Ideate Software developer Michael Coffey is one of the primary team members behind the 2024 IdeateApps release, namely Ideate Annotate, Ideate Xray, and Ideate ReNumber. With a background in programming and training at one of the world’s leading architecture firms, his customer-side experience adds invaluable perspective to the latest Ideate Software versions. Here he tells us about his transition to the technology side of architecture and highlights some of his favorite new IdeateApps features.
Favorite Features in Annotate, Xray and ReNumber from IdeateApps Software Developer Michael Coffey
You recently transitioned from the design side of architecture to the technology side. What inspired you to take the leap?
Before joining Ideate Software in 2020, I worked as an architect for a global architecture firm managing and documenting Revit workflows, leading BIM management trainings, and using C# to program a company-wide toolbar inside Revit. I had discovered my passion for the technology side of the business, and joining Ideate Software was a natural next step. At Ideate Software, my first role was the challenging task of improving common UI and Revit interface components that are shared across all Ideate Software products. Later, I began working in IdeateApps and other Ideate Software plugins for Revit, including the 2024 release.
Tagging has been a popular tool in Ideate Annotate. What is exciting about the 2024 Ideate Software release?
Tagging is a feature inside Revit, but we wanted to push beyond it to deliver more efficiency for our customers. Instead of opening each view and individually tagging them, Ideate Software has added the capability to tag in multiple views all at once. It’s a huge time-saver. We also added the option to specify the location of the tag, allowing users to create rules, and consequentially, standardize all project documents.
Tip #1:
- Use filtering to select specific families for tagging.
- Access the rules that ship with Ideate Software or write your own.
- For example, in a renovation, set the filter to tag only new doors.
Tip #2:
- Tag elements in linked models, in addition to local elements.
Use the filtering component to dial in which elements are tagged.
Ideate Xray has become a valuable training tool to help users master visibility issues in Revit. How does it work?
Revit exposes users to a wide breadth of modeling and documentation scenarios. Invisible elements can be a time-consuming problem that can bog people down while they uncover why a particular element is not showing in a particular view. Xray eliminates that pressure by providing a documentation-rich tool that quickly gets users to solutions.
Tip #3:
· Use Xray to find invisible elements and read the popup snapshot to learn why the element is invisible.
· From the snapshot, users can click though to more in-depth documentation and learn how to fix the invisibility issue.
Ideate ReNumber experienced a major update this year. What can users look forward to?
Similar to filtering in Ideate Annotate, in Ideate ReNumber, we added the ability to renumber certain items instead of having to rework all elements. This has a particular value in parking. Instead of renumbering everything when parking configurations change, users can renumber targeted parking spaces or sections.
Tip #4:
- Renumber a selection of parking spaces or sections using the filters in ReNumber.
- Alternately, draw a line across specified parking spaces to set a numbering direction, then easily change it by moving the line.
Download IdeateApps and the entire Ideate Software suite today to discover the power and efficiency of Ideate Annotate, Ideate Xray, Ideate ReNumber. Then search our
Resource Library for additional tips from Ideate Software developers.
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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