STL Exporter Comes Out of Retirement

Not sure how many of you caught this, but the STL exporter for Revit was retired (graduated from the Autodesk Labs…last version was for Revit 2010) on Aug. 18, 2010.  When I initially saw this, I was very surprised that they would stop this functionality since it was used nicely when going to a 3D printer.  Well, at least that’s what I used it for. 

Well, apparently that news didn’t go over to well with a lot of people as the STL exporter has been updated and made available for Revit 2011!  Here’s the post from It’s Alive in the Lab about the STL exporter being available again.

Working with Revit and Vault

Yes, you read that title correct…Revit and Vault working together.  The below link is a post from Brian Schanen (Autodesk) that shows how Revit can work with Vault.

http://underthehood-autodesk.typepad.com/blog/2010/08/autodesk-vault-for-revit-users.html

Now, this shows Vault working with a “single user” file, i.e. not a central file.  So we’ll just have to wait and see if functionality will become available for central files.  But, what is interesting about the Vault is its use for finding families in the library.  Being able to search by name or even better yet, properties/parameters is a big deal.

I don’t know much of anything about Vault (other than what my MSD colleagues have to say about it) but it’s intriguing to see how it can work with Revit.  This will be something to follow to see where it goes…if anywhere. 

Revit Architecture 2011 Update/Service Pack 1

Well, this managed to come up without much notice.  And if you’re looking at the Autodesk website, you won’t find the update either (at least so far at 9:00 am CST).  It did pop up on my Communication/Info Center that there was an update.  The link will bring you to a “local” htm page that has a link to the readme and a button to Update your software.  This link does know if you have a 32bit or 64bit installation. 

Now that the Autodesk webpage has been updated and you’re looking to download the exe, you can grab them at the following link…

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=14973244 

Here’s the list of the main updates…

The list of supported video cards and drivers has been updated.

Improves stability in working with families.

Improves stability when deleting views.

Improves stability when export to gbXML.

Improves stability when view "Analytical Surfaces" in the Export gbXML dialog.

Correct export of embedded curtain walls to gbXML.

Improves stability when export to DWG.

Improves stability when export a split view with shared coordinates to DWG.

Respects crop region with blocks when exported to DWG in wireframe visual style.

Correct placement of annotation when exported to DWG.

Improves stability when Export to DWF.

Improves stability and performance when working in the Materials dialog.

Improves IFC import to display a warning when encountering a geometry issue that would have previously caused instability in some cases.

Improves Properties Palette and canvas interaction that caused unstable graphics if family regenerations were interrupted.

Updates to placed instances will now occur when reloading a Family Parameter into project environment as a Reporting Parameter.

Improves In Canvas Parameter Labeling to allow a Reporting Parameter to be created when an Instance or Type Parameter could not be.

Disables Reporting Parameters between In Place Families and Reference geometry.

Correct parameter names display within the Decal Dialog.

Improves consistency between Revit and Max when exporting lights with IES files via FBX.

Restored custom quality setting that controls number of refractions in a rendering.

Improves the performance when adjusting the exposure of a rendered image.

Improves issues encountered when rendering elements with different phase settings.

Repairs upgrade issue with certain light fixtures using IES files.

Repairs printing issue where Scope Boxes from Linked files were visible despite Print settings turning them off.

Ensures correct orientation of Elevation tags when tag family is edited.

Improves stability when switching among the tabs in RVT Links Display Settings.

Improves stability when ungrouping arrayed elements.

Improves Filter Rules.

For the entire list (including the API updates), you can view the PDF HERE.

Important Note:
Update 1 is not a full install; rather it is using service pack technology similar to AutoCAD®- based products. Prior to installing the Update 1, please verify that you have already installed the First Customer Ship build of Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011 which is available below.

Are Reflected Ceilings Views Truly Reflected Views

Have you ever wondered this?  Or wonder if Revit is just really looking UP in a ceiling view?  When looking at a typical reflected ceiling plan, you may really not be able to tell if it’s looking up, or if its looking down at the “mirror”.  But, when placing say Model Text on a ceiling (and looking at it in a Ceiling View) it actually shows a little clearer picture…

Now, if you look from a 3D View (specifically from the bottom) the text looks “correct”…

I had this come into play when doing a small little project for a customer.  I built a sign tower and the customer wanted some text on the bottom of the base as it was being 3D Printed.  So when I placed the text in the Ceiling Plan View, it was backwards.  I had to open up a 3D view and look at the model from the bottom direction if I wanted to work with the text in the “correct” orientation.

If you think about how Revit is viewing the ceiling plans, it’s using a Top View, but cut at 7’-6” (default).  If you look at the images, notice that the east/west directions are not the same…they are flipped.  So you are still looking down onto the objects when in a Ceiling View.  Here’s a Top view in Wireframe, looks just like the Ceiling Plan View…

So yes, the Ceiling Views in Revit are Reflected!  That Cut Plane that is used in a Ceiling View is really the location of the imaginary mirror to view a Reflected Ceiling Plan.

Shameless Plug for Navisworks - Autodesk University 2010 Voting

So I submitted a class on Roofs for AU 2010 and for some reason, it’s not showing at all in the voting list.  Since voting ends Friday, May 21, I’m going to do a shameless plug for the Navisworks session that I did submit (and is actually showing) – Transferring Project Standards in Navisworks.  The quick scoop…utilizing the XML files that can be exported to utilize in other projects.

If you are thinking about attending and would like to attend (potentially) this class, please log-in to the following site and VOTE for my class –

http://www.autodeskevents.com/au2010/index.cfm?event=voting.login

Thank you in advance if you do vote for my class!

Revit 2011 Subscription Download Available

If you are a subscription customer, you should be able to download Revit Architecture 2011 (and Revit Structure 2011) via the Subscription Center.  As of 12:45 pm CST, I was able to get into the Subscription Center and access the downloads.  If for some reason you log in and get the Temporarily Unavailable message, please be patient and check back into the Subscription Center after a little while…it seems like everyone is probably trying to download Revit, so they are probably having bandwidth issues. Glad that this wasn’t a repeat of last year where they pulled the links.

Notice that Revit MEP 2011 was not mentioned above…apparently, MEP 2011 will be available later tonight or first thing in the morning on April 16.

For those of you that are not on subscription, stay tuned as the public download should be available very soon.  I will post an update when the public download is available as well.

Revit 2011 Available – Maybe??

**EDIT** – The download is available – **EDIT**

So, there have been a few posts out there that are saying that Revit 2011 is available for download via the Subscription Center.  But, if you try accessing the Subscription Center (at least right now, 12:00 noon CST) you will get a screen that says …

Couple theories…either everyone is downloading Revit 2011 and the system is completely taxed, OR maybe it was pushed to the site too soon (ala last year…see this post) and they’ve made the site “temporary unavailable” so they could pull the links???

Who really knows what’s going on, but at least we know that the download will be ready (if it’s not already) very soon.

Revit 2011 Blogger Webcast

Here are some bullet-point highlights I took from the Blogger Webcast today for Revit Architecture 2011…

• Design Options and Worksets accessible via the Status Bar
• Workset visibility updates
• Box option around Text
• Select All Instances in View
• Decals show in the new Realistic View
• 1 Mile radius from Origin limit has been extended to 10 miles
• Consistent Material Library between 2011 products – Revit has new materials
• 4 Core limit removed for Rendering in Revit
• Background images for Rendering
• Last Command is remembered, accessed via right-click or the Enter key
• Filters through Links
• Tagging elements though links
• Editing base sketch when working with Massing (this was missing in 2010)
• (some) Structural Tools are core in Revit Arch, not part of a subscription pack.  Things like sloped columns, enhanced beam system tools, curved beams, floor decking (sorry, no roof deck), etc.
• NWC Exporter will now have the ability to kick out Room info and objects
• Interactive Sun Path

And I know I don’t talk much about MEP, but WOW…2011 looks nice!  They really went to town with Revit MEP 2011 and have some very nice new features.

Want to see some videos from 2011, check out the YouTube channel from Autodesk - http://www.youtube.com/AutodeskBuilding

Revit Architecture 2011 System Recommendations

Ah, a new release and a new set of system requirements (recommendations) for your pc’s to run Revit 2011.  Actually, looking at the list the only thing that really stands out is they are actually support Windows 7…which really isn’t a surprise since many have been using 2010 without an issue for a while.  Here’s the information from the Autodesk website…filtered slightly.  If you want to see the full list, check out this PAGE.

Operating Systems
32-Bit
Microsoft® Windows® 7 32-bit Enterprise, Ultimate, Business, or Home Premium edition; Microsoft® Windows Vista ® 32-bit (SP2 or later) Enterprise, Ultimate, Business, or Home Premium; or Microsoft® Windows® XP (SP2 or later) Professional or Home edition

64-Bit
Microsoft® Windows® 7 64-bit Enterprise, Ultimate, Business, or Home Premium edition; Microsoft® Windows Vista ® 64-bit (SP2 or later)(recommended), including Enterprise, Ultimate, Business, or Home Premium edition; or Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 SP2

CPU Type
32-Bit
Windows 7 or Vista processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon® dual-core processor, 3.0 GHz or higher with SSE2 technology

64-Bit
Windows 7 or Vista processor: Pentium 4, AMD Athlon dual-core, 3.0 GHz or higher with SSE2 technology, or Quad Core Intel® Xeon® W3570 3.20GHz, 8M L3, 6.4GT/s Turbo or equivalent AMD processor (recommended)

Memory
32-Bit
3 GB RAM

64-Bit
3 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended) NOTE: If you are running a 64bit OS, get a minimum of 4GB, but definitely recommend a minimum of 8GB…especially if you work on larger/complex projects.

Display Card
Display adapter capable of 24-bit color for basic graphics or 256 MB DirectX® 9-capable graphics card with Shader Model 3 (recommended) NOTE: Try to get a dedicated graphics card…saw too many issues with shared cards in 2010.

What’s New in Revit Architecture 2011 and Availability

Well, the day has come where Autodesk 2011 information is all over the place.  Instead of just reposting a bunch of stuff that you’ve probably already seen, I’m going to instead point you to a great post that David Light put together on his blog - http://autodesk-revit.blogspot.com/2010/03/whats-new-in-revt-architecture-2011.html - about the new features in Revit Architecture 2011.  Great post David!

I’ll be posting more as the new release hits the “streets”, or in the Subscription Center site anyway.  And, the preliminary date for Revit Architecture to be available is April 8.  Take this lightly, as it could very well change.  I’ll post though when I get the official word.

Oh, and Autodesk has updated their website with the new information for 2011…

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=8479263#channels_What’sNew

This release looks to be one of the better releases, so I look forward to this year in Revit!

Splitting Walls with Sweeps and Reveals

Interesting thing came up today while working the support line.  Had a customer call in and say that he had split a wall to pull the ends apart for something, but now he needed to take the gap away and make the wall one again.  Problem was that when he dragged the end back together, it cleaned up but didn’t join the walls together to make one wall.  Since the wall was cleaning up the join, Disallow Join wasn’t turned on, so it was kind of a mystery.  When I grabbed the wall though, I noticed in the Ribbon the Edit Returns for sweeps was an option.  So as a test, we took the wall and edited the structure to remove the sweep and then tried the same thing…bingo, dragging the ends back together joined the walls into one again.

So, if you have a wall that has a sweep or reveal in/on the wall and you split it, it won’t go back to one wall if you try and drag the ends together.  It doesn’t matter if it’s an integral (within the wall type) or an applied (outside the wall type) sweep or reveal…it will act the same.  From the looks of it, Revit won’t join two sweeps or reveals back together into one continuous piece.  Yes, it’s still one sweep or reveal in/on the wall, but you will have a joint where the wall was split.

No More Box Shipments for 2011 Autodesk Software Upgrades

Autodesk has informed us that for the upcoming 2011 software, they are going to make the default method for product deliveries via the download method instead of shipping out actual boxes with CD’s/DVD’s for the majority of the Autodesk Subscription customers.  What this means is that subscription customers are going to be downloading any upgrades and not getting disk media.  This applies to Subscription customers in about 37 countries.

Autodesk will be informing Subscription customers via email probably early in Feb. of this change officially.  If you really do prefer getting your upgrade via a disk, it sounds like you will be able to do so via the Subscription Center by submitting a request.  But again, look for/reference the official policy change email from Autodesk coming up in February.