Ideate Software - Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the FAQ page for Ideate Software. Here, you will find answers to commonly asked questions about our suite of BIM applications designed to enhance the functionality of Autodesk Revit software.
What does Ideate Software do?
Ideate Software builds BIM applications that help customers get the most out of Autodesk Revit software.
Who uses Ideate Software tools?
Companies in architecture, engineering, construction, and owner-operator industries use Ideate Software tools.
Where can I find information about Ideate Software tools?
How much to Ideate Software tools cost?
Visit our Purchase page for current pricing and promotions.
Can I get a free trial?
Yes, 15-day free trials of all our products are available through our website and the Autodesk App Store.
Are the trials fully functioning?
Ideate Explorer, IdeateApps, and Ideate Sticky are fully functioning. Ideate BIMLink has a 25-row limit to the data export. Ideate StyleManager is limited to testing these three styles: Line Patterns, Materials and Material Appearance Asset styles.
What is included in the Bundles?
All Ideate Software bundles include Ideate Explorer, IdeateApps, Ideate Sticky, Ideate BIMLink and Ideate StyleManager. They do not include Ideate Automation.
What is included in Enterprise Licensing?
Benefits of the Enterprise subscription include:
- Simplified pricing and easy deployment
- Unlimited quantity and use of all Ideate Software titles
- Inclusion of Ideate Automation
- Two one-hour online workshops focused on best practices for increased productivity
- Beta Program access for key users
- Network Deployment MSI Files
- Support for Remote Desktop, Virtualized Environments such as Citrix and VMware
- Access to the current and three previous versions, as well as the latest releases within the subscription period
- Support from technical experts
- Self-paced training for skill development
- Dedicated Account Management
- International cloud license use
What are the system requirements for Ideate Software tools?
Ideate Software tools fun on Revit for 64-bit approved platforms. Virtualized platforms such as Citrix and VMware are only supported by the network-licensed version.
Can I get Ideate Software products for my whole team?
Yes, Ideate Software offers individual and multi-user subscriptions.
Is it easy to download all the tools for my whole team?
Ideate Software Installer is a one-click tool to help deploy Ideate Software throughout an organization. The installer package includes all the MSI files for the most recent versions of all our desktop solutions. It can be used manually by individual users or with a network admin tool that supports “EXE’s”, such as SCCM or PDQ Deploy.
If I don’t need a Bundle, how can I control what products or versions get installed?
We make it easy to install our products. If you don’t get a Bundle, simply open the “IdeateInstallers” folder and remove the MSI for any product or version you do not wish to install. As an alternative, use the command line switches.
What are the different network licensing options?
We offer two network licensing options: FlexLM and Cloud
- FlexLM : Requires the installation, setup and maintenance of a virtual or physical license server. With FlexLM license type, each version of Ideate Software opened on a workstation will use up a separate network license seat.
- Cloud: does not require a license server and allows each user to run multiple versions of Ideate Software while using up only one network license seat.
How do I launch Ideate Software products?
Ideate Software tools install into the Ideate Software tab in Revit. To access Ideate Software tools, simply open any project and then select the appropriate tool from the ribbon. Most Ideate Software tools can be launched with any active view, but the view-specific tools will only launch with their intended view types active.
Where do I find support for Ideate Software products?
For blog posts, how-to videos, recorded webinars, and more, visit the Resource Library on our website. You can also find a wealth of information in our online Help files.
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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