevation Tags Define the appearance of view tags used for elevations. Elevation tags can now have any shape and any number of arrows pointing in nonorthogonal directions relative to the tag body. Background Images in Rendered View Autodesk Revit Architecture now provides the ability to display images in the background of rendered views. Sheet Improvements Improvements to sheets enable you to: List sheets on the drawing list that are not in the project, such as consultant drawings Consistently align views on sheets. Convert Line Types The convert lines tool converts existing model lines, detail lines, and symbolic lines into the preferred line type. Repeat Last Command Revit 2011 makes it easy to repeat the command that was last used, or select from a list of recently usedcommands Reporting Parameter Let's you create a parameter that is easily usable in other families and schedules such as reporting the wall thickness in a door or window schedule. More Information Key Features Common to all Revit Platform Software Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2011, Autodesk® Revit® MEP 2011 and Autodesk® Revit® Structure 2011 software share a common set of key enhancements for improved design functionality and workflow to help design teams accelerate better design with tools that promote productivity and support sustainable design and analysis. See the Autodesk® Revit® Platform Enhancements for 2011 backgrounder for information on the platform enhancements. Enhancements specific to Revit Architecture 2011 include: Form Editing: Sketch editing for conceptual masses in Revit Architecture 2011 has been improved with the ability to edit individual profiles of any type of form without having to delete the form first, similar to “sketch mode” but even more accessible. The Dissolve Form command removes the surfaces from a form, leaving the valuable defining profiles, curves and points. In the past, only voids could be used as cutting elements for Boolean operations, and it was difficult to access them again for further transformations. Now solids can be used to cut other solids, so that when the cut is executed, geometry from both forms remains visible. Surface Rationalization: The ability to rationalize surfaces has been enhanced. Surfaces can now be split by levels, reference planes and model lines. Now, divided surface patterns can be made up of any combination of UV grids and intersects created by these new elements. Adaptive Components: The adaptive component is a generalized implementation of the pattern-based curtain panel family, which was introduced with the 2010 release of Autodesk Revit Architecture. It is designed to handle cases where components need to flexibly adapt to many unique contextual conditions. The adaptive component can be used to simply fill in the empty edge panels on a divided surface or for more complex modeling or framing applications. Structural Tools: Several features formerly available only in Autodesk Revit Structure software are now available in Autodesk Revit Architecture, such as the ability to create: Curved beams Slanted columns Beam copings Trusses Metal deck profiles, and more Rendering Enhancements: Background Images Revit Architecture now provides the ability to display images in the background of rendered views. Procedural Textures Create custom procedural textures based on patterns such as checker, gradient, wood or tiles. New Autodesk Material Library More smoothly exchange material data between Autodesk applications with the new Autodesk Material Library. Materials can be exchanged with certain other supporting Autodesk applications (AutoCAD®, Autodesk® Inventor®, Autodesk Revit MEP and Autodesk Revit Structure software) in a true one-to-one mapping — helping create a consistent definition and rendered look and minimize the need to rework materials after data import. Note: The new Material Library in Revit Architecture 2011 will only export materials, lights, or environments to 3ds Max/3ds Max Design 2011. Removal of Four-Core Rendering Limit Rendering in Revit-based products is no longer limited to the use of four cores on multiprocessor computers. Revit-based products can now take advantage of as many cores as are available on your computer. Access to Autodesk® Green Building Studio® Web-Based Services (Available with Subscription to Revit Architecture) More smoothly extend BIM workflows to include sustainable analysis. With more than 1.6 million virtual weather locations across the globe, the climate information used in analyses can be more local, accurate and current. By using the power of cloud computing, Green Building Studio can generate analyses in a matter of minutes, thus helping architects and designers to iterate through multiple design options earlier and more often. For new buildings projects, whole building energy analysis can help predict more accurate building operation costs before construction. For renovation and retrofit projects, the software helps users to make the most efficient design choices.

Parametric Room Size Label

2010-03-22T21:56:00.020-03:00

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for $199

This family tutorial will teach you some cool stuff about nested families, parameters and also save you a ton of time if you ever need to label room sizes.

We teach you how to nest an annotative family (with instance parameters) into a model family. Then we link up the two sets of parameters in the model family and tie it all together with reference planes that result in downstream shape handles at the project level.

Once the family is loaded into the project you can 'align and / or lock' the nested / controlling reference planes to walls or parallel edges and the room size label updates . Use the 'align tool' or select the family and use the shape handles.

* The lessons learned here on nesting an annotation family within a model family and being able to nudge or move 'the annotation' part of the model family at the project level is NOT widespread knowledge.

Below is an embedded playlist with 1 CADclip demonstrating the family in action and 3 more CADclips showing you how to build the family yourself from scratch.

Operable Overhead Door Family

2010-02-27T20:15:00.006-04:00

As indicated in the animated image above, the 5 CADclip tutorials below demonstrate how we can easily and quickly convert an out of the box REVIT overhead door to have the option to be open.

This CADclip is packed with custom family tips that you can use in your own family creation.

Only in Canada

2010-02-27T20:02:00.002-04:00

I know this is off topic but could not help but post this photo of the Canadian Olympic Torch with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) posing out front.

In Vancouver, BC of all places.

Only in Canada !

REVIT Residential Model Demonstration

2010-02-21T13:41:00.008-04:00

I needed to convey some information to some customers of mine so I thought I would take advantage of all my resources. Although I can send them hard copy prints a little video goes a long way as well.

Here are a few CADclips enhanced with a little audio dub.

Add Sheet Counter to REVIT Title Block

2010-02-18T17:09:00.013-04:00

REVIT does not come installed with a title block family parameter that displays how many sheets are in a sheet set. In fact REVIT doesn't have sheet sets.

Some people prefer to display the total number of sheets in a set as the '15' displays above.

In the 3 CADclips below you are first introduce to the completed title block family in a project then we start from scratch and show you how to build it yourself.

1. Create a Shared Parameter named 'Number of Sheets'.

2. Use this Shared Parameter in the Title Block rfa family file.

3. Load the title block family into a project.

4. Create a local Project Parameter of Category 'Project Information' pointing to the same Shared Parameter.

5. Set the 'Number of Sheets' value manually in the Project Information dialog box or the field in the title block and witness the change to all sheets.

RAC 2010 - The New Curtain System by Lines

2010-02-16T12:31:00.005-04:00

Here's the new way to create a 'Curtain System by Lines'.

In previous versions of REVIT there was a simple straight forward way to create the curtain system as illustrated above by using a tool called 'Curtain System By Lines'.

The first thing we noticed in RAC 2010 is that tool is gone without at trace. Not only is it gone but if you go to the help menu to the 'Where is my Command' tool and search for it you will discover that it does NOT tell you where that command went to. It has been erased from the face of REVIT without any direction as to the 'NEW' way to do it . . . . . . that is until now of course : )

1. Create a new In-Place Mass Form by picking existing geometry or linework.

2. Turn the linework into a 'Form' and finish the mass.

3. Use the Curtain System by Face tool.

4. Add the Curtain Grids.

5. Add the Mullions.

6. Bob's your Uncle !

See the CADclip below for a complete demonstration.

CADclips Offers 25% Commission on all Referrals

2010-02-11T13:58:00.028-04:00

Become a 'CADclips Partner'.

This is ideal for REVIT / CAD bloggers, Autodesk Resellers , User Groups, Content Creators and Sales People. It also pays in $$Dollars$$ not in pennies like Google Adsense.

Simple as 1, 2, 3 my friends . . .

1. CADclips provides you with a unique '10% discount' coupon code.

2. You publish the coupon on your web page any how or any where for people to use.

3. CADclips notifies, tracks and sends you 25% of the total list price(s).

You never actually have to meet or talk to the customer. You just advertise the 10% savings coupon on your web site or blog and CADclips sends you the commission $$$.

This includes single sales as well as large corporate / educational sales and the sky is the limit people !

You have the traffic and contacts. CADclips has a solid proven product. So do yourself a favor.

Let's do a little math . . .

1 $300 sale gets you $75

$2500 in sales gets you $625

$10,000 in sales gets you $2500

CADclips provides you with everything you need to close the sale.

Interested in a nice little chunk of side revenue with zero effort ?

Why wait ?

Contact Paul Thompson for your unique coupon code and start making money just as the REVIT wave takes flight.

Post the coupon code on your web site or hand it out one at a time and you're on your way !

REVIT Stepped Footing Tutorial

2010-02-10T16:27:00.007-04:00

Out of the box REVIT just doesn't make it easy to create stepped footings.

We need to:

1. Create some Reference Planes

2. Model the stepped footing using an In-Place family

3. Split the walls

4. Apply the Concrete Material and then Join Geometry

Below are 5 CADclips embedded in a single viewer on how to create the stepped footing you see above. This is good for both for REVIT Architecture or Structure.

REVIT Live Editing Tutorials

2010-02-09T15:16:00.009-04:00

Below I have embedded 13 CADclip tutorials in a single viewer to provide live editing to convert the House with the Garage to the House with the Front Porch as illustrated above.

First we do all the modeling and then we go through and cleanup all the Views and Sheets.

REVIT Wood Framing Walls Extension

2010-01-29T18:11:00.034-04:00

Please see the CADclip Video Tutorial at the bottom of this post.

Also, a big REVIT Rocks 'Thank You' to these four sites for their generous exposure:

REVITCITY - (great discussion)
The REVIT KID (fairly new on the block but in a word ...'SMART')

Cadalot - REVIT Structure Learning Curve (a relentless hunt for learning)

CADDIGEST (oodles and oodles of links to free tutorials)

We'll start with the images : )

In this tutorial we are going to introduce you to the new and exciting REVIT Wood Framing Walls Extension available for free to all REVIT subscription members.

Thanks to > REVIT Learning Curve for bringing this app to my attention.

It's taken me a solid 15-20 hours of tinkering before I could get it to create what I wanted in a single attempt, however there were MANY failed attempts.

There are a few things that need to get 'fixed' with this REVIT extension before it's 100% ready for the market but it has amazing potential.

I went from being excited to being dissappointed no less than 5 times.

Review Summary:

This extension is not 100% ready for market use YET . . . but it has huge potential. It works . . . but it is cumbersome to use and has a few fundamental glitches that need to get fixed after you get it up and running. Make sure you have the wood material loaded and make all walls load bearing before you start (otherwise it will prompt you to make them load bearing).

Number 1 problem is the ability for this app. to differentiate between 'wall thickness' and 'core thickness'. It places the studs 'centered' in the wall thickness where we really want the studs centered in the 'core thickness'. This is pretty much a show stopped right there. However I have a feeling it's not a difficult fix. Once that gets done we're off to the races. This observation is readily visible in the app. dialog box.

Number 2 problem (as I discovered) is when you try to duplicate the O.T.B. structural framing member families to hard code dimensions to the framing cross section ie: 2 x 4 = 1 7/8" x 3 7/8" (38 x 89) etc. The app. seems to prefer using 'User defined framing parameterization' framing profiles rather than the 'revit project active families'. The actual naming of these two options is confusing to say the least because the user defined profiles are actually the ''revit project active families'' and not the one that says 'user defined'. Either way it causes down stream problems unless you just let the app. make the profiles automatically based on the wall thickness. (Tricky one to explain in words.)

Number 3 problem is the tedious process of applying the framing specifications to each and every wall and opening. There is no way to specify the framing (headers, sills, kings) to 'all selected door openings' or 'all selected window openings'. You have to go through each and every wall in the project. I soon discovered that with a simple 1200 sq ft bungalo it took me FOR EVER and you can see from the posted images I still missed some walls because the top plates are rotated the wrong way (or shall I say . . . the DEFAULT way). Who uses a top plate rotated vertically . . . . come on people . . . get with the building code).

Number 4 problem is the fact that you need to 'rotate' the opening headers and sills even though the image shows it oriented the right way. Seeing as the header has Profile 1 and profile 2 this can be very confusing as you try to bumble you're way through this learning process. The default profiles should at the very least get placed as seen in the dialog box.

Number 5 problem is Tee connections. These show up ramdomly where there is no Tee and don't get placed where there are Tee's.

Number 6 problem is wall corner connections. They just don't cleanup properly at the top and bottom plate consistantly. I tried playing with my wall corner joins with no better results.

Number 7 problem is 'units' . OMG The app. uses the Project Units and converts everything to the Units 'round off' of say /32 or /8 etc. AND you cannot enter units in decimal form as in 1.5". It simply will not allow you to vear from the project units. If you specify 1 7/8" it will convert that to say . . . 1 28/32". Weird but true.

What you end up doing is defining each wall framing configuration and then deleting all the framing it creates and then doing it again. . . .and again . . . and again . . . and yes again . . . until it FINALLY gives you what you want. In he mean time you may find it creates duplicate framing members occupying the same space or creating no framing at all, but thinks it is actually there. The thing is the framing configuration seems to be saved somewhere externally (and not as a property of the wall) and you can delete the framing entirely, save and close the file, open the file back up and the wall will remember how you wanted it framed.

It will allow you to tweak the framing by using the grips to stretch a single framing member but it causes problems too.

In the end this app. has SUPER potential but it's really only 75% complete at best. . . . in true Autodesk fashion (even though this is not their app. (which is another topic altogether) ) they'll let us test it out and then report back with the bugs (DOH!) .

(17.5 hrs @ $97.25/hr = $1701.87 . . . thank you Autodesk . . . you can contact me for my paypal address. : ) )

Gotta run . . . the kids are up . . . : ) . . . . have a look at the CADclip below for a more graphical explanation. Comments are always welcomed.

REVIT Good Bubble Bad Bubble

2010-01-26T13:10:00.008-04:00

Good Bubble !

Bad Bubble !

By default REVIT uses View, Callout and Section tags (bubbles) that do not provide industry standard forward and backward referencing. I prefer the Good Bubble image.

Below is a sketch with a little more detail on the good bubble ingredients.

Below is a CADclips on how to swap the Bad Bubbles out for the Good Bubbles !

Adding Cost and Currency to REVIT Schedules

2010-01-21T15:19:00.014-04:00

Below is a CADclip on adding Currency ($$) and cost to REVIT Material Takeoffs and Schedules.

Most people can create a good material takeoff and or quantity schedule in REVIT and get totals and grand totals. But bridging the gap to costing and the almighty $ sign is tricky.

For many regualr 'schedules' all you have to do is add in a 'cost' as part of the instance or type parameters. But 'material takeoff's' are a little different.

If you create a foundation 'material takeoff' schedule that tells you that you have 1500 cubic feet (CF) of 'cast in place concrete' and you know your cost is $15 / CF then you should be able to formulate that overall cost. But you will run into a road block > error: Inconsistant Units

The problem occurs when you try to use the 'currency' unit (dollar) and the 'volume' unit (CF) together in the same REVIT schedule field formula. You will get an 'Inconsistant Units' error.

The answer is to create an intermitant variable that translates the volume unit to real number units. Then multiply that number by the cost / unit and Bob's your uncle.

For 30+ free REVIT Lab Exercises go to this post > CADclip Labs

Set the Pixel width to 720p for HD video quality.

Here's the CADclip.

REVIT Architecture Lab Exercise Videos

2010-01-19T22:15:00.046-04:00

Below you will find a series of free CADclip 'Lab Exercises' on how to model and document the drawings for a double car garage. This is a great training aid / resource for anyone who is teaching REVIT or learning to use REVIT (Architecture or Structure).

There are 31 videos included within the single playlist embedded below which walk you through the exercises step by step.

The playlist starts at Lesson 1 and moves on.

Remember, these are 'Lab Exercises' and not a Tutorial. They are best utilized after getting familiar with REVIT. For more detail tutorials visit CADclips.

We start with grid lines and levels, then walls, doors, windows, footings and a roof. Then a sloping slab and notched foundation wall at the overhead door. Then we put the plans, elevations, section on a sheet and annotate them for documentation. We create Schedules and Material Takeoffs that include Totals and Costs.

We also constrain and align the walls, grids, roof and slab to establish a nice neat parametric project. Move a grid line and the entire project updates right down to the sheets, schedules and costs.

Set the Pixel width to '720p' for HD video quality.

Group REVIT Schedule Headers

2010-01-18T22:53:00.012-04:00

Did you know you can edit the 'header' information in REVIT Schedules and 'Group' (or ungroup) columns as indicated above?

It's easily demonstarted in the 1.5 minute CADclip below.

Set the Pixel width to '720p' for HD video quality.

50% Off all REVIT Video Tutorials

2010-01-13T14:36:00.011-04:00

CADclips is offering 50% off all REVIT Video Tutorials until the end of January 2010.

Enter the coupon code BIM then click the [Update Cart] button to see the discount as illustrated above.

Here is the CADclips Store link.

You can browse REVIT topics on the left hand side.

REVIT Parametric House Magic

2010-01-05T15:24:00.008-04:00

Below is a great CADclip demonstrating the power of REVIT, BIM and Conceptual Massing.

I navigate the entire demonstration from a single sheet view of a project.

The project contains one parametric conceptual mass setup to control the shape of a basic two storey house and attached garage.

Then within one project, using Phases and Scope boxing you can create unlimited versions of the same basic house shape but with different dimensions, floor levels, roof slopes and MATERIAL TAKE-OFFS !

You can even have different wall, window and door types per instance.

Control each version of the same model from the associated conceptual mass.

Click the conceptual mass and change the foundation depth, floor to ceiling height, floor thickness, garage width or length, house width, length or height and the entire model updates and so do all the views and the material take-offs !

With a little more work you could sit down with a client, change a few dimensions and print out unlimited versions of construction documents and corrisponding material take-offs. All with just a few clicks.

I think they call this B I M !!

Here is the process used to create what you see in the CADclip below: 1. Create a conceptual Mass Family with parametric constraints. 2. Load it into a project. 3. Use the building maker tools to skin the conceptual mass with walls etc.

4. Place and Constrain the doors and windows to the wall corners and intersections. 5. Make a copy of both the mass and the associated walls, roofs etc. 6. Create and assign phases to seperate the two models. 7. Schedule the material take offs based on phase and material type. 8. Make parametric changes to one of the masses aand then tell the walls, floors, roofs to update to the new mass faces. 9. Place the views on a sheet. 10. You now have multiple parametric models with associated material takeoffs.

Here's the CADclip !

Set the Pixel width to '720p' for HD video quality.

RME - Duct Center Lines in Hidden Visibility

2009-12-18T11:28:00.005-04:00

Use REVIT Filters to show Duct Centerlines.

This tip was actually derived from a post at AUGI but I thought it might make a great video for those who are not familiar with Filters and Visibility Graphic Overrides.

The challenge was to get 'round' ducts (or pipes) to display their 'centerlines' when you switch to 'hidden line' visibility because by default the centerlines only show when the view is set to wireframe visibility.

Some say that you should not need to show centerlines but regardless of the camp you are in there is a work around and the lesson learned can be applied to many aspects of REVIT MEP, Architecture or Structure.

Create a 'filter' to grab the 'round ducts' then apply that filter to a plan view and set them to 'Transparent'.

See the CADclip below:

Quality Certified REVIT Content at REVIT Market

2009-12-16T18:08:00.007-04:00

I just spent some time talking to Michele at REVIT Market and got a great feeling about their business. Michele informed me that getting their 'certified' REVIT stamp of approval on published REVIT rfa files, requires internal human testing.

Very nice in deed.

Check them out.

1000's of Quality Certified REVIT Familes.

REVIT Calculating Standard Roof Slopes by Formula

2009-12-14T22:53:00.022-04:00

As I start to get deeper into the conceptual parametric massing families I am coming up with all kinds of cool tips.

Here's a great one.

When you need to constrain reference lines in order to create down stream roof slope parameters for a conceptual mass form as in 3-12, 5-15, 7-12 etc. . . . You don't want the user to have to input the roof slope by an angle. You want to input the slope as a factor of Rise / 12 as shown below. This involves a little trigonometry. Remember the old tan (x) = opposite over adjancent ?

If not have a look at the images just below.

So we know the Adjacent (12) and the user inputs the Opposite (Rise) but the trick is we have to use the 'Inverse Tangent' to get the actual angle in degrees. Otherwise all we get is the Tan of the angle, not the actual angle itself. So the correct term for Inverse Tan is ArcTan which REVIT accomodates as the built in operator atan.

So have a look at the desired constrain resultant and the corrisponding parameter formula below.

The user inputs a Roof Rise of '7' and REVIT calculates the slope angle and adjusts the reference lines (and corrisponding solid form) accordingly.

It is also critical that the 'Slope' parameter is type 'Angle' and the 'Roof Rise' parameter is type 'Number'.

Once this flexes (balances) correctly you simply turn the reference lines into a solid form and Bob's Your Uncle !

Don't forget about the CADclips coined 'Brains', 'Bones', 'Balance' 'Body' approach to Family creation. Be it conceptual massing or conventional Familes.

Canadian Unemployment Rate Starts Improving !

2009-12-11T11:20:00.005-04:00

Looks like the Canuck unemplyment rate is also taking a turn for the better !

Yeah !

Canadian Unemployment Link

US Unemployment Rate Starts Improving !

2009-12-11T11:10:00.008-04:00

After 31 momths of growing unemployment in the US we see a turn for better times !

Bring it !

US Unemployment Link

REVIT Parametric Garage Magic

2009-12-09T17:37:00.012-04:00

I realize the sample shown in this demonstration is just a garage building but this took me about 30 minutes to do including the production of the video. Think of what could be generated if you spend several hours preparing the dataset.

Autodesk Resellers . . . . START YOUR ENGINES !

Because this type of technology is going to start selling software.

In this CADclip below I demonstrate how a simple, single parametric massing family can be loaded into a project and with just a few simple clicks can change the parameters of the building and generate various sets of construction documents to include floor plans, elevations, 3D view, cross section and schedules.

We've come a long way BABY !

Before A few clicks after Note the Schedules as well !

Here's the CADclip

REVIT Building Maker Magic

2009-12-04T12:20:00.013-04:00

A big frosty Canadian 'Thanks' to my hard working friends at the

CADD Centers of Florida

For up to date Autodesk information and seasoned support staff these guys are TOPS !

In the CADclip below I demonstarte the Magic of combining Parametric Massing Families with the awesome Building Maker Tools. This is precisely what Carl Bass pointed out in his keynote speech at AU 2009.

Apply some material takeoffs and / or schedules and what used to take a huge amount of time, manpower, energy (and error checking) becomes 100% accurate and INSTANT !

Remember that REVIT stands for 'Revise Instantly' and that's exactly what this CADclip demonstates.

You call it REVIT . . . . I call it MAGIC !

If you are still using vector based CAD instead of BIM (Building Information Modeling) do yourself a BIG favour. Grab a magic wand and follow me to Hogwarts School of REVIT Wizardry !

CADclip - Custom Column Family with Chamfer

2009-12-02T16:38:00.007-04:00

In the CADclip below I demonstrate how to create the custom column family shown above using the column.rte template, one solid extrusion and one void extrusion.

The only part I did not get time to explain was the 'materials' aspect which I have covered in detail in many other CADclips. Youtube limits videos to 10 minutes and I just could not squezze it in.

To do so:

Create a new instance parameter named 'column material' and make it a 'parameter type > 'Material'. Then associate that parameter with the extruded column's material property. Then load it into a project and change the material as required in the project. Making it an 'instance' parameter allows you to change the material of each inserted column family. Otherwise you can make it a 'type' parameter for more global control.

REVIT - More Samples - Custom Architectural Column

2009-12-02T15:54:00.004-04:00

The CADclip below is a sequal to my previous post where I illustrate how you can achieve unlimited versions of a single column family as shown above.

REVIT - Custom Architectural Column with Reveal and Sweep

2009-11-30T15:24:00.004-04:00

The CADclip below illustrates a custom REVIT Architectural Column Family that has two type parameters for Column Width and Depth and 7 Instance parameters for Column Material, Sweep Material, Sweep Radius, Sweep Height, Reveal Height, Reveal Vertical Dimension and Reveal Width Dimension.

We start in the project and then open the family to have a look at the guts.

CADclip - REVIT Parametric Massing Study

2009-11-27T13:09:00.003-04:00

I am VERY EXCITED about REVIT 2010 Massing and particularly the fact that you can create parametric Loadable Masses.

This effectively allows you to create a parametric prototype of a building, load it into a project, copy it around and manipulate each instance of the mass. Then for each instance of the building Mass you can generate and schedule floors, walls, curtain systems, roofs, floor areas, volumes, surface areas and much more.

It's all demonstarted in the CADclip below !

REVIT Void Geometry Trick

2009-11-25T14:18:00.003-04:00

Below is a great CADclip on how to work around the fact that you cannot turn off the visibility of void geometry in a family. Instead you just use a parameter (instance) to move the void outside the solid geometry.

REVIT 2010 Massing Study Demo

2009-11-23T21:32:00.008-04:00

The CADclip below demonstrates just how slick and simple it is to mass out a building with a curtain system and schedule floor areas, perimeters, volumes and wall surface areas in a matter of minutes.

REVIT - Placing Model Text on a Curved Wall

2009-11-20T09:46:00.003-04:00

You cannot place model text on a curved wall but you can place model text on reference planes so the work around is to create a series or reference planes tangent to the curved wall and place one letter on each reference plane. Takes a little bit of time but it works. In the example shown above I named each reference plane according to the appropriate letter ie: ‘M’ ‘O’ ‘D’ ‘E’ ‘L’, then 'set the current reference plane' before placing the model text letter. You can fine tune the ‘plan’ positioning by moving or rotating the reference planes after the letters have been place. You can also nudge the letters around within the reference plane. I changed the ‘material’ of each letter to achieve the color effect. See images below.

CADclip - REVIT Family Type Catalog Files

2009-11-17T15:26:00.004-04:00

The majority of REVIT families should take advantage of 'Type Catalogs'.

This can be used in all 3 REVIT disciplines as follows:

1. You can quickly create 10's to 100's of family types.

2. You can load only the types you need when you load the family.

3. It keeps the project file size down.

ENJOY !

CADclip - Solid Sweep Tips

2009-11-10T12:34:00.004-04:00

Have you even come across the error above?

Below is a CADclip on a tip when applying a solid sweep where a straight segment in the sweep path transitions to a non tangent arc. The underlying tip is, if you keep running into the "can't create sweep" where you have a "path" and "profile" that do abide by all the rules, use "sketch path" instead of "pick path" and you find the sweep works ok. I suppose if you ever get the error anytime using solod sweep swith from 'pick' path to 'sketch' path anyway and see if it solves the problem. Always remember to check your work plane as well.

CADclip - Eyebrow Dormer by Sloping Solid Blend

2009-11-10T06:27:00.007-04:00

Below are a couple CADclips on creating the Eyebrow Dormer shown above.

Canadian Unemployment Rate Up to 8.6%

2009-11-07T10:15:00.002-04:00

October 2009, Following two months of moderate growth, employment decreased by 43,000 in October, all in part-time jobs. This drop pushed the unemployment rate up 0.2 percentage points to 8.6%. Most of October's employment decline came from retail and wholesale trade, "other services" and natural resources. These losses were partially offset by gains in transportation and warehousing.

US Unemployment Rate Reaches 10.2 %

2009-11-07T10:10:00.002-04:00

Currently 11,000,000 (legal workers) out of work. November 06, 2009 In October, the unemployment rate rose to 10.2 percent, the highest since April 1983, and nonfarm payroll employment continued to decline (-190,000). The largest job losses over the month were in construction, manufacturing, and retail trade. OUCH !

AU and Budget Cuts

2009-11-06T08:03:00.004-04:00

I've been talking to alot of architectural companies over the last month or so. It appears to me that the cost of attending AU is just not in the budget for most people / companies this year? According to Lynn's talk every year, AU attendance has been going up progressively each year. To the point that the only place that can host AU is Vegas. No longer could Orlando accommodate AU. With wide spread lay-offs, construction halts and overall global economic hard times I will be interested in the attendance numbers this year. The education at AU is second to none, (if you can filter out the crappy sessions). But I wonder if this is going to be the year of the 'fat cats'. I suspect the slow migration to REVIT 2010 isn't helping either. If you will be one of the privileged attendees at AU 2009, be grateful. Very grateful.

Definition of CAD

2009-08-22T21:42:00.003-03:00

CAD or CADD is an extremely generic term that means Computer Aided Design (Drafting).

That's it !

If you use a computer to create design drawings or forms then it's CAD. It doesn't matter if the software uses Parametrics, 2d, 3d, surfaces or solids.

CAD does not stand for 2d or vector based software.

I keep hearing and reading people refer to CAD as an acronym for AutoCAD or the DWG or DGN or even SKP.

For someone to say "The project is done in CAD not BIM". Makes absolutely no sense. You cannot compare the definition of CAD to BIM (Building Information Modeling). CAD is just a big part of BIM.

Spread the word.

CAD means Computer Aided Design. It does not mean 2d or vector based file format.

REVIT Masonry Door Family

2009-07-31T15:49:00.008-03:00

I had a request for a Masonry door family with typical 2" x 4" metal tube frame.

Surprisingly REVIT does not have this type of door.

The door for example is 30" x 84" but the M.O. needs to be 34" x 86" when dimensioned.

I basically edited the out of the box Single Flush door to look and behave as shown above.

Here is the family file Masonry Door Family

REVIT Architecture 2010 Scheduling Door Swings

2009-07-31T09:46:00.007-03:00

Below is a video tutorial on how to schedule the door 'swing' in a door schedule. This is not fool proof but a very usable workaround as the software does not provide a means to do so.

First we have to make a 'shared parameter' called 'swing'.

Then we add that shared parameter to the door family.

Load the family into a project.

Then we have to 'manually' apply the swing LH or RH to he door instances.

Create a schedule from the View tab of the ribbon.

Select the 'door' category.

Add in the new 'swing' parameter.

Bob's your uncle !

It would be nice if when you use the 'flip' control of the door it automatically applies the swing but it does NOT, so due dilligence is required on behalf of the user to check that all doors actually have the correct 'swing' applied.

Update: I have since been informed that my RH, LH designations are incorrect in the video. So I suggest you use your own expertise for the RH, RHR, LH and LHR designations.