Use Ideate BIMLink to Manage Custom Sheet Indexes
Instead of managing sheet index information manually through a schedule, you can push that data to Microsoft Excel, where you can easily edit your custom parameter data to help you organize your sheet indexes.
Most offices that work on medium to large Revit-based projects manage large sheet indexes. Typically, an architect receives sheet information from consultants, such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and other professionals, and collates this information in the architectural file to generate an overall project sheet index. After all the information is collated, the sheet indexes become quite large and challenging to organize.
Common Workarounds
While Revit makes it difficult to organize and format a sheet index according to how the user chooses to manage the index, there are ways to work around this. For example, some offices create custom parameters to organize sheets by phase name, volumes, and so forth. Others choose to organize their sheet indexes as just mentioned, but also add additional number-based parameters to define a sort order that does not rely solely on the sheet number. For example, if the cover sheet is numbered COVER and then the subsequent sheets are numbers A-001, A-002, A-201, etc., then the A sheets, by default, will be at the top of the sheet index, then the COVER sheet will be next. To avoid this issue, the use of a number-based parameter that organizes the sheets based on assigned values rather than sheet numbers can help with this process.
While editing these values for small projects is easy to do in a Working Sheet Index, managing this information for hundreds of sheets can take a lot of time, as seen in this partial sheet index:
And what happens if sheets are added in the middle of the sheet index? Would you have to change all the custom numeric parameters after those sheets? If so, it can take a lot of time to manage this.
Using Ideate BIMLink to Streamline the Process
Thankfully, we have the power and efficiency of Ideate BIMLink on our side. Instead of managing sheet index information manually through a schedule, you can push that data to Microsoft Excel, where you can easily edit your custom parameter data to help you organize your sheet indexes.
To learn more about this process, watch this video:
It is important to note that while this blog post focuses on editing custom sheet parameters to organize sheet indexes, the process of editing all parameter data in Revit using Ideate BIMLink is essentially the same.
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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