Revision Cloud Reporting with Ideate BIMLink: Dependent View Challenges
This use of Ideate BIMLink highlights one of many of the creative uses of data not possible within native Revit.
Before sending off drawing packages and/or issuance records, many of our customers use Ideate BIMLink to report on Revit’s revision clouds to ensure that all placed clouds are on views that have been placed on a sheet. This is a fantastic use of Ideate BIMLink, highlighting one of many of the creative uses of data that are otherwise not possible within native Revit.
To create a revision cloud report in Ideate BIMLink, we recommend using the sample called “Revision_Clouds-Review” as shown below.
This built-in link definition includes important properties that come from the revision sequence, the sheet (where applicable), the view (where applicable) and the revision clouds themselves. Typically, the comments on the cloud instances are also used as part of this quality control process.
One challenge to this workflow is the usage of dependent views. When dependent views are used in the project, Revit is not able to discern which sheet the cloud “lives on.” This is because all annotative elements, including revision clouds, are hosted by the parent view and not the dependent view. So, when a dependent view is placed on a sheet and the parent view is not on a sheet, Revit will report that the revision cloud belongs to the parent view AND that there is no corresponding sheet name for that revision cloud. While this revision cloud data is true, is not very helpful! You can see this conundrum reflected in Revit’s property palette as shown. The cloud reports the parent view but is clearly intended to be part of the dependent view and the sheet on which that view is placed.
There are two methods to get accurate data about the sheet location of revision clouds. Neither method is perfect and for this reason, each should be considered carefully with your BIM Manager. The first method, which is my preference, is to place the revision cloud on the sheet, at least for dependent views. The second method is to not use dependent views, or to convert them to independent views at some point. This video showcases both the problem and the solution.
Revision cloud management with Ideate BIMLink is an integral part of quality control for sheet issuance. For other ideas about using Ideate BIMLink for quality control, refer to the Quality Control Help topic. To learn more about using Ideate BIMLink to manage revision-related workflows, please refer to the Manage Sheet-Based Revisions Help topic.
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.
Still have a question?
Explore recent posts
