The Importance of Auditing Revit Models

We have recently had several cases come through tech support in which folks were receiving error messages when attempting to edit their families in Revit 2015 R2. The message states "Family <family name here> is corrupt and cannot be edited. Please reload the family to repair the project." Receiving messages such as this one can be a little disconcerting, especially when you are in the middle of a large project. The fear is that the Revit model is corrupt or heading for corruption. In most cases, you may have to look for an archived version of the model or a local file to create a new Central model from, since most corrupt models are difficult to manually repair.

As we discovered, the recent rash of corrupt families within a Revit model has to do when a Revit model was upgraded to Revit 2015 R2. This corruption was more than likely due to the end user not selecting the “Audit” checkbox when opening (or upgrading) their Revit projects for the first time in Revit 2015 R2. Had the “Audit” option been selected, the family corruption issue may not have occurred.

The audit feature in Revit will scan, detect and sometimes fix corrupt elements within a Revit model. So when should you select the “Audit” option?

1. Whenever upgrading a Revit project from one version to another. For example, if you want to upgrade your Revit project from Revit 2015 to Revit 2016, select the “Audit” checkbox prior to opening it for the first time in the newest version.

2. Select the “Audit” checkbox when upgrading ALL models to Revit 2015 R2 for the first time.

3. If your Revit model is starting to take its time opening or you notice general performance issues, then auditing it may improve the time it takes to open your project.

4. If you receive messages such as "Data in file <revit project name.rvt. is corrupt and needs to be manually recovered" or "Family <family name here> is corrupt and cannot be edited. Please reload the family to repair the project."

5. If you are doing any sort of Central File maintenance, including creating new Central Files.

Remember, it is always a good idea to make an archive copy of your model prior to Auditing and Upgrading to the next release of Revit. The reason being is in case the upgrade process introduces errors or corruption issues that cannot be repaired, or if you find a compelling reason to go back and work in the previous version of Revit.

For information on training and consulting for the various products Ideate services, visit our website at www.ideateinc.com

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Sash Kazeminejad, ACI, LEED AP
AEC Senior Application Specialist
Sash brings proficiency in Autodesk solutions including AutoCAD and Revit Architecture to Ideate customers. His industry experience includes project management, BIM Management, and design for Architectural firms in California, Montana and Oregon. He is LEED accredited professional and is on track to achieve California licensure with Oregon to follow. In his academic life, Sash was awarded a variety of college scholarships, earned a BA in Environmental Design, a MA in Architecture from Montana State University (MSU) and taught Building Information Modeling courses at MSU Gallatin College. As a Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Instructor, Sash provides Revit Architecture training and support for AEC firms. @sashpdx

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Ideate, Inc.’s Own Sash Kazeminejad Selected as North American Top ATC Instructor for 2015

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 4/28/2015 – Ideate, Inc., Autodesk Developer Network member for more than 20 years – and Autodesk Platinum Value Added Reseller – announced today that Senior Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Application Specialist and LEED AP Sash Kazeminejad has been named Autodesk Authorized Training Center (ATC) Top Instructor – North America – for 2015.

Sash achieved status as an Autodesk Certified Instructor in 2014. Since then, nearly 170 students have submitted evaluations attesting to his enthusiasm, expertise and effectiveness, resulting in an overall Instructor Performance Quality rating of 99%. This designation identifies him as the top instructor in North America among the 635 active Autodesk-certified instructors.

When asked how he plans to maintain or even improve upon his success as an ATC instructor Sash says, “it’s simple: focus on being an effective teacher and ensuring that students are receiving value. Continue to bring others along in their learning of the tools and techniques. Also, be someone that students trust as an advisor. The goal is to be able to pass on knowledge that goes beyond normal, basic instruction.”

Sash enjoys teaching and learning about the details deep within software. He notes that mastering any software can take years and that he is always learning something new. A natural curiosity, matched with a strong commitment to never take the process for granted or take things at face-value, set him up well to constantly be adding to his own skill set and to effectively help others build theirs'. His enthusiasm for instruction – and his ability to effectively present and diagnose problems – clearly serve him well and set him on the path to this achievement.

Ideate Training Manager, Jennifer Anderson, emphasizes, “People believe in and respond to Sash’s approach because he has the industry experience and the expert knowledge of the software. Students go out of their way to evaluate Sash as an instructor and Sash goes out of his way solicit those evaluations and that feedback. In our training at Ideate, our commitment is to the success of individual students.” Sash Kazeminejad’s recognition as Top ATC Instructor is a testament to that focus.

Ideate President, Bob Palioca says “Sash has significant expertise in AEC applications and important experience in the field of architecture, in particular. His ability to demonstrate and teach sophisticated workflow solutions in a highly relatable and effective way makes him a valued resource to our Autodesk training program and to the Ideate team more broadly.  We are delighted for Sash and congratulate him for this accomplishment.”

About Ideate, Inc. 
Ideate, Inc. is a leading Autodesk Authorized Developer with 25+ years’ experience in software development and specific focus on Building Information Modeling (BIM). As an Autodesk solutions provider, Ideate has offered quality software, training, support and custom consulting services to the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries since 1992. Headquartered in San Francisco, California and operating Autodesk Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) in California, Oregon and Washington, Ideate is recognized as an Autodesk Platinum Partner for Architecture, Engineering and Construction, one of Autodesk’s highest levels of authorization.

Ideate Software allows Revit users to have unprecedented control over their data. Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer for Revit, and Ideate Sticky were all developed to solve persistent problems in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) workflows. Ideate Software solutions enable Revit users to save time, increase accuracy, improve project deliverables, and elevate design.

Autodesk, Autodesk Revit and ATC are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Microsoft Excel is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

eLearning - Upcoming Ideate Software, Revit, and AutoCAD Civil 3D Classes

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Section Sheets and Code set Styles

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5.8::Infrastructure 201:
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5.14::Revit 201:
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5.21::Ideate Software:
Introduction to Ideate Sticky

5.21::Ideate Software:
Introduction to Ideate Sticky

6.4::Ideate Software:
Revit Auditing with Ideate Explorer for Revit

Each class is designed to give you specific, improved results in a particular topic. You can interact with the instructor right from your own office, while eliminating travel time. Because the class schedule rotates, you can easily select your topics of interest and choose the day which best meets your schedule.

Click here for class descriptions, times and registration link. Questions? Contact education@ideateinc.com

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Each class is designed to give you specific, improved results in a particular topic. You can interact with the instructor right from your own office, while eliminating travel time. Because the class schedule rotates, you can easily select your topics of interest and choose the day which best meets your schedule.

Click here for class descriptions, times and registration link. Questions? Contact education@ideateinc.com

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AutoCAD 2016 New Dimension Tool

At Ideate, we always try our best to keep you abreast with the latest in the Autodesk world. So, here is a post dedicated to perhaps one of the biggest feature enhancements of AutoCAD 2016 – the new dimension tool. This will change your workflow forever, and for the better. Read on for a sneak preview of the tool. 

New Dimension Tool - Notice the Dimension Fly Out now
appears on the bottom row of the dimension panel.

As you can see from the above, the dimension fly out has been replaced with one command: dimension. This new tool is streamlined so that you don’t have to pick different commands for adding different types of dimensions. For example, you can add a linear, arc, circular, or angular dimension with one command, without having to quit and invoke the various dimension commands. As you invoke the dimension command, you will see options on your command line to switch the various options. The various dimension commands are now options of one dimension command.  

Dimension Commands

These options are smart because you don’t have to invoke them individually. AutoCAD automatically detects the object, and adds the appropriate annotation. Watch the short clip below and see how I don’t have to quit. All dimensions are added from the same command.


There is a layer control available from within the dimension panel. If you still want to use your dimension shortcuts, they will still work. The dimension fly out now appears in the bottom row of the dimension panel. You can see this in the first image in this post, where the text says "Linear" in the bottom left are.

This feature simplifies your workflow, and still allows for you to select your familiar dimension shortcuts. To check it out for yourself, go ahead and download AutoCAD 2016 trial today.

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Gaurav Bagga
Ideate Infrastructure Solutions Application Specialist

Gaurav is a well rounded Application Engineer and Project Manager for Infrastructure Solutions at Ideate based out of San Francisco. He has over 15 years experience in construction industry and has been helping numerous small, medium and ENR 500 firms maximize their CAD investment for the last ten years. Gaurav is an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Autodesk Civil 3D Implementation Certified Expert. He has taught at several conferences, CAD Camps and Autodesk University. He has taught AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Land Desktop and Map 3D to thousands of students and helps Ideate develop the Infrastructure Services curriculum and courses. With his extensive CAD technology background he helps Bay Area engineering and surveying firms analyze and improve their design and drawing production process thereby improving productivity and the bottom line. Follow Gaurav on Twitter: @BeGeez

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Each class is designed to give you specific, improved results in a particular topic. You can interact with the instructor right from your own office, while eliminating travel time. Because the class schedule rotates, you can easily select your topics of interest and choose the day which best meets your schedule.

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4.7::Ideate Software:
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4.8::Ideate Software:
Revit Project Management with Ideate BIMLink

4.14::Revit 201:
View Properties - Controlling Visibility

4.16:Infrastructure 201:
Intersection Design Tool

4.21::Revit 201:
Stairs and Railings in Revit Architecture

4.22::Infrastructure 201: 
Section Sheets and Code Set Styles

4.22::Ideate Software:
Introduction to Ideate Sticky

4.23::Ideate Software:
Revit Auditing with Ideate Explorer for Revit

4.28::Revit 201:
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Each class is designed to give you specific, improved results in a particular topic. You can interact with the instructor right from your own office, while eliminating travel time. Because the class schedule rotates, you can easily select your topics of interest and choose the day which best meets your schedule.

Click here for class descriptions, times and registration link. Questions? Contact education@ideateinc.com

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Is My Propagate Extents Button Broken in Revit?

For the longest time I ignored the Propagate Extents button in Revit, mostly because when I clicked on it nothing would happen. And I mean nothing. No warning message, no advice on what to do, just crickets. I have heard people say that they think the button is broken or that it works occasionally, depending on how Revit feels.

So what does the Propagate Extents button actually do, if it even works? Well, let me start of by stating that the button does actually work and it does actually serve a function. If you click on the button and nothing happens, it is more than likely because of the Crop Region in other views.

The function of the Propagate Extents is to take the 2D extents and appearance of elements, such as Levels and Grids and apply those graphical setting to other views. For example, if you grabbed a few gridlines and extended the 2D extents of the bubbles and wanted to apply this setting to other similar views, you would use the Propagate Extents feature. This way the 2D extents from one view will match other views. The Propagate Extents feature does not apply to the 3D portion of Levels and Grids because stretching these components directly affects all intersecting views.

As a test, if you select all of your floor & ceiling plan views in your project browser and then go to the Properties box, then to the Extents category, you will see the option to Crop your views. If you place a check box in the Crop View and then select any level or grid and then select the Propagate Extents button, nothing will happen. This is because the views are being cropped. The Propagation of the 2D portion of Levels and Gridlines is being controlled by the crop region.

Now go back and re-select the floor and ceiling plan views from the Project Browser and de-select the Crop View option. After doing do, go to any floor plan and select a gridline or a series of gridlines. Once selected, toggle the 2D option and stretch the 2D extents of the gridline(s). With the gridlines selected, click on the Propagate Extents button on the ribbon. A dialogue box with a listing of un-cropped views should pop up. Select a few views and then visit the views that you selected. Your Gridlines should now match the view that you originally Propagated Extents from. From here, you can re-crop your views as necessary, which will also retain the 2D extents. If you need to adjust the 2D extents of your Levels & Grids, simply un-crop your views, make the necessary adjustments to the 2D extents, Propagate Extents and then re-crop your views.

Many times, when you select Levels and Gridlines in Revit, followed by the Propagate Extents button in the ribbon, nothing happens. Many people feel as if this is a broken feature, but in actuality, it works as intended. If this is the case, it is because all of the applicable views that you could Propagate Extents to have their views cropped.

To test the Propagate Extents feature in Revit, select all of your Floor & Ceiling Plan views in the Project Browser and then clear the checkbox called “Crop View” under the Properties dialogue box. This will un-crop all of the select views, allowing you to apply the Propagate Extents feature.

Once you have un-cropped the views of your choice, pick a view of your choice and select some gridlines. Be sure to toggle the 2D option on the gridlines. Once toggled, stretch the gridlines in the direction of your choice. In this example, I chose to stretch the 2D portion of Gridlines 5 & 6.

Once you have un-cropped your views and stretched the 2D portion of your Gridlines (or Levels), click on the Propagate Extents button. A listing of Un-cropped views now appears. Select some views to Propagate Datum Extents. In this example, I chose Floors 02 &03.

Once the Propagate Extents has been applied, go to the views that you applied the Propagate Extents to and see the results. In this example, we are looking at Floor 02. As you can see, Gridlines 5 & 6 match the Floor 01 Floor Plan. In addition, I applied the Crop View option AFTER the Propagate Extents and the Gridlines remained in their Propagated position.

For information on training and consulting for the various products Ideate services, visit our website at www.ideateinc.com

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Sash Kazeminejad, ACI, LEED AP
AEC Senior Application Specialist
Sash brings proficiency in Autodesk solutions including AutoCAD and Revit Architecture to Ideate customers. His industry experience includes project management, BIM Management, and design for Architectural firms in California, Montana and Oregon. He is LEED accredited professional and is on track to achieve California licensure with Oregon to follow. In his academic life, Sash was awarded a variety of college scholarships, earned a BA in Environmental Design, a MA in Architecture from Montana State University (MSU) and taught Building Information Modeling courses at MSU Gallatin College. As a Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Instructor, Sash provides Revit Architecture training and support for AEC firms. @sashpdx

Get it. Know it. Use it.