tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-229751272024-03-14T00:14:02.708-07:00Revit BeginnersThis blog will highlight some of the common questions and cool tips found in the process of transitioning our office to Revit.
This site is not sponsored or endorsed by, or affiliated with, Autodesk, Inc.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-77513687730929106872016-01-29T19:42:00.000-08:002016-01-29T09:39:07.229-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br />
It's great to be a beginner again.<br />
10 years was a good run but I have moved on to other projects.<br />
<br />
Thank you for following.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-88399447063112935852015-01-07T09:25:00.003-08:002015-01-07T11:53:03.771-08:00Independence for Elevation Marks EverywhereThis was a nice way to start off my New Year.<br />
<br />
Let's say you have a water closet. The interior elevation mark fits fine in a 1/2" scale enlarged plan, but on a 1/4" plan the mark obscures the room. So, on the 1/4" plan, you move the interior elevation mark outside of the room and use a simple leader to indicate that that mark references that water closet (image below). Now you go back to your 1/2" plan and discover that when you moved the elevation mark in one view it moves the mark in all the views! Bummer.<br />
<br />
<strong>There are several solutions to this problem:</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>Only use interior elevation marks in 1/2" plans</li>
<li>Create a dummy tag with open parameters that you can manage manually, or</li>
<li>Duplicate the mark and hide the unwanted duplicates using... Design Options? Yes.</li>
</ol>
<strong>The steps for solution #3 are as follows:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Create a new interior elevation mark with the 4 elevations you want.</li>
<li>Place another new interior elevation mark, this time with the "Reference other view" option checked, and choose one of the four elevations you wish to duplicate.</li>
<li>Once placed, enable the other three views on that tag one at a time (you will be asked to reference three more views).</li>
<li>Copy the duplicate into all the plan views that require a duplicate.</li>
<li>Now that you have a duplicate elevation mark, you can hide in view by element...</li>
<li>Or better yet, create a new Design Option Set with two (or more) design options, select the center of the elevation mark, change the "Visible in Option" parameter for the mark from "all" to a design option... and in the view's Visibility/Graphics (or the view's View Template) set the view to display the design option as required.</li>
</ul>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Notes:</strong> The focus of this example is on elevation marks, but the "Visible in Option" parameter is also available in Callouts and Sections. Also be aware that if the crop boundary in the elevation view disappears it's probably because the mark was put onto a design option.<br />
<br />
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<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-70671765069387894582014-10-10T16:43:00.001-07:002014-10-17T06:28:16.479-07:00Schedules Basics & Tips<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Basics</u></span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Types of Schedules:</span></strong><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Schedule/Quantities Schedules: </strong>Schedule placed (and modeled in-place) families</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Graphic Column Schedules: </strong>A graphical schedule of structural columns</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Material Takeoff Schedules: </strong>Schedule materials in the project</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Note Block Schedules: </strong>Schedule placed instances of a generic annotation family</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Sheet List Schedules:</strong> Schedule sheets in the project</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>View List Schedules: </strong>Schedule views in the project</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Embedded Schedules:</strong> In Schedules of Spaces, Electrical Circuits, Piping Systems, or Mechanical Systems</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Key Schedules: </strong>Key in typical parameters to quickly populate large schedules of the same category</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Keynote Legends: </strong>Keynote elements from a predefined list of Key Values & Text</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Revision Schedules: </strong></span>Live in the titleblock families</li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></ul>
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Tips</u></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
There are a heck of a lot of cool ideas out there for schedules. This post is a small fraction.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Need to identify what type or category of schedule you are looking at?</span></strong><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the Properties of the Schedule, edit “fields.” The type of Schedule is in the title of the window and the categories is often in the "Select from available fields" dropdown.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">A Key Schedule will have an additional Parameter in the properties called "Parameter Name.”</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Is a Shared Parameter necessary?</span></strong><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Usually when you introduce a .rfa file (ex. tag or component) a shared parameter is necessary to tag or schedule the parameter. However, Generic Annotation families do not need to have shared parameters, to populate a Note Block Schedule.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition, a value that schedules for a system family does not need to be a shared parameter, unless you are also tagging it (.rfa).</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></ul>
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>3. Are you using a Shared Parameter in a tag or component and you're having trouble referencing it in your Key Schedules?</strong> </span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Key Schedules will not support them. Consider FINALLY using those Hard-coded parameters that come with Revit families OOTB. They ARE available in both tags and Key Schedules.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></ul>
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>4. Is text wrapping for your General Notes or other text (placed with the Text Tool) giving you grief?</strong> </span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Consider creating a Key Schedule (preferably from an unused category). You will have all the flexibility of Schedules (and even access to some of the new enhancements).</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></ul>
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>5. A material is in the model but you can't find it in the Material Takeoff Schedule?</strong> </span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Materials applied with the Paint Tool are excluded from a Material Takeoff Schedule</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></ul>
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. A material is in the Material Takeoff Schedule but you can't find it in the model?</span></strong><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Right Click and select "Show" to find where this item is in the model</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></ul>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Want to manage in bulk the "issue dates" for sheets or the "title on sheet" for views?</span></strong><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Consider creating Sheet List and View List Schedules for internal QC</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Want to link an Excel File into Revit?</span></strong><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Excel, Isolate just the portion of table you would like to import</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Save as xls or xlsx</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In AutoCAD, Create a table (command “TABLE”)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">From a Data Link</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Create a new excel data link</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Browse to location of excel file</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Select Excel sheet to link</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Say OK and place in model view</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Revit, Create a new LEGEND view with scale set to 12” = 1’-0”</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Link your dwg file into Revit</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">To Update your schedule</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make a change to the excel file and save</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the AutoCAD file, right click on table and “Update Table Data Links” and save</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Revit, Manage links and reload the DWG file</span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>9. Want to Calculate Costs for Material Areas or Volumes?</strong></span></div>
<em></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<em>
<u></u></em>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Formula examples:</span></u></em></div>
<em><u>
</u></em><br />
<ul>
<li><em><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>QTO_Calc SF =</strong> yes/no parameter</span></em></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><em>QTO_Calc CF = </em></strong>not(Material: QTO_Calc SF)</span></li>
<li><em><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>QTO_Unit Cost =</strong> currency parameter</span></em></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>QTO_Unit Total =</strong> </em>if(Material: QTO_Calc SF, (Material: QTO_Unit Cost * Material: Area / 1 SF), (Material: QTO_Unit Cost * Material: Volume / 1 CF))</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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</span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-89321348999607004852014-10-10T14:12:00.000-07:002014-10-10T14:12:52.849-07:00Practical Repeaters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's never too late to learn about Conceptual Massing, Adaptive Components and Repeaters.</span></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-3116141004710297482014-10-06T14:26:00.000-07:002014-10-24T14:40:16.618-07:00Family Array Basics & Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><u>Basics</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>In the Family Editor you can Array a geometry or nested family (ex. linear or radial)</li>
<li>Always group and associate to assign an integer parameter for the array</li>
<li>Move to 2nd or Last depending on how you will dimension and calculate the Array</li>
<li>After an array, select an instance of the new group and then the array "dimension"</li>
<li>Assign a "Label" in the options bar to control the array count with an Integer Parameter</li>
</ul>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><u>Tips</u></strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>1. It's not uncommon for a family content builder to</strong> parameterize the array count and then leave the count open for the end user to flex. Consider adding an Optimal Spacing parameter so that when the length of the family is flexed, the spacing between shelves, muntins, rafter tails, etc. remains a desirable constant and let Revit calculate the Array Count. The designers will love you.</div>
<br />
Not good enough? For scheduling (ex. rafter tail counting) make the Array Count a shared parameter and the PMs will celebrate too.<br />
<u><em></em></u><br />
<u><em>Formula examples:</em></u><br />
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong>Optimal Spacing =</strong> a default "Length" value for the office standard</em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong>Array Count =</strong> (Length/Optimal Spacing) + 1</em></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
<strong>2. Ever need an array count of 1? There are a number of ways to do this:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Offsetting the first and last instance of an array (toward the center of the array) with an Offset Array parameter, so that the first and last overlap in the center when the array count is equal to 1.</li>
</ul>
<u><em></em></u><br />
<u><em>Formula examples:</em></u><br />
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Optimal Spacing =</strong> a typical "Length" value for the office standard</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Array Count =</strong> (Length/Optimal Spacing)</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Array Count True =</strong> If(Array Count < 2, 2 , Array Count)</em></li>
<li><em><strong>Offset Array =</strong> if(Array Count < 2, (Length / 2), 0')</em></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Other Possible Solutions:</li>
<ul>
<li>hiding the first and last element of the array in the geometry of another element like muntins in the stile of a wood panel door</li>
<li>Using yes/no parameters to visibly turn off the array and turn on a single instance when Array Count = 1</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<strong>3. Are you getting errors when you try to model 2 arrays in the same family?</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Create the arrays in separate families and nest them into a host family</li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong>4. Are your muntins, shelves, or other crossing element arrays giving you the tic-tac-toe (#) look at an intersection? Does a join geometry not always work for you?</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Consider adding a slight curve to the front and back of your muntins/shelves and don't join geometry </li>
<ul>
<li>might also be helpful for many railing family intersection challenges.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-91796288336896076832014-05-20T06:01:00.000-07:002014-05-25T21:53:19.418-07:00Attaching a wall to a stair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those of you trying to attach a curved wall to the underside of a stair:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Model a stair and a wall (stair hidden below)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Model an in-place family of the floor or roof category (shown below)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Use extrusions for steps (ex. below). Use a swept blend for a sloping ramp or monolithic stair</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Attach the top of wall to this in-place family</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Set the in-place family as temporary (ie. phase created and phase demolished are the same) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm sure you can imagine many more uses for temporary elements.</span></div>
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<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-25956540324420133452014-05-19T21:23:00.000-07:002015-03-11T17:15:47.738-07:00Rooms that travel incognitoIf you've ever worked on a split level home or other structure you've probably noticed that Revit won't let you freely change the grayed out level instance parameter of placed rooms the way you can with most other placed families.<br />
<br />
My workaround to this problem always involved cutting the room from one view and pasting it into a view with the desired associated level. This method usually renumbers the room creating a duplicate "not placed" room in the room schedule and usually also requires the tagging of a room again.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to keep a room number and the tag, consider grouping the room first. You should now have access to the level in your model group instance properties to re-host rooms at will. A room disguised as a group can apparently defy gravity.<br />
<br />
EDIT (05.23.2014): Luke Johnson <a href="http://whatrevitwants.blogspot.com/2014/05/changing-level-of-room-in-revit.html" target="_blank">points out</a> that this method does assign a new element ID.<br />
<br />
EDIT (03.11.2015): Rather that cutting the room from one view and pasting it into a view with the desired associated level, which creates a duplicate room, consider deleting the room from one view and placing the same room again from your options bar dropdown of available rooms. Room Number and other parameters are still present, you lose your room tag and need to open another plan view, but you preserve your Element ID.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-11673789947436950102014-01-14T11:12:00.000-08:002014-05-19T21:50:20.585-07:00Bypassing Edit Group ModeIn the example below I've grouped and pinned the as-built model... proceeded with demoing a door (infilled on the right) and wanted to show the finishes as all new on this existing wall.<br />
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Phase filters wouldn't get me there, but Parts works if you're at a stage where you don't mind managing parts on a project.<br />
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In this example I choose to apply a view filter (by project parameter) to get the proposed plan graphics the way I needed to for many remodel scenarios while keeping the model simple for design changes that were fluid. But in Revit 2013 I've always had to Edit Group to apply the parameters, and I've always preferred to bypass Edit Group Mode (like I can for "phase created" and "phase demolished") for a number of reasons, while still taking advantage of groups.<br />
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Here is a new feature in Revit 2014 that helps to make this more possible.<br />
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If you've grouped your model in part or in whole you might notice many parameters are disabled and can not be edited without first entering Edit Group mode. Well... in Revit 2014 you can now Manage.. Project Parameters... and change a setting that reads "values are aligned per group type" to "values can vary by group instance." Now TAB to an element that is part of the group and the parameters should be available to you in the Properties window.<br />
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This is pretty handy if entering Edit Group mode (ex. for a large model group) every time you want to edit parameters (ex. to benefit view filters - image below) is a hassle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP7Z50R9cMx_KsCQIpX69Cgm-98Cn2h96l7Ig1TEbs2w76McOrA4vHkETGLGa9eY2eaTvcxkfl_GNzuaWebcgv3hJ06Ei_7qVZdicQCnqE54QTVNQoGVI6A6FmfJfGmm0EhLTbA/s1600/phased.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP7Z50R9cMx_KsCQIpX69Cgm-98Cn2h96l7Ig1TEbs2w76McOrA4vHkETGLGa9eY2eaTvcxkfl_GNzuaWebcgv3hJ06Ei_7qVZdicQCnqE54QTVNQoGVI6A6FmfJfGmm0EhLTbA/s320/phased.png" height="168" width="320" /></a></div>
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Existing stud wall - New infill wall - New finishes</div>
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No Parts applied to this example</div>
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Existing and Infill wall are same wall type</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-45386382873105871742014-01-01T15:09:00.000-08:002014-01-01T15:30:31.233-08:00Fireplace FluesHappy New Year!<br />
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And for those of you with Revit MEP or the Building Design Suite... There is a very nice <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFpB0Gkjccw" target="_blank">YouTube video</a> on rolling offsets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkjArgulQZfhEje1Yq4pl35h4bCUxN0orHnZYhyphenhyphenRBhCvwNjKakRwHEQ8pu2gOClTJoiKZjkxlReoZ-uHmy0NansrTaweVbiW70LlF4qtVyyOqbwdpcHCF_bvjefTLmPpqsWJdBg/s1600/flue.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkjArgulQZfhEje1Yq4pl35h4bCUxN0orHnZYhyphenhyphenRBhCvwNjKakRwHEQ8pu2gOClTJoiKZjkxlReoZ-uHmy0NansrTaweVbiW70LlF4qtVyyOqbwdpcHCF_bvjefTLmPpqsWJdBg/s1600/flue.png" /></a></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-79951456401164109062013-10-29T11:40:00.002-07:002013-11-15T16:34:00.354-08:00Design Options and Phases: Post #2This post assumes you already have some exposure to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3JeYe9s7Po" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc6611;">Parts</span></a> tools or that you think the Split Face and Paint tools are the only tools available for defining scope of materials.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>MORE CONTAINERS:</strong> Think of the Parts tool as yet another container... an instance of a family is duplicated in two containers... (Original vs. Parts).<br />
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<strong>USING SPLIT FACE AND PAINT:</strong> Parts are a nice alternative to using the split face and paint tools, a workflow that, in my experience, does not behave well with changes to the main model and other Design Option sets. Split face sketches can get deleted (or moved) and painted surfaces can, often without warning, bleed onto adjacent faces.<br />
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<strong>PARTS REDUNDANCY:</strong> Create Parts from an original wall. You will end up with two walls in two separate containers (Original vs. Parts). Keep in mind that Parts, Design Options, and Phase containers are nice in that clash errors do not occur when used properly. Try using your Workset containers to study design options and you'll run into many clashes/warnings.<br />
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Parts (or layers) of a wall, floor, roof, ceiling and other categories can be:<br />
<ul>
<li>DIVIDED for breaking up layers of a walls, floors, etc. (ex. for defining variable finishes on an elevation/plan)</li>
<li>EXCLUDED for very specific scope of finish applications (ex. where wall finish meets a sloping grade)</li>
<li>DEMOLISHED for removal of existing finishes to make way for a new finishes</li>
</ul>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>THE BEST PARTS (no pun intended):</strong> Add the original wall to two or more design options and you will find that you can now divide, exclude, and demo parts... <u>within Design Option containers!</u><br />
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If you are just replacing the finish layer for a remodel consider dividing the finish into two parts, reshaping them <u>both</u> to the shape of the original... it's ok if the finishes overlap ;) and set their demo/create parameters as independent of the original. "Show Shape Handles" to change the thickness of your proposed finish.<br />
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<strong>Every view can be set to "Show Original," "Show Parts," or "Show Both."</strong><br />
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Show both is quite nice when the Parts category in Object Styles is set to line weight (1) for projection AND cut and your plan view is set to "coarse". The Object Styles of Original elements will override the Object Styles of Parts "when both are present" so don't feel like you have to pick one or the other.<br />
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This in mind, you can also <u>combine solid and line patterns</u> when you "Show Both". Try making your Original material solid fill grey and your Part material any line pattern. This works in cut and projection ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8UaX8aAGNgOwsh_juh6K7TkwANVML5xreOOsz1tz_I5ffPYPjg27MPBoDm8ihlHxDKSWIPrgP_irpMXIvnKzB1eafiSnTiGRoq_d7cC4WwGmHk6-BX2bBPBZq3LK9kAg3-aLyw/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8UaX8aAGNgOwsh_juh6K7TkwANVML5xreOOsz1tz_I5ffPYPjg27MPBoDm8ihlHxDKSWIPrgP_irpMXIvnKzB1eafiSnTiGRoq_d7cC4WwGmHk6-BX2bBPBZq3LK9kAg3-aLyw/s1600/untitled.png" /></a></div>
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In addition, you can quantify for the area and volume of parts in material takeoff schedules, resulting in more specific takeoffs than what you would achieve in the scheduling of Original elements only (ex. separating an insulated stud layer from a non-insulated layer of the same thickness).<br />
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There are many advantages to exploring the Parts container... and not just for construction modeling!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-34486981269370069992013-07-29T22:30:00.000-07:002013-11-15T16:16:25.570-08:00Template TipsThe standards of templates and content are symbiotic. That is, the standards of one are dependent on the other. Providing content without also providing a template is like shipping doors and windows to the wrong project site. They may have value as doors and windows but not on this project currently under construction.<br />
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Templates and content properly developed can also significantly reduce (but not eliminate) the scope of training required for new staff. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Without a proven template you will find yourself with a lot of staff asking how to configure object styles, line styles, view graphics, and many other settings that should be automatic.</span><br />
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Authoring a first library of templates, content, and standards is a big effort... but so worth it!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-82617722944699932302013-06-27T15:32:00.002-07:002014-05-15T12:59:48.132-07:00Design Options & Phases: Post #1The use of Design Options and Phases is similar. Some of the same challenges are present that I believe shared concepts can solve. This post assumes you already have some exposure to the <a href="http://revit.rayvinly.com/what-is-design-options/">Design Options</a> and <a href="http://www.revitzone.com/revit-fundamentals/62-phases-an-overview-of-revit-phases">Phases</a> tools and that you think the Split Element and Linework tools are the only tools available for exploring design options and phases.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>MANY CONTAINERS:</strong> I'm sure you're aware that when you place an element into a view it is always relative to some reference (A workplane, a reference plane, a level, a host, a face). Well, did you also know that when you place an element into a view it is typically going into three "containers" at the same time?<br />
<ul>
<li>A Workset container (ex. Workset1)</li>
<li>A Design Options container (ex. Main Model)</li>
<li>And a Phase container (ex. New Construction). A phase container is different in that an element can cross-over into other phase containers (see phase created/phase demolished parameters)</li>
</ul>
<strong>USING SPLIT ELEMENT AND LINEWORK: </strong>Most beginners will split walls to explore new wall shapes in design options or to explore additions/reductions to as-built walls, because the split element tool is just so easy to use and looks great in my plan view!<br />
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Well, if you are doing that on a very regularly basis you will get to be best friends with another tool in Revit... the Linework tool, particularly when you're trying to keep up with all the elevation cleanup issues that can result from continuously splitting walls with every study. The split element tool IS great if you are deleting a split off wall or changing the wall type of the split off wall, but you might consider an alternative to the Split Element tool if you are using it to explore design options or a proposed remodel on a wall that is really the same wall type from end to end and floor to ceiling.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>ACCEPTING REASONABLE REDUNDANCY:</strong> If a wall type is consistent from end to end, consider copying the wall and it's host doors/windows into another container and reshaping, rather than split (a split is restricted to vertical & horizontal lines anyway). A wall split into 7 walls... of the same type... in the same plane... and trying to join geometry in the same container can cause unwanted elevation cleanups, while a reshaped copy means just two walls in two separate containers... no multiplying of connection cleanups to deal with in elevations later (not really redundant because elements are separated into containers).<br />
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Because you now have a copy of your wall in another container you can now freely reshape that copy as often as you need, with every design change, all while preserving the integrity of your proposed and as-built elevations, thank you very much!<br />
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Keep in mind that when you copy a wall into another design option or phase container it will also copy all families cutting it & possibly any sweeps/reveals hosted on it. Obviously the more families you build that are cutting the wall the more unnecessary redundancy you will run into.<br />
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<strong>DESIGN OPTIONS REDUNDANCY:</strong> Copy a wall into another design option container and reshape. There will be some redundancy of doors/windows in the design option scenario, which is ok, because at the end of the day all but the one design option will be deleted anyway (teaser: secondary design option walls DO cleanup at intersections with the main model walls if you are willing to accept some redundancy at variable intersections. If you give up, there's always the Linework tool ;) Remember to include rooms as part of both design options if the room boundary is expected to change.<br />
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<strong>PHASES REDUNDANCY:</strong> Copy the wall into a future phase container, demo the as-built wall, and reshape the proposed copy. There will also be some redundancy of doors/windows in the phased remodel scenario, which is ok, because renumbering of doors/windows and overriding of plan graphics with view filters and filled regions is manageable. We expect to be cleaning up plans anyway... we would rather elevations and perspectives mostly cleanup themselves.<br />
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Having a demo phase has helped me to sort out the required filters here, but "this can all be done without a demo phase." Yes, you heard me right.<br />
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<strong>THE BEST PART:</strong> Your as-built model is also preserved and intact in the active model, should you need to update it to benefit proposed plans or to reprint a clean as-built set later.<br />
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At project completion, the deleting of demo'd elements and combining of phases into a presentable and final record model can result in a pretty darn clean final product (if you haven't been splitting walls on the same model for 18 months).<br />
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And, if you want to explore design options and phases in the same model and you're really worried about someone accidentally deleting elements of an as-built model as proposed changes move forward, consider grouping and pinning the as-built model before proceeding with design option studies and phases (hint: you can still demo elements of a grouped and pinned as-built model, without someone accidentally splitting them ;)<br />
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More to follow...Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-27359031209125153652013-03-04T11:07:00.000-08:002013-03-04T12:23:32.705-08:00Finding a way<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now that you can revise instantly, are you often asked to instantly revise?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the common challenges we face in Revit is trying to update a model, as fast as changes are occurring in the design process. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you too are struggling with this, try to keep these
questions in the back of your mind as you model:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Is this change worth commiting to the model now or will a sketch suffice?</li>
<li>I know I can update some things very quickly in a model, but what things are taking time? Cleanups? Sitework?</li>
<li>If this change is taking so long my way, there must be a better way? Ask around!</li>
<li>How can I reduce or eliminate this unneccessary source of lost time and get the output I really need?</li>
<li>Do I need to be this specific this soon in the process? Or is coarse data not only faster, but more desirable at this stage?</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a Revit Beginner you can wait around and be told what to do, or you can constantly reinvent yourself and find a better way.</span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-78060663854304085922013-01-01T12:16:00.003-08:002013-01-01T12:16:30.518-08:00Happy New YearHappy new year to everyone. I hope 2012 was a very exciting and productive year for all you Revit Beginners out there and I thank you for following my posts over the years and continuing to contribute your thoughts despite my absence these past two years. I do continue to explore Revit and the BIM movement as it pertains to my work in architecture.<br />
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This past year was spent mostly on template and content development and project startup practices. Getting the right start on a project is so very important on so many levels and I've been wanting to post my thoughts on this specific topic hopefully before the the end of this year ;)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">It's hard to believe I started my Revit journey 10 years ago. I have learned so much these past years and look forward to yet another exciting year!</span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-59744154715775031012010-08-03T22:17:00.000-07:002014-03-30T22:23:34.015-07:00Remodels in Revit... the untold storyTo my surprise, there's not a whole lot of discussion on this very important topic. Anyone who has developed a custom remodel residential project can tell you it's not as simple, clean, or intuitive as a custom new construction residential project.<br />
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The first step is pretty staight forward... build your as-built model in the existing phase. Once an as-built model is done you might want to archive a copy of the model just incase the design scope changes and you have to start all over again with a clean as-built. Now I'm sure you are all aware that as the design develops the project architect and the client are both going to want to explore varying design iterations. The model builder is going to have to do partial demolition of walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, etc. The way most Revit Beginners go about doing this is to split the wall, floor, roof, etc into two parts and demo the half they want to remove. The problem with this method starts to reveal itself after 2-3 design iterations when the as-built model, now split into many parts, degenerates into useless plans and elevations. Constantly reshaping the proposed design on the fly without time consuming cleanups also becomes less possible.<br />
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So what do you do with partial demos? You could create a new phase between Existing and New Construction called "Existing To Remain." Then copy the element to be demo'd to the clipboard... then demo the whole element in the "Existing to Remain" phase... paste the element (into the same place) back into the "Existing to Remain" phase and then reshape the existing to remain version of our element (Some users think that a demo phase is not necessary, but it has it's benefits). Now anytime the design goes through iterations all you have to do is reshape the existing to remain element while leaving the as-built model preserved and intact.<br />
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Plans require additional cleanup, but this approach reduces the frequency and types of cleanups required, particularly obvious when you move on to elevations and sections.<br />
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EDIT: Partial additions can be done the same way you would do partial demos... copy, demo, paste, reshape. If you just add on to the length of a wall you're going to end up with a proposed design that's in pieces too. This can be important later on down the line when you want to combine phases into a new asbuilt. However, getting accurate Material Takeoffs on a remodel can add a dimension to this procedure (you might want a model that's divided into accurate pieces afterall).<br />
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EDIT: This process works with or without a demo phase. The critical point is to group and pin previous phase work before proceeding with the next phase and then copy, demo, paste, reshape in the next phase... with plan cleanup in demo and proposed plans by regions and element overrides. Most beginners only think in terms of existing and proposed. This process considers multi-phase projects.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-2842155013811455392010-07-23T10:18:00.000-07:002010-08-03T13:49:51.308-07:00Demons In Your Data?The more you work with Revit the more likely you are to run into demons in the data. What do I mean by demons? Demons are unexplained behaviors. I'm not talking about software bugs that won't go away until you've installed a software update. I'm talking about errors in the data of the project file itself. Errors that can be repaired by replacing the corrupt data with an arbitrary value and then changing it back again.<br /><br />Somehow, the process of changing the offending data to something arbitrary, then changing it back to the way it should be can remedy unexplained behaviors. I'm not talking about changing a value and then hitting the undo command. I'm talking about using Revit's tools to change the data to something arbitrary then changing it back... like the change is some new data for the model. It's just a matter of isolating the parameter values that are causing the unexplained behaviors... then finding the right combination of commands that will reset or refresh the offending data. These commands might include flexing parameters, cut & paste in same place, mirror, nudging, or possibly other commands. Let me give you some examples...<br /><br />I upgraded a model once, from Revit 2009 to Revit 2011, and an odd thing happened. In hidden line mode, half the doors and windows had shaded glass (by design) while the other half had no shading. And it wasn't like there was any consistency... the shading was gone from random doors and windows. I realized at that point that I had a demon in my data, so I went into the offending material (glass) and set the surface pattern of the glass material to none (it was the surface pattern that was not cooperating), then changed the surface pattern back to solid fill to get this glass material to show properly everywhere.<br /><br />Another thing that happens a lot... I like to nest families into a host family and link the parameters of the nested family and its host family, but once in a while after making a change to a nested family and loading it back into the host family, solids disappear or just don't flex when the family is loaded into a project. I have to flex some of the linked parameters, while still in the family editor, to reset or refresh the offending data.<br /><br />Wall cleanups at intersections (not to beat a dead horse) can also cause demons. Sometimes nudging one of the walls can cleanup your intersection. Sometimes you have to cut a wall to your clipboard and paste it back into the same place to get intersections to heal properly. In fact, when any family (that was working fine before) isn't cooperating try a cut and paste in same place. This can reset data in the model.<br /><br />If any of my readers are familiar with a particular demon please feel free to leave a comment describing the demon and how you "exorcised" it.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-87743509081156663312010-04-16T16:50:00.000-07:002010-06-25T13:44:42.995-07:00Should I enable Hardware Acceleration?Hardware Acceleration (in options) controls the performance of several features in Revit 2011 including:<br /><ul><li>realistic materials in realistic view</li><li>ambient occlusion</li><li>performance of mechanical views</li><li>performance of underlay views</li><li>performance of overall project</li></ul>To find out if your graphics card supports hardware acceleration, Autodesk has now published a <a href="http://www.autodesk.com/us/revit/revit_graphics_hardware_list_June02.html">Supported Graphics Hardware List</a> for Revit 2011.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-83100311105196517112010-04-10T14:54:00.000-07:002010-04-10T18:08:41.869-07:00Often Overlooked By Beginners (Part 2)One of my earliest posts focused on little tools that are often overlooked by beginners. I thought I'd revisit this topic now that I've had more experience working with Revit Beginners. Here are a few more tips that beginners are often not aware of:<br /><br /><div><div><strong>1. Wall Location Lines.</strong> The location line is kind of an anchor point for a wall. When you flip a wall (ie. change its orientation) the wall will flip about its location line. So if you wanted to flip a wall without affecting its position you could make the wall's centerline its location line as well. Location line is controled in a wall's Instance Properties. Some of your choice settings for the location of the location line include face of core, face of finish, wall centerline, etc. When a wall is selected you might notice two blue dots at either end of the wall. Grab this blue dot and stretch the wall to any length you want. You might also notice that when you change the location line of a wall this blue dot will relocate, reflecting your newly chosen location line.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOh_uVvdM8NhGjpb5xpv_SDhoDbbQMb4UFClRQ9GU1y1WDEnckVjmFQbVvP2SpoIg7L43SXTDuoFTCvqaxn8PU07hf3QLpS9KyrxynnegeEL9cKhDo-6MNkfPbx7qscRohf4vfg/s1600/location.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458637846105375410" style="WIDTH: 105px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOh_uVvdM8NhGjpb5xpv_SDhoDbbQMb4UFClRQ9GU1y1WDEnckVjmFQbVvP2SpoIg7L43SXTDuoFTCvqaxn8PU07hf3QLpS9KyrxynnegeEL9cKhDo-6MNkfPbx7qscRohf4vfg/s400/location.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><strong>2. How do I fillet two walls (or lines).</strong> A common thing for beginners, is to go right to the trim tool in search of a fillet option (because they are likely more familiar with AutoCAD). Well in Revit the fillet tool is located elsewhere. If you are drawing a wall or a line there is a pallet of line shapes that you can draw (square, polygon, circle, arc, etc.) Well fillet is one of those options circled below.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oMKzF7ZMjnRnUXZpoYwcaEAZCy8MEpAzcnB8q_Nw_jv0NvyGIjkZGg09yBfr74z98no4qrnlailBvnxIMyAAYgR-qGbIJNT6NHNR3ZF6hc80UUVLmDgfZwy62ySmrrGkDS6eJQ/s1600/fillet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458634767622687762" style="WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oMKzF7ZMjnRnUXZpoYwcaEAZCy8MEpAzcnB8q_Nw_jv0NvyGIjkZGg09yBfr74z98no4qrnlailBvnxIMyAAYgR-qGbIJNT6NHNR3ZF6hc80UUVLmDgfZwy62ySmrrGkDS6eJQ/s400/fillet.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><strong>3. Stretching a gridline in the current view only.</strong> When working with gridlines for the first time a beginner will often take notice that stretching the end bubble of a gridline stretches the grid in all views globally. The next question they ask is, "How can I stretch it for this view only?" Well there is a little icon next to a grid bubble that reads "3D." Click on the icon and you'll notice that it now reads "2D." You are now free to strech the gridline for the current view only. The location of the original 3D grid bubble is at the hollow circle you see below.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYuFNI22DEP5nj84he9PBe50tMjTxo5wqGSvhOqRDSzMndYOJ9a01QJtITctot3EgWiycmxOMqEHHoFD4vqBKDAXDV8plqmZXpcM7JBwQy-g2yDdyCEQj-UAe8S1sqy9JWu9ENw/s1600/grid.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458637223174498146" style="WIDTH: 157px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYuFNI22DEP5nj84he9PBe50tMjTxo5wqGSvhOqRDSzMndYOJ9a01QJtITctot3EgWiycmxOMqEHHoFD4vqBKDAXDV8plqmZXpcM7JBwQy-g2yDdyCEQj-UAe8S1sqy9JWu9ENw/s400/grid.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong></strong></div><div><strong>4. How do I host my railing on a ramp or stair?:</strong> Ok, so you've sketch a new ramp or stair and you want to add a railing to it, but the railing is resting on the first floor and doesn't slope with your ramp or stair. Well, when you're in sketch mode shaping your new railing path, there is a tool called "Set Railing Host." Select this tool and then select your host (stair or ramp). Your railing will now slope with the host as was your original intention. Remember, the railing tool is located on the Home tab and is its own sketch. Do not try editing the sketch of your stair or ramp to add new railings. I've seen beginners try this alot.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5719YfuJ2XelsKzLyP56netidtxHfFIsgu5UcWQjU-Dyau4hWuSo-qWvBxR5YGhGeXEZNp3by1SsSh7jcMD2GMqMqbhxoT0NSP4rPS9BtIWFLlkCDNLkvtQM355Vr00pX4EpDg/s1600/railing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458639887647198786" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5719YfuJ2XelsKzLyP56netidtxHfFIsgu5UcWQjU-Dyau4hWuSo-qWvBxR5YGhGeXEZNp3by1SsSh7jcMD2GMqMqbhxoT0NSP4rPS9BtIWFLlkCDNLkvtQM355Vr00pX4EpDg/s400/railing.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>More beginner tips to come...</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-50977166336387840902010-03-26T17:00:00.000-07:002010-03-26T17:17:43.542-07:00Editable Worksets and Workset OwnershipHere is a tip for beginners working with Worksets for the first time.<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>Let's say you have a project with worksets enabled and the whole model is on Workset 1 by default. If you right click on an element that is on Workset 1 and select the option that reads "Make Worksets Editable" you are making yourself the Owner of Workset 1. No one else is going to be able to edit ANY modeled elements that are on that workset. They can add elements to Workset 1 but they can't edit elements already placed.<br /><br /></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7vMDvWV9jfXA9wEsYzO5TE5jIQmLFaJWFZt7qpS4r2WZS-aZM3ekiKqc9dMaZG1TEZIAQDtKOLUWBjQ67NsHdbFPygljV8K6P46qTW_zS-zA-x7VSD29by9_UxiaNyqJor6f6A/s1600/editable.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453099096419135410" style="WIDTH: 172px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7vMDvWV9jfXA9wEsYzO5TE5jIQmLFaJWFZt7qpS4r2WZS-aZM3ekiKqc9dMaZG1TEZIAQDtKOLUWBjQ67NsHdbFPygljV8K6P46qTW_zS-zA-x7VSD29by9_UxiaNyqJor6f6A/s400/editable.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>If you go to Collaboration... Worksets... and you see yourself as the Owner of any workset you're probably locking everyone else out of that workset so make sure you click on the "Non Editable" button to relenquish the user-created Workset... or do a save to central and relenquish user-created worksets so other users can work on the model too.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCpTZWl2tyVvD9BrI6bdqu8A0GRFLXYV-CRHNCkwec4wjGAJPUti4trAudPsbrMyfRYkYXJV0sCuzQZVQisyGQTuvuA87QW1Zbo5L7YhFnQMbGOwmv0I00qPd9eyYMXshJSltiw/s1600/owner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453099410670447730" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCpTZWl2tyVvD9BrI6bdqu8A0GRFLXYV-CRHNCkwec4wjGAJPUti4trAudPsbrMyfRYkYXJV0sCuzQZVQisyGQTuvuA87QW1Zbo5L7YhFnQMbGOwmv0I00qPd9eyYMXshJSltiw/s400/owner.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>What you more likely want to do is borrow... or select the "Make Elements Editable" option instead so you are only borrowing a small part of the worksets rather than Owning the whole workset.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Just a heads up for you beginners out there.</div></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-61282703780148942342010-01-11T15:10:00.000-08:002010-01-11T15:14:57.260-08:00Some New Bloggers on the BlockSteve Swensen is <a href="http://revitguy.blogspot.com/">REVIT GUY</a><br />Oliver is the author of <a href="http://revitmotion.blogspot.com/">Revit In Motion</a><br />and you can find more interesting reading at <a href="http://revitflow.blogspot.com/">revitflow</a><br /><br />I look forward to reading your posts guys.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-43350392775741551832009-08-20T15:22:00.000-07:002009-08-20T15:34:43.276-07:00Additive Views vs. Subtractive Views<strong>Common Problem:</strong> When I place an electrical fixture or other family category it pops up automatically in other views I would rather not see it in.<br /><br /><strong>Reason:</strong> In the default Revit tempate almost every category is unnecessarily turned on in all views so the same family shows up everywhere.<br /><br /><strong>Solution:</strong> Create Additive Views instead of Subtractive Views for family categories that are only used in one or two views. By that I mean, start with most family categories turned off in your new view's visibility/graphics and gradually add the categories that you want to see.<br /><br /><strong>Extra Tip:</strong> If you want future new views to be additive by default, create a view template. Then, when you apply the template to a view, check the option that reads "Apply automatically to new views of the same type."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3FcSw0m9303tSPocykbLhtxVIEr6TwYylpr36CR9xwqpA4TOzjkejJRupV4Y-pEtUM7REXd2QsAX_L7TaZcpXWl3y7yQp5sfbcmLGTXmc4zneflAcAEKELLKZJn9VyLzQZRNsg/s1600-h/template.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372177664467794914" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3FcSw0m9303tSPocykbLhtxVIEr6TwYylpr36CR9xwqpA4TOzjkejJRupV4Y-pEtUM7REXd2QsAX_L7TaZcpXWl3y7yQp5sfbcmLGTXmc4zneflAcAEKELLKZJn9VyLzQZRNsg/s400/template.jpg" border="0" /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-50336557391721661752009-08-18T16:41:00.000-07:002009-08-20T15:18:38.678-07:00BIMtionaryBrandon Pike has started a new blog called <a href="http://www.bimtionary.blogspot.com/">BIMtionary</a>. His posts include tiers of BIM Implementation and a Revit Implementation Checklist. I look forward to his future posts.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-62111321140298745002009-07-31T16:05:00.000-07:002009-07-31T16:10:10.229-07:00Phases & WorksetsThis blog started out as a blog for beginners. These days I mostly tend to cover advanced topics so here's a little tip for the beginners out there.<br /><br /><strong>Always Be Phase Aware</strong><br />In every project file your modeled components have a phase created and a phase demolished parameter whether you like it or not. And most views have phase and phase filter parameters. If you place a model component in a view that is set to the New Construction phase (under View Properties), that component automatically gets placed in the New Construction phase. So if you are doing as-builts, make sure you set all of your views phases to Existing. That way when you start placing your components they end up on the correct phase. This can easily be corrected in a 3D view if you skipped this step. As you start to model your proposed design distinguishing between existing and proposed content becomes ever more critical.<br /><br /><strong>Always Be Workset Aware</strong><br />On workset enabled projects every model component is place on a user defined workset (usually Workset 1). Make sure you check the workset toolbar and select the correct active workset. You don't want to place a whole lot of content on the Shared Levels & Grids workset. This can easily be corrected in a 3D view if you skipped this step.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-73133237749990848592009-07-29T18:51:00.000-07:002009-07-30T17:11:20.911-07:00Instance Parameters: The Double AgentThis is going to be particularly helpful to those of you working on large projects. Some of you may already be aware of it, but I haven't seen it documented anywhere so here goes...<br /><br />I call this technique the Double Agent because the Instance Parameters discussed here will temporarily act like Type Parameters under the right conditions. Why would I want an Instance Parameter to act like a Type Parameter? you ask. Well, quite often, but not always we want to apply the same Instance Parameter value (like a comment that is repeated for MOST instances of a Family Type) to many of the same Doors, Windows, Sheets, or other families. Comments are typically Instance Parameters that you have to change one at a time. But I don't want to change comments one at a time when there are so many of the same comment value. I want them to update once and simultaniously like a Type Parameter would, without having to use a Type Parameter (because I may still want one or two comment values to remain unique. Well, how do you do it? The Answer: With Schedules<br /><br />Here is the procedure. Go to your door schedule for example. <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7yzuKYBlig1MPC5ZWE_2yqCB9dBrQQw7o4CHHL3IJ9IA95w2LyX-5HVLWM63xl5ExOwHmN43t19VtbeIPX0JuNn8yWfgYVVM3bWqJMdHrMHaKDkniFTdyrGjPxuprdNGeQsIgw/s1600-h/schedule+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364283071447836162" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7yzuKYBlig1MPC5ZWE_2yqCB9dBrQQw7o4CHHL3IJ9IA95w2LyX-5HVLWM63xl5ExOwHmN43t19VtbeIPX0JuNn8yWfgYVVM3bWqJMdHrMHaKDkniFTdyrGjPxuprdNGeQsIgw/s400/schedule+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br />You'll notice that I have four door types (71,66,17,64). I need to add the Remark 1hr rated to types 66 & 64. Rather than enter the value one field at a time for the Instance Parameter called Remark, lets add the value to all 8 fields once and simultaniously. Here's how.<br /><br />Go to View Properties... Sorting Grouping... Now make a mental note (or write it down if you wish) of the current Sorting/Grouping settings because, like a good double agent, you're going to have to restore the schedule to its original identity when we're all done. Now change the setting to what you see below. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_6DpxBpTZq7ppJ6qWAu25J710SbOldUBeevIdVRMGC8Dhg-NedXcnVFLRGGKr29IoMCojYEVU9hFd20RQRhqQ1ajQumzvnE1IqF6YaJ4BkDf42gk-rikCUj_n3C6QvnKMxZUrQ/s1600-h/schedule+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364284640578141138" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_6DpxBpTZq7ppJ6qWAu25J710SbOldUBeevIdVRMGC8Dhg-NedXcnVFLRGGKr29IoMCojYEVU9hFd20RQRhqQ1ajQumzvnE1IqF6YaJ4BkDf42gk-rikCUj_n3C6QvnKMxZUrQ/s400/schedule+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>You can isolate the From Room: Name (or Type Mark parameter). It is very important to uncheck the Itemize every instance option. This is what you'll see.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UUVFMR9qlzPJqSUPb9pNq1iN4T41KwIkneOfxc-zcrbkYRRSWH9THwhmRYOvTEpPUVp0TnzaOu9Rz4XpXreCYVPQWTKnAFEnqvC1znpBLN8CxPPJ7b7YclllXnm-_n3IhkQqjQ/s1600-h/Schedule+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364285067832887970" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 65px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UUVFMR9qlzPJqSUPb9pNq1iN4T41KwIkneOfxc-zcrbkYRRSWH9THwhmRYOvTEpPUVp0TnzaOu9Rz4XpXreCYVPQWTKnAFEnqvC1znpBLN8CxPPJ7b7YclllXnm-_n3IhkQqjQ/s400/Schedule+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Now Type in the Remark 1HR Rated for all doors without a room name... then change the Sorting/Grouping setting back to their original state and You'll have added the Value 1HR Rated to the Instance Parameter Remarks for all doors without a room name. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgahpX9sGNRP1VHuWaxcird_YVPav-W5d32ODxG5Ihs8iAd0YlAHgA5nSq7m87yrUpsDbQkihC5kl_KQcL4VKHX69cQiqD3SfZ_xb84uQcfapqsJgY5nXMF_i8otFHYIjBAcE-A/s1600-h/schedule+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364285967347126930" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgahpX9sGNRP1VHuWaxcird_YVPav-W5d32ODxG5Ihs8iAd0YlAHgA5nSq7m87yrUpsDbQkihC5kl_KQcL4VKHX69cQiqD3SfZ_xb84uQcfapqsJgY5nXMF_i8otFHYIjBAcE-A/s400/schedule+4.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />These are the rules of the game: You have to sort the schedule by some Type Parameter or by some Instance Parameter with equal values already present.<br /><br />Now that I have the value 1HR RATED for all of the 1HR doors, lets say I want to change the value to 1.5HR RATED. Just isolate the REMARKS parameter from the Sorting/Grouping settings and exchange the old value for the new value.<br /><br />So once again, why not just make your Instance Parameter a Type Parameter? Because the Instance Parameter value you choose may not always apply to every instance of a Family Type. This is just a custom way to update multiple fields once and simultaniously.<br /><br />I hope you'll enjoy exploring the many applications of The Double Agent technique.</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22975127.post-73380114745062454172009-07-01T16:13:00.000-07:002009-07-01T16:37:38.851-07:00Imported Images and SheetsWe often import hand renderings into Revit projects for plotting presentation sets.<br /><br />I've noticed that when I import an image directly onto a sheet that if the image is even slightly outside of the scope of the titleblock then plots can come out centered incorrectly. The only solution is to place images in a drafting view (or legend view) first... then place the view on your sheet. If the view itself is outside of the scope of the titleblock Revit will plot the sheet fine.<br /><br />Rescaling the image can also be easier from a drafting view once scale is established. Just change the scale of the view. Rescaling the image by eye on a sheet is less accurate.<br /><br />Legend views can be placed on multiple sheets but placing these images in a legend view can crowd your project browser so I would stick to drafting views unless you absolutely need the added function of placing the image on multiple sheets like for key plans as an example.<br /><br />If your image comes in solid black it's most likely a memory issue. You can change the resolution and image size to reduce file size if necessary. Rotating images can also cause them to turn solid black.<br /><br />Images can be imported. Linking an image for easier updating is on the wishlist but is not yet an option.<br /><br />Feel free to comment on the subject of importing images if you have anything you want to add.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034371918327234099noreply@blogger.com3