REVIT Dependent Views - Elevation Application

Thanks to for posting this CADclip on their site.

All the REVIT 2008 products can take advantage of the new 'dependent view' tools.

Esentially, you can cut up a primary view into other smaller views while still keeping the connectivity. The smaller, dependant views are organized below the primary view n the Project Browser for convenient access.

The image above say's it all !

Below is a great CADclip link explaining how to use the new 'dependent view' in an elevational aspect.

REVIT - Dependent View CADclip - Elevation Application

(click the link above to play the CADclip or right click and "save target as..." to download)

More info here > for Dependent Views and hiding objects

Annotation Crop Region

Thanks to for posting this CADclip on their site.

Have you ever tried to crop a view and the dimensions (or some of them) don't get cropped ?

Well REVIT introduced the 'Annotation Crop' region to solve this problem. The reason is: The objects that the dimensions or annotations are related to are still within the 'model crop' region even though the actual dimensions are not.

If you turn on the 'Annotation Crop' region you will see a new 'Green' crop region that will solve the problem.

By default the primary views in revit do not have the 'annotation crop' region turned on but it is completely available.

Below is a great CADclip link explaining how to use the new 'annotation crop' region.

REVIT - Annotation Crop Region CADclip

(click the link above to play the CADclip or right click and "save target as..." to download)

Over 300 REVIT Jobs posted here

It's starting to look like a good REVIT user has got wings ! ....what I mean by that is if you get yourself trained up on REVIT, learn how to manage worksets, learn to be able to make families and perhaps start to get a handle on the BIM aspect you can pick your job and location around the world. With the introduction of REVIT Structure and MEP to compliment the Architecture it's starting to gain some serious steam. And if my better judgement is correct I would say...a shortage of experienced users is in the making. Steve Stafford has created another great blog specifically for posting REVIT jobs and as you will see from the links below, the world is the limit. There is really nothing like having the skill set that allows you to travel the world. It's a great feeling ! For those of you who haven't jumped on the REVIT wave. . . . . . what on earth are you waiting for !! Here are some REVIT job sites you should bookmark. Steve Stafford's Blog http://www.revitjobs.blogspot.com/ REVIT City job postimngs http://www.revitcity.com/jobs.php/ 264 REVIT jobs posted here and more added every single day ! http://autocad.jobs.monster.com/jobsearch.asp?q=revit&re=0&sort=rv&tm=&sq=autocad&aj=revit You may also notice that Autodesk thenselves are looking for REVIT people !! Does that not send a bit of a message ? Get REVIT trained now from > CADclips

Country Style Porch Roof

Thanks to for posting this CADclip on their site.

REVIT - Country Style Porch Roof - Video Tutorial

(click the link above to play the CADclip or right click and "save target as..." to download)

This is a tutorial that can be joyfully applied when you design your dream cottage from making so much money using REVIT !

In this tutorial we learn how to use the 'Roof By Extrusion' to instantly create the roof you see above.

You can further adjust the roof footprint by using the 'cut plan profile' tool.

Oh, I should mention . . I drew the rest of the house in under 5 minutes !

* Click HERE to read about 100's of REVIT jobs *

Roof with a Kicker

Thanks to for posting this CADclip on their site.

REVIT - Roof Kicker - Video Tutorial

(click the link above to play or right click and "save target as..." to download the CADclip)

There are a couple ways to create the roof you see above. Both options explained below use two different roofs to accomplish the same task.

Option 1
You use two different roofs with different slopes. You create the lower roof by 'Footprint' then use a 'Cutoff Level' and 'Cutoff Offset' property to eliminating the top part of the roof. Then you create the upper roof by 'Foorprint', size it accordingly and align it vertically within the opening in the lower roof.

Option 2 (prefered method)
You also use two different roofs with different slopes. However for the lower roof we use a model 'Opening' to cut a hole in the roof. Then you create the upper roof by 'Footprint', size it accordingly and align it vertically within the opening in the lower roof. I find this my prefered method as it is simplier and easier to adjust. If you delete the 'Opening' the hole dissappears.

* Click HERE to read about 100's of REVIT jobs *

REVIT Diagonal Wall Reveals

Thanks to for posting this CADclip on their site..

REVIT provides a quick and easy way to create Vertical and Horizonatal Reveals and Sweeps but creating diagonal or 'non linear' sweeps and reveals is not so obvious.

Below is a link to a 10 min. CADclip explaining how to create a diagonal or 'non linear' wall reveal or sweep.

Once you go thru this lesson you can apply this method to create all kinds or 'irregular' reveals or sweeps.

REVIT - Diagonal Wall Reveal - Video Tutorial

((click to play or right click and "save target as..." to download)

* Click HERE to read about 100's of REVIT jobs *

Plan Region - View Range Tip

Thanks to for posting this CADclip on their site.

Can you see the difference ?

I am a little embarassed to say I was down right puzzled with a wee Plan Region / View Range problem over the last week or two.

Specifically in regards to windows. I was able to get the window opening to show in the plan region but not with the window frame, glass and sash detail to display.

I revisited the area off and on each time I opened the model, always frustrated with no success. Yes, I was even contemplating drawing in detail lines to represent the window frame, glass and sash that would not show up....aaaaaaahhhhhh !

I had stretched the Plan Region boundary before to get doors to display properly because the door panel would not show up.......and THEN THE LIGHT BULB CAME ON (I love it when the light bulb comes on). I quickly panned over to the window area and stretched the Plan Region boundary in width just a micro smiggin (even though the window was already completely within the plan region boundary) and SHAZAM ! It worked. Two words....Miller Time.

So I figure......I can't be the only one who has had this problem.

Just below is a 4 min. CADclip to explain the deal.

(I keep refering to the 'plan region' boundary as the 'view range' boundary...sorry about that...they kind of work hand in hand)

REVIT - Plan Region / View Range Tip - Video Tutorial

((click to play or right click and "save target as..." to download)

Wall Girt System

Thanks to for posting this CADclip on their site.

Below is a link to another great video CADclip tutorial and some additional notes on how to use the REVIT Structure 'Beam System' tool to place Wall Girts between columns.

REVIT Structure - Wall Girt System Video Tutorial

click the link above to play the CADclip or right click and 'save target as..' to download

Above is an image of the way it would be used.

Below are two more images demonstrating how you can change the rotation and girt type while keeping the 'system' intact.

1. We start with a basic Structure of Columns and beams.
2. Then we add in a new Reference Plane, in Plan view and name it Girt System.
3. Then we open an elevation view perpendicular to the reference plane, looking directly at the proposed Girt wall.
4. Then from the Modelling tab of the design bar we start the Beam System tool.
5. We specifiy the new reference plane as our working plane.
6. We check the beam system properties and specify the beam / girt type, layout style / spacing etc.
7. We sketch in the beam (girt) system outline and clck finish.
8. Then we can control the overall girt location by manipulating the location of the reference plane.
9. We can edit the beam (girt) system outline, spacing and direction.
10. We can change individual girt types and rotation angles.
11. We can move a grid line and see REVIT's parametric technology at work.
12. From then on it's just a matter of playing with the new beam (girt) system to your liking.

I use a c-channel girt but you can make your own 'Z' girt shape if you want and use that instead.
Too easy.....REVIT .....%$#^& ......ROCKS !

* Click HERE to read about 100's of REVIT jobs *

Girder Joist Purlin Assignment Rules

Thanks to for posting this tutorial on their site.

I'm on a REVIT Structural kick right now and quite enjoying it !

I know most of you already had this figured out but not being a structural 'designer' I was a little confused about the 'Structural Usage' property of the term 'Beam'.

Well now I have it figured out and thought I'd pass on what I learned.

1. Girders, Joists and Purlins are all 'Beams'
2. First of all if you leave the Usage as Automatic REVIT will infact assign the correct usage.
3. The structural usage determines the 'linestyle' for 'course detail' visibility. (note the line weights and styles above)
4. The Structual usage can also be specified in a schedule.
5. If you click on on the beam after the fact and check the 'structural usage' property it will tell you what has been assigned and you can change it.
6. REVIT assumes the usage based on what the beam is being connected to at each end.

Here's the rules in a nut shell

Column to Column = Girder
Column to Girder = Girder
Girder to Girder = Joist
Column to Joist = Joist
Joist to Josit = Purlin
Joist to Purlin = Purlin
Purlin to Purlin = Purlin
Column to Purlin = Purlin

ie: Girders are the big ones and Purlins are the small ones.

If you're not sure, try drawing a bunch of Columns and Beams using the 'Automatic' usage then check the beam properties and see what REVIT has assigned !

That's it......next topic.........

R E V I T.. really does ..R O C K !

.

REVIT Structure - Sloped Flat Roof System

Thanks to for posting this CADclips on their site.

View the Video CADclip link below

REVIT Structure - Sloped Flat Roof

click the link above to play or right click and 'save target as' to download.

Ok, I've started digging back into REVIT Structure and from the words of an old structural drafter 'I am very very impressed'. I love this stuff !

I had the opportunity to use REVIT Structure in the past but then I had to drop it due to other workloads.

The first thing that I wanted to model, (and what most structural engineers want to see) is some of that cool 3D stuff that the architects have been creating.

What better subject material to test the application with than a Sloped Flat Roof Model.

As you can see from these images of the model I created in 10 minutes,

it's too easy.

Then in true REVIT fashion, once you create the model, it is fully parametric. So if you move a grid line the entire model updates and all the slopes adjust. Then of course you have 'UNLIMITED' parametric views and sections that you can extract from the model.

Then it just becomes fun.

The interesting thing is, this is available in

REVIT Building / Architecture

as well as REVIT Structure.

* Click HERE to read about 100's of REVIT jobs *

Destination Desktop May 31st - June 2nd, 2007

Destination Desktop : Spring Training for CAD Professionals Destination Desktop is a unique conference where you can learn more about CAD than you ever thought possible in an action-packed, super-charged environment. CAD professionals and industry experts will enhance your skills during three days of intense hands-on courses in the fields of Architecture, Manufacturing, Civil/GIS & Mapping, General Design and Programming. Read all about it here > http://www.destinationdesktop.ca/default.htm

* Click HERE to read about 100's of REVIT jobs *

Revit Building 10 = REVIT Architecture 2008

As no big secret REVIT Building 10 is being released as REVIT Architecture 2008.

It has a tentive release date of 04/05/2007 .

Here's the official Q & A Document.

REVIT Architecture 2008 Q & A

Keynotes Rock !

Thanks to for posting this CADclip on their site.

I recently spent a little time digging into the Keynotes aspect of REVIT and I have to say.

Wow ! That was far too easy. Why is everyone not using these?

Here's a basic sample image of what can be done.

With Keynotes you can link all materials and elements to an external 'keynotes' file and then tag the objects or materials with great ease.

There is a small investment of time to get your objects and or materials linked to a line item in the 'keynotes' file but the speed gain and consistancy in standards is fantastic.

All REVIT componenets and materials can use keynotes. You can have keynotes display the text (1/2" plywood), the 'key' value (80210.A1) or sequential numbering (1,2,3...).

Once you get these relationships linked up and saved to a template file you are off to the races.

You can also create bi-directional 'Keynote Legends' that do some amazing things.

Below is a 16 min. video CADclip demonstarting how keynotes can be used. Enjoy !

REVIT 9 Keynotes Placement Demonstration - Video Tutorial

click the link above to play the video or right click and 'save target as..' to download

* Click HERE to read about 100's of REVIT jobs *

I need a Shadow Study Report !

Since posting the Animated Shadow Study training below I have been asked a couple times if I can do a Shadow Study or Sun Study for someone. The answer is of course YES ! I'll need some information and the level of detail require but by all means get in touch. Shadow Study Info

REVIT Animated Shadow Study CADclip

Thanks to for posting this CADclip on their site.

Do you need a shadow study done ? Please get in touch. Shadow Study Info

Below are two CADclips demonstrating REVIT's new Shadow Study features.

And Guess what..........it's fast and it's really easy !

The first CADclip is the finished product and the second CADclip explains how to setup and create the Shadow Study. Shadow Studies provide an accurate animated 3 dimensional depiction of the Sun's effect on a set of objects in the real world. You can set the time, date, place and duration of the Shadow Study.

1. First we setup our true north / project north. (bonus lesson) 2. Then we pick a location (Melbourne AU, becasue I like Aussies). 3. Then we set a date in time and ask for a Sunrise to Sunset animation. That's it you're DONE ! 4. Lastly we export the animation to an AVI file.

Click a link below to play the video or right click and 'Save Target As..' to download. Here's the animation I made. (30 sec) (note the date and time) Melbourne Australia Shadow Study Here's how to do it. (13 min.) REVIT 9 Shadow Study

As soon as Humanly Possible Please ?

This posting is more of a rant than anything else so I'll keep it short and cute. More and more these days I am being approached by small companies that are in a panic situation to complete a project in REVIT and then learn REVIT at the same time. This because for what ever reason they are not trained or prepared to do the work. The key word here is 'Panic'. The answer is in the training as you would know, and the time is not on the door step of a project. Companies need to look down the road, plan ahead and get properly trained before the 'panic' sets in. I see the days slipping away when you could count on 'parachuting' in last minute 'cleanup' help. The world is'a changing and good REVIT users are in high demand. Plus REVITeers are cooler than most and have busy lives. Just a wee rant and perhaps plant a few training seeds out there somewhere.

REVIT Element Classifications

Play Audio CADclip file below for this posting !

REVIT BEGINNERS BLOG - Thank you David Duarte

Here is a direct link to some awesome lessons on creating REVIT key plans and much more. Very well done ! Be sure to bookmark this blog below. REVIT BEGINNERS

5 - REVIT 9 Video Tutorials released

There are 5 great new REVIT 9 Video Tutorials available at: http://www.dgcad.com/Revit9.htm Within each lesson there are many nested lessons. In particular an awesome lesson on a way to provide 2d framing plans by building your own 2d parametric framing member. These videos combine REVIT 9 new features with day to day modelling experience. Lesson 1: Import Sketchup Files Lesson 2: Detail Familes First Look Lesson 3: Detailing - Edit Cut Profile Lesson 4: Detailing - Framing Plans Lesson 5: Detailing - Repeat Detail (click and hold play to start video below)

Sketchup with your REVIT ?

Sketchup is awesome and now it talks to REVIT ! Well now that you can import SketchUp into REVIT, it's got my attention ! I downloaded SketchUp for free, installed it, watched the video tutorials, created my first cool building and then imported / linked it into REVIT easily in under 40 minutes. Talk about slick. I then proceeded to play with sketchup and the wheels started turning.... . . . I am not sure as to the limitations but I sure can see some huge potential on linking in various SKP models for really easy massing. The SKP files also appear to be small which has it's advantages. I downloaded the free version. There is also the Pro version. The free version is Beta but I encountered no problems so far. Here is a 10 minute Video Tutorial on what I learned. Click the link above or right click the link and 'Saves Target As.." to download.

.

I have since created a new blog SKETCHUP ROCKS ! SketchUp with a REVIT Twist.

Autodesk Revit Building Customer Council

Steve Stafford has posted a link where you can get involved in the development of REVIT. Read more here > http://revitoped.blogspot.com/2006/08/autodesk-revit-building-customer.html

Dedicated CAD Job Search Engine !

http://www.cadtalent.com

I have found a great new, much required website

completely dedicated to CAD Job search for both Staff and Employers !

They have asked me to critique the site and aside from some of the minor mis-placed Autodesk terminologies, I have tried it out and it works great.

We need a site like this and I'm sure it will grow. And yes there are REVIT jobs and resumes.

Give it a look see. It's free and you can go ahead and post your information or browse the current jobs and talent available.

It appears to be US oriented but I am hoping it goes global scale or at least up here to Canada.

They are out of San Fran. and I'm sure they welcome your comments.

Importing Topo points into REVIT

Thanks to for posting these tutorials. 

 Importing Survey points into REVIT 8.1 /9 to create a Topo is easy. 

The hard part is getting a nice clean points file ready. Below is a sample surface and coorisponding *.csv points file that works. 

You can also have negative numbers in the data.

Surveyors can give you a 'Points' file. This file needs to be *.xls, *.csv or *.txt . I prefer *.csv. If you can actually specify the catagory of points you want, even better. 

A general points file can have alot of different shots taken. Perhaps all you want is top of grade and not all the rest. All we want in our points file is 3 columns with data only. No column headers, no point descriptions and no point numbers. 
All we want is the X Y Z points in 3 neat little columns. I should point out that REVIT help says any columns after the third column will be ignored but I find the process works best WITHOUT the 4th 'Description' column. 

 A surveyors point file will usually have two extra columns that we need to delete (once we figure out which is what that is). One extra column for the point number and one for the point description or catagory. However you cleanup or cut and paste the data together you can use an EXCEL *.cvs file or you can use a comma delimited *.txt file. 

Go to the Site Plan view. Then on the Site design tab, click Toposurface > Use Imported > Points file > Check the file type in the dialog box and specify *.csv or comma delimited *.txt > browse to your applicable file > specify the units type > finish sketch. 

 Then click the new surface, click Edit and then click a point and note the 'Z' elevation value. 

Sample comma delimited *.txt file

CADclips REVIT Videos Here

Lots of REVIT information

Well as many of you may already know Taylor Technologies and Imaginit Technologies have merged in the reseller market. Taylor has always had a great site for resources. I was looking for a little info. and thought there may be others interested in their REVIT 9 page. http://taylor-tech.com/software/getSoftwareByID/16/view.html

Subbed out

Well I've had to sub out and have been busy with moving into a new house, teaching a couple AUGI ATP classes and just lately a brand new baby girl. Hopefully I'll get back to regular postings. Say Hi to Little Ivy!