Leverage Project Information Parameters for Export Folders with Ideate Automation
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.
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 License Wizard section of the Graitec Licensing Help Center.
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. What changes is how many people can use them at the same time.
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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 Cloud Floating
- Enterprise Suite: Cloud Floating
- Active Host: Cloud Floating
- Automation: Cloud Floating
- Individual products: Named User or 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.
Will floating (network) licenses still be available?
Yes. Cloud Floating licenses are available for Ideate Suite, Enterprise Suite, Active Host, individual products, and Automation.
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 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 Cloud Floating Suite. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
I have several products that renew on different dates. How will that be handled?
We're finalizing how to handle accounts with multiple renewal dates. Contact sales@ideatesoftware.com and we'll review your account with you.
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?
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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.
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