Here is the updated version of my layerkey tool now updated for ACA2008. I'll update for 2009 soon...those DIYers can simply change the libraries to the ACA2009 version by pointing to the same libaries but in the Autodesk shared folder.
download here: LayerKeyCompare08.dvb
# posted by Richard Binning : Sunday, June 01, 2008
0 comments
links to this post
Here is a video showing the problems with OsnapZ and showing the VBA fix in action. To download a copy of the code, just look at the previous blog post.
# posted by Richard Binning : Friday, May 30, 2008
0 comments
links to this post
You might think that because ACA2009 locks your elevation when drawing walls that your wall cleanup issues are gone...unfortunately you'd be wrong. You may still benefit from the use of my vba tool written to fix non-coplanar walls from this post. Read about it if you like, but return here to get the 2009 version. Three different results from the same tool. It always comes down to consistent user interaction. Be aware of how the software works and you can fix these problems easily. Download the ACD2009 version of my VBA macro for fixing non-planar walls here: ACA2009_Walls2_CommonPlane.dvb Note: OSNAPZ variable had no effect when using the "Apply tool to linework" tool.
When using AutoCAD Architecture 2009 you'll want to maintain a consistent setting for OSNAPZ when tracing non-coplanar lines as you turn them into walls. Take a look at the graphic shown below for an example of what can happen under different conditions.
# posted by Richard Binning : Friday, May 30, 2008
0 comments
links to this post
Those of you who did not visit Boston this week may have missed the release of IES VE-Ware for Revit 2009. Interested in determining the carbon footprint for your designs? Visit IES website and download a copy of their FREE offering.
It sounds really easy! I've included the step-by-step guide to using IES’s VE-Ware as published in the news release:
More info...IES’s VE-Ware, which is available to download for free online, gives
limited but incredibly valuable access to its world leading
now have their energy and carbon emissions easily assessed for free.
# posted by Richard Binning : Friday, May 16, 2008
0 comments
links to this post
Kudos to the folks at Sitepoint for offering up their Photoshop Anthology in full pdf format and for free to boot. The books from sitepoint are usually a very good purchase and enable the reader to quickly get up to speed on the chosen subject.
Get a copy now before their servers blow up!
# posted by Richard Binning : Thursday, May 15, 2008
2 comments
links to this post
Are you using Revit and tired of exporting to DWG, only to open the file and export to STL for 3D Printing? Now you can download the latest tool to hit autodesk labs, the Revit STL Exporter.
Read Scott Shepherd's blog post from yesterday to find out more...
Direct link to lab project.
# posted by Richard Binning : Tuesday, May 13, 2008
0 comments
links to this post
I stumbled across the Autodesk Seek web service as I was investigating the changes to Revit 2009 user interface. When I saw the ubiquitous search tool that had appeared on the options bar, I clicked it to see what it did. Autodesk Seek is a search engine that aggregates available content from various sources on the web and brings the results back in a filtered, intelligent interface. Using the tool is easy and straightforward. You can either browse to the site and perform your search directly or launch it from within the Revit 2009 interface by entering a search term in the 
content search box and clicking the magnifying glass icon as shown in the image shown to the left. Once you click you are taken to the main page which performs the search displaying a loading progress indicator. 
After completing the search, the results are displayed in the main window located to the lower right of your browser. If you wish to further filter the results by manufacturer, filetype, category, etc. you can perform these refinements by clicking on the filters available in the filter column located on the left of the browser window. 
You can also refine your search by filetype by clicking on the filetype selector located at the top of the browser and choosing what file type you are interested in. 
The entire online catalog of Revit Families are available through this new mechanism. Other content types include Sketchup (*.skp), AutoCAD (*.dwg), word (*.doc), and adobe (*.pdf) documents. Hopefully, manufacturers and the rest of the industry will find this tool useful and open up their collections to be "discovered" by this new web service.
# posted by Richard Binning : Wednesday, May 07, 2008
0 comments
links to this post
Got a quick question or suggestion for me when you're visiting this blog? Why not personalize the BIM Talk widget when you find me online? I would like to know who you are...although its not necessary, it is rather easy! You can click on the nickname displayed on the Meebo me widget and edit it to display your actual name or a nickname of your own choosing. Take a look at the the following screen grabs for more info.
# posted by Richard Binning : Thursday, May 01, 2008
0 comments
links to this post
I installed the recently received Autodesk Revit Architecture 2009 application on my laptop the other day. In browsing the DVD, I noticed a folder titled VSTA. If you want to install the Visual Studio for Applications for use with Revit, pick the bottom installer option for tools and utilities as shown below. Labels: Architecture, BIM, Building Information Modeling, CAD Management, Revit, VBA
I didn't see any mention of this in the documentation, readme, or the installer for the basic product. I did see reference and tutorials in the SDK install, but one has to know to look for these. I found a cryptic mention of this in the New Features Workshop. If you look in the Revit Architecture Help file, you'll find mention of "Creating Macros with Revit VSTA"...grab Gregory Arkin's pdf version using the link below.
Install Steps:
The install is much improved in this release...much faster too!
Now lets see how it runs.....
Note: The product install forces an install of Design Review 2009. This may impact those of you running the BIM Smart Library by Reed Construction Data. If you create a deployment, you can potentially modify the installation.
Links: Looks like other sites have more info on this.
Check out
# posted by Richard Binning : Wednesday, April 30, 2008
2 comments
links to this post
Get your technology fix here. Stay tuned for general tech trends, news, and articles. Work with Autodesk products? I do too! I like to write VBA, lisp and create a lot of custom tools for general consumption too. You'll find all that here and more!
Donate to keep this site producing useful tools.
Shop the BesidetheCursor Store
 |
 |
 |
Syndicate this Blog:
