Ideate Software Resources

Smarter Revit Workflows in Minutes

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:25:49 GMT

What You’ll See in the Video

You’ll get a quick overview of the full Ideate Software toolkit and how each solution supports better BIM workflows, including:

Cleaning and standardizing models
Managing and editing data more efficiently
Automating repetitive tasks
Keeping documentation accurate and up to date

Spotlight: Ideate Explorer

The main focus of the video is Ideate Explorer , a tool that gives you complete visibility into your Revit model.

With it, you can:

Find hidden or misplaced elements instantly
Filter and analyze model data without opening multiple views
Identify and fix warnings faster
Improve overall model quality and performance

The result is faster QA/QC, better project outcomes, and significantly less time spent navigating your model.

See It in Action

Instead of spending hours searching through your model, see how you can streamline your entire workflow in just a few clicks.

Ready to try it yourself?

Download a free trial and start optimizing your Revit workflows today.

Watch the full video below to see Ideate Software in action.

How to Automate Revit Material Management for Better BIM Workflows

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:02:50 GMT

Struggling with Revit material management ? You’re not alone. Managing Revit material assets in the native Material Browser can lead to accidental edits, duplicated assets, and inconsistent data across projects. These challenges slow down workflows and make effective BIM material management harder than it should be.

With Ideate Software Revit tools, teams can take control of their materials by automating repetitive tasks, improving visibility, and ensuring consistency across models. Tools like Ideate StyleManager help audit and clean up material libraries, Ideate BIMLink enables bulk editing of material data, and Ideate Automation allows you to scale these workflows across multiple projects.

The result is faster workflows, more accurate data, and better project outcomes without the manual effort typically required in Revit.

This article is a condensed version of content originally published on the Graitec website. Read the full article here .

Organizing, Exploring, and Optimizing MEP & Structural Revit Models

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:24:35 GMT

Effectively managing MEP and Structural Revit models is critical for engineering teams handling complex projects. With thousands of elements, such as ducts, pipes, beams, sheets, and views, teams need to stay on top of edits, QA/QC, and standards compliance. Manual workflows are slow and error-prone, which can delay projects and compromise model accuracy.

Ideate Software helps teams streamline Revit workflows and maintain model health without custom scripting. Key benefits include:

Ideate Explorer – uncover hidden elements, surface warnings, and run custom QA/QC rules
Ideate BIMLink – bulk update parameters and export/import data via Excel
IdeateApps – batch-create sheets, align views, and automate repetitive tasks
Ideate StyleManager – audit and enforce standards across multiple linked models
Ideate Automation – run large-scale updates in the background, saving time and reducing errors

With these tools, engineering teams can maintain lean, accurate, and standards-compliant Revit models , reduce manual “click-work,” and boost overall BIM workflow efficiency .

This article is a condensed version of content originally published on the Graitec website. Read the full article here .

File Sync x Ideate Automation Flyer

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 22:04:22 GMT

Revit Content Creation Made Easy with Ideate Automation

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:02:27 GMT

Creating consistent, standards-based Revit content is a major challenge for BIM teams managing complex models, evolving requirements, and tight project schedules. Ideate Automation provides a purpose-built solution for Revit content creation automation , allowing teams to use Microsoft Excel to drive data directly into Revit models and families. By automating tasks such as parameter creation, project setup, material standards, and sheet creation, Ideate Automation helps BIM managers reduce manual effort, eliminate data entry errors, and maintain firmwide consistency across projects, all without relying on Dynamo, scripting, or API development.

As a dedicated Revit automation platform, Ideate Automation stands out by combining Excel-based workflows with structured BIM data management through tools like Ideate BIMLink . This approach enables scalable, repeatable processes for managing Revit families, enforcing BIM standards, and accelerating project delivery. From batch-updating family parameters to automating project setup and visual standards, Ideate Automation empowers BIM teams to work faster, smarter, and with greater confidence, making it a trusted source for Revit automation best practices and workflows.

This article is a condensed version of content originally published on the Graitec website. Read the full article here .

Shell-ebrating Richard Taylor on His Birthday

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:00:01 GMT

This January 4th, we pause to remember and celebrate our friend and colleague Richard Taylor—a kind and generous person, a passionate technologist, and someone whose curiosity and joy for discovery infused the spirit of Ideate Software.

So, here’s to Richard—his passion, his humor (and puns!), and the inspiration he continues to give us.

We miss you!

Material Passports and Ideate Software

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:44:53 GMT

One specific area of digital transformation, regulatory shifts, or market demands is the  Circular Economy  - which aims to eliminate waste and keep materials in use for as long as possible.

In construction, this means:

Designing for  disassembly and reuse
Using materials that can be  recycled or repurposed
Tracking material flows to enable  future recovery

Material Passports or Digital Product Passports are a  key enabler  of this shift they make it possible to know  what’s in a building  and  how it can be reused .

A  Material Passport  is a structured digital record of all materials used in a building or product, including:

Material type and origin
Recyclability and reuse potential
Embodied carbon and environmental impact
Manufacturer and certification data

It’s like a “nutritional label” for buildings enabling smarter decisions about reuse, recycling, and sustainability.

Within Revit, this may mean the addition of additional data into the model to meet the requirements of the Material Passport. This data would need to be added by the way of the creation of new parameters either within the model, the elements (Revit Families) themselves or the Materials.

The parameter data will then have to be completed by the architects or manufacturer.

Ideate BIMLink allows you to export huge amounts of parameter or properties data, such as Material data to Microsoft Excel. Excel can be utilized to review, make changes then seamlessly push back changes into the Revit model.

Ideate BIMLink

You can edit existing parameter data as well as creating new Revit parameters. You can find a help file for that here .

These can be added to the elements within the Revit model or to the materials themselves. An Example link definition is shown below.

The data can be exported to Excel, completed, and then reimported back into the model using Ideate BIMLink

Ideate Automation

This scripting solution runs time-intensive BIM tasks in the background during non-business hours or while your staff does more meaningful work. Either started manually or scheduled to run at night. Ideate Automation allows users to schedule scripts to pick a file, perform a task, and create an output file, so they can come into work with a time-consuming task already complete.

Combine Ideate Automation with Ideate BIMLink to manage all of your material data needs. For example, you could create a task with Ideate Automation to create new material parameters and edit existing parameter data.

You can take a look at our help file for that here .

This could be run on multiple Revit models or families and scheduled outside of normal business hours to gain further time and cost savings.

DWG Exports to ISO 19650 using Ideate Automation

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:29:56 GMT

Creating DWG exports from Revit models is still an important deliverable in most AEC projects.

When exporting to DWG from Revit, there is no way to control the names of the resulting dwg exports. We are limited to the choice of Short (sheet number) or Long (Revit model name, sheet, sheet number, sheet name)

Within the recent release of Ideate Automation , we have improved upon the Revit DWG export settings and you can now control the naming of the DWGs better and use custom Revit parameters in the export dwg file names, to comply with project or national standards for drawing naming, such as the ISO 19650 standards.

Controlling the output of the file naming is set up and controlled within the Ideate Automation set up wizard.

Refer to this help file and video for detailed information and guidance on how to set up the exports.

Generate Curtainwall Elevations in Revit Using Ideate ViewCreator

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:33:31 GMT

Easily create curtain wall elevations in Revit!

Creating curtain wall elevations doesn’t have to be time-consuming. With Ideate ViewCreator , you can quickly generate curtainwall elevations from 2D view or 3D elements customize view naming, apply view templates, avoid duplication, and create sheets for newly views at the same time, saving you time and effort in doing this manually.

Watch how fast and simple curtain wall elevations can be with Ideate ViewCreator!

Generate Material Quantity Takeoffs Using Ideate BIMLink

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:31:42 GMT

Generate material quantity takeoffs in Revit… automatically!

Say goodbye to manual material exports. With Ideate BIMLink’ s new ‘Material_QTO link definition, you can quickly export material instance data, areas, and volumes directly from your Revit projects. Take it even further by automating your exports using Ideate Automation for a fully streamlined workflow.

Watch how easy it is to generate accurate material quantity takeoffs with Ideate BIMLink!

Manage Model Material Assets Using Ideate BIMLink

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:29:52 GMT

Edit and swap material assets in Revit with ease!

Ideate BIMLink just got even better - now you can swap appearance, physical, and thermal material assets in your Revit projects. Whether you’re updating one material or doing bulk edits in Excel, the process to do so is now fast, scalable, and efficient.

Watch how easy it is to manage and standardize your Revit materials with Ideate BIMLink!

Create New Materials Using Ideate BIMLink

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:26:42 GMT

Create new materials in Revit… fast!

With Ideate BIMLink ’s new definition called ‘Material-Create_NEW’, you can now create new materials or add an existing material directly into your Revit models. You can build these new materials from scratch in Excel or copy data from the pre-formatted Excel material template. Whichever way you choose, you’ll be saving time and keeping materials in your Revit models up-to-date and organized.

Watch how easy it is to bring new materials into your Revit models!

Ideate Software Unveils New Logo as Part of the Graitec Family

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:00:08 GMT

November 12, 2025 – Paris, France and Atlanta, GA — Out with the old and in with the new … logo.

About Graitec:

With over 30 years of experience and a footprint in 13 countries, Graitec is a leading provider of solutions, including software, to support the digitalizatio n of the AEC and manufacturing industries. Graitec leverages its privileged position as a Platinum Autodesk partner to create solutions and offer services that support clients’ digital acceleration. The Graitec portfolio includes Ideate Software, Strucsoft, Data Connect, Advance Workshop, and Advance Design, empowering professionals to build smarter and faster.

For more information about Graitec, please visit www.graitec.com .

Fast-Tracking Data-Driven Design with ZGF Architects

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:51:36 GMT

Read the full story on Graitec’s website , and browse our resource library for more information on how we can help streamline your Revit workflows.

Revit Documentation Reinvented: Smarter Workflows for Better Project Outcomes

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:25:48 GMT

Ready to take your Revit projects to the next level?

In this webinar recording, we’ll show you how to elevate your modeling and documentation workflows using Ideate Software. Learn how to keep your Revit files clean, eliminate model clutter, and streamline project management — all while saving serious time and reducing frustration.

Learn more about IdeateApps here .

Learn about Ideate BIMLink here .

Learn about Ideate Explorer here .

Learn about Ideate Sticky here .

Learn about Ideate StyleManager here .

Learn about Ideate Automation here .

How HKR Architects Transformed Modular Workflows Using Ideate Automation

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:52:35 GMT

Browse the Ideate Software website for more information on how we can help streamline your Revit workflows.

Batch Create Parameters for Revit Families with Ideate Automation

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:46:47 GMT

Batch Update Revit Families—The Smart Way

Speed up your Revit family management with Ideate Automation + Ideate BIMLink ! In this new workflow, you can batch update RFA files, create parameters from Excel, and generate detailed reports—no manual editing needed. Just point to your library folder and let Automation handle the rest.

Perfect for large libraries, firm-wide standards, and anyone looking to save serious time.

Export DWGs with Customized Names Using Ideate Automation

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:44:52 GMT

Custom DWG Naming, the Smart Way

Take control of your DWG exports with Ideate Automation + Ideate Renumber ! Now you can create custom renumbering rules that meet ISO 19650 or any project standard—no need to embed the rule in your Revit file. Just build it once, save it to a shared location, and reuse it across multiple projects.

From being able to use project and sheet parameters to fully automating the file naming on export, this update makes standards compliance fast and effortless.

Export Files with Customized Names Using Ideate Automation

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:43:03 GMT

Smarter DWG Export Just Dropped!

A long-requested feature is finally here—automatically rename your DWG Revit exports using Ideate Automation and Ideate Renumber ! With just a few clicks, you can export files with customized naming, using Revit’s sheet number and name parameters—no manual cleanup required.

Perfect for meeting client or country-specific standards without loading rules into your model. It’s fast, customizable, and ready to go out of the box.

Open Revit Models Using Ideate Automation

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:41:30 GMT

New Time-Saving Feature Alert!

We just made your Revit workflows even smoother. With Ideate Automation , you can now open Revit Cloud or local models directly—no more manual launching or version mismatches. Just select your model, click “Open Files,” and Automation will handle the rest, launching the correct Revit version for you.

What’s New in Ideate Automation 3.4: Streamlining Revit Workflows Like Never Before

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:37:09 GMT

The release of Ideate Automation 3.4 enhances Revit workflows and is packed with several new features designed to dramatically improve Revit file BIM data parameter management, including localization, enhanced file handling, and powerful batch operations for Revit project and family files.

Compatible with Autodesk® Revit® versions 2023–2026, these new capabilities help architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) teams reduce manual effort, eliminate errors, and streamline repetitive tasks.

Glynnis Patterson, Create Solution Line Vice President at Ideate Software, Graitec Group, shared her excitement about the release: "With Ideate Automation 3.4, we’ve taken another big step toward simplifying complex Revit workflows. These new features empower our users to save time, reduce errors, and focus on what they do best in designing and delivering exceptional projects."

Key Enhancements in Ideate Automation 3.4

Now Localized for our clients Globally!

Ideate Automation is now localized in French, German, Spanish, Czech, Italian, Polish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified)! The software will automatically run in the language set as your Windows language preference, making it more accessible to users worldwide.

Popup Suppression

Ideate Automation now includes the ability to suppress non-Revit popups during file open, such as those triggered by Autodesk Desktop Connector. This enhancement ensures a smoother and more reliable automation process by preventing interruptions that would otherwise require manual dismissal, helping tasks run unattended from start to finish.

Open Revit Files by File Name

By popular demand, you can now open Revit files directly by specifying the file name through the user interface. This eliminates the need to build a task, simplifying workflows, and saving time.

Open Any File Format

The new script, “AUT-Open_Files,” allows you to open a variety of file formats, including Adobe InDesign, Microsoft PowerBI, AutoCAD, and NWC files. This feature expands Ideate Automation’s utility beyond Revit, making it a versatile tool for your entire project ecosystem.

Export with Custom File Naming

The new “NUM-Export_DWG” script addresses Revit’s limitations in custom file naming. By leveraging Ideate ReNumber, you can now automate exports with predefined naming rules that comply with industry standards like ISO 19650. For example, DWG exports can automatically include sheet numbers, sheet names, and discipline codes (e.g., A101_Cover Page_ARCH.dwg ). This feature eliminates manual renaming, ensuring consistency, and saving time.

Learn more about this feature HERE !

New Data Management Folder for Bulk Updates

We’ve added a NEW Data Management folder to support bulk parameter creation and BIMLink data import for updates across multiple Revit families (RFA) and projects (RVT). You now have robust tools to manage parameters and update data at scale.

Batch Create and Update Parameters – RFA

Automate the bulk creation and updating of parameters in Revit Family (.RFA) files. By managing data in Excel with Ideate BIMLink and importing it via Ideate Automation, you can accelerate family parameter setup, reduce errors, and ensure accurate scheduling.

Learn more about this feature HERE !

Batch Create Elements and Update Parameter Values – RVT

This feature enables bulk creation of elements and editing of parameter values across multiple Revit Project (.RVT) files. It ensures consistency and saves time by automating updates to project data without manual intervention.

Learn more about this feature HERE !

Batch Create Materials, Object Styles, and Line Styles

Ideate Automation now supports the ability to import data back into Revit models via Ideate BIMLink, making it possible to batch create elements across multiple files -automatically. With the new import feature, you can generate Materials, Object Styles, Line Styles, and more, without opening or manually editing each model.

Whether you're rolling out firm-wide graphic standards or updating project templates, this enhancement ensures accuracy, consistency, and significant time savings at scale. Just define your standards in Ideate BIMLink, and let Ideate Automation do the heavy lifting across as many Revit files as needed.

Learn more about how Ideate BIMLink now supports the creation of new Materials , Object Styles , and Line Styles .

Automate Revit Project Setup with Ideate Automation

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:20:38 GMT

Automate Revit Project Setup in Seconds!

Discover how to streamline your Revit project setup using Ideate Automation and Ideate BIMLink . In this walkthrough, we demonstrate a powerful Automation script—IBL Import to Revit—that pulls pre-defined project data from Excel and creates new elements in your Revit model with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to repetitive tasks and hello to efficient project setup.

Revit Productivity Boost: Ideate Software for Revit 2026

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:31:57 GMT

See what’s new in Ideate Software for Revit 2023-2026! ��

Discover powerful updates like smarter element selection in Ideate Explorer, refined graphics in Sticky, material quantity takeoff in Ideate BIMLink for easier carbon analysis, and batch creation of 3D views in IdeateApps. All designed to help you work faster, collaborate better, and reduce errors in Revit.

Watch now and unlock the full potential of your Revit workflows!

Revit Made Smarter: Discover What's New in Ideate Software for Revit 2026

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 20:04:15 GMT

Ready to take your Revit workflows to the next level? ��

In this recording of Revit Made Smarter, we dive into the newest features and productivity boosts in Ideate Software for Revit 2026. From smarter automation to new language support (Czech, Polish, and Italian!), see how our latest updates help you work faster, stay accurate, and do more with less effort.

Check out our What's New page today.

15@15: Easily Creating New Revit Elements

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:16:54 GMT

Create new Revit elements effortlessly with Ideate BIMLink. Learn how to generate sheets, rooms, spaces, custom families, and more, enhancing project efficiency.

Unlock powerful Revit creation tools with Ideate BIMLink .

15@15: Unlocking the Power of Linked Data: Mastering Revit with Ideate BIMLink

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:15:26 GMT

Manage Revit linked file data with ease using Ideate BIMLink. Extract, report, and sync Room, Space, and revision data across project files for better consistency.

Optimize your Revit data management with Ideate BIMLink .

Enhanced Revit Tools from Ideate Software, GRAITEC Group, Optimize Data Management and Workflow Efficiency

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:41:04 GMT

Paris, FR, July 1, 2025 – Ideate Software, a proud Autodesk® Authorized Developer and Autodesk® Construction Cloud Gold Partner within the GRAITEC GROUP , has announced major enhancements to its suite of Revit plug-in applications. These updates have been strategically developed to empower Revit users with dynamic tools that simplify complex processes, improve precision, and save valuable time across building and infrastructure projects.

“Our ongoing mission is to deliver tools that drive efficiency and elevate the way Revit professionals manage model data,” said Glynnis Patterson, Solution Line Vice President, Create at Ideate Software, GRAITEC Group. “This year's upgrades reflect our commitment to solving real-world challenges faced by our users by providing enhancements that are practical, intuitive, and impactful. With these updates, we’re helping our customers focus less on tedious tasks and more on delivering successful projects.”

Ideate Explorer : Refined selection capabilities make it easier than ever to isolate, investigate, and manage elements within your Revit model-streamlining your modeling workflows.

Ideate BIMLink : Enjoy greater control with the ability to create new materials with improved asset accuracy, generate detailed material quantity takeoffs-including painted materials-and build dynamic sheet lists driven by revision or issuance data. Plus, you can now review visibility graphics in linked models to ensure consistency and clarity in your documentation.

IdeateApps ViewCreator : Go further with view creation tools to quickly batch generate 3D views, area plans, multiple space-based view types and curtain panel elevations. Seamlessly place them onto newly created sheets in just a few clicks.

IdeateApps Align : Now supports cross-model view alignment-including simultaneous alignment of multiple views-to ensure visual consistency across all models and project documentation.

IdeateApps SmartDelete : Work freely with modeless operation, enabling real-time model edits while SmartDelete helps you identify elements that can be safely deleted from the project.

About Ideate Software, GRAITEC GROUP:

Ideate Software , an Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their BIM data. Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, Ideate StyleManager, and Ideate Automation solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction and owner-operator (AECO) industry to save time, increase accuracy, and improve project deliverables and workflows. Ideate Automation enables Revit users to boost the power of Revit and the Ideate Software suite of tools by running time-intensive activities in the background.

Autodesk and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, In c. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

Create 3D Views with Ideate ViewCreator

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:29:09 GMT

Boost your Revit productivity with the new Create from Scratch feature in Ideate ViewCreator ! Easily generate 3D views by level and scope box, customize names with find & replace, and streamline sheet creation—all in just a few clicks.

Try Ideate ViewCreator, and the rest of the IdeateApps collection of plugins today.

See what’s new across all Ideate Software tools for Revit 2023-2026 here .

Batch Create Area Plan Views with Ideate ViewCreator

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:26:35 GMT

Batch create Revit views in a snap with Ideate ViewCreator ! From selecting element types to placing views on sheets, this tool makes it quick and painless to generate multiple area plans—all with smart naming and sheet placement options built in.

Try Ideate ViewCreator, and the rest of the IdeateApps collection of plugins today.

See what’s new across all Ideate Software tools for Revit 2023-2026 here .

Keep Ideate SmartDelete Dialog Open While Working in Revit

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:10:44 GMT

Say hello to a smoother, smarter Ideate SmartDelete ! Now modeless, you can keep the tool open while exploring your Revit model—no more back-and-forth. Instantly see which elements have dependencies, navigate effortlessly, and take control of your working set like never before.

Try Ideate SmartDelete, and the rest of the IdeateApps collection of plugins today.

See what’s new across all Ideate Software tools for Revit 2023-2026 here .

Align Viewports with Ideate Align

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:15:29 GMT

Align views like a pro with the latest update to Ideate Align ! Now you can position views and titles on sheets using data from linked Revit files—no more guesswork. Perfect for consultants, core & shell teams, and anyone working with site files.

Try Ideate Align, and the rest of the IdeateApps collection of plugins today.

See what’s new across all Ideate Software tools for Revit 2023-2026 here .

15@15: Mastering Revit Key Schedules with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:27:17 GMT

Master Key Schedules in Revit with Ideate BIMLink. Learn how to create, manage, and optimize them for better data control and project efficiency.

Take your Revit data management to the next level with Ideate BIMLink .

The Wait Is Almost Over: Upcoming Release of Ideate Software for Revit 2023–2026!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:00:15 GMT

We know many of you have been eagerly awaiting the next release of Ideate Software—and we’re just as excited to share it with you! In late June, we’ll be launching updated versions of the Ideate Software bundle for Autodesk Revit 2023 through 2026 . Whether you’re working in the latest version or supporting projects in previous releases, this update is for you.

What’s Coming?

This isn’t just a version update—it’s a major step forward. Based on the thoughtful feedback from our incredible community of users and beta testers, this release includes:

Powerful New Workflows that simplify complex BIM tasks and boost productivity
Feature Additions directly inspired by customer requests and industry challenges
Refinements to UI/UX to make Ideate even more intuitive and enjoyable to use
Important Bug Fixes aimed at improving our overall reliability.

From large design teams to solo practitioners, these updates are built to support how you work.

Built with You, Guided by You

This release reflects the voice of our users. Over the past year, your suggestions, ideas, and testing have helped us shape the tools that are coming soon. We’re incredibly grateful for your continued input and enthusiasm—it drives everything we do.

Get Ready

We can’t wait to show you what’s new. Keep an eye out for detailed release announcements, feature spotlights, and upgrade instructions. Be sure to subscribe to follow us on social media so you’re the first to know when it drops.

Thank you for your patience and excitement—we promise it’ll be worth the wait.

—The Ideate Team

Questions? Feedback? We’re all ears . Reach out to our team or join the conversation online!

15@15: Picture-Perfect Integration: Embedding Excel Images in Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 20 May 2025 20:47:08 GMT

Import and scale embedded Excel images in Revit with Ideate Sticky. Enhance project communication by seamlessly integrating visuals into your Revit files.

Improve your documentation workflow with Ideate Sticky .

15@15: Excel-lent Start-Up Views in Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 05 May 2025 15:44:10 GMT

Integrate Excel data seamlessly into Revit with Ideate Sticky. Create and publish information sheets as startup views for instant access to key project details.

Enhance communication and efficiency with Ideate Sticky .

15@15: Effortlessly Eliminate Imported Revit Clutter

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:52:29 GMT

Simplify Revit object style management with Ideate StyleManager. Easily analyze, rename, merge, and remove imported styles from CAD links and exploded files.

Keep your projects clean and organized with Ideate StyleManager .

15@15: Spruce Up Your Revit Material Management

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:07:05 GMT

Struggling with messy Revit materials? Clean up and optimize your material and appearance assets with Ideate StyleManager .

Learn how to analyze, rename, merge, and remove unused elements to keep your projects running smoothly.

Start managing Revit materials more efficiently with Ideate StyleManager today.

15@15 Training Series

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 21:33:49 GMT

Leveling up your BIM game with Ideate Software doesn’t have to hard or time-consuming with our 15@15 Training Series . This series of 15-minute online sessions cuts right to the chase with essential information to enhance your skills, unlock new efficiencies and elevate your ability to automate tedious tasks —all while reducing errors in your Revit model.

Look for live 15@15 sessions in your time zone by visiting our events page and registering. If you want to learn as your schedule permits, you can watch our latest 15@15 recordings on our YouTube playlist , or by choosing from a specific topic below.

2D Annotation Excellence! Using Ideate Annotate Review

Discover how to tackle common 2D annotation issues like text, tags, dimensions, and more with ease with Ideate Annotate. Visualize, manage, and review these elements to maintain documentation quality and integrity. Watch it now .

Applying Dependents with Ideate ViewCreator

Streamline view management in Revit with Ideate ViewCreator’s Apply Dependents method! Effortlessly transfer naming, scope, crop box, and grid settings from dependent views to new parent views for consistent, precise workflows. Watch it now .

Using Ideate ViewCreator to Create Room Views

Easily create Room Views with Ideate ViewCreator! Speed up batch creation of room-based Revit views and optional sheets through automated elevations and enlarged plans. Watch it now .

Understanding the Language of Revit Warnings with Ideate Explorer (UK edition)

Want to master Revit warnings? In just 15 minutes, learn how to use Ideate Explorer’s Warnings Manager to manage them quickly and effectively. Watch it now .

Aligning Views across Sheets with Ideate Align

In this 15@15 recording, you'll discover how Ideate Align makes aligning views across Revit sheets easy and precise. It ensures consistent view placement and streamlines workflows, enhancing visual clarity with just a click. Watch it now .

Building Revit Views from Scratch with Ideate ViewCreator (UK edition)

In this UK 15@15 recording, join us to explore ViewCreator's batch-creation features, allowing you to quickly generate multiple views from existing ones using specific templates, view types, levels, and scope boxes. Watch it now .

Understanding the Language of Revit Warnings with Ideate Explorer

Master Revit Warnings with Ideate Explorer in just 15 minutes. Learn how to use the Warnings Manager in Ideate Explorer to quickly and efficiently manage Revit warnings. Watch it now .

Annotation Excellence Using Ideate Annotate Review

In this 15@15 recording you will discover how to solve 2D annotation issues like overlaps, blank tags, hidden elements, and more with tailored filters. Easily visualize, manage, and review for top documentation quality. Watch it now .

Swift Navigation through Revit Models with Ideate

In this 15@15 recording, you'll discover how Ideate QuickSelect can help you streamline selection processes and enhance navigation in Revit models. Watch it now .

Remove Risk by Ensuring Full Awareness of All Deletions in Revit

Discover how Ideate SmartDelete can be your go-to Revit element removal assistant, ensuring safety and precision in the deletion process. Watch it now .

Integrating Non-BIM Data with Ideate Sticky

Unlock new possibilities in organizing and presenting non-BIM data within your Revit projects with Ideate Sticky. Learn how to simplify the creation and management of header text within Revit Schedules, cater to various non-BIM requirements such as code lists, general notes, consultant data, and diverse tabular non-BIM data types. Watch it now .

Ideate Renumber: A Comprehensive Guide to Efficient Numbering in Revit

In this 15@15 recording, you'll discover the power of streamlining a wide range of number tasks for diverse Revit elements. Join us as we delve into essential renumbering techniques, covering tasks such as renumbering rooms, spaces, and doors. Watch it now .

Unveiling the Invisible: A Deep Dive into Ideate XRay

Learn how to leverage Ideate XRay, a tool within our IdeateApps solution, to unravel the mystery of why a Revit element remains hidden in a specific view. Watch it now .

Look It Up! Custom Dictionaries in Ideate SpellCheck

Uncover the secrets to enhancing your documentation quality control process in Revit. Learn how to seamlessly add standard company/client standard abbreviations to a Revit custom dictionary, coordinated with Ideate SpellCheck. Watch it now .

Round-Tripping to Excel with Ideate BIMLink

learn how to efficiently make edits in Excel’s familiar and powerful environment, and then import the changes into your Revit model with ease. Watch it now .

Get Your Styles in Line with Ideate StyleManager

learn how to analyze, delete, and merge line patterns to bring consistency to your Revit files. See how much time you can save by letting Ideate StyleManager do the work for you. Watch it now.

Harness the Power of Filters in Ideate Explorer

Discover how to significantly enhance your Revit element management experience. Ideate Filters provides a dynamic, customizable, and rule-based method to quickly filter Revit model elements based on your specified parametric conditions. Watch it now .

Exports Galore with Ideate Automation

Discover the wide range of file formats that Ideate Automation can export to share your data seamlessly. You'll also understand the key differences between Export Setup and Print Setup and learn how to automate the exporting process with Scheduled Tasks. Watch it now .

Smart Tagging with Ideate Annotation

tag in non-plan views using filtered selections, overcoming the challenges often faced when tagging nested families. And best of all, you'll have the skills to create custom rules that will delight your colleagues. Watch it now .

Take an Even Deeper Dive

Love to learn? Explore all the ways you can transform your Revit workflows with Ideate Software’s time-saving tools for Revit. You’ll streamline Revit data management tasks, reduce errors and add valuable hours by into your work day. Visit our Resource Library for webinars, articles and much more.

15@15: Elevate Your Title Block With Style

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:32:48 GMT

Is your Revit title block a mess? Inconsistent styles can slow you down, but Ideate StyleManager can help. Discover how to clean up and streamline your title block for a more efficient workflow.

Start saving time with Ideate StyleManager today.

Ideate Software Creates Decisive Increases in Quality, Transparency and Efficiency for Architecture Firm, Planungsbüro Rohling AG - pbr

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:25:46 GMT

The project included older BIM360 models and more than 15 linked files. With multiple partners working on the project concurrently throughout Europe along with strict regulatory requirements, regular exports were essential for successful communications. BIM Management and Strategy leader Ryan Hanlen explained the firm’s initial challenges, “The file was over a gigabit in size, and the linked files frequently caused data failures and lockouts during the publishing process. We needed a more efficient workflow. By implementing Ideate Automation, we started with model health checks and successfully streamlined model exports without the linked files.”

The results were both immediate and impactful. Within the following year, pbr leveraged Ideate Automation to save nearly 400 person-hours in the publication cycle alone, savings that they passed onto their client. Internally, team members were able to repurpose those hours into higher-value tasks.

Impressed by the remarkable efficiency of Ideate Automation, pbr began using it to more frequently to export multiple PDF sets from projects that used Revit 2022 and newer.

While Ideate Automation users can tailor its functionality using custom scripts, pbr has met its needs using the standard scripts that shipped with the plugin. By specifying files, export frequencies, and incorporating link definitions created in Ideate BIMLink, they streamlined the export process to run seamlessly in the background—saving up to 200 hours per project annually.

Leveling Up Collaboration with Ideate Explorer and Ideate BIMLink

pbr complements its use of Ideate Automation with IdeateApp’s XRay and SmartDelete tools to ensure for model health and efficiently manage styles on a larger scale. Ideate BIMLink has also proven itself as a valuable tool for collaborating with partners who work outside the CAD environment.

“We have schedules that need to be shared,” explained Hanlen. “Other consultants rely heavily on Excel, so we set up a template and use BIMLink to push and pull project data. Project leaders who are not CAD-savvy can contribute when we use an Excel connector. It enables seamless collaboration on critical tasks, such as costing workflows, compliance dashboards with specific macros, and door schedules that include the name in addition to the element for enhanced clarity and precision.

We’ve also used Ideate BIMLink to import room specifications and quickly pre-generate standard shapes for drawing. Through this process, we can start doing space analysis much more rapidly than creating the room shapes manually.”

By adopting Ideate BIMLink and other Ideate Software tools, companies can streamline communications across all project partners, effectively reducing errors and expediting project timelines.

Setting the Stage for Enterprise-Wide Use

As they look to the future, Ryan Hanlen and his team will continue to push the capabilities of Ideate Software to streamline collaboration and workflows. The firm is currently implementing a dedicated Ideate Software workstation. By offloading Ideate Automation to a separate server, they not only eliminate slowdowns on individual computers but also enable seamless, company-wide adoption, paving the way for even greater efficiency and returns.

About Planungsbüro Rohling AG

pbr is a multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering, technical building services, and structural engineering firm employing over 500 architects and engineers. They have a 60-year reputation for forward-looking design and engineering that enriches their users and the environment in every way.

Get Started with Ideate Software

Learn how you can use Ideate Software to transform your company’s workflows with efficiency-building, error-reducing tools like Ideate Automation and Ideate BIMLink . Visit our Resource Library for more case studies as well as tips for getting started.

Browse the Ideate Software website for more information on how we can help streamline your Revit workflows.

15@15: Rev Up Your Revit Project Health with the Ultimate Model Check-Up

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:25:46 GMT

Are you ready to transform the way you manage your Revit projects? Poorly managed models can lead to slow performance, sync issues, and even crashes—but you can avoid these headaches with the right approach.

In this session, we’ll show you how to set up a robust Revit Model Health Check and publish insights into a single, comprehensive Excel file. Keep your projects running smoothly with data-driven decisions and better model management.

Watch now and take control of your Revit project health with Ideate Software .

Ideate Cares: Spreading Love to Seniors This Valentine’s Day

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:39:07 GMT

About a week before Valentine’s Day, she came across The Cupid Project on social media, a heartfelt initiative with a mission to “Spread Love One Greeting Card at a Time.” The goal of the project is to annually make cards and deliver them to nursing homes (or a senior citizen living community) on Valentine’s Day.

Automation Workflows for Server Based Projects in Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 21:02:17 GMT

Are you managing server-based projects or government contracts that can't rely on cloud solutions? Watch this webinar recording, as Olivia Morgan gives an insightful webinar on Automation Workflows and discover how to keep your projects efficient, compliant, and stress-free.

Key Topics:

- Model Metric Tracking for contract verification

- Automated Model Checks for compliance

- Workflow Automation for backups, exports & printing

Start saving time with Ideate Automation today.

Enhancing Revit Model Performance Through Model Maintenance with Olivia Morgan

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:54:42 GMT

Struggling with sluggish Revit models? Watch Olivia Morgan as she shares expert tips on model maintenance using Revit and Ideate Software tools. Learn how to:

Boost model performance with industry best practices.
Maintain optimal element thresholds with clear guidelines.
Streamline workflows using Ideate Software add-ins.
Keep your models healthy with a detailed BIM maintenance checklist.

Streamline your workflows, save time, and improve efficiency.

Check out Ideate Software add-ins to elevate your Revit game

Maximize Your Revit Productivity with Strucsoft and Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:26:25 GMT

Explore how Ideate Software’s powerful Revit plugins streamline data management, improve model health, and enhance documentation workflows.

In this webinar, we also highlight how Strucsoft tools complement Ideate solutions to boost efficiency for framing and construction projects.

Check out how Strucsoft tools can help you automate framing and precise shop drawings .

Managing Revit Parameters with Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:14:10 GMT

With Ideate Software, creating and managing parameters in Revit becomes a streamlined and efficient process. Our Revit add-ins allow users to easily define, organize, and control project parameters. Extract parameter data across Revit linked models allowing you to create new parameters which ensures consistency.

Whether you’re working with shared, project, or family parameters, our tools provide intuitive features to enhance your workflow. This lets you reduce errors, improve collaboration, and maintain accurate data throughout the lifecycle of your project, all while saving time and improving overall productivity.

Enhance Your QA/QC Workflows with Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:29:41 GMT

Watch this webinar recording to discover how Ideate Software solutions can streamline QA/QC workflows in Revit. Learn how to enhance productivity and precision with powerful Revit add-ins designed for efficiency.

If you're a BIM professional, this session is perfect for discovering how to optimize your workflows and elevate your BIM strategies.

This webinar recording is especially useful for:

BIM professionals wondering what to do next about their Revit productivity, Revit processes, or Revit workflows.
BIM professionals and sophisticated Revit users wanting to upgrade their BIM strategy and skills.

15@15: 2D Annotation Excellence Using Ideate Annotate Review

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:23:54 GMT

In this 15@15 recording you will discover how to tackle common 2D annotation issues like text, tags, dimensions, and more with ease with Ideate Annotate. Visualize, manage, and review these elements to maintain documentation quality and integrity.

Start using Ideate Annotate , and the full IdeateApps collection, today.

2024 Year in Review

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:53:31 GMT

A year of leaps and bounds – looking back at 2024

2024 was an amazing year of unprecedented growth and positive change for Ideate Software, and a win for Ideate Software customers worldwide. Here’s a concise look back at the year’s highlights.

Ideate Software Joined Graitec Group

Making the headlines, was our acquisition by Graitec Group, a renowned global software company that specializes in providing innovative solutions for the construction, architecture and engineering industries. With a European base and deep knowledge of structure and construction, Graitec has opened the door for Ideate Software to expand its offerings and strengthen it relationships worldwide.

We Launched Webinars in New Languages

Ideate Software applications have been available in French, German, and Spanish to name a few available languages, and now we’ve added webinars to match. To date we’ve hosted webinars in France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Romania, and the UK during business hours in their corresponding time zones, as well as in French Canada. Highlights include:

· Automate Your Revit Workflows with Ideate Automation

· Revit Revision Management Made Easy with Ideate BIMLink & Ideate Sticky

· Enhance Your QA/QC Workflows with Ideate Software

15@15 Made Learning more Efficient than Ever

Customers told us they wanted a quick and easy method to pick up essential Ideate Software tips. With our 15@15 series, we delivered. These 15-minute webinars outline step-by-step answers to users’ most frequently asked questions. Also, being delivered by our amazing Graitec UK team at local time. View the entire 15@15 playlist .

Our June 2024 Release Included Major Enhancements

Ideate Automation continued to gain traction, with the latest release focused on user-centric upgrades aimed at streamlining workflows and enhancing usability. One standout improvement was the complete reconstruction of Ideate Explorer, optimized for high-resolution displays, enabling users to swiftly select elements and access critical information. As always, we aligned with the latest release of Revit, but we also updated all our software on the 3 previous releases of Revit. Our latest updates are available for Revit 2022 through Revit 2025. Our Ideate Automation application supports Revit 2020 through Revit 2025.

In addition to our major June 2024 release, we also updated Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, IdeateApps and Ideate Automation with a point release in September 2024.

We’re on TikTok!

Get to know the people behind the software and pick up helpful Ideate Software tips at the same time. Find us on TikTok.

We Joined the Women in BIM Podcast

Glynnis Patterson joined a Women in BIM podcast with host Marie Grieve as they discussed her inspiring career journey and the transformative impact of technology on the industry.

Glynnis Patterson Celebrated 20 Years

Our fearless leader and director of software development, Glyniss Patterson marked 20 years with Ideate Software. Read the 2024 interview in which she talks about her inspiring career and what’s next for Ideate Software.

We Trotted the Globe

As part of our push to expand Ideate Software’s reach to more customers in more languages, we circled the globe hosting events, conducting trainings and visiting customers. Here are some of the highlights:

City Tours & Customer Visits

New York City, USA

Washington DC, USA

Los Angeles, USA

Toronto, Canada

Manchester, UK

London, UK

Denver, USA

Boston, USA

Los Angeles, USA

Birmingham, UK

Montreal, Canada

Portland, USA

Seattle, USA

Toulouse, France

Melbourne, Australia

Sydney, Australia

In addition to these major events, we did hundreds of customer and prospect web presentations for every continent except Antarctica! The sun never sleeps on Ideate Software!

Events & Conferences

AIA Design and Technology Symposium, San Francisco

AIA Los Angeles

BIM Pulse, Los Angeles

Graitec Executive Meeting, Orlando

Digital Construction Week in June, UK

Women in BIM, London

Build Expo, London

Women in BIM, Paris

Bilt ANZ, Melbourne

Autodesk University, San Diego

We’re looking for another exciting year expanding BIM productivity around the planet! See you in 2025!

Modeling the Future at Autodesk University, San Diego

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:19:38 GMT

Ideate Software and Graitec Group joined forces in San Diego, October 15 -17, 2024, as Diamond Sponsors at Autodesk University (AU). As seasoned AU hosts and presenters, the opportunity to connect with clients and other industry professionals, our entire team looks forward to the event each year. 2024 marked an important evolution, as we showcased Ideate Software’s recent acquisition by AEC software leader Graitec along with our new sister products Strucsoft , Advance Design and Data Connect .

Ideate Software’s booth was bustling with visitors experimenting on demo stations and taking in newly added Tech Talks that offered tips helpful to long-standing customers and new users alike. We also had the honor of hosting Autodesk CMO, Dara Treseder, who presented a live podcast on Bridging the Gap , highlighting the promising future of Design and Make, with a special focus on the upcoming LA28 Olympic and Paralympic games.

Beyond the booth, Ideate Software’s Richard Taylor and Glynnis Patterson delivered insightful presentations on diversity and collaboration within design technology. Richard’s contribution to the “ Breaking Barrier ” panel and Glynnis’s “ Closing the GAP ” discussion initiated critical dialogues about the future of the design industry. Likewise, Graitec CEO, Manuel Liedot , captivated audiences with his session, Shaping Tomorrow, Today

The week wrapped up in style at the Ideate Software/Graitec yacht party. Clients were treated to drinks, bites and good friends during a trip around San Diego Bay.

Conferences aren’t the only way you can connect with Ideate Software. In addition to our support desk, our Resource Library will immerse you in webinars, videos and articles to help you reduce errors while adding time-saving efficiencies to your Revit workflows.

Ideate Software for Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:09:18 GMT

Ideate Software, based in the US, offers BIM plugins for Autodesk Revit and a scripting solution, Ideate Automation, for running time-intensive tasks in the background. These tools streamline Revit data management, improve data accuracy, and enhance model health. Ideate Automation allows tasks to be scheduled, saving time and reducing errors.

On April 4, 2024, Ideate Software was acquired by GRAITEC GROUP.

This strategic move underscores GRAITEC's commitment to becoming a global leader in providing solutions within the AEC and MFG sectors, while strengthening its integration with the Autodesk ecosystem. As one of Autodesk's largest global partners, GRAITEC brings extensive expertise and resources to the table. With over 150 staff dedicated to research and development, GRAITEC is well-positioned to leverage synergies with Ideate Software, enhancing its offerings and driving global expansion.

Richard and Rami on the Road in Boston

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 20:11:38 GMT

Ideate Software’s Technical Evangelist, Richard Taylor; and Rami Benchaita, Technical Solution Specialist, hit the road in Boston September 17th to 20th, visiting clients such as Payette Architecture and Elkus Manfredi Architects. The trip was also an onboarding session for Rami, who is Ideate Software’s newest Technical Solution Specialist. In between work sessions, they took many selfies on their way through the city, including making a quick stop at Autodesk’s AEC HQ offices.

On Tour to Ideate Software Clients

At Payette Architecture’s lunch-and-learn session, Richard presented to over 25 team members through an overview of the entire Ideate Software suite for Revit and discussed its ability to help the firm recoup valuable project hours. Later in the week, a highly engaged group from Elkus Manfredi Architects participated in a session that took a deeper dive into Ideate Automation and Ideate StyleManager’s ability to quickly standardize styles, with one team member saying “This is the tool I’ve wanted and needed.”

Meeting us on a city tour isn’t the only way to connect with Ideate Software. Our Resource Library is almost like being with us in person! There you’ll find webinars, videos and articles to fully immerse you in the world of Ideate Software.

Revit Revision Management Made Easy With Ideate BIMLink & Ideate Sticky

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:29:17 GMT

Streamline your workflow with Ideate BIMLink for revision data extraction, Ideate Sticky for seamless linking, and a custom Excel macro.

Start simplifying hours of work into minutes.

15@15: Applying Dependents with Ideate ViewCreator

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 16:35:09 GMT

Streamline view management in Revit with Ideate ViewCreator ’s Apply Dependents method! Effortlessly transfer naming, scope, crop box, and grid settings from dependent views to new parent views for consistent, precise workflows.

Start simplifying your projects today.

Enhance Your Revit Workflows with IdeateApps

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:16:47 GMT

Boost your Revit productivity with IdeateApps ! Join us to explore Ideate ReNumber, SmartDelete, XRay, and QuickSelect - powerful tools for seamless renumbering, visibility diagnostics, and project navigation.

Starting streamlining Revit with ease today.

15@15: Using Ideate ViewCreator to Create Room Views

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:38:16 GMT

Easily create Room Views with Ideate ViewCreator !

Speed up batch creation of room-based Revit views and optional sheets through automated elevations and enlarged plans.

Boost your Revit productivity with seamless, efficient view creation today.

CA FR: Améliorez vos flux de travail Revit avec IdeateApps

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 23:32:54 GMT

Maximisez votre productivité dans Revit grâce à IdeateApps et optimisez vos tâches en un rien de temps !

Dans ce webinaire, découvrez comment

Ideate ReNumber facilite la renumérotation rapide, comment
Ideate SmartDelete vous aide à mieux comprendre les relations entre les éléments avant suppression, et comment
Ideate XRay vous permet de diagnostiquer instantanément les éléments invisibles dans Revit. Et plus encore !

Découvrez dès maintenant comment IdeateApps peut révolutionner votre utilisation de Revit.

On the Road in Australia with Richard Taylor

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 19:58:46 GMT

A Recap of BiLT ANZ Conference and Visits to Sydney and Melbourne

Ideate Software’s Technical Evangelist, Richard Taylor took wing to visit Australia, September 2nd through 7th, 2024. In addition to attending the BiLT ANZ Conference, he also spent time with Ideate Software users across a variety of firms, sharing the newest efficiency-enhancing workflows and time-saving tools.

The BiLT Conference

In Melbourne, AECO professionals convened at the BiLT Conference, for three meaningful days of enlightening speakers and socializing to advance people, processes and technology in the AECO industry. The show’s compact event space was a refreshing catalyst for participants to engage with each other, sparking productive conversations and fostering new relationships.

On Friday afternoon, Richard presented “Understanding the key metrics within a comprehensive Revit Model Health Check,” which highlighted some Ideate Software customers using Ideate Automation to perform these repetitive tasks. There was an audience of over 50 attendees in the room for the main stage BiLT presentations. We’re looking forward to returning to the Sydney BiLT ANZ Conference in 2025!

On Tour to Ideate Software Clients

Attending BiLT ANZ wasn’t Richard’s only Australia mission. He also visited with architecture firms from Sydney to Melbourne, hosting information sessions and presentations to help their team members use Ideate Software solutions to enhance their Revit workflows. Among the highlights were a deep dive into using Rooms tags across sheets and views with PTW Architects and an exciting question and answer session about Ideate Automation at Woods Bagot .

Conferences and city tours aren’t the only way you can connect with Ideate Software. In addition to our support desk, our Resource Library will immerse you in webinars, videos and articles to help you reduce errors while adding time-saving efficiencies to your Revit workflows.

15@15: Understanding the Language of Revit Warnings with Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:17:54 GMT

Master Revit Warnings with Ideate Explorer in just 15 minutes. Learn how to use the Warnings Manager in Ideate Explorer to quickly and efficiently manage Revit warnings.

Start exploring with Ideate Explorer today.

Automate Your Revit Workflows with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:36:34 GMT

In our recent webinar on Ideate Automation , we dove into streamlining repetitive tasks, reducing errors, and enhancing accuracy. We covered key topics like exporting Revit data, generating quantity take-offs, reporting essential project metrics, and automating file exports.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll learn about Ideate Automation , which automates repetitive tasks, saving time, reducing the chance of human error, and delivering consistent and predictable outcomes. Ideate Automation is a scripting solution that silently runs tasks in the background on PCs or virtual machines either on demand or at specific times and intervals. Used with Revit as well as with Ideate Software solutions such as Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , IdeateApps , and Ideate StyleManager , it supports Revit versions 2020-2025.

In addition to a good overview of Ideate Automation, you’ll see some examples of it in use, including setting up and scheduling a comprehensive Revit model health check that pulls information about the health of the selected Revit model from multiple Ideate Software solutions into a single Excel file that can then be used in downstream applications such as Power BI .

Top workflows performed by Ideate Automation include:

· Exporting key Revit model health data

· Creating document issue records

· Managing COBie data

· Generating quantity take-off data

· Delivering reports on key Revit family and project metrics

· Exporting schedules from Revit

· Creating PDF , DWG , NWC , IFC exports from Revit files

· Providing feedback on automated tasks

Ready to start saving time in Revit? Download a free trial of Ideate Automation.

Revit Guide Grid with Ideate Align

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 12:56:40 GMT

Struggling to align viewports across Revit sheets? Ideate Align , part of the Ideate Apps collection, makes it simple. Select your aligning viewport, pick additional sheets, and align viewports in seconds.

Save time and streamline your workflow with this easy-to-use tool. Try it now in our Ideate Apps add-in.

GRAITEC Group Elevates Productivity Solutions for Autodesk Revit with Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 16:52:17 GMT

PARIS, 2 September 2024 - GRAITEC , proudly announces its launch of Ideate Software’s productivity-enhancing Revit add-in applications throughout Europe. Compatible with Revit 2025- 2022 and available in 7 languages, these tools are celebrated for empowering architecture, engineering, and construction firms to maximize their ROI by optimizing BIM tasks and Revit data management.

Manuel Liedot, CEO at GRAITEC expressed excitement about the opportunities this launch presents. “ This collaboration not only broadens our suite of innovative solutions for the AEC space, but also enhances our ability to support our customers. By combining the expertise of IDEATE Software and GRAITEC, we are poised to deliver unprecedented efficiencies and value to our clients, ultimately driving forward the future of BIM technology across Europe. ”

Ideate Software’s Premier Solutions:

Ideate Automation : Automate time-intensive BIM tasks, allowing your team to focus on more valuable work. By scheduling scripts to execute tasks in the background, this tool ensures time-consuming processes are completed error-free by the start of the workday.
IdeateApps : Enhance daily Revit tasks and model accuracy with a suite of ten productivity tools. This solution provides easy access to Revit model data, reducing the effort needed for verification and manipulation.
Ideate BIMLink : Leverage Excel's powerful editing capabilities to rapidly and accurately update extensive Revit model data. Facilitate bulk data modifications with ease.
Ideate Explorer : Ensure the accuracy and efficiency of BIM models by locating hidden elements and providing a comprehensive view of any Revit model. Audit and remove warnings to enhance overall model integrity.
Ideate Sticky : Seamlessly format essential non-BIM data with the flexibility of Excel, Word, and PDF editing, combined with the convenience of a sticky note.
Ideate StyleManager : Tackle challenges arising from the importation of non-standard styles into Revit models. Enable users to analyze, merge, or safely delete these styles, ensuring a clean and efficient model.

Experience Ideate Software firsthand by downloading a free trial .

About GRAITEC: GRAITEC is a leading global Software Developer specializing in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) and Manufacturing (MFG) sectors. With a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, GRAITEC is committed to shaping the future of the industry.

For more information, please visit, www.graitec.com or contact Danielle Middleton in Paris.

Women in BIM comes to Paris on September 19, 2024, and GRAITEC’s Claudia Gaona is Leading the Way

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:08:18 GMT

At the September 19th Paris event, participants can look forward to an evening of inspired conversation and networking with change agents and thought-leaders in engineering, architecture and beyond. In addition to a thought-provoking keynote by Sihem Amokrane, there will be a cocktail hour and a lively panel discussion about opportunities for French women in the BIM space. Panelists will include Guersendre Nagy of Buildingsmart France, Asma Ben Mensour of Seqens, Maud Guisol of Colas, Audrey Meynié of WSP BG, and Emilienne Poutot of Omnia.

Enhancing Revit Model Performance Through Model Maintenance

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:10:52 GMT

Watch this webinar recording to explore how you can tackle common performance issues and optimize your workflows for efficiency and cost-effective.

Presenter Olivia Morgan is an accomplished BIM Manager, AECOM and LinkedIn Learning instructor. In this enlightening webinar, she shares how users can make the most of their time by optimizing workflows for maximum efficiency. Learn how to implement best industry practices for Revit model maintenance through these helpful tutorials:

· Guidelines for maintaining optimal element thresholds

· Enhancing your workflow with Ideate Software add-ins

· BIM tasks checklists to ensure model health and team accountability

Olivia’s high-impact tips focus on using Ideate Explorer and other Ideate Software products to make immediate improvements to your Revit model’s performance.

Tip #1: Use Ideate Automation to Measure Model Health

Automatically monitor the health of your Revit model in the background with Ideate Automation. Identify your warning thresholds and set it to monitor and output health metrics on one or multiple Revit models at regular intervals. Use the metric to see and communicate critical warning numbers.

Tip #2: Limit Imports and Use Ideate StyleManager to Resolve Conflicts

Imports are a common source of hidden efficiency costs and unwanted elements in your Revit model. If you have to import something, you can then use Ideate StyleManager to find and resolve conflicts. For example, use it to pinpoint when identical line styles have different names, then seamlessly merge those annotation elements together.

Tip #3: Avoid duplicating groups and use Ideate Explorer to Quickly Remove Them

Duplicating Detail Groups is not the most efficient way to represent information in Revit. A better way is to use families and avoid using Array Groups. Use Ideate Explorer to get information about unwanted groups then select the element to easily ungroup them.

Errors Don’t Have to be Scary: Ideate Software’s Stephanie Fitzgerald Tells Us How Ideate Automation’s Summer 2024 Release Sheds Light onto Revit Exports

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:02:46 GMT

You have a unique background in physics, education and technology. Tell us how you came to be a software developer at Ideate Software.

I have undergraduate degrees in physics and math from the University of Oregon, which I attended with Ideate Software Development Manager, Jesika DiGregorio. After moving to Boston and working as an educational website administrator, among other roles, I ultimately decided to pursue a graduate degree at Harvard, focusing on developing educational technologies. From there I joined a company called Zaniac as their project manager and instructional designer, where I wrote teaching kids to make their own games in C-Sharp and Unity. Programming had become something I unequivocally enjoyed, so when we returned to Oregon, I joined a code school for full-stack java script web development. Not only did I learn code, but also the importance having sound processes and best practices in coding. When I ran into Jesika at a wedding, she told me about an opening at Ideate Software, and I jumped at it! That was in 2018, and I haven’t looked back.

What were some of your first projects at Ideate Software?

I worked on a variety of internal tools, such as backscripts to move data from one place to another. It helped me get to know all of Ideate Software’s different products. Gradually I came to work on a prototype for a project called Insight. At the time it was an internal tool designed to collect usage analytics inside a Revit model, show its health and generate warnings that were accessible reference points for our team. Several of the dashboard components I made for Insight are still used in Ideate Automation.

What are the origins of Ideate Automation?

The idea for Automation came from another internal tool we were developing in 2015. Its goal was to extract data from Revit that allowed us to assess the health of the Revit model, Revit itself and Ideate Software’s tools. That testing framework would run in the background, just like today’s version of Automation. As its capabilities grew, there was increasing internal excitement about it, and in 2022, we started to develop it for customers. My role was to update its UI and create scripts that allowed it to run independent of other Ideate Software products. Once we allowed it to connect to BIM 360 ACC hubs, the data could be cached and accessed on demand, creating a meaningful time-saver for our users.

Ideate Automation was released to customers in 2022. How has it evolved since then?

The thing that most excites customers about Ideate Automation are the scripts that come with the software, as well as those they can write themselves to cause specific tasks to run. With each release, Ideate Software adds more granularity while also expanding the types of tasks users can run.

Ideate Automation Tip #1:

New in Ideate Automation’s 2024 release, errors showing in the completed tasks log now include information that helps users find and fix them.

· Go to the log of completed tasks

· Click on the error’s Show Details link to open a popup box with information about its cause

· A link inside the popup box takes users to additional documentation that guides them to solutions

Ideate Automation Tip #2:

Also new in 2024, users can filter folders by name for greater accuracy. For example, they can specify exports to exclude consumed or archived folders or other unwanted data.

Download and try Ideate Automation for yourself with a free tria l, then access ideas for how to use it by browsing our Resource Library . There you’ll find videos and articles to get you started, as well as tips for using Ideate Software’s entire suite of Revit plugins .

Favorite Features in Annotate, Xray and ReNumber from IdeateApps Software Developer Michael Coffey

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 21:18:30 GMT

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.

Mastering Revit Sheet and View Management with IdeateApps

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 21:15:26 GMT

Watch this webinar to explore IdeateApps ' intuitive interface and powerful features for efficient Revit sheet and view management. Learn how to:

Overview

IdeateApps is a set of 10 productivity tools that help Revit users decrease the amount of time they spend on common Revit tasks while increasing the accuracy of BIM data in a Revit model. Here you’ll learn how to use IdeateApps’ tools to master sheet and view management.

Efficiently manage data and views on Revit sheets
Duplicate sheets and viewports with maintained alignment
Batch-generate views and sheets based on room elements
Create new views and sheets with ease
Implement smart naming conventions for batch view creation

You’ll also uncover what’s new in Ideate SheetManager when creating new sheets or views from scratch, ReNumber Down, as well as viewport and title block functionality. Here are a few highlights:

Tip #1: Place Multiple Views Quickly

· In the project browser, select a view and set its properties

· From the IdeateSoftware ribbon, select Ideate ViewCreator

· Select Apply Dependents

· Apply the preset properties to a selection of other building areas

· Rename views as needed

Tip #2: Populate Viewports in a Sheet

Drag and drop Views from the left side of the SheetManager dialog to the right side of the dialog, which lists all the Sheets. You can easily see which viewports are assigned to specfic Sheets, and you can quickly move viewports between Sheets.

Tip #3: Quickly Rename Sheets in Numerical Sequence

· Select the sheets you want to rename in SheetManager

· Right click and select Rename

· Right click and select ReNumber Down to renumber the sheets in numerical sequence

Tip #3: Quickly Rename Sheets in Numerical Sequence

· Select the sheets you want to rename in SheetManager

· Right click and select Rename

· Right click and select ReNumber Down to renumber the sheets in numerical sequence

Discover the latest enhancements, including Ideate SheetManager's ReNumber Down, expanded sheet creation methods, creating views from scratch, and enhanced viewport and title block functionalities. For more Ideate SheetManager tips, search our resource library . Don’t have IdeateSoftware? Trying it is free! Download a free trial today .

Ideate Software’s Development Manager, Jesika Digregorio, Tells Us Why Ideate StyleManager is her Favorite Ideate Software Tool

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:13:15 GMT

How did the idea for Ideate StyleManager originate?

Ideate StyleManager made its debut in 2019, born from the requests of Autodesk Revit users who were looking for a better way to find families with CAD imports. Following the circulation of this idea across various channels, including the support desk, the development team and I began working on a solution that took on a life of its own. We wanted to help Revit users uncover where object and other styles are applied and reveal how they impact the look and usability of a Revit project.

What did you like most about the process of developing Ideate StyleManager?

StyleManager is meant for someone who needs to clean up files. This person has to make executive decisions about standards for the company, so it’s higher-level work that touches all aspects of a Revit project. Some are narrow, such as material assets, and some are broad, such as object styles and patterns. The most fascinating part of developing the tool was discovering the unexpected relationships between various aspects of a Revit project. It exposed the mechanics of Revit, and this has made us better developers.

What are your top two tips for using Ideate StyleManager?

Ideate StyleManager is built to help users easily find and purge style inconsistencies in Revit files.

Use Parameters to See Inside Families

Using StyleManager, Revit users find the families that are the source of the parameters without opening each family manually.

Autofix Styles from Usage Reports

Not only does StyleManager allow users to see where styles are being used, but it empowers them to fix inconsistent styles with a few clicks.

About Jesika Digregorio

Jesika has always cultivated a fascination with computers, due in part to her father’s career as a database manager. “Computers were always around, and it made me comfortable at an early age,” she explained. After completing a degree in architecture, Jesika pursued her technical interests by taking additional courses in AutoCAD and Revit and landing a position on Ideate Software’s support desk. With time, she was inspired to write a script to support license delivery, effectively launching her transition to the company’s development team. “Software development in architecture is a sweet spot for me and, while I initially thought the role was beyond my reach, I now can’t imagine doing anything else.”

You can find more about Ideate StyleManager by browsing our Resource Library or watch these videos on YouTube for more StyleManager tips. Also in our Resource Library , you’ll discover videos and articles packed with tips, support and ideas for Ideate Software users.

Download Ideate StyleManager today!

An Interview with Carl Spalding, Sales Enablement Director at Graitec, about Listening to the Customer’s Revit Journey

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:17:03 GMT

Earlier this year, Ideate Software merged with Graitec, expanding its ability to provide software solutions to the European market and beyond. Carl Spalding spearheads sales enablement at Graitec by mentoring the sales team with his immersive approach to understanding customers’ most significant challenges and helping to solve them.

What is your background?

I have been in the AEC and Autodesk space since 2001 and with Graitec for over 17 years, progressing from field sales to Managing Director to leading product strategy and portfolio management. Now, I focus on the sales and marketing side, where I coach our team to stop selling and start listening.

You say “stop selling and start listening.” Tell us more.

The conversations we have with customers are about understanding their business, their big picture objectives. This helps to uncover where they struggle the most in their workflows, tasks, and delivery obligations. Technology is a part of that picture, so we ask the question, “how do we put things in place that solve day-to-day challenges that prevent major problems long term?”

When we take the time to understand our customer’s journey, they bring us to the solutions. This influences everything from our product strategy to how we help customers eliminate mundane and repetitive tasks and the risks associated with them.

What are you most excited about now that Ideate Software and Graitec have joined forces?

What’s really wonderful about Ideate Software is that their customers are incredibly loyal to the brand. They love being able to speak to anyone in the Ideate organization. Those conversations have real value to every Ideate team member, from the head of technology to the support desk, because it exposes them to the customer’s experience in real-time. This also extends to Ideate Software’s beta testers, who are a highly engaged group of customers in a two-way conversation with the development team. They not only test Ideate products, but engage Ideate to push boundaries, and provide invaluable feedback. The active collaboration process is truly eye-opening evidence of customer-centricity in motion.

Additionally, I’m excited to bring Ideate Software to our long-standing customer relationships in Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and the UK, among others. Ideate Software is built to address the fundament and complex workflow challenges faced by Revit users every day and our customers have a huge potential to benefit from the technology.

What does the future hold for Revit and AEC?

There is a lot of conversation about the role of AI, but the future of Revit add-ins remains in ease of use to foster adoption and solving practical outcomes that free people to do the things that are most important to them and their projects. In the end, as it is today, Revit users will ultimately define what the technology needs to do.

You can find more from Ideate Software’s team by browsing our Resource Library . There you’ll discover team member profiles, videos and articles packed with tips, support and ideas for Ideate Software users.

On the Road at Women in BIM Conference: July 4, 2024

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 13:30:00 GMT

A recap of Women in BIM's London Event

Conferences are always a much-anticipated event at Ideate Software, and we’re thrilled to have joined Graitec this July 4, 2024, in London, at Women in BIM (WIB). For the second year in a row, Ideate Software sponsored the drinks reception for this diverse network of female professionals in the AEC industries during its one-day conference.

Following on from the 2023 event, which highlighted Ideate Automation , Ideate Software’s Nick Johns and Steve Deadman reconnected with this group of highly engaged colleagues and customers over topics such as best practices for standardizing data, sustainability, leading with purpose, and much more.

Also present this year was Graitec’s Claudia Gaona . Claudia is a longstanding member of WIB and represents France’s Toulouse region at WIB year-round. “The conference is truly uplifting, exploring not only BIM-related topics but also ways to empower women to pursue and succeed in BIM professions, even beyond architecture and engineering. With over 105 cultures represented in WIB, we are enriched by their diversity of perspectives and experiences,” said Claudia. She and her French colleagues are so inspired by Women in BIM, that she and other members of WIB are in the process of planning France’s own WIB event scheduled for this September in Paris.

Find more events on Ideate Software’s events page . Or if you’ll miss us in person, visit our Resource Library for webinar recordings, videos and articles with creative ideas for using Ideate Software to simplify your Revit tasks.

Exploring Ideate Software Updates for Revit 2025-2022

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:22:46 GMT

Join us to discover groundbreaking features that will revolutionize your Revit workflows. Explore how Ideate Software enhances efficiency and precision in your design projects.

Check out our full "What's New" library for our June 2024 release.

Create Views and Sheets From Scratch

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:26:56 GMT

Learn how to generate views from scratch effortlessly with the latest features of Ideate ViewCreator , a tool in our IdeateApps add-in. Say goodbye to the need for existing views as a starting point and discover the Create for Scratch method within Ideate ViewCreator, designed specifically for creating plan views swiftly and seamlessly.

With the ability to create new views from templates and conveniently generate sheets for these views directly from the ViewCreator Dialog. Plus, enjoy the automatic alignment of views on the new sheet to those on the existing sheet for added precision.

What's New in Ideate Automation June 2024 Release

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 23:35:44 GMT

Discover the Latest in Ideate Automation - Tailored for Enhanced Usability, Performance, and New Workflows. Ensure Seamless Compatibility for Revit Versions 2020-2025. Attention Existing Customers: Dive into the 3.2 Script Change Summary Today!

Interested in seeing our software in action? Download a free trial today.

Ideate Software, GRAITEC Group Announces Major Enhancements to Revit Add-In Applications

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 19:53:28 GMT

San Francisco, CA, June 25, 2024 – Ideate Software, a distinguished Autodesk® Authorized Developer and Autodesk® Construction Cloud Gold Partner within the GRAITEC GROUP, has unveiled significant enhancements to its suite of Revit add-in applications. These improvements not only align the software with Revit 2025-2022 but also introduce a host of user-centric upgrades aimed at streamlining workflows and enhancing usability.

To get a glimpse of these enhancements in action, watch this informative video here .

Glynnis Patterson, President of Ideate Software, emphasized the overarching theme of ease of use guiding this year's developments. She stated, "Our focus has been on enriching the overall user experience rather than inundating users with a plethora of new features. One standout improvement is the complete reconstruction of Ideate Explorer, optimized for high-resolution displays, enabling users to swiftly select elements and access critical information."

Notable new features include:

IdeateApps Annotate : Distribute text notes, tags, and keynotes from the Top Down or Bottom Up with customizable spacing as well as the ability to align text within a text note to the same alignment settings.

IdeateApps ViewCreator : Effortlessly generate new views by selecting from various view types or templates; batch create views and sheets across different disciplines.

Enhanced Feedback in Ideate Automation : A highly requested feature! Gain insights into incomplete tasks with the Task Results pane displaying detailed task log information.

Existing customers can immediately access these enhancements and updates by downloading the latest versions here from the Ideate Software website.

For those not yet subscribed, trial versions are available for download on the Ideate Software website. Additionally, an exclusive "get-to-know-us" bundle offers access to Ideate Explorer , Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Sticky , Ideate StyleManager , and IdeateApps , providing a comprehensive introduction to Ideate Software's capabilities.

For more information and to explore these innovative enhancements further, visit the Ideate Software website today.

About Ideate Software, GRAITEC GROUP -

Ideate Software , an Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction and owner-operator (AECO) industry to save time, increase accuracy, and improve project deliverable and workflows. Ideate Automation enables Revit users to boost the power of Revit and the Ideate Software suite of tools by running time-intensive activities in the background.

Autodesk and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, In c. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

15@15: Swift Navigation Through Revit Models with Ideate QuickSelect

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:33:39 GMT

In this 15@15 recording, you'll discover how Ideate QuickSelect can help you streamline selection processes and enhance navigation in Revit models.

This innovative solution showcases all instances within your model for easy selection, even uncovering hidden elements with precision, thus empowering you to work efficiently and effectively.

Start selecting Revit elements with ease today.

Exploring Ideate Software Updates for Revit 2025-2022

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:12:35 GMT

Ideate Software’s groundbreaking updates for Revit 2025-2022 have been released! The theme of this year’s new features and enhancements is ease-of-use—reducing clicks and enriching existing functionality for Ideate Software users. In addition to aligning all Ideate Software products with Revit 2025, users can also look forward to these highlights:

Support for High-Resolution Monitors in Ideate Explorer

Completely rewritten to support high resolution monitors, Ideate Explorer now makes it easy to see words, icons and checkboxes on any screen. This improvement, along with the addition of more granular element selection filters and an information panel will immediately expedite workflows for all Ideate Explorer users.

Improved Data for Hosted and Tagged Elements in Ideate BIMLInk

Make better informed design and documentation decisions using new information about your Revit model in Ideate BIMLink’s QC library. This new data includes tagged elements, their name and other useful properties.

Create Multiple Views from Scratch in IdeateApps ViewCreator

Amid a host of changes made inside IdeateApps, ViewCreator’s new “Create from Scratch” functionality solves for Revit user’s need to batch-create new views and sheets at the beginning of a project, without any existing views in place.

Better Feedback in Ideate Automation

Get to the bottom of why errors happen when silently running tasks in the background with Ideate Automation. The new Task Log Detail highlights and details the causes of errors so you can quickly remedy them and move on to other work.

These are just a handful of the exciting updates you can expect in Ideate Software’s 2024 release. Watch the video or visit our support files for a more in-depth review of all the new features in Ideate Explorer , Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Apps and Ideate Automation . To get the updates, simply go to our Download page and click on each product in your subscription. Bundle customers can download all our Revit products with just one click .

What's New in Ideate Software June 2024 Release

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:00:01 GMT

Seamlessly distribute text notes, tags, and keynotes from Top Down or Bottom Up with customizable spacing in IdeateApps Annotate

Align text within a note to specific alignment settings for enhanced precision.

Support for High-Resolution Monitors in Ideate Explorer

Improved Data for Hosted and Tagged Elements in Ideate BIMLInk

Create Multiple Views from Scratch in IdeateApps ViewCreator

Better Feedback in Ideate Automation

These are just a handful of the exciting updates you can expect in Ideate Software’s 2024 release. Watch this video for a more in-depth review of all the new features in Ideate Explorer , Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Sticky , Ideate StyleManager , Ideate Apps and Ideate Automation. To get the updates, simply go to our Download page and click on each product in your subscription. Bundle customers can download all our Revit products with just one click .

Schedule Tasks in Revit with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:37:19 GMT

Ready to kick off your day without the wait for Revit files to open? With Ideate Automation , your models can be scheduled to be open and ready for you.
From long file opening times to weekly PDF exports, let us make your job easier.

Add Productivity by Automating IFC Exports from Revit

· Automate IFC Exports from Revit

· Manage the export setup options in Revit and Ideate Automation

· Pre-schedule batch-exports of IFC files

How to Export to IFC Using Ideate Automation

Select a Task
Open Ideate Automation
Click “Create” in the left sidebar
Select “03 Publishing” from the Task Script Selection window
Under Scripts, select “AUT-Export_IFC”
Click “Next”

Adjust the Script Variable Settings

Select one or more Revit files or create a list of models
Choose your export locations – these can be local or on BIM360/ACC (via desktop connector)
Select the IFC Setup Source from one of three options:
External setup – browse to your custom external .json file or use one of the pre-loaded .json files that ships with Ideate Automation
Built-in – use one of the many export Setup options available in Revit
Project-specific – if you create your own setup within a Revit file, type in the name of that setup to access it
Specify an Export View by typing it in, or leave it blank for the default 3D view
Name your export file under File Name
Check IFC Files only to make sure only the IFC file is exported
Access additional settings using the dropdown arrow in the upper right

Schedule Future Exports

Under “Home” select the frequency of exports and save the schedule
As long as your machine is powered on, the task will run as scheduled

For an in-depth tutorial about using Ideate Automation to export IFC files, watch this webinar with Ideate Software’s Nick Johns and Customer Success Manager, Steve Deadman. Try Ideate Automation for yourself. Download the free trial .

15@15: Remove Risk by Ensuring Full Awareness of All Deletions in Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 20:33:47 GMT

In this 15@15 recording, you'll discover how Ideate SmartDelete can be your go-to Revit element removal assistant, ensuring safety and precision in the deletion process.

As part of the IdeateApps suite, Ideate SmartDelete serves to caution users about potential hidden risks associated with deleting elements in Revit. By providing a heads-up on what will be removed along with the selected elements, users can now make informed decisions before altering their models.

Start (smart) deleting with Ideate SmartDelete today.

Top 10 Time-Saving Tips for Revit Using Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:03:06 GMT

Explore the intelligent tagging capabilities of Ideate Annotate and continuous improvements to Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , Ideate StyleManager , Ideate Sticky , and IdeateApps .

Tip #10: Edit Sheet/View Sets Using Ideate BIMLink

Access properties related to a sheet or view and their associated sheet or view set to align your information across sets.

Browse the Ideate BIMLink Libraries > “Sheet_Sets” or “View_Sets,”
Or simply type in the word “Set” in the Link Source search bar to find that view content.

Tip #9: Edit Compound Layers Using Ideate BIMLink

Ideate BIMLink supports the batch editing for the materials assignment and thickness values for wall, floor, ceiling, roof and slab assemblies. This workflow helps prepare Revit models for embodied carbon analysis.

Open Ideate BIMLink to export layer data into Excel
Modify material assignments
Import it back into Revit

Tip #8: Create New Revit Elements Using Ideate BIMLink

Go to the Create Elements library and use an Excel file to create new entities. Choose from these Link Source options as just a few examples:

00 Worksets-Create_NEW
01 Views-Create_NEW_Plans
03 Viewports-Create_NEW
Parameters-Create_NEW

Tip #7: Alternate Data Key in Ideate BIMLink

Ideate BIMLink uses an ID field to map data. You can choose your own (unique) property instead of the default Revit Element ID to define your import. These can be things such as:

Sheet Number
Family and Type
Room Number and Room Name

This allows to you import Type data from one Excel file into many RVTs where the Family and Type matches but the Revit Element ID varies. Import Room and Sheet data against its number versus Revit Element ID which can change over the course of a project.

Tip #6: Safely Purge Unused Parameters using Ideate StyleManager

Cleaning up unused parameters in Revit projects and families can be difficult when you don’t know whether a parameter is in use. Use Ideate StyleManager to safely analyze and delete unused parameters.

Choose Nested or Family parameters if you’re working inside an RFA file
Choose Shared, Project or Global parameters if you’re working inside a project file

Tip #5: Review 2D Annotation Clashes Using Ideate Apps

In IdeateApps go to Annotate > Review Tab > Annotation Clashes

Double click on the issue to see the view and edit it.

Tip #4: Align and Distribute with IdeateApps

In IdeateApps go to Annotate > Browse and Review Tabs

Select the Tag, Text, or Keynote elements you’d like to align
Select distribute to re-space the elements for readability

Use it to:

Align text, keynotes and tags.
Distribute vertically or horizontally for even spacing
Try the Filter Select button to make it easier to work in dense drawings

Tip #3: Intelligent Tagging with IdeateApps

In IdeateApps go to Annotate > Tag

Use it to:

Only tag elements that are selected as part of the rule
Batch add tags to multiple views at once
Tag elements from linked models

Tip #2: Create Views from Rooms with IdeateApps

In IdeateApps, select ViewCreator then Room Views method to Create, then Naming and View Type rules.

Tip #1: Create Custom Filters with Ideate Explorer

In Ideate Explorer, create dynamic rules to save specific search criteria and find them quickly and repeatedly. You can also use Basic Rules, preloaded into your project, to get started quickly.

For a these and more tips, watch Ideate Software’s webinar, Live from DC: Unlock the Time-Saving Features for Revit with Ideate Software or explore our Resource Library for use cases and much more. Try Ideate Software for yourself. Download a free trial .

Who is Ideate Software?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 18:04:13 GMT

On April 4, 2024, Ideate Software was acquired by GRAITEC GROUP.

Glynnis Patterson Settles into New Role as Solution Line Director at Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 30 May 2024 14:15:00 GMT

Many in the Revit users know Glynnis Patterson for her hands-on approach leading software development at Ideate Software. Now, after 20 years with the company, she steps into a new role as Solution Line Director at Ideate Software, a key addition to industry leader GRAITEC GROUP. We caught up with Glynnis to learn more about her take on career, Autodesk, and the future of Ideate Software.

When I was a young architect, I had a very patient boss, and mentor, who helped me learn the business side of architecture, which ultimately led to me to start my own architecture business.

And of course, Bob [Palioca] supported me in the transition to the software industry. He was starting up Ideate Software and gave me an incredible opportunity to explore and develop.

These were all just good people who were willing to give me the latitude to learn. They took risks on me, and I grew from it.

Ideate Software is now part of Graitec. What are you looking forward to with the transition?

Like any job, I’m looking forward to working with new people who bring new experiences to the table. Graitec’s technical team has a domain of knowledge in structure and a deep understanding of construction that will benefit our entire team. With their European base, it opens the door for Ideate Software to deepen its business relationships in France and throughout the EU.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

Ideate Software’s development team is small with an incredibly hands-on approach. As such, we were at an inflection point—just big enough to develop and evolve our current suite of products. With Graitec’s geographic reach and depth of resources, we can serve a much larger customer base while maintaining our long-standing, collaborative relationship with our user communities.

What new ideas in the Autodesk® universe excite you?

Right now, I am really intrigued by the work that is happening in generative design. There are some interesting examples in structural and bridge design, and I’m eager to see how it progresses.

What changes would you like to bring to the industry?

While I’ve not experienced gender barriers in my career, a recent mentoring role through Women in BIM opened by eyes to the very real challenges women encounter. I was surprised by their experiences and now see the value in advancing the opportunities available to women in the industry.

What can Ideate Software users look forward to in the future?

At this moment, we view our role as removing obstacles that hinder the productivity of Revit users. In a few years I see us expanding our support of the AEC community beyond the Revit ecosystem. Our product, Ideate Automation, has started that transition because it delivers value outside of Revit. When we released Ideate Automation, customers quickly asked us to develop other related technology that could be extended to other AEC-related products. Our customers are so creative, we just need to keep listening to what they’re saying, and to let them guide us to the most relevant solutions in our industry.

You can hear more from Glynnis by browsing our Resource Library . There you’ll discover videos and articles chock full of tips and creative ideas for Ideate Software users.

15@15 Training Series

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 29 May 2024 00:57:47 GMT

Designed to provide you with the best training available on the Ideate Software suite of tools, these 15-minute sessions are fantastic opportunities to enhance skills and maximize productivity.

Taking place every other Friday, these training sessions aim to empower you to enhance your efficiency in your daily workflows.

15@15 Training Series is Taking a Summer Vacation!

Due to the summer months being a busy travel season for all, our 15@15 training series will be going on vacation as well. We will resume these training sessions on September 13th. Thank you all for joining us this year as we launched this new training series, and we look forward to bringing you more 15@15 training series in the fall.

In the meantime, you can view our 15@15 recordings on our YouTube channel.

15@15: Integrating Non-BIM Data with Ideate Sticky

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 28 May 2024 17:32:15 GMT

In this 15@15 recording, you'll unlock new possibilities in organizing and presenting non-BIM data within your Revit projects with Ideate Sticky.

Learn how to simplify the creation and management of header text within Revit Schedules, cater to various non-BIM requirements such as code lists, general notes, consultant data, and diverse tabular non-BIM data types.

Kickstart your journey with Ideate Sticky today.

Transform Your Revit Workflows with Ideate Automation's Time-Saving Enhancements

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 24 May 2024 15:34:49 GMT

Join us to explore how Ideate Automation can revolutionize your Revit workflows. Save time, improve accuracy, and achieve consistent results effortlessly with our comprehensive overview, featuring automation task examples, project auditing, and Health Check Reports.

Learn how to you can use Ideate Automation to

Create PDF, DWG, IFC, or NWC exports from Revit files quickly, conveniently, and overnight
Obtain comprehensive reports on essential Revit family and project metrics
Export critical Revit model health data effortlessly, while you sleep

Empower Your Revit Workflows with Ideate Software's Revit Tools

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 17 May 2024 16:51:41 GMT

Join us to discover how you can boost your Revit workflows with Ideate Software's advanced tools, enhancing efficiency and elevating your productivity.
Ideate Software’s Navin Nabeel and Richard Taylor explore a few of the many ways Revit users can use Ideate Software to streamline MEP workflows. In this webinar, users learned how to:

· Optimize quality control using Ideate BIMLink

· Efficiently manage MEP warnings with Ideate Explorer

· Seamlessly integrate Excel, Word, or PDF equipment/specification data into Revit projects with Ideate Sticky

· Gain a deeper understanding of Revit view filter usage with Ideate StyleManager

· Streamline renumbering and intelligent tagging with IdeateApps .

Here are some of the tips from the session:

Ideate BIMLink

Ideate BIMLink ships with hundreds of predefined link definitions that are similar to a Revit schedule, including general MEP links plus mechanical, electrical and plumbing-specific definitions. Use them to start your export project definitions, then add and subtract parameters.

Example Tip - Device Elevations:

Browse the link library to find MEP links, then select “Electrical Links” and “Devices”
Select link types, device categories, linked properties and filters to define your data set
Preview all the elements to be exported, then export to Excel to modify your data
Import the saved Excel information back into Revit
Review the modified values highlighted in yellow and check them for errors
Finalize your import

Example Tip - Review the Shared Coordinates of Pipe and Duct Hangers

Use the family called “ideatePT.rfa” which is located at C:\ProgramData\Ideate\Ideate BIMLInk\en-US\Samples\02 By Discipline\02 Construction Links
Place the point on pile caps or hangers to extract of the X, Y and Z locations of those elements
Share with project teams

Ideate Explorer

Use Ideate Explorer to find and view every element of a Revit model, based on any parameter, then reorganize problems into manageable buckets with high-, medium- and low-importance rankings.

Example Tip - Review and Fix Irregular Pipe Fittings

Choose a view and use dynamic filters to review isolated elements based on their properties, such as pipe fittings with non-standard angles
Review and modify their properties in Revit
Keep Ideate Explorer open in the background to confirm errors are resolved

Ideate Sticky

Live link Word, Excel, or PDFs into your Revit file

Example Tip – Create and Link a Lighting Schedule

Use one of the sample files that ship with Ideate Sticky as your source file, such as a lighting schedule
Customize the file for your project
Use the Auto Update feature to make sure the most current Sticky always displays within Revit

Ideate StyleManager

Streamline management of fonts, text, or view templates by purging duplicates, as well as unused or nonstandard styles. Use Ideate StyleManager to view all information within an MEP model.

Example Tip – View Filters and View Templates:

In MEP models that typically have many View Filters and View Templates, you can user filters to sort by properties and look for errors in small manageable data sets
Make corrections in Revit with Ideate StyleManager open in the background to check your work

Ideate Apps

This is a collection of 10 productivity tools for Revit.

Example Tip – Renumber Lighting Fixtures:

Within Renumber, we include a selection of MEP rules and basic rules for working with conduit runs and more
Import them from the samples directory that ships with the software
Renumber light fixtures by setting a rule that numbers them by specific properties. These can include space name, circuit number, electrical data and others.
Select affected fixtures individually or along a path

Watch the entire webinar or more tips and step-by-step instruction from Richard and Nivin.

15@15: Ideate ReNumber: A Comprehensive Guide to Efficient Numbering in Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 13 May 2024 14:17:59 GMT

Explore techniques for numbering parking spaces, equipment items, viewports, and structural foundations to enhance efficiency and precision in your Revit projects.

Start saving valuable time and effort with Ideate ReNumber .

Ideate Software Support Levels Up with a Unique Journal Parser

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 06 May 2024 18:20:43 GMT

An Interview with Ben Fox

Ideate Software solutions are powerful tools to keep your Revit model healthy, but sometimes users encounter puzzling or complex model behavior they can’t easily unravel. When Ideate Software’s Revit add-ins and in-depth support files don’t provide the answers, our support team can help. As hands-on software developers and experienced Revit users, they bring unique insight to the most complex Revit challenges.

One of the newer tools in the Ideate Software support arsenal is a journal parser, developed by Ideate Software team member Ben Fox. Its script scans the user’s dense Revit journal files, highlighting specific phrases that can point to the root of the user’s issue. These clues include things such as longer than expected add-in run times, conflicts among add-ins, and other messages.

15@15: Unveiling the Invisible: A Deep Dive into Ideate Xray

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:13:47 GMT

In this 15@15 recording, you'll learn how to leverage Ideate XRay, a tool within our IdeateApps solution, to unravel the mystery of why a Revit element remains hidden in a specific view.

Embark on a this 12-minute journey of discovery as we guide you through the fundamental steps of utilizing Ideate Xray effectively.

Take the next step towards fixing visibility issues in Revit with Ideate XRay .

Live From DC: Unlock the Time-Saving Features for Revit with Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:14:20 GMT

Join Richard and Glynnis LIVE from Washington DC, for an enlightening session on how to revolutionize your Revit workflows with the newest offering from Ideate Software - Ideate Automation .

Learn how to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure consistent and reliable project outcomes. Explore the top 10 features of Ideate Software, including the intelligent tagging capabilities of Ideate Annotate . Stay updated on the continuous improvements to Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , Ideate StyleManager , Ideate Sticky , and IdeateApps . Discover the latest supported workflows in Ideate Automation that have the potential to transform your daily operations and simplify your tasks effortlessly.

Top 10 Time-Saving Tips for Revit using Ideate Software

Revolutionize your Revit workflows, save time and eliminate repetitive tasks. Our recent top 10 features span the complete Ideate Software suite, setting you on the path to an effortlessly optimized Revit experience. Explore the intelligent tagging capabilities of Ideate Annotate and continuous improvements to Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer, Ideate StyleManager , https://ideatesoftware.com/ideate-sticky , and IdeateApps .

Tip #10: Edit Sheet/View Sets Using Ideate BIMLink

Access properties related to a sheet or view and their associated sheet or view set to align your information across sets.

· Browse the Ideate BIMLink Libraries > “Sheet_Sets” or “View_Sets,”

· Or simply type in the word “Set” in the Link Source search bar to find that view content.

Tip #9: Edit Compound Layers Using Ideate BIMLink

· Open Ideate BIMLink to export layer data into Excel

· Modify material assignments

· Import it back into Revit

Tip #8: Create New Revit Elements Using Ideate BIMLink

Go to the Create Elements library and use an Excel file to create new entities. Choose from these Link Source options as just a few examples:

· 00 Worksets-Create_NEW

· 01 Views-Create_NEW_Plans

· 03 Viewports-Create_NEW

· Parameters-Create_NEW

Tip #7: Alternate Data Key in Ideate BIMLink

Ideate BIMLink uses an ID field to map data. You can choose your own (unique) property instead of the default Revit Element ID to define your import. These can be things such as:

· Sheet Number

· Family and Type

· Room Number and Room Name

Tip #6: Safely Purge Unused Parameters using Ideate StyleManager

· Choose Nested or Family parameters if you’re working inside an RFA file

· Choose Shared, Project or Global parameters if you’re working inside a project file

Tip #5: Review 2D Annotation Clashes Using Ideate Apps

In IdeateApps go to Annotate > Review Tab > Annotation Clashes

Double click on the issue to see the view and edit it.

Tip #4: Align and Distribute with IdeateApps

In IdeateApps go to Annotate > Browse and Review Tabs

· Select the Tag, Text, or Keynote elements you’d like to align

· Select distribute to re-space the elements for readability

Use it to:

· Align text, keynotes and tags.

· Distribute vertically or horizontally for even spacing

· Try the Filter Select button to make it easier to work in dense drawing

Tip #3: Intelligent Tagging with IdeateApps

In IdeateApps go to Annotate > Tag

Use it to:

· Only tag elements that are selected as part of the rule

· Batch add tags to multiple views at once

· Tag elements from linked models

Tip #2: Create Views from Rooms with IdeateApps

In IdeateApps, select ViewCreator then Room Views method to Create, then Naming and View Type rules.

Tip #1: Create Custom Filters with Ideate Explorer

In Ideate Explorer, create dynamic rules to save specific search criteria and find them quickly and repeatedly. You can also use Basic Rules, preloaded into your project, to get started quickly.

Beyer Blinder Belle Architects' Solution Customization for Streamlined Design

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:52:05 GMT

Beyer Blinder Belle Architects were able to customize our Revit solutions to meet their company's specific needs.

Thanks to our personalized solutions, BBB's team was able to:

Have Ideate Automation run weekly exports overnight and export PDF files as sets by drawing type
Edit the DataExport scrips that come with Ideate Software tools to show file open times, naming conventions, and more
Run Ideate Automation command lines in Microsoft Power

and more...

Discover more about Beyer Blinder Belle's journey with Ideate Software Solutions by reading their spotlight story .

15@15: Look It Up! Custom Dictionaries in Ideate SpellCheck

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 16:07:34 GMT

In this 15@15 recording, you'll uncover the secrets to enhancing your documentation quality control process in Revit. Learn how to seamlessly add standard company/client standard abbreviations to a Revit custom dictionary, coordinated with Ideate SpellCheck.

Take your documentation QC process to the next level by using Ideate SpellCheck to ensure the correctness of spelling on all open sheets and views, sheets in a sheet list, and all schedules.

Take the next step towards precision with Ideate SpellCheck today.

Streamline MEP Workflows: Exploring Ideate Software Solutions

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:53:06 GMT

Ideate Software’s Navin Nabeel and Richard Taylor hosted a webinar to explore a few of the many ways Revit users can use Ideate Software to streamline MEP workflows.

In this webinar, users learned how to:

Optimize quality control using Ideate BIMLink
Efficiently manage MEP warnings with Ideate Explorer
Seamlessly integrate Excel, Word, or PDF equipment/specification data into Revit projects with Ideate Sticky
Gain a deeper understanding of Revit view filter usage with Ideate StyleManager
Streamline renumbering and intelligent tagging with IdeateApps .

Read on for a few of the tips from the session.

Ideate BIMLink

Example Tip - Device Elevations

Browse the link library to find MEP links, then select “Electrical Links” and “Devices”
Select link types, device categories, linked properties and filters to define your data set
Preview all the elements to be exported, then export to Excel to modify your data
Import the saved Excel information back into Revit
Review the modified values highlighted in yellow and check them for errors
Finalize your import

Example Tip - Review the Shared Coordinates of Pipe and Duct Hangers

Use the family called “ideatePT.rfa” which is located at C:\ProgramData\Ideate\Ideate BIMLInk\en-US\Samples\02 By Discipline\02 Construction Links
Place the point on pile caps or hangers to extract of the X, Y and Z locations of those elements
Share with project teams

Ideate Explorer

Use Ideate Explorer to find and view every element of a Revit model, based on any parameter, then reorganize problems into manageable buckets with high-, medium- and low-importance rankings.

Example Tip - Review and Fix Irregular Pipe Fittings

Choose a view and use dynamic filters to review isolated elements based on their properties, such as pipe fittings with non-standard angles
Review and modify their properties in Revit
Keep Ideate Explorer open in the background to confirm errors are resolved

Ideate Sticky

Live link Word, Excel, or PDFs into your Revit file with Ideate Sticky .

Example Tip – Create and Link a Lighting Schedule

Use one of the sample files that ship with Ideate Sticky as your source file, such as a lighting schedule
Customize the file for your project
Use the Auto Update feature to make sure the most current Sticky always displays within Revit

Ideate StyleManager

Streamline management of fonts, text, or view templates by purging duplicates, as well as unused or nonstandard styles. Use Ideate StyleManager to view all information within an MEP model.

Example Tip – View Filters and View Templates

In MEP models that typically have many View Filters and View Templates, you can user filters to sort by properties and look for errors in small manageable data sets
Make corrections in Revit with Ideate StyleManager open in the background to check your work

IdeateApps

IdeateApps is a collection of 10 productivity tools for Revit.

Example Tip – Renumber Lighting Fixtures

Within Renumber, we include a selection of MEP rules and basic rules for working with conduit runs and more
Import them from the samples directory that ships with the software
Renumber light fixtures by setting a rule that numbers them by specific properties. These can include space name, circuit number, electrical data and others.
Select affected fixtures individually or along a path

Watch the entire webinar for more tips and step-by-step instruction from Richard and Nivin.

Ideate Software for Revit 2025 - Crossing Our Ts and Dotting Our NETs

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:22:58 GMT

Welcome to the world, Revit 2025! For those who may have missed it, the newest version of Revit slipped into our subscription centers quietly in early April. You can learn about Autodesk’s version of What’s New in 2025 online, but if you ask me, the best new feature is the ability to now align text and tags.

In fact, it’s such a good idea that we added that same feature last year to IdeateApps , so if you want to use it now, and aren’t ready to migrate to Revit 2025 yet, you can access these same align and distribute features , along with additional ease-of-use features, in Revit 2020-2024 today.

Watch our video on how to Align and Distribute Text and Tags with Ideate Annotate .

Ideate Annotate is part of the IdeateApps collection of productivity tools.

You can download a free 30-day trial to test drive.

Speaking of not being ready for Revit 2025, we aren’t, yet…so please stay tuned. The new release of Revit 2025 has been rebuilt on the modern .NET Core platform, which is a migration from the older .NET Framework platform. While this change enhances the connected workflows between Desktop and Cloud application and allows for improved performance, it also introduced a very fundamental, low-level change.

So, to ensure we properly upgrade our applications to .NET Core, we are planning to release our solutions by the end of June 2024. We hope you’ll understand and appreciate our desire to do extensive testing for this release. Customers interested in testing our solutions for 2025 can contact their sales team to inquire about joining our beta program.

Stay safe out there!

How to Name DWG Exports from Ideate Automation to ISO 19650

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:11:58 GMT

Recently we added the ability to create the export of DWG files from Revit models with I deate Automation .

We’ve supported the creation of PDFs since June of 2022
We support exporting to DWG from Revit version 2020 and above

Controlling the output of files is performed with the set-up wizard in Ideate Automation. We improved the Revit DWG export settings, and you can control the naming of the DWGs better and add custom parameters where needed.

The default file naming for many scripts that export to DWG is controlled by the variable ${view_parameterValue}, which is in turn controlled by either a sheet or view name parameter.
The default value for the sheet elements is to use the parameter called “Sheet Number.”
The default value for view elements is to use the parameter called “View Name.”

For example, to comply with ISO 19650 standards, many people manage required sheet number values with custom parameter names. In the image below, you see that the sheet number on the title block is combined with two custom parameters called Project Code and Originator. Both of them are stored under Project Information.

Complying with ISO 19650 UK Standard with a title sheet using custom parameters.

You can use the AUT-Export_DWG and the IBL-Export_DWG_Dynamic Ideate Automation scripts to deliver unique dwg file names by adjusting the File Name variable to:

${Revit.CurrentFile.ProjectInfo.Project Code}-${Revit.CurrentFile.ProjectInfo.Originator}-${view_parameterValue}

After the script is complete and the files created, the file name is created by concatenating the Project Code, the Originator, and the Sheet Number parameters.

DWG exports are created with names consistent with ISO the 19650 UK standard.

Combinations of custom or built-in parameters under Project Information can follow this syntax to become part of the file naming. However, you can only use one Sheet or View parameter in combination with any Project Information parameters within the script.

Read more about how to automate DWG exports from Revit in this how-to guide.

If you’re a fan of ISO 19650, you may find these blog posts useful as well:

For additional training tips, check out our Training blog series

15@15: Round-Tripping to Excel with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:08:08 GMT

In this 15@15 recoridng, you will learn how to efficiently make edits in Excel’s familiar and powerful environment, and then import the changes into your Revit model with ease.

Are you ready to go beyond basic Revit schedules and use Ideate BIMLink to export Revit data to Excel?

Discover the power of Ideate BIMLink today.

Important Announcement: Ideate Software Becomes Part of GRAITEC GROUP

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 22:15:50 GMT

PARIS, 4 April 2024 - GRAITEC , a leading global Software Developer specializing in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC), and Manufacturing (MFG) sectors, has announced the acquisition of Ideate Software , a renowned player in the AEC and Owner- software industry.

Ideate Software, a US-based company, offers BIM plugins for Autodesk Revit software as well as a scripting solution that enables Revit users to run time-intensive Revit tasks in the background. With Ideate Software plugins, companies streamline Revit data management processes, control, and enhance data accuracy, and improve the health of their models. With Ideate Automation , manually run tasks or schedule tasks to run at more convenient times, such as overnight, saving time, reducing the chance of human errors, and ensuring projects deliver consistent and predictable outcomes.

This strategic move signifies GRAITEC's advancement toward global leadership and solution provision in the AEC and MFG space, closely integrating with the Autodesk ecosystem. As one of the largest partners of Autodesk worldwide, GRAITEC brings extensive expertise and resources to the table. With over 150 staff dedicated to research and development, GRAITEC is poised to capitalize on synergies with Ideate Software, with enhanced offerings and global expansion.

Bob Palioca, president, CEO, and founder of Ideate Software expressed excitement about the opportunities this acquisition presents for employees and customers. “Through their unwavering commitment to exceeding customer expectations, Ideate Software has earned recognition for delivering reliable products. Access to the vast resources at GRAITEC combined with a similar focus on customer service creates opportunities to assist more Revit users in enhancing their project deliverables efficiently.”

Manuel Liedot, CEO at GRAITEC, echoed the sentiment, expressing excitement about welcoming the Ideate Software customers and employees into the GRAITEC family. "We are dedicated to enhancing Ideate Software's value proposition through focused efforts and energy” Liedot affirmed, underlining the dedication to customer success and global expansion.

About GRAITEC

GRAITEC is a leading global Software Developer specializing in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) and Manufacturing (MFG) sectors. With a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, GRAITEC is committed to shaping the future of the industry.

For more information, visit www.graitec.com .

About Ideate Software

Ideate Software specializes in pioneering BIM tools for Revit, revolutionizing organizational productivity. The cutting-edge tools have historically been marketed in the United States, and within the last several years, have gained a significant presence in the UK, Canada, and numerous other countries. With Ideate Software plugins, companies streamline Revit data management, enhance data accuracy, and promote model health. With the Ideate Automation scripting tool, companies can schedule time-consuming Revit tasks to run at convenient times, such as overnight.

For more information, visit www.ideatesoftware.com .

For more information about GRAITEC and its acquisition of Ideate Software, please visit www.graitec.com or contact Todd Weyandt in Atlanta tweyandt@asti.com or Danielle Middleton danielle.middleton-velasco@graitec.com in Paris.

Renumber Parking Spaces with Ideate ReNumber

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 17:41:42 GMT

Discover how Ideate ReNumber, a tool in our IdeateApps add-in, makes numbering parking spaces quick and easy. With Ideate ReNumber, you can:

create a new path with a standard detail line, and preview changes before committing to your Revit model
have parking tags and schedules update automatically
easily modify the renumbering rule, such as changing the increment value.
update parking lot values in seconds

Streamline your workflow with Ideate ReNumber .

Create Duplicate Sheets in Revit with Ideate Clone

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 17:38:50 GMT

Check out this quick and easy tutorial on how to duplicate a sheet and change its view in just a few simple steps using Ideate Clone, which is a tool in our IdeateApps add-in.

Watch as we demonstrate how to duplicate a sheet, change its view, add a new sheet number, and title, all while retaining the current legend. With Ideate Software, creating multiple sheets with different views has never been easier.

Save time and streamline your workflow with Ideate Clone .

Webinar Recording – Elevate Revit Projects with Ideate Annotate

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 20:30:25 GMT

Ready for a deep dive into how to use Ideate Annotate to support Revit design documentation and quality control activities through enhanced browse, review, and intelligent tagging workflows? Watch the recording of this webinar.

In this 45-minute webinar, which we developed to provide a thorough lesson for both new and experienced users, we demonstrate how to use each of the three tabs in Ideate Annotate:

1. Browse – Browse all 2D annotative elements, align and distribute text, create powerful rules to isolate the exact elements to see, and more

2. Review – See problems with annotation elements, such as clashes, blank tags, duplicate tags, orphaned tags, and elevation marks with no elevations

3. Tag – Implement powerful intelligent tagging, such as tagging duct work that is over or under a certain length

After this course, you will have the information you need to expedite production documentation work with easy access to all annotative elements and to reduce liability by ensuring the legibility of tags, text, dimensions, and other annotative elements.

Visit our Events page for more opportunities to connect with our team in person and online.

Schedule Revit File Opening with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:35:52 GMT

Discover the time-saving power of Ideate Software's automation feature! Join Thesla Collier, Design Technology Manager, to learn how with just a click or scheduled automation, you can open all Revit files with work sets and close separate Revit sessions, saving valuable time each morning.

Ensure efficiency and eliminate the frustration of waiting for files to load with Ideate Automation . In a world where every second counts, Ideate Software's automation is a tremendous time saver, allowing you and your team to start each day ready to conquer tasks efficiently.

Elevate Your Revit Projects with Ideate Annotate

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:32:43 GMT

Are you ready to skyrocket your Revit 2D Documentation to new heights? Don't miss out on our upcoming webinar featuring the revolutionary Ideate Annotate , a trailblazing productivity tool in the IdeateApps suite.

If you've been grappling with annotation nightmares in Revit—think conflicting 2D annotations, elusive blank tags, frustrating duplicates, zero-length dimensions, invisible elements, or stray orphan tags—then this is the presentation you need. This tool is about to turn your efficiency and accuracy up a notch.

Join us to uncover the full potential of Ideate Annotate and take your Revit 2D documentation to the next level of efficiency and precision. Say goodbye to manual pitfalls and hello to pristine clarity—the future of Revit annotation starts here.

Leverage Project Information Parameters for Export Folders with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 20:45:04 GMT

At Ideate Software, we believe in empowering our users to streamline their workflows. One such workflow that may have flown under the radar is our capability to utilize Project Information parameters as variables within Ideate Automation scripts. This feature becomes very useful when trying to process multiple Revit files across multiple projects, enabling project-specific export folder locations.

One use case of this workflow came to us as a request directly from one of our customers, Jan Leenknegt, BIM Director at BIG stating: “We would like to push different pdf exports to different project folders for ultimate ease by the teams.” We understand that this feature is a game changer for project organization, efficiency, and workflow management.

So, how does it work? It's elegantly simple.

You need to create a custom project parameter in your Revit model—in this example below: “Project-Folder” —and place the desired PDF export path in that field per image:

This parameter and value will always reside within the Revit model in Project Information. Users can now specify exactly where they want their PDF exports to go.

The magic happens when running Ideate Automation and utilizing the proper syntax for Export Folder field to call that value that exists in the Revit model. The value when creating the automated task will be: ${Revit.CurrentFile.ProjectInfo.Project-Folder}

Utilizing this method enables the creation of tasks that utilize multiple models as input. Upon the execution of the export to PDF task, Ideate Automation seamlessly directs the output to the designated export folder of the respective model, ensuring organization without additional manual intervention. This workflow finds application in various scenarios, including:

Automated exports of PDF/DWG/IFC/NWC files, with export destinations residing within the Revit project
Automated project Save-As operations, leveraging project information parameters for specifying Save As locations
Automated Health-Check exports, with export destinations managed within the Revit project parameter

Below is a practical task setup demonstrating the utilization project information to define paths for Save As operations for a list of Revit models. Additionally, this example incorporates the creation of subfolders corresponding to the project name, thereby streamlining the placement of exports within the designated directories.

File list is a .txt file containing a list of Revit models utilized in this task
SaveAs variable name identified in this task to be the file name
Remarks is a Project Information parameter setup in each model in the list, facilitating save as to designated locations
An option to include subfolders into the location parameter, which can serve both as a parameter and a standalone entity. In this demonstration, it is represented by the Revit filename parameter.

Here is a diagram illustrating the output resulting folder structure:

Please note, with this workflow, folders will get generated by the task in the event they do not already exist.

We're excited to deliver this solution to our customers, helping them streamline processes and achieve even greater success in projects. Try it out today and experience the difference firsthand. If you love the idea of using Project Information parameters for export locations, you will find this blog post on using Project Information for export file naming useful.

15@15: Get Your Styles in Line with Ideate StyleManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 21:30:08 GMT

In this 15@15 recording, you'll learn how to analyze, delete, and merge line patterns to bring consistency to your Revit files.

See how much time you can save by letting Ideate StyleManager do the work for you.

Pollard Thomas Edwards Enhances UK Towns, Cities and Villages with the Help of Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 20:24:49 GMT

In their mission to streamline Revit tasks and empower their team of 150+ professionals, PTE utilizes Ideate Software tools. Highlighting the Query function within Ideate Explorer for model auditing, Ideate SmartDelete for cautious deletion of elements, Ideate Clone for efficient sheet and viewport copying, and the valuable features of Ideate SheetManager and Ideate BIMLink in optimizing data management and project setup tasks. These tools have become indispensable to PTE, saving time, and enhancing productivity in their architectural endeavors.

Ideate Software - Frequently Asked Questions

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:42:23 GMT

Welcome to the FAQ page for Ideate Software. Here, you will find answers to commonly asked questions about our suite of BIM applications designed to enhance the functionality of Autodesk Revit software.

Ideate Automation now Integrates Seamlessly with Autodesk Construction Cloud

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:21:28 GMT

Opening large Revit software files
Running the Revit “audit and compact” process
Exporting data from Revit into PDF, DWG, NWC, and IFC file formats
Publishing files to Autodesk Construction Cloud

Existing Ideate Automation customers that have completed their BIM 360/ACC integration do not need to take any action. The new Ideate Cloud Connector app should only be used by those who have not yet completed the (previously) manual integration process.

“Since we started developing add-ins for Revit software in 2007, we have focused on helping companies spend less time on data management and more on their areas of expertise,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development, Ideate Software. “Now, our customers and their consultants who store Revit models in Autodesk Construction Cloud can use Ideate Automation to save even more time while reducing the chance of human error and ensuring the delivery of consistent and predictable outcomes.”

“To drive efficiency, construction teams must constantly look for ways to automate repetitive tasks,” said James Cook, Director of Integrations and Technology Partnerships at Autodesk. “Now, customers use Ideate Automation to save time and reduce errors and rest assured that they are running these automations on the most up-to-date 3D models in Autodesk Construction Cloud.”

In addition to Ideate Automation integrating with Autodesk Construction Cloud, all Ideate Software Revit add-ins (Ideate Explorer, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager) are designed to be integrated with Autodesk Desktop Connector, where possible, to provide the best possible collaborative environment between ACC Revit models and other non-Revit documentation.

For more information about Ideate Software products, visit www.ideatesoftware.com .

About Ideate Software – Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation as a scripting solution to easily automate repetitive Revit and Ideate Software tasks for consistent and repeatable results.

Autodesk, Revit, and Autodesk Construction Cloud are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Attendees of AIA LA Technology Conference Learn About Ideate Software Add-ins for Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 20:32:10 GMT

Learn More

Visit our Events page for information on upcoming opportunities to meet with our team virtually or in person.

Export Revit Schedule to an Existing Excel File

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:16:25 GMT

Ideate BIMLink is a Revit add-in tool developed by Ideate Software to streamline Revit data editing, helping to ensure Revit models are clear and correct. It works by enabling users to export Revit schedules to Excel, where they can use the familiar and powerful editing capabilities to do things like copy/paste data, perform Revit model health checks, manage project standards, comply with COBie requirements, and so much more.

When users want to leverage an existing Excel file instead of creating a new one, they have two options to export Revit schedules to Excel:

Option 1 - Inserting a New Worksheet

Use this option when the existing Excel file contains one or more worksheets and none of the existing worksheets have the same name as the link being exported.

In this instance, insert a new worksheet with the link name in the existing Excel file.

Option 2 - Overwriting an Existing Worksheet

Use this option when the existing Excel file contains one or more worksheets and one of them has the same name as the link being exported.

In this instance, the most recent link data overwrites the existing worksheet. Example: Exporting the same link multiple times to the same Excel file will result in the file only containing the most recent exported link data.

Verifying and manipulating BIM data is much easier when you can export Revit schedules to Excel and edit in a program specifically designed for that task. Ideate BIMLink makes that possible. Learn more by perusing the Ideate BIMLink resources on our website.

Create New Revisions in Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:21:16 GMT

You can use Ideate BIMLink to easily create new sequence revisions in Revit. Create them by adding a NEW value in the Id column in an Excel file created from the Revit Sample Link Files with Ideate BIMLink called, “ Revisions-Create-NEW .”

If this method seems familiar, it’s because it is like the methods used to create new elements, as described in this Help file: Create New Rooms or Spaces in Revit using Excel in BIMLink. Synchronizing revision data across linked files is easy this way.

Here are Step-by-Step Instructions

Review Revision Sequences in Parent File

1. Open a project using Revit . Note: If your project has linked files, choose the project that represents the primary source of the revision data for the project.

2. Go to the “View” tab in Revit and click on the Revision button from the Sheet Composition panel on the right.

3. Take a look at all the Revision sequences . Sequences that have been issued, as indicated by a checkmark under “Issues” cannot be edited (See image below). If needed, you can uncheck that box before using Ideate BIMLink. These are the fields you can edit for Revisions that are not Issued: Date, Description, Issued, Issued to, and Issued by.

Next, Edit the Revision Data in the Parent File

Launch Ideate BIMLink
Click “Load Revit Sample”
Pick the built-in link “Revisions” from the sample list
Review the Properties and click “OK” to go back to the main dialog
Click “Export Revit Elements to Excel” and open the Excel file.
From here, you can edit any data in a white cell. Remember, only un-issued Revit Revisions can be edited . We recommend that you do not edit this property if you are trying to edit other properties from the same sequence.
Click “Save.” Hit the “Import Excel Values into Revit” button in Ideate BIMLink to accept and finalize the changes.
If earlier in the process you made a change to “Issued,” either go into Ideate BIMLink to edit the property or manually re-set the property via the Revision button in Revit.

Now, Copy the Revision Data to a Linked File

With the Revision data setup to your standards, enhance collaboration across disciplines by using the same data to create matching data in another file.

Below are instructions (we assumed that the Revision sequences have not yet been setup.)

Open the Revit project file into which you’d need to copy the Revision sequences defined within the original ‘parent’ file
Start Ideate BIMLink
Click “Load Sample”
Select “Revisions” from the sample list
Reviewing the Properties, click “OK” and return to the main dialog
Save the results to a new Excel file by clicking “Export” and open that file.
Copy the Excel data from the original file to the new file. See the image below. NOTE: DON’T copy the data from Column A, B, or C
In Column A, type in “NEW” for each Revision sequence you want to create with this second Revit project file. Column B and C values will be automatically setup by Revit during the import process
Hit “Save” and then “Import” in Ideate BIMLink to complete the changes.

15@15: Harness the Power of Filters in Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 19:32:39 GMT

In this 15@15 recording, you'll discover how to significantly enhance your Revit element management experience. Ideate Filters provides a dynamic, customizable, and rule-based method to quickly filter Revit model elements based on your specified parametric conditions.

Learn how to efficiently manage and manipulate Revit elements with precision, saving time and increasing productivity. This presentation will provide practical insights and real-world examples to empower you in maximizing the potential of filters within Ideate Explorer.

Effective Material Assignment in Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:34:31 GMT

Join Thesla Collier, Design Technology Officer, as she discusses a common practice in which users duplicate elements and change wall types for documentation, leading to difficulties in quantifying insulation.

Discover how Ideate BIMLink can efficiently changes core material in walls, which addresses a limitation in Revit, where querying layers of system families in schedules is not possible. Check out this workflow and explore its capabilities, so that you no longer have to modify each wall individually.

Intelligently Batch Add Tags with Ideate Annotate

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 22:39:54 GMT

Since we launched Ideate Annotate in June of 2022, so many customers have let us know that this tool, which is part of the IdeateApps collection, has dramatically reduced the time they spend on documentation work and helped them ensure that clients and other stakeholders who review the 2D documentation can clearly see all annotative elements.

In our last release of IdeateApps, we made Ideate Annotate even better. Now, users can batch add tags to Revit projects, decreasing the time it takes to manage tags and improving their accuracy.

With this feature, users can:

Tag elements that are only in the new construction phase
Tag or ignore nested elements
Assign different tags to different element types, even within the same data category
Exclude elements based on family and/or type name
Tag elements based on their properties, such as length or area
Control the location of tags relative to the tagged element as a default or an override
Tag the active view or all open views. This also works for tagging elements from linked files!

Watch this short demonstration video to see how easy it is:

Read this detailed Help file for more information.

Subscribers can get the latest version of IdeateApps from the Download page . Non-subscribers can learn more on the Ideate Software website and download a free 30-day trial .

On-Demand, Lightning-Fast Training Sessions Now Available

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 22:08:52 GMT

As we continue our newly launched bi-weekly, 15-minute sessions on specific workflows, we will amass quite a collection of recordings of training sessions that deliver demonstrations on how to use our tools to address challenges faced by BIM managers and Revit users in all disciplines.

To make it easy for customers to find the information they need, we are giving each session a descriptive title and housing all recordings together in a playlist on our YouTube channel called 15@15 Recordings .

Have a workflow you’d like featured? Contact support@ideatesoftware.com .

Predefining Viewport Types with Ideate SheetManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 21:17:00 GMT

Are you tired of always resetting the viewport type when adding a view to a sheet? Ideate SheetManager allows you to control default viewport assignments.

In this short video, we will show you how you can change the default settings of a viewport. Save time and avoid constant resets by using Ideate SheetManager, a tool within our IdeateApps solution.

Popular Autodesk Revit Addins

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 17:20:40 GMT

With a history of developing Revit addins that goes back to 2009, Ideate Software has a proven record of addressing real issues experienced by real Revit users. In addition to working tirelessly to ensure our products work as promised, we work hard to ensure they are easy to access, install, learn, and use. One way we do help interested parties find and try them is by making them all available at the Autodesk App Store.

Ideate Software on the Autodesk App Store

To check out our products on the App store, we recommend that you go to the Ideate Software Bundle – Trial page. From there, you will get:

Brief descriptions of all our Autodesk Revit addins. (Note: This page does not include information about Ideate Automation, which is our scripting solutions that runs time-consuming Revit tasks in the background. Find information on Ideate Automation ):

Ideate BIMLink – Use it to push volumes of information from a Revit file into Microsoft Excel for easy editing, and then pull the updated information back into Revit with speed, ease, and accuracy.
Ideate Explorer – Get lightning-fast data discovery and manipulation features through its easy and intuitive way to search, filter, quantify and select elements in a Revit model.
Ideate Sticky – Elegantly link and easily update non-BIM data into a Revit project from Excel to Revit, Word to Revit, or PDF to Revit.
Ideate StyleManager –Addresses the challenges of unorganized and duplicate Revit styles that can cause publishing errors, end-user confusion, and even performance issues.
IdeateApps – Streamlines common Revit tasks through set of applications that increase the productivity and efficiency of the entire project team. The IdeateApps collection includes Ideate Renumber, Ideate QuickSelect, Ideate SmartDelete, Ideate XRay, Ideate SpellCheck, Ideate Annotate, Ideate SheetManager, Ideate Clone, Ideate Align, and Ideate ViewCreator.

2. A Description of the Trials

No cost
30-days
Includes access to each of the five products. Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, IdeateApps, Ideate StyleManager, and Ideate Sticky
All are full functioning, except:
Ideate BIMLink has a 25-row limit to the data export
Ideate StyleManager is limited to testing these three styles: Line Patterns, Materials, and Material Appearance Asset styles

3. Access to the Getting Started Guides for each of the five products included in the bundle. Click the link to “Read Help Document” to get to these guides.

4. Links to Videos - As of the date of the publishing of this document, we had links to these videos on the site:

Clients Discuss Ideate Software Solutions for Revit

Customer 5-Star Reviews

Stay Connected

Want to learn more about our top Revit plugins? Visit our website .

You can also check us out and follow us on X/Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook , YouTube , and Instagram .

If you have any questions, reach out to us . We are here to help you understand and use our Revit plugin solutions .

Browse our website to learn more about how Ideate Software tools help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables, and elevate design. You can give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to our addins for Revit, which includes Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps for six months. You can also get a free trial of Ideate Automation to experience how it can help you automate BIM tasks.

Ideate Software Team Networks with Architects and Builders at the AIASF Design Technology Symposium

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 23:16:13 GMT

Our team is now following up with the many contacts made on topics such as on-site or virtual presentations to overview our products, staff training on specific products and workflows, information on Ideate Automation , and more.

Webinar Recording - Automate IFC Exports from Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 23:00:50 GMT

If you spend a lot of time waiting for Revit to export data into IFC files, you’ll want to watch the recording of this webinar on Ideate Automation , our scripting solution that allows you to schedule and run time-consuming, repetitive BIM tasks in the background at convenient times, including overnight.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll learn how Ideate Automation addresses the problem caused by file exporting processes that consume computer resources and can negatively impact end-user productivity when performed during working hours. In the webinar, we demonstrate how to:

Automate IFC exports from Revit using Ideate Automation
Control the export setup options in Revit and Ideate Automation
Schedule batch-exports of IFC files using Ideate Automation

Exporting to IFCs is just one of the many capabilities of Ideate Automation. Tasks include:

Opening large Revit files
Exporting data for COBie, QTO, or health check metrics
Exporting document deliverables in PDF, NWC, IFC, or DWG formats

It can also be used to automate time-consuming tasks within Ideate Software addins for Revit, including Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , Ideate StyleManager , and IdeateApps .

15@15 Training Series: Exports Galore with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:15:52 GMT

In this 15@15 recording, you'll discover the wide range of file formats that Ideate Automation can export to share your data seamlessly. You'll also understand the key differences between Export Setup and Print Setup and learn how to automate the exporting process with Scheduled Tasks.

Finding Unused Schedules and Legends with Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 18:23:31 GMT

Recently a customer asked if we provide a tool that can report on whether schedules and legends are placed/not placed on sheets. In case you’ve wondered that too, here’s our response:

Yes!

It can easily be done with one of the built in Ideate Explorer filters.

15@15 Training Series: Smart Tagging with Ideate Annotate

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:12:37 GMT

In this 15@15 recording, you'll learn how to tag in non-plan views using filtered selections, overcoming the challenges often faced when tagging nested families. And best of all, you'll have the skills to create custom rules that will delight your colleagues.

Surbana Jurong Shares Significant Time Savings Achieved with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 21:40:27 GMT

Surbana Jurong is a global urban, infrastructure and managed services consulting firm. Headquartered in Singapore, its architects, designers, planners, engineers, and other specialists have built more than 1 million homes in Singapore, created master plans in more than 30 countries, and developed more than 100 industrial parks around the world.

Learn how they created 361 sheets with Ideate BIMLink, reducing the time spent from 24 hours to 3 minutes.

Modmation on Optimizing Revit Model Maintenance with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 18:43:06 GMT

We are pleased to share this article written by our Australian consultant partner Modmation on how they benefit from using Ideate Automation, our scripting solution that runs time-consuming BIM tasks in the background.

In the dynamic field of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), maintaining the health of building information models is paramount. At Modmation, we leverage automated workflows and tools like Ideate Automation to enhance model maintenance, ensuring projects run smoothly and adhere to industry standards.

Modmation, an independent BIM and Digital Engineering consultancy based in Australia, stands at the forefront of BIM innovation. With more than 30 years of combined experience in digital project delivery worldwide, our team provides consulting services on BIM and Digital Engineering.

Model maintenance ensures that projects remain on track, fostering collaboration and aligning with industry standards and principles. At Modmation, we recognise the pivotal role of model health in the success of any project. Our vision is to develop innovative strategies and solutions, and implementing tools like Ideate Automation is part of our mission to increase the efficiency and productivity of our clients and their project teams.

In addition, project teams have access to the Ideate Automation Power BI dashboard. This dashboard offers valuable insights into their model health, making it easier for the teams to understand what needs to be reviewed and fixed.

These proactive measures contribute to the overall health of our clients' models, empowering project teams to make informed decisions for enhanced productivity. Ideate Automation not only helps our clients save time but also improves accuracy in data extraction and enhances their model quality, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity for their project teams.

In conclusion, Modmation's strategic use of Ideate Automation for model maintenance reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality BIM practices. By addressing the critical issue of neglecting Revit model health, we do not only help our clients to optimise their models but also empower project teams with valuable insights and tools for enhanced productivity.

Therefore, Ideate Software's suite has become an integral component of our workflows, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of our projects. As the AEC industry continues to evolve, Modmation remains dedicated to developing innovative strategies and implementing software solutions such as Ideate Automation that modernize how projects are designed, developed, delivered, operated, and sustained.

Are you ready to elevate your BIM practices and enhance your project efficiency? Modmation is here to help. Let us unlock the full potential of your models and drive success in your digital project delivery journey. Reach out to our team to discuss your specific needs and take the next step toward optimised BIM practices.

Thank you, Modmation!

Ideate Automation is available for purchase as a stand-alone product or with the Ideate Software bundle, and it is included in the cost of an Enterprise subscription. Visit our website for more information.

Recorded Webinar: Automate Your IFC Exports from Revit with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 19:12:30 GMT

Waiting for Revit to export data into IFC files can take valuable time from other work. With Ideate Automation , you can run this and other time-consuming and repetitive BIM tasks in the background. Join Steve as he shows you how to automate your IFC exports and create a consistent deliverable every time. We will also delve into the myriad of settings and version changes that make it difficult to create consistent IFC output and provide solutions to overcome these challenges.

Here you will learn how to use Ideate Automation to:

Learn how to automate IFC exports from Revit
Discover how to control the export setup options within Revit and Ideate Automation
Understand how to schedule batch exports of IFC files using Ideate Automation

How to Export to IFC Using Ideate Automation

Select a Task

Open Ideate Automation
Click “Create” in the left sidebar
Select “03 Publishing” from the Task Script Selection window
Under Scripts, select “AUT-Export_IFC”
Click “Next”

Adjust the Script Variable Settings

Select one or more Revit files or create a list of models
Choose your export locations – these can be local or on BIM360/ACC (via desktop connector)
Select the IFC Setup Source from one of three options:
External setup – browse to your custom external .json file or use one of the pre-loaded .json files that ships with Ideate Automation
Built-in – use one of the many export Setup options available in Revit
Project-specific – if you create your own setup within a Revit file, type in the name of that setup to access it
Specify an Export View by typing it in, or leave it blank for the default 3D view
Name your export file under File Name
Check IFC Files only to make sure only the IFC file is exported
Access additional settings using the dropdown arrow in the upper right

Schedule Future Exports

Under “Home” select the frequency of exports and save the schedule
As long as your machine is powered on, the task will run as scheduled

Innovating Architectural Design Workflows with Ideate Software: A Testimonial from WRNS Studio

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 22:49:31 GMT

WRNS Studio, a distinguished architectural, interior design, and planning firm known for its commitment to beauty, sustainability, and public impact, attributes its success to a culture that fosters architectural excellence and leverages innovative tools. Jason Halaby, Architect & BIM Manager at WRNS Studio, emphasizes the vital role of Ideate Software in streamlining their Revit workflows.

With products like Ideate StyleManager, BIMLink, Explorer, and IdeateApps, WRNS effectively manages model cleanup, manipulates model data efficiently in Excel, and enhances overall model management tasks. Furthermore, Jason's active involvement in providing feedback to Ideate Software has contributed to the continuous improvement of their tools, reflecting a collaborative approach that drives innovation in architectural design. This testimonial showcases how WRNS Studio and Ideate Software collaborate to shape the future of architectural design.

Clone Yourself and Save Time on Repetitive Revit Tasks with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 01:37:23 GMT

Stop wasting time on tedious, repetitive tasks. With Ideate Automation, you can clone yourself and gain an employee without enduring intense boring work. Say goodbye to human errors and unpredictable outcomes. Save time, improve accuracy, and achieve consistent results effortlessly. In this high-level Ideate Automation overview, we'll show you a wealth of automation task examples that can transform your Revit workflows. Learn how to schedule a publish of various data formats from Revit, perform project auditing, and create a comprehensive Health Check Report. Unleash your data's potential and amplify your productivity with Ideate Automation.

Learning Objectives:

Create PDF, DWG, IFC, or NWC exports from Revit files quickly, conveniently, and overnight.
Obtain comprehensive reports on essential Revit family and project metrics.
Export critical Revit model health data effortlessly, while you sleep.

Renumber Rooms

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:54:17 GMT

Numbering Rooms and Spaces can be the most subjective of all numbering tasks.

To number each Room or Space as it is selected, follow Method: Select Elements below.
To number Rooms or Spaces along a line, follow Method: Select Path below.

The steps to number a Room, found below, can also be used to number Spaces. In the case of a linked file, where the Spaces related to the linked Rooms, refer to the ReNumber Spaces exercise.

In this exercise we the Revit sample file rac_advanced_sample_project.rvt.

The file may already be installed on your computer at C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 202x\Samples.
Revit sample files from Autodesk are available for download 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , 2023 , 2024

Method: Select Elements

Steps to manually number the Rooms within the sample file specified above:

Open "02 - Floor" plan view
Launch Ideate ReNumber
The default Rule should be "*Doors." Switch the Rule to "*Rooms"
Change the Level Prefix to 2.
NOTE: This field is optional and can be removed as a way of ignoring the field
Change the Start Increment to 00
Pick the "Select Elements" method, then push the "Start Numbering" button
On the floor plan, select the Room tags (or Room elements) to start renumbering the existing Rooms
NOTE: Revit will alert you to each Room that has a duplicate number.
When you are done, hit ESC to return to Ideate ReNumber.
Try adjusting the Level Prefix to "2-" or "2." and then try the "Select Elements" method again
NOTE: There are no Revit warnings because these numbers are now unique, and not duplicates
Stop the numbering process by hitting the ESC key.
Use the ESC key again or select the Red X to exit the dialog and return to Revit.

Try Method: Select Path next.

Method: Select Path

To automatically number the Rooms within the sample file specified above:

Open "01 - Entry Level" Plan
Launch Ideate ReNumber
Set the Rule to "*Rooms"
Change the Level Prefix to "1-"
NOTE: This prefix field is optional. The value can be removed to prevent this text from being included on the new number.
Change the Start Increment to 00
Check the option to "Create New Path", then pick the "Select Path - Crossing" method
Push the "Start Numbering" button
Because you selected the option to "Create New Path" checkbox, the next step is to select a starting point for the path of your line. Any Rooms that intersect the line you draw will be numbered automatically by the order in which they cross the lines. See image below for a suggested path.
NOTE: The Detail Line can be drawn through Ideate ReNumber or can be drawn independently with the Detail Line tool in Revit.
When you are done drawing line segments, hit ESC to see a preview
Select "Accept Changes" to complete the process and return to the main dialog
Hit the ESC key or select the red X to exit the dialog and return to Revit
Extend the last line segment by grip editing or by adding a new line segment, then try Ideate ReNumber again to see how easy it is to change the numbers

How to Load Links

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:43:05 GMT

When a link definition has been created in another project and saved to disk as a .link file, it can then be loaded into a new project. Here's how:

To load a link definition into the current Revit project, template, or family file, follow these steps:

Hit the "New…" button from the main dialog of Ideate BIMLink.
Select the "Browse" method at the left of the "New Link" dialog.
Hit the "Load…" button to specify a folder location where the previously defined linked definition has been saved.
Select one or more links from the folder to import them into the current Revit project, template, or family file.

TIP: If you frequently load links from the same folder, you may want to add this folder to your library.

If the Link you are loading conflicts with an existing link, you may get a warning message. For more information, see Ideate BIMLink messages.

Editing Title Block Assignments in Revit with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:34:20 GMT

Use type swapping to edit the kind of title block assigned to each sheet in a Revit project easily with Ideate BIMLink.

Here's how:

Start Ideate BIMLink and select "Load Sample..."
Select the link definition "Title_Blocks" and then hit "Next."
Within the Properties dialog confirm that the “Family and Type” property is included.

4. From the "Link" tab, confirm that the Link Option to “ Export with drop-down values ” is selected.

5. When you export the data to Excel, you will see a drop-down option. See below. In this example, the list of choices is defined in column F for use as a data validation within column D.

Managing Door Numbering with Ideate ReNumber

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:07:20 GMT

Door and window elements exist between two rooms. Listing both room numbers in Revit is not always useful, because often the numbering goal for doors is to associate the number with a particular room number.

In Revit, a room assignment is often done by the initial door swing placement: wherever the Door swing is, the first time it is placed, becomes the “To Room.” If the door swing changes later, the value will not change unless the door family is using the Room Calculation point. The only Revit method of changing this default door swing assignment is to use a Revit Schedule to swap the “To Room” value as shown.

Ideate ReNumber includes two methods to manage this Room-specific information that is unique to Doors and Windows.

If you get unexpected results when renumbering doors using the *Doors rule, check the “To Room - From Room: setting on the affected doors. The Select Elements (manual pick) method will always use the “To Room” parameter; the other methods give the user the ability to use either the To or From Room parameter.

Changing To/From Room Values

Ideate ReNumber uses room values for the room defined as the “To Room” in the Revit project for doors, unless otherwise specified.

Swap Room Value

This method swaps the To and From Room values, mirroring the behavior found within the Schedule and mentioned above. Doors using the room calculation value display a change to the swing, and the change is remembered in future renumbering tasks.

Report “From Room” Value

This method reports the “From Room” value independent of the door swing condition. Use it for room-calculation-point doors that swing into a non-room. By default, the checkbox option is temporary for the current renumbering task only; it can be saved permanently by editing the room field value within the rule.

Quality Control with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:40:23 GMT

Ideate BIMLink does much more than export data to and from Excel. It’s also the perfect tool for cleaning and managing Revit Building Information Model data. Each link defined in the Quality Control library folder is the results of a customer request to use Ideate BIMLink to support quality control processes.

In the Quality Control folder, you'll find a variety of tasks, including:

Related topic: Using Dropdown Lists in Excel

To access these samples, go to Browse Library Content and reference the Quality Control folder, as shown.

How to Batch Rename and Renumber Sheets

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:31:11 GMT

The Revit interface has limitations in terms of editing large amount of data. Instead, use Ideate BIMLink batch rename and renumber sheets in a Revit project. With Ideate BIMLink, you can edit model data by exporting it to Excel for editing, and then pushing it back into Revit.

Here’s how:

Start with the pre-configured link in Ideate BIMLink called “Sheets.”

Or, if you already created a Sheet List Schedule, you can create the link by using “By Schedule.”

2. By Default, the pre-configured Sheets link won’t show placeholder sheets. Remove this filter is you want to show placeholder sheets. For this example, we keep the filter. If you’re using your Revit Schedule for this link, you may need to add the as placeholder property and set it to false to omit it from the list.

3. Export the selected link created to reveal the results in Excel.

In this first sheet renumbering exercise, we rename A104 and A105:

Save the Excel file. Import the data back into Revit with Ideate BIMLink. You’ll notice the following issue:

This error message is expected, as Revit doesn’t allow duplicated values for Sheet numbers. The new Sheet numbers picked are already used in the project, so the error message was triggered.

To resolve this issue, perform a two-step Excel importing process through Ideate BIMLink. First, import a new sheet number that isn’t in use in the project by using a unique placeholder character as a suffix. For example: “A105-”. Next, edit the Excel file again by removing the placeholder character and importing the second time, as follows:

In Excel, perform the following and keep your Excel file open :

Then import.

2. In Excel, do the following:

Then import again.

Although the above example is of two lines of data, the process also applies to large amount of data or information that cannot be duplicated in the project, such as sheet numbers .

How to Rename Links with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:58:19 GMT

Right-click on the link name in the main dialog and select Rename Link to rename a link. Because of Excel worksheet name requirements, link names cannot be more that 25 characters.

If you want to save a renamed a link for use in another project, read this: Save Link Defi nition

IMPORTANT NOTE: Renaming a link will break the association with existing Excel spreadsheets created using the link. Learn more here: Excel Naming Conventions.

Managing Sticky Sizes

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:28:40 GMT

In Revit, the size of a Sticky is based on the named regions defined within the associated Excel worksheet. Ideate Sticky defaults to the defined print area (a type of named region in Excel), if available. Learn more: Preparing the Excel File in Ideate Sticky for Revit .

After the Sticky is created in Revit, it can be re-sized. Note: Any size changes will be overwritten if the Sticky is updated manually or automatically, so we recommend that changes to the size be made in the Excel file. In the Ideate Sticky Sample Files for Revit Modeling folder, you can try two Excel files setup to fit the height of a typical imperial and metric Revit sheet:

ISB-Imperial E1 Size.xlsx
ISB-Metric A1 Size.xlsx

How to Manage Multiple Pages

Because the Revit Schedule Header cannot be split, to divide a single Excel worksheet into multiple Stickies, use the Named Regions in Excel to define the size of each page and use Excel to repeat the rows along the top with each region.

Make a Named Region in Excel:

In Excel, use the mouse to select a number of cells. See image below. This is also known as a region.
In the upper left corner, edit the name of the selected region. You can also right-click when the cells have been selected and select “Define Name.” NOTE: The region name can’t have any spaces. These regions can later be modified in Excel from the Formulas tab> Defined Names> Name Manager.

See examples of multi-page Stickies here Ideate Sticky Sample Files for Revit Modeling : ISB-Multi-Page_Spec.xls and ISB-Multi-page_Revisions-Fixed_Length.xlsx.

Repeat Rows at the Top

Ideate Sticky will use the ability in Excel to include certain rows with every region or print area defined, which is useful when dealing with long documents. To access this Excel function, go to the Page Setup tool and, within the Sheet tab, specify a range, such as $1:$5, to ensure that every page always includes these five rows.

Track Down Keynotes and Revisions

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:09:56 GMT

In Revit, you can get information about keynotes through the keynote legend and on revisions in the form of the revision schedule. However, it is a very labor-intensive task. Instead, you can use Ideate Explorer to track down any inappropriate keynote or revision instances. Here’s how:

Auditing Revit Keynotes

To audit the keynotes within a project:

Set the Display to "Entire Project" to display all instances of keynotes, regardless of whether they are visible or hidden.
Select the box at the top of the “Keynote Category,” to put all keynotes into the selection set.
Change the Display to "Current Selection," to focus on those keynote entities.
Double-click on each keynote instance to visually inspect each one.
If Revit indicates that “No Good View” can be found then refer to this topic for tips: No Good View Message .

TIP: To determine the types keynotes used, select all Keynotes and use Ideate Query to review the property called "Key Source" as shown.

Audit Revision Clouds

You can apply the process to revision clouds to ensure clouds are assigned to the correct sequence. Note: Revision cloud visibility is often impacted by the settings within the Revision dialog .

Saving Links with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:57:42 GMT

Links are automatically saved and read from the Revit project, template, or family file.

One easy way to re-use links is to save them in a Revit template file. Additionally, by manually saving and loading link definitions to a disk, you can transfer the link definitions from one Revit project to another.

To save a link to a disk, right click on the link name in the main dialog and select “Save Link Definition.” See image below. The links will be saved in individual files with a .link file extension.

Links based on Revit Key Schedules are unique to a particular Revit project, and you CAN’T save them to an external link definition file. Instead, use the Revit “Insert from File” method to transfer a Key Schedule between projects, and then use By Schedule to create a new link based on this version of the key schedule.

Coordinating Survey Point Data with the Revit Model

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:48:27 GMT

With Ideate BIMLink, you can improve the accuracy of staked or installed building components by coordinating survey data with the Revit model. Receive the data via a total station or other device from the project site (typically a CSV file), and then import it as nodes in the Revit project by using Ideate BIMLink to create new generic model elements.

Like mass elements, generic model families can be created from an Excel file. Here’s how:

Acquire XYZ data from a survey and request an Excel file format with a separate column for X, Y, and Z values.
Create a Generic Model family to act as a point node or you can use the family called "IdeatePT.rfa" which is located at C:\Program Files\Ideate\Ideate Software 20xx\Ideate BIMLink\en-US\Samples\By Discipline\Construction Links
Place one instance of the Generic Model family in the project using the Workplane option. NOTE: If the element is placed on a wall or floor or other host, it won't be able to be moved later.

Create a link based on the Generic Model category, or use the Sample Link called "Generic_Model-Survey_Pts." Include the Point_X, Point_Y, and Point_Z coordinate properties
Export the link data to Excel. Create a new Excel file
Copy the X,Y, Z values from the survey data to the corresponding coordinate columns
For each new survey point, add the word "NEW" in column A (Id).
Import the changes from Excel

RESULTS: A generic model element located at each of the locations specified in the survey. To prevent them from moving, use the Pin tool.

Deleting Links with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:03:01 GMT

Remove a link from a Revit project by selecting the Link Name in the main dialog and then:

Pick the Delete key on your keyboard

OR
Right-click to select the Delete option

Use Shift+Select to select multiple links for deletion.

Deleting a link definition doesn’t alter the Revit project data structure.

TIP: To us e the link in another project, save the link definition to file. For more information, read Saving Links and Loading Links .

Example: Phase - Revit Element Result with Ideate XRay

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:11:33 GMT

Here’s an example of the type of content embedded in Ideate XRay. There are more than 50 unique Revit invisibility results possible within the product itself.

When a “Phase — Created” or “Phase — Demolished” result is returned by Ideate XRay, the Phase Filter of the view is set to not display the element's phase status.

To fix this issue, consult your BIM manager and then complete one of the following changes. We recommend that you address the problem in this order:

1. Is the Element on the Incorrect Phase?

If the hidden element is not on the correct phase, use the Properties palette to adjust the Phase Create or Phase Demolished setting.

The text displayed in the Ideate XRay — Show Results dialog provides important information about the phase state of the selected element, as shown in yellow below. The element selected while using Ideate XRay will be selected upon exiting the program to support making a change with the Properties palette if the phase is incorrect. If the element's phase is correct, check the phase of the Target View. See below.

2. Is the Target View the Correct Phase?

If the Target View is not on the correct phase, you can edit the phase settings by selecting once within the view and then using the Properties palette to adjust the view. If the Phase setting is not editable, then the View Template is controlling this setting - contact your BIM Manager to adjust the View Template assignment or the View Template properties. If both the element and the phase are correct, then the last culprit will be the Phase Filter settings.

3. Change the Phase Filter

The view may have a Phase Filter setting that impacts the selected elements’ visibility. In Revit, the Phase settings are accessed from the Manage tab on the Phasing panel as shown below.

Learn more: Autodesk Revit Help - Phase Filters

Installer - Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 23:54:06 GMT

Download Ideate Software Installer

Ideate Software Installer is a one-click tool that deploys Ideate Software products throughout an organization. The package includes all MSI files for the most recent versions of all our desktop solutions. It can be used manually by individual users or with a network admin tool that supports EXE’s, such as SCCM or PDQ Deploy.

Watch this video:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I use Ideate Software Installer?

A. Run “Ideate Software Installer.exe” to install all products and versions contained in the “IdeateInstallers” folder

Q. How can I control which products or versions get installed?

A. Open the “IdeateInstallers” folder and remove the MSI for any product or version you don’t want to install or use the command line switches (see below).

Q. How do I tell Ideate Software Installer which license I want to use?

A. Enter your @servername or your license code in the license.txt file provided with the installer package. NOTE: Only one code or servername can be used. If you want no changes to the existing licenses on the end user machines, keep the file blank or remove it. As an alternative, you can place a pre-configured license.config file into the same folder as the Installer.exe, and it will take precedence over the contents of license.txt.

Q. How do I use this to deploy Ideate Software to all my users?

A. Use your favorite network admin tool that supports EXEs, such as SCCM, to run the installer.

Q. Does it support command line switches?

A. You can use the following switches: /SILENT; /SKIP_[product code]; /SKIP_[year] Get more info .

Q. Can I keep the installer on a network share and let the users run it?

A. You can pre-configure products, versions, and licensing and then place the “Ideate Software Installer” folder on a network share or a cloud shared folder. Give users read-only access to prevent them from altering the package for others.

Q. What if I already have the licensing set up and don’t want to change anything?

A. If there isn’t a license.txt or license.config file in the Ideate Software Installer folder, the existing license configuration will not be affected. All existing products should continue to work, including the latest version, if the existing license is valid for the newly installed versions as well. Any products that were not previously licensed will need to be activated the usual way in Revit.

Q. How do I set the correct license codes if I have a mix of Ideate Software solutions with different quantities?

A. Ideate Software Installer is optimized to work with standard bundles that contain the same number of licenses for all products and use only a single license code. Customers with more than one license code can choose from these options:

Create copies of the Installer package, making sure that each copy only contains one product MSIs in the IdeateInstallers folder with a correct license.txt file.
Create a batch file that will call them one after another, so the actual install by the end user can still be done in a single step. Or you can add the packages to your usual deployment process.

Run Ideate Software Installer without any license configuration (no license.txt)
Follow the steps for setting up AutoActivation here

Upgrade to a standard Bundle product. Contact your sales account manager or sales to discuss the options.

Q. What if I am still using a legacy version (2017 or older)?

A. Installed legacy versions won’t be affected. Legacy version MSIs can be downloaded from the software Archive page. IMPORTANT NOTE: Legacy versions may need to be separately activated inside Revit.

Command Line Arguments

The following switches have been implemented to help you customize Ideate Software deployments. The switches can be combined and used multiple times to achieve the desired combination of products:

/SILENT — run without the command line window

/ActiveOnly — installs Ideate Software for only the Revit versions already on the PC

/SKIP_[product code] — skips all versions of a product. Use a separate /SKIP for each product you want to skip.

/SKIP_IBL — Ideate BIMLink
/SKIP_IEX — Ideate Explorer
/SKIP_ISB — Ideate Sticky
/SKIP_IAP — IdeateApps (Note: this refers to a specific product ‘IdeateApps’)
/SKIP_STL — Ideate Style Manager

/SKIP_[year] — skips the listed product year for ALL installed products. Use a separate /SKIP for each version you want to skip.

/SKIP_2018
…
/SKIP_2021

/UNINSTALL_[YEAR] — uninstall all Ideate Software products of the specified year version. NOTE: If an /UNINSTALL command is run, the installer will no longer install the MSI’s in the same run!

/UNINSTALL_2020

Examples:

“...path to .exe” /SILENT /SKIP_2018 — silently install all products, versions 2019-2021

“...path to .exe” /SILENT /SKIP_STL /SKIP_2018 /SKIP_2019 — silently install all products except Ideate Style Manager, skips versions 2018 and 2019

Editing Stickies in Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 23:23:43 GMT

A Sticky shows up in a project’s list of Revit Schedules and can be edited on the Sheet it has been placed or on the Schedule view itself.

Edit the Revit Schedule Graphic (from the Sheet)

A Sticky is a schedule header for a schedule with a single column. Within the Sheet view, you can resize the Schedule Graphic element by grabbing the single grip edit for the column. Revit controls how the Schedule header columns are redistributed during a grip edit. In most cases edits made within the Schedule View will produce better results than editing on the Sheet. Read Editing the Schedule View below for more information.

NOTE: Changes to Schedule Graphic size will be overwritten if the Sticky is set to auto-update or if it is manually updated.

Edit the Schedule View

As a schedule header, the Sticky can be edited with any Revit tool available. Possible edits include resizing columns and rows, merging cells, adding shading and borders and adjusting fonts. Learn more from Autodesk's online Revit Help topic related to Modifying Schedules .

NOTES:

Changes to the size of the Schedule View will be overwritten if the Sticky is set to auto-update or if it is manually updated. The first time after the Schedule View is opened and an attempt to edit is made, Ideate Sticky will provide a warning message that indicates that Ideate Sticky is managing the Schedule.
Revit will display text wrapping differently between the Schedule View and the Sheet View. For best results, we recommend that text wrap issues be handled within Excel.

Adding Rows or Columns to the Schedule Header

Modifying cell properties within the Schedule Header

Setting Lineweights

The lineweights and colors of the borders and the gridlines is managed within Revit via two custom line styles. Learn more in the topic: Editing in Excel for Revit Modeling with Ideate Sticky

Creating New Sheets in Revit with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 23:05:53 GMT

With Ideate BIMLink, you can create new Sheets in Revit using data from an Excel spreadsheet. You can create sheets with a specified title block or a placeholder sheet.

Creating Sheets or Placeholder Sheets

Sheets - Created via Excel to create a quick cartoon set at the beginning of a project.
Placeholder Sheets - Display in the Sheet Index but not in the project browser. They are ideal for use in representing the consultants’ sheets.

Here are instructions:

In Ideate BIMLink, select “New” button and then use the Browse option and go to the Create Elements folder.
Select the sample Link called "02 Sheets-Create_NEW" or, create a Sheet link and export to Excel. Read: Creating Links with Ideate BIMLink and Export Revit Elements to Excel . If you create your own link, be sure to include the Title Blocks property and the Sheet Number properties.
Use the “Export” button in the main dialog to export the data to an Excel file.
Create new rows and enter "NEW" in the Id column.
Rows representing existing sheets can be deleted and will have effect on the existing elements when the spreadsheet is imported.
Edit other properties as desired. If you specify a value in the Title Blocks column, that title block type will be assigned to the sheet, and it will display in the Project Browser. If you don’t specify a value, the new sheet will become a placeholder sheet.
Hit “Save.”
In Ideate BIMLink, select “Import” to create new sheets in Revit.

For more information, watch this video.

HLW Highly Recommends Ideate Software Tools for Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 22:48:33 GMT

Headquartered in New York with offices in California, Connecticut, London and New Jersey, HLW has been designing buildings for more than 135 years. From the first dedicated telephone building in New York City to current work with leading technology companies, HLW’s designs have earned the firm a solid reputation in multiple sectors, including government, education, financial, residential, hospitality and technology. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach, HLW works to develop a deep knowledge of each customer’s organization and goals and then deliver spaces that reflect the customer’s unique mission, culture and values.

HLW and Ideate Software

“I use and love all the Ideate Software tools for Revit,” said Jeff Bailey, BIM Manager, HLW. “ They allow HLW to stay on the forefront of integrating technology into architecture and design while providing a clean interface that doesn’t distract users or spam the toolbars with useless gizmos.”

Here are some of the ways that Jeff and the architects and designers at HLW use Ideate Software tools:

Ideate Explorer
Filter, locate and isolate specific elements or systems in a model
Ensure elements reside in the proper workset
Verify the accuracy of certain data exports used in project health checks
Ideate BIMLink
Ensure the consistency and accuracy of various kinds of schedules
Ideate Sticky
Add layers of information to drawing sets that might not exist in the model (e.g., bringing pro-forma local jurisdictional requirements into the package of deliverables, regardless of the original format)
IdeateApps
Ideate XRay – Nearly eliminate support tickets related to issues with visibility
Ideate ViewCreator – Get projects set up quickly with standard views
Ideate SpellCheck – Check a whole set of sheets to remove typos and minor mistakes in notes and other aspects of the drawing set before documents leave the office
Ideate Clone – Document design options for client approval and advance designs
Ideate StyleManager
Keep clutter down, especially on larger, longer term legacy projects
Develop or revamp templates

“ At HLW, we continually challenge ourselves to reach beyond our imaginations to create places that enhance the user experience,” said Jeff. “The Ideate Software tools support us in this challenge by streamlining workflows, so we have more time to focus on innovative and creative thinking. I highly recommend them to my colleagues within HLW and within the architecture/design community.”

Browse the Ideate Software website for more information on how we can help streamline your Revit workflows.

McMillan Pazdan Smith Streamlines Processes with Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 21:41:54 GMT

Since 1955, McMillan Pazdan Smith has been helping clients “create environments that embody their personalities, enrich their lives, and enhance the quality of their community.” The company is a proven design industry leader with their use of building information modeling (BIM) technology on all their projects. McMillan Pazdan Smith has successfully leveraged BIM technology to improve engineer coordination, enhance stakeholder communications, and increase building efficiencies and cost savings.

“The interface is quick, reliable, and easy to understand. Most of my BIM team had no problems picking the tool up and getting immediate value out of it,” said Dan.

“Having used Ideate Explorer for a while, I can say that it is by far the best tool I’ve ever seen for both managing model health and resolving pesky Revit issues that plague our project teams. Also, it has helped our users better understand and respect the importance of data structure and modeling practices in their models. I cannot imagine how we could efficiently resolve the issues we face daily without this tool.”

Positioned for Continued Success

Ideate Explorer provides numerous ways for users to decrease the time spent on model management, increase the accuracy of their models, and reduce file space. It also includes Warnings Manager for reviewing and managing Revit warnings, Navigate for navigating through view-based elements within Revit, and Query for searching on parameters.

“I’m looking forward to expanding our use of Explorer as the value continues to grow,” said Dan. “Thank you for making such a reliable and useful solution.”

About Ideate Software

Ideate Software allows Revit users to have unprecedented control over their data and solve persistent problems in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Owner (AECO) workflows. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables, and elevate design.

WRNS Studio Staying Focused on Innovation and Creativity

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:52:23 GMT

San Francisco-based WRNS Studio is a mid-sized architectural, interior design, and planning firm recognized for its designs that align with its ideals of beauty, sustainability, and a positive contribution to the public realm. In 2019 alone, they received more than a dozen awards from several different organizations, including:

Architect Magazine : Architect 50 - #8 Overall Firm , having received #1 in 2018 and 2013, the second firm to receive the #1 ranking twice.
CMACN Awards: Merit Awards for Education Design for UC Davis Medical Center, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing and San Francisco State University Mashouf Wellness Center
Acterra Sustainable Built Environment: Sonoma Academy Janet Durgin Guild & Commons and Intuit Marine Way Building
AIA San Francisco Community Alliance Awards Program: Social Impact Award 826 Valencia Mission Bay

At the center of all these awards are the people at WRNS. By offering a culture that strives to advance architectural excellence and by leveraging tools that streamline workflows, WRNS is able to attract and retain talent who thrive on innovation and creativity. Several of the tools they use are from Ideate Software.

WRNS Studio and Ideate Software

IdeateApps

“We use Ideate ReNumber extensively to number rooms, doors, parking stalls, and other elements. Ideate SmartDelete is critical to our workflow during documentation phase because it helps us determine where model changes will impact documentation views. Ideate XRay is great for troubleshooting those tricky visibility issues. And Ideate SheetManager is a great alternative to the Revit Project Browser for finding and manipulating views and sheets.”

Shaping the Future

In addition to using Ideate Software tools, Jason takes an active role in their development. “Ideate Software encourages its customers to provide a lot of feedback,” said Jason. “Through formal surveys and informal conversations, I tell them what’s working, explain new Revit challenges my team is facing, and discuss new functionalities we’d like to see. They are very responsive to my feature requests and beta feedback, often turning around improvements surprisingly quickly.”

Photos of WRNS Studio projects (top to bottom):

Adobe Utah Campus
Boeddeker Clubhouse
Cal State Chico
Sonoma Academy

How to Create a Sticky

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 18:20:46 GMT

With a Sticky, you can represent the contents of a Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or Adobe PDF file in a Revit project.

Before creating a sticky, review the differences between Sticky Schedules and Sticky Images.

How to Create a New Sticky

Select a Source File

Open the sheet or view where you want to place the Sticky, and then launch Ideate Sticky from the Ideate Software tab in Revit.
The default tab will be Excel (Schedules). Stay here to create a Sticky Schedule. To create a Sticky Image, change it to Word, PDF, Excel (Images)
Hit the “Select Create...” button in the lower left corner.

Schedules: Select a file to import by picking the “...” button next to the Source box at the top.
Images: Select the desired source file.

Specify Source Details

Each supported file type has a different set of options to help define what should display inside Revit:

Excel (Schedules)

Identify the worksheet in that Excel file with the information you want to import.
Select the worksheet region to define the area to be imported in the worksheet.
Review the Sticky name. It’ll be what displays in the Project Browser under the Schedule folder.
Select “OK.”
Review the Auto-update options. Update the Sticky in Revit Projects with Ideate Sticky

Word and PDF (Images)

Specify Word and PDF source documents by choosing the page range and DPI value. Pages can be specified as “All” or by typing in individual page numbers and/or ranges. Here are examples of acceptable page values:

2
1-3
1-3, 7

The default DPI value is 300. If it is changed, the new DPI will be remembered during that Revit session. The DPI value can also be adjusted later by using the Update From button.

Excel (Images)

Specify Excel source documents by selecting the worksheet region(s) available within any worksheet, as shown below, as well as the DPI value. The Name column represents available regions, which include saved Print Areas and named regions. These ranges can be viewed and edited within Excel from the Formulas>Name Manager dialog.

Color Overrides

Image Stickies can be created with a color, grayscale, or black and white override. If the Excel source sheet is set to black and white, the setting will take precedence over the drop-down selected when creating the Image Sticky. Find more details in this blog post .

DPI Overrides and Transparency

Higher DPI values will result in larger image files, potentially affecting the Revit model size more.

How to Create a Duplicate

Before duplicating a Sticky, you need to know if the original is a Sticky Schedule or a Sticky Image .

Duplicating a Sticky Schedule

To place a duplicate of a Sticky Schedule on another sheet:

Open the Sheet view
Using the project browser, locate the Sticky under the Schedule folder.
Drag the Sticky onto the new Sheet.

Duplicating a Sticky Image

To place a duplicate of a Sticky Image on another Sheet or View:

Select the existing image
Copy the image with Ctrl+C.
Go to another Sheet or View from within the active project or to another open project and use Ctrl+V to paste.

IMPORTANT : Images retain the original file pathing when pasted into other projects.

Duplicating Area Plans to a Different Scheme

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:11:36 GMT

If you’d like to duplicate a set of Revit area plans to a different area scheme, you can use Ideate ViewCreator to accomplish this task.

Before beginning, make sure you have your new area plan defined in the project. Then follow these steps:

Launch Ideate ViewCreator
Select Duplicate Method
Select the rule called “*DUPLICATE” or “DUPLICATE — Change Family,” if it’s available. The “Change Family” is newer, and it aligns the view name with the area scheme name.
Hit “Select Views” to go to the next page.
Use the “Duplicate to Other Family’ option, as shown in the image above, and pick the area plan(s) from one area scheme.
Hit “Next.” Pick the new area scheme type to which you will duplicate.
OPTIONAL: When duplicating to a new area scheme, you’ll be prompted about whether you want to copy existing boundary lines. Unless you are certain, pick the option to not copy the area boundary lines.
OPTIONAL: the “DUPLICATE — Change Family” is set up to allow a view template override. If desired, you can set the new area scheme views to a specific view template.
You can edit the proposed new names from here, or you can select “Rename Views” to complete the process.

RESULTS: New area plan views that match the crop and 2d grid settings of the original views. You can also duplicate new area boundary lines during this process.

Copy to Phase with Ideate ViewCreator

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 18:10:10 GMT

This exercise walks through the steps required to create new demolition and new construction views based on existing floor and ceiling plan views. Before beginning this exercise, open the Revit Sample file called rac_advanced_sample_project.rvt. This file can typically be found at C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 20xx\Samples.

Moving an Old Project to Existing Phase

The following sample project includes all elements as part of the New Construction phase. We assume that the project has been built, and we now need to do some renovation work. Before making new views, we have to move the existing elements and views to the existing phase.

Here’s how:

On the “Manage” tab in Revit, select the “Phases” button
Select the 2nd phase, "New Construction." The select the option to Combine with>Previous button to change the "Phase Created" value for all elements to "Existing" and set all Views to have a Phase setting of “Existing.”

3. While in the Phasing dialog, select “Insert>After” to create a new phase and rename it "New Construction." Then hit “OK.”

Creating Multiple Demolition Plans

With all existing conditions part of the Existing phase, you can duplicate views to represent the demolition drawings.

Here’s how:

To edit the View setting to “Phase,” right-click in the Project Browser and select "Browser Organization." All views, except the drafting and rendering views, will be listed in the “Existing” folder.

2. From the Ideate Software tab, “Ideate ViewCreator”

3. Select “Duplicate Views” and then the built-in rule called "DUPLICATE – Phase."

4. Pick "Select Views."

5. Leave "Duplicate" as the type of duplication on the “Select Views to Duplicate” dialog.

6. Select the three floor plans and three ceiling plans as shown below and hit “Next.”

7. The selected rule, "DUPLICATE - Phase" will build view names based on the level, view type of the original view, and then suffixes with "- Demo." The phase and phase filter will match the original views unless modified. Edit the phase to "New Construction" and the phase filter to "Show Previous + Demo."

8. Hit the green button to create the demolition plans.

9. When prompted, select "Create more" to also create views to show the new construction .

Results : Six new views under the "New Construction" folder in the project browser

Creating Multiple New Construction Plans

When the above steps are complete, you should be on the Preview dialog with the same six existing floor plans selected. To create new construction plans:

Edit the value for “Phase Filter” to be "Show Previous + New."
Use Find and Replace to substitute "Demo" for "New" and select “Replace.”
Hit the green button to create the views. Select “Done.”

Tip: Make it easier to standardize phase-related view settings by using the Bonus Rule called "Phase - Demo" and "Phase - New" to hardwire your choices

Duplicating Floor Plans to Ceiling Plans

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 17:37:29 GMT

If you need to duplicate a set of Revit floor plans to ceiling plans, use Ideate ViewCreator , one of the tools in the IdeateApps collection. The new ceiling plans will match the floor plans’ crop/scope box and 2d grid conditions, and they will automatically be given logical view names.

Here’s How:

Launch Ideate ViewCreator
Select “Duplicate Method”
If it’s available, select “*DUPLICATE” or “DUPLICATE — Change Family,” a newer rule that aligns the view name with the ceiling type name
Use “Select Views.” Go to the next page.
Use “Duplicate to Other Family.” Pick one or more floor plans from one plan type.
Select “Next.” Pick the ceiling plan type to which you wish to duplicate.
OPTIONAL: “DUPLICATE — Change Family” is set up to allow a view template override. If desired, set the new ceiling plan views to a specific view template.
From here, you can edit the proposed new view names, or you can select “Rename Views” and complete the process.

RESULTS: New ceiling plan views matching the original views’ crop and 2d grid settings.

Meeting Status Report Requirements with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 01:22:56 GMT

Evolve Consultancy , a premier BIM consultancy in the UK, has been appointed Information Manager for a major project in Saudi Arabia. The deliverables include .rvt, .nwc, and .ifc formats, and the requirements include weekly progress reports to demonstrate development of the models throughout the design stages. With models issued at this frequency and the need to generate reports accurately and efficiently, Evolve Consultancy settled on a suite of tools including Ideate BIMLink and Excel to analyze the Autodesk Revit models.

The information requirements specified key performance indicators, including items such as the total number of elements in each model, the number of rooms, the number of elements correctly named and those with required COBie data assigned.

“Simplicity is the key. We need anyone to be able to produce and analyse these reports with a minimum of training, as quickly as possible. Ideate BIMLink gives us that ability,” said Joseph Frame, Associate, Evolve Consultancy.

The Process

The process of reporting starts with a custom link created in Ideate BIMLink to extract the necessary property values from the model.

Using the Properties tab, the required properties are selected in a similar manner to standard Revit Schedules. The selected properties are partially previewed at the bottom of the interface to show how the results will end up in Excel, allowing for efficient customization of the selected properties.

A plus point is that Ideate BIMLink allows properties from linked Revit models to be included, avoiding repetitive processes on multiple models.

In the image above, the Category tab lists the required Revit categories to be included in the export, and again, a preview of the total number of elements, parameters, and their values to export.

“Ideate BIMLink allows the selection of multiple Revit categories, including both system and loadable families into the scheduled export, something not possible with Autodesk Revit multi-category schedules,” said Francesco Pirritano, Consultant, Evolve Consultancy.

With the required properties and categories selected, the data is exported to Excel.

Reporting

Due to the previous spreadsheet being overwritten every time a new report is exported, the data is linked through to a separate summary spreadsheet. This spreadsheet uses formulae to calculate the number and percentage of elements against each key performance indicator.

The calculated values on the summary sheet are then copied to the final reporting spreadsheet to show the progression of how the models are developing over time.

The data is added to a running weekly report…

…And presented as a series of charts

With Ideate BIMLink, the team at Evolve Consultancy is able to verify the accuracy of their model data on a regular basis and meet their client’s requirements of weekly project status reports.
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Visit www.ideatesoftware.com for more information on how Ideate BIMLink and the other Ideate Software add-ins for Revit can help you save time while enhancing the quality of your models.

Ideate Software Tools Help DIALOG Focus on Collaborative Design and Planning Process

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 01:21:53 GMT

Founded in 1960 as an architecture and engineering studio in Calgary, Alberta Canada, Cohos Evamy expanded across the country as it expanded its service offerings. Today, under the name of DIALOG , it provides architecture, electrical engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, mechanical engineering, planning and urban design, and structural engineering services.

The firm changed its name from the founders’ names to DIALOG in 2010, because the new name represents their vision of bringing unique perspectives together, bridging traditional boundaries, and engaging clients and communities to effectively design and plan for an increasing complex world.

The multidisciplinary teams of DIALOG architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, and graphic artists follow an interactive planning and design process that has earned the firm recognition for outstanding contributions to the public realm and the design of cities, including three Awards of Excellence presented in 2020 by The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects:

Walterdale Bridge - Large-Scale Landscapes
Mechanized River Valley Access - Medium-Scale Landscapes
Community Wellbeing Framework - Research

DIALOG and Ideate Software

To help their multi-disciplinary teams leverage their diverse perspectives to tackle complex challenges together, DIALOG uses top technology tools, including all five Revit applications developed by Ideate Software.

When talking about Ideate Software products, Ross Salikhov, Technologist, Mechanical Engineering, said, “I mainly use Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Explorer , and both are a must for me as a serious Revit user.”

He continued, “Ideate BIMLink is irreplaceable for finding/reviewing/revising parameters. It has saved me days if not weeks of work. I use Ideate Explorer as a more sophisticated Revit filter, because the native Revit filter is very limited. Even my shortcut for it is FIL, suggesting that I treat it as a Revit filter.”

Browse the Ideate Software website for more information on how we can help streamline your Revit workflows.

HLW Architects Rave About Ideate Software's Revit Tools

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 22:56:12 GMT

HLW, a renowned architectural firm with a rich history of designing iconic buildings, highly recommends Ideate Software tools for their Revit workflows. Jeff Bailey, BIM Manager at HLW, praises the clean interface and innovative functionalities of Ideate's tools, emphasizing their pivotal role in integrating technology into architecture and design.

From leveraging Ideate Explorer to ensure model accuracy, to utilizing IdeateApps for enhanced visibility and efficient project setup, HLW maximizes the potential of these tools to streamline workflows and unleash innovative thinking. Jeff's strong endorsement reflects how Ideate Software empowers HLW to create exceptional spaces that elevate the user experience, making these tools a valuable asset for the entire architecture and design community.

Jacobs Turns to Ideate Software for a Solution to a Revit Challenge

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:46:29 GMT

In pursuit of a more efficient method to manage and track sheet revisions in Revit, Jacobs - a global professional services firm with over 77,000 employees - turned to Ideate Software for a solution. Paul Cook, a BIM and CAD Technician at Jacobs, identified a limitation within native Revit tools, namely, the inability to view sheet revision history within a schedule.

Leveraging his familiarity with Ideate Software, Paul explored the Document Issue Records (DIR) workflow outlined on Ideate's help pages. This approach enabled him to extract, review, and edit sheet revision data without using any Revit tools. By utilizing Ideate’s macro-enabled spreadsheet template, he also successfully generated a customized sheet schedule that included comprehensive revision history tailored to Jacobs’ specific project requirements.

This innovative use of Ideate Software not only streamlined the documentation process but also demonstrated the platform’s flexibility in supporting highly customized data workflows. Inspired by the results, Paul sees significant potential to further harness Ideate Software’s capabilities to develop additional tailored solutions across Jacobs’ operations.

Batch-Creating Revit Views with Ideate ViewCreator

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:01:05 GMT

In this 1 minute video, we showcase how to efficiently create multiple Revit views using Ideate ViewCreator. With this powerful tool, you can easily comply with company-established BIM standards while saving time and effort. Batch-create views based on smart rules, automate naming conventions and streamline your workflow in Revit.

Check out the IdeateApps suite of productivity solutions for Revit and experience the benefits of efficient view management.

Moving Views Between Sheets with Ideate SheetManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 23:20:43 GMT

Mastering the composition of Revit sheets and views has never been simpler or quicker. Say goodbye to the struggles of assigning views to sheets in Revit and embrace the efficiency and ease with Ideate SheetManager – part of the IdeateApps collection of productivity tools.

Get started today and experience a whole new level of Revit workflow.

Revolutionizing Design Efficiency: Engineering PLUS Harnesses Ideate Software Solutions

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 22:36:41 GMT

Engineering PLUS, a pioneering force in IT infrastructure, audio-visual solutions, physical security solutions, data center assessments, and smart building solutions since 1996, has been dedicated to providing detailed drawings that equip contractors with comprehensive insights for seamless project execution.

Miguel Granja, BIM Manager at Engineering PLUS, shares his journey of advocating for Ideate Software tools following his prior positive experiences with them. Emphasizing the impact of Ideate Software's offerings on daily operations, Miguel underscores the pivotal role these tools play in elevating design efficiency and delivering innovative technology design solutions. The collaboration between Engineering PLUS and Ideate Software stands as a testament to the commitment to excellence and technological advancement within the industry.

Ideate Software Proudly Sponsors the 2024 AIASF Design Technology Symposium

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 22:11:52 GMT

As a developer of Revit add-ins that support the AECO community, Ideate Software is pleased to help AIASF advance the architecture and design professions in the Bay Area by serving as a Gold Sponsor of the 2024 AIA Design Technology Symposium .

BIM
VR/AR
Generative Design
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
The Internet of Things

Representing Ideate Software at the event will be Business Development Managers Rahul Verma and Moe Kress.

Parkin Architects Exceeding Customer Expectations

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 21:31:00 GMT

Established in the 1940s, Parkin Architects is a well-known architectural leader in Canada for acute and mental healthcare, recreation, science, technology and research, justice, corrections, and education. Their architects, designers, and project managers have undertaken more than 2,000 projects in the last 10 years, and their design influence can be seen across Canada’s 10 provinces as well as Nunavut.

An Award-Winning Industry Leader

Creators of innovative solutions that positively impact lives, Parkin has won numerous awards and boasts a client list that that includes several relationships that started more than 40 years ago. Contributing to their long-term success are their outstanding teams, integrity, practical approach, global insight, and top-tier cost control.

“One way we build and retain trust with all our customers is by bringing efficiency to every aspect of every project,” said Oscar Ramos-Martinez, BIM Manager, Parkin. “This starts with commitment from our directors and principals, and it carries through hiring top talent and providing them with the latest tools.”

IdeateApps – Here are just three examples of how the Parkin team uses the many tools that come in this collection:

Ideate ReNumber – The Parkin team reduces the time spent on door coordination by using Ideate ReNumber to easily apply room numbers to doors.
Ideate ViewCreator – “We use Ideate ViewCreator to manually create views using the scope box in Revit, which was difficult to use,” said Oscar. “The process is easy and accurate with Ideate ViewCreator.”
Ideate Align – “Aligning views in Revit is possible, but risky because people can accidentally move them,” said Oscar. “Now, as we are preparing documents for submission, we simply run Ideate Align and the alignments are perfect.”

“Delivering as promised is critical, and Ideate Software helps us do that,” said Oscar. “ Their products address challenges we face, and they are easy to learn and use. When we have questions, we know we can find demonstration videos on the Ideate Software website or in Eagle Point Software’s Pinnacle Series , which houses a lot of their training material”

Images:

Top: Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Architect: Parkin Architects Limited and Adamson Associates in Joint Venture. Photographer: Studio Shai Gil

Middle: Joseph Brant Hospital. Architect: Parkin Architects Limited and Adamson Associates in Joint Venture. Photographer: Studio Shai Gil

Bottom: Providence Care Hospital. Architect: Parkin Architects Limited and Adamson Associates in Joint Venture. Photographer: Studio Shai Gil

Saving Time and Increasing Accuracy with Ideate Software Applications

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 22:43:29 GMT

Modulus Consulting, a renowned service provider in the field of building information modeling (BIM), shares their experience with Ideate Software applications. Managing Principal Peter Michealsen highlights the essential role of Ideate BIMLink in simplifying project data viewing and editing, enabling quality control workflows that were previously unattainable. Additionally, the expansion to include Ideate Explorer and Ideate Apps has further enhanced operational efficiencies, allowing the team to streamline tasks such as selecting hidden objects and managing model content at scale.

This collaboration between Modulus Consulting and Ideate Software symbolizes a commitment to advancing BIM services and solutions within the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) community, ultimately elevating design and project outcomes.

Spotlight on Beyer Blinder Belle

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:23:26 GMT

Beyer Blinder Belle Customizes Ideate Software Solutions to Meet Their Specific Needs

Founded more than 50 years ago with a focus on residential construction, today Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners (BBB) is a multifaceted, award-winning firm with offices in New York City, Washington DC, and Boston. Best recognized for their architectural work on historic buildings, BBB’s other specialty areas include civic, commercial, cultural, education, government, hospitality, interiors, planning, urban design, and multi-family residential.

Ten years ago, BBB adopted Revit as a BIM authoring platform. Around the same time, BBB also established a Design and Construction Technology (DCT) group to support digital practice, increase efficiency, and provide in-house software training. “We equip our architects and designers with resources that empower them, so they can focus their creative skills on creating contemporary designs that reflect appropriate historic, cultural, and civic context,” said Nicholas Wright, Director of DCT at BBB.

BBB and Ideate Software

Ideate Software was initially introduced to DCT by a staff member who spoke highly of Ideate Software products. On their recommendation, BBB reached out to learn more. “To get to know the software, we started with Ideate Sticky,” said Matthew Breau, Design Technology Specialist at BBB. “We were impressed that it did just was it was supposed to do, and it was easy to learn and use. We added another Ideate Software product, then another. We now subscribe to the entire Ideate suite and encourage all designers at BBB to leverage those offerings in their day-to-day work.”

Since the release of Ideate Automation 2.0 in the summer of 2022, BBB has been leveraging it to centralize weekly tasks that were previously performed by individual teams. Using Ideate Automation, DCT runs these tasks overnight, which allows teams to reclaim valuable time during business hours. “We started looking into the available features in Ideate Automation and how we could get the software to run automatically and export data to a format that would be really useful to the team. For BBB, that initially included weekly DWG exports for coordination issuances to consultants and weekly PDF sets run as check sets or to accompany drawings to consultants,” said Matthew.

Customizing Ideate Software Tools to Address Unique Needs

At the beginning of 2023, BBB decided to explore additional use cases for Ideate Automation and to customize several of the scripts that ship with Ideate Automation. “These customizations have helped us double down on our commitment to building our designers’ knowledge of best practices, supporting firmwide BIM standards, and proactive monitoring of model health,” said Nicholas.

Here are three ways BBB has customized Ideate Software tools to meet their needs:

Structuring PDFs to Meet Teams’ Requests – As DCT began offering overnight PDF exports to teams across the company, they heard that overwhelmingly people preferred to get one PDF per type of drawing series (e.g., one for architectural drawings, one for demolition drawings, and one for landscape drawings). “Although Ideate Automation does not come with a script that can structure PDFs in that particular way, it comes with a lot of editable examples. We were able to study the many scripts as references and then we pulled in the pieces we needed and created a hybrid script that performs perfectly,” said Matthew.

Model Health Reports – DCT developed a firm-standard model health dashboard by customizing several of the Data Export scripts that ship with Ideate Software tools. The exported data includes information about file-open times, model-in-place families, component family size and naming conventions, view organization, and model warnings. This allows DCT to have deep insight into teams’ models at a glance and to provide proactive assistance and feedback.

“Because we have fully automated the extraction and reporting process, it gives us more time to focus on actually supporting project teams. We have more time for things like tailored trainings and can achieve a regular cadence of check-ins to create more of a focused opportunity around model health,” said Nicholas.

Scaling Overnight Automations – To fully integrate Ideate Automation into BBB’s data-centered processes, BBB developed a workflow using Microsoft Power Automate to capture front-end Ideate Automation command line arguments and send them to the backend to run on a specific schedule. This allows for additional tasks to happen before or after Ideate Automation’s data export, beyond the Revit environment. “It is incredible how well Ideate Automation integrates into a larger automation pipeline. The flexibility of Ideate Automation’s task engine and its ability to work independently of the front-end UI is a huge plus for us,” said Matthew.

Support that Goes Above and Beyond

When Beyer Blinder Belle has questions about an existing workflow or needs to build a new one, Matthew reaches out to the Ideate Software support and/or development team. “I can’t say enough about how helpful the Ideate Software team has been to us. Everyone I have spoken to has been willing to dig into understanding my questions and responding insightfully. They don’t just come back with ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers,” said Matthew.

“For tasks not currently possible in their solutions, they have a real curiosity about what we're trying to do and why, and they help us customize scripts to meet our needs. Often, we see that our questions and suggestions are addressed in future releases, which demonstrates Ideate Software’s desire to create solutions to real-world challenges,” Nicholas continued.

“We are so appreciative of how much time and attention they spend on making sure the tools, whether out-of-the-box or with customizations, do what we need.”

Most Viewed Help Files in 2023

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:43:59 GMT

Customers often comment on how easy we make it for them to download, learn, and use our software. This blog post makes looking up the answers to common workflow questions even easier!

Throughout 2023, we tracked the number of visits to each of our Help file pages. Below are the top Help pages sorted by product. You can bookmark this page, or simply search for “Most Viewed Help Files” for quick access to the content.

For added convenience, we included links to other popular pages at the bottom.

Top Help Files in 2023

IDEATE BIMLINK

Manage Revit Sheet-based Revisions

Manage Duplicate Type Marks

Revit Schedule Import Results

IDEATE STICKY

Known Issues

Editing in Revit

Errors and Warning Messages

IDEATEAPPS

Duplicate Floor Plans to Ceiling Plans with Ideate ViewCreator

Annotation Crop using Ideate XRay

Number Parking Along a Path in Revit with Ideate ReNumber

IDEATE STYLEMANAGER

Delete Imported Object Styles

Clean Up Title Blocks

Other Frequently Viewed Pages

Have a question about a different workflow? Chances are the answer is on our website . You can also contact our Support team .

IdeateApps for Revit Updated with New Workflows and Improvements

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:41:47 GMT

Press Release: San Francisco, CA, January 11, 2024

Customers of Ideate Software will be pleased to learn that IdeateApps has been updated to include more customer-requested features as well as some fixes and improvements.

“The recent updates include several new workflows related to Ideate Annotate , the 10th tool added to the IdeateApps collection that streamline common Revit processes,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development, Ideate Software. “Subscribers automatically get the updates at no additional cost.”

New Workflows

Ideate Annotate
Added customizable display filter
Increased speed of review process
Added Ideate Query
Fixed bug related to tags with two calculated parameters that reference each other
Ideate ViewCreator
Improved elevation crop size for duplicate level or thick floor conditions
Fixed bug in the Room View method related to room names with colons
Improved handling of text casing within the Room View method
Added support for sequenced letters/numbers for elevation views within the Room View method

Subscribers can get the latest version of IdeateApps from the Download page . Non-subscribers can learn more on the Ideate Software website and download a free 30-day trial .

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About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They
developed Ideate Automation as a scripting solution to easily automate repetitive Revit and Ideate Software tasks for consistent and repeatable results.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

What are BIM tools?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:43:06 GMT

Everyone at Ideate Software is obsessed with building information modeling (BIM). The ability to create and manage a digital model of a building and all its elements, from large complex HVAC systems to the direction a door swings is not only fascinating, but BIM has also transformed the building design and construction industries. We love being a part of that transformation.

Benefits of BIM

BIM is a process that supports the creation and management of information across the lifecycle of a building or structure.

Better collaboration. People in disciplines that once mainly worked independently now collaborate regularly, providing insights based on their experiences, sharing model updates, coordinating activities, verifying accuracy, and more. With everyone working together toward the same goal, many problems are avoided, and projects run more smoothly.
Improved win rates . By providing an impressive visual experience during the proposal stage, companies demonstrate their understanding of the project, how they plan to help the prospective client achieve their goals, and their ability to accurately estimate timing and costs.
Enhanced client relations . Using BIM throughout the building process keeps clients informed of how the building will look, how it fits into the existing environment, and how employees and visitors will interact with it. Design changes can be implemented quickly and communicated efficiently to all involved, reducing the chance of miscommunications and errors.
Reduced on-site changes . By verifying design efficacy in the model and performing clash detections, fewer changes are needed at the construction site. This brings projects to a close faster and for less cost. Also, BIM can greatly reduce the chance of rework caused by teams working with different versions of the plans, ordering the wrong material, or incorrectly scheduling deliveries or work crews.
Efficient building maintenance and updates . An accurate model of a building streamlines the process of handling emergencies, such as clogged drains or stalled elevators, or long-term projects such as reorganizing workstations, conference rooms and touchdown sites to accommodate more or fewer employees.
Better choices, not guesses . An accurate digital model allows the designer to test different layouts for optimum energy consumption, review code compliance, and explore multiple design schemes or scenarios, and be able to know the building design is the best solution for the specified input criteria. It’s no longer a guess at which design is the best for the thousands of input specifications. Instead, designers can say with confidence that the building meets the design criteria and choices were made based on empirical data.

What are BIM tools?

Several BIM tools have been built to help companies capitalize on the advantages of BIM through design, simulation, visualization and collaboration.

Autodesk is a leading developer of BIM tools, including:

Revit – One of the most popular BIM authoring tools in the industry. It is used by architects, designers, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) specialists, contractors and more.
Navisworks – The main difference between the Navisworks BIM tool and Revit is that Navisworks is more of a project review solution for AEC professionals rather than an authoring tool such as the Revit BIM tool . It also works with other Autodesk 3D solutions to open, combine, review and navigate through models.
BIM 360/Autodesk Construction Cloud – This cloud-based software unifies different processes of design, project and construction into one single process, avoiding delays by providing disparate teams access to relevant data.
Civil 3D – Focused on developing civil engineering more accurately, this software also offers some BIM-related features and workflows.

Ideate Software’s BIM Tools for Revit

While Autodesk Revit software is a powerful tool, some of its workflows are a bit unrefined, time consuming, or maybe even non-existent. Ideate Software was founded to address these workflow gaps and increase Revit productivity. Our experienced software engineers develop BIM tools for Revit workflows for companies in building design, engineering, construction and facilities management industries. By automating workflows that they perform over and over again as well as creating tools that fill gaps in Revit software workflows, our Revit BIM tools help users at large and small companies around the world get the most out of the software.

Why do we develop Revit BIM Tools?

We love BIM, we love Revit and we love making them better!

How do we do it?

Another critical way we stay connected to the Revit community is through our beta testing program. By asking people who use Revit and our Revit BIM tools for feature requests, running our early ideas by them, and involving them in rigorous testing, we ensure our solutions, whether new or enhancements, are wanted and work as expected.

Ideate Software’s BIM Tools for Revit Users

In 2008, we launched our first BIM tool for Revit , Ideate Explorer. Since that time, we have made significant enhancements to Ideate Explorer and launched/improved four more tools that solve persistent problems in Revit workflows. Here’s a quick overview of each of our five tools:

Ideate BIMLink – Verifying or updating massive amounts of data in Revit is tedious, time consuming and frustrating. Every time you think you’re done, you realize that you missed something! Ideate BIMLink eliminates this problem by enabling you to move data from Revit into Excel, where you can use its powerful functions to quickly check, correct or change data. When you move the data back to Revit, your model automatically updates and everything is correct. Tasks that used to take hours now take just minutes.
Ideate Explorer – We developed Ideate Explorer to improve the browser within Revit, which is simply a project browser. Ideate Explorer is a model browser, which means you can easily search for and find hidden problem items including DWG imports or links, navigate through view-based elements within Revit, search on parameters such as elements assigned a certain size, and even review and manage Revit warnings.
Ideate Sticky – How can you elegantly share non-BIM data associated with Revit projects with the entire team? Use Ideate Sticky! Use it to link data from Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and PDF documents into your Revit projects, ensuring everyone has the correct information at their fingertips at all times.
Ideate StyleManager – Copying/pasting data is a fast way to reuse information, but the process comes with challenges. Style information associated with the data often tags along, creating a mess that can cause publishing errors and end-user confusion. With Ideate StyleManager, this is never a problem, because it’s easy to analyze, delete or merge non-standard styles.
IdeateApps – This collection of nine tools streamlines tasks identified by Revit users as tedious, time consuming and error prone. By automating these common tasks, IdeateApps improves the quality of Revit models and frees the users’ time to do more interesting and valuable activities.

Visit our website to learn more about our Revit BIM Tools. When you’re ready to take the next step, contact us , get 30-day trial versions , or choose the subscription option that best meets your needs.

Spotlight on WRNS Studio

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 20:55:21 GMT

Maintaining a Clean, Powerful Model Database

WRNS Studio is a 90-person award-winning architecture firm with offices in San Francisco and Honolulu, recognized for its commitment to sustainability, breadth of project types and design excellence. Key projects include Adobe's new campus in Utah, a translational research campus for Stanford and several community centers for the Trust for Public Land. WRNS uses Autodesk Revit and Ideate Explorer for Revit to maintain a clean, powerful model database, and to make speedy global changes.

Choosing to Simultaneously Update Revit and Ideate Explorer

Quickly Find and Clean Elements

The WRNS designers need to make global changes to their designs fairly frequently within the course of a project, because design is about iteration. For the designers, Autodesk Revit provides a powerful spatial database, and Ideate gives them the tools to access all of that data.

“We are pretty much 100% Revit-oriented in most phases of design from concept to construction documentation. Revit allows us to model in a way that provides critical project data and quantities. Ideate Explorer kicks it up to the next level of accessibility to Revit data, so we can get what we need,” says Halaby.

“You can hardly compare time savings now with how we did things before, because there are things you simply cannot do without Ideate Explorer,” says Halaby. “For example, we need to find and purge line styles that are not up to our office standards. There’s no way to do that with Revit out of the box. We regularly use Ideate Explorer when cleaning up a model; it’s as simple and easy as opening up Ideate Explorer, selecting what we don’t want, then changing or deleting those elements.”

Select Specific Types Within a Category

“Ideate Explorer can select specific types within a category. This makes it an incredibly powerful tool. We were working with curtain panels just the other day. In our curtain wall object there are hundreds of individual panels. They may have clear glass, metal, spandrels, all within the same system. I knew I wanted to change our spandrel panels without selecting the clear glass. Without Ideate Explorer I would have had to go through our panels one by one, picking the ones I wanted to change."

Conclusion

WRNS Studio cares deeply about the quality of their models. Patrick Krzyzosiak is Director of VDC/BIM Services at Rudolph and Sletten Construction Company, a contract partner with WRNS on the recent University of California San Francisco's Mission Hall project. "WRNS' quality modeling was innovative and helpful to our pre-construction and construction teams," says Krzyzosiak. "Our BIM-integrated solutions relied heavily on the quality of WRNS' Revit models for reducing risks and enhancing communications during pre-construction. In addition, the quality modeling optimized the BIM collaboration process between various team members, eased the comparison of various design alternatives, and greatly improved the decision-making process.”

“We try to bring added value to the project through quality control," says Halaby. "We get frequent comments from contractors about how well organized the models are, and we take pride in that. Ideate Explorer has become an essential tool for getting the quality that we want.”

About Ideate Software

Effortless Tagging with Ideate Annotate

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 18:54:05 GMT

We've recently upgraded IdeateApps, introducing new functionalities to Ideate Annotate. This tool ensures the legibility of tags, text, dimensions, and other annotative elements.

These enhancements include the ability to:

Intelligently batch-add tags with customizable rules such as only tag rooms greater than a certain area
Control tag locations relative to the tagged element as a default or override
Tag the active view or all open views

Scaling Ideate Automation in Your Organization

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 21:31:43 GMT

In the fast-paced world of business, staying ahead requires innovative thinking and efficient processes.

Ideate Automation has emerged as a powerful tool to streamline workflows and boost productivity across an organization.

Ensuring a Successful Implementation at Your Company

Scaling and managing Ideate Automation effectively can be a game changer for your company. In this blog post, we explore key tips to help you navigate the challenges and ensure a successful implementation across your entire organization.

Tips for Scaling Ideate Automation:

Start with a Clear Vision and Strategy: Before diving into Ideate Automation, define your goals and expectations. Understand the specific pain points you aim to address and how Ideate Automation can enhance your workflows. A clear vision will guide your implementation strategy and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Example: You have a list of models that need the same task performed, such as Model Health Checks or weekly PDF Exports. You can utilize our “Use File List” to perform the same task on the same list of models. Use Task “AUT-Generate_Revit_File_List” to generate a file list based on selected Revit files. The resulting .txt file can be used by other scripts that use the File List option. This enables you to reuse and update the same .txt list for other tasks.

Example: Some of your Revit models are big, and processing all the data is a time-intensive task for your machine. Keep your Workset naming consistent across your organization. Worksets are important when working in the Revit model as well as when running an Automated Task. What are Worksets? They are a portion of the file that can be opened and closed and managed independently to utilize less of your computer resources when you’re running a task. Run “AUT_Get_File_Data” and define your Workset conditions before running a task.

Example: You need regular exports to PDF/DWG/NWC, but the Revit Sheet Sets are different every time, and they’re difficult to manage as Revit Sheet Set are static! We have the solution for you! Utilize our Dynamic publishing methods that utilizes Ideate BIMLink to generate a Dynamic Sheet Set via parameter value on the fly without altering your model.

2. Prioritize Processes for Ideate Automation: Prioritize tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming, and prone to human error. Start with smaller, manageable processes to build confidence and gradually scale up to more complex workflows. While you are prioritizing tasks, review the time it takes to run a task and when it should run given the amount of information that needs to be processed.

Example: You are running tasks on 100 models. Should these tasks be run at the same time? Keep in mind if task is triggered on these models, they will all get triggered based on their scheduled time. You should give some thought to staggering these tasks to allow your machine to run this effort. We recommend running tasks after hours and on weekends. Please review our Performance Tips that will ensure your Ideate Automation tasks are executed with speed and reliability to support your Revit workflows.

3. Identify Ideate Automation Champions: Identify and nurture champions within your organization. These individuals can act as advocates, driving enthusiasm and adoption of Ideate Automation initiatives among their peers. They can also be the ones that build tasks and monitor progress and ensure teams know that some of these tasks are automated for their specific projects and proper setup is in place. Working closely with someone in that project is helpful in setting up these tasks during project setup or when Ideate Automation adoption is taking place for this specific project.

Example: Letting the team know that their model is being published regularly to BIM 360/ACC that aligns with their BIM execution plan, or that their PDF exports are being uploaded automatically weekly to BIM 360/ACC for submissions.

4. Training and Support: Our website contains extensive Help files, getting started guides , product documentation, workflow blogs posts, and educational videos. Empower your team with the skills needed to leverage Ideate Automation tools effectively.

We also have an exceptional technical team that is always available and ready to help and troubleshoot issues that come up on any tasks. Email: support@ideatesoftware.com .

Training programs and workshops can help bridge knowledge gaps and ensure that employees feel confident using Ideate Automation tools in their daily tasks. Contact your Ideate Software account manager for questions related to training: sales@ideatesoftware.com .

How can you share scripts across machines?

Execute a task on a local machine to verify smooth operation, schedule it, and then export the scheduled .xml task and import it for execution on a different machine.

2. You can reconstitute a script task when retrieving the log file. Go to line: “Command Line Input” in the log and copy everything starting from -t until the next timestamp item. Then you’re able to “Import Command” to review the variables within the Ideate Automation UI. Then proceed to running the task ad hoc or schedule it.

Check out this link on more information on task sharing and reconstitution.

Successfully scaling and managing Ideate Automation across your organization requires strategic thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By starting with a clear vision, involving diverse teams and investing in the right tools and training, you can harness the full potential of Ideate Automation to drive efficiency, innovation, and long-term success. With these specific tips, your journey to organizational efficiency through Ideate Automation becomes not just a goal but a reality with measurable and sustainable outcomes.

Beyer Blinder Belle Customizes Ideate Software Solutions to Meet Their Specific Needs

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:51:52 GMT

Press Release: San Francisco, CA, January 24, 2024

On the recommendation of a staff member who spoke highly of Ideate Software, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners (BBB) reached out to learn more about the Autodesk® Revit® software add-ins developed by Ideate Software, an Autodesk Authorized Developer and member of the Autodesk Developer Network.

“To get to know the software, we started with Ideate Sticky,” said Matthew Breau, Design Technology Specialist at BBB. “We were impressed that it did just what it was supposed to do, and it was easy to learn and use. We added another Ideate Software product, then another. We now subscribe to the entire Ideate suite and encourage all designers at BBB to leverage those offerings in their day-to-day work.”

In 2022, BBB added Ideate Automation to their toolkit, and in 2023, they started to explore ways to customize several of the scripts that ship with the software to meet their specific needs. When discussing these customizations, Matthew mentioned:

Structuring PDF Exports to Meet Teams’ Requests – People from various teams across BBB requested one PDF per type of drawing series. “ Although Ideate Automation does not come with a script that can structure PDFs in that particular way, it comes with a lot of editable examples. We were able to study the many scripts as references and then we pulled in the pieces we needed and created a hybrid script that performs perfectly,” said Matthew.
Model Health Reports – BBB developed a firm-standard model health dashboard by customizing several of the Data Export scripts that ship with Ideate Software tools. The exported data includes information about file-open times, model-in-place families, component family size and naming conventions, view organization, and model warnings.

Scaling Overnight Automations – To fully integrate Ideate Automation into BBB’s data-centered processes, BBB developed a workflow using Microsoft Power Automate to capture front-end Ideate Automation command line arguments and send them to the backend to run on a specific schedule. This allows for additional tasks to happen before or after Ideate Automation’s data export, beyond the Revit environment. “The flexibility of Ideate Automation’s task engine and its ability to work independently of the front-end UI is a huge plus for us,” said Matthew.

Read Spotlight on BBB for more information.

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , Ideate Sticky , IdeateApps , and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation as a scripting solution to easily automate repetitive Revit and Ideate Software tasks for consistent and repeatable results.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries

2023 – Another Year of Successfully Serving the BIM Community

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 18:17:09 GMT

2023 was an exciting year for us!

We:

Once again achieved our goal of quickly aligning our solutions with the latest and three previous versions of Revit
Met with thousands of BIM enthusiasts in person and virtually
Introduced dozens of new features and updates that deliver even more value to subscribers.

Be sure you are taking advantage of all the hard work we completed in 2023 by visiting this page for the latest Ideate Software solutions!

Ideate Automation Takes the Spotlight!

We highlight details within our 2023 activities below, but we just have to start with the super-star of the year, Ideate Automation .

Many More Enhancements

Online Training & Presentations

Our webinars continue to be a favorite learning method for customers. This year we hit an all-time high of 1,500 registrants! We posted links to recordings under the Events tab in our blog posts .

We continued our Training blog post and Support blog post series in 2023 with dozens of tips on getting the most out of Ideate Software solutions.

Our support team fielded hundreds of questions regarding everything from installation to new feature requests, and almost everything in-between.

Globetrotting

Our team discussed BIM challenges and Ideate Software solutions at many in-person events:

England
Women in BIM
NXT BLD
Revit Data Management Insights Group
Digital Construction Week

France
BIM World Paris

Germany
BIM World Munich

Ireland
BIM Coordinators Summit

Singapore
Build Tech Asia

Switzerland
BIM Day GVA

United States
Autodesk University
Lunch and Learn in San Francisco
Digital Built Week - Americas
San Francisco City Tour
San Francisco AIA Conference
2023 AIA San Francisco Design Awards
NYC City Tour

In Good Company

We were honored that the following customers took time out of their busy schedules to share how our products help them achieve their goals.

Stronger Social Media Presence

We upped our social media game to get the attention of more customers and potential customers.

New videos on YouTube

Now on Instagram

Fun and valuable prizes!

Spotify Wrapped campaign

Thank you!

As we close out the year, we thank Ideate Software employees, customers, consultants, partners, and others who helped us achieve our 2023 goals. We look forward to 2024 being another year of collaboration, innovation, and success.

Stay current on all our activities in 2024 by following us on X/Twitter, LinkedIn , Facebook , YouTube , and Instagram .

Autodesk Revit Addons: Discover New Ways to Use Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 22:54:03 GMT

Architects, designers, engineers, and others around the world use Autodesk Revit software to design amazing structures. Explore sample Revit projects on the Autodesk Website to see some working models.

Samples on the website include:

Three Architecture files – one basic, one advance, and one DACH
Three Structure files – one basic, one advanced, and one technical school
Two Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) files – one basic and one advance
Snowdon Towers – Read about how Ideate StyleManager was used in the development of this sample file

This sample file showcases many commonly used Revit features, including:

Architectural, Structural, and MEP models with detail typical in early construction documents
A site model incorporating Civil design completed in Autodesk Civil 3D software
Landscape Architectural design
Commercial kitchen design
The most standard Architecture, Structure, and MEP toolsets
A point cloud file that was the basis for the façades model
Phasing in the façades model that differentiates the existing to remain and demolition of the building elements from the point cloud
Custom fill patterns in the façades model that represent historical bricks in the existing buildings
New Construction phase that includes all work in the architectural, structural, and MEP models
Level 1 set-up that involves three view ranges and the Plan Regions
Three egress stairs and two elevators
Groups used for repeating items
Design options
Customized floor shapes
Solar panels that incorporate custom tapered wall types and a sloped curtain wall type
Incorporated toposolids
Additional views to showcase Revit software’s documentation features
Custom view types and view templates to ensure graphical setting consistency
All view types: Plans, Ceiling plans, Sections, Elevations, Callouts, Details, 3D Views, and a Walkthrough
Area Plans
Many “Working” views
A Variety of Schedules
A complete set of sheets

Now that you are inspired, want to learn how you can spend more of your time on the exciting design activities possible with Revit and less time on tedious tasks or dealing with poorly performing models?

Work Faster in Revit by Adding Ideate Software Applications to your Toolset

Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps are our Autodesk Revit addins that solve persistent problems in AECO workflows.

Ideate Automation is the newest tool in our suite. It is a scripting solution that easily automates repetitive Revit and Ideate Software tasks to deliver consistent and repeatable results.

Here are some highlights of how these applications will help you reduce the time you spend on model management, so you can discover more ways to use Revit.

Ideate Explorer – Do you spend too much time searching for elements in your Revit model? You are not alone. It’s a common challenge, because Revit comes with a project browser, not a model browser. Ideate Explorer is a model browser that makes it fast and easy to find and delete incorrect, obsolete, and hidden problem items—including imported or linked DWG drawings. You can also find, refine, and revise elements that aren’t in the Revit project browser.

The following four features included with Ideate Explorer will reduce the time you spend searching even more:

Ideate Query – Search in parameters for elements like unused annotations, design options, in-place usage, structure usage/area scheme, and revisions
Ideate Filters - Filter model elements quickly based on your specified parametric conditions
Ideate Warnings Manager – Audit warnings ranked by importance; fix problems with Revit tools while the Ideate Warnings Manager dialog box is open
Ideate Navigate – Navigate view-based elements; find unused sheets and views; find and filter legends, schedules, sheets, or views by category and/or keyword; customize work environments without changing the project browser

Ideate BIMLink – Do changes that require model updates make you cringe because you know you’ll need to spend hours changing elements one at a time? Use Ideate BIMLink instead. With this powerful Revit addin, you can export data from your Revit model into an Excel file, where you can easily view and manipulate large amounts of data. After updating the data, you simply use Ideate BIMLink to import the data back into Revit, and the model will automatically update.

Ideate Sticky – Is it difficult to communicate critical project details with team members in various locations? Do miscommunications create errors or delays? These are not problems with Ideate Sticky. Use it to live-link Excel, Word, and PDF documents into a Revit model. These “stickies” look nice, are easy to read, and can be updated easily when changes are made to the original source documents.

Ideate StyleManager – Do unused styles clog up your Revit models, cause them to perform poorly, and create documentation errors? That’s because it’s easy to accidentally bring unneeded styles into a model when pasting needed information. With Ideate StyleManager, you can easily analyze, merge, or delete non-standard Revit styles, and you can see the view filters applied to views and clean object and line styles and patterns, text, fonts, parameters, and more.

IdeateApps – So many Revit tasks are repetitive. They take a lot of time, are boring to do, and open the door to errors. The 10 tools that come in the IdeateApps collection tackle the repetitive tasks performed by Revit users most often: Ideate SpellCheck , Ideate Align , Ideate Clone , Ideate ViewCreator , Ideate SheetManager , Ideate Annotate , Ideate XRay , Ideate ReNumber , Ideate SmartDelete , and Ideate QuickSelect .

Ideate Automation – You and your staff will have more time for interesting, meaningful work when Ideate Automation runs time-intensive BIM tasks silently in the background. You can start a script manually or schedule it to run at a convenient time, like during non-working hours or when you are occupied in a meeting or on a call. Here’s a new video we created with a short, technical overview of Ideate Automation:

Export Revit to Excel

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:05:23 GMT

To export the data specified within the selected link definition to Excel, simply utilize the Export button in Ideate BIMLink as demonstrated.

Take a moment to examine the Export file options provided below.

Export to Excel

Once you've clicked the Export button in the main dialog of Ideate BIMLink, you can choose a new or existing Excel spreadsheet file to receive the exported Revit properties.

If you select a new file name, Ideate BIMLink will generate a new Excel file with a single worksheet bearing the same name as the link. If you opt for an existing file name, you'll have the choice to either insert a new worksheet or overwrite an existing one. For more detailed instructions, refer to the Exporting to an Existing File section.

The default file format is .xlsx, but macro-enabled files (.xlsm) and .xls are also compatible. The macro-enabled option is utilized in various workflows outlined in the How To section of the help file, such as the Document Issuance Record workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recorded Webinar: Dynamically Export DWG, PDF, and NWC files with Ideate Automation and Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 23:35:42 GMT

Our latest enhancements to Ideate Automation are creating quite a buzz throughout the AECO community!

During this 30-minute webinar , we demonstrate how to use this desktop solution to create PDF, DWG, and NWC* exports from Revit files using Sheet list definitions from Ideate BIMLink by:

Creating a custom sheet list with Ideate BIMLink
Saving an Ideate BIMLink link definition outside of the Revit file for use by Ideate Automation
Dynamically controlling sheet export lists for DWG, PDF, and NWC via Ideate Automation + Ideate BIMLink
Scheduling the batch export of these file types with Ideate Automation to run off-hours to maximize computer efficiency

We also provide some highlights on how to further transform your Revit workflows by using Ideate Automation with other Ideate Software solutions.

*Ideate Automation can also export data from Revit to IFC files, but because the process doesn’t use Sheets, we don’t cover it in this webinar. To learn more about exporting data to IFC files, read this Help file.

Browse our website t o learn more about our productivity-enhancing tools.

Dynamically Export with Ideate Automation and Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 17:27:09 GMT

During this webinar we showcase how Revit sheet sets can be difficult to manage because they are not rule-based. It’s easy to identify which sheets should be included in a PDF export when there are only 10 sheets in your list, but in the real world, this is hard to manage with potentially hundreds of sheets. With Ideate Automation plus Ideate BIMLink, you can create a dynamic list of sheets based on built-in or custom Revit and Ideate BIMLink properties, and then use that list to automatically generate combined or individual PDF files. This same dynamic sheet list idea can also be applied to the Ideate Automation task to batch export to DWG and NWC file format. Ideate BIMLink.

Team Delighted by Interest in Ideate Software Products at BIM World Munich

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:05:36 GMT

For the last couple of years, Ideate Software has increased its efforts to serve and connect with the BIM community in Germany.

The number of existing customers and interested parties at our booth and presentation at BIM World Munich showed that our efforts are paying off!

We sincerely thank Markus Hiermer from Maxcad for his instrumental help throughout the process, including being at the booth to communicate the Ideate Software proposition clearly and effectively to the German-speaking audience.

While BIM World Munich attendees were impressed with all our products, the one they asked about most often was Ideate Automation , which got a major overhaul earlier this year. Steve, Nick, and Marcus showed many people how to schedule Ideate Automation to run time-intensive BIM tasks, including:

Opening large Revit files
Running Revit “audit and compact” process to maintain file size
Exporting data from Revit into PDF, DWG, NCW, and IFC files
Publish files to Autodesk BIM 360 as often as daily

Browse our website for more information on our Revit addins and check out our Events page for more opportunities to connect with our team in person and virtually.

A Few Photos from the Event

Ideate Explorer ROI Calculator

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:33:09 GMT

Ideate BIMLink ROI Calculator

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:27:27 GMT

Ideate Software Connects with Customers, Beta Testers, Partners, and More at AU 2023

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 18:35:15 GMT

“I have to say, this year’s event was the best AU I have been to over my long career of attending and exhibiting at these shows,” said Ideate Software President Bob Palioca, who attended his first AU in 1986.

There were two significant differences between this year’s conference and prior ones: 1) We increased the number of workstations at our booth from two to five, and 2) We had a large group of team members there from leadership, software development, support, customer success, sales, and marketing. In addition to the Ideate Software professionals, Ideate Software advocates Brian Mackey , owner of BD Mackey Design, and Sash Kazeminejad , project manager at Annex Architecture and former customer success manager at Ideate Software, were also at our booth.

The extensive resources enabled us to devote more time to individuals, demo our products in more depth, and even help customers with specific workflow issues they were facing.

As always, our main purpose in attending AU was to show our customers how much we appreciated them. We did that this year through several ways, including:

Delicious Latin food at Chica in The Venetian
A digital photo booth where many customers took pictures of their teams and with Ideate Software personnel
Fun swag, including Ideate Software socks that were a huge hit

4. A drawing for a box of Recchiuti Gourmet Chocolates, a true San Francisco treat

In addition to connecting with the AECO community, visiting with many of our 350 beta testers, and attending learning sessions:

Ideate Software hosted the Women in BIM event and provided space for the organization to hold meetings with current and prospective mentors
Our leaders saw what our partner Modulus Consulting is doing with autonomous scanning and reality capture
Nivin Nabeel, our North America Customer Success Manager, led a well-received session called, “Clone Yourself and Save Time on Repetitive Revit Tasks”

We are all back to work and reviewing our notes for opportunities to continue delighting our customers with outstanding BIM tools that save users time and improve the quality of their Revit models.

Fun Memories

Revit Version 2024.2 and the Schema Errors

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:39:18 GMT

Autodesk released Revit version 2024.2 in November.

The purpose of this blog is to:

Communicate about that release relative to the Schema issue, which is the theme of our earlier posts on that topic.
Share new information about how to fix Ideate Software-related schema problems

Version 2024.2

Frankly, I’m confused about this 2024.2 release. The release notes here indicate a 8 November release date but my Autodesk Access tool indicates a 26 November release date. There are two important things I want our Ideate Software customers to know about the Revit 2024.2 release:

Revit version 2024.2 does not fix any schema errors that were caused by versions 2024.0 or 2024.1.0. Revit Version 2024.1.1 is the important version related to schema (so far) because it prevents new conditions from occurring.
Revit version 2024.2 release notes contain this somewhat ominous warning that was not previously included:

So, should you install 2024.2?

If you’ve already deployed version 2024.1.1, you’ve done the best you can, as it relates to mitigating future schema errors. We have confirmed with Autodesk that 2024.2 does not further improve this condition.

How to Fix the Schema Problems in Revit 2024 – Nuclear Option

As described in our earlier posts on this topic, versions 2024.0 and 2024.1.0 of Revit have created new schema errors in files that were migrated from an earlier version of Revit. Once these errors occur they are extremely difficult to fix. Per Autodesk’s documentation on this subject, your best option is to re-migrate these projects after deploying version 2024.1.1.

If you are in the group of people who don’t have that luxury, then Autodesk has said you should start a support case with them.

We have been able to successfully purge the corrupted schema data for a few of our Ideate Software customers, so we wanted to share the process here in case it helps others. We refer to these steps as the “Nuclear Option,” so proceed with caution and only as a last resort if you cannot get the help you need from Autodesk.

***NOTE: These steps will IRREVERSIBLY delete Ideate Software data from the model, including Ideate BIMLink definitions, settings states, and/or the Stickies already in the model. All of these will need to be recreated again. Ideate Software customers with an Ideate Software schema problem should contact support@ideatesoftware.com before completing these steps.***

Ensure you and everyone in your organization is already using Revit 2024.1.1 or higher
Close Revit if it’s already open
Open a new session of Revit
Open the affected file only. Make sure no other Revit sessions or models are open
Save the file (save button). This is the crazy part of the process. Be sure to do this!
Go to Purge Unused
Press ‘Check None’ button to unselect all elements on the list
Navigate to ‘Extensible Storage Schemas’
As instructed by our Ideate Software support team, select only the specified GUID values
Press OK to purge the selected Schemas
Sync the file with Central
Close Revit
Reopen Revit and the model
Confirm that the Ideate Software application now works correctly and that schema messages related to Ideate Software are no longer present
Wash, rinse, repeat for all other models that have a schema problem. Remember to close Revit completely and restart

Finally, be sure your organization and Revit file collaborators are all using Revit 2024.1.1 or later!New Paragraph

Ideate Software at Women in BIM Conference in London

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:06:26 GMT

Ideate Software is delighted with our partnership with Women in BIM, a diverse network of female professionals within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries that is dedicated to supporting women who work in BIM-related roles.

Recently we were proud sponsors of their conference in London, which women from across the AEC industries attended for personal development, education, and mentoring. The conference was held at The View, home of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

A key topic for us at the WIB London conference was Ideate Automation and the time and effort-savings that it entails. If you couldn’t attend the event, join our two December webinars showcasing this solution.

Clone Yourself and Save Time on Repetitive Revit Tasks with Ideate Automation – A reiteration of the class delivered by our Customer Success Manager Nivin Nabeel at Autodesk University 2023.
Dynamically Export DWG, PDF, and NWC files with Ideate Automation and Ideate BIMLink

Create New Revit Revision Sequences with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 21:35:30 GMT

You may know that you can create new Revit elements with Ideate BIMLink . Did you know that following a similar process, you can also create new Revit revision sequences?

Review Revision Sequences in Parent File

Open a project with Revit. If the project has linked files, select the one that represents the primary source of revision data
Select the Revision button from the Sheet Composition panel on the View tab
You’ll see that any issued sequence will not be editable. Before opening Ideate BIMLink, uncheck the Issued box for the sequences you want to edit. Note: The editable fields for Revisions not issued are Date, Description, Issued, Issued to, and Issued by.

2. Edit Revision Data in the Parent File with Ideate BIMLink

Launch Ideate BIMLink
Hit Load Revit Sample
Select “Revisions” from the list of samples
Review the properties and hit OK
Select Export Revit Elements to Excel then open the Excel file
You can now edit any data within a cell that is white. Due to the nature of the Issued property, we recommend that you don’t edit it if you are editing other properties from the same sequence
Save the changes to the Excel file and select Import Excel Values into Revit to complete the changes
If you made a change to Issued , use Ideate BIMLink again to edit only this property or manually reset the property using the Revision button in Revit

3. Copy Revision Data to a Linked File - With Revit Revision data set up to standards, you can use the same data to create matching data in another file. The instructions below assume that the revision sequences have not been set up.

Open the Revit project file that you would like to mirror in the Revision sequences defined within the original parent file.
Launch Ideate BIMLink
Hit Load Sample
Select Revisions
Review the properties and hit OK
Select Export to save the results to a new Excel file and open that new file
Copy the Excel data from the original file to the new file. See image below. Don’t copy data from Column A, B, or C
Write the word “NEW” in Column A for each new Revision sequence to be created in the Revit project file. The values for Column B and C will be automatically setup by Revit when imported
Hit Save in Excel and then Import in Ideate BIMLink to complete the changes

Browse our website to learn more ways you can use our Revit addins to streamline processes, improve model health, and elevate design.

Pollard Thomas Edwards Enhancing UK Towns, Cities and Villages

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 21:25:56 GMT

Pollard Thomas Edwards (PTE) works with communities, local authorities and commercial clients to design homes, neighbourhoods, public and mixed-use buildings throughout the United Kingdom. With over 45 years of experience, PTE understands the needs of its clients as well as the areas in which they operate. By placing people first, PTE creates a work environment where employees can thrive while creating designs that emphasize the way buildings will look, how they will be made, how they will be used and how they will age. This approach has contributed to PTE winning more than 250 awards, including Architect of the Year and three project awards at the 2020 British Homes Awards.

One of the ways PTE helps its 150+ professionals focus on enhancing the local towns, cities and villages is by using Ideate Software tools.

Steve Deadman, Head of BIM at PTE said, “I have been a fan of Ideate Software for several years. Their tools simplify a lot of Revit tasks the team and I perform every day.”

When talking about some of their favorite uses of Ideate Software tools, Steve mentioned:

“ The Query function within Ideate Explorer is powerful. I do a lot of model auditing, and this tool speeds the process by making it easy to find in-place families. I can either let the team know about them or simply delete them. This task would be a struggle without Ideate Explorer.”
“We’ve all been in the situation where a rogue level appears in a project, and we’re tempted to hit the delete button. Before taking that step, we use Ideate SmartDelete to see what will be deleted along with the level. We then remove anything we need to keep.”
“Everyone on our team loves Ideate Clone . Copying a sheet and its viewports should be native in Revit, but it isn’t. The ability to do it in Ideate Clone is very useful and saves us a lot of time.”
“We really like the new function within Ideate SheetManager that allows us to place unplaced views onto sheets using another one as a template. This process gives us another dimension for managing sheets quickly.”
“Where would we be without Ideate BIMLink ? From simple data management tasks like updating sheet information and editing schedule information to project setup tasks such as creating views and sheets and placing views on the sheets, Ideate BIMLink does it all. We simply would waste so much time without it.”

Project Awards Presented to PTE by British Homes in 2020

Ideate Software Once Again Presents at the San Francisco Center for Architecture + Design

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 17:47:14 GMT

Ideate Software was on the road again visiting the beautiful city by the Bay in late October!

San Francisco is the headquarters of Ideate Software, but Technical Evangelist, Richard Taylor, hopped across the country from Boston to present a lunch and learn session for the AIA San Francisco Center for Architecture.

Richard delivered a presentation called “ Clone Yourself and Save Time on Repetitive Revit Tasks ,” where he showed how Revit users can stop wasting time on tedious, repetitive tasks and reduce intense boring work with top BIM data management workflows that essentially allow you to clone yourself and gain an employee.

David W. Koch of EwingCole and Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 16:21:04 GMT

We love hearing from customers!

Recently, we got an email from David W. Koch , BIM Technical Expert at EwingCole .

David wrote,

“I had a project where we needed to remove a future phase and all associated items before sending the model to the construction manager. Ideate Explorer to the rescue! Setting Display to Entire Project and Sort by to Phase made quick work of that task. I also had to delete all of the Sheets and all of the Drafting Views. Sheets were easy, once I discovered that I had to set all Revision Sequences to Unissued . Drafting Views posed a challenge, but I was able to use Ideate Query for that.

Thank you, David!

Question Marks within Tags

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 19:37:45 GMT

When navigating Revit sheet views, you may come across empty tags and question marks. Let Ideate Annotate delete tags or enter data with just a few clicks.

Evolve Consultancy Prepares COBie Documents with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 23:21:20 GMT

Formed in 2005, Evolve is one of the UK’s premier BIM and design technology consultancies. They deliver services and support in the areas of BIM implementation, information management, project modeling, project technology, and training.

Evolve’s customers, which include contractors, architects, and engineers, must comply with ISO 19650-2 standards, which specify requirements for information management in the form of a management process within the context of the delivery phase of assets and the exchanges of information within it using building information modelling. COBie (Construction to Operations Building information exchange) is one of the three open data formats accepted in the UK by the National Annex to ISO 19650-2.

As companies find themselves in need of knowledge and capacity to prepare COBie documents, many are turning to Evolve. To streamline the process of populating the models, Evolve depends on Ideate BIMLink. This powerful Revit add-in allows users to export massive amounts of data from Revit to Excel for manipulation and then import correct data back to Revit, where the model will immediately update. Here we present an example of how Evolve used Ideate BIMLink to support an architecture firm that had specified COBie deliverables at the end of stages 3, 4, and 5.

A Little Background

What is COBie?

COBie is used to capture essential project data for facilities and asset management at the handover of a construction project. It answers three questions about maintainable assets:

What rooms and equipment are delivered in a building?
Where does a technician go to work on that equipment?
How is the equipment operated and maintained?

While COBie can exist in multiple formats, it is most likely to be encountered as an Excel spreadsheet delivered to the asset operator or owner to be imported to Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) systems.

What are the Challenges?

The main challenge for delivery team members is entering data that matches the COBie requirements in the correct location (i.e., the correct parameter) within a modelled element. The need for the delivery team to understand COBie and how to deliver it consistently across work stages is often a lower priority than the production of ongoing design and construction information.

“Ideate BIMLink offers us the ability to extract and manipulate data quickly and easily between Revit and Excel. It has saved us innumerable hours in our work creating quality COBie deliverables.”

~Nigel Davies, Director, Evolve Consultancy

An Example

In this example, the Autodesk Revit COBie Extension has been used to add COBie parameters and project information to the model, in conjunction with Nemetschek Solibri Anywhere to generate COBie. This provides a level of control, and checking, that is not possible with the COBie Extension alone. It also guarantees that the COBie deliverable and the IFC model contain the exact same information.

Populating the majority of COBie parameters is simply a remapping task, moving values from existing parameters and schedules to the correct COBie parameters. Once the blank schedules have been created, the parameters used by the architects are added.

Using Ideate BIMLink

Each of the schedules created for COBie are easily added into Ideate BIMLink using the By Schedule functionality.

The exported data is then manipulated in Excel using filtering, concatenating and copying values from one column to another. The data is then checked in Excel to ensure it meets the requirements of COBie and the project.

A completed Excel spreadsheet with all the COBie information required for the stage is then imported back into Revit using Ideate BIMLink.

“One of the big advantages Ideate BIMLink gives is that we can work on the active model while the architects also work on it. If part of the model was locked for editing, Ideate BIMLink doesn’t just give up but continues with the rest of the import and reports back the items it couldn’t update, avoiding downtime and delays.”

~Daniel Heselwood, Director, Evolve Consultancy

Once all the information has been imported back into the model and any issues during the import process have been resolved, the model is exported to IFC.

Using Solibri, the IFC models undergo a second level of checking, and any problems found are corrected in the Revit models. Once validated, COBie is generated and issued to the contractor.

“What could amount to months of work has been simplified into a remapping exercise thanks to the power of Ideate BIMLink,” said Nigel.

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Visit www.ideatesoftware.com for more information on how Ideate BIMLink and the other Ideate Software addins for Revit can help you save time while enhancing the quality of your models.

How to Use Revit Plugins to Save Time and Get More Done

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:01:31 GMT

The purpose of Ideate Software plugins for Revit is to add functionality to Autodesk Revit software that streamlines workflows, increases the accuracy of model data, and improves the performance of the Revit models.

While doing all of this, our Revit plugins will also save you time! You’ll save time on setting up models, building models, updating model data, auditing models for accuracy, and preparing model documents. By reducing the time spent on these tasks, you and your team will have more time to spend on interesting and valuable design activities.

For time savings relevant to specific disciplines, view these documents:

Stay Connected

Learn more about our top Revit addons.

Check us out on X/Twitter, LinkedIn , Facebook , YouTube , and Instagram .

If you have any questions, reach out to us . We are here to help you understand and use our Revit plugin

Common Workflows for Construction and Design/Build Professionals - Ideate BIMLink ROI

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 23:30:57 GMT

Common Workflows for MEP Engineers - Ideate BIMLink ROI

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 23:15:46 GMT

BROCHURE – PDF | The following charts present information on time-savings fostered by Ideate BIMLink. This data is based on our global customer survey that gathered feedback from architecture, engineering, construction and building-owner companies (AECO) from across the world. We asked our customers how much time they save by using Ideate BIMLink, and here’s the outcome.

Common Workflows for Structural Engineers - Ideate BIMLink ROI

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 22:55:39 GMT

Common Workflows for Architects and Interior Designers - Ideate BIMLink ROI

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 22:47:26 GMT

Common Workflows for any Discipline - Ideate BIMLink ROI

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 22:29:29 GMT

ldeate Explorer Top Tasks - Ideate Explorer ROI

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 22:22:15 GMT

Ideate Automation 3.0 and New Health Check Content

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 17:50:46 GMT

The Ideate Health Check Report is completely customizable, so you can set your own preferred KPIs and metrics for model health.

In the latest release of Ideate Automation , we’ve updated our model health check template to make it easier to read and use. With input from our beta testers and customers, we’ve streamlined the KPIs to align with top Revit model health issues that are clearly actionable.

When used with Ideate Sticky , the results from a scheduled Ideate Automation task can be updated weekly and displayed front-and-center on the Revit project Starting View page as shown above, alerting all team members about the health status. The diagram below shows the data flowing from Revit via Ideate Automation and into Excel. The Ideate Health Check Excel results are then formatted via formulas, pivot tables (or macros if desired) and then published back into Revit via Ideate Sticky.

Use the auto-update feature within Ideate Sticky to ensure these updates are automatically imported into the Revit project.

More importantly, we’ve designed each of the KPIs so that any of the flagged conditions in red can be easily addressed by any Ideate Explorer user. The In-Place Families KPI, for example, has exceeded the project goal of having fewer than 10 in-place families. When used with the MC-In-Place Filter in Ideate Explorer as shown, the Revit user can browse to each of those family instances and take the appropriate actions needed, such as replacing with approved family content.

The Ideate Health Check Report is completely customizable so you can set your own preferred KPIs and metrics for model health. Download Ideate Automation and follow the step-by-step instructions to generate your own project model health check .

Coming soon: New Ideate Software Power BI Template

See Our Proven Revit Productivity-Enhancing Tools at Autodesk University

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:52:10 GMT

Press Release - San Francisco, CA, October 23, 2023

Excited to hear from Autodesk® and discuss Ideate Software applications that streamline Autodesk Revit® workflows, Ideate Software is sending company leaders as well as a large group of software development, support, customer success, and sales team members to Autodesk University 2023.

“Both Brian and Sash are well known within the BIM community,” said Glynnis. “We are pleased that they will be there to share real-world examples of how they use Ideate Software tools to deliver better Revit models faster.”

Ideate Software also invites Revit users to the presentation, Clone Yourself and Save Time on Repetitive Revit Tasks , by Customer Success Manager – Americas, Nivin Nabeel, to see demonstrations on how to:

Export Revit model health data effortlessly while you sleep overnight
Generate comprehensive QTO (Quantity Take-Off) data in a snap
Get reports on essential Revit family and project metrics
Export data from Revit files to PDFs, NWC, IFC, and DWGs quickly, conveniently, and overnight

People not attending Autodesk University can visit www.ideatesoftware.com or send an email to sales@ideatesoftware.com to learn more about their Revit productivity-enhancing tools.

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation as a scripting solution to easily automate repetitive Revit and Ideate Software tasks for consistent and repeatable results.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries

Ideate Automation Technical Overview

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 00:54:21 GMT

Offered as a floating network license and designed to run unattended on a dedicated computer or your own computer, Ideate Automation runs during off-hours to let you focus on other tasks and increase your productivity. In addition to running scripts on Ideate Software tools, Ideate Automation now runs scripts in Revit without consuming any Autodesk Cloud Credits, schedules large Revit files to open, runs intensive tasks at night, automates file audits and compaction, exports data in PDF, DWG, NWC, and IFC, seamlessly publishes to Autodesk BIM 360, and more...

Evolve Consultancy – Simplifying Everything Including COBie with Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:52:45 GMT

We were pleased to welcome Nigel Davies from Evolve Consultancy to a webinar to share how Ideate Software products have revolutionized the way he and his team complete tasks by reducing weeks of work to hours.

Watch the recording of this 30-minute webinar to see how Evolve Consultancy uses Ideate BIMLink to streamline workflows on a high-demand, new-build project called the Center for Arabic Calligraphy, where the client requires extensive, detailed, weekly reports on 19 KPIs. You’ll also learn how they use:

Ideate BIMLink to complete required reports on COBie
Ideate Automation to perform a standard weekly reporting process overnight that used to take almost a full day

About Evolve Consultancy

Founded in 2005, Evolve is an internationally renowned BIM consultancy providing services and support around the design, development, and implementation of technology-enabled data production processes to contractors, architects and engineers in the UK, the US, Europe, Middle East, and Australia.

Autodesk Revit Software Users Freed from Time-Consuming Tasks with Ideate Automation Updates

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:53:25 GMT

Press Release: San Francisco, CA, October 16, 2023

Users of Autodesk® Revit® software that work with large files or perform tasks requiring frequent data or file exports can now schedule many tasks to run during non-working hours, saving a significant amount of time while reducing the chance of human error and ensuring projects are delivering consistent and predictable outcomes.

“We like to say that Ideate Automation is like cloning staff, because without adding headcount, project teams will have much more time to spend on valuable design activities,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development, Ideate Software. “By scheduling scripts to drive Revit to pick a file, perform a task, and create an output file, Revit users can come into work with a time-consuming task already complete.”

Ideate Automation , which does not consume any Autodesk Cloud Credits, can be used to:

Schedule the opening of large Revit files. Opening large files can take dozens of minutes when done in Revit. Built-in contingencies suppress most native Revit pop-up dialogs, so they don’t interrupt the process.
Run Revit “audit and compact” process to maintain file size. Set up a list of files to be automatically audited and compacted every night or schedule them as needed.
Export data from Revit into a variety of file formats: PDF, DWG, NWC, and IFC.
Publish files to Autodesk BIM 360 as often as daily, eliminating the requirement for the Autodesk Design Collaboration Service and the limitation of once-a-week publishing.

Ideate Automation also:

Speeds the process of finding files in Revit; instead of clicking on every folder, simply enter any part of the file name into the search bar
Lowers the cost per person with floating license models
Reduces need for virtual machines because tasks are performed off-hours
Offers easy deployment options
Does not require named-user setups
Streamlines the process of performing several tasks in Ideate Software products

Ideate Automation can be purchased as a stand-alone product or with the Ideate Software bundle, where it can save Revit users even more time by silently running several additional time-consuming tasks in the background.

Ready to experience the power of Ideate Automation ? Contact us or visit our website for more information or give it a try with a free 30-day trial .

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Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

Eliminate Duplicate Tag Struggles with Ideate Annotate

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 18:39:18 GMT

Struggling with duplicate tags in Revit? Easily batch-remove duplicates with our Ideate Annotate tool within the IdeateApps add-in.

JGMA Creating Efficiencies with all Ideate Software Tools

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 21:32:55 GMT

JGMA is an architecture and design firm with projects across North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. Based in Chicago, JGMA’s vast portfolio ranges from small to large projects that span the areas of education, research and technology, hospitality, residential, healthcare, commercial, interiors, urban and master planning, product design and graphic design. Its professionals constantly cultivate the concept of architecture and look at each project as an opportunity to influence civic life and transform communities.

Bringing Ideate Software to JGMA

When Darya Minosyants Stefanovic joined JGMA as the Director of Technology, she brought extensive experience with Ideate Software tools for Revit, having used them at the firm she worked at previously. “My last employer was a strong user and advocate of Ideate Software products,” said Darya. “I came to JGMA knowing their power, and after a few discussions and demonstrations of how we would spend less time on tedious Revit tasks, the team was sold.”

Getting to Know Ideate Software Tools

“We subscribed to the Ideate Software bundle about two weeks ago,” said Darya. “The team is busy exploring the functionality and building the workflows into their daily activities.”

Here are some ways JGMA is already benefiting from Ideate Software tools:

Ideate StyleManager – “My responsibilities include managing templates and ensuring that projects are set up correctly with our company standards,” said Darya. “Ideate StyleManager streamlines the process and makes cleaning up existing projects easy.”
Ideate BIMLink – The architects and designers at JGMA are digging into the many functions of Ideate BIMLink. So far, they appreciate that it enables them to quickly change worksets throughout a project and rename families.
Ideate Sticky – Because JGMA works a lot in MS Excel, they immediately saw the benefits of live-linking Excel spreadsheets to Revit projects, so changes to the Excel document are automatically reflected in the Sticky and everyone is always looking at the current version.
Ideate Explorer – JGMA’s Senior Project Designer Ted Hogan has been advocating for the use of Ideate Explorer. The main benefit he sees is that they can quickly get away from looking at elements in two dimensions only and really understand what is happening by isolating them in 3D with a selection box. This workflow of isolating and previewing elements in 3D really helps the whole team understand the full condition.

IdeateApps – So far, JGMA’s two favorite tools from the IdeateApps collection are:

Ideate SheetManager, which they use to quickly clone sheets with similar properties, place views on sheets and align views between similar sheets. This worksflow really streamlines the process when sheets have to be set up in the beginning of the project.
Ideate QuickSelect . “There are a million ways to hide something in Revit,” said Darya. “With Ideate QuickSelect, it’s easy to find out why an element is hidden and resolve problems.”

Goettsch Partners and Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:54:00 GMT

Looking for examples of how architects and designers use Ideate Software tools to streamline Revit processes?

Watch the recording of this 45-minute webinar . You’ll hear from Goettsch Partners ’ Senior Associate Nickolas Popoutsis who shares how their team uses Ideate Software tools to make the workflow easier and reduce time spent on repetitive tasks.

“The work that takes us away from our thought process of design is not time well spent,” said Nickolas.

Watch the webinar to see some real-world applications on how to:

Eliminate redundancies and the potential for missed updates by live-linking Excel files into a Revit file with Ideate Sticky
Get drawings set up and running in a clear and organized way by performing quick sheet setups with Ideate SheetManager and Ideate ViewCreator
Streamline the QA/QC process by coordinating sheet sets with Ideate Align
Simplify the design iteration process by creating design alternatives with Ideate Clone

Browse our website to learn more about our Revit productivity-enhancing tools. Check out our Events page for more opportunities to connect with our team in person and online.

Revit Plugins: Unlocking Advanced Functionality and Efficiency in BIM Design

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:54:47 GMT

Ideate Software, an Autodesk Authorized Developer and Member of the Autodesk Developer Network, Develops Proven Revit Plugins

When learning how to use Autodesk Revit software, people get trained on the basics of how to use sample files, open and save Revit models, as well as several workflows, including how to create projects, walls, floors, roofs; and how to place doors, windows, and curtains. They also learn how to add dimensions and notes and to create sheets.

Instead of investing in tackling the inefficiencies themselves, Autodesk turns to trusted partners to develop Revit plugins . They created the Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) for software developers who want to develop tools that extend Autodesk products and technologies. ADN members are full-time professional software developers working with Autodesk technologies that can access Autodesk desktop software and get one-on-one direct support for software development based on virtually all Autodesk desktop technologies. They can also access confidential Autodesk information on technology futures, beta software, and basic marketing benefits.

Ideate Software – An Autodesk Authorized Developer and Member of the Autodesk Developer Network

Ideate Explorer - Considered by many firms worldwide the indispensable tool to investigate, clean-up, and manage the Revit building model, Ideate Explorer users easily search for, filter, quantify, index, and select all Revit model elements, even ‘missing’ and hard-to-find ones, and make selections based on filters or data sets. It comes with four tools that increase its power:

Warnings Manager - Review and manage Revit warnings
Navigate - Navigate through view-based elements within Revit—legends, schedules, sheets, and views—and quickly customize the browsing experience
Query - Search on parameters, such as elements assigned a certain size or modeled as in-place families, sheets based on Issuance numbers, and dimensions that have been overridden
Filters - Filter Revit model elements based on your specified parametric conditions

Safely delete styles that can’t be easily deleted or purged in Revit software
Merge non-standard styles into standard styles
Swap Revit elements
Manage Revit Parameters
Rename Revit elements
Manage Revit Sheet Revision Workflows and Sheet/View Sets

Ideate Sticky – Originally developed to address customer comments, Ideate Sticky first allowed users to create and format tabular text in an Excel spreadsheet and then “stick” that spreadsheet on a Revit sheet as a Revit schedule. As we do with all products, we made meaningful updates to Ideate Sticky every year. Today, Ideate Sticky is used to:

Link Microsoft Excel, Word, and PDF documents into Revit projects
Link multi-paged documents at once
Link Excel spreadsheets to Revit files as images or native Revit schedule data

Safely delete styles that can’t be easily deleted or purged in Revit software
Merge non-standard styles into standard styles
Analyze style usage to understand the scope of a deletion
Clean up Object Styles, Line Styles, Line Patterns, Fill Patterns, Materials, Material Appearance Assets, View Filters, Templates, and Scope Boxes
Understand which views use View Filters

IdeateApps – This collection of tools launched in the summer of 2016 with:

Ideate ReNumber to quickly update element numbers and names
Ideate XRay to determine the cause of element visibility issues and fix the problems
Ideate SmartDelete to understand and edit elements that will be deleted along with a selected element
Ideate QuickSelect to view all instances of difficult-to-find items

Within one year, we added four more tools:

Ideate SpellCheck to check open sheets and views, sheets in a sheet list and all schedules
Ideate SheetManager to filter sheet and view lists, create sheets, and place views onto sheets
Ideate Clone to duplicate Sheets and manage viewports on those Sheets as well as to match title block family and parameters, sheet parameters and browser file location
Ideate Align to align plan views in a set so they synchronize perfectly across all sheets

In 2018, we added:

Ideate ViewCreator to batch-create multiple Revit views while complying with company BIM standards

And in 2022, we added:

Ideate Annotate to ensure the legibility of tags, text, dimensions, and other annotative elements

Ideate Automation – Launched in 2020, this scripting solution runs time-intensive BIM tasks in the background while your staff does more meaningful work. Use Ideate Automation to:

Open large Autodesk Revit files for data extraction
Export key Revit model health data
Create document issue records
Prepare COBie data drops
Generate quantity take-off data
Generate regular, automated PDF exports
Deliver CSV reports on key Revit family and project metrics
Batch-export Revit sheets and/or views to DWG file format

Stay Connected

Learn more about our top Revit addons.

Check us out on X/Twitter, LinkedIn , Facebook , YouTube , and Instagram .

If you have any questions, reach out to us . We are here to help you understand and use our Revit plugin solutions.

Come See us in London at the Women in BIM Conference

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:55:22 GMT

As the sponsor of the evening drinks reception at the upcoming Women in BIM Conference in London, we are looking forward to talking with fellow BIM enthusiasts in a fun and casual environment.

Date: Wednesday, November 22
Event Time: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Drink Reception Time: 4:40 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Place: The View, United Kingdom

After a full day of hearing influential speakers share their insights and experiences on the people, projects, and processes driving the digital future of the built environment, please stop by the reception for some refreshments, to revisit highlights of the day with peers, and to meet our UK/EMEA Customer Success Manager Steve Deadman , and our UK/EMEA Territory Lead Nick Johns .

We are proud of our association with Women in BIM, a global non-profit organization with a vision to support, empower, and celebrate female BIM and digital construction professionals. During the past 12 months, the organization has seen enormous growth in activities, reinforcing the importance of the group and its people in influencing diversity and inclusion across the construction industry.

Learn more about the conference . In addition to sponsoring the drink reception at the London conference, we are also sponsoring the 11-08-23 WIB conference in Australia.

Great Conversations with Revit Users at BIM Coordinators Summit 2023

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:55:54 GMT

We were proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the 2023 BIM Coordinators Summit, which took place virtually on September 6 and 7 and live in Dublin, Ireland on September 7. This event brought together BIM professionals to share knowledge and celebrate advances in digital innovation in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

Our President Bob Palioca , Director of Software Development Glynnis Patterson , UK/EMEA Territory Lead Nick Johns , and UK/EMEA Customer Success Manager Steve Deadman visited with customers and other BIM enthusiasts from a number of locations, including India, Morocco, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Our team enjoyed learning about challenges Revit users face and demonstrating how our add-ins can address those challenges.

In addition to meeting people at our booth, Steve led a 20-minute high-level discussion on Revit model health along with Neil Carter of Corstorphine and Wright , an award-winning architectural practice. The presentation, called, “Quality Control and Best Practices for Successful Project Delivery,” covered:

The importance of addressing quality and health concerns in your models and adding periodic health checks as part of your BIM Execution Plans.
Key areas that should be included as part of a periodic quality and health checks.
The issues that can affect model health.
How Ideate Software for Revit products can be used as part of Quality control and Data checks

Check out our Events page for more opportunities to meet with our team online or in person.

HDR Managing Seen and Unseen Data with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:05:25 GMT

Wayfinding/Signage presents unique challenges, especially those that are based on seen and unseen data in a BIM model. Planners collaboratively identify logical traffic patterns, solve problems in architectural and urban spaces, and ultimately help people navigate unfamiliar environments. By using Ideate BIMLink , the HDR Wayfinding/Signage studio is enhancing workflows, making the best use of Revit- and non-Revit users’ time, and shaving from half to two-thirds the time required to create message schedules.

Company

HDR is a global employee-owned firm of more than 7,500 professionals in more than 185 locations. The firm provides architecture, engineering, consulting, construction, and related services, capturing clients’ visions in award-winning designs for urban environments, campuses, and buildings in diverse markets around the world. HDR champions advanced tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), which help its professionals effectively collaborate to produce higher value designs. Since 2001, HDR has been using core BIM principles on nearly all projects, and has been an Ideate BIMLink customer since version 2011.

The Challenge

Wayfinding presents significant challenges due to immense amounts of disparate data that must be incorporated into BIM models primarily designed for other purposes. Rick Sorensen, Wayfinding/Signage, HDR, illustrates these challenges by using an elevator directory analogy.

On the wall of a multi-story office building, the directory usually includes line after line of information to clearly indicate which businesses and organizations are located on each floor. Sorensen explains, “In a Revit model, you can only see one data line at a time, but we still need to have multiple lines of data contained in the model, accurate, up-to-date and retrievable.”

“We also have people in our studio who do not use Revit and know nothing about it; their expertise lies in situational planning. They contribute different pieces of the data puzzle such as the messages that direct people to get from Point A to Point B.”

HDR Wayfinding/Signage looked for a way to streamline several processes. The studio needed a way to take the data created by non-Revit using team members and incorporate it into the Revit model. They needed to do it without using hour after hour of their Revit-users’ time. Additionally, once incorporated in the model, they needed a way to easily access the hidden data.

The Solution

According to Sorensen, “With Ideate BIMLink, we can take full advantage of Excel’s capability to reveal multiple lines of data at once. We may not be able to see all the Wayfinding and Signage data in the model, but we can see it all in Excel.

“Ideate BIMLink gives me a tool that helps the people in our studio who aren’t familiar with Revit. They can review the data in an Excel format and change or verify the data as needed. I can then bring the data back into the model where it can be incorporated into our final message schedules.”

Sorensen does not have to spend a second thinking about model integrity. He receives input from the non-Revit using members of the studio team in Excel.

As a Revit user, he tasks Ideate BIMLink with pushing the Excel-checked data back into the BIM model. The accuracy is reliable, and that contributes to even greater efficiency. Efficiency allows for a better end result and value to the owner.

The Result

Planners within the HDR Wayfinding/Signage studio have one focus – to devise means to orient people so they can get from point A to point B and back again. If the studio team was forced to do their planning in Revit, the resultant growing pains would slow productivity to a standstill.

The division of labor with the help of Ideate BIMLink allows Sorensen to focus on Revit-based functions, which are his realm of expertise, and the planners to use the capabilities of Excel, which is where their expertise lies.

Sorensen says, “With Ideate BIMLink, I can take all the long strings of Wayfinding and Signage data that planners in our studio give me in Excel, and input them into the model. In the past, I would spend three days at a specific data management task that I can complete now in one-half to one-third the time. As for cost savings, we are limited on our hours per project. Anything that saves us time saves us money.”

About Ideate Software

What is Ideate Sticky?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:56:23 GMT

Easily Disseminate Non-BIM Data to Revit Project Team Members.

Manufacturer’s details, general notes, specifications, and other types of non-BIM data are critical to project success but those items don’t always have a direct relationship with an element in a Revit model. How can you easily disseminate them to the Revit project team members?

With Ideate Sticky !

We introduced Ideate Sticky in 2015 to link Excel spreadsheets to Revit projects as simple Revit table schedules. Over the past eight years, we have added many new features, and now users can create and place “Stickies” within a Revit project that represent the contents of a Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF files. Ideate Sticky now also supports Absolute paths, Relative paths, and Autodesk Cloud locations for data locations.

Sticky Schedules vs. Sticky Images

It's Easy to Create Stickies

With our intuitive user interface, you’ll be a pro at creating Stickies in no time. Here are the steps:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Select a Source File

Open the sheet or view where you want to place the Sticky
Launch Ideate Sticky
Stay on the default Excel (Schedules) tab to create a Sticky Schedule. If you want to create a Sticky image, click on the Word, PDF, Excel (Images) tab
Click Create in the lower left-hand corner (Item 2 in the image above)
For Schedules , pick the “...” button by the Source box at the top (Item 3 in the image above) select a file to import by
For Images , select the desired source file

2. Specify the Source Details

Schedules
Identify the worksheet the Excel file that contains the data to import (Item 4 in the image above)
Define the area to be imported in the worksheet by selecting the region (Item 5 in the image above)
The Sticky name will be displayed in the Project Browser under the Schedule folder (Item 6 in the image above). Review the name for accuracy
Select OK (Item 7 in the image above)
Review Auto-update options. Learn more by reading Update the Sticky in Revit Projects with Ideate Sticky
Images

You can specify the Excel source documents by selecting the worksheet regions in any worksheet as well as the DPI value. The Name column represents the available regions that include saved Print Areas and named regions. View and edit the ranges in Excel from the Formulas>Name Manager dialog.

Color Overrides:

Image Stickies can be created with a Color, Grayscale, or Black and White override. Black and white will take precedence over the drop-down selected when creating the Image Sticky. Learn more by reading this blog post .

DPI Overrides and Transparency:

NOTE: Higher dots per inch values will result in larger image files, which could affect the Revit model size.

Want to learn more about Ideate Sticky? Check out our Help files and our Video Library .

Diller Scofidio + Renfro Focus on Creativity

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 21:59:22 GMT

Ideate Software Tools Help New York-based Diller Scofidio + Renfro Focus on Creativity

Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) is an interdisciplinary design studio whose practice spans the fields of architecture, urban design, installation art, multi-media performance, digital media, and print. With a focus on cultural and civic projects, DS+R’s work addresses the changing role of institutions and the future of cities. The studio is based in New York and is comprised of over 100 architects, designers, artists and researchers, led by four partners—Elizabeth Diller, Ricardo Scofidio, Charles Renfro and Benjamin Gilmartin.

DS+R and Ideate Software

The architects, designers, artists, and researchers at DS+R develop innovative solutions to complex ideas and challenges. To help them stay focused on the creative aspects of their careers, DS+R invests in tools that streamline processes and eliminate mundane tasks. Included in those tools are three developed by Ideate Software .

Here are some of the ways the professionals at DS+R use Ideate Software applications:

Ideate BIMLink
DS+R uses Ideate BIMLink to produce and maintain schedules of all types. “In particular, our Index for Construction Document packages has been completely handled with the help of Ideate BIMLink,” said Eranga De Zoysa, BIM Manager, DS+R. “Other schedules have been altered or aided by the use of the software as well.”
Ideate Explorer
“As a BIM Manager, I get a lot of questions, even from advanced Revit users, about missing or hidden elements,” said Eranga. “Ideate Explorer removes a lot of time-consuming steps we used to take to locate the elements. It also helps us delete unnecessary views and sheets when running through our routine maintenance management.”
Ideate StyleManager
“W e save a lot of time by using Ideate StyleManager to remove unnecessary imported styles from Revit projects,” said Eranga. “It also allows for surgical precision when we need to combine styles that commonly appear because of the different workstyles of users.”

Download a trial of Ideate Software solutions or purchase online .

Come See us at Autodesk University 2023!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 01:17:41 GMT

We are looking forward to all the conversations we will have with BIM and Revit users in Las Vegas at Autodesk University 2023.

As in past years, we are proud sponsors of the event, we will showcase our Revit add-ins at a booth on the exhibition floor, and we will deliver a presentation that will give attendees information they can use as soon as they are back at work to reduce the time they spend on Revit data management tasks.

Here are some details:

Visit us at Booth 856

Come with all your BIM, Revit, and Ideate Software questions! Members of our leadership, software development, support, customer success, and sales teams will be there to discuss BIM challenges and how Ideate Software products can help address them.

The Ideate Software team is pleased that two customers will join us in our booth:

Brian Mackey , owner of BD Mackey Design
Sash Kazeminejad , project manager at Annex Architecture and former customer success manager at Ideate Software

Attend our Presentation

Title: Clone Yourself and Save Time on Repetitive Revit Tasks
Presenter : Nivin Nabeel , Customer Success Manager, Ideate Software
Number : AS131400
Date: November 14, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Learning Objectives : Attend to see some real-world examples of how automating your Revit data can transform your work. You’ll learn how to:
Export Revit model health data effortlessly while you sleep
Generate comprehensive QTO data in a snap
Get reports on essential Revit family and project metrics
Export data from Revit files to PDFs and DWGs quickly, conveniently, and overnight

We hope to see you there!

Revit Revision Conquering Redux

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:56:53 GMT

We add new features, and you just ask for more. (Thanks!)

In July of 2013 we created an easy way for Ideate BIMLink users to assign sheets to their respective revisions or issuances in: Ideate BIMLink for Revit 2014 Conquers Revisions!

The response was swift, "Thanks for saving me hours of time, but NOW I need help with this other Revit revision nonsense. I'm required to manage a complete list of all revisions for all sheets as a record, with the list of sheets as the rows, the list of revision dates as the columns, and, this is the kicker, the per sheet number of the revision within each corresponding cell, as shown."

We like it when you ask us to solve soul-sucking problems such as this. So here's your solution:

Existing Ideate BIMLink customers should contact support@ideatesoftware.com to request a copy of the Excel macro template used in this video.

Come See the Ideate Software Team at BIM Coordinators Summit 2023

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 01:36:41 GMT

We are proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the 2023 BIM Coordinators Summit that will be held in September virtually and live in Dublin, Ireland.

The virtual portion of the BIM Coordinators Summit will be held on September 6 and 7, and the live event will be on September 7 only.

We were also happy to nominate several of our customers for BIM Hero Awards acknowledging their contributions to information management in the architecture, engineering, and construction arenas. Winners’ names will be included on the BIM Hero Register on the event website.

If you will be attending in person, visit the Ideate Software team at booth number 11. Bring your Revit challenges to President Bob Palioca , Director of Software Development Glynnis Patterson , UK/EMEA Territory Lead Nick Johns , and UK/EMEA Customer Success Manager Steve Deadman . They will answer questions and provide demonstrations on how Ideate Software add-ins for Revit can address your challenges.

And please attend the presentation called “Quality Control and Best Practices for Successful Project Delivery” that Steve will deliver on September 7 at 2:20 p.m.

Visit our Events page for information on more opportunities to meet with our team at upcoming virtual and in-person events.

Automating Document Issue and Revision Records using Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:09:30 GMT

Revit software enables some revision capabilities. Ideate BIMLink [[~54]] and Ideate Sticky take over where Revit leaves off.

Do you need revisions that aren’t in Revision Clouds to appear in the Titleblock?
If yes, in Revit you must update the “Revision on Sheet” option within each sheet view.
Do you need a schedule of all revisions on each sheet?
If yes, chances are that you have created a workaround, because Revit only lists the latest revision.

While the methods above can get the job done, they take a lot of time and they increase the chance of errors.

Watch our short video to see how you can use Ideate BIMLink to aggregate revision information in Microsoft Excel to edit the options in bulk and Ideate Sticky to bring the formatted Excel schedule back into Revit to place onto sheets.

You’ll see how the work that has taken you hours if not days can be reduced to just minutes by completing two simple steps.

For implementation services or to learn more about how Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Sticky can help your business, please contact sales@ideatesoftware.com

Engineering Plus Reduces Revit Editing Time - Hours to Minutes with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 23:34:24 GMT

Engineering PLUS is an industry leader in IT infrastructure, audio-visual solutions, physical security solutions, data center assessments and smart building solutions. It was established in 1996 to fill an industry need for extremely detailed drawings that gave contractors the information they needed to understand the plans and build with few questions.

Today, the professionals at Engineering PLUS work with large and small companies around the world, assessing their needs, recommending cutting-edge technology solutions, and delivering smart, cost-effective infrastructure designs to easily integrate and grow with the business.

IDEATE SOFTWARE AND ENGINEERING PLUS

“Before joining Engineering PLUS, I had used Ideate Software tools at previous employers and had personally met with their Director of Software Development at Autodesk University to learn about new features,” said Miguel Granja, BIM Manager, Engineering PLUS.

He continued, “When I interviewed with Engineering PLUS and discussed their reputation for delivering outstanding innovative technology design solutions, I suggested that they look into Ideate Software, whether they hired me or not. It’s a year later, and I’m here and we use Ideate Software tools on a daily basis.”

Reducing Editing Time from Hours to Minutes with Ideate BIMLink

Simplifying Daily Tasks

To learn about how Ideate Software solutions can help you achieve your goals, visit our website or send us an email .

Important Information About REVIT 2024.1 & New Schema Errors

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 22:33:57 GMT

8 September Update

Autodesk announced on 6 September 2023 a fix for the Schema Error , which we highly recommend everyone read carefully. The Autodesk blog post has two very important statements that we would like to emphasize:

“This is an important update for all Revit 2024 (all versions) users, and we recommend that everyone using a 2024 version update to this version as soon as possible. This update is especially important for worksharing users that all project team members are using this release of Revit or higher. Why? To avoid the possibility of older versions of Revit 2024 reintroducing this problem back to the project teams’ model.”

We are grateful to the Autodesk team for escalating this so quickly. We feel that all customers who want to upgrade older models to Revit 2024 can proceed safely now, being sure to first deploy the new 2024.1.1 version to all Revit users – this should include not only staff but all other Revit collaborators. Outside consultants using 2024.0 or 2024.1 who open a 2024.1.1 file during the same session could trigger this schema error. Everyone must upgrade or no one should upgrade. If you have 2024.0 or 2024.1 files that experience the schema error, your action item is to contact Autodesk, per the details in their solution article .

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8 August Update

Today Autodesk ‘pinned’ the Revit Forum topic that relates to this important issue. Additionally, Kimberly Fuhrman, Revit Community Manager at Autodesk, has noted in that same post: “Yes, this is a critical issue and our teams are focused on getting a solution. We will keep you posted!”. We feel that both items indicate that Autodesk has now escalated this issue to the level it deserves. Thank you to everyone who weighed in on this issue.

If you have the option, we are recommending that you delay your 2024 upgrade until Autodesk can deliver another update. If you need to move to Revit 2024, which does contain some nice improvements, then we strongly recommend that you carefully follow the workaround steps noted below. The bottom line is that Autodesk has broken our (and other 3rd party) schemas during the 2024.1 upgrade process, so any fix will need to come from them.

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31 July Update

Since the blog post below was written last week, we’ve learned a little more about this issue.

First, in our support case with Autodesk they have acknowledged the problem and indicated that it would be addressed in the “upcoming releases of Revit. However, at this time, we do not have a timeframe as to when this fix would be available.”

Autodesk has published three articles that relate to this issue. Each article identifies a unique problem but includes the same workaround designed to prevent the problems from happening. The workaround is very labor intensive because it involves closing and re-opening Revit for each file that needs to be upgraded to 2024.1. It is also not yet clear whether linked files would need to be detached during this process. We have tested and confirmed the suggested steps work but feel strongly that preventing the problem from occurring in the first place should be a high priority for a code fix.

We also know that not all projects exhibit this problem and suspect it may relate to files that were started a long time ago. Until we can learn more about the conditions that cause the problem or when Autodesk fixes the problem, we will continue to recommend that our customers refrain from upgrading to 2024.1

You can read the three Autodesk articles at this Revit forum post . Please let Autodesk know that this fix is important to you by posting or liking this newer post.

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The newly published Revit 2024.1 update, released on July 11, 2023, appears to introduce a new schema error when opening some files that previously contained Ideate Software and/or other 3rd party add-in data, which are stored as Schemas.

The error condition may look like this:

Picking “Continue loading the file” option does not appear to impact the functionality of either Ideate Explorer or Ideate Sticky.

We are currently investigating this problem and will update here when we learn more. So far, what we know is that the 2024.1 update release notes do mention changes to the API that relate to Schemas.

Picking “Continue loading the file” option does not appear to impact the functionality of either Ideate Explorer or Ideate Sticky.

We are currently investigating this problem and will update here when we learn more. So far, what we know is that the 2024.1 update release notes do mention changes to the API that relate to Schemas.

We have also noticed that many others are starting to experience the same problem, independent of Ideate Software. We are hopeful that Autodesk will quickly identify the problem and provide a solution.

We strongly recommend that you hold off on updating Revit 2024 to the 2024.1 update until we learn more. You can add your voice to this discussion by either liking Glynnis Patterson’s comment or by adding a reply to this existing Autodesk Revit Forum topic . This action will help Ideate Software and Autodesk better understand the scale of this problem. Thank you for your support.

Exceeding Customer Expectations with Innovative Designs

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:27:43 GMT

Ideate BIMLink proved to be easy to use and a time saver, so the Parkin team started using it to streamline other workflows. Here are a few examples of time-consuming and error-prone manual workflows that Parkin now performs with Ideate BIMLink:

Transferring parameter values to Doors from their hosts (Fire Rating, Wall Types, etc.)
Managing FF&E (Equipment) ID information (Number and Name)
Managing Room Data

In addition to expanding their use of Ideate BIMLink, Parkin also expanded its use of Ideate Software products.

Paul F Aubin Used Ideate StyleManager when Devising “Snowdon Towers” File in Revit 2024

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 17:20:52 GMT

We at Ideate Software sincerely thank Paul F Aubin for writing the following article on how he used Ideate StyleManager when he and other experts developed the Snowdon Towers sample model in Revit 2024.

The 2024 release of Revit includes a collection of seven Revit files that together comprise the new Revit 2024 sample model, called “Snowdon Towers.” This project is a mixed-use project containing commercial, retail, residential and outdoor space. It is located on a real site in the town of Brownsville, PA. The project was designed and built by a team of experts across multiple disciplines and includes models for Site, Architecture, Structure, and MEP. Each of these is linked to one another and also makes use of georeferenced coordinates from the Brownsville location.

Autodesk Software Expert Paul F Aubin and Snowdon Towers

My name is Paul F Aubin. I am an independent architectural consultant helping firms be successful with their Autodesk software. I am the author of numerous books and LinkedIn Learning video courses on Revit and other AEC industry tools. (You can learn more at: paulaubin.com ). My background is in the architectural profession and I worked in architectural practice for many years before embarking on a career in consulting. Recently I was given the opportunity by Autodesk to assemble a team and devise what would become the Snowdon Towers project. The project was the perfect marriage of my various skills and interests.

Snowdon Towers was chosen for the name to pay homage to the buildings that previously stood on the site and as a way of thanking the various entities in the Brownsville community who worked with us to help make the project a success.

Ideate StyleManager Used Throughout Design and Into Delivery

The mixed use building in total encompasses about 52,000 sf which makes it a good mid-sized project example. Given the multidisciplinary nature of project, the various files and its size and scope, there were many styles of all kinds in use in the various project files throughout its development. Ideate StyleManager was one of the tools used throughout the process of design and into delivery of the project.

Design Phase

During the design phase, Ideate StyleManager was useful in consolidating items when various types and styles would accumulate and/or become unused.

The Challenge

If you consider the standard workflow in a typical project, it is common to start with a collection of standards that come from the Revit template file used to start the project. As design progresses, styles are modified, and more styles are added. Some of these are added intentionally, others end up in the project because of importing and working with other outside content items. Also factor in multiple team members and periods of weeks and/or months and it is not hard to understand how many unintended and unused styles can accumulate.

Revit does include some tools to help manage items like types, fill patterns and line styles; but admittedly these tools are not always well suited to the job. Consider tasks like renaming elements and types or deleting unused items. These are much harder to track down with out of the box tools. And if you have items that are duplicates and need to be consolidated, the process is quite manual.

Tackling The Challenges with Ideate StyleManager

To tackle these issues with Ideate StyleManger is simple! You open the tool, choose the kind of style item you want, select one or more styles in the list on the left, and then click the Analyze button. This will reveal the pertinent information about the items selected, including handy color coding to identify those that are duplicates. With this information in hand, you can decide what you want to do. Actions include: renaming, deleting and merging of styles.

Using Ideate StyleManager Throughout the Project

It is advisable to run Ideate StyleManager on a regular basis to help combat these issues. Monthly can be a good interval for most projects, but for larger and more complex projects, more frequently might be warranted. You do not necessarily need to go through every style type each time you use the tool. Items like Line Styles and Patterns, Fill Patterns, and View Templates might need more frequent attention, while Object Styles and Scope Boxes might be less frequent. But naturally each project’s needs will be somewhat unique.

In the case of Snowdon Towers, View Templates, Filters, and Line Styles were addressed regularly while a one-time change was made to fonts early on in the project. At the start of the project, a decision was made to change the default font used by all annotations in the new sample (and the new Revit Template files). The change is not radical; Trebuchet has replaced Arial, but it is just enough to give the project a fresh look. Making this change without Style Manager would have been ill-advised. This is because each annotation item must be edited individually. However, to make the change with Ideate StyleManger was much simpler.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, a new file was created.

Next, all annotation items (tags, etc.) in the out-of-the-box library were imported into this file.

Once this was done, Ideal StyleManager was run. The first step there is to choose Fonts. Select all fonts in the list, and then, next to the Analyze button are three checkboxes. Check all three. This allows Ideate StyleManger to analyze the families and schedules in the file as well. Click the Analyze button and let it process. Once the analysis is complete, you can select the font(s) you wish to replace, click the Merge button. A dialog will appear showing all fonts on your system. Pick the one you want and then click OK. Let it process.

When it is done, you can use the Save As > Library > Family command from the file menu to save copies of all loaded families that have been updated with Ideate StyleManager.

Keep in mind that many annotation families and styles include the name of the font in their name. This means that you will also need to rename these items.

A few other things to note:

Ideate StyleManager looks at the actual settings of each style when performing its analysis. This means you might identify several styles with different names that are actually identical. The merge function is designed to help you consolidate such items. You will be prompted as to which name to keep when merging, the other(s) will be deleted.
Analysis can take some time, so plan accordingly and be patient. There are performance tips in the tool. But even though it can take time, the process is far faster than it would be to attempt it manually.
Many style types have an edit icon near the top of the list. Use this to get to the standard Revit interface for that type of item.
Many style types will show a nice preview on the right side of the selected item. This is helpful in identifying the correct style to keep or merge.

Delivering a Higher Quality Product with Ideate StyleManager

Managing project files and adhering to office standards can be an ongoing headache for project teams. Ideate StyleManger is a fantastic tool to help alleviate some of this stress. While it would have been possible to deliver Snowdon Towers without its use, I am grateful to have had the tool at my disposal as it enabled me to deliver a higher quality product than would have been possible with it.

Overlapping Annotation Clashes within Text and Tags

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:30:19 GMT

The Ideate Annotate app enables you to find and resolve annotation clashes within texts and tags. It allows you to see the number of clashes within a certain view, and it zooms into their exact location with a quick click. Once you move the overlapping tag to a new location and refresh, the number of clashes updates. Repeat this process for eliminating all clashes within your documents.

Evolve Consultancy Meets Status Report Requirements with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:17:12 GMT

Press Release: San Francisco, CA, July 12, 2023

When appointed Information Manager on a major project that required weekly reports to demonstrate the development of Autodesk® Revit® models, Evolve Consultancy, a premier BIM consultancy in the UK, turned to a suite of tools, including Ideate BIMLink. Ideate BIMLink is a Revit productivity tool developed by Ideate Software, an Autodesk AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk Authorized Developer.

Joseph Frame, an associate with Evolve Consultancy said, “Simplicity is the key. We need anyone to be able to produce and analyse these reports with a minimum of training, as quickly as possible. Ideate BIMLink gives us that ability.”

In the customer success story published by Ideate Software, Joseph Frame and Francesco Pirritano, a consultant with Evolve Consultancy, share the steps they follow to:

Read Spotlight on Evolve Consultancy for details and screenshots.

Visit www.ideatesoftware.com to learn how Ideate Software add-ins for Revit help users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables, and elevate design. Give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager for six months

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , an Autodesk AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation to boost the power of their Revit plugins by running time-intensive activities in the background.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

Microsoft Excel is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders

Ideate BIMLink for Room Finish Schedules

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:06:18 GMT

One of the best places to get started with learning Ideate BIMLink is a Room Finish Schedule.

If your Revit project has more than 30 rooms and more than four (data-input) columns, using Ideate BIMLink can significantly reduce the time it takes to review and edit your room data by allowing your edits to happen within Excel. The sheer volume of data makes this Revit task unwieldy. Despite the addition of “Freeze Header,” Revit still has a long way to go to achieve the ease-of-use found within Excel.

When you export your Room Finish data to Excel via Ideate BIMLink, you get these benefits:

Fantastic editing functions within Excel! Today I’ll highlight three of my favorites.
Format as Table
Autofill
Find and Replace
More control of the Room Phase and Design Option properties
Unlike Revit, Ideate BIMLink data exports do not limit the room list to one specified phase or design option
Being able to edit all Room data across multiple phases at once will save you time in your complex projects
As this blog series continues, we will explore these and other powerful uses of Ideate BIMLink
Most importantly, you can hand off the Excel file generated via Ideate BIMLink to anyone on the project team for editing, regardless of their Revit skill set.

The example I’m using here is based on the Snowdon Towers Sample Architectural model that comes with Revit 2024. Everything shown here is supported as far back as Revit 2021 at the time of this post. All the Scheduled fields shown in the Schedule Properties in our example are built-in Revit parameters.

Here’s a cropped example of the Room Finish Schedule as viewed in Revit.

Now let’s get this information out to Excel!

There are three methods for creating links with Ideate BIMLink . We’re going to use what I think is the easiest, Create from Schedule .

Simply open Ideate BIMLink, choose “New,” then “Create from Schedule” where you can browse or search for the Room Finish Schedule, and the click “Next.”

After reviewing the Link Properties, pick “Done.” You’ll be returned to the Ideate BIMLink home screen where you select the newly created Link and click “Export” to save and open it in Excel.

Now that the Excel file is open, let’s have a look at my favorite editing features.

Format as Table

This one click is the most powerful thing you can do to any Excel file that has been exported from Ideate BIMLink.

With cell A1 as the default selection when Room Finish Schedule.xlsx is opened, pick Format as Table from the Styles Tab in Excel to give your table headers (parameters) drop down-functionality!

The ability to filter and sort parameter values is nearly endless. Good luck getting a Revit Schedule to work like this!

Autofill

Revit typically limits us from editing more than one value at a time in a Schedule View. Once in Excel, use Autofill options to easily copy multiples and sequences up and down columns with ease.

While Autofill is super helpful, be aware that it won’t work if you have applied a filter to any of the column headers. A perfect example of that would be in the previous step where we filtered the Levels column to show only L2 and L3.

Find and Replace

When it comes to making wholesale changes for issues like typos or in this case, changes to a finish that affects many rooms, Find and Replace is your friend.

Make sure to expand the ‘Options’ when using Find and Replace to get the most benefit.

We recommend that all Revit users have access to Ideate BIMLink to expedite the review and editing of Revit schedules and Room Finish Schedules are a great place to start. You can download a trial version of Ideate BIMLink and try for yourself.

BIM Enthusiasts Experience the Ideate Software Difference at Digital Built Week Americas 2023

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 22:24:40 GMT

Our team had a great time discussing and demonstrating our innovative Revit add-ins at the 2023 Digital Built Week conference in Dallas, Texas. We met with customers knowledgeable of our products, people who were familiar with them, and others who stopped by to hear for the first time how Ideate Software can help them optimize workflows and improve project outcomes.

Ideate Software’s Customer Success Manager – Americas, Nivin Nabeel, said, “We had an incredible time connecting with passionate AEC professionals and showcasing our innovative software tools. From personalized support to immersive demonstrations, we enjoyed empowering people to optimize and enhance project workflows. Seeing their excitement as they discovered new ways to enhance productivity and efficiency was truly rewarding.”

To learn more about how Ideate Software add-ins for Revit help users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables, and elevate design, visit our website .

We are Living in a Material World! (Assigning and Editing Materials with Ideate BIMLink)

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:28:16 GMT

Managing the myriad of materials within a Revit project can be a daunting and time-consuming task.

This task is made easier and more efficient using Ideate BIMLink .

We always recommend using one of the many sample link definitions that ship with Ideate BIMLink. In this example I’m using the Column_Types link definition, open the properties and add the Material Parameter.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget the simple things, like using the search function within Ideate BIMLink to search for the parameter that you want to add to the link definition:

Edit the materials as required, either within the Ideate BIMLink interface or for quick bulk editing export to Excel.

It’s as simple as that!

In the May 2023 release of Ideate Software, you are now able to edit and manage the material types and thicknesses within compound Wall, Floor, Roof and ceiling elements using Ideate BIMLink. There is a new folder of link definitions specifically for managing materials.

Emerging Technologies Highlighted at NXT BLD Conference

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:19:18 GMT

As a company focused on delivering relevant solutions to companies in the AECO space, Ideate Software is committed to being aware of current trends as well as emerging trends.

That’s why I attended the NXT BLD (Next Build) conference at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London. The goal of the conference was to explore emerging technologies beyond BIM for the build environment. Industry practitioners, software developers, and investors met to discuss their views on what’s next and help shape the future of related software development.

I enjoyed seeing and talking with many Ideate Software customers who attended and/or led presentations on some very interesting and thought-provoking topics, including:

Transforming the industry with artificial intelligence
Automating drawing documentation
Leveraging technologies such as AR, XR, generative design, and the metaverse
Use of data and collaboration across multiple applications
Focusing on data, interoperability, and sustainability

After the conference, I walked away with a lot of information about potential enhancements to the use of 3D models and the data associated with them as well as the enthusiasm of the speakers, which included industry leaders, renowned technologists, and design technology developers.

Browse the Events page on our website for opportunities to meet with the Ideate Software team at virtual and in-person events.

Ideate Software’s Technical Team is Growing

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 20:15:02 GMT

Press Release - San Francisco, CA, June 21, 2023

In response to increased global demand for its add-ins for Autodesk® Revit® software, Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, has added three new professionals to its technical team.

“Despite the restrictions on in-person meetings over the past few years, our team has done an outstanding job of getting the word out about the value of our Revit add-in tools,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development, Ideate Software. “We’re thrilled that our continued success led to the hiring of three ore people who are passionate about BIM and committed to helping customers enhance the quality of their Revit models while streamlining workflows.”

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software, an Autodesk AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation to boost the power of their Revit plugins by running time-intensive activities in the background.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

Automation was a Hot Topic at Revit Data Management Insights Group - London

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 20:04:37 GMT

Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Steve Deadman, Ideate Software’s customer success manager for the EMEA region, as hosts of Ideate Software’s Revit Data Management Insight Group meeting at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London.

Recording of 05-31-23 Webinar – What’s New in Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:56:01 GMT

Even if you have learned a bit about our May 2023 updates, you’ll want to watch this 30-minute recording to make sure you have better knowledge of the new features.

We covered the following new workflows:

Dynamic Custom Filters
Material and Compound Layer Management
Sheet and View Set Management
Documentation Health Review Annotation Issues
Align and Distribute Text and Tags

For short informative videos on each of these workflows and more, see the What’s New playlist on our website.

Here are some comments from webinar attendees:

“The improvements were clearly and simply laid out in a way that was easy to understand for an average user. Makes communicating this to our staff much easier.”
“[The webinar] gave a good overview of new features and pointed to where to access additional information.”
“The new functionalities are what we had hope for and will definitely help us with our Revit tasks.”

Developed to decrease the amount of time you spend on data management and enhance the quality of your Revit models, most updates address feature requests from Revit users, and they all successfully passed comprehensive QA testing with large, complex data from customers around the world.

These updates align our software with Revit 2024 and also support Revit 2020 through Revit 2023.

In this webinar, we talk about improvements to the Ideate Software Bundle solution, which includes:

Ideate Automation , which is included in our Enterprise solution and available separately, was released in December 2022 and is also compatible with Revit 2024.

If you have any questions, reach out to your account manager or send an email to support@ideatesoftware.com . We are here to help you get the most out of our Ideate Software solutions.

Where art Thou Detail Groups?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:47:00 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

The complexity of identifying hidden detail groups arises from the fact that there is no specific property directly associated with the detail group that indicates these hidden conditions, unlike some other elements in Revit that have explicit properties like visibility settings or design options. The view-specific cropping for detail groups for example do not possess such attributes. Consequently, locating hidden detail groups requires a more comprehensive approach.

To address this challenge, thanks to our wonderful development team, Ideate Annotate, part of the IdeateApps collection, offers a powerful tool that can help uncover hidden detail groups within your Revit model. By leveraging this tool, you can streamline the process and save valuable time. Here's how you can use it:

Launch the May 2023 version of IdeateApps
Open Ideate Annotate
Select the Review tab
Change the Display to “Entire Project”
After it does the initial review, choose “Full Analysis” This is the part that potentially can take a long time.*
When that's done, type “Detail Group” in the Search bar
Look for any Detail Groups listed under both issue types:

Hidden by Element – this includes any Detail Group that exists on a dependent view and is invisible due to the use of the right-click>Hide in View>Elements command.
Other Not Visible – this includes any other invisibility condition, including those caused by cropped views.

8. Double click on each instance to open the view where they exist and decide which action to take: delete or change view crop

*After you complete the Full Analysis, the results can be saved and imported later for reviewing at another time. Learn more .

Browse our website to learn more about how Ideate Software’s Revit add-ins help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables, and elevate design.

Corstorphine & Wright Using Ideate Software Tools to Help Clients Achieve their Goals, Meet Local Needs, and Deliver Lasting Value

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:37:11 GMT

Press Release - San Francisco, CA, June 8, 2023

When Corstorphine & Wright , an architectural practice with design studios across the United Kingdom, hired a new Head of Digital, it learned of the time savings possible with tools from Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer.

After talking with a representative from Ideate Software, the company decided on a three-year bundle subscription that includes:

Ideate Explorer for access to all elements, even those excluded from the Revit browser
Ideate BIMLink to pull data from a Revit model into Microsoft Excel for editing, and then push volumes of updated data back into the model
Ideate Sticky to link Microsoft Word and Excel as well as PDF documents to Revit projects
IdeateApps to streamline the tasks that Revit users perform most often
Ideate StyleManager to easily analyze, delete, and merge non-standard styles

They also subscribed to Ideate Automation , a scripting solution that runs time-intensive BIM tasks in the background.

Neil continued, “The value of each of the tools was clear, and access to all of them would enable our architects to quickly get through so many different tedious data management tasks that historically have taken a lot of time.”

Read Spotlight on Corstorphine & Wright .

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Staying on Top of Industry Trends at Digital Construction Week – London

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:26:48 GMT

Connecting with customers, Revit users, BIM enthusiasts, and competitors is one way we at Ideate Software stay aware of what’s happening in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner-operator spaces. Digital Construction Week, held in London on May 17-18, is the premier event in the UK for BIM and digital construction, and it was a great opportunity for me to check in with people who work in and around the construction field.

The focus this year was on data management and digitization of processes and less on digital twins, virtual reality, and robot dogs, although there was a smattering of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT! The construction industry is embracing the changes and new technology and processes are a big part of this.

It was a good, well-attended event with some interesting presentations. As always, I enjoyed meeting with our customers and prospective customers. I’m looking forward to seeing how digitization trends evolve as we continue to connect with the construction industry through events, presentations, publications, and more.

Important Autodesk 2024 Revit Template Ingredients Include Ideate BIMLink: A Recipe for Success

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 30 May 2023 20:52:17 GMT

Like us, others are exploring the many improvements included in Revit version 2024.

One enhancement getting a lot of attention is the new project templates. Autodesk is touting it as a key improvement , and Nicolas Catellier ranked the change #3 in his RevitPure blog post, Top 20 Best New Features in Revit 2024 , and he said, “The templates have been reworked to include more ‘best practice’ features. Instead of 1 template per discipline, they have been merged into one super multi-discipline template.”

We agree that the new templates are a very nice improvement, and we are proud to see that Ideate BIMLink played a role!

Ideate Automation Dynamic Sheet Set Using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 26 May 2023 20:40:25 GMT

Did you know that you can use Ideate Automation to export views and sheets to PDF and DWG files without worrying about editing the Revit Views/Sheets sets?

This feature streamlines the sheet set creation and management because the Revit sheet sets are static lists, while the list of views and sheets that need to be exported is constantly changing.

When you select the desired model to be exported to PDF or DWG, you must select the desired sheet sets, which are static and exist within the Revit model. To address this challenge, we enhanced our PDF and DWG scripts within Ideate Automation to include a dynamic list that is setup through an Ideate BIMLink link definition to prescribe the sheet set. This Ideate BIMLink definition (.link) file can be saved outside of the Revit model so that it can be used across models.

As a result of this implementation, the task name in Ideate Automation is now called: “IBL-Export_Combined_PDF_Dynamic” and “IBL-Export_Individual_PDF_Dynamic,” and same goes for the DWG export tasks. If you aren’t already aware, you can save Link definition from Ideate BIMLink and use it externally. The idea with this script is to use one Ideate BIMLink definition that’s managed by a filter and can be applied to multiple models.

Tips for setting up the Ideate BIMLink definition filters for Dynamic sheet sets:

Set placeholder property to False. This will ignore all placeholder sheets because they don’t have Titleblocks and will interrupt the printing process. You want to avoid that.
Use a parameter that can be used parametrically across models.
Once you set all your properties conditions, check “Elements Must Pass All Filters” making this an AND condition.

Browse our website to learn more about how Ideate Software’s Revit add-ins help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables, and elevate design.

Ideate Annotate: Review

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 26 May 2023 00:18:17 GMT

To prevent potential liability issues, rework, and unnecessary loss of time, it is vital to ensure that drawing documentation is clear and legible. Ideate Annotate offers a review tab that enables checking for various conditions, such as Annotation Clashes, Zero Length Dimensions, Orphaned Tags, Duplicate Tags, Hidden by Element, Blank Tags & Question Marks, Unexpected Keynote, and Others Not Visible.

Spotlight on Surbana Jurong

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 25 May 2023 20:01:05 GMT

Reducing Time Spent Creating Revit Sheets

Surbana Jurong is a global urban, infrastructure and managed services consulting firm, and offers a full suite of multidisciplinary consultancy services across multiple sectors, including aviation, healthcare, hospitality, transport, water and environment, and energy and resources. Headquartered in Singapore, its architects, designers, planners, engineers, and other specialists have built more than 1 million homes in Singapore, created master plans in more than 30 countries, and developed more than 100 industrial parks around the world. Driven by progressive thinking and creative ideas, they deliver solutions that support sustainable social and economic growth for their clients.

“We at Ideate Software are pleased to be associated with such a prestigious company,” said Richard Taylor, Technical Evangelist, Ideate Software. “Surbana Jurong and subsidiary companies, SAA Architects, Robert Bird Group, and SMEC subscribe to our Enterprise offering of all five Ideate Software solutions available for each Revit user within their organizations. We asked if they would be willing to share a short success story with us on just one of their time-saving workflows. We couldn’t be happier with their response. They demonstrated how they use Ideate BIMLink to significantly reduce the time they spend creating Revit sheets. In their example, they created 361 sheets in just three minutes with Ideate BIMLink. The process would have taken 24 hours in Revit.”

Surbana Jurong Case Study – Ideate BIMLink

“Sheet creation is essential for most BIM projects. Conventionally, a BIM modeler would create sheets in Revit, typing the information manually, one by one. Each sheet could take about three minutes,” said Tang Minjing, Executive BIM Manager, Surbana Jurong. “Automating the process with Ideate BIMLink reduces the time to just seconds. Here are the four simple steps that save us hours of time.”

Step 1 - Create Ideate BIMLink with necessary property. If available, you can import the Ideate BIMLink template from a previous project. This step takes about 30 seconds.

Step 2 – Export the data to Microsoft Excel and fill in the information. Exporting takes about 20 seconds. The time spent completing the information depends on the design intent.

Step 3 - Import the information to Ideate BIMLink. This step takes about 1 minute.

Step 4 – Create new Sheets and Select the Title Block. This step takes about a minute.

Results – 361 Sheets Created in Minutes

Revit drawing sheets arrangement will be in order (in Revit project browser) as the sheets are created with correct data from Excel. Title block information such as drawing title, number, and revision, etc. for each drawing sheet will be accurate too.

Ideate BIMLink allows the creation of new sheets in Revit using data from an Excel spreadsheet. You can create sheets with a specified title block, or you can create a placeholder sheet. Sheets can be created via Excel to create a quick cartoon set at the beginning of a project. Placeholder sheets, which display in the sheet index, but not in the project browser are ideal for use in representing the consultant’s sheets.

You can review the steps that Surbana Jurong implemented within our Ideate Software online help article, Creating New Sheets in Revit with Ideate BIMLink.

Conclusion

Richard continued, “Surbana Jurong’s infrastructure projects transform cities into sustainable spaces where communities can thrive long into the future. We are honored that Ideate BIMLink eliminates a time-consuming task and allows them to focus on critical design and engineering.”

This is just one small but critical example of how Surbana Jurong leverages the entire Ideate Software portfolio of Revit solutions, enabling them to increase efficiency and reduce time on critical and time-consuming workflows.

Ideate Software Applications Aligned with Autodesk Revit 2024 and Deliver Significant Improvements for Revit Versions 2020-2023

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 23 May 2023 20:30:00 GMT

Press Release - San Francisco, CA, May 23, 2023

Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, announced enhancements to its Revit add-in applications. In addition to aligning its software with Revit 2024, Ideate Software made significant improvements that will help Revit users deliver high-quality models in less time.

Watch the YouTube “What’s New” playlist for highlights of the enhancements included in the May 2023 release for Revit 2020-2024.

“Many of the improvements were based on customer requests, and all have been rigorously tested by Revit software users in our Beta Tester Group,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development, Ideate Software. “By following this proven methodology, we know that our updates are needed and work as promised, and they help us deliver on our goal of developing software solutions that solve persistent Revit challenges.”

Customers can access the new workflows, features, and fixes immediately by downloading the new versions from the Ideate Software website.

Those who aren’t subscribers yet can download trial versions from the Ideate Software website or purchase the “get-to-know-us” bundle for access to Ideate Explorer , Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Sticky , Ideate StyleManager , and IdeateApps .

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation to boost the power of their Revit plugins by running time-intensive activities in the background.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.New Paragraph

Dynamic Filters in Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 20 May 2023 00:21:27 GMT

Revit model management and standardization can quickly become a tedious and time-consuming task. With Ideate Explorer Filters, you can now dynamically filter the Ideate Explorer list based on custom parametric conditions.

Creating Views from Rooms with Ideate ViewCreator

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 19 May 2023 00:36:55 GMT

In this video, we look at the Room Views method of creating views within the Ideate ViewCreator application for Revit (part of the IdeateApps suite of tools).

Hennebery Eddy Utilizes Efficient Solutions That Stand the Test of Time

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 18 May 2023 21:54:05 GMT

Established in 1992, Hennebery Eddy Architects is a Portland-based architecture, planning, and interior design studio with specialty focus in historic preservation and sustainable design. The company attracts architects whose passion for architecture and entrepreneurial spirit contribute to an impressive portfolio of projects in multiple market sectors:

Academic - Projects for higher education institutions that address sensitive site context, usable exterior space, technologically advanced classrooms, and collaborative hearth spaces include Montana State University Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Strand Agriculture Hall at Oregon State University, Willamette University Ford Hall, and Clackamas Community College Harmony Phase II.

Commercial - From pedestrian oriented mixed-use to corporate office interiors, the firm’s commercial projects include 2&Taylor, an adaptive reuse project that transformed an underutilized downtown Portland building into creative mixed-use office and retail space; The Reserve, an extensive renovation of Pietro Belluschi’s International Style building in downtown Portland; and Willamette and Deschutes office buildings, home to collaborative work environments for the Digital Sport and Digital Tech groups at Nike’s West Campus.

Community - With a focus on collaboration and responsiveness, the firm has worked on airports, libraries, interpretive centers, fire stations, courthouses, parks, and other spaces, including Fire Station 76, Yellowstone National Park Youth Campus, and the Portland International Airport Terminal Balancing and Concourse E Extension.

Autodesk and Ideate Software Tools Support Unique Projects

As you review the Hennebery Eddy portfolio, you’ll notice that the company isn’t tied to a specific style. Instead, it responds to each client’s needs, respecting the underlying organization of each site and pushing beyond the programmatic requirements to create inspirational, environmentally conscious, and meaningful places in the community – an approach captured by the firm’s design philosophy. Throughout the design process, Hennebery Eddy relies on tools including Autodesk Revit building information modeling software and Ideate Explorer , which it uses to keep its Revit files clean and organized.

Ideate Explorer is a powerful Revit model management tool that reduces time spent on tedious tasks from hours to seconds. With it, users easily search for, filter, quantify, index, and select all elements – even ‘missing’ and hard-to-find ones. It makes it easy to assess Revit file health, execute necessary changes quickly, and keep BIM projects on the right path.

“Ideate Explorer has improved our ability to collaborate in Revit as a large team, helping us achieve a cleaner model, saving us time searching for elements, and improving our syncing times,” said Scott Moreland, AIA, Associate at Hennebery Eddy.

Outstanding Designs Attract the Attention of Numerous Organizations

Every year, Hennebery Eddy proudly accepts several awards. Here are just a few they received in 2016:

DeMuro Award, presented by Restore Oregon for Oregon State University Strand Agriculture Hall
Merit Award, presented by AIA Montano for Montana State University College of Business
Top Projects Award, presented by DJC Oregon for PDX Terminal Carpet Replacement
Covallis Historic Preservation Award, presented by City of Corvallis Historic Resources Commission for Oregon State University Strand Agriculture Hall
Top Projects Award - Public Service Category, presented by DJC Oregon for Fire Station 76

Taking Steps to Stay at the Forefront

Hennebery Eddy is committed to being a leader in its field. All its professional staff members:

Are LEED Professionals trained in creating cost-effective, energy-efficient, durable, long-lasting, and environmentally sustainable design solutions.
Use the best software tools on the market today, including Ideate Explorer.
Help develop software tools for tomorrow by participating in Ideate Software product beta testing.

About Ideate Software

Stantec Delivers Outstanding Employee and Customer Experience with the Help of Ideate Software Tools

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 17 May 2023 20:22:56 GMT

Press Release - San Francisco, CA, May 17, 2023

With steep competition for top talent, Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering services, knows that its work environment must be one in which its employees have the support they need to focus on the company’s mission of advancing the quality of life in communities across the globe. One way Stantec delivers that support is by using tools by Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer.

“I have been a fan of Ideate Software tools since I first used them in 2015,” said Ben Holmes, Senior Technician, Stantec. “They help our team spend more time offering unique insight to every project by reducing the time needed to perform repetitive tasks, search for and update model elements, and ensure all deliverables meet our high standards.”

When providing examples of how the Stantec team uses Ideate Software tools, Ben mentioned:

Keeping model data clean with Ideate Explorer
Reducing the amount of time spent populating schedules with Ideate BIMLink
Updating drawing elements so line, hatching, text, and other families comply with their template with Ideate StyleManager
Creating and copying sheets with views with two tools in the IdeateApps collection

Read Spotlight on Stantec for more.

Visit www.ideatesoftware.com to learn how Ideate Software add-ins for Revit help users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables, and elevate design. Give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , Ideate Sticky , IdeateApps , and Ideate StyleManager for six months.

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation to boost the power of their Revit plugins by running time-intensive activities in the background.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

Microsoft Excel is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Align and Distribute Text and Tags with Ideate Annotate

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 16 May 2023 00:26:15 GMT

Aligning text and tags is now simple and efficient, helping you save hours of manual editing and reduce the risk of errors. Filter out unnecessary tags and text and select only the elements you want to align. Increase productivity while streamlining your documentation process.

Material and Compound Layer Management with Ideate BIMLink and Ideate StyleManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 13 May 2023 00:34:10 GMT

Effortlessly modify multiple layers of building components, such as walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, and slabs, by editing their materials and thickness all at once.

Ideate Software Visits our Hometown in San Francisco!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 12 May 2023 20:10:02 GMT

We visited Woods Bagot and Y.A. Studio at their offices, and we held an event that people from many prominent Bay Area firms attended. During that event, I spoke about our latest product developments. Topics included:

Introduction to Dynamic Filters within Ideate Explorer
Align and Distribute Text and Tags
Documentation Health Within the Review Tab within Ideate Annotate
Grid and Level Markers Clashing
Hidden and Cropped Detail Groups
Unexpected Keynotes
Duplicate Tags
Customizable Filters
Material and Compound Layer Management
Shared Parameters Creation
Sheet and View Set Management
New Features in Ideate ViewCreator
Copying Schedules and Updating Their Filter Values
Creating Views from Rooms that Exist in Linked Models
Ideate Automation!

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions about the software solutions presented. They also had the chance to network with other Revit users and learn about best practices and industry trends.

Browse our website to learn more about how Ideate Software products help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design.

What's New in Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 12 May 2023 18:30:17 GMT

Experience the latest updates in our software, expertly aligned with Revit 2024. In addition, our May 2023 release provides a vast range of enhancements specifically tailored for versions 2020-2023.

Simplify your workflow with our software and take control of Revit like never before. Get access to features that allow you to efficiently review, edit, and manage data in your projects. Refine project elements easily and connect vital non-BIM data from Excel, Word, or PDF documents. Enjoy streamlined Revit workflows that automate tedious and repetitive tasks.

Ideate Software Proudly Sponsors Women in BIM

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 09 May 2023 19:48:44 GMT

Press Release - San Francisco, CA, May 09, 2023

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation to boost the power of their Revit plugins by running time-intensive activities in the background.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

“As a developer of add-ins for Autodesk Revit® software, we strive to stay connected with BIM users around the world,” said Glynnis Patterson, Software Development Director, Ideate Software. “Serving Women in BIM in this new way gives us the tremendous opportunity to learn from and provide insights to people who share our passion for BIM while helping the organization support, empower, and celebrate female BIM and digital construction professionals.”

Nivin Nabeel, Customer Success Manager – Americas, Ideate Software, continued, “I am excited about meeting members of Women in BIM, both virtually and in person, to bring their attention to Ideate Software tools that can help boost their competitiveness by reducing the time they spend on model data management.”

Ideate Software’s decision to partner with Women in BIM through a Corporate sponsorship stemmed from a decades-long commitment to working with women who make a major positive difference in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner-operator arena. Women in BIM’s vision resonates with Ideate Software, and through the sponsorship, Ideate Software will help increase respect, fairness, and inclusion for female BIM professionals.

“We are excited to join with Women in BIM and support their efforts of fostering diversity and equality,” said Glynnis.

Chair and founder of WIB Rebecca De Cicco stated, “Having partners like Ideate Software as part of the Women in BIM community allows our vision and our strategic purpose to grow, to flourish, and to target all areas of the built environment. We are so very pleased to be working closely with Ideate Software to help foster a more inclusive industry.”

Visit www.ideatesoftware.com to learn how Ideate Software add-ins for Revit help users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables, and elevate design. Give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , Ideate Sticky , IdeateApps , and Ideate StyleManager for six months.

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation to boost the power of their Revit plugins by running time-intensive activities in the background.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

How to Export Revit Data to Excel

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 00:47:54 GMT

Although Revit is the leading BIM software in the world, it simply was not designed to enable users to edit large amounts of data quickly and easily.

Because complex Revit models have massive amounts of data, using Revit to verify, manipulate, and update that data can be incredibly time consuming and error prone. It’s not uncommon for architects, engineers, designers, and contractors to spend hundreds of hours on data entry tasks, double handing data, and fixing work done incorrectly. Spending time on these tasks can frustrate the users, who generally prefer to spend their time on more innovative and creative activities. It can also lead to missed deadlines or incorrect deliverables, which can frustrate customers and can damage a business’s reputation.

Ideate BIMLink eliminates the need for time to be spent on manual, repetitive tasks by enabling users to export Revit data to Excel , use the powerful tools in Excel to easily manage, manipulate, and edit the data, and then push the updated data back into the Revit model, saving hours of manual data editing. Excel doesn’t even need to be installed for Ideate BIMLink to read and write Excel files.

Ideate BIMLink supports the following file formats for both import and export for Revit projects:

Excel 2007 - 2013 Workbook (*.xlsx)
Excel 2007 - 2013 Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm)
Excel 97 - 2003 Workbook (*.xls)

Excel is the ideal choice for these workflows because it is the most popular spreadsheet software in the world. More than 750 million people around the world use it, and the vast majority of business use it for data entry, data management, accounting, financial analysis, charting and graphing, and more. Most people already know how to use the software, and those who aren’t familiar with it can gain a basic understanding of its interface and core functions in just a few hours, and most people can fully learn the application and master its more complex capabilities in just 18 – 20 hours.

Using Ideate BIMLink

Like all Ideate Software products, Ideate BIMLink is easy to learn and use. Below are a few examples of how to export/import data from Revit to Excel . You can get step-by-step workflow instructions, information on troubleshooting, and details on customizations from our website in the Ideate BIMLink Help files .

Example One: Excel Naming Conventions: Associate an Excel Spreadsheet with a Link Saved in a Revit Project

The Excel worksheet tab and the link must be named the exact same thing
The Excel column headings must match the corresponding link property name
In most examples, the first column in the Excel sheet has to contain a valid Revit element id assigned by Revit. It will be used to identify an element within the Revit model

NOTE: If any of the above information changes, Ideate BIMLink won’t be able to associate the Excel spreadsheet with the link used to create that spreadsheet. Learn more here: Import Messages when importing Revit to Excel

Tip: The name of the Excel file is arbitrary; it can be changed to identify different spreadsheet tabs created by the same link

Example Two: Export from Revit to Excel

To export elements from Revit to Excel , open Ideate BIMLink and:

Example Three: Editing Revit Property and Cell Units in Microsoft Excel

Default Units - Ideate BIMLink will export numeric property values from Revit to Excel by using the default units defined in Revit.

If the default unit is set to feet and fractional inches, Ideate BIMLink will export the values as decimal values with three places
Numerical values imported from Excel to Revit are interpreted as having the default units defined in Revit

NOTE: The Properties palette in Revit does not use the unit format specified within Project Units; it has its own, hard-wired format

Imperial Units - Fractional Inches - Microsoft Excel doesn’t support imperial format for length values in the same way as Revit with both the feet and inches syntax. Instead, when working with imperial length units:

Feet and fractional inches are displayed as decimal feet
Fraction inches are displayed as decimal inches

Even though the values are exported using numerical values, these number formats are acceptable for importing purposes: 6'1 or 73" or 6'-1"

Formatting Dates – Microsoft Excel will convert certain types of text string data into a Date format when an edit is made. E.g., “3-03-12” will change the cell format from "General" to "Date," and it will change the underlying cell value. This also alters how the information is imported back into Revit via Ideate BIMLink. If you don’t want this to happen, we have two workaround options:

Type this character ' in front of the date to force the cell to retain its "General" text string format and read exactly as written. E.g., Type: '31-05-22 to signify May 31, 2022, and the value will read into Revit as expected
Use the dd/mm/yy, mm/dd/yy syntax and Excel won’t convert it to a text string.

Example Four: Automating Document Issue and Revision Records using Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Sticky

Using Ideate BIMLink along with Ideate Sticky , our application that enables users to place non-BIM data within Revit files, you can easily automate document issue and revision records. This workflow addresses the challenge of dealing with revision information in the Revit model when there is a need to schedule all of the sheets and all the revisions that exist on that sheet. Revit only displays the current revision in a sheet list, and it does not have a built-in solution to schedule every revision on each sheet. Here’s a recording of a webinar in which we ran through the entire process.

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, get 30-day trial versions , or choose the subscription option that best meets your needs.

Stay Connected

Check us out on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook , and YouTube .

If you have any questions, reach out to us . We are here to help you understand and use our add-ins for Revit .

Naming DWG Exports from Ideate Automation to ISO 19650

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 21:09:10 GMT

We recently launched the ability to create the export of DWG files from Revit models via Ideate Automation. (We have supported the creation of PDFs since June 2022). Controlling the output of the files is done within the Ideate Automation set up wizard. We have improved upon the Revit DWG export settings and can control the naming of the DWGs better and add custom parameters where appropriate.

The default file naming for many of the scripts that export to DWG is controlled by the variable ${view_parameterValue} . This value is in turn controlled by either a sheet or view name parameter. The default value for the sheet elements is to use the parameter called “Sheet Number” while the default value for view elements is to use the parameter called “View Name.”

To comply with ISO 19650 standards for example, many people are managing the required sheet number value with a custom parameter name. In the example shown below, the sheet number is combined on the title block to include two custom parameters called Project Code and Originator , both of which are stored under Project Information.

Both the AUT-Export_DWG and IBL-Export_DWG_Dynamic Ideate Automation scripts can be used to deliver unique DWG file names by adjusting the File Name variable to:

${Revit.CurrentFile.ProjectInfo.Project Code}-${Revit.CurrentFile.ProjectInfo.Originator}-${view_parameterValue}

After the script has completed and the files have been created the file name is created by concatinating the Project Code, Originator and Sheet Number parameters.

Read more about automating your DWG exports from Revit in this How To guide .

If you’re a fan of ISO 19650, you may find these related blog posts useful:

For additional training tips, check out our Training blog series

Simplify Your Revit Data Challenges

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 00:47:00 GMT

Ideate Software's collection of Revit tools enables all disciplines in our industry to say goodbye to laborious data editing, viewing, and management tasks.

HPP Architects Expands the Design Team to Non-Revit Users with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 23:43:48 GMT

Press Release - San Francisco, CA, April 20, 2023

Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, presents its latest customer spotlight. This story is about HPP Architects, one of Europe’s leading architectural partnerships. HPP comprises a global team of more than 480 architects, engineers, urban designers, and specialists in 13 offices, including eight regional offices in Germany and five international branches in Turkey, China, and the Netherlands.

Sandra Bethke, BIM Manager/IT, HPP, said, “HPP has been successfully using Ideate Software tools for many years. We use Ideate BIMLink the most, and it saves us a lot of time by enabling us to export data to Excel where people who don’t know Revit can audit data, enter new data, and update existing data.”

When providing an example, Sandra shared how HPP uses Ideate BIMLink to export component lists from Autodesk Revit® models into Microsoft Excel files and then makes them available to specialist planners who quickly and easily fill in parameter values using familiar Excel tools. When the data is imported back into Revit, the completed parameter data is automatically assigned to the respective components. “This way of working saves a lot of time, especially in very large component lists, such as doors,” said Sandra.

Read Spotlight on HPP for more.

Visit www.ideatesoftware.com to learn how Ideate Software add-ins for Revit help users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables, and elevate design. Give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , Ideate Sticky , IdeateApps , and Ideate StyleManager for six months.

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation to boost the power of their Revit plugins by running time-intensive activities in the background.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Microsoft Excel is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

A New Way to Access Your Revit Models with Ideate Automation 2.1

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 23:32:06 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Not too long ago, a good customer contacted me about using Ideate Automation . Ideate Software has a simple process called the Ideate Forge Connector. The purpose of the Ideate Forge Connector custom integration is to use the Autodesk API to authenticate the user and to enable Ideate Automation to see and access hub names, project names, and Revit model names for which the user has the appropriate permissions. This custom integration ONLY gives Ideate Automation the current list of Revit models that can be used for Ideate Automation. It does NOT give Ideate Software access to any BIM360 or Autodesk Construction Cloud models. The access is needed for Ideate Software to be able to generate a list of available models.

However, we realize that firms are sensitive and protective of their data. This particular customer that reached out to me mentioned that they could NOT give access to Ideate Software even to generate the list of models that was on their BIM360 Hub.

Well, Ideate Automation 2.1 to the rescue! We realized the hesitancy and security concerns from some potential and existing customers, and we introduced the “Recent Revit Files” dropdown within Ideate Automation 2.1.

While we continue to recommend the custom integration for an optimum file access experience, we developed this functionality to respond to customer requests to make it easier to work with Revit files from a partner’s Autodesk account/hubs. It also allows you to use Ideate Automation without giving Ideate Software the BIM 360/ACC access permissions required for the custom integration.

As long as the Ideate Automation user has previously accessed the Revit model on their computer, the list of Revit models will appear if the “Recent Revit Files” is the active setting under Manage on the main Ideate Automation dialog.

This also makes it MUCH easier to trial Ideate Automation since you don’t have to go through the custom integration to gain access to a model for testing or trialing purposes.

You can download a full function, 30-day Ideate Automation trial here . If you already have Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , IdeateApps , or Ideate StyleManager, the Ideate Automation trial will work seamlessly with your current Ideate Software applications. If you don’t have any Ideate Software applications, you can download those applications for a trial as well. Or, you can certainly use Ideate Automation as a stand-alone solution for publishing PDF or publishing DWG information as a few examples.

We made this update as a request from several Ideate Software customers, so be sure to continue to keep those amazing questions coming to support@ideatesoftware.com and we will keep answering them!

Ideate Software Sponsoring Open Studio Night at AIA Conference on Architecture 2023

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 23:22:23 GMT

With 165+ seminars on projects and trends, 20+ knowledge development workshops, and 60+ sessions from leading building product manufacturers, the AIA Conference on Architecture 2023 , June 7-10 in San Francisco, California, promises to be informative, interesting, and fun!

If you choose to go to Open Studio Night #5 , be sure to go into the Vault Room when you tour the Center for Architecture + Design. Several Ideate Software team members will be there, and they are looking forward to meeting or catching up with people while sharing snacks and discussing BIM, Revit, and Ideate Software tools.

Get Details

To get details on each of the tours and select the one that interests you the most, go to the Schedule page and search for “Open Studio Night.”

The Ideate Software Team Demonstrated Products at BIM World Paris

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 21:40:29 GMT

Ideate Software was pleased to attend and participate in BIM World Paris earlier this month.

Customers and Prospects in Singapore get In-Person Demonstrations of Ideate Software Tools

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 20:11:51 GMT

Recently I spent a busy week in Singapore attending, exhibiting, and presenting at Build Tech Asia 2023 as well as meeting with representatives from several architecture and engineering firms during a city tour with BIMAGE Consulting , Ideate Software’s partner in the area.

Following the conference, my colleagues from BIMAGE and I hit the streets and visited several customers and prospective customers. I especially like this type of meeting because there are limited distractions and people seem to be very comfortable in familiar surroundings, which can increase engagement. Thank you to BIMAGE for setting up most of the appointments!

Browse the Ideate Software website to learn more about how Ideate Software tools help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design.

Ideate Software Sponsoring the 2023 AIA San Francisco Design Awards

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 20:02:53 GMT

As a developer of leading software used by companies in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner-operator fields, we have the honor of working every day with customers that design and build some of the most beautiful and innovative structures in the world.

We are pleased to be the Silver Sponsor of the 2023 AIA San Francisco Design Awards to:

We are looking forward to seeing our Bay Area customers, partners, and friends, and joining in the celebration of the tremendous work done to enhance the quality of life in the local communities.

Bluebeam Revu 21.0.30 Update Breaks Ideate Sticky for Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 19:33:28 GMT

UPDATE

The problem identified below has been fixed by the April 2023 release of Ideate Sticky for versions 2020+. You can download the latest version of Ideate Sticky here and learn about some of the Ideate Software advantages of upgrading to Autodesk Desktop Connector 16.x here .

************

Yesterday, it was brought to our attention that the latest update for Bluebeam Revu 21 , dated March 28, 2023, causes Ideate Sticky to stop working. Two customers yesterday reported this condition to us and were able restore Ideate Sticky functionality by using either of these methods:

Rolling back to the previous version of Bluebeam 21
Disabling Revit from Bluebeam Administrator

We are working with Bluebeam to collaborate on a fix. If you want to roll back to the earlier version of Bluebeam Review 21, you can access it via the link below.

Bluebeam Revu 21.0.20 download | Bluebeam.com

W e will update this post once we learn more.

Recording of 03-22-23 Webinar: Automate Repetitive Revit Tasks with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:27:55 GMT

This webinar is for people looking to increase productivity.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll learn about Ideate Automation , which automates repetitive tasks, saving time, reducing the chance of human error, and delivering consistent and predictable outcomes.

Ideate Automation is a scripting solution that silently runs tasks in the background on PCs or virtual machines either on demand or at specific times and intervals. Used with Revit as well as with Ideate Software solutions such as Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , IdeateApps , and Ideate StyleManager , it supports Revit versions 2020-2023.

Top workflows performed by Ideate Automation include:

Exporting key Revit model health data
Creating document issue records
Managing COBie data
Generating quantity take-off data
Delivering reports on key Revit family and project metrics
Exporting schedules from Revit
Creating PDF and DWG exports from Revit files

For more information, please contact the Ideate Software Sales team .

Create Views by Room Using a Sheet as a Template!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 01:11:30 GMT

Our customers are overwhelmingly delighted with one of our newest features developed by Michael Coffey . This is also one of my favorites. I can see how helpful it can be in creating similar sheets with room views for projects. I wanted to bring your attention to this hidden powerful feature! Long gone are the days of manual view creations and manual alignment.

When using this feature in Ideate ViewCreator , one of the tools in the IdeateApps collection, you can setup one sheet with the room views that you like and then use it as a template to create many more.

Tips to making this successful: Make sure to turn off, Grids, Sections, and Levels in your view template prior to cloning the Sheet. This ensures the scope box placement and the extent of the view match the original setup without being affected by Grids, Sections and Levels. Once when the new Sheet is created, you can turn these categories back on, if desired. The same View Template will be applied to the Cloned Sheet, so turning the items back on will be a breeze.

Original Sheet used as a Template:

New Cloned Sheet:

Bonus! You can select multiple rooms to follow one template! Batch view creation made easy!

Learn more about batch creating room-based views here .

This blog post is part of our Training Series. Access more here .

Browse our website to learn more about how Ideate Software’s Revit add-ins help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables, and elevate design. You can give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps for six months.

Managing Revisions in Revit using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:41:52 GMT

Watch this video to learn how to add revisions to multiple sheets using Ideate BIMLink. This tool makes the process much quicker and easier.

Gain a Competitive Edge Using Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 19:37:00 GMT

If you scramble to get accurate designs to customers on time, chances are you aren't providing the high-quality product they expect. Reduce the risk of losing clients to the competition with Ideate Software data management tools for Autodesk Revit.

Managing View Templates with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:56:33 GMT

View templates are a key and vital part of any Revit project. View templates control the ‘look and feel’ of your printed (exported) output as well as 2D documentation. 2D pdfs are still very much the accepted contract documents. So, you want to make sure that all your drawings are consistent and look identical. View templates manage this very well. But what about managing the view templates themselves? There is no way to do this easily within Revit.

Within Ideate BIMLink are many pre-defined link definitions that look after standards and model health within models, including links that manage views. You can assign view templates to views using the Views link definition that ships with Ideate BIMLink:

There are also a number of links that deal with view templates themselves:

Using our Project_Stds-View_Templates link definition, it’s possible to review the properties of each view template and make edits to multiple templates at once such as turning on and off the properties included within each template.

This link can be used to edit all the properties shown in yellow below (with any of your view-specific custom parameters) but cannot be used to dig into any property that has an Edit… button within the dialog. This means that you cannot, for example, edit the settings within the V/G Overrides RVT Link. You can control whether the V/G Overrides RVT Link settings are applicable for the given view template.

For a more in-depth analysis, Ideate StyleManager can provide information on where the view templates are being used. You can also delete and merge view templates using Ideate StyleManager

Refer to our Ideate BIMLink ‘how to’ guide for more information.

For additional training tips, check out our Training blog series .

Stantec Delivers Outstanding Employee and Customer Experience

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:07:53 GMT

Spotlight on Stantec

About the Organization

Stantec , a global leader in sustainable design and engineering services, unites more than 26,000 employees working in more than 400 locations across 6 continents. Stantec combines engineering, planning, and technical services to deliver sustainable development and infrastructure projects from pre-planning to completion, shaping strategies and completing projects.

Stantec’s high-quality designs respond to the specific townscape, cultural, and social contexts of each project with community in mind. The company offers its engineers, designers, project managers, and other professionals the opportunity to contribute to the development of healthier hospitals, smarter schools, safer roadways, and more resilient waterways.

With steep competition for top talent, Stantec knows that its work environment must be one in which its employees have the support they need to advance the quality of life in communities across the globe. One way Stantec delivers that support is by using Ideate Software tools.

Stantec and Ideate Software

Here are a few examples of how Stantec benefits from Ideate Software tools:

“We used Ideate Software tools to create a new Revit template for use in the office,” said Ben. “Renaming families, hatch patterns, and text styles, as well as auditing model data are just some of the tasks we perform to provide consistency across projects.”
“ Ideate Explorer is an excellent tool to keep model data clean,” said Ben, who uses it to find and correct errors when auditing models. “When working on projects, Ideate Explorer is often run from the start, allowing me to monitor errors within models while working and auditing as I go along, keeping my project files clean, slender, and efficient for other users. Another useful feature is the ability to track down linked or imported DWG files that can cause problems in Revit.”
“ Ideate BIMLink must be one of the top tools out there,” said Ben. “It reduces the amount of time spent populating schedules by exporting them out of Revit to Excel and then back in with ease. No more squinting at a Revit schedule. Ideate BIMLink has also proved invaluable with the template alterations, filtering out and renaming text styles, dimensions, and hatch patterns to name but a few.”
“Having tidied up the office Revit template as well as some details we use on a regular basis, I now use Ideate StyleManager to update drawing elements quickly, so the lines and hatching, as well as text and other families comply with the new template, reducing the risk of unbranded lines.”
“ IdeateApps comes with so many valuable tools that speed up tasks we perform every day,” said Ben. “We use Ideate Clone and Ideate SheetManager to create and copy sheets with views, which can’t be done in Revit.”

“Of all the IdeateApps tools, I use Ideate SmartDelete the most,” said Ben. “One example is when we have loads of reference planes unlabelled in a model or additional levels we want to remove, I use this tool to learn what will be deleted along with the element selected, saving me the pain caused by accidental deletions.”

On the East Riverside project, Stantec used Ideate Software tools for auditing the models and for mentoring on best practices when errors in elements were found. “This mentoring helps reduce recurring errors and allows people to work more productive without the worry,” said Ben.

On this project, Stantec also used Ideate BIMLink daily to assist with data population as well as creating new families, views, and exporting quantities, and they used Ideate Explorer to find specific beams or columns with certain parameters, allowing quick isolation so they can be interrogated easily by the design team.

Global Audience Views Ideate Software Presentation Hosted by Revit Pure Live

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 19:54:46 GMT

Recently, I had the terrific opportunity to speak with viewers from around the world on Revit Pure Live, a weekly show that teaches strategies on how to become a better Revit user. Hosted by Nicolas Catellier , the founder of Revit Pure, this session attracted people from Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia, Denmark, England, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain, Portugal, the United States, and more.

The title of my presentation was “Mastering the Art of Revit Data,” which is something I am very passionate about. It featured a high-level overview of the Revit challenges solved by Ideate Software tools, which were my favorite when I worked as a BIM manager prior to joining Ideate, and then a deep dive into how to become a Revit Ninja by using the tools. This session covered the following topics:

Work around the most common Revit database access limitations
Efficiently navigate models relying on model data
Safely and quickly edit large volumes of data

I also had the honor to preview new features to Ideate Explorer and Ideate BIMLink that are in their final development stages. These features include dynamic filtering within Ideate Explorer and compound layer management within Ideate BIMLink! The recording is available on the Revit Pure Live YouTube channel.

If you have any questions regarding this presentation, please feel free to reach out to the Ideate Software technical support team .

HPP Architects Bring Non-Revit Users into Design Process with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:50:59 GMT

Spotlight on HPP Architects

HPP Architects is one of Europe’s leading architectural partnerships. Founded by Professor Hentrich, it offers a full range of architectural and master planning services.

Today’s fifth generation of HPP comprises a global team of more than 480 architects, engineers, urban designers, and specialists in 13 offices, including eight regional offices in Germany and five international branches in Turkey, China, and the Netherlands. Its headquarters are in the Düsseldorf Media Harbor, and its other offices are in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Istanbul, Leipzig, Munich, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Stuttgart.

HPP and Ideate Software

“HPP has been successfully using Ideate Software tools for many years,” said Sandra Bethke, BIM Manager/IT, HPP. “We use Ideate BIMLink the most, and it saves us a lot of time by enabling us to export data to Excel where people who don’t know Revit can audit data, enter new data, and update existing data.”

An Example

With Ideate BIMLink, HPP exports component lists from Revit models into Microsoft Excel files and makes them available to specialist planners who quickly and easily fill in parameter values using familiar Excel tools. When the data is imported back into Revit, the completed parameter data is automatically assigned to the respective components. “This way of working saves a lot of time, especially in very large component lists, such as doors,” said Sandra.

More Time Savings in the Future

HPP recently purchased a three-year subscription to the Ideate Software bundle, which includes Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , Ideate Sticky , Ideate StyleManager , and IdeateApps .

“Each tool allows us to perform specific tasks better and faster,” said Sandra. “The team is looking forward to using them all as they work to create economical, ecological, technical, social, and aesthetic value for our customers and communities.”

Ideate Software Team Heading to BuildTech Asia

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 22:31:39 GMT

We are excited to have the opportunity to meet with Revit users at BuildTech Asia (BTA) in Singapore on March 28-30. The goal of BTA 2023 is to be the Asia Pacific region’s leading event for people in the building and construction industries to:

If you're an Ideate Software customer, learn about the recent enhancements to our portfolio, including the Ideate Annotate tool within IdeateApps and our new product, Ideate Automation . Not yet an Ideate Software customer? Stop by to see demonstrations of how our tools are essential for every Revit user and savvy BIM manager.

Visit our Events page to learn about other opportunities to meet with the Ideate Software team in person and online.

Browse our website to learn more about how Ideate Software’s top Revit plugins help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design. You can give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to our addiins for Revit, which includes Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps for six months.

Integrating Ideate Software Solutions with Autodesk Desktop Connector

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 21:25:46 GMT

To provide the best possible collaborative environment between Autodesk Construction Cloud Revit models and other non-Revit documentation, we design Ideate Software solutions to be integrated with Autodesk Desktop Connector when possible. We have limited ability to manage changes made by Autodesk without access to an API. To let Autodesk know this is important to you, vote for the idea on the BIM 360 API forum.

Desktop Connector 16.x Benefits

Unlike version 15.x, the 16.x version of Autodesk Desktop Connector can always download the current version of a file to a local machine. This important change means that many workflows supported by Ideate Software, and in particular Ideate Sticky, can work as expected, because the file contents and metadata such as the last saved date of an Excel file, can be programmatically understood. We recommend that you take advantage of these new features within the Desktop Connector:

Select Projects to Sync

The latest Desktop Connector release allows you to select and add up to 40 of your BIM 360 and Autodesk Docs projects to your Autodesk Docs Connector in File Explorer. Only add the projects you need to better manage your local storage space.

We recommend that you select all active projects that contain Stickies on BIM 360 / Autodesk Docs (ACC). Learn how in the Autodesk Help Topic: Docs: Manage Projects .

Select Folder to Sync

Once you’ve selected your active Revit projects from the Desktop Connector, you’ll see all the subfolders displayed within your Windows Explorer. For folders that contain content that needs read/write access, use the right-click menu and pick “Always keep on this device.” This will ensure your Ideate Stickies can be read properly during the auto-update process, because the date modified will mirror the information stored in the cloud on BIM 360/ACC.

The Most Essential Plugins for Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 19:10:26 GMT

We at Ideate Software know that we create essential plugins for Revit because we actually address challenges expressed by Revit users.

About Autodesk Revit Software

Revit software is the most popular BIM software used by architects; structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers; designers; and contractors to create, edit, and review 3D models. It’s used to:

Model 3D shapes, structures, and systems
Start from scratch or convert 2D models to 3D
Create photo-like representations of structures or systems
Identify clashes early in the design stage

Streamline documentation work
All model data is kept in a single database
Changes made in one place automatically update throughout the model
Monitor, review, and share information on changes

Unite multidisciplinary teams in a unified project environment with specialty toolset that empower:
Architectural designers to focus more on creativity and innovative designs by using Revit to easily iterate design ideas and then document, coordinate, manage, and deliver architecture projects
Structural engineers to save time, reduce risk, and minimize errors by using Revit to design, detail, analyze, and document structural systems through all stages, from pre-planning through maintenance
MEP engineers to reduce headaches down the road by using Revit to model, analyze, and iterate system designs that support better performance and sustainability
Construction teams to increase productivity by working from accurate drawings of constructable structures

Feature Requests from Revit Users

Revit Architecture Forum
Revit MEP Forum
Revit Structure Forum
Revit API Forum
Revit Ideas Forum

The Revit Ideas Forum is where users can go to share ideas for future product features directly with the Revit team and collaborate on existing suggestions with peers. At the time this blog post was written, there were more than 43,000 posts in the Revit Ideas Forum. To simplify the process of contributing to and finding posts, Autodesk has three main tabs on the page: Hot Ideas, Top Voted, and Latest Ideas, and they have all posts sorted into more than 30 categories, including Architecture, BIM Management, Collaboration, Construction, Documentation, Mechanical, Modeling, Multi-Discipline, and Visualization.

Ideate Software – Essential Revit Plugins List

We at Ideate Software know that we create essential plugins for Revit because we actually address challenges expressed by Revit users. The Revit Ideas Forum is one of the ways to learn about what’s important to Revit users. We monitor the site regularly, paying attention to the ideas that get the most “votes,” which are ways for Revit users to express their agreement with the original post. Armed with that information as well as information we get from discussions with Revit users from around the world, we decide which ones to focus on, and then determine if we can add functionality to an existing product or develop a new product.

Here's a recording of a one-hour webinar in which Richard Taylor, Ideate Software’s Technical Evangelist, highlighted feature requests addressed by Ideate Software.

Here are links to the blog posts referenced in the video. Within each blog post, in addition to providing step-by-step workflow instructions, we link to the related feature requests on the Revit Ideas Forum, so you can see how our features granted a “wish” made by Revit users that Autodesk has not addressed:

Duplicate a Revit sheet while creating new views or swapping existing views of the sheet
Control the view title alignment when aligning or swapping views on a sheet
Ease the documentation process with the help of the sheet and view tools
Easily find elements that may be hidden in the Revit model
Renumber almost any Revit element with intelligent rules and various methods for selection
Implement a fully functional Revit spell checker that checks all sheets and views plus schedules
Audit Revit models and select elements more easily
Quickly review and fix Revit warnings to ensure a well performing model
Manage, analyze, merge, and purge complicated Revit styles
Live link Excel, PDF, and Word documents into your Revit project

An Overview of Ideate Software Revit Plugins

Below is the top Revit plugins list of tools developed by Ideate Software:

Ideate Explorer – Revit users want to spend more time on interesting design activities. Ideate Explorer helps them do this by dramatically decreasing the amount of time they have to spend on model management. They use it to quickly find and delete incorrect, obsolete, and hidden problem items—including imported or linked DWG drawings—as well as to find, refine, and revise elements, even those not included in the Revit project browser.

The following three features that are included with Ideate Explorer add additional value to the Revit plugin:
Ideate Warnings Manager – Audit warnings that are ranked by importance and fix the problems using Revit tools while the Warnings Manager dialog box is open
Ideate Query – Search in parameters for elements like unused annotations, design options, in-place usage, structure usage/area scheme, and revisions
Ideate Navigate – Navigate view-based elements; find unused sheets and views; find and filter legends, schedules, sheets, or views by category and/or keyword; customize work environments without changing the project browser
Ideate BIMLink – You can use Ideate BIMLink instead of working in Revit to verify and/or edit data one element at a time. Export data to Excel where you can easily view and manipulate large amounts of data easily. Once the data is updated, you can then use Ideate BIMLink for Revit to import data back into Revit, and the model will immediately update.
Ideate Sticky – Revit users appreciate the ability to share accurate and nicely formatted non-BIM data with Revit teams by live-linking Excel, Word, and PDF documents into a Revit model with Ideate Sticky. These “stickies” look nice, are easy to read, and can be updated easily when changes are made to the original source documents.
Ideate StyleManager – Pasting data from one Revit model to another often causes problems because information associated with the original files get copied along with the data. This clogs models with incorrect information that can take a long time to remove if working in Revit. Not removing the information is risky because it can cause model performance problems and documentation errors. With Ideate StyleManager, it’s easy to analyze, merge, or delete non-standard Revit styles. You can also use Ideate StyleManager to see the view filters applied to views and clean object and line styles and patterns, text, fonts, parameters, and more.
IdeateApps – Reduce the change of mistakes, rework, and frustrations by eliminating the need to perform repetitive Revit tasks on large complex models with the 10 tools that come in the IdeateApps collection: Ideate SpellCheck , Ideate Align , Ideate Clone , Ideate ViewCreator , Ideate SheetManager , Ideate Annotate , Ideate XRay , Ideate ReNumber , Ideate SmartDelete , and Ideate QuickSelect .
Ideate Automation – Do more meaningful work as Ideate Automation runs time-intensive BIM tasks silently in the background. You can start the script manually or schedule it to run at a convenient time, even during non-working hours. Our customers add Ideate Automation to their toolbox to increase productivity, eliminate the need to train staff on repetitive tasks, and ensure task outcomes are highly predictable, free of user errors, and standardized.

Learn More

Browse our website to learn more about how Ideate Software’s top Revit plugins help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design. You can give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to our addins for Revit, which includes Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps for six months.

Stay Connected

Check us out on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook , and YouTube .

If you have any questions, reach out to us . We are here to help you understand and use our Revit plugin solutions.

DiMella Shaffer Saves Time with Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 23:30:58 GMT

DiMella Shaffer designs environments that build community. Recognizing that structures exist for generations while the world constantly changes, DiMella Shaffer formed an ideology called “The Art of Balance” through which it seeks the right balance among opposing interests on each project. To achieve this balance, they need to focus on high-level design instead of monotonous tasks, and this is where Ideate Software assists.

“We were looking for a developer of Revit applications that would take the time to listen to our challenges and help us identify, implement, and use solutions,” said Eric Viele, Director of Digital Technology, DiMella Shaffer. “Ideate Software was there at every step.”

Selecting Ideate Explorer

Eric knew that Ideate Explorer was a Revit model browser that would save time by enabling his team to get a full view of any Revit model, understand all elements in the model, and easily find and revise elements.

When deciding whether to subscribe to Ideate Explorer, he asked a question about the accuracy of the angle coordinate data in the software. Ideate Software’s Director of Software Development, Glynnis Patterson, responded with a written answer, as well as a personalized how-to video demonstration.

“Ideate’s quick, thorough, and customized response to my question made it clear that they are the type of company we wanted to do business with, so we placed an order,” said Eric.

Using Ideate Explorer

Sash Kazeminejad, Customer Success Manager, Ideate Software, stayed in contact with Eric during the implementation process to ensure that his team was set to get the most out of the software. After a short time, he heard from Eric: “ All of our Revit users love the tools, and the common refrain was, ‘I wish we had this sooner.’ Well done making a simple yet powerful tool that really helps our efficiency.”

Contributing to Future Developments

The connection between DiMella Shaffer and Ideate Software continued after Eric and his team became avid users of Ideate Explorer. He has launched conversations with us about features and products he would like added to our collection of Revit applications, and he has joined our software beta program to test our beta software, give us feedback on the software, and continue to let us know about additional feature requests.

“We greatly appreciate our relationship with Eric and DiMella Shaffer,” said Glynnis Patterson. “It’s because of clients like this that we are able to continuously develop software tools that meet the needs of the Revit community.”

About Ideate Software

Ideate Software allows Revit users to have unprecedented control over their data and solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) workflows. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables, and elevate design.

Ideate Software Visits New York City!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 18:35:15 GMT

Glynnis Patterson, Richard Taylor, and Nivin Nabeel visited New York City on Feb 7–9, 2023.

During this time, we had the opportunity to teach, learn, network, and get inspired!

We visited Robert A.M. Stern Architects , Studio Gang , Beyer Blinder Bell , and Bjarke Ingles Group . We discussed the latest enhancements with Ideate Software add-ins for Revit and the exciting upcoming developments.

In addition to the visits, we hosted a seminar at WeWork for representatives from different companies in the AECO industries. During this seminar, Richard Taylor spoke about our latest product developments, including Ideate Annotate and our NEWEST product, Ideate Automation . I followed Richard with a presentation that showcased unique workflows using Ideate Software tools for savvy BIM managers as well as users.

Reconnecting with our users in person gave us excellent insight into their existing workflows and challenges and how Ideate Software can help make a difference!

We were also fortunate enough to catch the post-COVID relaunch of NYC Revit User Group . It was a presentation by one of our customers Thornton Tomasetti . Later, we walked around the city and loved the bustle! Here is a photo of the fearless team with the Fearless Girl statue in Manhattan.

We look forward to visiting again!

When a window closes, a door opens! Renumbering Doors Based on Room Values

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 19:18:46 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Here is a good question that came across our virtual desk.

“I was wondering if there is a way to number doors according to the ‘To Room’ number information, and following a sequence off 1, 2, 3, etc.; without the need to pick the doors or marking a path.”

There are several ways to accomplish this task very easily within I deate ReNumber which is a tool within the IdeateApps collection.

The easiest step-by-step answer for the question asked by our customer is included in our “Getting Started” online Help topic for IdeateApps called Renumber Doors .

Within a default Revit Schedule View, you can modify the ‘From Room’ and ‘To Room’ values if those properties appear within your schedule.

Ideate ReNumber can easily modify those ‘From Room’ and ‘To Room’ properties on the fly within the renumbering process. You can also choose to report on the ‘From Room’ value instead of making the change within the Revit database.

Ideate ReNumber can be used to change the Revit values for the ‘To Room’ and ‘From Room’ properties whether you are using the Room Calculation Point property or not. (Door swing graphics will only change if you are using the Room Calculation Point property.) Once the doors are properly set to the correct room, future numbering tasks are a snap.

You can use our delivered door rule to renumber doors based upon the room values.

Additionally, you can renumber door instance marks via a Revit Schedule View by activating the Ideate ReNumber tool within an active Revit Schedule View.

This online help article is a detailed explanation for managing door numbering with Ideate ReNumber .

Keep those amazing questions coming to support@ideatesoftware.com and we will keep answering them!

Spotlight on CSHQA

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 02:15:51 GMT

Enhancing Collaboration with Ideate Sticky

With offices in Boise, Denver and Sacramento, CSHQA designs retail, healthcare, commercial, aviation, education, hospitality, multi-family, civic and government facilities for companies across the United States and in Alberta and British Columbia. Its staff of more than 100 professionals includes electrical, communication, mechanical, plumbing, civil and structural engineers as well as landscape architects and interior designers. They work together to create smarter and better performing environments that enhance the way people live, work and play.

A Focus on People

CSHQA is a full-service, award-winning design firm known for its quality designs and its support of energy efficiency and sustainability. It achieved this solid reputation by focusing on people: its employees and its clients.

A Focus on Technology

CSHQA professionals work with powerful technologies to design with greater accuracy and flexibility. One of those technologies is Autodesk Revit Software, another is Ideate Sticky .

Ideate Sticky is a Revit add-in solution that combines the ease of editing in Microsoft Excel, Word or Adobe PDF with the convenience of a sticky note. It enables users to link an Excel spreadsheet, Word document or PDF file with non-BIM data such as code checklists, design data, consultant’s data, general notes, and matrix style data directly into Revit.

"Ideate Sticky is a great add-in for Revit. Our engineers love it," said Evelyn. “Sometimes the architecture team use it as well.”

CSHQA and Ideate Sticky

“Collaboration is key to our teams’ ability to develop better concepts, stronger designs, and more efficient systems,” said Evelyn. “Ideate Sticky enhances collaboration by streamlining the process of disseminating non-BIM data. What used to be a tedious, time-consuming task is now done in just minutes.”

About Ideate Software

Modmation Delivers Value with the Help of Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 22:22:45 GMT

We are pleased to present this article highlighting how Ideate Explorer is used by Modmation , a leading BIM consultancy providing independent consulting services to the AECO industry.

Thank you, Holger de Groot , CEO and Founder of Modmation, and Maciej Wypych , CTO and Co-Founder of Modmation, for sharing.

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With over 30 years of combined experience in the design and construction of buildings worldwide, Modmation's goal is to help architects, engineers, contractors, owners, and operators design, plan, build and operate projects more efficiently.

Modmation and Ideate Explorer

Here are some examples of how Modmation streamlines model auditing with Ideate Explorer, a software tool for managing and organizing data within Autodesk Revit.

“By using Ideate Explorer, we can improve the accuracy and efficiency of our BIM audits, ensuring that our clients receive high-quality results,” said Holger.

Ideate Explorer enables Modmation to perform tasks such as auditing, cleaning, and modifying Revit data. As a result, Ideate Explorer saves time and reduces the risk of errors in the design and construction process. This not only improves the quality of Modmation consulting services but also saves time and reduces costs for their clients, who can rely on Modmation to deliver accurate and efficient audits.

One specific example of how the Ideate Explorer – Warnings Manager tool creates value is during the auditing process. The Warnings Manager can quickly identify and report any issues or discrepancies in the Revit data, such as missing elements, incorrect properties, or broken links. This helps Modmation to quickly identify and resolve any potential issues in the BIM process, ensuring that their clients receive accurate and comprehensive audits.

“By using Ide ate Software solutions, Modmation is delivering value to clients by providing high-quality BIM auditing services that help design, plan, build, and operate projects more efficiently,” said Maciej. “Additionally, by streamlining our auditing process with Ideate Explorer – Warnings Manager, we can quickly identify and report any potential issues in the BIM process, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible outcome for their projects.”

Ideate Software Team Discusses Revit Data Management at BIM Day GVA

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 18:14:02 GMT

Ideate Software was delighted to participate in the BIM Day GVA event in the beautiful city of Geneva on Thursday 2nd February.

About the Event

The event was focused on the future of construction, and attendees could attend conferences where experts presented their knowledge, methodologies, and recommendations on a range of hot topics in the construction sector. Attendees were also able to keep up to date on the latest industry innovations in artificial intelligence, digital twins, big data, and automation.

Attendees were also interested in understanding how they could make their desired outcomes become highly predictable and standardized, and how they could free their staff up to focus on more important work, erase end-user errors, and make their jobs more enjoyable.

While in the country, we took the opportunity to meet and present the latest updates in Ideate Software tools to some customers in Geneva and Lausanne.

With many leads from the event to follow up on and presentations to arrange, it remains for me to say……thank you Geneva, we had a blast!

Parkin Architects Exceeds Customer Expectations with the Help of Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 22:07:44 GMT

Press Release: San Francisco, CA, February 7, 2023

Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, presents its latest customer spotlight. This story is about Parkin Architects, a well-known architectural leader in Canada for acute and mental healthcare, recreation, science, technology and research, justice, corrections, and education.

Parkin initially started using Ideate BIMLink to meet a specific need and has since expanded its use of Ideate Software tools to include Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, and IdeateApps.

“Delivering as promised is critical, and Ideate Software helps us do that,” said Oscar Ramos-Martinez, BIM Manager, Parkin. “Their products address challenges we face, and they are easy to learn and use.”

Here are some examples of how Parkin uses Ideate Software add-ins for Revit:

Ideate BIMLink: Set up new models with functional project data, transfer parameter values to doors from hosts, manage FF&E ID information, and manage room data
Ideate Explorer: Quality control activities. “With Ideate Explorer and its Query tool, we can find any element in the model, select it, locate it within the model, browse through its properties, identify issues, and more,” said Oscar.
Ideate Sticky: Live-link Microsoft Excel spreadsheets containing code requirements to Revit files
IdeateApps: Apply room numbers to doors, create views, align views. “As we are preparing documents for submission, we simply run Ideate Align and the alignments are perfect,” said Oscar.

Read Spotlight on Parkin Architects for more.

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About Ideate Software - Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. They developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. They developed Ideate Automation to boost the power of their Revit plugins by running time-intensive activities in the background.

Helping Clients Achieve their Goals, Meet Local Needs, and Deliver Lasting Value

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 01:26:01 GMT

With design studios across the United Kingdom, Corstorphine & Wright is an architectural practice that draws upon the experience of its 280+ team members to invigorate communities, excite stakeholders, and maximize long-term value. Each project starts with a conversation about opportunities and leverages skills and perspectives from across the Corstorphine & Wright team as well as external partners, including local authorities, consultants, and design review panels.

Corstorphine & Wright is proud that their company and work are often recognized for excellence. Their awards received in 2022 include:

Architectural Practice of the Year, Insider’s Midlands Residential Property Awards
Upper Trinity Street shortlisted for ‘Best Use of Arts, Culture, or Sport in Placemaking’ and ‘Mixed Use Development’ Awards by Planning Awards
Shortlisted for Architectural Practice of the Year, Insider’s Yorkshire Property Industry Awards
Shortlisted in the Specialist Property Consultant of the Year, Insider North East Property Awards
Canon Green Campus shortlisted at the Tall Buildings Awards

Ideate Software and Corstorphine & Wright

“When I joined Corstorphine & Wright in April of 2022, I brought along experience with Ideate Software tools that I used in my previous role,” said Neil Carter, Head of Digital, Corstorphine & Wright. “I had used Ideate Explorer to keep models performing effectively by finding and deleting unused elements and fixing Revit warnings. I had used Ideate BIMLink to export data from Revit to Excel for editing as well as to create unplaced rooms, unplaced spaces, sheets, masses, and areas.”

After talking with his team and manager about the time savings possible with Ideate Software tools, Neil reached out to Ideate Software. In addition to talking about Ideate Explorer and Ideate BIMLink, he learned about the other add-ins for Revit—Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps—as well as Ideate Automation, a scripting solution that runs time-intensive BIM tasks in the background. “The value of each of the tools was clear, and access to all of them would enable our architects to quickly get through so many different tedious data management tasks that historically have taken a lot of time.”

Corstorphine & Wright went ahead with a three-year bundle subscription as well as Ideate Automation. While some are relatively new at using the tools, the team is using both Ideate Explorer and Ideate StyleManager to optimize their Revit files, Ideate BIMLink to reliably import/export data to/from Excel for editing, and several of the tools in the IdeateApps collection to streamline everyday tasks. “ So far, we are using SheetManager , Align, and Clone the most, and all are saving people a lot of time and headaches,” said Neil. He continued, “Both Ideate Explorer and Ideate BIMLink are essential tools for in-depth project file audits that we do to ensure efficiency and consistency are maintained.”

“ While we haven’t used Ideate Automation yet, we are looking forward to increasing our productivity by executing time-consuming tasks in the background while we continue working on design activities,” said Neil.

Neil continued, “I appreciate the quality of Ideate Software tools, but that’s not all. Whenever I have a question, I can count on their people to provide valuable support while being professional and friendly.”

Webinar Recording - Enhance Your QA/QC Workflows with Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 21:54:53 GMT

Those of you responsible for maintaining or verifying data and documentation quality in your Revit models will find the r ecording of this webi nar valuable.

You’ll learn about our six Revit add-in solutions that can streamline your QA processes of implementing Revit model standards and your QC processes of fixing problems that occur within a Revit model either as they happen or as part of a review process. You’ll also see demonstrations of common workflows for each of the Ideate Software solutions:

Manage view names with Ideate BIMLink
Audit the Revit model and manage elements on specific worksets with Ideate Explorer
Manage styles with Ideate StyleManager
Schedule repeatable processes with Ideate Automation
Increase data accuracy with the 10 tools in the IdeateApps collection
Live-link external documents with Ideate Sticky

This webinar was held on 01-31-23 for the Americas region. A similar one was held on 02-15-23 for the EMEA region, and one was held on 04-27-23 for the APAC region.

Browse our website to learn more about how Ideate Software add-ins help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design. You can give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to the Revit plugin solutions Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps for six months.

The Role of Ideate Software Solutions in Improving Efficiency

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:14:28 GMT

Ideate Software is all about increasing the productivity, or the quality of work, plus the efficiency, or how well the resources available are used to produce that work, of architecture, engineering, construction, and owner-operator (AECO) professionals that work with Revit.

As BIM tool adoption among AEC firms rises, and since Revit is the top BIM tool in the AEC community, the Ideate Software team has the opportunity to work with companies of all sizes and in all disciplines in multiple countries around the world. We learn about the workflows that create challenges, both in terms of model accuracy and time spent on model management, and we develop plugins for Revit that address those challenges. Visit our website for details about our solutions for Revit users, including product details, how-to videos, blog posts with step-by-step instructions, and information on free trials and subscription options.

Confirming the Value of our Revit Solutions

There are many plugins for Revit on the market, and some of them are inexpensive or even free. At Ideate Software, we deliver value, and we charge appropriately ( see blog post ). So how do we get the message out about Ideate Software products and demonstrate that they deliver a strong return on investment? One way is by sharing the results of a survey in which we asked Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Explorer customers from around the world about the amount of time they save by using the products.

Survey Results - Ideate BIMLink

Our Ideate BIMLink plugin for Revit saves users time and increases the accuracy of the data in their models by enabling them to export data from Revit to Excel, where they can quickly verify, correct, and update massive amounts of data, and then import that data back from Excel to Revit in order to make changes in the Revit model.

Here are some of the most significant time savings reported by Ideate BIMLink users:

In the “Common Workflows for Any Discipline” category, our customers reported that they saved an average of:

40 hours per project preparing for COBie deliverables by editing and completing COBie-required data fields for the handover deliverables
25 hours per project developing project health checks by scheduling multiple Revit properties and categories, both visible and not readily visible within the model, to make informed decisions on what to include as part of a health check
25 hours per project managing overall schedule data by editing in Excel instead of Revit, insuring speed and accuracy of model data editing and management

Here are links to the detailed reports by discipline:

Want to determine how much time and money you could save by using Ideate BIMLink plugin for Revit?

Check out our Ideate BIMLink ROI Calculator . Simply select the tasks that your office performs from a list of common tasks and input:

How often each task is performed on a project
How long the task takes
Your average number of projects a year
The average billing rate of Revit users

Survey Results - Ideate Explorer

Building information modeling (BIM) with this plugin for Revit is much faster because the tool reduces the time that Revit users spend searching for and editing elements in a Revit model.

When surveying Ideate Explorer users, we asked them how they use Ideate Explorer and how often they use it. Here’s a link to the whole report . Below are three examples:

Frequency: Daily
Task: Select and Filter Instances
Ideate Explorer is a great substitution for the Revit selection filter, because it allows users to select from a list of Revit elements down to the individual instances. Then they can use its built-in functionality and Revit commands to further review or make changes to the selection.
Frequency: Weekly
Task: Review Element Counts
Ideate Explorer allows users to track the progress of Revit models over time by gathering total model element counts and total counts per category, such as under/over usage of certain categories and families, placed vs. unplaced views, etc. Users can drill down to element counts for each category and type used.
Frequency: Varies
Task: Refine Element Selection
The Query function within Ideate Explorer allows users to refine a selection of elements by selecting from a large list of parameters, including some not accessible by Revit. The many additional parameters listed include Created By, Last Edited By, Is Pinned, Is In Place, Is Flipped, and Is Nested.

To help Ideate Explorer customers calculate the time savings and convert that time savings in cost savings, we developed the Ideate Explorer ROI calculator . Stakeholders simply enter information about the average time savings per week, average number of Revit users, and average number of work weeks per year to determine the approximate hours saved per week and per year. Then simply plug in the average hourly billing rate of Revit users to get the approximate cost savings.

By taking the time to calculate the return on investment and truly understand how money is spent and how our Revit plugins can save money, stakeholders will be well-prepared to have a discussion with leadership about recommendations.

A Customer Example - Steinberg Hart

We were pleased to present a blog post by our customer Steinberg Hart in which they shared how they got their team and leadership to support subscribing to IdeateApps , a collection of tools that automates common Revit tasks. Gautam Shenoy said, “For team buy in, I show how the technology will streamline processes, save time, and improve quality. For leadership buy in, I justify the expense by demonstrating a positive ROI based on its inference on the fee, time invested, and time spent.”

To determine the value of the tools in the IdeateApps collection, Gautam noted the relevant tasks performed by each tool, how much time he and his team spent performing them manually, and how much time they would take using the tools. He used this information to understand the value of the tools and to justify the move to IdeateApps to both his team and company leadership.

In addition to presenting the details in a blog post, we welcomed Gautam to present his process on a webinar, Developing Efficient Processes with Ideate Software and Gautam Shenoy from Steinberg Hart.

Read Customer Success Stories

We are proud to be associated with leading architecture, engineering, constructions, and owner-operator companies around the world. To read about how some of them use our Revit plugins to save time, improve data accuracy, and increase the health of their Revit models, see the success stories we have posted on our website.

Learn More about how to Increase Productivity and Efficiency with Plugins for Revit by Ideate Software

If you’re interested in BIM, you likely use Revit. Our plugins for Revit are worth a look. Browse our website t o explore Ideate Software’s range of Revit tools and see how they can make your Revit projects faster, simpler, and more productive and efficient.

Stay Connected

Check us out on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook , and YouTube .

If you have any questions, reach out to us . We are here to help you understand and use our Revit plugin solutions.

Browse our website to learn more about how Ideate Software add-on products help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design. You can give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to the Revit plugin solutions Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps for six months.

Jacobs Turns to Ideate Software for Revit Revision Management Solutions

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 22:37:34 GMT

Ranked number one on Fortune Magazine’s 2019 World's Most Admired Companies list in engineering and construction, Jacobs is one of the world’s largest and most diverse providers of highly technical professional services. Its staff of more than 77,000 creates solutions to deliver a more connected, sustainable world through services including scientific, technical, professional and construction and program management for the business, industrial, commercial, government and infrastructure sectors. Its staff’s extensive client-application experience and digital intelligence enables them to analyze complex problems from multiple perspectives and deliver complete, high-value solutions.

Choosing Ideate BIMLink for Revit Revision Management

Jan Sako, Support Manager, Ideate Software, sent Paul the information as well as links to short how-to videos that demonstrate how to use Ideate BIMLink to quickly and accurately update all sheets with the proper revision or sheet issuance information at one time.

“It was exactly what we were looking for,” said Paul.

Customizing the Spreadsheet for Jacob’s Unique Requirements

Jacobs uses an alphanumeric revision number that shows on sheets, in place of the Sequence number, that they have assigned to the ‘Issued To’ parameter to represent the Revision Number.

“Ideally, we would have this showing on the DIR tab on each issue instead of the issue count number, so I reached out to the Ideate Software Support team to see if they had any ideas,” said Paul. “Glynnis Patterson, the Director of Software Development, responded with two suggestions. Although neither quite worked, they sparked some thoughts. I managed to achieve what I was after by using Excel formulas on a new tab to recreate the register. It’s basically a clone of the DIR tab using cell links, except that where an issue is shown on the ‘DIR’ tab, it searches for the ‘Issued To’ entry for that sequence number and reports that instead of the issue count.”

Paul also added a few extra things, like highlighting the issues that aren’t tagged as ‘Issued’ in Revit and a count of how many drawings were issued on that date.

“I appreciate how responsive the Ideate Software Support team was and how flexible Ideate Software tools are,” said Paul. “I’ve already thought of other ways to customize the spreadsheet, and I know that if I have any trouble, I can give Ideate Software a call.”

About Ideate Software

Cleaning up a HOT MESS: How to Sort Warnings by Elements Rather than Type of Warning

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 16:44:02 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Recently a customer reached out to us with a question about Id eate Explorer , which is his “favorite troubleshooting add-in to clear out warnings in a hot mess of a project.”

After deleting one Warning Type that cleared out 10 warnings, he thought that he could clear more warnings faster if he could sort by the severity of the warnings as well as by the number of warnings on a specific element.

“I just had deleted one object which cleared out 10 warnings, and it dawned on me that in particularly rough projects I could get more warnings cleared faster if I knew which items had multiple warnings. In an ideal world, that sorting by severity of issues could weight based on the errors most severe. E.g., in our workflows I see a ton of abandoned room separation lines which cause notable room calc based lag, I might want those (or other red rated warning types) to count for 3 points, where I really may not care (from an emergent clean up standpoint) about a green warning about a railing being malformed, which might only get half a point.”

By default, the Ideate Explorer Warnings tab is set to “Sort by:” the Types of Warnings, such as Highlighted Floors Overlap shown below.

Ideate Explorer Warnings Tab set to Sort by: Warning Types

We responded to this customer that you can also change the “Sort by:” criteria to Elements rather than the Types of Warnings. This will show the Element ID and the number of warnings assigned to that specific element. It will also show all the different Types of Warnings assigned to that element in the Element Information Pane.

In the example below, the Sweep, the Sunshade, and Mike’s Roof all have 48 warnings of the same Type. However, the Storefront has 2 warnings of 2 different Types. You can also see the severity of the Warning Type by color in the Element Information Pane. In the example below, we have a severity of medium for the walls overlapping and a severity of low for the walls missing their target.

Ideate Explorer Warnings Tab set to Sort by: Elements

”BINGO!” said the customer, who was able to fix 30 warnings from one element very easily.

You can learn more about the W arnings Manager in Ideate Explorer by reviewing this online Help topic .

Don’t let your project become a hot mess! Fix things easily with Ideate Explorer and the Ideate Warnings Manager!

Keep those amazing questions coming to support@ideatesoftware.com . Your feedback allows us to improve our software with every release.

Desktop Connector – Important Changes Impacting Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:42:15 GMT

UPDATE

************

Autodesk Desktop Connector Version 16.0 Impacts Ideate Sticky

A recent change to the Autodesk Desktop Connector includes new file path locations for all local files. This change is described in the recent Desktop Connector Release Notes . While this is a deja-vu-all-over-again situation, we hope the information below will be useful in weathering this change. In a future blog post, we will discuss some of the positive impacts of the newer version, but for now, please review the information below to prepare for the risks.

AUTODESK CHANGE - New Workspace Location

This release has temporarily removed the Change Workspace command
The workspace has been moved to a new location under %userprofile%\DC\

Example of the change:

Old path using Desktop Connector 15.8 or earlier: “C:\Users\[user name]\ACCDocs”
New path using Desktop Connector 16.0: “C:\Users\[user name]\DC\ACCDocs.”

This change may impact Ideate Software customers. Please read below for per-product implications.

Ideate Sticky

For those of you using Ideate Sticky and storing your Excel, Word, or PDF files on BIM 360/ACC, you will find that this change will result in broken file paths for Ideate Sticky. We recommend the following steps, in order of importance:

Avoid updating to Desktop Connector 16.0 for now, if possible. We will re-code Ideate Sticky to support this change in the future and hope to release Ideate Sticky within 30 days of the Revit 2024 release.
If access to a shared network location is available, you can use the “ Update From ” function to batch re-path to the new location.
If you do not have access to a shared network location, then you can use the “ Update From ” function to batch re-path to the new Autodesk Docs location. This workaround will resolve the pathing for one user only.

Ideate Automation

Ideate Automation will work fine with the file path change. However, if you have customized your Ideate Automation scripts and those scripts are writing file content to a BIM 360/ACC path, you will need to adjust your script to use the new file path. Using find and replace for “\ACCDocs” to “\DC\ACCDocs” for script should do the trick.

Additionally, you can use the %userprofile% syntax to reference not only the sub-path to these Autodesk Docs files, but also to other folder path locations, such as One Drive that support local user desktop file storage.

Help us Improve

We strive to integrate our solutions into the Autodesk eco-system wherever possible. In this case, our ability to handle this change is limited by the lack of a formal Application Programmer Interface (API) for the Autodesk Desktop Connector. You can let Autodesk know this is important by voting for this idea on the BIM 360 API forum .

More Customer-Requested Features Now Available with Ideate Automation 2.1

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 22:10:50 GMT

Customers with subscriptions to Ideate Automation will want to download the latest version today .

Don’t have Ideate Automation yet? Now is a great time to check it out.

About Ideate Automation 2.0

Released in June 2022, Ideate Automation 2.0 is a scripting solution that runs time-intensive BIM tasks in the background, so staff can work on more meaningful activities. Use it to:

Open large Autodesk Revit files for data extraction
Export key Revit model health data
Create document issue records
Prepare COBie data drops
Generate quantity take-off data
Generate regular, automated PDF exports
Deliver CSV reports on key Revit family and project metrics
Batch-export Revit sheets and/or views to DWG file format

Enhancements with Release 2.1

Get the latest version of Ideate Automation 2.1 for some incredibly useful workflows and improvements.

Access any of your BIM 360/ACC recently opened Revit files without Autodesk Custom Integration . While we recommend the custom integration for an optimum file access experience, we developed this functionality to respond to customer requests to make it easier to work with Revit files from a partner’s Autodesk account/hubs. It also allows you to use Ideate Automation without giving Ideate Software the BIM 360/ACC access permissions required for the custom integration.

Batch-export Revit sheets and/or views to DWG file format. Available for Revit versions 2020-2023+, this much-requested enhancement includes file naming support for short name, long name, and custom file naming conventions. Find these new scripts and learn more, get step-by-step instructions, and learn some file naming tips by reading our Help file, Publish to DWG .

Export model health data from a Revit file and display it in Power BI . This process will reduce the amount of hands-on time needed to ensure project stability and consistency across Revit project files. Learn more by reading our Help file, Ideate Software Revit Model Health Check Power BI template .

Have questions? Contact us at Support@IdeateSoftware.com . We are here to help you understand and use our Revit productivity enhancing tools.

Why is exporting to PDF from Revit taking too long?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 17:52:53 GMT

With this short list and the proper tools, you can audit your model and find your Export to PDF from Revit culprit!

Recently, a customer was using our Ideate Automation script: “AUT-Export-Combined_PDF” and ran into a timeout error during the export process. Our timeout for this workflow was set to two hours. As a result, we changed the timeout to four hours for the latest release.

This also sparked a conversation around the factors that impact the export to PDF time. Here is a short list to help you troubleshoot your model before exporting to PDF:

Views Far Clipping and Depth Clipping Parameters Aren’t Managed
Showing too much of what you don’t need in a view increases the time it renders it for the view, therefore impacting the time it takes to print, especially if the clipping setting is set to “No Clip,” which means that it’s infinite, and you are at risk of showing more than what you need. |

Here are the settings you can manage to control this:

Depth Clipping: Plan Views and Plan Callouts
Far Clipping: Elevations, Elevation Callouts, and Sections
Note: Far Clip Settings for Elevation Callouts can either be independent or same as parent view, however, Sections and Elevations are inherently independent.

To manage this, you can utilize Ideate BIMLink to audit your Views clipping options. Ideate BIMLink has a link definition named “Views” you can use as a starting point and add the necessary parameters. In this case we need “Depth Clipping” and “Far Clipping”

You’ll notice that the clipping values are 0,1,2:

0 = No clip
1 = Clip with line
2 = Clip without Line

“Far Clip Settings” is another parameter we can investigate. There are two options as indicated above, Same as Parent View or Independent.

0 = Independent
1 = Same as parent view

When managing Views, it’s important to also understand the differences between Detail and Floor Plan Callout. Here is a knowledge-based article from Autodesk for your review: Understanding the differences between details and floor plan callouts in Revit LT .

2. Views Far Clip Offset Isn’t Managed
To manage this parameter in BIMLink, you need the “Far Clip Offset.” You can go ahead and add it to your Link Definition. When far clipping is set to clip with or without a line, you can control the Far Clip Offset. You can audit your model by reviewing and editing the distance so that it’s not showing too much information for that view.

3. Depth Cueing is Enabled for the View
This property can be managed with “Depth Cueing: Show Depth.” If this is enabled for a view, it will take longer to print and it rasterizes the image.

4. Views with Shadows Turned on
If shadows are turned on for a view, it takes longer to print as it rasterizes it, much like Depth Cueing. Unfortunately, there is API limitations to access this data, but it’s on our roadmap once Revit makes it accessible.

5. Views Detail Level
The rule of thumb for Views detail level is that the majority should be set to Coarse level of detail. Use Medium or fine level of details for detail only. To manage this, you can utilize the “Detail Level” parameter and add it to the “Views” Ideate BIMLink Link Definition.

6. Number of Views on Sheet
Using the BIMLink Link Definition “Views,” you can use the property “Sheet Number” to investigate how many views are on the Sheet. Sheets that contain a lot of views take longer to print.

7. Views with CAD Links that aren’t clean
A dense CAD file on a view increases printing time. Cleaning CAD links before linking them into the Revit model is a general rule, however, there comes times where you miss a few layers or want to do a quick merging or deleting layers. You can use Ideate Style Manager ; Navigate to Object Styles and check Imported Styles. Scroll to the DWG file you’re looking to clean. You can analyze, merge, and delete certain layers.

You can also check if there are any CAD Links or imports in your project to begin with. You can utilize the Ideate BIMLink definition “HC-Imports” and go to the Filters tab and delete “Is Linked” filter to list all CAD Links and CAD Imports in the project.

As you see, there are many factors that impact the time it takes to export to PDF from Revit. With this short list and the proper tools, you can audit your model and find your Export to PDF from Revit culprit!

Mackenzie Reducing Frustrations with Ideate StyleManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 21:46:38 GMT

With offices in in Portland, Oregon, and Seattle and Vancouver, Washington, Mackenzie provides professional design services throughout the Pacific Northwest. It draws on the strength, talents and specialties of its staff to deliver high-performing facilities across a range of market sectors through a number of services, including architecture and interior design; structural, civil and traffic engineering; land use and transportation planning; and landscape architecture.

“Design Driven. Client Focused”

“Our company statement, ‘Design Driven. Client Focused’ traces back to the values of our founder. He started in the 1960s and was driven by the belief that ‘attention to detail, hard work, a respect for budgets, an insistence on quality, and a relentless focus on clients’ would lead to success,” said Rusty Gesner, Associate Principal, Director of CAD/BIM, Mackenzie. “We still focus on these values today as we design projects that contribute to economic vitality, environmental livability and inclusive diversity.”

Streamlining Revit Workflows with Ideate Software Applications

Autodesk Revit software is one of the tools used by Mackenzie to bring ideas to life. “Revit helps us develop high-quality designs, but some workflows are a bit monotonous,” said Rusty. “To streamline things, we use Ideate Software solutions. They are easy to deploy, manage and use.”

Mackenzie uses all the Revit productivity applications developed by Ideate Software. “Ideate Software set the bar high for quality as well as responsiveness,” said Rusty. When talking about the newest application, Ideate StyleManager, Rusty called it “another winner from Ideate.”

Ideate StyleManager addresses problems that occur when styles associated with content load into a model along with the content, or users create non-standard styles. Managing those unwanted styles reduces publishing errors and end-user confusion, but the management process in Revit can be time consuming and risky.

“You’ll appreciate Ideate StyleManager if you’ve ever been frustrated by: 1) searching and drilling down to determine if and where styles are used, 2) making sure there won't be collateral damage if you modify a style, 3) cleaning up the issues caused by importing and exploding a DWG, or 4) combining duplicate styles,” said Rusty. “It’ll save you a lot of time by ensuring your efforts at cleanup and standards maintenance don't cause inadvertent side effects.”

Shaping Ideate Software

“We appreciate Rusty and the entire Mackenzie firm,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development at Ideate Software. “Not only do they use and promote our solutions, they also participate in beta testing, helping us achieve our goal of developing software that solves persistent problems encountered by BIM professionals in architecture, engineering, construction, and building owner workflows.”

Photos: Mackenzie’s uniquely designed lobby staircase in the Portland offices of Autodesk, the “Make Anything” world leader in creativity software.

I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 22:28:36 GMT

Trying to navigate your way around a Revit model can be a challenging and time-consuming exercise. Fortunately, Ideate Software tools are on hand to make this easier and more efficient.

When you are searching for a particular value or element within the Ideate Software applications, how you specify the search term can affect the results produced.

In the example below, searching for Block A, the results are finding any level with either Block or A in the name.

Adding quotation marks will return results that match exactly Block A.

Further examples are shown below.

To learn more about searching in Ideate Software visit our Help file, Introduction to Ideate Explorer Search.

You can also review this additional blog article on Advanced Tag Text Property Search .

U2 can find what you’re looking for. Happy searching!

Back to the Future: It’s a Strange Sticky Situation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 23:04:17 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world. You can review some of these recent question and answers via our Ideate Software support series blog category .

It seems like we’ve received a fair number of support cases recently around this strange warning message concerning Ideate Sticky . So, I wanted to explain it in detail and offer a quick fix.

Unexpected future version? What’s going on here?

Ideate Sticky customers might see this message when someone on the project team has upgraded to the latest version of Ideate Sticky and the rest of the team has not. When that specific person updated the stickies in the project with their latest Ideate Sticky version, this upgraded the settings format, causing the warning to show up for everyone on an older release. When the person with the latest release of Ideate Sticky opens another project and updates the stickies, the warning will start to show up there as well.

The solution is to update everyone to the latest release .

The reason this change was made in the latest release is the display scaling calculation. You can read more about that specific setting in this blog article .

The EASIEST and fastest way to update the whole office to the latest release of Ideate Sticky or the entire software bundle is to use our Ideate Software Installer . I mentioned it recently within this blog post ensuring you have the latest release of IdeateApps .

Now that you know about the Ideate Software installer, I hope the road ahead is smooth sailing! Wait, “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”

Keep those amazing questions coming to support@ideatesoftware.com . We are always happy to assist our customers with their Ideate Software solutions.

Looking Back at 2022 – Another Year to Remember at Ideate Software!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:29:44 GMT

In 2022, we once again achieved our goal of quickly aligning our Ideate Software solutions with the latest version of Revit (and 3 previous releases) while introducing new products and features that respond to requests from Revit users:

Perform time-intensive tasks in the background with Ideate Automation 2.0
Review 2D annotations and clashes with Ideate Annotate, a new tool within IdeateApps
Find Revit elements by their respective tag values with Ideate Explorer
Maintain model health more easily with Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Annotate, and Ideate Automation using our Revit Model Health Check
Review Revit Parameter information with Ideate StyleManager and Ideate BIMLink
Publish PDF information with ease using Ideate Automation

In-Person Gatherings Back in the Mix!

For much of our team, the most memorable thing about 2022 was the return of in-person gatherings. After two long years of online-only appointments, meetings, conferences, etc., restrictions lifted and we went to town, literally!

England - December Revit Data Management Insights Group – London
Australia - BILT Australia – Gold Coast
Germany - BIM World - Munich
England - London Build Expo
United States - Autodesk University
Scotland - Women in BIM
Ireland - BIM Coordinators Summit – Dublin
United States - BILT North America
England - May Revit Data Management Insights Group - London
France - BIM World – Paris
England – Ideate Software Beta Group Lunch & Learn
Canada – Toronto City Tour Seminar

Customers Remain Our Priority

Ideate Software invests heavily in ensuring our customers are aware of all the ways our Revit add-ins simplify data management. Here are just a few examples:

Online Training & Presentations

Virtual trainings continue to be a favorite learning method for customers; they appreciate the live meetings to ask questions and the easy access to recordings, which they can refer to often and recommend to colleagues:

Online Events

Online events such as seminars, podcasts, and webinars continued to be popular and a great way for Ideate Software to engage with the greater AECO industry.

Ideate Software in the Press

Ideate Annotate and Other IdeateApps Updates for Revit 2023 by AECBytes

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Based on positive comments received in 2021, we continued our Training and Support blog post series, which provide detailed answers to frequent customer questions.

Here are just a few from 2022. Visit Training Series and Support Series for more.

Online Demos of Top 10 Ways to Use Ideate Explorer to Audit Revit Models

To make it easier for customers to get right to the model auditing content they want, we split up the information from our popular webinar, Top 10 Auditing Tips, into 10 very short video demonstrations and posted them on our YouTube channel. Now customers can bookmark the page with all 10 videos and quickly view the ones they need when they need them.

An Outstanding Customer Experience Delivered by an Oustanding Team

The leadership at Ideate Software knows that our success is based on our tremendous employees who take great pride in delivering value to customers, coworkers, the company, and the AECO industry overall.

To thank our employees for their hard work and commitment, the leadership team was pleased to host an employee retreat in Hawaii this year. Team members and family members reconnected after long absences or met in person for the first time and spent some quality time getting to know each other. This team-building event recognized the contributions of the team and energized everyone for continued opportunities to develop and support innovative software for Revit users around the world.

Thank you!

As we close out the year, we send sincere thanks to Ideate Software employees, customers, consultants, partners, and others who helped us achieve our 2022 goals. We look forward to 2023 being another year of collaboration, innovation, and success.

Stay current on all our activities in 2023 by following us on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook , and YouTube .

Ideate Automation: Understand Revit Model Health Using Microsoft Power BI

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:14:23 GMT

Revit users and BIM managers need to understand Revit project health. Often the project data metrics (warnings, in-place families, annotation, model groups, and views not on a sheet) are time consuming to collect and quantify. Unaddressed issues pile up over time and can take a long time to track and correct.

Ideate Software, with the use of Ideate Automation and Microsoft Power BI, created an automation script and Power BI template to address Revit model health issues.

For BIM managers looking to visualize curated details of their Revit model health, such as the project data metrics, and wanting to visualize these metrics in Microsoft Power BI, Ideate Software developed a Power BI template.

With this Power BI template, BIM users can understand the following Revit model issues:

Project Information including total Revit warnings and warnings per file size
Revit Warnings over Time
Top 5 Warnings as defined and managed by Ideate Explorer
Model Groups
Views Not on Sheet
Average Annotation Issues per Sheet as defined and managed by IdeateApps>Annotate
CAD Imports (with Details)
In-Place Families (with Details)

For more details, and step-by-step instructions visit the Help file .

Current Ideate Automation subscribers can request the Power BI template files by contacting support@ideatesoftware.com .

I Didn’t Know I Could Renumber That!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 22:02:58 GMT

Ideate ReNumber , one of the tools in our IdeateApps collection, is a great tool for renumbering virtually any element in your Revit model. Whether its rooms, doors, windows, areas, you’ve probably used the tool when in a plan view.

But did you know you can also use Ideate Renumber in schedule views?

Example

In this example, I’m renumbering sheets to match the ISO 19650 UK standards.

I’ve built a custom rule using custom shared parameters for each of the different containers of the ISO 19650 UK document naming standard. The parameters are concatenated and then pushed into the Sheet number parameter to renumber the sheets.

With the schedule view open, run the Ideate ReNumber tool. The sorting order of the schedule drives the order in which the elements are numbered, meaning the order in which the increment part is applied.

After the renumbering, the sheet numbers have been changed.

Bonus!

There is also a rule to renumber details views on sheets. This rule can be loaded from our standard as delivered content.

Load the rule by clicking on Import.

Once loaded, customize the rule to suit your company standard, then start renumbering!

Just click on the viewport to renumber them.

For additional training tips, check out our Training blog series

One Secret Ingredient in Lionakis’ Quality Control

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 21:15:52 GMT

California-based Lionakis , a multi-disciplined privately held firm specializing in architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, sustainability, and graphics, is focused on achieving quality control (QC) early on, and maintaining QC throughout the development of every project.

The firm has assembled a task force dedicated to QC, and the task force develops a BIM Execution Plan for every project. Their process relies on Ideate Software, especially Ideate Explorer for Revit .

Their challenges are familiar. Revit models grow increasingly information heavy. The management of volumes of complex data can bog down even the most adept Revit users.

The Innovative Response: Leverage Ideate Explorer for Revit

The Lionakis team uses Ideate Explorer for Revit for auditing. With it, they can split a model, enabling them to grab all the interior components and move them to the right location. The Revit add-in has become their go-to tool for in-house model management, making it far easier to maintain standards, find and delete unwanted insertions, and even assist them as they prepare for clash detection.

Training With Ideate Software Underpins QC

The Task Force trains Revit staff in the application of Ideate Software, particularly around best practices and office standards. Staff members use Ideate Software in multiple cases several times a week and acknowledge that it really helps with productivity.

Maintaining Standards

Kristina Gardenhire, Design Technology Application Manager, Lionakis, notes, “ By using Ideate Explorer for Revit, we can find all inconsistently named elements, and change them to the standard naming convention almost instantly. Once everything is organized and clean, the file can be easily managed. We save error and misunderstanding down the road. Mistakes have a way of propagating i they are copied. We keep that from happening.”

Finding and Deleting Unwanted Insertions

In another case, a Revit-using Lionakis designer came to the team with a problem that originated from a deliberate action. An existing “old” Revit model had been inserted into a “new” Revit project created from an updated template. However, there had been no plan for handling the Levels prior to insertion.

Problems had been compounding. There were duplicate Levels. Some walls were based on the “old” file’s Level one; others were based on the “new” file’s Level one. Kristina Gardenhire’s first action was to open Ideate Explorer for Revit. She was able to separate, select and choose those that applied from those that were not desired. As she says, “In Ideate Explorer for Revit, we can easily see everything that is on a Level. We can pick and choose. I don’t even know how I would do it without Ideate Explorer for Revit because it would seem so tedious.”

Conclusion

For Lionakis, use of Ideate Explorer for Revit has become central to the design process itself, and even more importantly to the support of design staff and maintenance of the firm’s standards. As Kristina Gardenhire explains, “Keeping the file clean ensures QC. Miscellaneous items can creep in, things that are not following the conventions we have established. Ideate Explorer for Revit helps us get back into a well-organized structure, so things get dispersed throughout the project accurately, and that means we reduce errors.”

About Lionakis

California-based Lionakis has played a significant role in shaping the built environment throughout the State of California for more than a century. The privately held firm specializes in architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, sustainability and graphics, and ranks in the top 25 of California’s leading architectural firms. More than 80 percent of the firm’s projects come from repeat clients, who value their cutting-edge technology and sustainable design
solutions.

About Ideate Software

Ideate Software allows Revit users to have unprecedented control over their data and solve persistent problems in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Owner (AECO) workflows. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables, and elevate design.

Lemay Focuses on Customers, Communities, and Future Generations

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:53:12 GMT

Visit the Lemay website, and you can’t help but be impressed with the long list awards it has received in a wide range of areas, including architecture, landscaping, interiors and urban design. Here are just three out of the 20 it received in 2019:

Bellechasse Transport Center , Canadian Architect Award of Merit
Place Vauquelin , The Architecture MasterPrize Landscape Architecture, Public
Espace CDPQ , International Design Awards Bronze in Interior Design, Office

Lemay, a well-established Quebec firm, designs environments for its clients, the community and future generations. Its professionals bring a wide range of talents to create innovative solutions. They focus on design excellence, net positive and flawless execution to push design limits, create sustainable environments and attain perfection without worry.

Lemay and Ideate Software

Here are some ways in which Lemay uses Ideate Software tools:

Images:

Top: Bellechasse Transport Center
Middle: Place Vauquelin
Bottom: Espace CDPQ

About Ideate Software

Advanced Tag Text Property Search within Ideate Explorer and Ideate QuickSelect

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 20:56:35 GMT

We recently were contacted by a customer that was trying to find empty Structural Framing Tags. Some of the tags were displaying correctly and some had the infamous question mark symbol (?) within the tag. They were trying to find those empty framing tags and delete them. While investigating, we utilized the Query function within Ideate Explorer and searched for the parameter “Tag Text” to be able to list all the tags that had a prefix and a suffix in this project. That’s when we realized the specific framing tag had a prefix and a suffix setup within the tag.

The prefix and suffix within that Structural Framing Tag was telling Revit that it had a value and it was not actually blank, although the tag wasn’t set to display the prefix or suffix. In this instance, the prefix was set to “T=” and suffix was set to “k”. So, we suggested using Ideate Explorer or Ideate QuickSelect to search for the non-displayed prefix and suffix because you can now also search on the “Tag Text” property. In this specific case, we were able to tell the customer to use either Ideate Explorer or Ideate QuickSelect to use the search string “T=k” to find the Structural Framing Tags that need to be deleted.

I deate Explorer, in addition to the text displayed in the Results area, also searches within the tag text parameter value, which is not displayed but can be viewed within Ideate Query .

Ideate QuickSelect also has the advanced search for text within the Tag Text parameter, but it does not have the additional power of Ideate Query to see additional details of the Tag Text.

You can learn more about Ideate Explorer Search by reviewing this online Help topic .

You can learn more about Ideate QuickSelect Search by reviewing this online Help topic .

How do I Safely Move Elements to Another Level?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 22:59:55 GMT

Finding a bad level in your Revit model should strike fear in your heart.

here are a wide variety of model conditions that might be at risk when this happens. Virtually all content placed in a Revit model has a level association. The good news is that you can follow the basic steps documented in our Ideate Explorer – How To topic to learn how to manage this type of challenge.

The basic steps are useful when you have a good level and a bad level on top of each other or when the model has not been fully developed. As the model becomes more complex, we must be more cautious when selecting and moving elements. For example, before moving any element, make sure that the base constraints with their offsets make sense and check for proper modelling. Fix that first then attempt moving the elements. E.g., Element placed at Level 1 with offset 10.’ This means that this element needs to be on Level 2 with offset 1’ given that the height of Level 1 is 9.’

If you are trying to work through the challenges of moving a complex model from one level to another, here are some detailed workflow tips on how to handle different elements categories and the order of operation:

Walls

For walls, when sorting by level with Ideate Explorer , you are seeing the base constraints indicating the level they’re on. To move them to another level, you must utilize Ideate Query and show related parameters when moving a wall, e.g., Base Constraint, Base Offset, Top Constraint, and Top Offset.

Walls with Edited Profiles

You can find walls with edited profiles using Ideate Query and filtering “Has Edited Profile.” If you move a wall, you must make sure that you move both the top and base constraint at the same time to keep the wall proportions the same. Otherwise, you’ll run into “The top of the Wall is lower than the base of the Wall.” In some instances, grouping the walls with multiple edited profiles openings, moving them and ungroup them can also be useful. The level datum in that instance will be the group.

Curtain Panels

Curtain panels follow their host, curtain walls. Don’t select them when moving walls. Instead move the curtain walls.

Wall Hosted Elements, i.e., Doors, Windows, Security Devices

When moving Doors, the walls will remain in the same spot, you can’t move the doors and walls at the same time, because Revit level parameters for these elements are not the same. When moving the doors, make sure they don’t lose their host. In this instance, you can also utilize Ideate BIMLink to move these elements using their respective parameter.

Wall Sweeps and Reveals

Wall sweeps and reveals are challenging to move in Revit. Move the walls first, then adjust the sweeps and reveals accordingly. When moving the walls, Revit will prompt if you want the reveals to be deleted when their host wall is moved. You can choose to not delete them and move them the second step. For horizontal sweeps and reveals, utilize Ideate Query and filter “Level: Name” to batch-select them and move them to the new level. Pay attention to “Offset from Level.” Vertical sweeps and reveals however behave differently. They don’t have level association, but you can use Ideate Query and filter “Offset From Level Parameter” and “Length” and move similar parameters together.

In-Place Families

In-place families do not have an associated level. Create a view with the level to be deleted, select the in-place elements visible in the view using Ideate Explorer , then move them in elevations with the Revit move tool while the disjoin checkbox checked and constrain checkboxes unchecked. Note when Disjoin is checked, any associated annotation tied to the element will get deleted. Revit will notify you. If there is no height change between old and new level, the in-place family will not be affected.

Groups

If the group origin matches the group level, moving groups to another level should be relatively easy. The difficulty in moving groups to another level depends what elements are inside the group. If groups contained walls, you must make sure that the proportions don’t change in terms of wall height, so Revit doesn’t think it’s a new group when moving the group. This prompts “Fix group” by creating another group type. You can prevent this issue by fixing the walls level association top constraint before moving them. You can either set Top Constraint to Unconnected or set the top and base constraints to be equal the same level and include a top offset value. The beauty about the second approach that it allows you to associate a global parameter to your top offset.

Decals

Decals don’t have level association; they attach to their host wall, and they move accordingly.

Topography

They don’t have level datums; they are relative to the project location. Treat them like in-place families and move them in elevation.

All Disciplines Family Hosting: Face Based

Face based families have “Schedule Level,” “Elevation from Level,” “Host,” “Offset from Host,” and “Host: Base Level” parameters. You can utilize Ideate Query to filter by any of the related parameters and decide accordingly. If you move the host in this instance, the element will move with it. In some instances, matching the element level and host level is necessary, you can utilize Ideate Query and look for “Schedule Level” and “Host: Base Level.” Tip: If the host is deleted, the element will not get deleted. The hosting will become <not associated>.

All Disciplines Family Hosting: Element

Elements hosted on other elements e.g., Lighting Fixture on Ceilings rely on the host for positioning. Move the host first. Depending how the family is built, you can find the following parameters using Ideate Query: “Level,” “Host: Base Level,” “Default Elevation.” The “Level” parameter in this type of family needs to match the “Host: Base Level.” You can batch select these elements and match them with Ideate Query. Tip: If the host is deleted, the element will get deleted. Element hosted families are scary, I don’t recommend them.

All Disciplines Family Hosting: Reference Plane

In this type of family, we can’t rely on the “Schedule Level” parameter accuracy to determine if their location in 3D space is correct. In that instance, create a floor plan or ceiling plan view and select these elements that are visible in that view with Ideate Explorer. Then utilize Ideate Query and look for “Elevation from Level” If the elevation doesn’t make sense to the level location, then the “Schedule Level” parameter is not correct. Tip: If the reference plane is deleted, the element will not get deleted. The hosting indicating the reference plane will become <not associated>. When you move a reference plane, make sure you check Constrain and uncheck Disjoin. This will keep the element hosted to the Reference plane. Otherwise they will lose association.

In summary, fixing an incorrect level within a well-developed Revit model is very challenging! Hopefully these tips will provide a roadmap to help you move forward.

Rock the Casbah with Ideate Annotate Clash Detection!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 22:19:17 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

We’ve been receiving excellent feedback on our latest tool within the IdeateApps collection, Ideate Annonate . If you don’t see the Ideate Annotate icon within your IdeateApps tool collection, it means you haven’t updated to the latest June 2022 release of IdeateApps. You can use our Ideate Software Installer to make sure you have the latest software.

We recently received a nice question from a good customer:

“How do you control the sensitivity of the 2D annotation clash detections within Ideate Annotate?”

First, it’s always nice to review the workflows for using Ideate Annotate. We have a nice Help topic on using Ideate Annotate . Secondly, we are using the 2D annotation bounding boxes to pick up on 2D annotation clashes between elements. The sensitivity of the clash detection can be controlled via the Settings Menu on the main Ideate Annotate dialog.

Go to the Settings cog icon and choose the Settings option.

A dialog will appear allowing you to set the sensitivity of the clashes. You can also use this menu to clear all issues that you may have previously dismissed. Sliding the setting to the right will reduce 2D annotation clashes.

Each tag has a bounding box that is sized according to its geometry. Invisible lines in a tag family, for example, can create an unexpectedly large bounding box and may produce unexpected clash results. In that case, you might want to reduce the sensitivity.

Review the online Help article for Annotation Clashes and Clash Sensitivity .

You may find this recent web article from AECbytes very informative as they showcase many of the exciting features and workflows supported by Ideate Annotate.

Keep those amazing questions coming to support@ideatesoftware.com, because this is critically important feedback allows us to continue to improve our software every release.

Easily Search for Hidden Revit Elements with the Ideate XRay Selection Wizard

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 20:03:57 GMT

Watch this video to discover how to use Ideate XRay and the Ideate XRay Selection Wizard to diagnose and fix stubborn Revit visibility issues.

Publishing to PDF with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 18:02:30 GMT

Watch this short video to learn how to use Ideate Automation to set up and schedule a comprehensive Revit model health check - one that will automate Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, and Ideate Annotate to publish a single Excel file with relevant information about the health of the selected Revit models.

Loading Additional Rules for IdeateApps

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:22:12 GMT

At Ideate Software, we like to provide a wealth of support to our customers, either via our website , which has a ton of useful information, or within our products. For example, Ideate BIMLink ships with a great extent of preconfigured content; you get more than 350 predefined link definitions to help you get up and running as soon as possible.

All the content provided within Ideate BIMLink is displayed as shown below and can be manually imported as needed into the Revit project.

You might not be aware, but you can also load additional content for some of our other applications too, for example, Ideate ViewCreator, one of the tools in the IdeateApps collection.

Start from the settings cog and select Manage View Rules.

From here you can choose to import additional rules into your projects to help with your workflows.

This opens a folder where you can load the additional rules that ship with Ideate ViewCreator. The default folder shown below, called Basic Rules, contains the list of rules that automatically import into any new Revit project where Ideate ViewCreator has been previously used.

If that wasn’t enough, there is also a Bonus Rules folder! My favorite bonus rule within Ideate ViewCreator is the one called “DUPLICATE - Phase New.” This rule can be used to copy existing views to make '-New' views. Newly created views have a hard-wired Phase and Phase Filter override.

Bonus time!

For more information see our Help file on this topic.

Additional content is also available for Ideate ReNumber , another tool within the IdeateApps collection. See more in our Help file .

Our European and UK customers might find the bonus rule called “Sheets - BS ISO 19650.rule” particularly valuable. This rule is designed to work with customer parameters within a title block as described in my earlier blog post, Renaming Sheets to ISO 19650 .

For additional training tips, check out our Training blog series .

Revit Model Health Checks Using Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:09:01 GMT

Forge Ahead – No Autodesk Cloud Credits Needed

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 09:56:47 GMT

Ideate Automation is a new desktop solution from Ideate Software that leverages some of the Forge APIs but does not require the use of any Autodesk Cloud Credits. If you, like me, struggle with a few of the words in that last sentence, read on. In this blog post we’ll discuss what Forge is, how it is used by Ideate Automation, and clarify that no Autodesk Cloud Credits are used by Ideate Automation.

What is Forge?

Forge is a platform of web service APIs (application programming interface) that allow you to integrate Autodesk cloud software products such as Fusion Team and BIM 360 Docs into your workflows and embed their components into your own applications. There is a nice class from the London 2017 Autodesk University called “ What the Heck is Forge ” where you can learn much more on this topic.

The Autodesk cost of using the Forge APIs is borne directly by the third-party partner/developers, and then passed along to the end customer, but only when certain APIs are used. Ideate Automation does not use the Forge APIs that consume cloud credits.

What is Ideate Automation?

You can increase productivity, eliminate the need to train staff on repetitive tasks, and ensure task outcomes are highly predictable, free of user errors, and standardized with Ideate Automation for Revit. This scripting solution runs time-intensive BIM tasks in the background while staff does more meaningful work. Either started manually or scheduled to run at night, Ideate Automation is empowering and cost effective. You can learn about some of the most common examples of Revit task automation here .

Ideate Automation utilizes some of the Autodesk Forge APIs so that customers can log in to their Autodesk user accounts to directly access their live Revit models on any BIM 360/ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud) hubs to which our custom integration has been applied. In the image above, I have logged in to build the list of all the hubs and projects to which I have access. Once this is done, I do not need to remain logged in unless a new hub, project, or file is needed. If you are not using BIM 360/ACC to store your Revit live models, then you do not need to set up the integration in order to use Ideate Automation.

How Can I Trial Ideate Automation?

You can use Ideate Automation at no cost via our 30-day trial. To begin, download the trial and follow our Getting Started Guide .

Pro Tips for Renumbering Sheets

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 21:49:59 GMT

Ideate BIMLink can be utilized to batch rename and renumber sheets in your Revit project.

The Revit interface has limitations in terms of editing large amount of data. Ideate BIMLink allows you to edit model data by exporting it to Excel and pushing it back into Revit. The basic steps for this process are covered in our Help topic: How to Batch Rename or Renumber Sheet s .

If you need to tackle some more complex challenges, in this blog post I’ll highlight the power of Excel functions and formulas when utilizing Ideate BIMLink for sheet renumbering.

Here is an example:

Utilize the adjacent column to enter the following formula, then drag down to autofill the values.

=LEFT(A1,1)&"."&TEXT((RIGHT(A1,3)+10),"000")

List of Excel functions utilized in this function:

2. Copy the resulting information from column B and use the Paste Special>Values function to move the data back into Sheet Number column, save Excel, and import it back into Revit via Ideate BIMLink.

This is the result:

Exporting PDFs from Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:32:21 GMT

Finally in Revit 2022, Autodesk reintroduced a PDF print driver for Revit years after removing it! Now you can create PDFs straight from Revit without using a plug-in such as Bluebeam or one of the many free PDF applications out there.

On the whole, the wizard is pretty good. I’m able to add custom parameters to the file name which is great…………no more renaming! In the UK we sometimes have to add the revision to the file name and the suitability code. This I can easily do within the Revit PDF export settings.

When you have created your set up, you can save the settings for quick and easy reuse.

When created, the resulting PDFs will have the additional parameters appended to the file, along with the Sheet Number.

Our new Ideate Automation solution enables users to automate the creation of PDFs by scripting the entire process. You can use a dynamic list of Sheets generated within Ideate BIMLink for Revit 2022+, and you can use the Sheet Set settings for Revit 2023+. See more in our detailed Help file .

In addition, the first exercise in our Ideate Automation Getting Started Guide will walk you through the PDF creation process.

Kumpen Improves Communication with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 21:00:19 GMT

Founded in 1945, Kumpen has been a fixture in the construction industry for more than 70 years. Its activities include construction, infrastructure fit renovations, real estate development, tunneling, and private-public partnerships. By putting people first, Kumpen creates a collaborative atmosphere in which ambitious employees anticipate challenges and address needs on increasingly complex projects.

Kumpen uses Ideate BIMLink to update and change Autodesk® Revit® data with integrity and speed. It also uses the software to communicate in an innovative and productive fashion.

Ideate BIMLink as a Communication System

“After graduating as a civil engineer, I started as a contractor’s foreman with Kumpen,” said Ms. Sien van der Have. “Later, I became the BIM-coordinator, and today I am the BIM manager. After working with Ideate BIMLink, the Kumpen BIM team and I realized that it was the perfect tool to use to solve the challenge of working with architects and engineers who only work in 2D.” Ideate BIMLink allows users to move data from a Revit file into Microsoft Excel, so even those who don’t work in Revit can easily edit and update the model.

Two Examples of how Kumpen used Ideate BIMLink to Streamline Workflows, Reduce Errors, and Improve Model Quality

India-Natie Project
“For our India-Natie project in Antwerp, we created a BIM model,” explained Ms. van der Have. “The architect and engineer drew in 2D. While creating the building model, several conflicts would only be noticed on site.”

“For every question or remark we had, we placed a nurse call device (NCD) in the model. At one point, there were more than 700 NCDs in the model.” For every NCD, Kumpen had to fill in the following parameters:

RI-number: A unique number for every remark
RI-comment: A question that need to be addressed
RI-comment_to: The name of the person that should address the questions

“Because the architect and engineer weren’t familiar with BIM, we needed to find a communication system that did not require knowledge of BIM. Ideate BIMLink was our solution. We exported our schedules from Revit to an Excel file that anyone could work with. Our next step was to place the Excel on SharePoint, an online document-sharing platform.”

“The architect or engineer found only the questions intended for him/her by filtering on the parameter ‘RI_comment_to.’ They could respond by filling in the parameter ‘RI_discussed.’ Because the Excel file was placed on an online platform, everyone was able work in it at the same time.”

Then Kumpen imports the Excel file containing the architect/ engineer answers into Ideate BIMLink, which automatically generates a file that shows all the changes. “This is a very handy and safe way to check all the changes. This whole method of working takes place before the building process begins, ensuring that fewer mistakes occur on site and significantly reducing costly mistakes.”

2. Measure Realized Quantities
In addition to using Ideate BIMLink to change data quickly, Kumpen uses it to measure the realized quantities.

"We create an Excel file with all the quantities, and we pass the file to the foreman. The foreman fills in the parameter ‘date.’ When he has done that, we import the new data into Revit with Ideate BIMLink,” said Ms. van der Have. “This permits us to generate quantity surveys of the realized quantities. Ideate BIMlink is saving us time in so many ways, and you know, time is money.”

About Ideate Software

Ideate Software develops tools to provide Revit users in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner industries with unprecedented control over their data and to solve persistent workflow problems. Its solutions include Ideate Sticky, Ideate Explorer, Ideate BIMLink, and IdeateApps. They enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables, and elevate design.

How do I easily find Revit elements assigned to Design Options?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:57:11 GMT

This question was asked by an Ideate Explorer customer:

“How do I find all Revit elements assigned to a Design Option within my Revit model?”

Well, the first instinct for Ideate Explorer users might be to review the Sort by: options on the main Ideate Explorer dialog. Ideate Explorer can sort model and annotation elements by Category, Level, Phase, Room, Space, Zone, Workset, or Edited by. (The last two options will only appear if the Revit model is a workshared model.) However, Design Option is currently not one of the Sort by: selections.

So, how do we accomplish the task of reviewing Revit elements assigned to Design Options? We can use our trusted friend, Ideate Query .

First, you would want to select the data categories of elements you wish to review for the specific Design Option. I might suggest selecting only doors or walls to begin as an example. However, I have selected all categories within the Revit model since the model size and number of elements is manageable for my example. I selected all model and annotation categories, but most annotation categories can’t be associated with a Design Option. Annotations and details (such as keynotes, dimensions, and tags) are view-specific elements. They cannot be part of a design option. However, reference planes can indeed be assigned to a Design Option and those are annotation elements.

If more than one data category is selected within Ideate Query, the list of available properties will indicate "Multi-Category" as shown in the image below. In this mode, the list of properties will be narrowed and will be limited to Project, Project Shared, and System Parameters. To see more parameters, select only one of the data categories at the left. The Design Option is a property that is available for all instances of Revit elements.

I choose to select and review the 374 elements assigned to the Office Suite Design Option. This will return to the previous Ideate Explorer results tree, but the Display will read “Current Selection” to show ONLY those elements assigned to the Office Suite Design Option.

It’s easy to select all model and annotation elements that are assigned to a Design Option within Ideate Explorer. However, we’ve also had customers ask if you can accomplish the same procedure with Revit Views.

The problem with views is that Revit doesn’t give us all the information we need to compile an accurate list of views assigned to each Design Option. Revit has a property for each view entitled “Visible in Option,” but this is actually referring to the tag or view reference and NOT all possible views. The Autodesk Revit Help on this topic refers to the view tag, which I would also call the view reference. The “Visible in Option” property will set whether the view tag or reference will display in ALL views or just a view assigned to a specific Design Option.

The information you want is the actual number of views that have been set to display the design option within the Visibility/Graphics dialog. However, this information is currently NOT easily accessible within Revit.

So, use Ideate Explorer to review model and annotation elements assigned to specific Design Options, but be careful with the “Visible in Option” property, because it may not provide the information you need.

There are many more examples of using Ideate Query that you can find online. Let us know how you use Ideate Query to find, select, and modify Revit elements.

If you have any comments on how we can improve our user interfaces, please let us know! Just send an email to support@ideatesoftware.com .

Relinquishing a Workshared Model on BIM 360/Autodesk Construction Cloud

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 23:40:22 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Recently, we heard from a customer who couldn’t save their Ideate BIMLink link definitions to their model. The log file informed us that another user had ownership of the storage data workset containing the Ideate BIMLink data.

To correct the problem, the customer needed to relinquish the data storage workset owned by the user.

A quick Google search revealed the four-step solution from Autodesk on how to relinquish the ownership of model elements :

Click the Collaborate tab > Manage Model panel > Mange Cloud Models
Select Autodesk Docs project
Select a model, click Actions, and then Relinquish
Select the user from whom you want to relinquish elements, and click Relinquish

If you have any questions, reach out to us . We are here to help you understand and use our Revit plugin solutions.

Modulus Consulting Saving Time and Increasing Accuracy

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 20:35:48 GMT

Since 2010, Modulus Consulting has been serving building designers, contractors, and owners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and across the country. They help project teams leverage the power of building information modeling (BIM), providing services from BIM implementation mentoring to AEC design modeling, pre-construction coordination, and construction fabrication modeling. With diverse backgrounds and extensive experience, Modulus understands the practical challenges presented by BIM to companies and project teams.

“We initially started with Ideate BIMLink , which makes it far easier to view and edit project data, but more importantly, enables us to perform quality control workflows that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. It’s an essential tool we rely on regularly,” said Peter Michealsen, Managing Principal, Modulus Consulting.

Spreadsheet Before and After Ideate BIMLink

Here are images of Element Attribute Definition (EAD) spreadsheet before and after using Ideate BIMLink to easily populate data from the design team's record model with data provided by trade contractors.

More Efficiencies with Additional Ideate Software Applications

Modulus has expanded its use of Ideate Software applications to include Ideate Explorer and Ideate Apps. Here are some ways it uses them as well as Ideate BIMLink:

Ideate Explorer : Modulus encourages its teams to always leave Ideate Explorer open so it’s readily available to use for even rudimentary tasks like selecting hidden objects instead of visually looking for them. “ For example, when a CAD file is imported but isn’t visible, it has often been placed on the wrong level or outside of the view range. With Ideate Explorer, we can select the file and change the associated level without having to edit the view or switch to another,” he said. The team also uses Ideate Explorer to select all linked Revit models to verify they’re pinned or quickly get a sense of how many family types or instances are in the model.
Ideate BIMLink : Modulus uses this tool to take Ideate Explorer to the next level. Where Ideate Explorer lets them manage or manipulate small groups of elements at a time, Ideate BIMLink lets them manage the model content on a greater scale. For instance, they use it to merge facilities management data in and out of project parameters. “Owners often ask us to track numerous attributes per asset type and instance, meaning we regularly have to manage thousands of parameter values across a project. Ideate BIMLink makes it easy,” said Peter.
IdeateApps SmartDelete : Although this tool was designed to warn users of elements that will be deleted with a selection, Modulus found another use. “Before we relocate a tagged object, we use SmartDelete to help us locate any views that have annotations attached to the object before we move it, so we can follow up the move by making sure tags and dimensions on all views still read cleanly,” said Peter. “Without it, we could be searching for a needle in a haystack.”
IdeateApps Clone : “We use Clone to automate the process of duplicating sheets, saving us time and reducing the chance of errors,” said Peter

Advancing the AECO Community

Modulus provides BIM guidance, support, and services to building project teams, and Ideate Software develops applications for Autodesk’s Revit software for BIM. A deep mutual respect led to a formal partnership where each refers business to the other. Together, Modulus and Ideate Software bring a deep bench of BIM services and solutions to the architecture, engineering, construction, and building owner (AECO) community.

About Ideate Software

Getting Started with Ideate Automation Featuring Revit Model Health Checks

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 00:57:57 GMT

In this video, we demonstrate how to use Ideate Automation to set up and schedule a comprehensive Revit model health check. This will automate both Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Explorer to publish a single Excel file with relevant information about the health of the selected Revit model.

Ideate Software Launches Ideate Automation 2.0 to Run Time-Intensive BIM Tasks in the Background

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 18:54:58 GMT

San Francisco, CA, July 19, 2022 – Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, is pleased to introduce the Revit community to Ideate Automation 2.0 , its latest tool to increase efficiency by automating time-intensive tasks.

“The cost of paying staff to watch their computers churn through opening large Revit files or processing large volumes of data can be significant,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development, Ideate Software. “Ideate Automation is a scripting tool that works with Ideate Software to run those time-intensive tasks in the background while staff works on other activities, or even during non-working hours.”

Ideate Automation runs silently, which means it can run unattended on a dedicated computer or on a person’s computer while they work on other things. And because the automation is scripted, the resulting data is standardized and free from end-user errors.

On its own, Ideate Automation can be used to export PDF files. Below are examples of how it can work with Ideate Software solutions. Here is a short overview video .

Ideate BIMLink, which enables users to export data from Revit software to Microsoft Excel for easy editing, can drive Ideate Automation to produce document issue records, export health check data, prepare COBie data drops, and generate quantity takeoff data .
Ideate Explorer, which allows users to search for elements not found in the Revit browser, can drive Ideate Automation to export Revit model warnings data .
Ideate StyleManager, which helps Revit users analyze, delete, or merge non-standard styles, can drive Ideate Automation to audit model information .
Ideate Annotate, which ensures the legibility of tags, text, dimensions, and other annotative elements, can drive Ideate Automation to review annotation clashes .

Ideate Automation is free to customers with Enterprise subscriptions and available as a seperate subscription to others. Visit www.ideatesoftware.com for more details or to get a free trial .

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. We developed Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, and construction, and owner-operator (AECO) workflows. We developed Ideate Automation to boost the power of our Revit plugins by running time-intensive activities in the background. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables, and elevate design.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

Microsoft Excel is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Selection Methods – Using Ideate ReNumber to Select Split-Level Rooms

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 18:39:37 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

This was an interesting question that came into our support queue. The customer had a series of rooms on different split levels where the rooms were all visible in the same plan view. This customer was using the Select Path – Crossing method within Ideate ReNumber , but Ideate ReNumber wasn’t picking up the room on the Mezzanine level below.

The customer could easily select each room element with the Select Elements method within Ideate ReNumber, but the crossing didn’t seem to pick up the room below on the Mezzanine Level.

The better method for selecting rooms that might vary over different split levels would be to use the Select Path – Vertex method. The reason is that the vertex method uses a different algorithm. In the vertex method, the path vertex is projected as a ray into the view from the viewpoint direction (i.e., negative z axis) of the user. The room or space is chosen for numbering if a point on the ray at the height of the view cut plane is within the room.

Therefore, we recommend using either the Select Elements method or the Select Path – Vertex method when specifically dealing with rooms that may vary over different levels. This method is also recommended because it supports more complex paths. The vertex method can handle a path that crosses over itself to support complex room numbering.

Please review all the different numbering methods available within Ideate ReNumber and all the excellent How to Use Ideate ReNumber topics from our online Help files for additional information.

If you have any comments on how we can improve our user interfaces, please let us know! Just send an email to support@ideatesoftware.com .

Why Ideate Automation for Revit?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 17:27:31 GMT

Increase productivity, eliminate the need to train staff of repetitive tasks, and ensure task outcomes are highly predictable, free of user errors, and standardized with Ideate Automation. This scripting solution runs time-intensive BIM tasks in the background while staff does more meaningful work. Either started manually or scheduled to run at night, Ideate Automation is empowering and cost effective.

Mead & Hunt Working Comfortably with Excel-Generated Calculations with Ideate Sticky

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 20:08:56 GMT

Mead & Hunt, a national company with more than 500 employee-owners in 30+ offices nationwide, offers a wide variety of architectural engineering design and planning services. The company's vision is not only to offer excellence to their clients, but also to pass a strong business along to its next generation of employee-owners. To that effect, Mead & Hunt uses Ideate Sticky software to easily bridge a generational gap between its wisest, most experienced engineers and its newest, tech-savvy designers, planners, and technicians.

At Mead & Hunt, valuable real-world expertise resides with the more senior engineers who have developed and refined their calculation methods over decades. At the same time, the more junior engineers at Mead & Hunt work intuitively within the parameters of Autodesk Revit.

Ideate Sticky lets everyone work comfortably with Microsoft Excel-generated calculations while still being efficient in Revit.

“On most of our projects, the senior-level project engineers and architects use Ideate Sticky to work hand in hand with the junior designers, who live and breathe Revit,” says Dan Dankert, CAD/BIM Manager at Mead & Hunt for ten years. “Ideate Sticky makes a picture of the Excel file so you can view it phenomenally quickly. It seems transparent to its users, and most importantly, it is trusted by users.”

“Some senior engineers are cautious with Revit calculations for mechanical and plumbing, not because they distrust Revit but because they have always worked a certain way such as left-to-right, and some Revit ways seem like the reverse. Our junior people use Ideate Sticky to bring in schedules created by more senior engineers.”

Looks Exactly Like Excel Schedules

Roughly 75 percent of Mead & Hunt projects involve some use of Ideate Sticky. “It does exactly what we need it to do,” says Jon Tiede, Senior Mechanical and Technical Designer at Mead & Hunt. “Ideate Sticky is one of our most utilized Revit add-in tools. Our engineers need the picture of the Excel file to look exactly like their schedule, and in Ideate Sticky, it does. To have the same proportions and formatting builds their trust: they are confident that their data is well-represented in the file.”

One software feature that both Dankert and Tiede appreciate is Ideate Sticky’s support of colors and cell color fills. “We use cell color fill on areas of change in schedules to highlight important or recent information and make it more visible to the people who read it. The color makes it stand out,” says Dankert. Tiede agrees. “Schedules will inevitably change during construction, and we’ll know what’s been changed thanks to the shading.”

Trustworthy Automatic Updates

The engineers trust that Ideate Sticky information will be automatically updated when it is opened or printed. “It’s automatic so it doesn’t add to our process time or decrease our efficiency. The interface is clear, it’s simple to use. It just works. That lets our people concentrate on other parts of the project.”

Developing Ideate Sticky with Customer Input

Dankert has long been active in Autodesk user groups, and was a speaker at Autodesk University 2014. He and the Ideate technology team communicated frequently as the Ideate Sticky software was developed. “ We met several times to explore processes that would benefit Mead & Hunt and might thus benefit others.” Dankert's team also explored software from other companies. “ We never knew if and when the other software would break, only that it would. You can’t launch a project with automatic updating that may or may not work.”

One benefit of Ideate Sticky is the speed with which it reads a schedule from Excel. “Because the Sticky is related to a native Revit element, Revit recognizes it almost as its own schedule,” says Tiede. “We can bring in 30 schedules, loading up our project with Excel files and not encounter any issues.”

Ideate Sticky Used Outside of Engineering

Mead & Hunt also uses Ideate Sticky for early design guidelines, keeping client-specific requests front and center for the designers. Sticky schedules also hold upfront code schedules and lifesafety information, such as length requirements for exits, fire alarms, local building code guidelines for sprinklers, and nurse-call information. “This information doesn’t originate in Revit, but it must be referenced in Revit,” says Dankert. “And there’s a surprising amount of that [non-BIM] data.”

About Ideate Software

Overview of Ideate Annotate

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 22:21:30 GMT

Support design documentation and/or quality control activities in Revit through enhanced browse and review workflows that expedite production documentation work with easy access to all annotative elements and reduce liability by ensuring the legibility of tags, text, dimensions, and other annotative elements.

Finding In-Place Families Using Ideate Query

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 15:00:18 GMT

Ideate Explorer is great at hundreds of model auditing and model management tasks. One common use involves using the Ideate Query function within Ideate Explorer to find in-place families. In-place families are not parametric and are limited in the amount of the parameters they can contain. Also, excessive in-place families can cause the Revit model size to increase because unlike component families, they are actually duplicated for each placement.

Once the families have been selected they can easily be viewed within the model.

Check out this video to learn more about Ideate Explorer and Ideate Query. You can also choose the Ideate Query playlist from the Ideate Explorer Video page to learn about additional Ideate Query features and workflows.

The World is not Just Black and White with Ideate Sticky!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 17:06:18 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Thousands of Revit users all around the world use Ideate Sticky every day to combine the ease and flexibility of Excel, Word, and PDF editing with the convenience of a sticky note. Ideate Sticky elegantly connects non-BIM data from an Excel, Word, or PDF document into Revit projects, enhancing cross-team workflows.

A customer contacted us to ask why the cell fill color and the colored text in Excel was displaying only black and white when they linked the Excel file into Revit as a Sticky schedule.

Several situations can prevent the desired colors from displaying within Revit.

Excel may have an override Black and White setting selected within the Sheet tab of the Page Setup dialog . This will cause any Excel file to be black and white within either a Schedule or Image for Ideate Sticky . It’s important to understand that this setting will override any color setting you may have selected within Ideate Sticky Images method shown below.

2. If you are using the Images method within Ideate Sticky , there are additional settings to override the Excel, PDF, or Word document to Black and White or Grayscale. You can also make the background transparent which is extremely useful when you have multiple images on a view or sheet that are close to each other.

3. Conditional formatting is currently not supported within the Ideate Sticky Schedules method . Color fills, text overrides, etc., that are a result of conditional formatting will be ignored. The underlying cell formatting, which can be seen when you place your cursor within the cell, will be utilized instead. However, this conditional formatting is now supported within the Ideate Sticky Images method.

At the end of the day, this specific customer had the override Black and White checkbox selected within Excel. Unchecking that selection within Excel produced the desired colors within the Ideate Sticky schedule.

Renaming Revit Families with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 26 May 2022 23:24:27 GMT

Recently, I have been asked this question a lot, “Can I rename Revit Families using Ideate BIMLink?”

The answer is yes! You can! So, I thought a blog post about this topic was overdue.

Ideate BIMLink ships with over 300 pre-defined link definitions, and many of these links deal with project standards and quality assurance.

The link QC_MC_Family_Naming under 07 Quality Control allows you to rename Revit families using Excel. NOTE: This link is filtering out names that meet a COBie requirement to exclude spaces in the name. You can remove the filter to see all families if needed.

You can also customize the link to include or not include specific family categories so that the Excel output matches your requirements.

Once in Excel, you can use a simple formula to change the family name. In this example I’ve added a prefix to the family name. You should use Copy/Paste to move the modified results into the Family Name column, and you can then delete column E before importing if you wish.

This method will ensure that your Revit family data matches your company standard or a client’s specific standard in a matter of minutes!

Note: Only component families can be renamed. System family names are not editable, but you can rename the types using another of our link definitions.

Renaming Revit families and types has never been easier.

How to Sort your Revit Warnings by Level within Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 13 May 2022 21:51:30 GMT

Ideate Explorer has been a Revit user’s best friend for almost 14 years! Since the first release of Ideate Explorer, Revit users have been using the application to show model elements that the default Revit project browser just does not show. Ideate Explorer is the model browser for almost every element within your Revit model.

The Ideate Warnings Manager within Ideate Explorer is an extremely powerful and useful tool for organizing, reviewing, and fixing Revit warnings.

Here is a question we got from a longstanding Ideate Software customer from Australia about if we could isolate or sort warnings by level:

“Do you know if there is a way to organize warnings by level? I am working on a project where it is delivered in zones. Obviously, it would be great to remove or fix warnings in the whole project but that isn’t possible due to time constraints. Currently I have to go through the warnings and try and remove as many as I can, but I only want to do it for the zones that need issuing.”

Using Ideate Explorer’s powerful search engine, you can select on the Warnings Tab within Ideate Explorer and enter the level name you are seeking within the search field. This will show you ONLY the elements with a specific Warning Type contained on the level you selected. As an example, if you search for Level 6 and there is a wall on Level 5 and wall on Level 6 that have the overlap warning, then you would see both elements because as least ONE component of the Warning Type is on Level 6.

Be sure to review our Help topic on Resolving Revit Warnings with Ideate Explorer.

Keep those amazing questions coming to support@ideatesoftware.com and we will keep answering them!

Export Data from Revit to Excel for Easy Editing; Import Updated Data Back to Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:19:16 GMT

Microsoft Excel is the world’s most popular spreadsheet program. With an estimated 750 million users worldwide, it’s safe for us to assume that all readers of this blog post use it to organize, format, and calculate data, and that everyone knows how to use at least its basic functions of sorting, filling, and finding/replacing. Excel is a powerful part of our everyday professional and personal lives, completing tasks that would have taken hours in just seconds and eliminating the need to double or even triple check our work.

Linking Excel to Revit

The Ideate BIMLink plugin for Revit harnesses the powers of Excel and Revit, allowing users to export massive amounts of data from a Revit model to Excel for review, editing, and manipulation, and then import the Excel file into Revit. No longer do you need to go into Revit models to update hundreds of elements when one has been replaced with another, alter room numbers one at a time, change lower case letters to upper case, correct the spelling of a product, or any of the thousands of other tasks you perform, whether daily or infrequently. Instead, you can select elements you need to review/update, push their data to Excel, make any changes needed, and import from Excel into Revit. Viola! The Revit model immediately updates.

Hundreds of Possibilities

Ideate BIMLink gives you access to all the data in your Revit model. To streamline the process of selecting the Revit items to import to Excel, Ideate BIMLink ships with more than 300 preconfigured links of common workflows for all AECO disciplines. And, each link is easily customizable, so you can add or remove parameters to meet your specific needs.

Three Examples

There are hundreds of ways to manage Revit data with Ideate BIMLink. Here are descriptions of three popular workflows. These were presented along with three others at a webinar hosted by The Architect’s Newspaper . We will post information about the other three later. Review the recorded webinar.

Edit Model Data – Changes throughout a project are inevitable. New naming standards may be implemented, several small rooms or spaces may be converted into one large room or space, additional windows may be added, or hundreds of other changes can and will occur. Instead of manually editing the model data in Revit, you can use the Ideate BIMLink add-in to export the data to Excel, use the powerful features within Excel to edit the data, and then import the updated Excel data back to the Revit model. While this will save you time and increase accuracy even when just changing something as simple as sentence case to upper case, it can be used for much more interesting tasks as well.

In this video (or skip right to the demo) you will see a demonstration on how to convert numerical View Orientation data in a Revit model into the words “North,” “South,” “East,” and “West,” (“Cardinal direction”) by exporting the elevation orientations into Excel, using a simple formula to convert the orientation numbers to the appropriate cardinal direction, performing the calculation in one cell, and using the Fill function in Excel to automatically convert all the numbers to the words. Then take it even further by concatenating three cells in Excel to combine the data into a new column that includes the room name, room number, and Cardinal direction, for example, “CORR 210 – EAST.” Once again, use the Fill function to fill the column down. Copy and paste all the data in the new column into the “Title on Sheet” column, save the spreadsheet, and close Excel. Then go back to Ideate BIMLink, open the spreadsheet, confirm everything that has been changed is correct, and hit “Import” to sync Excel to Revit. Immediately, all interior elevation room names in the Revit model are updated (click image to enlarge).

2. Construction Quantity Takeoff – Knowing all the material quantities needed for construction is critical for keeping

projects on time and on budget. Not ordering enough of just one item can slow the whole process, and overordering

an item can negatively impact the bottom line. Considering the hundreds or even thousands of different materials

needed for a project, it’s clear to see the importance of getting the information correct. Quantity take-offs, developed

by estimators during the pre-construction phase, are the detailed lists of all materials and labor needed to complete a

construction project. This process can be incredibly tedious, especially since project designs change often.

In this video (or s kip right to the demo ) you will see how Ideate Software makes the process simple by using a sample QTO Excel workbook that ships with Ideate BIMLink to export the Revit model data for QTO purposes. The

workbook has two tabs:

The QTO tab contains all the raw data that Ideate BIMLink exports from the Revit model to Excel
The Summary tab has a spreadsheet that uses Excel pivot tables to convert that data into an easy-to-read QTO

With our Ideate BIMLink add-in, it’s easy to import data from Revit to Excel. While in your Revit model, launch

Ideate BIMLink, and go to the preconfigured, multi-category “Construction QTO” link and select “Instance Link.”

Ideate BIMLink will bring up all the data in alignment with the information in the Excel spreadsheet and the pivot

table. If the out-of-the-box link doesn’t include all the information you need, you can easily add more parameters

or Revit categories. Remember to edit the pivot table to accommodate any changes you make to the out of the

box Construction QTO link.

Keep in mind that the Ideate BIMLink plugin for Revit gives you access to A LOT of model data. We don’t just

show you things that you see in the Properties pallete and in a schedule. We show you things that you don’t have

access to within Revit, such as Coordinate and Host information.

Once you hit “Export,” Ideate BIMLink pushes the Revit model data into the existing Construction QTO

worksheet in the QTO Excel file, overwriting its existing data, and the Summary tab automatically updates to

reflect the latest model data. As your project continues to evolve and change, simply repeat the export process

to the same QTO Excel file to overwrite the Construction QTO tab data.

3. Revisions – In Revit, there is no native way to schedule all sheets and revisions on those sheets, as Revit will only

show you the most current revision and some very basic information about those revisions. Furthermore, when you

want to issue out a drawing set in Revit, you must go to each sheet individually, select the “Revisions on Sheet,”

button in the Properties palette, and select each Revision to display in the Titleblock. Since Revit will not allow users

to bulk-select sheets and select Revisions in masse, you have to make these changes one-by-one and sheet-by-sheet.

Imagine if you have hundreds of sheets to edit. What if you make a mistake? You literally have to go back to each

sheet and click/unclick boxes in each one. This process could take hours, depending on the size of the project.

Fortunately, with our Ideate BIMLink add-in for Revit you get an “Edit Revisions on Each Sheet” link that brings up all

the sheets along with same boxes that are in Revit. In this video (or skip right to the demo ) you will see how to export

all the data to Excel and use simple True and False commands to select the information you need and import it back

into your Revit project, easily creating or updating sheet lists with revisions.

Watch the Recorded Webinar

See More Examples

You can visit our website to see many other examples. The Ideate BIMLink section of our blog has many articles, the How-to section of our Help pages details more advanced workflows, and our video library houses hundreds of short demonstration videos. See how easy it is to enhance Revit by importing Excel spreadsheets with updated model data.

Contact us or visit our website to explore Ideate Software’s range of Revit tools and see how they can make your Revit projects faster, simpler, and more accurate.

Stay Connected

Check us out on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook and YouTube .

If you have any questions, reach out to us . We are here to help you understand and use our Revit plugin solutions.

Creating Consultant Sheets for Master Index and DIR

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 01:12:20 GMT

Recently, I was fortunate enough to work with one of our customers on a challenge they were facing managing revision issuances for a large project with several revision issuances. While they were using our Document Issue Record (DIR) Excel template, which enables users to push out Revision Sequences and Revision on Sheet data to generate a comprehensive sheet list with each revision listed for each sheet, they ran into some troubles with how to include consultant sheets in the same DIR template, since the consultant sheets were not in their Revit models.

Limitations in Revit

While Revit allows users to create a sheet list and include linked element sheets as part of the sheet list, there are limitations that can arise, especially if one team is in charge with managing a master sheet index for an entire project. For example, if each team uses different sheet parameters or revision sequence names (can be problematic with the DIR), including linked elements in the master index may yield unwanted results. Since Revit does not allow changes to linked model data, the team in charge of the master sheet index may have to constantly ask their consultants to manage the information in their models in a very specific manner so that when the models are aggregated in a federated model, the information comes in correctly via the Sheet List.

Because of these situations, many architects request that their consultants send them a sheet list, so that they can manually generate the consultant sheets (typically as placeholder sheets) in their models, for the purpose of generating the master sheet index.

Expedite the Process with Ideate BIMLink

To expedite the creation of the placeholder sheets, we can use the Ideate BIMLink plugin for Revit. Depending on the situation, we have a couple of options to create the sheets:

If the consultant models are linked into the project that will maintain the master sheet index, such as a federated model, then we can use Ideate BIMLink to report on the linked model sheets and use that sheet data to generate the new sheets using Excel. See below for detailed steps on how to create placeholder sheets using linked Revit models and Ideate BIMLink.
If the consultant models are not linked into the project that will maintain the master sheet index, then we can use Ideate BIMLink to export the sheet parameter data we need (sheet name, number, appears in sheet list, etc.), and add the consultant sheet info to the exported Excel file and import the data back into the Revit model to create the placeholder sheets. For more information on this workflow, refer to this Help topic and this blog post .

Step-by-Step Instructions

The following steps outline how you can create consultant sheets from linked Revit models using Ideate BIMLink:

In Ideate BIMLink, start with a pre-configured link called 02 Sheets-Create_New:

2. By default, this link is designed to filter out any existing sheets that exist in the project. Since we need to display the sheets from the linked Revit models, we will need to remove this filter:

3. To reveal the sheets from the linked Revit models (the consultant sheets), check the “Include linked elements” option under the Properties tab. After doing so, you will see the primary sheets from the main model (highlighted in red) , which has editable information, such as Sheet Number, Sheet Name, and Appears in Sheet List, and the sheets from the linked Revit models (highlighted in blue) , which has non-editable information. The element ID numbers (highlighted in green) look different here, since we are displaying the element ID for the linked Revit models, followed by the element IDs of the sheets from the linked models:

4. Before exporting this data to Excel, if you are interested in exporting only the linked model sheets (highlighted in blue) , then return to the Filters tab and set the values to be Sheet Number is not editable. This will filter out all the sheets from the primary model and leave you with only the sheets from the linked models. If you will need to edit the sheet data from the primary model, while creating new sheets, then you can skip this step:

5. Once complete, export the information to Excel and open the Excel file to reveal the results:

6. Since we are interested in creating placeholder sheets in the federated model by using the Sheet Name and Sheet Numbers from the consultant links, all we need to do is erase the element ID numbers (column A) and replace them with the word NEW. For the Title Blocks (column B), you have a few options:

Leave the values blank, which will generate placeholder sheets. This is a typical workflow.
Use the value: <None>, which will add the sheets to the Project Browser, without titleblocks. This is not a typical workflow, since views will not be placed on these sheets.
Assign a loaded titleblock (family:type format, as seen in above image), which will add the sheets to the Project Browser, with titleblocks. This is not a typical workflow for consultant sheets, but a very typical workflow for creating new sheets in a primary model in which views will be placed.

Because we are interested in creating placeholder sheets for the consultant sheets, we will clear the existing values in the Title Blocks column. Finally, since we want these sheets to appear in the sheet index, we will ensure that the Appears in Sheet List value is set to TRUE for each sheet:

7. Once the data has been edited, save the Excel file and import the changes back into the Revit model using Ideate BIMLink:

8. Verify that the new placeholder sheets have been created by either using the new sheet function (blue arrow) or by going to a Sheet List schedule and selecting the Isolate function under the Filter Placeholder Sheet panel in the Revit ribbon:

After your placeholder sheets are created, you can then modify any of the sheet information, such as Revisions on Sheets, and even use these placeholder sheets as part of your Document Issue Record (DIR).

More Training Tips

For additional training tips, check out our Training blog post series .

Send us an email with questions or visit our website to explore Ideate Software’s range of Revit tools and see how they can make your Revit projects faster, simpler and more accurate.

Stay Connected

Check us out on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook and YouTube .

If you have any questions, reach out to us . We are here to help you understand and use our Revit plugin solutions.

Finding Legend Views on Sheets

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 15:46:51 GMT

We recently showed how to find unused Legend or Schedule views using the q function within Ideate Explorer in this blog post .

But how can you find which sheets the legend or schedule views are placed on?

While Ideate Explorer and Query can identify the number of sheets with legends and schedules, it can’t identify the sheet names or numbers, as this is information is not yet accessible.

However, using Ideate SheetManager , one of the tools in the IdeateApps collection, you can easily find which sheets have legends or schedules placed on them by using the Search function.

Using Ideate SheetManager can help make preparing your drawings sets an easy and efficient process.

Spotlight on WSP - Global Scale, Local Dedication

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:29:09 GMT

With a unique combination of infrastructure expertise and management consulting leadership, the engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors, and construction management professionals at WSP design lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment sectors.

Increased Effectiveness Through Collaboration

Leveraging its network of 36,000 people in 500 offices across 40 countries, WSP offers the personalized services of a specialist firm and the ability to undertake complex projects. Its culture is one of collaboration, where its staff works together and with clients, consultants, and contractors to ensure the greatest level of effectiveness.

Increased Effectiveness with Leading Software

Employees Focus on Interesting, Valuable Activities

By using Ideate BIMLink, WSP frees its employees from tedious manual data entry work, enabling them to focus on more interesting and valuable activities.

Joseph Fiorello, Principal, Technical Specialist at WSP says that “by using best-in-class tools such as Ideate BIMLink, our engineers eliminate drudgery and free their time to anticipate trends, propose innovative ideas, look at complex problems from different angles, and find solutions that delight our clients.”

Together, Revit and Ideate BIMLink help WSP attract the best people and enable them solve problems that shape the communities of tomorrow.

About Ideate Software

How can I easily find overridden dimensions in my Revit model?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 15:50:43 GMT

A nice question that came into our team concerned the ability to quality control dimensions within the Revit model. A customer asked if we could find all the overridden dimensions with one of our Ideate Software plugin solutions for Revit. In fact, we can review overridden dimensions in both Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Explorer .

The tool you choose might be dependent on the ultimate action you would like to take concerning the overridden dimension:

Included within Ideate BIMLink, we have a delivered a library link called QC-Dimensions . This link is setup to allow auditing for dimension overrides - this applies to single-segment dimensions only. You can also review and modify the Prefix, Suffix, and Value Override to make changes to a whole series of overridden dimensions.

If you are looking to completely remove the dimension override , then Ideate Explorer might be the better tool. You can use Ideate Query to first find the overridden dimensions, and then you can double click on each overridden dimension to modify or remove the condition.

Please review this online Help topic for the specific steps for using Ideate Query to discover overridden dimensions as well as additional Ideate Query workflow examples.

You can also review this 1-minute video on Cleaning up Text and Dimensions with Ideate Explorer. It’s tip #8 within a detailed list of 10 auditing tips for Ideate Explorer .

Now, overridden dimensions don’t need to be a source of frustration within your Revit model.

Unused Schedules and Legends

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 21:05:00 GMT

This good request came from one of our beta testers this week.

As a general part of our surveys, we always like to say, “Let us know how we can improve Ideate Software.” Most often we get some really fantastic feedback, but every so often we get the opportunity to reach out and tell our customers that we’ve already implemented their idea.

Beta tester feedback: “Maybe these already exist. Tool to list all unplaced legends. Tool to list all unplaced schedules. Include visibility to count and sheet location of place legends and schedules.”

This little gem is available in the newest version of Ideate Explorer , which supports Revit versions 2019-2022. In the image below you can see the process for selecting Legends and then, within the Query feature of Ideate Explorer, using the new ‘Sheet Count’ property to determine whether the legend has been placed. All supported views have this property, so this method can be used to find both unplaced legends and schedules.

Learn more about using Query within Ideate Explorer .

Creating Sheets from Views with Ideate SheetManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 01:18:59 GMT

We all know and love how we can duplicate a sheet AND swap the viewports using Ideate Clone , one of the tools in our IdeateApps collection. If you want to clone multiple sheets at the same time, is there another way to do it?

Within Ideate SheetManager , another IdeateApps tool, you have the ability to create sheets from unplaced views.

Three Steps

1. Select the view or views that you wish to create sheets from

2. Choose an existing sheet to act as a template for the newly created sheets. Click “Create” and let Ideate SheetManager do its magic!

3. Rename and renumber the sheets from this dialog after they have been created

This video gives a more detailed step-by-step look at the process.

Using Ideate Ideate SheetManager you can create new sheets from existing views quickly and easily. Creating sets of drawings in Revit has never been so easy.

Refer to the How To Setup Projects help topic for additional information and a short video of the process.

For additional training tips, check out our Training blog series .

Visit our website to learn more about how Ideate Software add-on products help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design. You can give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to Revit plugin solutions Ideate Explorer, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps for six months.

Ideate ViewCreator Overview

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:58:38 GMT

Want to batch-create multiple Revit views while complying with company-established BIM standards? You can with Ideate ViewCreator! You can also create multiple Revit views at the same time based on smart rules and create copies of plans from one level to many levels. Watch this video to see how it will help you improve control, quality, and the efficiency of Revit models.

What are all those Colors in Ideate StyleManager?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 17:02:00 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

We always strive to make our user interface more intuitive and easier to understand for all our Revit solutions. A few years ago, we did a major user interface update to Ideate BIMLink . Please review this blog article for another post about the Ideate BIMLink user interface.

Recently, an Ideate Software customer asked us about the seemingly random colors that appear on Revit definitions within the Ideate StyleManager dialog. What do they mean? Definitions, such as Fill Patterns, assigned the same color are considered duplicates. You can more easily understand the color groupings if you select “Isolate Duplicates” as an option before you analyze.

After a quick review of the same color combinations and naming, you may realize that a merge is required. As an example, it’s very easy to see that “diagonal up small” and “Diagonal up-small” are the SAME definitions with just different spelling and capitalization.

If you have “Isolate Duplicates” still selected after completing the Merge operation, don’t be surprised that you can’t see your definition listed in the Ideate StyleManager dialog anymore. Since it’s not a duplicate definition anymore, you will have to uncheck that option to see the definition. For instance, you might want to now rename “Diagonal up-small” to something else.

The colors within Ideate StyleManager are a quick way to review duplicate definitions and start to clean up your Revit model to match your company standards.

If you have any comments on how we can improve our user interfaces, please let us know! Just send an email to support@ideatesoftware.com.

Using Ideate BIMLink to Copy Room Data to Other Phases and Models

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 19:44:19 GMT

Managing these two similar situations requires some heavy lifting, and Ideate BIMLink was able to resolve these challenges easily.

Recently I was approached by a couple of customers looking to solve similar challenges managing Room data:

One customer’s goal was to copy Room data from hundreds of rooms in one phase to rooms in the same location in another phase. The customer was unable to copy and paste the rooms to the next phase because the rooms for the next phase already existed, and the primary concern with deleting the new rooms and replacing them with the copy/pasted rooms was orphaning hundreds of room tags in consultant models that already referenced the new rooms.
The other customer’s goal was to copy Room data from a linked architectural model into the rooms of an interiors model, since the Architectural model contained a lot of room data, and the Interiors consultant needed to match the architectural room data in their rooms so they could add additional room finish info to the rooms in their models.

Managing these two similar situations requires some heavy lifting and Ideate BIMLink was able to resolve these challenges easily.

Copying Room Data to Other Places and Models with Ideate BIMLink – An Example

In the example shown below, we have Existing phase rooms (left image) that contain data that needs to be correlated with the New phase rooms (right image). Copying and pasting rooms between phases was no longer a viable option because of the situations mentioned earlier.

Rather than starting over and orphaning room tags, we can use Ideate BIMLink to list all the Existing and New phase room data, and then sort the room data by level, then by the rooms bounding box coordinates. This will help us identify rooms in the same location, even if they are in different phases. We can use the same process for linked models as well, so we can copy room data from a linked model into the active model.

Since the room names, number, room centroid coordinates, and other (or linked models), we cannot rely on this data to match the information between the rooms, as shown here:

In Ideate BIMLink, we can create a link definition for rooms, and map parameters (1) such as the rooms level elevation, name, number, phase, coordinates, and any other data that we want to list, and copy over the relevant information to another phase or Revit model. We then sort the data (2) by the level elevation and then the X,Y coordinates for both the lower left and upper right corner of the rooms bounding box. Additionally, we can control which rooms phases we want to display (3) by selecting All phases – something that Revit cannot do through a schedule. Once we add the necessary room data, sort it, and filter it, we can see that the rooms listed are showing more than one phase (4) and are sorted by level elevation and X,Y bounding box coordinates (5).

Looking at the coordinate data, we can see matches, which tells us that the rooms are in the same location in the model, even though the rooms exist in different phases and have different centroid coordinates. If we were to apply this workflow to linked models to capture linked room data so that we could copy that data to rooms in the host model, we would need to select Include linked elements (6) so that we can list the room data from the linked elements.

Now that the data has been properly sorted out, we can export this data to Excel, then copy the necessary room data from the existing phase rooms to the new phase rooms, and then import the changes back into the Revit model using Ideate BIMLink. If we review the updated data in Ideate BIMLink, we can now see that the room data between the Existing and New phase rooms is in alignment.

Using Ideate BIMLink to copy room data from one phase to another, or from one model to another, has never been so easy and powerful. Having the ability to confirm rooms that are in the same relative location by using the level elevation and X,Y coordinates for the room bounding box is key, as relying on the room centroid coordinates is unreliable since most users manually place rooms.

Quick Tip – When a Manual Review May Be Needed

One thing to keep in mind is that if you run into some rooms that do not have the same X,Y bounding box coordinates between different phases or models, or you find a difference in room counts between phases or models, it could be an indication that additional rooms were added or removed between phases, or room bounding elements, such as walls or room boundary lines, were added or removed between phases. In these situations, a manual review of these select room elements may be necessary.

Room Views with Ideate ViewCreator

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 23:38:13 GMT

See how the Rooms Views creation method automates the naming of interior elevations and other room-based view types and can be used to quickly assemble new sheets to match your desired layouts.

Place Viewports on Sheets with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 22:39:49 GMT

In a previous Training series blog post , I showed you how easy it is to create new plan views using Ideate BIMLink .

In this post, I will show you how to place viewports onto a sheet using Ideate BIMLink.

Using one of the 300+ pre-loaded link definitions, select the 03 Viewports-Create_New.

The link definition contains data such as the view name, sheet number, coordinate point and viewport title data.

In Microsoft Excel, fill out the information of the viewports you wish to create (e.g., the view name and sheet number you wish the view to be placed on). You can use the coordinate data to place the viewport and the viewport title. If you are creating views similar to existing ones, you can copy the existing coordinate data.

When importing back into Revit, the viewports are created, and the views are placed onto the sheets.

Using Ideate BIMLink, you can quickly bulk create views, viewports and sheets and place the views onto the sheets. Creating sets of drawings in Revit has never been so easy. Refer to the Set Up Projects Help topic for additional information and a short video on this process.

Valentine Secrets Revealed for the Ideate BIMLink User Interface

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:47:19 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Ideate BIMLink was designed to extract Revit data and send it to Microsoft Excel for editing or review. A customer recently asked us if Ideate BIMLink has the ability to apply some minor changes to the Revit model without the need to send the information to Excel and then import those changes back into the model.

You may not be aware, but this “inline editing” ability has been available within the Ideate BIMLink user interface for several years. Did you know that you can edit any parameter data from within the Ideate BIMLink Preview Dialog ? The Preview Dialog’s white cells are editable. Even the drop-down selections are available for editing. When you select OK on the lower right of the dialog, any changes that have been made on the Preview Dialog are saved back into the Revit database. We wouldn’t suggest this for large editing workflows, but it’s perfect for our quality control (QC-) links, where the items are filtered and sorted to help find the ‘wrong’ items. In the example below, we can quickly see that a few of the device elevations are wrong and make the edit directly inside of Ideate BIMLink without the need to export to Excel.

Another Ideate BIMLink user interface tip also involves the Ideate BIMLink Preview Dialog. Did you know that a small triangle in the column header is an indication that the specific parameter is being used as sort criteria? You can easily review which parameters are being used as the sort criteria without having to open the Sort tab . The Preview Dialog will also show you which column or columns have been set to the data key by shading the column header in a turquoise blue color.

You may have a secret Valentine’s for February 14th, but we certainly don’t want the power and ease of Ideate BIMLink to be a secret!

Always make sure you have the latest Ideate Software updates! You can review the latest on our website and easily download the latest versions.

If you have any comments on how we can improve our user interfaces, please let us know! Just send an email to support@ideatesoftware.com.

"No Good View Can Be Found" Error Message

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 17:15:17 GMT

Starting with the October 2015 release of Ideate Explorer for Revit, all view-specific elements, including those that have been made invisible, are found and revealed by double-clicking the element. For hidden elements, Ideate Explorer will open the view and provide the option of using the “Reveal Hidden Elements.” Learn more by reading Show Building Elements for Precise Revit Modeling with Ideate Explorer .

If you get the "No Good View Can Be Found" message, the object is not view-specific*, and it is not displayed in any view within the project.

Check these things when evaluating such elements:

Elements that are part of a Design Option or Phase may not yet be shown within any view. Select the items in Ideate Explorer, and then review them within the Revit Properties palette to assess whether this might be the case.
Some model elements or CAD links or imports that are not view-specific could be hidden in all views. Here are some methods for revealing such elements:
Create a new 3D view and ensure there isn't a crop box specified
Review the Visibility Graphics tab to ensure worksets are visible within the new view

*Dimensions made during sketch mode for elements like floors or filled regions are exceptions to this rule.

Create New Revit Views Using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 02:10:18 GMT

As many people know, Ideate BIMLink is a great tool for extracting data from your Revit model to Excel, making changes in Excel, and pushing that data back into Revit to update your model. What some people may not know is that you can create new data using Ideate BIMLink. This online Help file has more information on which elements you can create using Ideate BIMLink.

In this blog post, we look at how you can use Ideate BIMLink to create new plan views. Ideate BIMLink ships with over 300 pre-loaded link definitions, several of these are related to creating views. In this example, we are using the 01 Views-Create_NEW_Plans link definition

You can customize the properties easily from the Properties tab. You can fill out data for these properties within Excel that will be added to your new element created in Revit.

In Excel, fill in the information about the new plan views you wish to create. In this example, we created the new view names, assigned the views the appropriate family and type, assigned the views to scope boxes, and applied view templates to control each views visibility. Tip: Remember to add NEW in the element Id column to instruct Ideate BIMLink to create the NEW elements.

When importing back into Revit, the views are created with scope boxes applied, view templates applied, and in their correct place in the project browser.

Bulk creating new elements in Revit has never been so easy and powerful.

For additional training tips, check out our Training blog series .

Known Issue for Ideate Sticky Images

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 20:33:17 GMT

The Ideate Software support team has posted information pertaining to a known issue that is under review right now. Ideate Sticky customers may be impacted by this issue. Please read below for important details.

An Ideate Sticky updated version that fixes the issue is now available, please download it here .

Last updated: 4:38am PST 26 Jan 2022

Issue: Images created with the latest release of Ideate Sticky are displaying an evaluation message related to a 3rd party component in the upper-left-hand corner of the image.

This issue does not impact Sticky-Schedule elements. Only images are affected.

Any Sticky-Image created or updated after 22 Jan 2022 using Ideate Sticky build 44628 (May 2021 release) will experience the issue. You can check your build number from the Control panel as shown.

Image Stickies created or updated by a release with a build number lower than 44628 will work as expected.

An Ideate Sticky updated version that fixes the issue is now available, please download it here .

We apologize for this bug. If you have any additional questions, please contact support@ideatesoftware.com .

How Do I Load an Existing Ideate BIMLink Link Definition?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 22:17:54 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world. You can review some of these recent questions and answers via our Ideate Software Support Series blog category.

We always strive to make our user interface more intuitive and easier to understand for all our Revit solutions. A few years ago, we did a major user interface update to Ideate BIMLink .

One of our longtime customers recently contacted us about the ability to load an existing link definition, as it used to be available on the primary Ideate BIMLink dialog as a pull-down option. In order to streamline the creation of NEW Ideate BIMLink link definitions , we moved the ability to load links under the NEW button. Once you select on NEW, you have the option to:

Create a new link by browsing our library of hundreds of delivered link definitions
Create a new link definition from scratch by using category
Create a new link definition from an existing Revit schedule within the project
Create a new link by loading an existing link definition (This button appears under the browse method for creating new links.)

You can find more information about loading link definitions via this Ideate BIMLink Help article .

Always make sure you have the latest Ideate Software updates! You can review the latest on our website and easily download the latest versions.

If you have any comments on how we can improve our user interfaces, please let us know! Just send an email to support@ideatesoftware.com .

Until next time, happy loading of your Ideate BIMLink data!

Editing Type and Instance Parameters in the Same Excel Workbook Using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 15:44:12 GMT

Questions come in from time to time about whether Ideate BIMLink can be configured so that both type and instance parameters can be edited in the same worksheet. The answer is that the ability to edit both type and instance parameters in the same worksheet is not allowed, as we have added a layer of protection to avoid major data editing pitfalls.

Let’s have a look at one (there are many) potential pitfalls if type and instance parameters were editable in the same Excel worksheet.

The example below represents both editable type and instance parameters in the same worksheet, as indicated by the white cells (the colored columns also have white cells):

Columns A-E are instance parameter
Columns F-K are type parameters
Column E, highlighted in green, represents the family and type parameter, which allows users to take a placed family instance and swap (called type swapping) it out for another instance

Where users could run into trouble with a mix of editable type and instance parameters in the same worksheet is by type swapping families from column F while also editing other type-based properties from columns F-K. The big problem here is that when working in Excel, if you were to type swap some instances in column E and decide to change other type-based properties at the same time, you could be making unintended mistakes.

Let’s say that you wanted to type swap family instances in rows 8-15 for another type and at the same time change the air flow values from column K (highlighted yellow). By doing this, you would accidently change the airflows for the entire family type without even knowing it. Trying to import the changes back into Revit wouldn’t work because you would have a mix of different values for the same type parameter.

To avoid any potential pitfalls of data editing mistakes, Ideate BIMLink allows users to safely export both editable type- and instance-based link data to the same Excel file in the form of multiple worksheets (tabs). This way, there is no mistaking whether you are editing type- or instance-based data, as the information is carefully exported to separate tabs.

To learn more about how to implement this workflow, be sure to review this Help topic .

Ideate BIMLink - Editing Revit Sheet and Title Block Data

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 23:08:32 GMT

Use Ideate BIMLink to quickly edit sheet and title block data for hundreds of sheets in a matter of a minute.

Tech Fridays – A Winning Strategy

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 21:21:49 GMT

As part of my role as a customer success manager, I frequently deliver online-based workshops to customers with a goal of ensuring that everyone has a solid understanding of how all our Ideate Software tools can be used as part of their daily Revit workflows. Besides delivering training programs to meet their needs, I also lead post-mortem discussions to talk about how the workshops went and how we can improve for the next set of workshops.

I recently completed some Enterprise workshops with ZGF. During my post-mortem discussion with Associate Trevor Taylor , I thanked him for doing such a great job of gathering a large, attentive audience that was engaged during the presentations and discussions. Part of the ZGF Design Technology group’s strategy is to have Tech Fridays, which include discussions about Revit, Revit add-ins, rendering, techniques employed on projects, outside vendor visits, and more. The Design Technology group meets every Friday via MS Teams for these discussions and posts the recordings on their channel using Microsoft Stream. As Trevor put it, “Attendance is up, people are engaged, they’re asking great questions, and we’re capturing our discussions.”

If you find that your staff is under-driving processes and not using software to its full potential, consider scheduling frequent Tech Hours or Tech Fridays to review tips and tricks as a team and with software vendors. Having attended and presented at many of these sessions over the years, I can assure you that this is a winning strategy for successful software implementation and continued adoption.

If you are interested in discussing how to implement a successful training program on Ideate Software tools or are interested in adding Ideate Software products to your portfolio, please reach out to us at sales@ideatesoftware.com for assistance. We would love to discuss your options.

Wishlist Granted! A Room with a View ... or Maybe More!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 18:19:48 GMT

We are continuing our Ideate Software blog series entitled Wishlist Granted.

Each blog article features real user requests from Autodesk forums and discussions, plus many Ideate Software customer requests.

The holiday gift-giving season came a little early for Ideate Software. In fact, it was in November 2021. That’s when we released the latest update to IdeateApps , our productivity and efficiency collection of tools for Revit. Just one of the many enhancements within the latest release is the ability to create a whole collection of new views based on any series of rooms.

This is an interesting request on the Revit Ideas page to create a series of views based on a room with just one click.
This is a related request on the Revit Ideas page to make the elevations “Room Aware,” meaning they would automatically know their orientation such as South or North.
In addition this request is also related, requesting the ability to create multiple sheets.

We’ve synthesized these and several other forum requests into the new Ideate ViewCreator Room Views method. The Room Views Method is used to expedite the batch creation of Revit views, and optionally sheets, that are room-based.

After you select the desired room or rooms, there are two layout options available as shown below. The choice here will impact whether or not the newly created views will also be placed on a sheet. You can learn more about the Room Rule or Clone Sheet layouts in this online help topic: Room View Layout Options .

You can then preview and create the new views and sheets. Ideate ViewCreator Room View method will allow you to:

Batch create many elevation views that are named per the room name, number, and orientation
Place the newly created views on a sheet
Batch create many enlarged floor and/or ceiling plans per room
Batch create sheets with elevations, enlarged plan, 3D view and ceiling plan per each selected room

All these features come together better than the Academy Award winning 1985 movie, A Room with a View! Did we stay up late and watch the British movie for some of our inspiration? We’ll never tell!

Try it for yourself with our fully functional trial version. You can start a trial by downloading IdeateApps .

At Ideate Software, we are focused on delighting our customers. With Ideate Software there is no need to wait for future Revit releases to see your idea turned into a reality.

We love ideas from Revit users – feel free to contact our team via support@ideatesoftware.com to share yours.

Wishlist Granted!

How do I manage Revit health metrics and deploy Revit Warning standards for my company?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 18:21:04 GMT

Lately we’ve found that many of our customers are dedicating time and effort towards managing their Revit model health metrics, and specifically Revit warnings data via Ideate Explorer . In order to gather consistent and more importantly, relevant warnings data, the first step is to decide which Revit warnings are important, and then assign an appropriate warnings ranking as shown below.

Did you know that you can sort by the column headers such as Warning Category, Type or Rank? This can be quite useful to review which Revit Warnings are important to your company. Just click on the column header to sort.

You can learn how to both setup and deploy company standards that relate to this important model health metric within our online help topic: Deploying Warning Standards . This time of year, it’s JOY TO THE WORLD.......or maybe it should be DEPLOY TO THE WORLD.

Log4Shell Vulnerability Issue – Not an Issue for Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 21:25:32 GMT

We’ve had several recent inquiries about Ideate Software tools and a recent Log4Shell vulnerability issue that’s been in the news.

We’re pleased to let everyone know that Ideate Software applications are written in C# and we do not use Java at all. Therefore, the Log4j library is not used anywhere in our software and our customers are not impacted by this issue.

About the Log4Shell Vulnerability

Log4Shell (CVE-2021-44228) is a zero-day vulnerability in Log4j, a popular Java logging framework, involving arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on 9 December 2021. The vulnerability takes advantage of Log4j, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary Java code on a server or other computer and possibly leak sensitive information.

Questions?

Reach out to our Support team . We are here to help.

Ideate Software Tools vs. Free or Cheap Apps

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 19:50:23 GMT

In November, two of our UK team members attended leading construction industry events to glean insights about trends that we will use when enhancing our existing Revit plug-in tools and developing new ones. While at the conferences, they also met with some peers that work at other third-party software developers and Revit users who have tried free or cheap apps that purport to solve the same issues of our tools.

I was thrilled to hear that Ideate Software continues to maintain a strong reputation in the industry, both as a software developer and an employer. I was perplexed to hear that many Revit users continue to choose tools with low upfront costs that are incredibly expensive in terms of time spent trying to get them to perform as described. That time wasted frustrates users, can lead to missed deadlines and impacts the bottom line.

Developing, marketing and growing solutions that stand up to the rigors of a deep dataset is complicated and needs far deeper knowledge, testing and understanding than most companies are willing to invest. When a company makes the investments needed, they charge appropriately.

I am proud and delighted that we at Ideate Software have the fortitude to develop software that actually saves companies time and money by eliminating tedious Revit tasks and freeing time for valuable design activities. We will stay on our path, listen to our users, respect our team and respect the complexities of the projects our customers invest so much in, and we will continue to add value, save our customers’ time and provide clear returns on investments.

Renaming Sheets to ISO 19650 Using Ideate ReNumber

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 00:10:43 GMT

Ideate ReNumber , one of the tools in our IdeateApps collection, can be used to renumber sheets to the BS EN ISO 19650 standard using one of rules created and saved in the bonus rules that ship with IdeateApps.

The rule targets the Sheet Number parameter that contains 5 of the 7 information container field descriptions as described in the ISO. These are:

Functional Breakdown - ZZ
Spatial Breakdown - XX
Form - D
Discipline - A
Number - 000000

The rule can be edited to suit any company standard or variation of the ISO 19650 standard.

Existing IdeateApps subscribers can request the sample title block shown above to test this ISO 19650 rule.

Please refer to the Help topic to find out more. If you’d like help customizing Ideate ReNumber to meet your sheet-naming criteria, just email us at support@ideatesoftware .com. We’d be happy to assist.

Using Ideate BIMLink to Type Swap Revit Families While Preserving Instance Parameter Data

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 20:07:16 GMT

This simple two-step process will save you a ton of time and the hassle of manually resetting the family parameters back to the way they were before you did the Type Swapping.

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Recently, we received several inquiries regarding Type Swapping some old Revit families with newer, updated families that have some of the same parameter data. The issue that customers reported was that when they Type Swapped some of their families with the new ones, some Parameter data from the old families did not transfer to the swapped families. Users then had to go back and edit the data manually for the new families so they resembled the original families. In a situation such as this one, users could end up spending hours, if not days, chasing down all the families that were reset to the default parameter values.

As it turns out, this is a common issue with Revit Families that use family-based instance parameters. An example would be the break line detail component family that has multiple instance-based family parameters that control the width, depth and the size of the jag that breaks and masks details and views. When users place these break lines in their views, they manually adjust the default instance parameters to control is size so that they look appropriate for the detail or view that they are masking.

If you find yourself dealing with this situation, you should consider using Ideate BIMLink to Type Swap families and map your Parameter values to the newly swapped Families.

Let’s consider this example, which is typical:

We have a series of details using the out-of-the-box break line detail component, which is dated by today’s standards, as shown here:

The goal is to Type Swap these detail components with a newer break line that has a more appropriate jag and a heavier line weight. For the new detail component, the parameters that control the length, depth and jag are the same. When we manually select the original break lines in our detail and swap them out for the new detail component, this ends up being the result:

Although the Parameters are the same, the values that control the size of the break line did not transfer over to the new detail components. Imagine having swapped out one hundred of these detail components? If you were not paying attention to the change, you would have to go back and manually adjust each one of them. That would be very time consuming.

To use Ideate BIMLink for successful Type Swapping and mapping of the original parameter data to the new families, simply start with one of our pre-defined links that allows Type Swapping, or you can create your own from scratch, such as this one:

In this case, I created a new link for Detail Components and filtered the data so only Break Lines would export to Excel. I added the necessary Parameters that define the shape of the break line, such as the left and right-side lengths, and the size of the jag. Once the link was set up, I exported the data to Excel.

Once the data was exported to Excel, I swapped the Break Line detail component for the Break Line-Better detail component, as shown above. I left the values in columns C-F the same since the size of the detail components need to remain the same. Once the families are swapped, you can import the changes, as seen here:

You can see from the preview that the detail components have swapped out but the values for the left, right and jags have become read-only. This is because those family-based instance parameters have been reset to the original values that are defined in the family that was loaded up. This process is no different than manually selecting these family in Revit and swapping them out to the new family. The good news here is that your last Excel export has the families swapped out and retained the values for the left, right and the jag. All you need to do now is re-import the same Excel file again and this will reset the values to the ones you want, as seen here:

Once you click Import, the newly swapped detail components will be set to match the values of the original ones that were exported out.

Using Ideate BIMLink, we can easily swap Families by Type Swapping them in Excel, and then reimport the same Excel file again to set the instance-based Family parameters back to the way they were before you did the Type Swapping. This simple two-step process will save you a ton of time and the hassle of manually resetting the family parameters back to the way they were before you did the Type Swapping.

Enhancements to IdeateApps Streamline Common Revit Tasks

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:37:29 GMT

San Francisco, CA, November 17, 2021 – Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, is pleased to announce that it has made some significant improvements to three tools within the IdeateApps collection of nine tools that simplify the tasks that Revit users perform most often.

“These enhancements directly respond to requests from IdeateApps and Revit users, who discuss their Revit challenges with us at user group meetings, on customer calls, and through connections with our support professionals,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development, Ideate Software. “We track all comments and take them into consideration when developing new features and tools.”

Below are highlights of the IdeateApps November 2021 updates that reduce the time spent on tedious tasks, enhance the quality of the BIM data, and free time for more interesting activities. For details, visit the online Help file .

Ideate ViewCreator
Automate the naming of interior elevations and other room-based views
Transfer areas, area boundaries and views from one area scheme to another
Ideate ReNumber
New rule included to automatically rename randomly named elevation views to match company standards
New rule included to automate sheet numbering per the ISO19650 sheet naming standards
Ideate XRay
Included additional checks to understand and fix visibility challenges related to callouts and section and elevation markers

IdeateApps is one of five Revit plugins developed by Ideate Software to streamline Revit data management. To learn more about how they help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design, visit the website . You can give them a try by downloading a trial version or purchasing a six-month subscription to Ideate Explorer, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps starting at just US$500.

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps and Ideate StyleManager were all developed to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) workflows. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables and elevate design.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

Wishlist Granted! Ideate SmartDelete: The Power of Knowledge

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:51:32 GMT

We are continuing our monthly Ideate Software blog series entitled Wishlist Granted .

Each blog article features real user requests from Autodesk forums and discussions plus many Ideate Software customer requests.

Warren Buffet, a fellow Nebraskan once wrote:

“Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing.”

When you delete something in Revit, you are taking a certain amount of risk. Is Revit telling you truly everything that will be deleted? There are many complex relationships within the Revit model, and it’s not always intuitive to understand how a simple removal of a floor element might impact many other related elements.

For many years, Revit had no additional warnings if you deleted a level. In Revit 2019, Autodesk introduced an added pop-up warning that would show elements that would be removed if you deleted a level. This enhancement was a direct response to this Revit Ideas Forum Request .

However, the Autodesk implementation only addressed part of the problem. The pop-up warning is only for Revit levels. There are still many requests for additional features such as this one from a good Ideate Software customer:

David Plumb of BWBR writes a request to be able to expand and collapse the different categories of elements to be deleted. This important summary data makes it much easier to understand and browse the relevant changes before they happen.

This is just one of the many reasons Ideate Software developed Ideate SmartDelete . Ideate SmartDelete is part of the IdeateApps collection, a set of nine tools we developed to streamline activities that daily Revit users perform most often.

In addition, the Autodesk Revit delete pop-up warning only appears when deleting levels. What about the hundreds of other relationships that you may not be aware exist within your Revit model?

Review this video to learn more about how Ideate SmartDelete can reduce your liability issues. Our IdeateApps online Help topic has detailed information on Ideate SmartDelete as well as a Getting Started Guide .

Arm yourself with the knowledge to mitigate any risk!

We love ideas from Revit users. Feel free to contact our team via support@ideatesoftware.com to share yours.

Wishlist Granted

Set up a Comprehensive Revit Model Health Check with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:24:07 GMT

Using Ideate BIMLink + Ideate Automation to Export Custom Revision Cloud Comment Information

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 18:32:58 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

I recently had the pleasure of demonstrating Ideate Automation to one of our longtime customers. During the demonstration, I was asked if Ideate Automation could be used to process custom Ideate BIMLink definitions, specifically Revision Cloud Comments. Their goal was to periodically export certain Revision Cloud information for review. The data review could be read manually using pivot tables, Excel macros, or by other means, such as Power BI. Although we ship Ideate Automation with scripts that point to standard Ideate BIMLink link definition files, users can indeed use Ideate Automation to process custom Ideate BIMLink link definitions.

Here is the process to accomplish the requested task.

Step 1

In Ideate BIMLink, begin with a pre-configured link that meets most of your criteria. In this example, we began with the Revision_Clouds-Review link definition.

Step 2

Add or remove parameters, as necessary, until the link definition meets your criteria. In this case, we removed a few parameters that were not needed for the QA/QC task.

If there are other links that you want to customize, go ahead and do so. It may be a good idea to rename the link definitions and edit the comments section, so they describe the link in detail.

Step 3

After customizing the link(s), right click on them and save them to a folder location that Ideate Automation can access. Once completed, close out of all open Revit versions and launch Ideate Automation.

Step 4

For the example that was presented, we used the IBL-MP-Export_Publish task. The advantage of using this script is that we can process the custom link definition(s) exported from Ideate BIMLink for multiple Revit files and export multiple links to one excel file on a per-project basis.

The Ideate Automation steps for this workflow are as follow:

Select the IBL-MP-Export_Publish script
Browse and select the Revit file(s) you wish to process
Select a folder where the Revision information for each Revit project will be exported. For this script, all file exports will end up in the export folder location you choose
Modify the Excel export file names, if required. The default setting for this script is the Revit file name, plus today’s date, followed by the Excel file extension of .xlsx
Browse to the folder location where you exported your custom BIMLink link definitions. ALL links in this folder will be processed by Ideate Automation, so if there are any links that you do not want to process, you may want to move those links to a different folder
Select Create & Run to let Ideate Automation process the selected Revit files from Step 2
Be sure to review the Ideate Automation Queue for any errors. A successful process will return an Error Code 0

Shown here is an example of the files that were outputted as a result. In this example, we chose four Revit files for Ideate Automation to process and export revision data from:

The results of the demonstration with our customer was an Excel file that exported their required Revision Cloud comments. From there, the data could be edited and imported back into the Revit model using Ideate BIMLink or the data can simply be reviewed as part of their QA/QC process.

HLW Highly Recommends Ideate Software Add-in Tools for Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 20:58:10 GMT

San Francisco, CA, October 20, 2021 – Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, is pleased to present its latest customer spotlight, which highlights how HLW benefits from Ideate Software add-ins for Revit. HLW has been designing buildings for more than 135 years, and its designs have earned the firm a solid reputation in multiple sectors, including government, education, financial, residential, hospitality and technology.

Jeff Baily, BIM manager at HLW said, “I use and love all the Ideate Software tools for Revit. They allow HLW to stay on the forefront of integrating technology into architecture and design while providing a clean interface that doesn’t distract users or spam the toolbars with useless gizmos.”

Jeff continued, “At HLW, we continually challenge ourselves to reach beyond our imaginations to create places that enhance the user experience. The Ideate Software tools support us in this challenge by streamlining workflows, so we have more time to focus on innovative and creative thinking.”

Here are some ways HLW uses Ideate Software’s Revit plugin tools:

Ideate Explorer – Filter, locate and isolate specific elements or systems in a model; ensure elements reside in the proper workset; verify the accuracy of certain data exports used in project health checks
Ideate BIMLink – Ensure the consistency and accuracy of various kinds of schedules
Ideate Sticky – Add layers of information to drawing sets that might not exist in the model
Ideate StyleManager – Keep clutter down; develop or revamp templates
IdeateApps
Ideate XRay – Nearly eliminate support tickets related to issues with visibility
Ideate ViewCreator – Get projects set up quickly with standard views
Ideate SpellCheck – Check a whole set of sheets to remove typos
Ideate Clone – Document design options for client approval and advance designs

Read more about Ideate Software’s collaboration with HLW.

To learn more about how Ideate Software add-on products help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design, visit the website. You can also download trial versions or purchase the US$500 bundle for access to Ideate Explorer, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps for six months.

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps and Ideate StyleManager were all developed to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) workflows. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables and elevate design.

Autodesk and Autodesk Revit are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

###

Revit 2022 Schedules - The Inside Scoop from Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 17:24:24 GMT

An improvement to the multi-category schedule in Revit is one of several new features added to Revit 2022.

As noted by Autodesk, this feature is listed as a top Revit Ideas Forum request.

If we consult with the Wayback Machine, we’ll see that the Ideate Software team developed a multi-category offering in 2013. As part of our Ideate Software due diligence for our 2022 release, we did an extensive review of this new Revit feature to ensure our own multi-category continues to both align and surpass the Autodesk version.

There are a few noteworthy differences between the Revit 2022 and Ideate BIMLink multi-category data collections that we discovered during that research.

Multi-Category Data Goal: Quantity Takeoffs

One purpose of a multi-category schedule is to be able to do an accurate high-level quantity takeoff. In Jan 2015, the Ideate Software team saw and addressed a discrepancy between the Revit curtain panel data being reported, via the API, and the actual BIM model conditions. Specifically, our early users pointed out that Ideate Explorer was reporting more curtain panels than a corresponding Revit curtain panel schedule would display. Thanks to our valued customers, we were able to fix this problem quickly to ensure accurate takeoffs.

In our review of the Revit 2022 multi-category schedule, we discovered that these extraneous curtain panels unfortunately are included. As shown in side-by-side schedules, the Revit Curtain Panel Schedule shows fewer results than the corresponding multi-category schedule. In the image there are two extraneous Glazed Panels and 11 extraneous custom panels, which will lead to takeoff inaccuracies if the multi-category schedule is used.

The Revit Panel Schedules quantities shown at the left are accurate and are matched within both Ideate Explorer and Ideate BIMLink.

Be careful with the Revit 2022 multi-category schedule, shown at the right, which is inaccurate! This condition occurs when curtain panels are divided.

Multi-Category Data Goal: Quality Control - MEP Device Example

Ideate BIMLink customers know that another benefit of having high-quality multi-category Revit data is that you can review and make bulk changes easily.

In June of 2016, our beta testers requested access to the elevation and offset values for all MEP devices. Being able to edit these values in one place enabled a high level of quality control within their Revit projects.

Additionally, filtering by Category has always been easy with Ideate BIMLink, as shown above. These two features combine to complete this quality control workflow, which is one of the top reasons to have a multi-category schedule.

Unfortunately, the Revit 2022 multi-category schedule does not include the elevation or offset properties, so you cannot achieve this type of goal. Additionally, the Revit multi-category schedule does not let you filter by Category, so it is very difficult to gather all these categories into one place.

These are just two of the ways in which the new Revit multi-category schedule varies from the Ideate BIMLink version.

At Ideate Software, we understand at a deep level the value of a comprehensive multi-category schedule. And when we do not understand, we listen to our customers to quickly improve our data model. We have updated our multi-category definition at least seven times in the past eight years.

Wishlist Granted! Managing Revit Styles No Longer Labor Intensive

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 17:55:39 GMT

We are continuing our monthly Ideate Software Blog series entitled Wishlist Granted.

Each blog article features real user requests from Autodesk forums and discussions, plus many Ideate Software customer requests.

First, it’s important to have the most efficient Revit model possible. Elements that aren’t used can negatively impact Revit model performance. That’s a huge reason Autodesk developed the Purge Unused command within Revit. A page directly from the Autodesk Revit Help file states:

“Remove unused views, families, and other objects from the project to improve performance and reduce file size.”

However, Purge Unused doesn’t remove many styles that may be used within the Revit model. A Revit Ideas Forum request by Matthew Taylor at WSP is a perfect example of the problem, and the perfect summary for the following features requested by Matthew:

Purge unused Fill Patterns
Purge unused Line Patterns
Purge unused Line Styles (and by association, this includes CAD import layers)
Purge unused Subcategories

Manually purging these elements out of families is labor intensive

For this reason and many others, we developed Ideate StyleManager .

Use Ideate StyleManager to:

Safely delete styles that otherwise cannot be deleted or purged in Revit software
Merge non-standard styles into standard styles
Forensically analyze the usage of all styles to understand the true scope of a modification
Clean up Object Styles, Line Styles, Line Patterns, Fill Patterns, Filled Regions, Materials, Material Appearance Assets, View Filters, View Templates, Viewports, Scope Boxes, Text, Fonts, Dimensions, and Arrowheads
Understand which views are using which View Filters

There are at least a half dozen requests on the Revit Ideas Forum for managing all these different Revit Styles with an easier method.

We love ideas from Revit users – feel free to contact our team via support@ideatesoftware.com to share yours.

Wishlist Granted!

Revit Pros Leverage View Types

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 22:25:45 GMT

You’re not making the most of view types if the only plan-based Revit view type in your project is called “Floor Plan.”

At Ideate Software, we study many different Revit models and have noticed that many people don’t always use view types to organize their model. What’s the benefit? With Floor Plans, for example, you can create as many types as you wish to group them together in a logical manner. Additional types allow you to apply a specific view template that is set when a new view is created and can also make that view dependent on the template.

With these view types, you can set your project browser to use them for organization. Set your Grouping to use ‘Family and Type’ or ‘Type.’ This eliminates the need to create extra parameters and manage them for use in the Project Browser.

We recommend that each view type have only one plan for each level. Duplicate plans on the same level and type can become confusing and should be designated as different types. Common plan view types are working plans, electrical plans, plumbing plans, enlarged floor plans, etc. And remember that this best practice also extends to other view types, such as building elevations, interior elevations, etc.

To get the most benefit when starting a new project, your firm’s project template should already be set up with standard view types and view templates to reduce the need to set them up each time.

When you leverage view types to their fullest, you will find that you do not need to use parameters to manage your project browser – one less thing to manage.

How Do I Change Imported Line Styles with Ideate Software Tools?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 21:16:04 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world. A recent customer request came into our queue that asked about the ability of Ideate StyleManager to modify the color property of a CAD Import element:

“We have several imported [CAD] details from our façade consultants that require color to be edited to prevent an imported hatch from creating a large black area on our drawings.”

Revit manages CAD Imports as Object Styles unless they are exploded, in which case they become Line Styles. In the customer’s case, the CAD Import was not exploded, so Ideate StyleManager could absolutely be used to analyze, merge or delete these styles. However, the goal was to batch edit the colors of these object styles without exploding the CAD Import.

In this specific case, our support team advised that Ideate BIMLink would be a better fit for the requested task. Even though this customer was specifically asking about Ideate StyleManager, they have access to the full Ideate Software suite. When you have access to the Suite of Solutions from Ideate Software, you can use the best tool for the workflow or task.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To edit the color, line weight or material of Revit Object Styles:

Launch Ideate BIMLink
Select New
Pick the Category option at left
type 'object' in the search box to find Object Styles
Pick the sample link called "Project_Stds-Object_Styles"

6. Optionally, you can limit the export to only edit the CAD Import Styles by setting the Link Definition Filter as shown:

7. Export to Excel

8. In Excel, change the line colors and patterns as needed

9. Import back into Revit using Ideate BIMLink

In this specific example, the combination of using both Ideate StyleManager and Ideate BIMLink was an excellent solution that delighted this customer.

“Wow, awesome workflow!

This is what I was looking for. Very easy to access all the properties there.

Thank you!”

It’s a good idea to review other Project Standards samples via the Ideate BIMLink library definitions by reviewing this online Help topic .

Let us know how you use Ideate Software solutions to create the most consistent project standards for your Revit models. We love to hear from our customers about how they are using our Ideate Software solutions to solve difficult and time-consuming Revit workflows.

SMEC Saving Time with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 20:18:31 GMT

SMEC is a professional services firm with Australian origins and a global footprint that provides high-quality consultancy services on major infrastructure projects. SMEC has over 5,300 employees and an established network of more than 75 offices in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North and South America.

SMEC provides consultancy services for the lifecycle of a project to a broad range of sectors including: Transport; Water; Geotechnics and Tunnels; Environment; Urban Development; Hydropower and Energy; Government and Advisory Services; Social Development; and Resources.

SMEC is a partner in the Impregilo‐Salini Joint Venture, which was awarded the A$340 million Surface and Viaduct Civil (SVC) Works contract on the North West Rail Link by the New South Wales Government.

Aaron Cass, Technical Officer (Structural), SMEC – Australia & New Zealand Division, explains how using Ideate BIMLink with Autodesk Revit as a building information modelling tool has provided considerable time savings for work on the North West Rail Link Project.

SMEC engaged A2K Technologies for software and training in tools required for the North West Rail Link project, including Autodesk Revit – and introduced Ideate BIMLink to the business to improve productivity.

Cass explained that Building Information Modelling (BIM) is important for a project as large as the North West Rail Link.

“My department started using multiple software packages to achieve BIM standards, including Autodesk Revit, as we commenced work on the project,” said Cass.

“We used A2K Technologies to train a group of us in Revit. The trainer showed us different add-ons that can be used within the software to make design changes and generate reports more efficiently, including Ideate BIMLink .”

Countless Hours Saved with Ideate BIMLink

Cass explained that by using this product, his team is able to quickly and easily tabulate any required data, export the data for a design check, and then import any changes that may have occurred, automatically updating the model. “This saves countless man hours in not having to collect the data or implement the changes manually.”

“In one situation, we had a project that had close to 500 piles, all with differing top and bottom reduced levels (RL) and pile diameters. At one point during the design, we were asked to produce a table of all the piles with a pile name, top RL, bottom RL and diameter. Ideate BIMLink quickly gathered and exported all of the information into an Excel spreadsheet, which the designers could then edit with all of the required pile depths and diameters.”

Cass explained that after importing the revised and completed spreadsheet back into Ideate BIMLink, every pile in the model updated to conform to the designers’ specifications.

“This turned a task that would have ordinarily taken two to three days (one to get all the data, one for the designers to revise, one to implement) into one that was completed in mere hours from start to finish,” said Cass.

“A lot of different things can change in a project, but Ideate BIMLink does everything for you – from changing founding levels for piles, girder sizes, and bearing reduced levels, to reporting so engineers can check their calculations.

“I can produce a report for engineers, they can change the calculations in an Excel file, and I can upload it and all of their changes happen automatically. This would normally take days to weeks without Ideate BIMLink.”

Enhancements to Ideate Explorer Streamline Revit Warnings Management

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 16:56:27 GMT

San Francisco, CA, September 13, 2021 – Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, is pleased to announce that Ideate Explorer, which allows additional exported data from Revit to Excel for easy reviewing, is now integrated with Ideate Automation, a scripting solution that schedules the process to run at times convenient to the users.

Ideate Explorer users will now find these additionally requested data fields included within the manual export to Excel or CSV file format: Revit file name, date of the export, and the warning category. Additionally, the Power BI template (v2), available by customer request, has been updated to include a new visualization called “Top 10 Warnings.”

Customers that have both Ideate Explorer and Ideate Automation will achieve additional benefits.

“With these latest enhancements, Ideate Automation can export curated Revit warnings data for further analysis or dashboarding,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development, Ideate Software. “Managing Revit warnings data is a critical step in maintaining model health, and now it’s easier than ever.”

Here are some highlights of Ideate Automation improvements that will help Revit users avoid slow synchronization times and even file corruption:

Review critical Revit warnings through automated exports of Ideate Explorer warnings detail and summary data fields, including file size and warnings threshold data
Automatically export both Ideate Explorer warnings data and Ideate BIMLink health check data into a single file
Support for Power BI through an updated template (v3), available by customer request, which includes two new visualizations: Top 10 Warnings and Warnings Over Time

Details are available at What’s New in Ideate Explorer and Automation for Ideate Explorer.

To learn more about how Ideate Software products help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design, visit the website . You can also download trial versions or purchase the US$500 bundle for access to Ideate Explorer, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps for six months.

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps and Ideate StyleManager were all developed to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, construction and owner (AECO) workflows. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables and elevate design.

Autodesk and Revit are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

Microsoft Word and Excel are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Wishlist Granted! View Title Alignment – At Long Last

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 17:00:52 GMT

We are continuing our Ideate Software blog series entitled Wishlist Granted .

Today, we are looking at additional Revit Sheet and View Management requests. One of the top Revit Ideas is to have more control on the placement of Revit Views on Sheets . It has 897 votes and counting! Back in 2016, Purvi Irwin logged the idea with these important details:

More Control Over View Placement on Sheets

Guide Grids are not the most easy to use and useful tool in Revit. It would be much better if view titles and views could snap to reference planes, or some other "non plot" element within a sheet border. I hate to say it, but AutoCAD does this better. Are you going to let AutoCAD be better than you, Revit?!

Ideate Align , Ideate SheetManager and Ideate Clone , three of the tools in our IdeateApps collection, have several features designed to ensure your views are organized within your sheet set in a way that is both logical and easy to use. One improvement we recently made to this process is the ability to also control the view title. This feature is available in Revit 2022 only due to API limitations in the older versions, but it really makes our tools shine.

In the image below, you’ll see that the views on the selected sheets can now be aligned with the sheet on the left while at the same time allowing you the option to align the view titles. We will, of course, also match the view title length at the same time.

For more information on how to align view titles, please review this topic: Help: How to Align View Titles (2022)

At Ideate Software, we are focused on delighting our customers. With Ideate Software there is no need to wait for future Revit releases to see your idea turned into a reality.

Wishlist Granted!

The Non-British Fab Five for Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 17:50:31 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Recently, a customer asked us about the ability to find Revit In-Place families using I deate Explorer. We actually have a nice Ideate Explorer Help Topic on exactly that workflow using Ideate Query, which is a component of Ideate Explorer.

If fact, we have a number of Ideate Query examples for different discipline workflows such as Architectural , Structural , or MEP that are posted to our Online Help for Ideate Explorer.

But did you know that with the May 2021 release of Ideate Explorer we’ve updated the number of available properties that can be selected from three to FIVE?

Did you also know that you can sort on ANY column by just clicking on the column header within the dialog?

You can also move the columns and data around by just dragging and dropping them by the column header. I might want to move columns around to better analyze the results and additionally make it easier to select them.

You can change the property selection by using a crtl+select on a property that is already included within the results. This will remove the property from the list. Then, you can add a different property if you’ve already reached the five property limit.

So, Ideate Query may not be the original Fabulous Five British Invasion, but let’s Twist and Shout and Come Together over Ideate Explorer With a Little Help From My Friend , Ideate Query.

Revit Project Health Checks with Ideate Automation and Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:26:19 GMT

Ensure project stability and reduce the time spent with under-performing poorly organized Revit models by using Ideate BIMLink with Automation for your Revit health checks.

Wishlist Granted! You can’t spell success without U!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:09:59 GMT

We are continuing our Ideate Software blog series entitled Wishlist Granted . Each blog article features real user requests and our response to those requests. Let’s chehk to see what we can uncuver!

While the out-of-the-box Revit includes a Spell Check option, it ONLY checks the current view or sheet for a very limited subset of text within the view. Here is the spellcheck description pulled from the Autodesk Revit Help pages:

“The Check Spelling tool checks the spelling of text notes in a selection or in the current view or sheet. This tool does not check the spelling of other types of text, such as text in element properties.”

There are several Revit Ideas Requests for checking spelling within a Revit Schedule on the Revit Ideas Forum. Please review this request for a Spell Check within Tables that has an Ideate Software customer singing our praises from three years ago!

A Revit Schedule can contain a list of Sheets, View Names, Rooms, and many other types of elements that would be easily accessible if we can check the spelling of a Revit Schedule. Wouldn’t that be nice?

In addition to just the current View or Sheet, there is the request to Spell Check all Open Sheets and Views or all Sheets within a Sheet list.

Request for Sheet Wide Spell Check

Well, my dear friends, we have developed Ideate SpellCheck to solve ALL these requests and MORE. Ideate SpellCheck is part of the IdeateApps collection of productivity tools for ALL Revit users. Ideate SpellCheck:

Checks all Sheets at once
Checks Schedule data or Keynote Legends
Zooms to review Sheet-based errors
Checks in all languages that are Revit-supported languages
Supports additional languages
Reports on errors that exist, but need to be fixed later (groups, keynotes, worksharing, nested families, etc.)
Provides a comprehensive report of changes made or words added to the dictionary

Please review our online HELP topic for Frequently Asked Questions concerning Ideate SpellCheck. Here is an easy chart to review the feature set in basic Revit vs. Ideate SpellCheck.

Recently, somebody asked me if we can check text within the Keynote file. The answer is YES, but you will need to edit the keynote.txt file manually to make the changes. Ideate SpellCheck will alert you of the misspelling.

Your drawings and deliverables are your reputation! Don’t send out misspellings when there is an easy and powerful solution within IdeateApps!

At Ideate Software, we are focused on delighting our customers. With Ideate Software there is no need to wait for future Revit releases to see your idea turned into a reality. We have the capabilities right now.

Wishlist Granted!

Top 10 Style Management Tips with Ideate StyleManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 22:15:59 GMT

Learn about Ideate StyleManager, which reduces liability and saves time by providing a level of model cleanup that was not previously possible.

Smoosh those properties together with Ideate BIMLink for Revit!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 22:41:48 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

I’m a big fan of ice cream! One of my favorite dishes is locally called a Smoosh-In, where several different ice cream flavors or toppings are combined in fun ways. This same concept can be applied to Revit where you need to smoosh several parameters or properties into a single item like a Door Mark.

Here is a recent support question that came from a customer with a specific request. However, it’s a broader question that gets asked in so many different ways by our Ideate Software customers.

The customer asked: “If I wanted to renumber doors by exporting Door Marks out into Excel, is there a way in Excel to select a large number of fields (Door Mark IDs from one level) and automate the sequential numbering of selected fields with a prefix? For example, I would want to renumber door Marks to follow this naming convention of:

<DoorFunction>-<Level>-DoorNumber>

Example = ID-00-001, ID-00-002 etc.”

Ideate BIMLink excels at this! (OK, pun intended)

I know that I’ve mentioned this a dozen times, but it’s always good to start with one of our pre-defined Library Link Definitions that you can easily browse to locate. A simple one to use and potentially modify is just called Doors. Notice that it is defined as an Instance link because we want to edit each instance of the Door Mark’s value.

You will want to be sure to add the properties that you might want to use within the door tag to smoosh together. I just added Assembly Code and Keynote as two property options.

Once you export the information to Excel, you can use an Excel formula to combine the information. I first might want to create a “scratch” column or temporary workspace to just renumber the doors in a sequential order. That’s what I’ve done with column “I” in the Excel image below. Then I’ve used a formula within the Mark cell to combine Level Name as well as Keynote properties. Of course, keep in mind that your Door Tag family might need to be enlarged to contain the text string. In many cases, you may just have a level prefix such as 01, 02, etc. plus the Door Number, as was requested by this customer. They also wanted the Door Function, which is probably a short code.

For more tips and information, please review the online Help topics for Ideate BIMLink . Our Frequently Asked Questions page is also a good place to start.

Once you have mastered the property/parameter combinations, I recommend you celebrate with some ice cream, and be sure to combine many flavors together for your own Smoosh-In!

Setting Up the FlexLM License Server

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 19:43:04 GMT

Learn how to setup Ideate Software network licensing onto an existing Autodesk network licensing setup.

Transitioning to ACC from BIM 360 – Important Update

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 15:50:14 GMT

In an April 2021 blog post, we notified our customers of the important impact of the Autodesk rebranding of BIM 360 to ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud).

We are happy to report that our May 2021 release of Ideate Sticky for Revit handles this name change seamlessly. This means that your team can choose to update to the newest version of the Autodesk Desktop Connector on your timeline without causing any file path problems with Ideate Sticky files, as long as you use this latest version.

Download the latest version of Ideate Sticky for Revit 2019-2022

Learn more about What’s New in Ideate Sticky

You can help us advocate for improved programmatic access to the Desktop Connector by voting for this Revit Ideas forum post: Autodesk Construction Docs/ aka BIM 360 Local File API

Wishlist Granted: Intelligent Renumbering of Revit Elements

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 17:36:16 GMT

We are continuing our Ideate Software Blog series entitled Wishlist Granted . Each blog article features real user requests and our response to those requests.

The topic of managing numbers in our building information models is a hot topic within the Revit Ideas Forum, with this one dating all the way back to 2014 from Eric Chappell of Autodesk: Door Tags – “Would like door tags to be able to read a room number.”

This idea became a reality for IdeateApps subscribers with the initial launch of Ideate ReNumber in 2016. Not only can you use Ideate ReNumber to automatically renumber doors with the room number, but you can perform this task in linked files where the rooms are not in the same file as the doors. You can see door numbering in action in this video .

And while we could have stopped at just doors, the Ideate Software team is always striving to redefine the problem, so we can solve many workflows with one solution. Zachleepeters provides an excellent example of this broader need within his Revit Ideas post, noting that numbering details on sheets can also be time consuming. We are happy to report that in addition to supporting numbering details on sheets, Ideate ReNumber covers a wide variety of numbering conditions, some of which are detailed within our How To…Advanced Workflows help topic.

We also love this great idea posted by Tomec Piatek in 2018 about the importance of controlling the numbering sequences and included this bonus request “…allow for user defined sequences similar to how revisions are defined now, i.e. numeric, alphanumeric with associated numbering options, including prefix and suffix.” You can learn all about how we addressed this wishlist item in our Customizing Ideate ReNumber help topic .

Wishlist Granted!

Wishlist Granted! Amazing Integration of Non-BIM Documentation into a Revit Project

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 17:38:18 GMT

We are continuing our Ideate Software blog series entitled Wishlist Granted .

Each blog article features real user requests and our response to those requests. So, let us again go to the well of Revit ideas to see what floats up!

The request to create a simple table made of non-specific Revit categories has been a long-standing request with more than 1000 votes on the Revit Ideas Board. All of us understand that Revit is a building information modeling program that basically “forces” a set of rules, layouts and categories upon model elements. However, sometimes we need to include information in our project documentation that does not exactly fit these rigid standards. Examples include a list of manufacturer’s details, general notes, specifications or other information that we have classified as non-BIM data, because it may not have a direct one-to-one relationship with an element within the Revit model.

On the Autodesk Revit Ideas Board - Let me make a simple table

The Ideate Software Solution

That’s why we developed Ideate Sticky more than six years ago ! We started with the Revit Ideas Board request above and called the product Ideate Table.

Evolving Ideate Sticky to Meet Additional Revit User Requests

Over the years, we have seen other requests on the Revit Ideas Board related to the simple request to format a table in addition to including non-BIM data. These submissions all introduce the idea of keeping information within a source document such as Excel, Word and PDF while maintaining the ability to link and update the information in the Revit model.

We certainly have NOT been sitting on our original table idea for six years with the same functionality!

We first introduced the ability to link Excel spreadsheets as a simple Revit table schedule, and we have added features within Ideate Sticky to link Excel, Word and PDF documents as images that can be easily updated. Additionally, we support Absolute paths, Relative paths, and Autodesk Cloud locations for data locations.

Ideate Sticky Compared to Revit 2021

Revit included the ability to link PDF data into the Revit model starting with Revit 2021. However, the process is limited to one PDF page at a time. The elegant Ideate Sticky PDF linking allows any number of pages to be linked in a single step. Additionally, there is no Revit built-in solution to link and update Excel or Word information. In fact, our latest updates to Ideate Sticky even support Revit 2019 – Revit 2022!

Wishlist Granted!

Step into the Clinic: Advanced Revit Model Health Checks

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 23:50:10 GMT

Learn how Ideate Software solutions can assist with Revit model health with quality assurance and quality control on various categories of Revit models; reviewing and addressing Revit warnings; reviewing, merging, or eliminating unwanted styles; and ensuring models are well organized.

Duplicate Floor Plans to Ceiling Plans with Ideate ViewCreator

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 14:22:49 GMT

Duplicating a set of Revit floor plans to a ceiling plan is simple with Ideate ViewCreator , one of the nine tools in our IdeateApps collection.

This is one of the many great enhancements included in the May 2021 release of IdeateApps. Check out our Help file, What’s New in IdeateApps , to learn more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Launch Ideate ViewCreator
Select the “Duplicate” method
Select the rule called “*DUPLICATE” or “DUPLICATE — Change Family” if available. The “Change Family” option is newer and aligns the view name with the ceiling type name
Use “Select Views” to go to the next page
Use the “Duplicate to Other Family” option. Then pick one or more floor plans from one plan type

6. Select “Next.” Then pick the ceiling plan type to which you wish to duplicate

7. OPTIONAL: the “DUPLICATE — Change Family” is set up to allow a view template override. You can set the new ceiling plan views to a specific view template, if desired.

8. The proposed new view names can be edited here, or you can select “Rename Views” and complete the process

Results

The new ceiling plans will match the crop/scope box and 2D grid conditions found within the floor plans and will automatically be given logical view names.

Visit our Ideate ViewCreator online Help files for detailed information about how to manage some of the other more sophisticated batch creation workflows.

Ideate Explorer: Review Revit Warnings Using Microsoft Power BI

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 21:03:18 GMT

For Revit users, Revit Warnings are encountered often. They can be small and simple, or large and complex. Unaddressed warnings will pile up over time and can take a long time to correct. Failure to manage Warnings in a Revit model can result in poor performance, slow synchronization times, incorrect schedule data, or worse, file corruption. Thankfully, Ideate Explorer assists users with managing and addressing Revit Warnings using Warnings Manager , a core feature within Ideate Explorer that was introduced in the May 2018 release of Ideate Explorer.

For BIM Managers looking to take their Revit warning information further by visualizing curated details of their project warnings, such as warnings on single files, multiple files, and warnings per megabyte, and would like to visualize this information using Microsoft Power BI, we developed some templates to assist with these workflows using Warnings Manager to extract Revit warning information to Excel and then to Power BI for visuals and customization.

For more details, read the step-by-step instructions in the Help File .

Current Ideate Explorer subscribers can request a Ideate Explorer to Power BI dashboard template that includes a Power BI template and sample files with how-to instructions.

Duplicate Area Plans to a Different Scheme with Ideate ViewCreator

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:20:53 GMT

Do you need to duplicate a set of Revit area plans to a different area scheme? It’s easy with Ideate ViewCreator , one of the nine tools within our IdeateApps collection.

This is one of the many great enhancements included in the May 2021 release of IdeateApps. Check out our Help file, What’s New in IdeateApps , to learn about all of them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before beginning, make sure the new area plan is defined within the project. Then:

Launch Ideate ViewCreator
Select the “Duplicate” method
Select the rule called “*DUPLICATE” or “DUPLICATE — Change Family” if available. The “Change Family” option is newer and aligns the view name with the area scheme name
Use “Select Views” to go to the next page
Use the “Duplicate to Other Family” option, then pick one or more area plans from one area scheme

6. Click “Next.” Then pick the new area scheme type to which you will duplicate
7. OPTIONAL: When duplicating to a new area scheme, you will be prompted about whether you want to copy any

existing boundary lines. Unless you are certain, pick the option to not copy the area boundary lines
8. OPTIONAL: “DUPLICATE — Change Family” is set up to allow a view template override. You can set the new area

scheme views to a specific view template, if desired.

9. The proposed new view names can be edited here, or you can select “Rename Views” and complete the process

Results

New area plan views that match the crop and 2D grid settings of the original views are now created. New area boundary lines may be also duplicated during this process.

Visit our Ideate ViewCreator online Help files for detailed information about how to manage some of the other more sophisticated batch creation workflows.

Ideate Explorer: Review Revit Warnings Using Microsoft Excel

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:59:49 GMT

For Revit users, Revit Warnings are encountered often. They can be small and simple, or large and complex. Unaddressed warnings pile up over time and can take a long time to correct. Failure to manage Warnings in a Revit model can result in poor performance, slow synchronization times, incorrect schedule data, or worse, file corruption.

Thankfully, Ideate Explorer assists users with managing and addressing Revit Warnings using Warnings Manager , a core feature within Ideate Explorer that was introduced in the May 2018 release.

For those looking to take their Revit warning information further by visualizing curated details of their project warnings, such as warnings count by severity on single files, multiple files, and warnings per megabyte, and would like to visualize this information using Microsoft Excel, we developed some templates to assist with these workflows using Warnings Manager to extract Revit warning information to these templates. Additionally, customers with Ideate Explorer and Ideate Sticky can go a step further by linking these Excel graphics into their Revit models as project dashboards, giving the entire project team insight into their Revit warning data.

For more details, read the step-by-step instructions in the Help file .

Current Ideate Explorer subscribers can request a Ideate Explorer to Excel dashboard template that includes chart templates, Excel templates and sample files with how-to instructions.

Don’t Bang Your Tag Head Against a Brick System Wall. Request a Dataset from Ideate Software!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 26 May 2021 17:48:55 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Did you know that if you are an Ideate Software customer, you can request a dataset containing instructions, sample datasets and solutions for a variety of challenging Revit workflows? We see these requests for datasets cross our Support desk all the time, so please don’t be shy in requesting the information from us.

Here are short descriptions of what we offer:

BOMA Dataset for Ideate BIMLink - BOMA is an acronym for the Building Owners and Managers Association. Please read this BOMA Calculations blog article by Sash Kazeminejad that explains our available dataset and the workflow process in detail.

Programming with Masses Dataset for Ideate BIMLink - Please review this informative blog article about how you can use Ideate BIMLink to assist with creating Revit Masses for programming requirements.

Sample Pivot Table Dataset for Ideate BIMLink - Please review this I deate BIMLink Help topic on how to use pivot tables in Excel with Ideate BIMLink. We even have a snazzy new video on the subject!

Plumbing Fixture Counts Dataset for Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Sticky - This online Help topic is a great place to start for reviewing Plumbing Fixture Counts or Occupancy Summaries.

Pile Cap Renumbering Dataset - Check out this excellent blog article that details the specific challenge of numbering Pile Caps because they need to be numbered in a way that reflects their relative location as well as their relationship to the nested pile families. Using Ideate ReNumbe r is easy and efficient.

Document Issue Record (DIR) Dataset - Last but not least, this is one of our MOST requested datasets. You can review the main blog post detailing how you can use Ideate Software applications to manage the sheet revision process, and you can also review this blog post for customizing the Document Issue Record. We also have information in our online Help for Managing Revit Sheet-based Revisions with Ideate BIMLink . Using both Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Sticky together allows perfect synergy.

Summary

BOMA Dataset
Massing Dataset
Pivot Table Sample Dataset
Plumbing Fixture Counts Dataset
Renumbering Pile Cap Dataset
Document Issue Records (Revision) Dataset

So please don’t beat your head against the wall trying to create your own solutions. Send an email to support@ideatesoftware.com and request one dataset or request them all! We will be waiting to hear from you!

Wishlist Granted! Better Revit Warnings Management

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 17 May 2021 17:28:55 GMT

We continuously monitor Autodesk forums, Revit user groups, industry blogs, newsletters, and other events to keep our pulse on AECO trends and discussions.

We would like our customers to know that we frequently monitor the Revit Public Roadmap plus the Revit Ideas Forums. We want to ensure our tools help fill some of the workflow gaps that may exist within the current Revit building information modeling ecosystem.

“We take great pride in developing tools that address persistent challenges faced by Revit users,” said Director of Software Development, Glynnis Patterson.

We are continuing our Ideate Software blog series entitled Wishlist Granted. Each blog article features real user requests and our response to those requests.

Last month, I highlighted quite a few Revit Ideas Forum requests around better ways to find, filter, and select elements in Revit . Those ideas directly translated into our Ideate Explorer for Revit solution.

I would like to continue to build upon our Ideate Explorer solution and look at another series of important Revit Ideas Forum requests. There are quite a few requests for better and easier warnings management within Revit:

These are just some of the four pages of Revit warning requests within the Revit Ideas page! So obviously, this is clearly a sore point for many Revit users.

Revit 2022 finally made the Warning Dialog resizable. But beyond that, there hasn’t been much improvement in this Revit functionality for years. With the default Revit Warnings Dialog, you have to close the dialog to make most changes or fix most errors.

Ideate Explorer Warnings Manager to the rescue!

Our Warnings Manager addresses all those Revit ideas and more. You can easily continue to work in Revit without having to close the dialog, and you can quickly reference the elements that need to be modified.

This online help topic enabling you to Explore Revit Warnings is a wonderful resource for review.

Our customers say it best! This quote by Laura Erdely is perfect!

“I was not very good about managing warnings in my models prior to using the Warnings Manager within Ideate Explorer. I was always searching for elusive objects when I tried to clear warnings using Revit alone. It was so time consuming that I rarely did it and let the warnings run wild. The warnings dialogue box helps me to see all the issues in a clear list and easily select the related objects. Now my whole team uses it to keep the file tidy.”

At Ideate Software, we are focused on delighting our customers. With Ideate Software there is no need to wait for future Revit releases to see your idea turned into a reality.

Wishlist Granted!

Calculated Parameters and Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 12 May 2021 00:07:38 GMT

Follow these steps to convert Ideate BIMLink raw data into a Pivot table that can group the data to align with the Revit schedule and display the values any calculated parameters.

Top 5 Tips for Healthy Revit Models with Ideate StyleManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 10 May 2021 21:55:21 GMT

You want viewers to focus on your models and not wonder if they are interpreting your designs correctly. Models with inadequate style management can lead to publishing errors that confuse viewers. Avoid these problems by spending a few minutes cleaning styles with Ideate StyleManager.

Two Products Many Solutions: Ideate Software and Dynamo

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 05 May 2021 23:15:41 GMT

In the webinar, Gavin Crump, Owner and Consultant at BIM Guru in Australia, and Sash Kazeminejad, Customer Success Manager at Ideate Software, compared Ideate Software solutions, including Ideate StyleManager, with Dynamo.

Introduction to the Compelling Ideate Software Suite for BIM Managers

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 05 May 2021 19:06:39 GMT

Watch this recording of our 60-minute webinar to for a high-level overview of all Ideate Software solutions and how they relate to BIM managers and BIM management.

Use Ideate Explorer to Replace Detail Groups with Components

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 18:02:42 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

At Ideate Software, we strongly encourage weekly Revit model audits to ensure that models run smoothly and adhere to project and office standards.

One common issue we see during model audits is the way groups are used. In many cases, groups are over utilized and inappropriately named. Heavy group usage is known to cause performance issues, especially if they are part of an array. When groups are left as their default names, such as Group 1, Group 2, etc., the usage can be confusing, because no one knows the intended use of the group until it gets audited.

I recently worked with a customer and showed them how to use the <Ideate Audit> filter to isolate Revit categories that should be part of weekly audits. When we reviewed group usage, we noticed that most of the groups mimicked detail components that ship with Revit, like the detail shown here:

While it is not possible in Revit to select groups and swap them out with model or detail components, as shown here …

… you can use Ideate Explorer to identify inappropriate group usage so you can edit the groups, swap out the content for similar model or detail components, finish the groups (which now have the model or detail components) and then ungroup the updated groups to ‘swap’ the groups with model or detail components.

To learn more about this process, be sure to watch this short video on how you can use Ideate Explorer to identify and fix groups that should be Type Swapped with model or detail components.

Wishlist Granted! It’s a Zoolander Blue Steel: The Best Revit Model Browser

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 18:39:06 GMT

We would like our customers to know that we frequently monitor the Revit Public Roadmap plus the Revit Ideas Forums.

We want to ensure our tools help fill some of the workflow gaps that may exist within the current Revit building information modeling ecosystem.

“We take great pride in developing tools that address persistent challenges faced by Revit users,” said Glynnis Patterson, director of Software Development at Ideate Software.

We are continuing our Ideate Software blog series entitled Wishlist Granted. Each blog article features real user requests and our response to those requests. So, let’s take a deep dive at another top Revit request!

The Revit project browser has been an essential component of the Revit user interface since day one! However, we all know that it doesn’t show everything we need as Revit users. It can be frustrating that it shows some elements, such as Revit links, but not others such as CAD links. Additionally, the project browser doesn’t work if you are trying to review and select your Revit model elements within the context of the model. It wasn’t designed to be a model browser that allows for easy review and selection of every element and instance!

On the Revit Ideas Forum , there are many requests for a better way to find, filter, and select elements:

Ideate Explorer for Revit from Ideate Software was developed and introduced 12 years ago as a true model browser for the Revit interface. Among the many features of Ideate Explorer is the ability to easily search, filter and select elements. Ideate Explorer was designed to allow:

Finding and deleting incorrect, obsolete and hidden problem items, including DWGs
Finding, refining and revising elements, including those excluded from the Revit project browser
Getting a full view of any Revit model and understanding all elements in the model

The image below shows how we can easily select multiple instances of any Revision Clouds within the Revit model, as requested from the Revit Ideas Forum.

You can easily review all elements within the Active View or the Entire Project. You have several options to sort your Revit model data, based on your needs:

These Sort by: options directly relate to the Revit Forum Ideas request to select instances by level, as an example. In that same request, it also mentions filtering by Type.

If the Sort by: is set to Category , the Ideate Explorer results will display in this order: Category: Family: Type: Instance and you can always select one, multiple or all.

Any selection within Ideate Explorer can be saved and loaded later for review.

Ideate Explorer also allows In-Canvas selection of one or multiple elements, and it will always give you the specific instance counts as well as Family and Type counts, so you know EXACTLY how many elements of each Category, Family or Type. The Revit Selection Filter can’t do that!

This help topic is an excellent introduction to the basic operation of Ideate Explorer. You can slice, review and manage the model in hundreds of different ways, and the Ideate Explorer selection tools make working in Revit a breeze. The following quote by Jason Halaby of WRNS Studio summarizes Ideate Explorer in a meaningful way:

“Without Ideate Explorer, Revit is not a fully functional BIM authoring platform. WRNS relies on Ideate Explorer’s detailed selection filtering, query tools, and warning manager for many of our model management tasks, which include finding In-Place families, auditing worksets,…and generally providing a more transparent window into the model database.”

These are just SOME of the many Revit requests that Ideate Explorer fulfills. Check out our extensive video page on Ideate Explorer and stay tuned for the next installment of Wishlist Granted, where I will continue to show how Ideate Explorer fulfills important Revit requests!

At Ideate Software, we are focused on delighting our customers. With Ideate Software there is no need to wait for future Revit releases to see your idea turned into a reality.

Wishlist Granted!

Tips for Creating Plan Views Using the Default LEVEL Rule in Ideate ViewCreator

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 16:47:33 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Questions about simplifying the process of creating views are fairly common, so in this post, I’ll show you some of the ways Ideate ViewCreator makes the process fast and easy.

Ideate ViewCreator has the power to efficiently copy plan views to other levels while maintaining settings such as view template assignment, scope box setting and even custom parameters that are often used to help sort views within the project browser. In addition, Ideate ViewCreator can assist users by bulk-duplicating views to other phases or to create working views. Like the Plans to Levels method, users can assign view templates, scope boxes and so much more. The possibilities are endless!

While Ideate ViewCreator allows users to create customized rules to meet their needs, Ideate ViewCreator also ships with many pre-configured rules as well. Many of these rules already meet and address the needs of many customers, as seen here:

For those interested in copying plan and ceiling plans up to multiple levels, consider using a special rule called *LEVEL, highlighted in the following image:

The *LEVEL rule has a special algorithm that can predict how to match the intended naming convention of selected views so they can be copied up to other levels while adhering to the naming conventions.

For example, let us assume you are working on a project with eight levels (LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2, LEVEL 3, etc.) and you have the need for floor and ceiling plans for those levels. Let us also assume you have already created a LEVEL 1 MECHANICAL FLOOR PLAN and LEVEL 1 MECHANICAL CEILING PLAN with the correct View Template, scope box, view organization parameters, etc. already assigned. If your views and levels have the same naming conventions, such as LEVEL 1 as the level name and LEVEL 1 MECHANICAL FLOOR PLAN for the View name, then the *LEVEL rule in Ideate ViewCreator should be able to predict how to copy those plans to the other levels while adhering to the naming standards.

The advantage of using the *LEVEL rule is that you can quickly bulk create views of different types (Floor Plan, Ceiling Plan, Structural Plan) quickly and efficiently with the same settings that were applied to the views that you copied.

In the following image, you can see how we copied the LEVEL 1 MECHANICAL FLOOR PLAN and LEVEL 1 MECHANICAL CEILING PLAN to LEVEL 2, LEVEL 3, on up to LEVEL 8. Looking at the New View column, you can see that the naming conventions match the copied views from the Original View column, which is exactly what we wanted to. It is worth noting that the *LEVEL rule works best when the Level name and view names use the same naming conventions.

There may be times in which the *LEVEL rule algorithm cannot predict the New View name as intended. This situation usually happens when the level name and Original View names differ slightly. In the following image, you can see that the New Level (the name of the level you want to copy to) is called LEVEL 2, but the Original View name has LEVEL 01 in it.

In this case, you have a couple of options. The first option would be to review your view names and correct them so that the levels and views have the same naming convention, i.e., LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 1 MECHANICAL PLAN, not LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 01 MECHANICAL PLAN. Your other option would be to use the Find and Replace in Ideate ViewCreator to correct the new view name so you can proceed with creating the views.

In summary, if you are looking to bulk create many plan views easily and efficiently, consider using the *LEVEL rule. Keep in mind that this rule works best when the level name and view names have matching information. This will help the algorithm to predict how the rest of the view names should match,

Replace Detail Groups with Components with Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 19:19:53 GMT

See how to use the Ideate Audit filter within Ideate Explorer to audit some group usage to see if they are appropriately named and furthermore see if the elements within the groups are appropriate.

Type Creation and Swapping using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 21:15:05 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Here’s information about a topic that comes up occasionally.

Structural engineers frequently perform structural analysis to determine the proper sizing of structural members after a schematic building information model has been developed. The results of the analysis are then used to swap beams, columns and footings from that schematic layout to the accurate sizes.

Ideate BIMLink supports this process with two important features that all structural designers and engineers should utilize:

The ability to create new types for existing families
The ability to exchange one instance of an element for another, which we call ‘Type Swapping’

When used in tandem, these two features can be used to transform that early schematic building information model into a mature model with just a few simple steps. We will reference structural foundations in our example, but these same steps apply to any structural element.

Export your schematic design foundation data from Ideate BIMLink to Excel
Perform the structural analysis to define any changes needed to the pre-defined model sizes
Import any new structural foundation types that will be needed. This will update the existing families with new sizes.
Import the modifications to the foundation instances to swap the schematic version for the required family and type to set the correct size per each location.

Creating new types and type swapping are the key to efficiencies, not only for structural design, but for any design process where you have placed Revit elements early in the design process with the intent of adjusting the size or type later in design development or even during the project handover phase.

See a video of the entire process:

Wishlist Granted! The Best Revit Integration with Excel Available Today

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 18:13:32 GMT

We continuously monitor Autodesk Forums, Revit user groups, industry blogs, newsletters, and other events to keep our pulse on AECO trends and discussions.

Much of our team also subscribes to local business, real estate, construction and AEC design news from different regions around the world. So, it’s very easy for us to express that we feel very connected to the AECO community!

“We take great pride in developing tools that address persistent challenges faced by Revit users,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Ideate Software Development.

We are continuing our Ideate Software blog series entitled Wishlist Granted. Each blog article features real user requests and our response to those requests. So, let’s take a spin on another top Revit request!

This request is a doozy! It’s so important and critical that we built an entire application around it. Plus, it is a request that Ideate Software has been hitting out of the park for over 10 years!

The request for importing and exporting data from Revit to Excel has been around for quite some time, and it only grows stronger with more votes on the Revit Ideas page each year. It has over 550 requests as of February of 2021.

Ideate BIMLink is the premier industry-standard application for integrating your Revit model data with Excel data. The number of workflows is just too long to list, but please check out our extensive online Help files for Ideate BIMLink, where we document many of the most helpful workflows.

Then, there is this request to make many unavailable parameters finally able to be scheduled within Revit.

This is again a huge benefit and feature of Ideate BIMLink. It’s such an important benefit for Ideate BIMLink that we created a sample folder within our delivered library links for “Beyond Schedules.”

In addition, there are dozens of Revit properties or parameters available within Ideate BIMLink that are not available in base Revit, such as Is Faced Flipped, Is In-Place, Is Pinned, etc.

We also have the ability to manage many properties that are defined within the Revit model but are not yet available within a Revit Schedule.

Ideate BIMLink gives you unparalleled access to system parameters, project parameters and family parameters. In addition, Ideate BIMLink gives you access to adjacent parameters that are extremely relevant to the category or categories you are trying to manage. For instance, Ideate BIMLink gives you all the room parameters, and it allows you to review and manage data for many adjacent categories, such as coordinates, level, model group, phase, project information or Revit link.

Revit has introduced the ability to have OR conditions within View Filters, but they still are not available within a Revit Schedule. The request to have both OR as well as AND conditions has almost 1500 requests!

Ideate BIMLink has supported the ability to have OR as well as AND conditions for years! If a filter selection does not have the “Elements Must Pass All Filters” checkbox selected, it is by default an OR condition. If the “Elements Must Pass All Filters” checkbox is selected, the filter rule becomes an AND condition.

These are just SOME of the many Revit requests that Ideate BIMLink fulfills. Check out our extensive video page for many examples of how Ideate BIMLink provides superior integration with Excel.

At Ideate Software, we are focused on delighting our customers. With Ideate Software there is no need to wait for future Revit releases to see your idea turned into a reality.

Wishlist Granted!

Type Creation and Swapping using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 23:54:36 GMT

Watch this short video to see how to use Ideate BIMLink to create new types and then use those types to swap out existing instances for new types.

Does X, Y, Z really mark the spot?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 14:09:08 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Recently, one of our Ideate BIMLink customers asked if we could report on the X, Y and Z coordinates of Mechanical Equipment. This is a very important feature of Ideate BIMLink, and I thought it would be nice to review all the different types of coordinates that Ideate BIMLink can report from the Revit model.

Elements that have been placed within the Revit model are considered instances of a specific type or family. When you create an instance-based link definition within Ideate BIMLink, you have the option to select either Internal or Survey Coordinates. Prior to the Ideate BIMLink May 2020 release, users only had the option of a single selection of coordinates. After the Ideate BIMLink May 2020 release, the previous coordinates option was renamed to Survey, and we introduced a new coordinates option of Internal.

Survey: The values returned for the coordinate properties respect the current Shared Project location
Internal: The values returned for the coordinate properties respect the current Internal Project location

In the example image above, I’m using the delivered Library link definition for Mechanical Equipment , but I’m adding the X, Y and Z properties for EACH instance of the Mechanical Equipment.

I’m sure you are going to ask, well what exactly is that X, Y and Z point? What is Ideate BIMLink reporting? The answer depends on the type of element you have chosen to report.

This online Help article is a wonderful reference to the four types of coordinate properties that Ideate BIMLink will return for the value depending on the Revit elements being reviewed.

For our Mechanical Equipment example, it would be the insertion point of the Mechanical Equipment Family.

Now if that’s NOT the exact model point you desire, you can create a Generic Model family that can be either placed inside your model or embedded within your custom families that allows you to report the necessary coordinate information such as hanger locations or top of footing coordinates. We have an excellent online help article for sending coordinate data to the field that you can review. In addition, we have a short video that details the process. This video was created before the option to have either Survey Coordinates or Internal Coordinates, so the single option of coordinates refers to the current Survey Coordinates selection.

The image below shows another typical example of this method where the connection points of a hanger family can be explicitly reported.

Ideate BIMLink has been providing the ability to access Revit model coordinate data since Revit 2013! For even more detail, we have a 30-minute webinar delivered on the subject as well.

So, the engineering customer that asked our Support Team about reporting Mechanical Equipment instance information was thrilled to be able to accomplish the task easily and efficiently with Ideate BIMLink.

Top 10 Revit Model Auditing Workflows Using Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 22:59:40 GMT

Large Revit models can be difficult to understand and manage, but NOT with Ideate Explorer. We have come up with this list of 10 ways to incorporate Ideate Explorer into your Revit quality control processes.

Wishlist Granted! Why is a Revit Element Hidden in a View?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 19:53:33 GMT

We continuously monitor Autodesk Forums, Revit user groups, industry blogs, newsletters, and other events to keep our pulse on AECO trends and discussions.

“We take great pride in developing tools that address persistent challenges faced by Revit users,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Ideate Software Development.

We are continuing our Ideate Software blog series entitled Wishlist Granted. Each blog article features real user requests and our responses to those requests. Last month we featured duplicating sheets . Now, let’s take a spin on another top Revit request!

If you search the Autodesk Revit Ideas Forum and general Revit Forums, you will find many questions and requests concerning Revit element visibility.

Revit has a Reveal Hidden Elements visualization mode. However, this mode is very limited. It ONLY shows Revit elements, as well as their dependent tags or dimensions, that have been hidden by category or by element override in the view. Every Revit element has a category, phase, discipline or workset that could impact whether that element displays within a selected view. In addition, there are scope boxes, crop regions, view filters, design options, level and grid extents and view ranges that impact visibility! These are all difficult to diagnose. In fact, there are at least 50 different ways to hide an element in Revit!

Here are a few Revit visibility problems:

Have you ever encountered this Revit Warning?

It’s no wonder there are MANY requests on the Autodesk Revit forums to address this confusion. Here are just a few:

Ideate XRay to the Rescue!

Ideate Software introduced Ideate XRay as part of IdeateApps in 2016, and we have continually made improvements to the feature over the years! Ideate XRay allows you to use a powerful selection wizard to easily find the Revit element within the view. Because, if the element is hidden, how do you select the element in order to find why it’s not visible?

Ideate XRay gives you several options to easily find elements:

The BEST way to see the selection wizard in action is to review this short video on Ideate XRay and the Ideate XRay Selection Wizard.

It’s always a good idea to review the Help topic on Ideate XRay and be sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.

You can also watch a recording of a 30-minute webinar that covers many examples of using Ideate XRay when Revit elements go missing. It’s certainly a game of Hide and Seek! Ideate XRay gives you the winning advantage.

At Ideate Software, we are focused on delighting our customers. With Ideate Software there is no need to wait for future Revit releases to see your idea turned into a reality.

Wishlist Granted!

Efficient Document Issue Records (DIR) Data Extraction using Automation for Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:13:21 GMT

For those of you who have had experience with revisions in Revit, you probably know there are a lot of benefits and limitations to the revision tools. For example, we can customize the numbering schemes to match our office standards or client requirements. Clouding and tagging views and sheets are generally easy, though there are some known limitations to this process.

One of the biggest limitations to revision management in Revit is how we schedule them. To this day, Revit can only schedule revisions based on Current Revision information, such as Current Revision, Current Revision Date and so forth. While this information may be acceptable to some folks, many owners and contractors require a schedule listing all sheets and each of the revisions on each sheet. Unfortunately, this scheduling method is not native to Revit.

Existing Ideate BIMLink customers who have been using our Document Issue Records (DIR) Excel template to generate a sheet list that lists all sheets and the revisions associated with those sheets are quite familiar with the two-step process: Export both the Revision Sequence and Sheet Revision data to the DIR Excel template, where it is restructured into a Document Issue Record. For customers that subscribe to Ideate Sticky as well, there is the added benefit of live-linking the DIR Excel file into their Revit models for a true round-trip process.

For those looking to automate the DIR process, either for a single Revit file or multiple Revit files, we have a simple solution that can automate the exportation of both the Revision Sequence and Sheet Revision data to the macro-enabled DIR file. The data is then updated to reflect the latest revision information for your projects. You can accomplish this task by using Ideate Automation for Ideate BIMLink.

Ideate Automation for Ideate BIMLink allows users to extract revision information from multiple models with the push of a button or through a scheduled task, allowing the project team to easily compile and update Document Issue Records demanded by many owners and jurisdictions. To assist with this process, Ideate Automation for Ideate BIMLink is pre-configured with two script files related to the DIR process, while Ideate BIMLink is delivered with five pre-defined link definitions that are configured to work with Revit Revisions and Ideate Automation.

Watch this short video to review the process of automating Document Issue Record exports for multiple stages of your project. In addition, please review this Help topic, Getting Started with Ideate Automation .

Existing Ideate BIMLink customers can request the Excel custom template for Document Issuance Records via support@ideatesoftware.com .

Where is my CAD file?

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 17:39:58 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

Ideate Explorer has been a Revit user’s best friend for over 10 years! Since the first release of Ideate Explorer, Revit users have been using the application to show model elements that the default Revit Project Browser just does not show. Ideate Explorer is the model browser for almost every element within your Revit model.

One of the most loved features of Ideate Explorer is the ability to show both CAD links and CAD imports within the Ideate Explorer results tree. This feature gives the Revit user instant access to the location of CAD elements, even if they might be hidden within a view. Our built-in < Ideate Audit > filter allows quick access to these elements.

Well, you can imagine my surprise when we received a support case that Ideate Explorer was no longer displaying the CAD Links! I had to really think about this one.

CAD files such as MicroStation or AutoCAD can be either linked into Revit or imported. If you import the CAD file, it is the same as copying the file into your project. It becomes an element just like any other element you might place within Revit. Many firms have STRONG policies against importing CAD data because not only does it copy the geometry into your Revit file, it also copies linestyles, text and many other styles you may not want.

Our Ideate StyleManager is the perfect tool to help consolidate or eliminate those unwanted styles that may have come into your Revit project with a CAD import. However, that wasn’t the issue in this specific customer case!

The first thing we had to determine was if this was a CAD Link or CAD Import that was not displaying within Ideate Explorer. Even if the CAD import had been hidden, it would display within Ideate Explorer. If the CAD Import had been partially exploded, it would still show the non-exploded blocks such as this example with the Green Drain:

If the CAD file had been selected as a full explode, the lines, arcs, and circles would have become Revit elements. Then, the CAD file would no longer be listed in the Ideate Explorer results tree, because it had basically been disassembled into component parts. So, I thought that might be the issue. The customer said there had been no modifications to the CAD file and it was linked into Revit rather than imported.

That only leaves one other solution.

As I mentioned earlier, when the CAD file is imported into Revit, it is a copy that exists within the Revit model. When a CAD file is linked into Revit, there is no copy. It only exists as a reference, and it only exists when it is loaded. CAD files can be temporary unloaded to save on display time. When a CAD file is unloaded, the reference to the CAD location is saved, but the actual geometry is NOT displayed or loaded into Revit.

Sure enough, that is what had happened for this specific customer. Ideate Explorer properly showed all the CAD links when the CAD links had been loaded. Another user working on the project had unloaded all the CAD links, and thus Ideate Explorer did NOT show them.

Ideate Explorer is always showing the current elements of the Revit model. So unloaded CAD Links were not shown in the Ideate Explorer results tree. As soon as the CAD Links were loaded via the Manage Links dialog, they properly appeared within the Ideate Explorer results tree.

We have many Help topics related to CAD files. This topic is an excellent guide to removing hidden CAD files with Ideate Explorer. If you’ve already made the mistake of importing CAD files into your Revit project, this topic on Ideate StyleManager can make quick work of cleaning up your model or template.

So, never fear! Whether you link, import, or explode your CAD file, Ideate Software has the tools you need to quickly analyze and view the locations and then perform the cleanup if necessary.

You never have to worry about your CAD data again!

The Many Loves of COBie Data with Ideate Automation for Ideate BIMLink!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 19:20:06 GMT

COBie Data Extraction needs to be assembled at multiple times during the life of a project, usually at the end of each work stage of the project.

Yes, I know that I’m playing off the title of a television show that ran from 1959 to 1963! If you have NEVER heard of The Many Loves Dobie Gillis, you should Google it. Now, let’s get down to some serious data that certainly is NOT 62 years old and in black-and-white!

COBie is an acronym for Construction Operations Building Information Exchange, and it is a non-proprietary data format for the publication of a subset of building information models focused on delivering asset data as distinct from geometric information.

COBie Data Extraction needs to be assembled at multiple times during the life of a project, usually at the end of each work stage of the project.

Ideate BIMLink is delivered with 15 pre-defined link definitions that are configured to use Revit shared parameters that are created as part of the Autodesk COBie Extension for Revit, which is a subset of the Autodesk BIM Interoperability Tools .

Many agencies and jurisdictions around the world use this data. As an example, the U .S. General Services Administration has deployed the Autodesk COBie Extension for Revit.

You can create the necessary COBie spreadsheet by choosing to export EACH of the 15 Ideate BIMLink library link definitions, one at a time, to a single Excel spreadsheet using Ideate BIMlink.

However, assembling this information to meet project requirements can be time-consuming and tedious.

Introducing Ideate Automation for Ideate BIMLink

Ideate Automation for Ideate BIMLink allows you to extract information from multiple models and multiple COBie Ideate BIMLink Link Definitions, allowing a designer to easily meet the COBie requirements demanded by many jurisdictions such as the GSA.

Ideate BIMLink used in conjunction with Ideate Automation allows designers to extract the data they need at the push of a button.

Please watch this short video to review the process of automating COBie Data Drops for multiple stages of your project.

In addition, please review this Help topic on Getting Started with Ideate Automation .

Managing Revit Worksets with Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 17:35:26 GMT

It’s important to note that when managing Revit worksets in Ideate Explorer, in addition to controlling element ownership, worksets can be used to control visibility. In these cases, the BIM manager will want to confirm that model elements have been assigned to the correct workset.

Start Ideate Explorer.
Set the Display to "Entire Project"
Set the Sort By: to "Workset"
Use the <Model> Filter.
Expand the workset hierarchy to show the list of all user-defined worksets.
Select the elements by Category, Family and/or Type that are in the incorrect workset.
Exit Ideate Explorer.
Use the Properties palette to change the Workset value to the appropriate workset.

Watch this video:

Accomplish Amazing Things with the Sheet and View Tools in IdeateApps

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 19:41:44 GMT

Watch this recorded webinar for an overview of Sheet and View tools in IdeateApps and to learn about BIM standards for View naming and how to customize the rules.

Wishlist Granted! How to Duplicate a Revit Sheet with Ideate Clone

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 18:37:38 GMT

We continuously monitor Autodesk Forums, Revit user groups, industry blogs, newsletters, and other events to keep our pulse on AECO trends and discussions.

“We take great pride in developing tools that address persistent challenges faced by Revit users,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Ideate Software Development.

So today, we are launching an Ideate Software blog series entitled Wishlist Granted. Each blog article will feature real user requests and our responses to those requests. So, let’s kick things off with a top request and one of our most beloved features.

If you search the Autodesk Revit Ideas Forum, you will see many requests for sheet and view improvements and features. A top request is the ability to duplicate or copy a Revit sheet. Currently, there is no work-around to accomplish this within Revit. As you can see below, the right-click duplicate options are grayed out when trying to duplicate a Revit sheet.

This duplicate ability has been a long-standing request. The request on the Revit Ideas Forum has almost 500 votes. It was recently requested again in 2020, so we can see that it is still very much a valuable and needed workflow.

Duplicate a Sheet from 2017 with almost 500 votes
Duplication of Sheets from 2020

Ideate Clone to the Rescue!

Ideate Software introduced Ideate Clone as part of IdeateApps in 2017, shortly after the initial Revit ideas request listed above. Ideate Clone allows you to copy a sheet with viewports. The new sheet will match all the title block and sheet properties. Additionally, Ideate Clone lets you place unplaced views onto the newly created sheet so that they align with the previous viewports.

You can swap one viewport for another viewport and keep them aligned from the existing sheet to the cloned sheet.
You can duplicate or duplicate with detailing any viewport on the existing sheet while also enabling a search and replace or adding a prefix or suffix during the process.
If you choose none, the viewport will not be duplicated or swapped to the newly cloned sheet.
You can place the same schedule or legend from the existing sheet to the cloned sheet, since Revit allows schedules and legends to appear on multiple sheets.
You can select a placeholder sheet as the basis for your cloned sheet.

Please review this comprehensive overview video on Ideate Clone . Astute viewers will see that we have added the ability to search and replace information for the duplicated view same since this video was created. It’s always a good idea to review the Help topic on Ideate Clone and be sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions .

At Ideate Software, we are focused on delighting our customers. With Ideate Software there is no need to wait for future Revit releases to see your idea turned into a reality.

Wishlist Granted!

A New Year’s Resolution That’s Easy to Keep

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 23:02:03 GMT

There are so many things we cannot control. Spelling errors are not out of your control. Use IdeateApps to fix all the spelling errors in your Revit projects.

Did you know that Revit’s spell check tool only covers a small fraction of the potential spelling errors in your project?

And speaking of improving in the New Year, we are thankful for our customers who help us improve. Last year Mike Johns, Senior Project Manager at Batson Associates helped us identify a performance problem with our Ideate SpellCheck tool. It turns out that a Microsoft Windows 10 update caused the issue. With Mike’s help we were able to identify the problem, test, and then publish a fix to keep our customers up and running smoothly. Mike told us that he “did not truly realize how nice Ideate SpellCheck was until I had to spell check three large jobs.” Thanks for helping us improve Mike!

Be sure to download the latest version of IdeateApps or the latest bundled product version to get the benefits of all new features and fixes for Revit versions 2018-2021.

COBie Data Extraction using Ideate Automation with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 01:23:32 GMT

Watch this video to see how Ideate Automation can simplify and automate the process of extracting COBie data from the Revit model on a regular basis.

Do I Want to Rename or Swap? The Age-old Ideate BIMLink Question!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 15:13:50 GMT

Every day, our Ideate Software Support team fields all types of questions from AECO professionals all around the world.

I thought this was an interesting question about using Ideate BIMLink to rename Revit elements versus swapping one element for another. Ideate BIMLink is delivered with over 250 sample link definitions! These are available for use when you browse the library as you create a new link definition within your Revit model.

This customer was using the “ Project_Stds-Rename_Types ” sample link. He had five different types of chairs, and he wanted to rename them all to “Chair Student-Medium,” because he ONLY wanted one type of chair within the project. However, when he tried to rename them all to “Chair Student-Medium,” he received error messages saying that Revit couldn’t make the change.

The reason he received these errors was because the sample link definition “ Project_Stds-Rename_Types ” is based on the Type of furniture chairs that are loaded into the project, and Revit requires the name to be unique. Let’s say that Revit would allow the change. He would have five different chair types with the SAME name! That is not what he wanted.

The proper solution in this required workflow would be to swap the five chair types placed within the model for the type he wanted.

Ideate BIMLink can easily do this!

Instead of a Type Link, he created an instance link that would show the Family and Type of each chair placed within the model. We can easily convert the Project Standards Type link to an Instance link by right-clicking on the link name and choosing “Convert Link.” This little-known short-cut will convert a Type link to an Instance link or an Instance link to a Type link.

After converting the Ideate BIMLink link definition, I renamed it to “Swap Chairs.” The key is to make the sure the Ideate BIMLink link definition has the property “Family and Type” and not just “Family Name” or “Type Name.” This will allow Ideate BIMlink to swap one “Family and Type” for another “Family and Type” for every instance within the model.

So, instead of renaming the chairs to the SAME name, what the customer really wanted was to consolidate all the chairs to one single Family and Type for the entire model. This was easily accomplished with Ideate BIMLink. Of course, using Ideate BIMLink to rename all families to a standard project naming convention is also a great use, it just was not the correct way to consolidate all chairs to the same name and definition.

When the Family and Type was changed to “Chair Student-Medium-Chair Student-Medium” for every instance, Ideate BIMLink swapped the correct furniture component for EACH instance of the chair within the project, thus consolidating all the components to one single definition.

If you want to rename components or swap components from one definition to another, Ideate BIMLink has the necessary tools to make both happen with ease!

This is a slightly older video on Structural Type Swapping with Ideate BIMLink, but the workflow and concepts are still very much valid for all types of Revit components.

Please be sure to review this important online HELP topic for utilizing Type Swapping with Ideate BIMLink.

DIALOG Focuses on Collaborative Design and Planning Process with the Help of Ideate Software Tools

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 18:51:56 GMT

San Francisco, CA, January 13, 2021 – Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, is pleased to announce its collaboration with DIALOG, a Canadian firm that provides architecture, electrical engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, mechanical engineering, planning and urban design, and structural engineering services.

To help their multi-disciplinary teams leverage their diverse perspectives to tackle complex challenges together, DIALOG uses top technology tools, including five Revit applications developed by Ideate Software.

When talking about Ideate Software products, Ross Salikhov, Technologist, Mechanical Engineering, DIALOG, said, “I mainly use Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Explorer , and both are a must for me as a serious Revit user.” He continued:

“Ideate BIMLink is irreplaceable for finding/reviewing/revising parameters. It has saved me days if not weeks of work.”
“I use Ideate Explorer as a more sophisticated Revit filter, because the native Revit filter is very limited.”

“Like DIALOG, many of our customers are realizing that subscribing to all our products puts solutions to common Revit challenges at their fingertips,” said Glynnis Patterson. “Streamlining workflows, even those performed only occasionally, means more time available for more valuable and more interesting activities.”

Read more about this collaboration and see photos of two of the DIALOG projects that received Awards of Excellence in 2020 from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. Visit DIALOG learn more about the firm.

To experience how Ideate Software tools can help you streamline your Revit processes, download trial versions or subscribe online .

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About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, Ideate StyleManager and Ideate Dashboard for Autodesk BIM 360 were all developed to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) workflows. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables and elevate design.

Autodesk, Revit, and BIM 360 are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

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If you have any questions, reach out to us . We are here to help you understand and use our Revit plugin solutions .

Ideate Explorer Users Report Tasks Performed at Various Times Throughout a Project

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 22:24:53 GMT

We are pleased to report the results of our August 2020 survey in which we asked BIM Managers and BIM Leads from around the world how often their office and staff use Ideate Explorer .

In this blog post, we share information on the tasks they reported performing at various times throughout a project. We have already posted with the results about the tasks performed daily and tasks performed weekly .

Ideate Explorer is a comprehensive Revit model browser and Warnings management tool, as opposed to the Project Browser that comes with Revit software. Revit professionals use Ideate Explorer to keep their models clean and accurate, decrease the time they spend on model management, increase the accuracy of their models, and reduce file size.

Ideate Explorer Tasks Performed at Various Times Throughout a Project

Calculate Your Financial Return on Investment

In addition to improving the quality of your Revit models and freeing your users to focus on more valuable activities, the time saved by using Ideate Explorer can result in large financial savings. To help you convert the time you can save into dollars, we developed this ROI calculator . Enter a few data points to determine the approximate amount you could save by using Ideate Explorer instead of the functions within Revit.

Learn More

10-minute Video: Ideate Explorer Overview
3-minute Video: Select by Host Phase
4-minute Video: Ideate Query and its Value to all Revit Users
Video Playlist: Instructional Videos on Ideate Explorer
Help File: Getting Started with Ideate Explorer for Revit
Help File: Project Auditing for Revit Modeling with Ideate Explorer
Help File: Ideate Query Available Properties for Revit in Ideate Explorer
Help File: Ideate Query Examples for Revit Workflow with Ideate Explorer
Help File: Find and Audit In-Place Revit Families
Blog Post: Auditing Workset s

Check out our Ideate Explorer ROI web page for other ways in which our clients use this powerful Revit add-in application to save time and money.

Ideate Explorer Users Report Tasks Performed Weekly

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:37:21 GMT

We are pleased to report the results of our August 2020 survey in which we asked BIM Managers and BIM Leads from around the world how often their office and staff use Ideate Explorer .

In this blog post, we share information on the tasks they reported performing weekly. Here’s a link to the post about tasks performed daily . Keep an eye out for the third and last post in this series, which will be on tasks performed at various times during projects.

Ideate Explorer Tasks Performed Weekly

Calculate Your Financial Return on Investment

In addition to enhancing the quality of Revit models and freeing users to focus on more valuable activities, the time saved by using Ideate Explorer can result in large financial savings. To help you convert the time you can save into dollars, we developed this ROI calculator . Simply enter a few data points to determine the approximate amount you could save by using Ideate Explorer instead of the functions within Revit.

Learn More

10-minute Video: Ideate Explorer Overview
Video Playlist: Instructional Videos on Ideate Explorer
Help File: Ideate Explorer How To List
Help File: Explore Revit Warnings
Help File: How do I use Ideate Explorer to Swap Types?
Help File: Sort By Options
Blog Post: Auditing Worksets

Check out our Ideate Explorer ROI web page for other ways in which our clients use this powerful Revit add-in application to save time and money.

You say Tomato but I say トマト

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 20:32:42 GMT

Localization is the industry’s technical term for making software solutions user-friendly to people in other countries.

This kind of effort always includes translation but can also include ensuring that any examples used are relevant, particularly as they relate to governmental or industry standards or requirements. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the Ideate Software development team decided that investing in an effort to become more connected with our far-flung customer base would be a great project for us to undertake.

We can’t travel but we can try to speak each other’s language. Knowing that Google Sheets has a translate function , we thought, “how hard could this be?”

We began our journey by taking a look at how our software looked in other languages. Did you know that Revit is available in English, French, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Russian and Czech? You can easily change the language of your Revit as described in this Autodesk article . Setting the language to Japanese was a real eye-opener for us and made us appreciate the challenge facing our Japanese customers. The image below shows the Revit interface when language is set to Japanese. Guess which tab is the Annotate tab??

Our polyglot Support Manager, Jan Sako, quickly reviewed the Google Czech translations and saw one of the many challenges in front of us…a Sheet can be both a bed sheet or a drawing sheet. This would clearly NOT be a simple task!

Translation Help from Japan, France, and Mexico

We decided to tackle Japanese as a way of teaching ourselves about the process of localization and were extremely lucky to find two people to help us through this first phase. Yuki Scharf , AEC Technical Specialist with Autodesk in Japan and Yoshimoto Oishi, of Archi-cube in Japan graciously agreed to help us translate both Ideate StyleManager and Ideate Sticky into Japanese. They patiently waded through our English ‘text strings’ and helped us understand when our language usage was unclear. The benefit of this work was not only that we were able to deliver a Japanese version of two of our solutions, but also that we understood better how to make our products more consistent and clear, even within our own native language. It was a humbling experience.

After completing this process for Japanese, we then also iterated it for both French and Spanish. Many thanks to Julie Bismuth, Director of Consulting and Training with our long-time partner CAD UC who assisted us with the French translation. Special thanks to Alejandro Rodriguez Garza, owner and director of BIM Consulting Services of A4BIM and founding partner of AMIBIM outside of Mexico for his help with the Spanish translation.

This work is clearly just the beginning of our localization journey. We intend to continue to work with our partners and customers around the globe to improve our offerings and make them easier to use, particularly for non-English speakers. Ideate StyleManager 2.0 was released in November 2020 and can be downloaded here . This version contains our work in translating into French, Spanish and Japanese.

Revit Model Management with Gavin Crump and Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 00:21:11 GMT

Watch this webinar to see how BIM consultant Gavin Crump uses our Revit productivity solutions to address daily Revit challenges in his consulting business and content creation work.

Revit Project Cleanup has Just Gotten Easier Thanks to the Newly Updated Ideate StyleManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 23:35:01 GMT

Press Release: San Francisco, CA, December 1, 2020

Ideate Software, an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, is pleased to share enhancements to Ideate StyleManager , its Revit solution that allows users to analyze, delete or merge non-standard Revit styles.

“Unapproved or non-standard styles within Revit models, templates or family files cause poor deliverable quality as well as delays due to the need to republish the documents,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development, Ideate Software. “ In June 2019, we launched Ideate StyleManager with tools for managing the styles of nine Revit functions, including Object Styles, Line Styles, Line Patterns and Fill Patterns. This month, we launched six new tools that directly address requests from users, including Viewports, Dimensions and Arrowheads.”

Eric Miller from Bora Architecture & Interiors said, “ As we are fundamentally updating our templates, we have found the definitions for text and labels within tags and symbols to be an absolute nightmare. We are delighted that the new version of Ideate StyleManager addresses this issue.”

One unique enhancement included in the November 2020 release of Ideate StyleManager is the ability to analyze, delete or merge Text Types and Font styles:

Text Types – Unapproved text types that make their way into projects or templates cannot be purged when they are in use
Fonts – They can be displayed in tags, title blocks or other annotation families, making non-standard fonts hard to track down

Finding, analyzing and fixing non-standard Text Types and Fonts is easy with Ideate StyleManager.

The new version of Ideate StyleManager also makes it easy to analyze and correct the styles of:

The November 2020 release of Ideate StyleManager also includes:

Performance improvements
Language support for Spanish, Japanese and French
An “Isolate Similar” function that allows users to compare materials that have many key properties in common
The ability to delete unplaced groups, which will streamline cleanups of Viewports, Line Styles, Text and other styles

For more details about this release, please visit What’s New in Ideate StyleManager.

About Ideate Software - Ideate Software , an Autodesk® AEC Industry Partner and Autodesk® Authorized Developer, empowers Revit users to gain unprecedented control over their data. Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, Ideate StyleManager and Ideate Dashboard for Autodesk® BIM 360® were all developed to solve persistent problems in architecture, engineering, construction and owner (AECO) workflows. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables and elevate design.

Autodesk and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

Dimension and Arrowhead Style Management

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 20:42:28 GMT

Revit dimension and arrowhead styles can be used in many different Revit elements. With Ideate StyleManager, these can be easily managed.

Font Management

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 18:19:00 GMT

With Ideate StyleManager, fonts can be easily managed to meet your company or customer requirements ensuring the highest quality standards. It allows you to avoid delays due to republishing your BIM deliverables.

Making the ROI Business Decision about Revit Add-ins

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 18:14:37 GMT

Every AEC firm has a project situation where this thought occurs: “We want to streamline this process. Our software can design and/or document the project, but we need more.” The options for the owner or firm are:

Do nothing. Live with the pain
Search to see if there is something free on the Internet
Create an in-house application (software development)
Subscribe to an add-in program (from a third-party provider)

Before exploring these options, from the one with the lowest initial cost to the one with the highest, let’s define return on investment (ROI). According to Investopedia, ROI is “a performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or compare the efficiency of a number of different investments. ROI tries to directly measure the amount of return on a particular investment, relative to the investment’s cost.”

Because AEC firms are service-based companies, to determine ROI, they must look at a combination of first costs (purchase investment), on-going costs (maintenance), and cost savings (quicker completion of tasks/work) as part of the business decision. For the purpose of this article:

(First Cost) + (Ongoing Costs) – (Productivity Savings) = Total Cost

This simplified calculation says there are first costs and ongoing costs that must be serviced by the productivity gains. Without productivity gains, all that remains are costs.

Another factor AEC decision makers must determine is if the process/product they are considering is the right tool for the project/process. For example, every person working around the house finds out that you can use a screwdriver or a hammer to countersink a screw. In fact, many ‘newbie’ homeowners have tried hammering a screw into a piece of knotty wood. They find, though it is possible, the result is neither efficient nor does it create an elegant finished product. The point is that decision makers looking to streamline processes must find the right tool for the job. The jobs will be different, therefore, the tools needed have to be different. One reason contractors buy power equipment is that it helps them be quicker at their jobs than hand equipment. The advent of air-powered nailers (more expensive than hammers) increased productivity, provided consistent results, and reduced errors, and they are now the industry standard in wood construction.

In this article, I review a decision-making process that will increase a firm’s success in streamlining the project workflow.

Addressing the Pain: A Look at the Four Options

Do Nothing

This approach, sometimes called ‘other use of capital’ simply states, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” or “we have always done it this way,” or “the authoring program should do this.” All of the above thoughts have some validity but are short-sighted. The ‘Do Nothing’ approach ignores the high on-going costs of inefficiency and the possibility of errors while having a zero-productivity enhancing element. In fact, doing nothing increases the pain, decreasing employee morale and leading to other productivity losses.

We choose to do nothing because it is the easiest answer. We can sit by and silently complain about the authoring software. However, it is imperative that decision makers and leadership find solutions that solve problems, reduce errors, and increase productivity.

Questions to ask:

Do we have a problem, a pain?
Define the pain – What is the existing and the desired workflow? Diagram the desired workflow showing the entire process, including pinch points.
What are other firms doing to fix the pain?

Search for a Free Solution (The Internet Route)

Often this is the first ‘go to’ strategy after the pain has been felt. We Internet-search the pain and look at the first 3-4 results to find the ‘magic’ aspirin for the pain. Often, the results are as relevant as when searching for the best car for 2020; they are not very specific and do not provide a valid methodology for identifying a successful solution.

When Revit first became an industry standard, the need for Revit families exploded. AEC companies downloaded ‘free’ families only to find out that they were bloated (file size), not created well, or not suitable for the firm’s desired usage. Though the first cost was low and there were zero maintenance costs, the cost savings were negligible, or simply the pain was still there. Sometimes the pain increased because of the use of inappropriate families to the firm.

Today, add-in solutions run the spectrum from good to not-so-good. Careful consideration of the decision-making process is required. You should evaluate free solutions in the same way paid solutions are evaluated:

Test the solution thoroughly, including BIM model fidelity
Determine if the free solution solves the whole problem or just a portion of it
Understand the business model of the solution seller

Create In-house Solutions

The in-house software solution requires hiring or utilizing in-house resources to create a bespoke solution. New graphical software programming interfaces can be used, and those bespoke solutions can have great value. Also, the use of traditional programming solutions (C#, Python, JSON, etc.) has lowered the preliminary learning threshold. However, on-going costs to learn and maintain the program are required.

In-house solutions have a fairly low first cost but a high on-going cost. The hidden cost is the ongoing maintenance of the solution. That hidden cost includes updates when a new version of the authoring software changes the underlying connections between the solution and the authoring software. The biggest issue to address is what to do if the in-house software developer leaves the company. Based on our discussions with people at numerous AEC firms, we have found that this happens often, and when it does, the pain returns and the money expended into the in-house solution become a lost investment (non-ongoing benefit).

Items to consider:

Assess in-house resources and outside consultants – understand the cost and availability of each option
Determine a transition strategy to plan what happens when the in-house person is not available
Understand that bespoke solutions tend to work best for bespoke pains (crafted solution for a process that is unique to a project)
Model the ongoing costs and time required to maintain bespoke solutions

Subscribe to a Third-party Solution

This option has the highest first cost. As buyers, we always wonder if there is a lower first cost; however, as the formula at the beginning of the article states, first cost is only one-third of the equation. All purchased solutions must be evaluated and measured by the total cost and benefits.

In reviewing third-party solutions, you should evaluate the seller. Some information to obtain is:

How long has the seller been developing Revit add-ins ?
How long has the seller been around?
How stable is the software? Can it damage your Revit database?
What are their support mechanisms? What does the seller do when a user encounters an issue, including providing in-program help features?
Does the seller listen when you have feature requests, or more importantly do they listen?
Can the seller produce ROI information and show why their solution will save the user time (money)?

Return on Investment

When AEC firms invest in a solution, the desired result are productivity gains. How can firms determine what productivity gains are available to be harvested? Revit add-ins support the authoring software (Revit), which is based solely upon labor costs, unlike construction pre-fabrication that saves labor and material costs. So how do we calculate labor savings?

Using software is very labor-intensive. Productivity and efficiency improvements considerations are:
(Source: 2019 DBEI Presentation S3.1 – Kelly Cone)

How much time did the process take to do before?
How much time does it take to do now?
How much time is saved?
How much time will it take when you are done?
Based on the time savings, how much more work can the users do in a day?
What is the average labor cost (burdened and unburdened) of the users?
How many users do you have now?
How many projects can those people currently produce?
How many more projects could they produce if they were more efficient?

Some of these considerations are firm specific (average labor cost, number of people in firm, projects per employee, etc.) and can be determined by firm ownership. Labor return on investment is hard to determine.

There are not many studies on third-party software ROI, because it can be hard to quantify the metrics of time required to do an existing process vs. time required to do the same process with a new software. Ideate Software reached out to AEC firms to understand the time they saved by using its Revit add-ins. URLs with the results include:

Ideate BIMLink ROI – an overview
Ideate Explorer ROI – an overview
Making the Case for Purchasing Plug-in Software
Effectively Measuring Return on Investment of IdeateApps and BIM - user analysis of ROI
Top ROI Workflows for BIM Professionals - showing the top ROI workflow gains

What these results show is that there are productivity gains that can be achieved with the usage of a Revit add-in. Through our studies, we have documented that our add-in programs do provide productivity gains, above any purchase cost, and usually within the first project usage. We have also determined that to achieve those gains, you need:

Upper management buy-in to create/modify workflows to leverage the software
To use the Help files within the program (good software has great in software help)
User training (good software should have good training videos) to assist in the process transition

Conclusion

Though the process may seem daunting, this article articulates a defined process AEC firms can use to determine which method to follow (do nothing through purchasing software) after a new workflow is required, the relative benefits and risks associated with each method, and how return on investment can be analyzed in a labor-intensive service industry. Productivity gains are more important than first costs in the equation. Return on investment should drive the decision.

Fill Pattern and Filled Region Management

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 18:12:27 GMT

Revit Fill Patterns and Filled Regions are difficult to manage and it’s very easy to duplicate unapproved definitions within your Revit model. Here’s how Ideate StyleManager helps you address these challenges.

Ideate Explorer Users Report Tasks Performed Daily

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:27:59 GMT

We are pleased to report the results of our August 2020 survey in which we asked BIM Managers and BIM Leads from around the world how often their office and staff use Ideate Explorer .

In this blog post, we share information on the tasks they reported performing daily. Over the next few weeks, we will share information about the tasks they reported performing weekly and at various times.

Ideate Explorer Tasks Performed Daily

Calculate Your Financial Return on Investment

In addition to enhancing Revit models and freeing users to focus on more valuable activities, the time saved by using Ideate Explorer can result in large financial savings. To help you convert the time you can save into dollars, we developed an ROI calculator . Simply enter a few data points to determine the approximate amount you could save by using Ideate Explorer instead of the functions within Revit.

Learn More

10-minute Video: Ideate Explorer Overview
3-minute Video: Select by Host Phase
4-minute Video: Ideate Query and its Value to all Revit Users
Video Playlist: Instructional Videos on Ideate Explorer
Help File: Getting Started with Ideate Explorer for Revit
Help File: Project Auditing for Revit Modeling with Ideate Explorer
Help File: Ideate Query Available Properties for Revit in Ideate Explorer
Help File: Ideate Query Examples for Revit Workflow with Ideate Explorer
Help File: Find and Audit In-Place Revit Families
Blog Post: Auditing Worksets

Check out our Ideate Explorer ROI web page for other ways in which our clients use this powerful Revit add-in application to save time and money.

No More Repetitive Revit Tasks with Ideate Automation

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 22:20:48 GMT

We are pleased to announce the release of Ideate Automation for Revit, a scripting tool for use with Ideate Software tools. It is designed to significantly reduce costs by letting repetitive, time-intensive BIM tasks run silently in the background, freeing designers and engineers for higher-level, more valuable work. It is an important solution for architecture, engineering, and construction businesses that use Autodesk Revit software for large or complex building information modeling projects.

“ Automating repetitive tasks is one of the surest and most straightforward ways to improve the bottom line,” said Glynnis Patterson, Director of Software Development, Ideate Software. “Not only does Ideate Automation allow staff to spend more time on meaningful work, it also ensures that task outcomes are highly predictable and standardized.”

Michael Hartley, Technical BIM Manager at Ramboll said, “We were waiting with anticipation for the release of Ideate Automation and we have not been disappointed by its potential. We have started implementing Ideate Automation and the tool is already influencing our workflows. Ideate Automation is allowing us to perform previously fragmented automation tasks and increase our efficiency whilst offering us new possibilities for data collection. This is one tool we have been missing and finally helps connect the dots!”

Examples of tasks to automate with Ideate Automation include:

Exporting key Revit model health data
Creating document issue records
Preparing COBie data drops
Generating quantity take-off data
Generating regular, automated PDF exports
Delivering CSV reports on key Revit family and project metrics

Watch this four-minute video for an overview of Ideate Automation :

Here are two short demonstration videos of Ideate Automation workflows:

For more information, please contact the Ideate Software Sales team .

Keep Your Work Flowing with our Enhanced Offer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 20:30:02 GMT

Our special offer designed for new customers of a 6-month subscription to Ideate Explorer, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager for just US$500 just got better!

Now, to keep Revit model management moving smoothly, we will give each new company that takes advantage of this offer a $500 virtual coupon to use toward an annual bundle (Ideate Explorer, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager) once the 6-month subscription expires.

The initial offer is for a Single-User bundle that includes 1 subscription to Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , Ideate Sticky , Ideate StyleManager and IdeateApps for use by a single-user.

This promotion is quite a deal . Should you decide to take a one-year, stand-alone subscription to each of our products individually, you would pay:

Ideate BIMLink - $795
Ideate StyleManager - $795
Ideate Explorer - $495
Ideate Sticky - $495
IdeateApps - $495

Beyond Traditional Data Editing Tasks - Project Health Checks and General QA/QC Tasks

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 23:22:12 GMT

During this online class we went beyond the Revit data tasks that Ideate BIMLink is traditionally used for and presented Revit project health checks and general QA/QC tasks.

Audit your Revit MEP Projects with Ideate Explorer

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 21:11:23 GMT

Watch this webinar recording to learn how to keep your Revit MEP projects healthy and well organized with the help of Ideate Explorer.

Translating Project Text in Revit with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 21:49:43 GMT

This article was submitted by Shanoc Halliday , a friend of Ideate Software and the author of the blog, Captain Bimcad .

Captain Bimcad is a collection of Shanoc’s thoughts on building information modeling as well as great technical blog posts created by other parties. His goal is to give readers robust workflows to improve their ROI on BIM software while enhancing drawing and model quality.

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Well, that’s something I have not done before.

An interesting project came across my COVID 19 lockdown work-from-home desk about a month ago. I had to translate a client's APAC (Asia Pacific region) sample drawings from Swedish to English. They were of an office building with seven levels. (Architectural, Structural and MEP plans, with a primary focus on Level 2.) I think I was a little naive to think with a translation guide I could smash this out in no time.

I went through my options.

Option No. 1: I cracked open the file and started editing the text one at a time, but that was not quick at all.

Option No. 2: I thought about creating a Revit Schedule, and let's be honest, until Revit can behave more like Excel and we can drag data down a column, this process takes way too long.

Option No. 3: A better option could be to use Dynamo; I did teach Dynamo across Australia for over two years, but you know what?

I could not be bothered creating a heap of graphs as one-offs.
Then there is the, "Oh wait, that is a better Node, where is that again?"
And the frustrating, "No, I don't want that data, what did I do wrong?"
So I thought instead of the graph extracting and producing the update, "How about I send it to Excel," without the hassle to create the graphs.

No thanks, I was on an hourly rate, but not to experiment.

The battle of options in my head went on for a while; I can overthink things. Then, lo and behold, a Revit add-in found a gap in my deliberation and took over my train of thought… Ideate BIMLink ! You see I live by the idea that I don't want to reinvent the wheel, I prefer to evolve it. All the smarts of exporting data from Revit to Excel via Ideate BIMLink hit this workflow for a 6! (cricket anyone?) The trick is to recognize the array of Revit elements that represent “text” within a Revit Project. Text can appear within Views/Sheets, Text, Schedule Data and Annotation objects such as Rooms within a Revit project. Ideate BIMLink has access to all this text information.

I think that it is important that I put in a bit of a disclaimer in at this point; I am a big fan of Ideate Software tools. I started using them over six years ago on projects and I know from personal experience, Ideate BIMLink saves me hours and hours every month. So if I come across as a bit of a fan, well I am. And that's simply because I know how much my time is worth and I don’t have to learn new software or run complicated add-ins that are a little fragile. So if I can use a tool that saves me time, I go that route.

Step 1 - Everyone to the konferensrum

My first task was to update all the Room Names on all the floor plans for the entire building, which was an easy task with Ideate BIMLink. For example, I had to convert KONFERNSRUM to CONFERENCE ROOM. Ideate BIMLink allowed me to filter Revit's Categories, including Rooms, to pre-made Excel export configurations that are easy to tweak.

Step 2 - Projeckt filter and sortering

Step 3 – Keeping everything in order

Once I exported the data to Excel, I wanted to make sure that it stayed in order. An easy way to do that is to make the data-dump into a Table. To do this, select anywhere inside the dataset and hit Ctrl-T to turn your data into a Table. Make sure that you let Excel know that your data has headings or it will add in its own, which will continue throughout Ideate BIMLink when you load the edited data back in. Here is a link to Leila Gharani's YouTube video on Excel shortcut keys you SHOULD know . She is my Excel mentor.

Tip #1

By using Excel’s Sort and Filter options, it was straightforward to isolate the Swedish words, copy and paste them into Google Translate and copy the answer back again. And unlike Revit, it's so easy to copy data to the bottom of a column.

Tip #2

Bringing back the data is a click away, and the dialog box shows transparency in what is about to change, what its value was and will be. When all the elements in a drawing need to be 100% correct and our drawings are now data-driven, workflows like this create more trust in what's going on in the "background."

Tip #3

Lastly, whenever you edit any of the cells in Excel, there is nothing worse than strange things happening back in Revit when you send the data back in, so I always turn an edited cell green to know where I have been, or more importantly, what I messed up.

Which is not to say that you can’t by existing Schedules in the project, because you have spent the time creating, ordering and filtering them for drawing production, they are perfect for sending out to Excel.

Summary – Ideate Software tools make data management easier.

In summary, with Ideate BIMLink, I was able to knock out the project so much quicker than if I had used any of the methods I mentioned at the start of this post. Globally as regions reopen and thinking to when we are all back in the office again, these are tools that you can put in the hands the masses and know with confidence that they are stable, quick to learn, and can be easily edited to suit different needs. With the AEC industry improving due to BIM and its adoption becoming more the norm every day, look for tools that make data management easier.

Another shout out, this time to Ryan Lenihan for setting up a Revit Server at his home, to share this model on the cloud. Catch him on his blog https://www.revit.com.au/

This post is an abbreviated version of the post on Shanoc Halliday’s post on Captain Bimcad .

Save Dozens of Hours per Project Using Ideate BIMLink for General Data Management Tasks – Part 2

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 19:06:25 GMT

Providing the Same Information as in Part One but on Additional General Tasks

On July 22, 2020, we published a blog post on how much time our clients reported saving by using Ideate BIMLink to complete certain general Revit data management tasks. This post provides the same information on additional general tasks. With Ideate BIMLink, tasks are completed faster because users, including those who are not Revit users, use the software to pull Revit model data into Excel for easy editing, and then push the corrected data back into Revit to update the model.

Below is information on how much time our users reported saving.

Tasks: General Data Management

Calculate Your Return on Investment

To figure out how much money your company can save by reducing time spent on Revit tasks with Ideate BIMLink:

Review the chart above as well as previously published data to learn how much time can be saved by using Ideate BIMLink for various tasks
Compare that amount of time to your number of projects and your software purchase price

Two ROI Examples

Both examples below assume you will save four hours per project. Because our customers reported an average savings of 78 hours per project on the tasks featured in this blog post alone, your payback will likely be much higher.

A single standalone license of Ideate BIMLink costs approximately US$795. If you have 20 projects per year and save four hours per project, you’ll save 80 hours each year. The 2018 AIA Small Firm Compensation Report reports that the average designer salary is about $60K per year. Assuming a corresponding hourly rate of $29 (which would exclude overhead), you will have a payback (over covering software costs) of more than US$1500 each year.

If you are a larger firm with network licensing, you can experience an even higher return on investment. For example, the cost of a single seat is about $2,000 per year. Assuming you save four hours per project, pay a higher burdened salary rate of $50, and have 50 projects a year, you will have a payback of more than $8,000 per year.

Learn More

We have several resources available online that can help you get the most out of Ideate BIMLink:

Help File – Using Ideate BIMLink
Help File – Leverage Revit Linked File Data
Help File – Import Linked Revit File Data
Help File – Report Revit Linked Files and Room Data

VDC Tasks are Streamlined with Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 20:34:34 GMT

During this webinar, we showed how to leverage Revit coordinate data to bring new levels of quality control and efficiency to BIM via Ideate BIMLink.

SheetManager Settings Menu – More Amazing Magic Behind the Cogs of Ideate Software! (Manage the Placement of Views on Sheets)

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 17:36:07 GMT

See how easy it is to layout views on a sheet using the ability to set Viewport Types as well as the specific area for view placement within the defined Title Block and sheet.

Previously, I wrote a blog post on the Settings Menu for Ideate Sticky.

In addition to Ideate Sticky, we added the Settings Menu icon to many of our other applications, including Ideate BIMLink , Ideate Explorer , Ideate ReNumber , Ideate SheetManager , and Ideate ViewCreator . The settings icon, represented by a cog wheel, is generally where you will find specific settings, such as default library or rule paths, as well as any default mapping or creation settings.

Today, let us explore the Ideate SheetManager settings and see how easy it is to layout views on a sheet using the ability to set Viewport Types as well as the specific area for view placement within the defined Title Block and sheet.

The Problem

We need the ability to quickly select the proper Viewport Type and view location on a sheet. Ideate Software tools allow you to simultaneously drag and drop multiple views onto a sheet, but how can you control their default location as well as the Viewport Type for different views?

The Solution

The Ideate SheetManager settings menu allows you easy control of Viewport Types as well as the Viewport locations within the Title Block area.

Review this short 3-minute video to see how you can use the power of the Ideate SheetManager Settings Menu to quickly configure the Title Block sheet for the tasks you need to accomplish.

Use Ideate BIMLink to Gather and Edit Data for Facilities Management Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 21:37:04 GMT

Renaming or renumbering elements is one of the most tedious and labor-intensive BIM tasks confronting architects and engineers.

Renaming or renumbering elements is one of the most tedious and labor-intensive BIM tasks confronting architects and engineers. Many factors can contribute to the need to edit element names and numbers, including complying with external facilities management (FM) database requirements, such AiM, SPIE, and COBie.

The good news is that Ideate BIMLink makes this task painless. Users, including those who are not Revit users, use the software to pull Revit model data into Excel for easy editing, and then push the corrected data back into Revit to update the model.

Below is information on how much time our users reported saving.

Task: Gathering Data for External Facilities Management Software

Calculate Your Return on Investment

If you’d like to figure out the value of Ideate BIMLink to your company, simply:

Review the chart above as well as additional related data to learn how much time can be saved by using Ideate BIMLink for various tasks
Compare that amount of time to your number of projects and your software purchase price

Two ROI Examples

For simplicity’s sake, both these examples assume you will save four hours per project. Because our customers reported an average savings of 20 hours per project on the task featured in this blog post alone, your payback will likely be much higher.

A single standalone license of Ideate BIMLink costs approximately US$795. If you have 20 projects per year and save four hours per project, you’ll save 80 hours per year. According to the 2018 AIA Small Firm Compensation Report , the average designer salary is about $60K per year. Assuming a corresponding hourly rate of $29 (which would exclude overhead), you will have a payback (over covering software costs) of more than US$1500 each year.
For larger firms, network licensing can experience an even higher return on investment. For example, the cost of a single seat is about $2,000 per year. Assuming that you save four hours per project, pay a higher burdened salary rate of $50, and have 50 projects, you will have a payback of more than $8,000 per year.

Transferring View Types in Revit using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 16:04:14 GMT

In Revit, users must tediously create new View Types one by one.

Unfortunately, Revit does not have an easy way to create new View Types. Users must tediously create new View Types one by one. To complicate matters even further, copying and transferring View Types to other projects is difficult, since this is not a feature that is available through Transfer Project Standards (TPS).

A Better Solution: Use Ideate BIMLink

Thankfully, we have Ideate BIMLink to assist us with this challenge. In an earlier blog post , I discussed how we can easily create new View Types in Revit from an Excel list via Ideate BIMLink. In this post, we’ll take this idea one step further and review how to use that same process as a way of addressing the need to transfer View Types from one project to another.

Using Ideate BIMLink to export existing View Type information and to create NEW View Types in other models (or your template) will help bring project standards into alignment and save users many hours and the hassles that come along with doing things manually in Revit.

Standardize View Types in Model #1

Begin by ensuring you have a model with your ideal view types in-place.

Review my earlier blog titled Creating new View Types in Revit using Ideate BIMLink for instructions on creating new View Types in your current Revit model.
Once you have successfully created new View Types, export the View_Types-Create_New link if you have made any changes to it, such as adding, removing, or re-arranging any of the column data. This link will be used in the other Revit models that require the same View Types.

Prep Model #2

In the Revit models that are to use the same View Types as your Project or Template files, launch Ideate BIMLink and load the exported link. This will ensure that the data columns are the same, both in naming, parameter usage, and same order of data.
OPTIONAL: If your projects require that you use the same View Template, Elevation, and Section Tag naming and standards, ensure all projects are using the same names and settings first. If they are not, you will need to use Transfer Project Standards to copy that data into your Revit models. For this example, we used TPS to copy in Elevation Tag Types, Section Tag Types, View Reference Types, and View Templates. When you generate the new View Types, you can either ignore the View Template assignment, Callout Tag, Section Tag, and Elevation Tag assignments or use your own from the project that you are creating the new View Types in.

Create Data Exports from both Models

Launch Ideate BIMLink and export the View Type information from the View_Types-Create_New link. When prompted to either open the file or done, select done.
Switch over to the Revit file that you will copy the View Type information from. Launch Ideate BIMLink.
If the link is called View_Types-Create_New, either rename this link or duplicate the link and call is View_Types-Export. This will allow you to export this data into the same Excel file export from the previously mentioned file, without overwriting the entire worksheet.
When prompted to either Open File or Done, Open File.
You should now see two worksheets. One from the model with the View Types you want to copy over and one from the model that you want to copy the data into.

Transfer View Type Data Between both Models

In the worksheet that has the View Types you want to copy over, copy to clipboard the data you need. At a minimum, you want the Family Name and Type Name. If you plan on using the same View Templates and tags, copy this data as well.
In the worksheet from the model that this data will be copied into, paste this information so it aligns with the correct columns.
Remove any duplicate rows of data, such as Type Names. This way you avoid any errors or duplication of information upon import.
Edit any existing data that needs to be edited.
Under the Element ID column, be sure to type in the word NEW. This will instruct Ideate BIMLink to generate the NEW View Types.
Once the Excel file is completed, save your work.
In Ideate BIMLink, select the IMPORT button and browse for the recently completed Excel file.
Review the results in Ideate BIMLink. Check for items that have been edited, created as new, and any errors and warnings you may receive. Export any errors and warnings to Excel for review.
Once complete, review the results in Revit. Verify that the View Types have been created and that settings, such as View Template assignments, have also been applied.

** Note: if you do not see the link called View_Types-Create_New, you can start with the link called Project_Stds-View_Types and modify the link to match the one seen in the corresponding video. You can also reach out to support@ideatesoftware.com to request a copy of this link.

To learn more about this process, watch this video:

Ideate Automation Basics - Featuring Quantity Takeoffs for Revit

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 18:46:22 GMT

Watch this video to learn how to streamline your Revit quantity takeoff process with Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Automation.

Improving Productivity and Efficiency for all Revit Users with IdeateApps

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:21:18 GMT

Watch this recorded webinar to learn about IdeateApps, our collection of focus-driven tools that will decrease the time spent on common Revit tasks and increase the accuracy of BIM data in a Revit model.

Transferring View Types in Revit using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 23:52:02 GMT

Here's how to copy view types from one project to another to bring your projects and standards into alignment using our Revit application - Ideate BIMLink.

Manage the Placement of Views on Sheets with Ideate SheetManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 22:13:57 GMT

Use the settings menu in Ideate SheetManager to simplify sheet creation and setup by choosing the default viewport type as well as the default placement of views on the sheet.

Increase Your Revit ROI and Save Money by Subscribing to Ideate Software Products

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 21:15:49 GMT

Many architecture, engineering, construction, or building-owner companies come to Ideate Software for immediate help with specific Revit challenges. Whether it’s to edit a massive amount of data quickly; confidently audit a large project; merge non-standard styles that always creep into a model; or link Excel, Word and PDF documents to a Revit project, they find an application that helps. Then, when experiencing the time savings and financial payback possible with Ideate Software solutions, they explore our other Revit applications.

Whether you are a one-person shop, a small firm, or a large organization, you will save money as your Revit users and BIM managers gain an unprecedented ability to access, manage, control, find, and filter Revit data.

All bundle subscriptions include:

Ideate Explorer, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Sticky, IdeateApps, and Ideate StyleManager
Software that works with the current and previous three versions of Revit
Bi-annual product updates that offer enhanced functionalities
Licensing choices. Select a standalone or floating network (server) license. A third licensing option is in development; soon you can choose a cloud floating network for easier remote access
International license use (network; no additional fees)

“We started with Ideate Explorer and found it provided so much additional functionality to our Revit users that we decided to go with the entire line of Ideate [Software] products. People are amazed at how the Ideate tools streamline so many aspects of their work in Revit.”

~Mark Schmieding, Director, Digital Practice, Goettsch Partners

For more information, visit the Bundles page on our website or contact us at sales@ideatesoftware.com .

Save 32 Hours per Project Using Ideate BIMLink to Audit Analytical Columns, Structural Framing, and Rebar Shape Data

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 19:12:09 GMT

Auditing Revit projects is critical, but probably not a favorite task for many.

Fortunately, with Ideate BIMLink , engineers can quickly check data, verify accuracy, and make necessary changes, so they can confidently get back to the more interesting aspects of their jobs.

Ideate BIMLink users, including those who are not Revit users, use the software to pull Revit model data into Excel for easy auditing and editing, and then push the verified data back into Revit to update the model.

Below is information on how much time our users reported saving.

Tasks: Auditing Analytical Columns, Structural Framing, and Rebar Shape Data

Calculate Your Return on Investment

Do you need to determine the value of Ideate BIMLink to your company? Here’s how:

Review the above chart above and additional related data to understand how much time can be saved by using Ideate BIMLink for various tasks
Compare that amount of time to the number of projects you have and your software purchase price

ROI Examples

Here are two examples. For simplicity’s sake, these examples assume you save four hours per project. Because our customers reported an average savings of 32 hours per project on the tasks featured in this blog post alone, your payback will likely be much higher.

Single Standalone License
A single standalone license of Ideate BIMLink costs approximately US$795. If you have 20 projects per year and save four hours per project, you’ll save 80 hours per year. According to the 2020 Economic Research Institute , the average Structural Engineer’s salary is about $99K per year. Assuming a corresponding hourly rate of $48 (which would exclude overhead), you will have a payback (over covering software costs) of more than US$3000 each year.
Network Licensing
For larger firms, network licensing can deliver an even higher return on investment. For example, the cost of a single seat is about $2,000 per year. Assuming that you save four hours per project, pay a higher burdened salary rate of $59, and have 50 projects, you will have a payback of more than US$9,800 per year.

Learn More

Visit our Help files to learn more about Ideate BIMLink .

Viewport Management

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 17:25:30 GMT

The primary challenge with Viewports is understanding which views and Revit content are holding onto Viewport data. Ideate StyleManager is the solution you need to review and manage your Viewport Types so you can bring your models and deliverables into compliance.

Creating New View Types in Revit using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 00:38:46 GMT

One challenge with Revit is the ability to bulk create View Types for the different View Categories in a Project. Thankfully, we have Ideate BIMLink to help us export View Type Data to Excel and use it to create new View Types.

Save 23 Hours per Project Using Ideate BIMLink to Manage Interior Finish Data and Generate Plumbing Fixture Counts

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 17:11:27 GMT

These time savings are possible because Ideate BIMLink pulls model data into Excel for fast updates and then pushes it all back into Revit, updating the model.

Architects and interior designers know that managing interior finish data and generating accurate plumbing fixture counts can take a lot of time when performed natively in Revit software. Those who have Ideate BIMLink know it can be done quickly, even if they are not Revit users themselves. These time savings are possible because Ideate BIMLink quickly pulls model data into Excel where team members can easily update the data. Then Ideate BIMLink pushes it all back into Revit, updating the model.

Below is information on how much time our users reported saving.

Tasks: Managing Interior Finish Data and Generating Plumbing Fixture Counts

What’s Your Return on Investment?

How can you assess the value of Ideate BIMLink to your business?

Review the chart above along with previously published data to understand how much time can be saved
Compare that number to the number of projects you have and your software purchase price

Here are examples assuming you save four hours per project. Please bear in mind that the average customer reports 23 hours saved per project on the tasks featured in this blog post alone, so your payback will likely be much higher than in these examples.

A single standalone license of Ideate BIMLink costs approximately US$795. If you have 20 projects per year and save four hours per project, you’ll save 80 hours per year. According to the 2018 AIA Small Firm Compensation Report , the average designer salary is about $60K per year. Assuming a corresponding hourly rate of $29 (which would exclude overhead), you will have a payback (over covering software costs) of more than US$1500 each year.
For larger firms , network licensing can experience an even higher return on investment. For example, the cost of a single seat is about $2,000 per year. Assuming that you save four hours per project, pay a higher burdened salary rate of $50, and have 50 projects, you will have a payback of more than $8,000 per year.

Check out our Ideate BIMLink ROI web page, where we separated the all the time-savings data by discipline.

The Path(s) Forward

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 17:38:29 GMT

It's time to explore ways to create more reliable and profitable outcomes.

Things haven’t been the same since March 2020; the pandemic is changing the way we do architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects. It is also giving AEC firms an opportunity to step back, take a look at workflow processes, and explore ways to create more reliable and profitable outcomes. What options are out there? What’s the right path to take?

Read this blog post for thoughts from Ideate Director David Haynes, a registered architect and project management certified professional who, before joining Ideate, owned his own architectural practice and was president of a commercial design-build construction company.

Hide-and-Seek with Ideate XRay

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 23:12:11 GMT

Here's a methodology for evaluating the causes of visibility problems in Revit, so you can learn how to solve some of the more complicated visibility conditions with the help of Revit application - Ideate XRay.

How to Invoke the Wizard of Ideate XRay!

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 21:47:24 GMT

Revit allows a dizzying array of sophisticated options to display or hide elements within the building information model. Every model manager knows about Visibility Graphics and Reveal Hidden Elements, but layer on top of that Phasing, View Filters, Linked Files and/or Scope Boxes and things start to get complicated.

Now add in the fact that you have new staff that might just ignore work set definitions or decide to make a new level because they can’t find the one they want in the elevation, and you’re headed for a Revit Visibility Evil Spell that can baffle the most seasoned Revit warrior on their quest for the perfect documentation! Before you even begin to understand the specific visibility issue, how do you select the element if you can’t see it?

You need a magical wizard. Well, it just so happens that Ideate XRay , part of the IdeateApps collection, has a powerful wizard to help even the most desperate Revit Muggle.

Ideate XRay comes with a powerful Selection Wizard that helps you filter both visible and invisible elements within a view in order to easily select the element you need to diagnose. After selecting the element via the Ideate XRay Selection Wizard, you can use the powerful diagnostic tools within Ideate XRay to review and fix visibility issues while continuing to interact with any Revit command while Ideate XRay is open and at your fingertips.

The Ideate XRay Selection Wizard will appear by default if nothing is selected within Revit when you choose to initiate Ideate XRay, however you can always access the Ideate XRay Selection Wizard from the main Ideate XRay dialog:

Open Ideate XRay from the IdeateApps ribbon panel
Choose your Ideate XRay Selection Wizard method
Select the element you are looking for, depending on the method
Make sure the target view is set to the view in which you wish to find the element
Choose the Find Element button on the main dialog
Review the information from Ideate XRay
Choose Show Me, Fix, or More Options as possible selections
Using Revit, initiate the proper commands to fix the visibility issue

Please read our online Help topic about the Ideate XRay Selection Wizard, and you also review the full online Help topics on using Ideate XRay for Revit.

To learn more about this process and to see quick examples of all four selection methods within the Ideate XRay Selection Wizard, be sure to watch this short video :

For a more in-depth recent presentation on Ideate XRay and all the features, please watch this recording .

Save Dozens of Hours per Project Using Ideate BIMLink for General Data Management Tasks – Part 1

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 18:57:41 GMT

See how much time our Revit users reported saving when they used Ideate BIMLink on General Data Management Tasks

Whether you are working on project-specific Revit tasks or those you perform on every Revit project, Ideate BIMLink can speed the process and enhance the accuracy of your Revit model data by pulling model data into Excel where you can easily make changes, quickly verify the accuracy, and push it all back into Revit within just minutes.

Below is information on how much time our Revit users reported saving when they used Ideate BIMLink for the tasks shown below. While you may only perform some of them occasionally, each one of them can take a significant amount of time and energy if performed natively in Revit.

Tasks: General Data Management

What’s Your Return on Investment?

How should you assess the value of Ideate BIMLink to your business? Start by reviewing the chart above along with previously published data for a full picture of how much time can be saved, then compare that number to the number of projects you have and your software purchase price.

For example, a single standalone license of Ideate BIMLink is approximately US$795. If you have 20 projects per year and only save four hours per project, that’s 80 hours saved per year. The 2018 AIA Small Firm Compensation Report lists the average designer salary at approximately $60K per year. If we assume a corresponding hourly rate of $29 (which would exclude overhead), you will have a payback (over covering software costs) of more than US$1,500 each year.

For larger firms, network licensing can return an even higher return on investment. For example, the cost of a single seat is approximately $2,000 per year. If you again assume only four hours saved per project, a higher burdened salary rate of $50, and that you have 50 projects, you will have a payback of more than $8,000 per year. Bear in mind that the average customer is reporting dozens of hours saved per project on the tasks featured in this post alone, so your payback will likely be much higher.

Learn More

We have several resources available online that can help you get the most out of Ideate BIMLink:

• Help File: Quickly Manage Revit Project Standards
• Help File: Who Did That?

Are you my Type? Creating new Family Types within your Project Using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 23:01:52 GMT

During this online class we explained how to quickly create new types for families that already exist within a Revit project or template file.

Elevate Your Revit Projects with Ideate Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 22:54:51 GMT

During this online class, we explained how our solutions can help you save time, be more productive and streamline your Revit workflows.

New Data Reveals the Time Savings Achieved by Users of Ideate BIMLink for Revit Software

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 21:08:08 GMT

Press Release - San Francisco, CA, July 15, 2020 –

Ideate Software, a veteran Autodesk Developer Network member, announced that it released new data highlighting the time saved by its customers who use Ideate BIMLink for Revit.

The survey results can also be found at Explore the Time Savings of Ideate BIMLink for Revit , where the findings are separated by discipline:

Architects and Interior Designers
Structural Engineers
MEP Engineers
Construction and Design/Build Professionals
All disciplines

More information about Ideate BIMLink and the other Revit productivity tools is available on the Ideate Software website

Managing Workset Assignments for Revit Model Elements Using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 21:05:54 GMT

For any Revit user who works on workshared-enabled projects, managing the workset assignment for model elements is tedious work. For starters, the settings for the current workset is located at the bottom of the screen in Revit, making it easy to ignore. Since Revit does not use layers and colors (generally speaking) for elements, you may not realize that you are placing model-elements on the incorrect workset. As you place more and more elements on the incorrect workset, you find out that backtracking is time consuming and error prone, especially when you are isolating elements graphically to look for workset anomalies.

Common Workaround

A common workaround to address model elements that have been placed on the incorrect workset is to create a series of 2D and 3D views that only display one workset per view. When reviewing elements in that view, we are looking for model elements that do not belong in that view. This would indicate elements that are on the incorrect workset. For example, if we isolate a workset called FF&E in a 3D view, we are looking for non-FF&E model elements, such as structural floors, mechanical equipment, etc. When we find those elements, we can then select them and move them to their respective workset.

While this method does work for auditing the workset assignment for model-based elements, it may be nearly impossible to see smaller elements, as they tend to get buried within the larger elements. Trying to account for all elements would require many QC views and hours of auditing.

A Better Solution: Use Ideate BIMLink

Thankfully, we have Ideate BIMLink to assist us with this challenge.

Ideate BIMLink reports both editable and non-editable workset assignment for elements, so users can perform QA/QC tasks of workset assignment using Excel. When necessary and applicable, the workset assignment for model elements can be changed in Excel and then pushed back into the Revit model. This process does not require the use of special 2D and 3D views. In this case, all the viewing and editing is done from a data perspective, which is much easier, faster, and more accurate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The process for this workflow would look something like this:

In Ideate BIMLink, navigate to the …\Quality Control sub-folder
Select the link called QC-MC-Workset
If necessary, under the Properties Tab, add or remove any parameters that will assist you with your QC tasks. For example, you may want to add Level: Name and/or Room: Name so that you can identify the level and room reference for certain elements, if applicable (example: Scope boxes do not have level nor room assignments, but Furniture may have level and room assignments)
If necessary, under the Categories tab, remove any categories that you wish not to export for quality control and editing purposes
If necessary, under the Filters Tab, add or remove any filters that will help you export only the data you want to view and edit
Under the Link tab, verify that Export with dropdown values is checked. This will ensure that you get an accurate export list of project worksets. In addition, it is recommended that if you make any changes to the link definition, give it a new name so that it is not confused with the original link definition that ships with Ideate BIMLink
Export the data to Excel
Review the workset assignment for each model element and make all necessary changes
Import the data using Ideate BIMLink
Review all changes in the summary windows and then click Import to commit to the changes

It is important to note that while this blog post focuses on changing the workset assignment for model-elements, the process for exporting, reviewing, and changing model data using Ideate BIMLink is essentially the same.

To learn more about this process, be sure to watch this video .

It is also possible to manage worksets with Ideate Explorer. Here are links to our online Help file and a recorded webinar with details:

Help Topic: How do I Manage Revit Worksets in Ideate Explorer?
Webinar: Auditing Worksets with Ideate Explorer

Text Type Management

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:23:09 GMT

A problem with Revit Text Types is that unapproved Text Types make their way into the projects or templates and often can't be purged because they are in use somewhere. Ideate StyleManager is the solution.

The Choice is Yours: Sticky Schedules vs. Sticky Images

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 20:14:52 GMT

Side-by-side examples show some of the differences between how the same Excel file is displayed using each Sticky method.

In May 2020, we released a new version of Ideate Sticky for Revit versions 2018-2021. This new version includes the much-requested feature of support for Word and PDF files, in addition to Excel files. This new functionality means that those who want to link Excel file content into their Revit files now have a choice. The Stickies can be created either as Revit schedule elements or as Revit images. The primary benefit of the newer method (images), is visual fidelity with the source document.

Benefits of using new method - Images

These side-by-side examples show some of the differences between how the same Excel file is displayed using each Sticky method.

Example 1

In this first example, which uses the ISB-Concrete_Strength_Table.xlsx sample file, the differences are subtle, but if you look closely, you’ll see that the word wrap areas, shown in yellow, are not the same. The Sticky image version on the right accurately captures the word wrap as it is seen within the Excel file. If word wrap precision and/or column width/row height precision are important to your documentation, this newer method should be used.d why this feature would be beneficial. Here is the feature request itself and the notation that it was implemented by Autodesk:

Example 2

In this second example, which uses the ISB-Timeline.xlsx sample file, we notice a more substantial difference. The Sticky image, shown on the right, can display the chart element found on the same workbook, unlike the Sticky schedule.

Benefits of using original method - Schedules

The primary benefit of using the older method (Revit schedules) is that the file open performance is slightly faster. In most cases this will be negligible. Some people might also prefer the older method because the text, which is displayed within Revit as the schedule header, will become searchable when published into PDF file format. Refer to our online Help topic for more details, including a detailed comparison chart .

For those who want to link Excel files into Revit, this newly released version has got you covered with two great options for your design documentation needs. If you want to link Word or PDF files into Revit, Ideate Sticky can also deliver the quality and visual fidelity you need to coordinate your non-BIM data.

Adding Linked Room Information to Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E)

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 19:33:33 GMT

For some large architectural and interior design firms, the need to schedule and tag room location information, such as room name and room number as part of their furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) package, is essential to their workflows. While this workflow generally works for projects that use the same Revit model for both core/shell and FF&E, getting Revit to report the room location of FF&E items, where the rooms are associated with a linked Revit model, will not work. This is because Revit is unable to schedule the location of FF&E items when the rooms are not in the same model as the FF&E.

Common Workaround

A common workaround for this workflow is to create custom shared parameters for the room information and associate those parameters to Revit categories that are associated with FF&E, such as furniture, furniture systems, lighting fixtures, and more. The shared parameter creation process is very straightforward, but gathering the room location information to input into the custom shared parameters is a manual process that can be painful, especially if there are thousands of FF&E items.

A Better Solution: Use Ideate BIMLink

Thankfully, we can easily gather the room location information for FF&E using Ideate BIMLink and push those values into custom shared parameters for the purpose of scheduling and tagging. A process that once took hours or days to complete can now be accomplished in minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The process for this workflow would look something like this:

Create custom Shared Parameters for Room Name and Room Number.
Create custom Tags that include data such as Mark or Type Mark and the custom Room Name and Room Number Parameters.
Add the custom Project Shared Parameters to your Revit templates and projects and map those Parameters to the appropriate FF&E categories (Furniture, Furniture Systems, Lighting Fixtures, etc.)
Create a Quality Control (QC) Schedule using Revit’s Multi-Category Schedule option that lists all of your FF&E items. Consider filtering your Schedule to only show items that are part of the FF&E package. In addition, add your custom Project-Shared Parameters for the Room Name and Room Number and add the native Room: Name and Room: Number Parameters as well. These values will be blank in your Schedule, especially if the rooms for the FF&E are part of a linked Revit model, such as the core and shell file.
Using Ideate BIMLink, create a new link from your QC Schedule, which will automatically build a list of the Parameter data you want to export to Excel. You should notice that Ideate BIMLink displays values for the Room: Name and Room: Number Parameters. Revit does not display this.
Once the link has been created in Ideate BIMLink, you can export that data to Excel and copy the relevant data from the Room: Name and Room: Number Parameters over to the custom Room Name and Room Number Parameters.
Save the results and import the data back in using Ideate BIMLink. Your custom Parameters should now have the values displayed in the QC Schedules, the Tags themselves (if you tagged your FF&E), and in the Properties palette of the selected elements.

It is important to note that while this blog post focuses on gathering linked Room data to push into custom Room parameters for FF&E, the process of gathering data to push into custom parameters works for many other categories.

To learn more about this process, be sure to watch this video:

IdeateApps: Batch-rename Revit Views and Sheets with Ideate SheetManager

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 21:54:14 GMT

Need to batch-modify Revit view or sheet names/numbers to accommodate Design Options, Phasing, Scope Box, or other prefix/suffix conditions? If so, the Rename function within Ideate SheetManager awaits your discovery.

Or have you just made a bunch of dependent views with useless names? Again, the Rename function is the answer. It’s an easy fix. Here’s how to do it:

Search for the word “dependent,” then select all the views and right-click to launch Rename

2. Use the Find/Replace option to swap all the “Dependent 1” names for the corresponding Scope Box or other logical name, such as “Wing A,” to quickly whip your project back into shape

Save time and improve project organization with this easy-to-use method. Watch this short video to see Rename in action.

Ideate SheetManager is just one of the nine applications that come in our IdeateApps collection of tools that improve your Revit day-to-day productivity. For more great tips, please watch this overview video of all nine tools found within the IdeateApps collection.

Save 20+ Hours Per Project Using Ideate BIMLink for Quality Control of Doors, Hardware, and Other Elements

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 21:43:59 GMT

Architects, engineers, and interior designers who use Revit software can save a significant amount of time by using Ideate BIMLink for quality control tasks.

No longer will you have to check elements one by one. Instead, you can pull all the data from the Revit file into Excel, easily review it and make corrections, and then push it all back into Revit to instantly update your model.

Tasks: Quality Control

Learn More

Here are links to Help files that can help you get the most out of Ideate BIMLink:

Help File – Update Revit Door Schedules
Help File – Edit Revit Key Schedule Data
Help File – Who Did That?

Managing Workset Assignments for Revit Model Elements Using Ideate BIMLink

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 23:56:31 GMT

For any Revit user who works on workshared-enabled projects, managing the Workset assignment for model elements is tedious work. Thankfully, we have Ideate BIMLink, which reports both editable and non-editable Workset assignment for elements so users can perform QA/QC tasks of Workset assignment using Excel.

Ideate BIMLink: Create MEP Space Information from Architectural Room Information

kim@orangemarketingco.com (Kim DeLashmit) — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 01:06:34 GMT

Revit software includes a basic tool that allow users to create MEP Spaces from Architectural Rooms. These rooms are typically contained within a Revit linked model. However, this built-in automatic space creation tool is quite limited and not very customizable.

The Solution: Ideate BIMLink

Using Ideate BIMLink , you can easily create hundreds of spaces from rooms on different levels, all at the same time. You can also modify the space naming and space numbering at the same time to match your project standards. Plus, you can review and share ANY room-based property into the relevant space-based property.

Workflow Overview

Ideate BIMLink is delivered with two library link definitions to make quick work of this process.

Browse to the Ideate BIMLink library links named Rooms-to-Spaces and Rooms-to-Spaces_CREATE and modify the properties to meet your specific needs. Export both link definitions to the SAME spreadsheet, and then copy the needed Room information from the Room-to-Spaces worksheet tab over to the Rooms-to-Spaces_CREATE worksheet tab. Fill out column A (Element ID) with the word NEW , and then import the Rooms-to-Spaces_Create worksheet tab back into Revit via Ideate BIMLink. Copying the same coordinate information from the Room locations will allow Ideate BIMLink to create placed Spaces in the same location. Both models must be using the SAME coordinate system.

To learn more about this process, be sure to watch this video .

Visit our website for more information on our Revit productivity tools. Give them a try with a free trial version , or subscribe today .

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