- Schedule/Quantities – Using Revit schedules can save time validating model data. In Revit, simply select the Category, such as Doors, Curtain Panels, or Duct Accessories, and then select the parameters, such as Type, Height, and Width. Revit will pull all the data into a single Schedule that you can easily view.
- Graphical Column Schedule – This schedule graphically shows you all the columns in the model as well as related information such as connection, size, and material. To create the schedule, open the Schedules menu on the View tab and select the Graphical Column Schedule tool. Modify the schedules attributes by using the Properties palette.
- Material Takeoff – These schedules are used to calculate the quantities of material. They have the functionality and characteristics of other schedule views, and they can show more detail about the assembly of a component. For example, if creating a material takeoff schedule for walls, in addition to picking out wall parameters to include, you can also select material parameters, such as paint, area, and manufacturer.
- Sheet List – This schedule pulls in all the sheets in a model along with all the fields in those sheets, such as Designed by, Approved By, Assembly: Manufacturer, Count, Sheet Name, and Sheet Issue Date. Simply select the fields you want in the schedule to get a quick view of all the information.
- Note Block – Notes on a Revit model can be difficult to see. This is not a problem with the Note Block schedule, which pulls note numbers and text into a single document.
- View List – A view list displays all the views in a Revit project, such as plans, sections, elevations, drafting views, and 3D views, in one place. It is sortable, making it easy to keep track of what’s going on in your model and how many views are there. The data is easily sortable, so users can quickly review the specific information they need to check.
Export Revit Schedule to an Existing Excel File
Revit Schedules look similar to spreadsheets made up of columns and rows with cells containing data related to the Revit elements. They are usually created when there is a need to quantify various elements in a Revit model.
There are six types of schedules in Revit:
Exporting Data to Excel with Ideate BIMLink
Revit schedules are a great way to pull all the information you need to see into one document, however they don’t allow you to manipulate that data. Manipulation is needed in both large and small projects because things change. Whether it’s the manufacturer of door hardware, the sizes of windows, the number of stalls in a bathroom, or any of hundreds of other changes possible, you know that data will need to be updated several times during a project.
Within Revit, these updates need to be done one at a time, which can take hours or even days to do, check to make sure everything was done correctly, and then re-do any that were missed or done incorrectly. That’s where Ideate BIMLink comes in.
With Ideate BIMLink, you can export data from Revit to Excel and use the powerful manipulation tools in Excel to edit the data. Then you can simply import the updated data back into your Revit model, and the model will update automatically. What once was incredibly time consuming is now fast and error free.
It’s easy to export from Revit to Excel with Ideate BIMLink. Start by clicking the Export button, then select the spreadsheet to receive the exported Revit properties.
Here are instructions on how to export a Revit schedule to an existing Excel file. The default file format is .xlsx; macro-enabled files (.xlsm) and .xls are also supported.
How-To Videos
Want to see how easy it is to use Ideate BIMLink? We have many resources available on our website, including Help files, recorded webinars, and blog posts. You can access all our Ideate BIMLink videos from our Video Library. We have also categorized the videos into different playlists to make it easier for people to find the right videos:
- What's New in Ideate Software – Learn about the latest features and fixes within Ideate Software updates.
- Model Management – Videos on this playlist highlight how Ideate BIMLink can be used to manage sheets, views, and other common concerns for project engineers and architects.
- Architects & Designers – Watch these videos to learn how to eliminate time-consuming, manual room management and door management workflows.
- Engineers & Designers – See how you can use Ideate BIMLink to easily increase the speed for data management within engineering designs.
- VDC Managers & Estimators – Learn how to access data within the model is critical; use the high-powered data queries in Ideate BIMLink to manage construction sequencing.
- Content & Family Management – Here are several demo videos that will show you how to bring clarity to your project browser, clean-up and manage your Revit Family content, rename families and types, or populate large volumes of parameter values with Ideate BIMLink.
Learn About all Ideate Software Solutions for Revit Users
Visit our website to learn more about Ideate BIMLink for Revit as well as our other Revit data management tools. When you’re ready to take the next step, contact us at sales@ideatesoftware.com, get 30-day trial versions, or choose the subscription option that best meets your needs.
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If you have any questions, reach out to us. We are here to help you understand and use our add-ins for Revit.
What is a Named User license?
A Named User license is assigned to one specific person rather than shared across a network. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see the Graitec Licensing Help Center - Named User.
Are Ideate Suites replacing Ideate Software Bundles?
Yes. Going forward, Ideate Suites replace Ideate Software Bundles.
What's the difference between the Ideate Software Bundle and the Ideate Suite?
Both include the same five tools: IdeateApps, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky and Ideate StyleManager.
- Bundle: Each tool is licensed separately, so different people can work in different tools at once. For example, with one Bundle, five people could each use a different tool at the same time.
- Suite: One license covers all five tools for one person at a time. That person can move freely between every tool. While they're using the Suite, it isn't available to anyone else on that license until they finish.
A Named User Suite is assigned to one specific person. A single Network Cloud Floating Suite can be shared across your team, one person at a time.
Will my team need more licenses?
If several people on your team use different Ideate tools at the same time, you may need more than one Suite license. Contact us and we'll review your team's usage and help you choose the right setup.
Can I still buy an Ideate Software Bundle?
No. Bundles are no longer available for purchase. New purchases are offered as follows:
- Ideate Suite: Named User or Network Cloud Floating
- Enterprise Suite: Network Cloud Floating
- Active Host: Network Cloud Floating
- Automation: Network Cloud Floating
- Individual products: Named User or Network Cloud Floating (IdeateApps, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, and Ideate StyleManager)
Can I still buy IdeateApps, BIMLink, Explorer, Sticky, or StyleManager individually?
Yes. Individual products are available as Named User or Cloud Floating licenses until the new product lineup launches with the next major release, expected mid-2027.
Will floating (network) licenses still be available?
Yes. FlexLM remains available for organizations with security requirements, such as environments without internet access. FlexLM is not available through the online store, so please contact your account manager to purchase.
My organization has strict security requirements or no internet access. Can I still get a FlexLM license?
Yes. FlexLM remains available for organizations with security requirements, such as environments without internet access. FlexLM is not available through the online store, so please contact your account manager to purchase.
I'm an existing customer. What happens to my current license/s?
Your existing Ideate Software subscription is moving to our new licensing system at no cost. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
- Standalone licenses become Named User licenses. Set up your Named Users in the Graitec Advantage Portal.
- Cloud Floating (network) licenses become Network Cloud Floating Suite licenses. Deploy the latest release as you have in the past, using the new license code in your migration email.
- Each Ideate Software Bundle becomes an Ideate Suite.
To keep using Ideate, update to the latest release and activate your new license by March 31, 2027. Older Ideate licenses will stop working in Q2 2027.
Using Ideate with Revit 2022 or earlier? Contact ideatesupport@graitec.com to review your options. For account questions, contact sales@ideatesoftware.com.
I have a Bundle today. What will I receive when I move to the new licensing?
Conversions are one for one. Each Ideate Software Bundle becomes one Ideate Suite, and each network Bundle becomes one Network Cloud Floating Suite. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
Where do I manage my licenses?
In the Graitec Advantage Portal. Based on customer requests, starting with the latest Ideate release, license management and license usage information are handled in Graitec Advantage, outside of Revit. We recommend bookmarking the portal.
- Named User licenses: Assign licenses to people on your team in Graitec Advantage.
- Cloud Floating Suite licenses: Deploy the latest release with your new license code as you have in the past, then manage licenses in Graitec Advantage.
Watch the Graitec Advantage walkthrough
Can I transfer a Named User license to another person?
Yes. There's no limit on the total number of transfers, but each license can be transferred up to two times within a 30-day period.
How are licenses issued?
Each product on your order is issued as its own license once your order is processed. To try a product before buying, contact us to request an evaluation license.
I want to try the Graitec AI Assistant now, but I don’t have my new license code yet. What should I do?
Existing customers: We’re delivering new license codes to existing subscribers on a rolling basis over the next few weeks. If you need access sooner, contact your Graitec sales representative.
New customers: The Graitec AI Assistant isn’t available in the Ideate trial. Contact your Graitec sales representative to request an evaluation license or purchase a 6-month subscription.
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