Ideate StyleManager: Search, Analyze and Delete Imported Object Styles
It’s easy to search, analyze and delete imported object styles with Ideate StyleManager.
Object styles listed within the Imported Objects tab (shown below at right) reflect the style information that comes from:
- Linked CAD files
- Imported CAD files
- Imports that have been exploded within the project
- Imports that have been exploded within a family
- Imports in a family file
Here are instructions on how to search, analyze, and delete these imported styles.
Searching Imported Styles
The presence of an imported object style in a project doesn’t necessarily mean there are graphic elements within the project, but without Ideate StyleManager it’s difficult to tell.
In the example above, the Green-Drain.dwg style is a remnant of an exploded import and is no longer in use, as indicated by Ideate StyleManager on the left. The Revit dialog on the right shows this style can’t be deleted, but Ideate StyleManager allows this deletion.
When reviewing imported object styles, we recommend you filter the list by unchecking the Object Styles checkbox and leaving the Imported Style checked. Within the filtered results, you will notice that some of the import styles are shown in bold; these indicate a parent style. Styles listed underneath are the children of that parent. In the example above, Green-Drain.dwg is the parent and Green-Drain.dwg: DIM is a child.
Before you can delete any object style, you must first analyze it.
Analyzing Imported Styles
To analyze a style, select it from the Found in File pane, then select the Analyze button.
TIP: When analyzing imported object styles that include a .DWG or .DGN, it is expedient to first select and analyze the parent style (in bold). If the parent is not in use, there’s no value in analyzing the children, and deleting the parent will also delete the children.
If an imported style is used in the current file (family, template, or project), the details about how it is used are displayed at the right within the Usage pane. This information indicates if the style comes from a linked or imported CAD file or if it is embedded within a family file. It’s important to note the usages, as their related styles are treated differently within Ideate StyleManager.
Deleting Imported Styles
- Deleting Styles used by Linked CAD Files
If an imported style is used by a linked CAD file, the Delete button will be disabled for the parent style only. Use the Manage Links dialog in Revit for that task. It will be possible to delete the children styles of a CAD link, but it is generally not recommended, because a reload of that link would simply reconstitute the styles. Instead we recommend the link be selected and then you use Revit’s delete layers tool if needed.
Linked CAD files have two possible usage results:
(1) CAD Link — used to indicate the presence of a referenced but unloaded link file
(2) Link Instance — used to indicate the presence of a linked (CAD) file
- Deleting Styles used by Imported CAD Files
Import Instances refer to an imported CAD file or the results of partially exploded CAD imports.
Imported Styles used by imported CAD files have a unique behavior within Ideate StyleManager; we allow you to delete the parent and children styles, whether they are used or not. Deleting the parent that is “Used” will result in the deletion of the related parent and children object styles as well as the graphics associated with that import. A warning will precede this action.
- Deleting “Import in Families”
The Imports in Families object styles indicate that a family within the project (used or unpurged) has an import or exploded import within the family file.
In the example below, the style called A-DETL-DIMS is found within 23 families. Many people prefer these styles to be removed entirely from family content. If you agree, use StyleManager to edit each family and replace the content with native Revit elements (lines, regions, extrusions, etc.). To delete these styles, refer to Ideate StyleManager Basics.
More about Ideate StyleManager
Watch this recording of our webinar to learn more about how you can properly manage styles in your Revit models to reduce publishing errors and end-user confusion.
What is a Named User license?
A Named User license is assigned to one specific person rather than shared across a network. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see the Graitec Licensing Help Center - Named User.
Are Ideate Suites replacing Ideate Software Bundles?
Yes. Going forward, Ideate Suites replace Ideate Software Bundles.
What's the difference between the Ideate Software Bundle and the Ideate Suite?
Both include the same five tools: IdeateApps, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky and Ideate StyleManager.
- Bundle: Each tool is licensed separately, so different people can work in different tools at once. For example, with one Bundle, five people could each use a different tool at the same time.
- Suite: One license covers all five tools for one person at a time. That person can move freely between every tool. While they're using the Suite, it isn't available to anyone else on that license until they finish.
A Named User Suite is assigned to one specific person. A single Network Cloud Floating Suite can be shared across your team, one person at a time.
Will my team need more licenses?
If several people on your team use different Ideate tools at the same time, you may need more than one Suite license. Contact us and we'll review your team's usage and help you choose the right setup.
Can I still buy an Ideate Software Bundle?
No. Bundles are no longer available for purchase. New purchases are offered as follows:
- Ideate Suite: Named User or Network Cloud Floating
- Enterprise Suite: Network Cloud Floating
- Active Host: Network Cloud Floating
- Automation: Network Cloud Floating
- Individual products: Named User or Network Cloud Floating (IdeateApps, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, and Ideate StyleManager)
Can I still buy IdeateApps, BIMLink, Explorer, Sticky, or StyleManager individually?
Yes. Individual products are available as Named User or Cloud Floating licenses until the new product lineup launches with the next major release, expected mid-2027.
Will floating (network) licenses still be available?
Yes. FlexLM remains available for organizations with security requirements, such as environments without internet access. FlexLM is not available through the online store, so please contact your account manager to purchase.
My organization has strict security requirements or no internet access. Can I still get a FlexLM license?
Yes. FlexLM remains available for organizations with security requirements, such as environments without internet access. FlexLM is not available through the online store, so please contact your account manager to purchase.
I'm an existing customer. What happens to my current license/s?
Your existing Ideate Software subscription is moving to our new licensing system at no cost. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
- Standalone licenses become Named User licenses. Set up your Named Users in the Graitec Advantage Portal.
- Cloud Floating (network) licenses become Network Cloud Floating Suite licenses. Deploy the latest release as you have in the past, using the new license code in your migration email.
- Each Ideate Software Bundle becomes an Ideate Suite.
To keep using Ideate, update to the latest release and activate your new license by March 31, 2027. Older Ideate licenses will stop working in Q2 2027.
Using Ideate with Revit 2022 or earlier? Contact ideatesupport@graitec.com to review your options. For account questions, contact sales@ideatesoftware.com.
I have a Bundle today. What will I receive when I move to the new licensing?
Conversions are one for one. Each Ideate Software Bundle becomes one Ideate Suite, and each network Bundle becomes one Network Cloud Floating Suite. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
Where do I manage my licenses?
In the Graitec Advantage Portal. Based on customer requests, starting with the latest Ideate release, license management and license usage information are handled in Graitec Advantage, outside of Revit. We recommend bookmarking the portal.
- Named User licenses: Assign licenses to people on your team in Graitec Advantage.
- Cloud Floating Suite licenses: Deploy the latest release with your new license code as you have in the past, then manage licenses in Graitec Advantage.
Watch the Graitec Advantage walkthrough
Can I transfer a Named User license to another person?
Yes. There's no limit on the total number of transfers, but each license can be transferred up to two times within a 30-day period.
How are licenses issued?
Each product on your order is issued as its own license once your order is processed. To try a product before buying, contact us to request an evaluation license.
I want to try the Graitec AI Assistant now, but I don’t have my new license code yet. What should I do?
Existing customers: We’re delivering new license codes to existing subscribers on a rolling basis over the next few weeks. If you need access sooner, contact your Graitec sales representative.
New customers: The Graitec AI Assistant isn’t available in the Ideate trial. Contact your Graitec sales representative to request an evaluation license or purchase a 6-month subscription.
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