Contact Us
Help Files
Video Library
Blog
Email Support
Ideate BIMLinkHow to...Utilize Type Swapping
  • Update the Structural Model

    • Manage Revit Structural Data within Ideate BIMLink

    Manage Revit Structural Data within Ideate BIMLink. Quite often generic structural columns and structural framing elements will be placed at the beginning of a project as placeholders.  Then, after the formal analysis and design work is complete, those elements need to be swapped for the intended structural members.

    Here are some tips to effectively manage Structural data within Ideate BIMLink to manage this Type Swapping.  In this example, Structural Columns are used but this also applies to other Revit model categories.

     

    STEP 1 - Start with a Sample

    The quickest way to update the Revit Structural Columns is to use the Sample Link called "Structural_Columns-SWAP".  This is an Instance Link for the Structural Column category.

    Start with Revit Sample Link in BIMLink

    1. Select the New... button.
    2. Select Browse, then look for the …\Structural Links folder or search for the word ‘Structural’
    3. From the list of Available Files, select Structural_Columns-SWAP.  Note the description on the right.
    4. Select Next>
    5. On the Link Properties tab, notice that the Family and Type property is included in the Link.  This property is essential to Type Swapping.  
    6. On the Link tab, notice that the checkbox to “Export with Revit dropdown values” is checked. This will create the drop-down list within the Excel file to make Type Swapping easier to manage.
    7. Add other properties as desired.
    8. Select Done to return to the main dialog.

    STEP 2 - Export to Excel

    1. Select Link defined in the Steps 1 and use the Export button to save the Excel file.  
    2. Select OK when the export is complete.
    3. After the export is complete, select Open File.

    STEP 3 - Edit in Excel

    Large volumes of Structural Column data can now be edited within the Excel workbook.  The list of available types is displayed as a list to the right side of the exported data, as shown.

    Edit Revit data in Excel with Ideate BIMLink

     

    STEP 4 - Import the Changes

    During the import process Ideate BIMLink will check to confirm that the selected Structural Column can be swapped for the newly specified column.  

    Learn more:  Import Excel Values into Revit Element Properties with Ideate BIMLink 

    Submit feature or issue request for Ideate Software

    Thank you for taking time to inform us about a bug or feature request.

    By entering your data above and clicking ‘SUBMIT’ you are consenting to the collection and use of that data to respond to your comments and inquires, as described in our Privacy Policy. We may also transfer the data you submit in the ‘Email Us’ form to our VAR partners for the limited purpose of a sales follow-up. Please review our Privacy Policy for more details on how and when we collect data and what we use it for.