You'll be happy to know that the shortcut for Isolate Element has returned in 2011. This shortcut was present in 2010 until the Subscription Service Pack (#3) was installed. Labels: BIM, CAD Management, Revit, Revit 2011, Revit Structure Architecture MEP Autodesk
# posted by Richard Binning : Monday, April 19, 2010
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Labels: Autodesk, BIM, CAD Management, Collaboration, Navisworks
I just got the notification that Navisworks 2011 is available.
Autodesk NavisWorks Manage 2011 EGJCR Commercial Product Upgrade Windows From Previous Version(s) is now available for download!
Donwloading now!
# posted by Richard Binning : Friday, April 02, 2010
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Labels: Autodesk, CAD Management, Revit 2011, Revit Structure Architecture MEP Autodesk, VBScript
I've updated the Revit Build checker for the 2011 products. Looks like I get to wait until April 8th to try it out, so if anyone would like to test and report back, I would welcome it. Here is a new build updated for Revit 2011 products.
Download a copy here: RevitBuildChecker-4.zip
Note: I'll probably revisit this app in the near future, with the following improvements in mind.
Network Version: - Check across all pc's or select pc's on a domain.
Logging Feature: - Write to a csv file for review.
# posted by Richard Binning : Thursday, April 01, 2010
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I was working with a client today who was struggling with the move from Revit Architecture 2009 to 2010. With the imminent release of Revit 2011, I recommended that they download the zip file Gregory Arkin had made available at Revit3d.com. This way they could happily avoid the 2010 Ribbon and learn the Ribbon when they moved to the improved 2011 version. Labels: 2009 UI, CAD Management, Customization, Revit, Revit 2011, Revit Structure Architecture MEP Autodesk
Since I knew them to have a restrictive firewall, I renamed the zip file to a text file and emailed it on over. In response, I received a warning email regarding viruses based on a zero tolerance email sniffer attached to their firewall. Since I knew all the file renameing was going to be a problem, I came up with the following solution.
revitribbon_textified.txt
This text file can be downloaded, renamed as a zip file and then extracted to the correct location ("c:\Program Files\Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010\Program"). Once the files have been extracted to this folder do the following:
1. Rename the file "_Rename_and_Run_Me.txt" to Rename.bat
2. Double click on Rename.bat to automatically rename all the files to their original names.
3. Now follow the original instructions regarding copying the shortcuts to your desktop.
Thanks Gregory for the files, hopes this helps someone else.
# posted by Richard Binning : Monday, March 29, 2010
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As part of the process of updating some machines to 64bit this week, I realized that I'll have to adjust existing code to automate updates and service packs on the affected machines. I wrote previously about a similar function in lisp here. Labels: CAD Management, VBScript
Here is the VBScript version:On Error Resume Next
Dim WshShell
Dim OsType
Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
OsType = WshShell.RegRead("HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment\PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE")
If OsType = "x86" then
wscript.echo "Windows 32bit system detected"
elseif OsType = "AMD64" then
wscript.echo "Windows 64bit system detected"
end if
# posted by Richard Binning : Monday, March 01, 2010
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I thought I'd share this tool with you. I have found it very useful for doing a quick screen capture and then tweeting the video link directly inside twitter. How to Video Created using Screenr Labels: Building Information Modeling, CAD Management, Community, Desktop, tips-n-tricks, Workflow
The tool is web based, it records high def video and audio. When it is done, you'll get a preview and the ability to tweet it directly, download the mp4 file, post it to Youtube, copy paste the embed link and or copy the url and send it via email using your own client. It is easy to use and free! What can be better than that!
How to create video using Screenr
Watch the video above to learn how easy it is use. I recorded myself recording a screenr video using Camtasia so you could see the entire process. I will, of course, continue to utilize camtasia for the videos I wish to edit, but when I need a quick video to post for someone, expect to see a screenr.com version. Want to see the output from screenr? Click the hyperlink below.
# posted by Richard Binning : Thursday, August 20, 2009
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Do you want to deliver your projects faster and more efficiently? Then you need to read AUGI AEC Edge. It is jam packed full of industry best practices, best of class Autodesk Revit advice, and case studies and white papers from industry experts. Labels: AEC, Architecture, AUGI, BIM, Building Information Modeling, CAD Management, Community, free member benefit, MEP, Revit, Revit Structure Architecture MEP Autodesk, Structure, tips-n-tricks
AUGI AEC Edge is a brand new publication dedicated to delivering mission-critical information to Architects, Engineers, Designers, and Contractors using Autodesk AEC products.
The image above is a screen capture from the AUGI AEC EDGE microsite. Check it out and download your copy today.
# posted by Richard Binning : Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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Labels: ACA, ADT, Architectural Desktop, Architecture, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, CAD Management, outlook, tips-n-tricks, VBA, WorkflowI was updating some legacy VBA code today and had to add some additional logic to a function. When I click the run button, I was faced with this dialog box 
A quick check of the code indicates that there IS a closing "NEXT" statement for the "For Each..." loop. When this happens to you, check any "If...." logic constructs within the "For ... Next" loop. Chances are you'll find a missing "End if" statement.
# posted by Richard Binning : Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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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
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Looks like the fix for problems associated with the Jan 2008 bug are now available. Had problems recently opening older files? Trouble editing schedules or groups?...Install the latest build 20080101_2345 to fix these problems and more! It is definitely time to upgrade and install the latest Revit Builds! Learn about and download the latest builds using the links below. Click on the Web Update Enhancement List links below to read about the changes and fixes provided in the latest builds. Want to download the latest English builds directly? Get it/them at Autodesk by clicking on these links: Labels: Architecture, AutoCAD, Autodesk, BIM, Building Information Modeling, CAD Management, MEP, Revit, Structure
Don't forget to read up on the content changes. I'll include this important reminder until the next full release.
Thank You Autodesk for understanding the need to release all the disciplines tools at the same time!...
# posted by Richard Binning : Wednesday, January 09, 2008
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Labels: BIM, CAD Management, RevitFifo - (First in First Out) -Here is an example of what the user sees when attempting to work with others connected to the central file who beat them to the punch. 
It is the primary reason for the following recommendations:
# posted by Richard Binning : Tuesday, January 08, 2008
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Looking for a quick way to set a layer active? Why not pick an object that already exists on that layer! The following lisp code does just that! (defun c:ls () (while (not e) (setq e (entsel))) ;get layer of item picked (setq lyr (cdr (assoc 8 (entget (car e))))) (command "-LAYER" "set" lyr "") (setq e nil) ) Labels: ACA, ADT, AutoCAD, CAD Management, Lisp
# posted by Richard Binning : Monday, January 07, 2008
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It has happened. All three releases on the same build at the same time! It is definitely time to upgrade and install! Learn about and download the latest builds using the links below. Be sure to read up on the content changes. I guess the renaming wasn't complete when they released the last build. Hopefully this will be the last. Labels: Architecture, BIM, CAD Management, MEP, Revit
Click on the Web Update Enhancement List links below to read about the changes and fixes provided in the latest builds.
Want to download the latest English builds directly?
Get it/them at Autodesk by clicking on these links:
# posted by Richard Binning : Monday, November 19, 2007
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I thought you might be able to use a tool to identify what Revit build is sitting on your pc. If so, continue reading... Sounds good right? Download the zip file containing a short vbscript routine and run it on each machine that has Revit installed. It will display a web page with all the build information for each Revit product installed. It will look more or less like the image shown below. Want to capture info from multiple computers? Lather, rinse, repeat.... Labels: CAD Management, manager, Revit, tips-n-tricks
# posted by Richard Binning : Friday, November 02, 2007
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I have to admit, I've gotten away from my use of MindManager over the last few months. I got busy and forgot how this tool really helps to streamline development. After seeing fellow AUGI board member, Steve Stafford, use it to generate his AU handouts during our recent board meeting I realized that I was wasting time not taking advantage of this tool. Labels: AutoCAD, Blocks, CAD Management, MindManager
Yesterday, I realized that I had to set aside some time to develop a handout for a training class today. I knew that I was going to use MindManager to get the job done. I started by quickly organizing my thoughts in brainstorm mode and then completed the initial skeleton of the document as shown in the following image.
Taking the initial nodes, I utilized the notes pages for each topic to layout the meat of the handout including images, bullets, and text. Being able to quickly drag nodes to new branches and reorganize on the fly really sped up the process.
After completing the MindMap, I used the built in Saveas to document feature, pointed my new map at an existing Word template and quickly published a nine page handout to Word. I'll use this tool for every handout I create from now on.
# posted by Richard Binning : Wednesday, February 07, 2007
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