August 30, 2016

AutoCAD 2017: How PDF Creation Impacts Importing

The ability to import PDF data into your AutoCAD drawings is a time saving new feature in AutoCAD 2017, which I have explored in two previous posts, AutoCAD 2017: PDF Data Import by Choosing a File (Part 1) and AutoCAD 2017: PDF Data Import by Choosing an Underlay (Part 2). While testing this new feature, I have come across potential confusion around PDF files and how they relate to the import function.

In order to properly import a PDF it is important to understand how the PDF was originally created. PDFs are created in a variety of different software, from specific PDF editing software, like Bluebeam Revu or Adobe Acrobat, to design software such as AutoCAD, Microstation, or a myriad others.

If the PDF was created from a design software such as AutoCAD or Microstation, it was created with vector geometry. When importing PDF data into a drawing from a PDF created with vector data, AutoCAD uses inference to draw the data. Inference is the process of estimating the location of objects to reconstruct them with appropriate associations, object types, and locations.

However, if the PDF was created in a PDF editing software, it may simply not be importable, or, it's possible it will import, but not with all of the data. It depends on the editing software, and the PDF. As an example, if you have added markups to a PDF in Bluebeam Revu, the markups will not be imported when you use the PDF import function, unless the PDF has been flattened. So, be sure to flatten the PDF in your PDF editor, first.

Lastly, if the PDF was created from a scanned image, it will be imported as an image, and you will not obtain any linework from it.

To summarize, knowing how your PDF was created will help you take the right steps to import into AutoCAD successfully.

Thank you for reading. For more information on the software solutions, training and consulting Ideate provides, please visit the Ideate Inc. website.


Kate Ming
AEC Application Specialist 
Kate is a California licensed civil engineer with a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UC Berkeley. Prior to Ideate, she worked at a multinational company for four years doing general civil design on large infrastructure projects. She is versed in roadway, rail, utility design and site development. She also has experience with utility demand analysis and Low Impact Development plans. As a Civil 3D Autodesk Certified Professional Kate provides training and support for Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and InfraWorks.

August 29, 2016

e-Learning - Upcoming InfraWorks, Revit and Ideate Software Classes

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning – live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education.
8.26::Infrastructure 201:
Intro to InfraWorks
8.30::Revit 201:
Worksharing Best Practices
9.1::Ideate Software:
Audit Your Revit Projects with
Ideate Explorer
9.2::Revit 201:
Making Titleblocks and Drawing Lists
9.6::Revit 201:
Site Tools
9.8::Ideate Software:
Streamline Revit MEP Workflows with
Ideate BIMLink
9.9::Revit 201:
Getting Started with Roof Framing in Revit Structure
9.27::Ideate Software:
Display non-BIM Data with
Ideate Sticky
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.

Get It. Know It. Use It.

Classroom Training - Open Revit MEP, Revit Architecture, AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D Classes

Know It. Ideate Training.

Position yourself to land dream projects. Tap the full potential of your software solutions. Increase your facility, fluidity and capability to maximize the value of your precision software tools.
9.8-9.9::Seattle
Revit MEP - Electrical Fundamentals
9.9::San Francisco
Revit Architecture Families
9.13-9.15::Portland
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
9.13-9.15::San Francisco
AutoCAD Fundamentals
9.19-9.28*::Online
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
*Course is scheduled over 6 (4 hour) non-consecutive virtual sessions.
9.20-9.22::Sacramento
Civil 3D Fundamentals
Know your software. Sign up now! 

Contact the Ideate Training Department at 888.662.7238 x1012 or education@ideateinc.com.

August 25, 2016

Revit 2017: Trim and Extend, and Quick Connect!



Thanks to the enhanced functionality of Trim and Extend, and Quick Connect in Revit 2017 MEP designers can now fill in the gaps in a Revit Fabrication model for ductwork, pipework, and electrical containment.

With the Trim and Extend tool you can fill gaps between two straight runs of duct, pipe, cable tray or conduit. And, similarly, the Quick Connect tool allows you to fill gaps between a fitting and a straight run where no additional fittings are needed.

Here is a short video demonstrating how to use both Trim and Extend, and Quick Connect with Revit Fabrication Parts. 


Thank you for reading. For more information on the software solutions, training and consulting Ideate provides, please visit the Ideate Inc. website.


Senior Application Specialist MEP/AEC Solutions
Bill has over 25 years experience in applying MEP & AEC design solutions for large commercial companies, this has led to actively develop Autodesk® Revit® implementation strategies, techniques, and procedures for architectural and MEP companies. He has worked for TEECOM Design Group, GTE/GTEL, Greg LeDoux and Associates, and Scottish Power in England. Bill is an Autodesk MEP Implementation Certified Expert, and has been the Lead Designer for several multimillion dollar communication sites which have included structural, electrical, HVAC, conduit, cable plans and equipment layouts. He graduated from the Pasadena Institute of Technology and has a Sustainable Design Certification from the University of California at Berkeley.

August 23, 2016

Visiting our History

Today we raise a glass in honor of the 50-year anniversary of The National History Preservation Act (NHPA), which created the National Register of Historic Places, the list of National Historic Landmarks, and the State Historic Preservation Offices.

We are proud to provide BIM consulting, training, and support to firms that advance the goals of the NHPA, including Page & Turnbull. This California-based firm was founded shortly after the NHPA. It brings together architects, conservators, architectural historians, and planners to help our communities realize the aesthetic, cultural, economic, environmental, and historical benefits of preservation.

Page & Turnbull is headquartered in San Francisco, with branch offices in Los Angeles and Sacramento. Those familiar with San Francisco will know some of the buildings Page & Turnbull has worked on: The Exploratorium at Pier 15, the Ferry Building, and the Walt Disney Family Museum. Here are a few details of some of its other preservation projects that they work on around the country:

Royal Presidio Chapel, Monterey, CA

Page & Turnbull was part of a team that rehabilitated this chapel, which was designed in 1792 and completed in 1795. It is the oldest existing stone building in California and one of the country’s earliest national landmarks.


Meyer-Buck Estate, Stanford, CA

Built in 1920, this Stanford University building stood in ruins after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. It underwent full rehabilitation in 1999, and nearly every surface of each structure received restoration treatment. 

Desert View Watchtower, Grand Canyon

The original design of this 1932 watchtower allowed for deterioration, resulting in cracking and water intrusion. A 3D laser scan identified crack locations, crack monitors analyzed movement, and hidden expansion joints were introduced to support subsequent repairs. 

Without the NHPA, Page & Turnbull, and other historic preservation firms and conservation organizations, we may not have these and thousands of other structures to enjoy. As we celebrate NHPA’s 50-year anniversary, we toast the work that has been done to save these beautiful, interesting, and important historic structures. 

August 22, 2016

e-Learning - Upcoming Revit, InfraWorks, and Ideate Software Classes

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning – live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education.
8.23::Revit 201:
View Properties - Controlling Visibility
8.25::Ideate Software:
Simplify Revit Model Management with
Ideate BIMLink
8.26::Infrastructure 201:
Intro to InfraWorks
8.30::Revit 201:
Worksharing Best Practices
9.1::Ideate Software:
Audit Your Revit Projects with
Ideate Explorer
9.2::Revit 201:
Making Titleblocks and Drawing Lists
9.8::Ideate Software:
Streamline Revit MEP Workflows with
Ideate BIMLink
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.

Get It. Know It. Use It.

Classroom Training - Open Revit Architecture, Revit MEP and AutoCAD Classes

Know It. Ideate Training.

Position yourself to land dream projects. Tap the full potential of your software solutions. Increase your facility, fluidity and capability to maximize the value of your precision software tools.
8.30-9.1::Sacramento
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
9.8-9.9::Seattle
Revit MEP - Electrical Fundamentals
9.9::San Francisco
Revit Architecture Families
9.13-9.15::Portland
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
9.13-9.15::San Francisco
AutoCAD Fundamentals
9.19-9.28*::Online
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
*Course is scheduled over 6 (4 hour) non-consecutive virtual sessions.

Know your software. Sign up now! 

Contact the Ideate Training Department at 888.662.7238 x1012 or education@ideateinc.com.

August 16, 2016

Revit 2017: Route and Fill

Using the new Route and Fill feature in Revit 2017, MEP designers can now "fill in the gaps" in a Revit Fabrication model for ductwork, pipework, and electrical containment.
The Route and Fill tool conveniently allows you to add parts between two open connectors in a faster, more efficient way than placing parts one-by-one.

Check out my short video demonstrating how to use the Route and Fill tool with Revit Fabrication Parts. 


Thank you for reading. For more information on the software solutions, training and consulting Ideate provides, please visit the Ideate Inc. website.

Senior Application Specialist MEP/AEC Solutions
Bill has over 25 years experience in applying MEP & AEC design solutions for large commercial companies, this has led to actively develop Autodesk® Revit® implementation strategies, techniques, and procedures for architectural and MEP companies. He has worked for TEECOM Design Group, GTE/GTEL, Greg LeDoux and Associates, and Scottish Power in England. Bill is an Autodesk MEP Implementation Certified Expert, and has been the Lead Designer for several multimillion dollar communication sites which have included structural, electrical, HVAC, conduit, cable plans and equipment layouts. He graduated from the Pasadena Institute of Technology and has a Sustainable Design Certification from the University of California at Berkeley.

August 15, 2016

e-Learning - Upcoming Revit, InfraWorks, and Ideate Software Classes

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning – live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education.
8.18::Revit 201:
Creating Curtain Walls, Panels, Storefronts and Mullions
8.23::Revit 201:
View Properties - Controlling Visibility
8.25::Ideate Software:
Simplify Revit Model Management with
Ideate BIMLink
8.26::Infrastructure 201:
Intro to InfraWorks
8.30::Revit 201:
Worksharing Best Practices
9.1::Ideate Software:
Audit Your Revit Projects with
Ideate Explorer
9.2::Revit 201:
Making Titleblocks and Drawing Lists
9.8::Ideate Software:
Streamline Revit MEP Workflows with
Ideate BIMLink
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.

Get It. Know It. Use It.

Classroom Training - Open Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, and AutoCAD Civil 3D Classes

Know It. Ideate Training.

Position yourself to land dream projects. Tap the full potential of your software solutions. Increase your facility, fluidity and capability to maximize the value of your precision software tools.
8.22-8.31*::Online
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
*Course is scheduled over 6 (4 hour) non-consecutive virtual sessions.
8.23-8.25::San Jose
Civil 3D Fundamentals
8.29-8.30::San Francisco
Civil 3D for Surveyors
8.30-8.31::San Jose
AutoCAD Beyond the Basics
8.30-9.1::Sacramento
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
Know your software. Sign up now! 

Contact the Ideate Training Department at 888.662.7238 x1012 or education@ideateinc.com.

August 11, 2016

Revit 2017: Design to Fabrication

It's hard to believe it's now August, and we still haven't covered all of the powerful features in Revit 2017!

In this post, we will review the new Design to Fabrication feature

Revit MEP designers can now “convert generic Revit MEP elements to Fabrication Model” with LOD 400 detail Fabrication Parts. This means you can convert selected parts or an entire duct or pipe network.

The Design to Fabrication tools provide a more efficient workflow, since the fabrication model does not need to be redrawn from scratch.

Here is a short video demonstrating how to use the Route and Fill with Revit Fabrication Parts. 

Thank you for reading. For more information on the software solutions, training and consulting Ideate provides, please visit the Ideate Inc. website.

Senior Application Specialist MEP/AEC Solutions
Bill has over 25 years experience in applying MEP & AEC design solutions for large commercial companies, this has led to actively develop Autodesk® Revit® implementation strategies, techniques, and procedures for architectural and MEP companies. He has worked for TEECOM Design Group, GTE/GTEL, Greg LeDoux and Associates, and Scottish Power in England. Bill is an Autodesk MEP Implementation Certified Expert, and has been the Lead Designer for several multimillion dollar communication sites which have included structural, electrical, HVAC, conduit, cable plans and equipment layouts. He graduated from the Pasadena Institute of Technology and has a Sustainable Design Certification from the University of California at Berkeley.

August 9, 2016

What's in a Name?

On August 1, 2016, we entered a new Autodesk era, the era of “subscribers.” The words “subscribe” and “subscription” have been used with Autodesk products for a long time, so this new, formal name is causing a bit of confusion. 

I’ll try to clear things up.

In a nutshell, you are a subscriber with Autodesk if you:

1. Own an Autodesk product and have a current maintenance plan. You will want to b
e sure to keep your maintenance plan up-to-date; you will lose your subscriber status if your plan expires. 

2. Have a subscription contract (formerly called a “desktop subscription”) to an Autodesk product.


If you do not meet either of the above criteria, but own an Autodesk product, you are considered a legacy customer. As legacy customer you can continue to run your software as long as your computer and operating system support it, but you will not have access to upgrades or the latest software.

Why do you want to be a subscriber? Because you get all of these benefits:

• Instant access to the latest product releases and enhancements.
• Access to previous versions of the software.
• Ability to use your software on your home computer.
• Ability to use your software when traveling outside of your home country.
• Autodesk technical support.
• Easy-to-use administrative tools that allow you to simply and effectively manage software licenses, seats, and usage.
• Additional cloud and software services.

Still have questions? Feel free to contact me. I would be happy to talk with you about your status and your options.


Thank you for reading. For more information on the software solutions, training and consulting Ideate provides, please visit the Ideate Inc. website.

John Souza
Director of Sales
John Souza started on the ground floor with Autodesk CAD, selling solutions since release 10. In the nearly 30 years since, he's worked to grow his expertise with each Autodesk solution, weaving a career around cutting-edge 3D design software sales.

He has proven success in building high-performing sales teams in the Civil Engineering and Government sectors, he's managed and led business development and sales teams for Autodesk and Advanced Solutions. Joining Ideate, Inc. in 2003, he was initially the Manufacturing Solutions Director then worked to expand reach within the AEC community as Director of Business Development. Today, as Sales Director, he leads a dedicated team working to connect architects and designers with best-fit design technology education and implementation solutions.


August 8, 2016

e-Learning - Upcoming Revit, Civil 3D, InfraWorks, and Ideate Software Classes

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning – live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education.
8.9::Infrastructure 201:
Civil 3D-Settings and Styles
8.11::Ideate Software:
Display Non-BIM Data with
Ideate Sticky
8.12::Revit 201:
Revit Server
8.18::Revit 201:
Creating Curtain Walls, Panels, Storefronts and Mullions
8.25::Ideate Software:
Simplify Revit Model Management with
Ideate BIMLink
8.26::Infrastructure 201:
Intro to InfraWorks
9.1::Ideate Software:
Audit Your Revit Projects with
Ideate Explorer
9.8::Ideate Software:
Streamline Revit MEP Workflows with
Ideate BIMLink
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.

Get It. Know It. Use It.

Classroom Training - Open Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, and AutoCAD Civil 3D Classes

Know It. Ideate Training.

Position yourself to land dream projects. Tap the full potential of your software solutions. Increase your facility, fluidity and capability to maximize the value of your precision software tools.
8.16-8.18::Portland
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
8.16-8.18::Sacramento
AutoCAD Fundamentals
8.16-8.18::San Francisco
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
8.22-8.31*::Online
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
*Course is scheduled over 6 (4 hour) non-consecutive virtual sessions.
8.23-8.25::San Jose
Civil 3D Fundamentals
8.29-8.30::San Francisco
Civil 3D for Surveyors
Know your software. Sign up now! 

Contact the Ideate Training Department at 888.662.7238 x1012 or education@ideateinc.com.

August 5, 2016

Why She Runs

Ideate, Inc. MEP Application Specialist, Vasudha Dixit has accomplished an amazing feat.

Vasudha spent the last three months training to participate in the San Francisco Half Marathon on July 31st, which we are proud to say she successfully completed. But she didn’t just run for running’s sake. She ran for a very important cause: Asha for Education, a non-profit dedicated to educating underprivileged children in India.


Asha for Education is a fully volunteer-run organization working with NGOs in India to create synergies towards common goals, and it is dedicated to creating self-sustaining projects that can keep on-going even beyond their involvement.

Some of the projects the San Francisco Chapter of Asha supported are:

Pneuma Trust
Pneuma Trust runs a shelter called Home for Children in Madurai, Tamil Nadu for children who are orphans and semi-orphans of HIV/AIDS infected parents. The home provides food, clothing, and shelter free of cost for 35 children, and sends the children to government run schools to continue regular education.

Society for Women in Rural Development (SWIRD)

SWIRD currently works in 10 pre-primary schools, helping to educate underprivileged children. Improvements including free uniforms, medical help, elimination of fees, and proper structures for classrooms. All of the children who have passed in the last year are studying in local, government-run primary schools, and many of the students from previous years have gone on to high school.

Etasha Society
The organization is located in South East Delhi and focuses on providing schools for low income communities and counseling for students. Etasha counselors work with students who are having difficulty with family relationships and/or suffering from depression. They also help students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Their goal is to reduce drop-out rates and build student's self-confidence.

Vasudha says of the experience, “The Asha team was made up of a great group of dedicated people, and despite the physical aches & pains from running, I had a blast!”


Needless to say, Vasudha has inspired the employees at Ideate, Inc. We couldn’t be prouder.

To learn more about Asha for Education, visit their website.

Vasudha Dixit
AEC Application Specialist 
Vasudha is an MEP Application Specialist at Ideate, Inc. based on San Francisco office. She has a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she specialized in HVAC design, green buildings and energy analysis. Prior to Ideate, she interned at a few multinational companies where she performed finite element analysis for design validation of components. Vasudha provides Revit MEP training and support for various AEC firms.

August 4, 2016

Revit 2017: Improved Text Export to DWG

I am back with more on text improvements in Revit 2017! 

For this post, I'll be focusing-in on the export setup settings for DWG files. Enhancements in the export of text include improved fidelity of character size, location, font, spacing, numbering, tabs and other text related properties. These improvements allow for more consistency in text style and format when working across the Revit and AutoCad platforms.

To get started, you can find the export setup settings for DWG files in the Application Menu > Export > Options > Export Setups.
In the export setup dialog, the settings found in the ‘Text treatment during export’ section specify the degree of visual fidelity you want to maintain upon export. From the drop-down list, you may select one of the following options:  
The first option is Preserve Visual Fidelity, previously referred to as the ‘Exact’ option. 

When using this option: 
  • Exported text looks like it does in Revit.
  • Paragraphs are broken up. 
  • Paragraph functionality of bulleted or numbered lists is lost upon export. 
  • Pressing within a formatted paragraph does not restore the formatting. 
The second option is Preserve Editability, previously referred to as the ‘Approximate’ option. 

When using this option:
  • Text formatting, including paragraph breaks and text wrapping, is preserved.
  • Paragraph functionality of bulleted or numbered lists is maintained.
  • Multilevel lists, new to Revit 2017, maintain paragraph functionality but may need to be manually adjusted. (see my previous post on the subject!)
  • Pressing Enter within a formatted paragraph will restore the formatting. 
Enjoy these time saving enhancements to the Revit text editor when exporting from RVT to DWG. Who doesn't want to simplify their workflow and reduce manual editing time?  

To learn more, check out my corresponding video 
to this post, Revit 2017: Improved Text Export to DWG.

And, if you're eager to learn even more about new text features in Revit 2017 be sure to read Revit 2017: Text Size Changes from my colleague and Ideate Senior Software Developer, Ben Bishoff.

Thank you for reading. For more information on the software solutions, training and consulting Ideate provides, please visit the Ideate Inc. website.


Katrina Rodriguez
Ideate AEC Application Specialist
Katrina is an AEC application specialist at the Ideate, Inc. San Francisco office. She is a California–licensed architect with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of the Philippines. Katrina has over 18 years of experience in the AEC industry with a focus on both commercial and hospitality projects. She is also a Revit Certified Professional with over 8 years of experience utilizing the software on both small and large scale projects, from programming to project close out.

Get it. Know it. Use it.

August 1, 2016

e-Learning - Upcoming Revit, Civil 3D and Ideate Software Classes

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning – live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education.
8.3::Revit 201:
Residential Construction in Revit Architecture
8.4::Ideate Software:
Streamline Revit MEP Workflows with
Ideate BIMLink
8.5::Revit 201:
Revit MEP and Low Voltage Systems
8.9::Infrastructure 201:
Civil 3D-Settings and Styles
8.11::Ideate Software:
Display Non-BIM Data with
Ideate Sticky
8.12::Revit 201:
Revit Server
8.25::Ideate Software:
Simplify Revit Model Management with
Ideate BIMLink 
9.1::Ideate Software:
Audit Your Revit Projects with
Ideate Explorer
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.

Get It. Know It. Use It.

Classroom Training - Open Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, and AutoCAD Civil 3D Classes

Know It. Ideate Training.

Position yourself to land dream projects. Tap the full potential of your software solutions. Increase your facility, fluidity and capability to maximize the value of your precision software tools.
8.16-8.18::Portland
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
8.16-8.18::Sacramento
AutoCAD Fundamentals
8.16-8.18::San Francisco
AutoCAD Fundamentals
8.22-8.31*::Online
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
*Course is scheduled over 6 (4 hour) non-consecutive virtual sessions.
8.23-8.25::San Jose
Civil 3D Fundamentals
8.23-8.25::San Jose
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
Know your software. Sign up now! 

Contact the Ideate Training Department at 888.662.7238 x1012 or education@ideateinc.com.