What the Heck is Autodesk SketchBook Designer 2013?!

If you bought any Autodesk Suites product, and I mean, any: Building, Infrastructure, Product , Plant, Factory, Entertainment or General Design. And any flavor: Standard, Premium or Ultimate - you own SketchBook Designer 2013. Ideate has been reviewing what Sketchbook Designer can do.
 
So again, if you bought any suite from Autodesk you have a copy of SketchBook Designer.

Now the question is: What is it? And how do you use it? Read on to find out.

What It Is and How It Helps
In simplest terms, SketchBook Designer gives you tools to create conceptual not-to-scale freehand sketches on top of your AutoCAD plans/linework or photographs.

Click here for more information from the Autodesk SketchBook Designer product page on autodesk.com.

That was simple! Right. So let’s delve deeper.
 
What is SketchBook Designer Ribbon Tab Within AutoCAD?

You will see a SketchBook Designer tab within AutoCAD if you installed the standalone product or via any of the suites. And you guessed it, it’s that simple - SketchBook Designer LT embedded in AutoCAD. Well, sort of! The Sketchbook Designer tab actually gives you tools to create and edit a canvas and that’s it. For any further conceptual sketches you would need to open the drawing file (.DWG) in standalone SketchBook Designer. Here is an extract verbatim from SketchBook Designer Help:
 
Welcome to SketchBook Designer for AutoCAD, an AutoCAD add-in application. Create canvases in AutoCAD, bring them into SketchBook Designer, to create sketches and creative concepts. Eventually, bring your content back into the AutoCAD environment, where you can interact with it.

SketchBook Designer and SketchBook Pro
Yes! There are two flavors - what are they and which one to use? When you open the SketchBook Designer 2013 you are given an option to choose between the two flavors as below.

SketchBook Designer 2013 has the option to import a drawing file as you can see from the image below. Think of SketchBook Designer at Autodesk SketchBook Pro LT.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro opens image files as below. It is a full blown image editing software - actually more for illustrations and conceptual sketching. For the purpose of understanding, an example of similar image editing software is Adobe Photoshop.

Where Autodesk SketchBook Pro delivers a powerful toolset and fluid freehand drawing experience for professional artists, designers and illustrators helping them sketch, paint, draw and unleash their creativity, SketchBook Designer is a hybrid paint and vector environment, helping enable greater precision and powerful modification capabilities that are ideal both for mouse-based interactions as well as freehand pen-based input.

SketchBook Mobile and Sketchbook Mobile Express for iPad, iPhone and Android
SketchBook Mobile is a paint and drawing application offering a full set of sketching tools and a streamlined and intuitive user interface for your iPad, iPhone and Android devices. Click here to get more information. Sketchbook Mobile Express is a Free app giving you a small subset of the Sketchbook Pro functionality.

Conclusion
 
To conclude here is a summary of this discussion:
 
Sketchbook Pro is a full-blown image editing software.
 
Sketchbook Designer 2013 is “similar” to Sketchbook Pro LT.
 
Sketchbook Designer 2013 is embedded ribbon tab within AutoCAD 2013 lets you create/edit a canvas.
 
Sketchbook Pro is available on iPad, iPhone and Android in 2 flavors - Sketchbook Mobile and the free version Sketchbook Mobile Express.
 
Now remember the reason we are talking about this is because if you own any Autodesk Suite product you have Sketchbook Designer 2013. Now Click here to find out more about it and Use it.

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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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Autodesk Product Keys – Understanding the Relationship to Licensing

One of the subjects that we handle a lot in our technical support department at Ideate, Inc. is software licensing. We take these issues seriously and realize that the ins and outs of the process can be confusing. We try and educate our customers to the way that licensing is handled so that they can feel more confident in managing their software. As a result I wanted to clarify a subject that comes up often in technical support, software product keys.

Since their addition with the 2010 version of Autodesk software, the product keys have caused some confusion. The largest problem has been that if the software is installed with a product key that does not match the serial number it will fail to activate. The error message that is generated does not specifically indicate that this is the issue. This usually solicits a call into technical support and the product key is one of the first things that we verify. The second frustrating thing with this issue is that the software has to be completely reinstalled to change the product key that was used to install it. This is a more time-consuming fix than verifying that you are using the correct product key in the first place.

In order to mitigate this issue, Autodesk started having the installation checking the entered product key in 2012. This was done to prevent the user from going through the installation using the wrong product key. Unfortunately this can create its own issue, especially for those who were comfortable with the product key usage in the previous version.

The issue with the 2012 and newer software is that since the media will only allow you to use the product keys that match it you can’t also enter the product key for the serial number you are using. This can be a problem for users that have purchased a Suite and a point product. It means that you may not be able to use the media of one to install the other.

In general we have found that you can use the installation for a point product with the product key of an advanced version like a suite that it is contained in. For example, if you have a serial number for Building Design Suite Ultimate, but you only want to install Navisworks Manage you can use the Navisworks Manage installation media.  This will tie all product licenses for the serial number to the computer it is installed onto, in this case the other products contained in Building Design Suite Ultimate, even though only one product was installed.

The opposite is not true. You can’t use a Building Design Suite Ultimate to install your Navisworks Manage specific serial numbers. This means that you need to have the media for both and use the one that matches your serial number. If you want to try and use the media on hand, you can go ahead and launch the install and try the product key. If it accepted you can go ahead and use the media. If it is not accepted you will need to download the media that does match your product key.

Now, all of this only applies to standalone type licenses. The network installations are much more flexible since they do not have to be activated. If you are using network licenses you can install using any media, using the product key that matches the media. The software will then pull the “cheapest” available licenses no matter what media or product key was used to install it.

There is one exception to this. The “one-box” version of Revit that comes with the Building Design Suites is only sold as a part of the Building Design Suite. As a result it will bypass “cheaper” licenses for Revit Architecture, MEP, or Structure and only pull Building Design Suite licenses. If you want to use the “cheaper” licenses first, you will have to install using that matching media.
 
For your convenience, we have compiled a list of product keys for the currently supported Autodesk software.

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Jesika DiGregorio
Ideate Technical Support Specialist
Jesika received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon where she worked on construction of a student-designed structure. Her work experience includes Junior Designer at an award-winning firm specializing in architecture and land planning, and Intern Architect at a firm that provides services in planning, design, construction documents and construction administration for projects of all sizes. Jesika provides online and phone technical support to Ideate clients from the Ideate Authorized Training Center in Portland, Oregon.

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Autodesk Design Suites – Skip the Hiccups

This year Autodesk released several new bundles of software called Design Suites. You can learn more about these great deals here. 

As with any new thing, there have been a few minor hiccups that we have seen in technical support. Here are the issues and what you can do to avoid them.

Standalone:

• Software can’t be split between computers. If you have one seat of the Design Suite you can install all of the software on one computer. You can’t install some items (Navisworks and 3ds Max) on one machine and other items (AutoCAD and Revit) on another machine.  In these situations we would recommend either a second seat or to buy a network version for computers that would not be in use at the same time.

Network:

• Don’t install the software as a trial. There is the temptation to install the software right away, even when your network licenses have not been set up yet. With the various Design Suites the software you choose is installed all at once. It is much quicker than installing the software one by one, but once it is installed, there is no way to uninstall all of them. So, the trials that were installed to get you started sooner must then be uninstalled one at a time so that they can then be reinstalled using the network license information.
• Request network licenses for all of your software at the same time. When using the Design Suite licenses in a license file it needs to have the same issue date as the other licenses or it will cancel out the other licenses.
• Order the licenses in the order they would cascade. In order to avoid any potential issues we  recommend reorganizing the license file in the cascade order, for most companies this will be point product, suite, design suite; for example – AutoCAD, Revit, Revit Suite, Design Suite.  A cleaned up license file will have these parts:

Server Lines (SERVER, USE_SERVER, VENDOR)

AutoCAD Package and Increment

Revit Package and Increment

Building Design Suite Package and Increment

PList Increment (only the highest version found in your licenses, e.g. ’adskflex 1.000’)

• AutoCAD 2012 should be installed using the Design Suite product key. Only an AutoCAD 2012 with a Design Suite product key will pull a Design Suite license. As a result, you might end up with a user who has opened Navisworks and AutoCAD and is using two licenses. If you reinstall that AutoCAD and use the suite information, that user would then only use one license (from the Design Suite). This does not affect the AutoCAD verticals; Architecture, MEP, and Structural Detailing.

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Jesika DiGregorio
Technical Support Specialist
Jesika received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon where she worked on construction of a student-designed structure. Her work experience includes Junior Designer at an award-winning firm specializing in architecture and land planning, and Intern Architect at a firm that provides services in planning, design, construction documents and construction administration for projects of all sizes. Jesika provides online and phone technical support to Ideate clients from the Ideate Authorized Training Center in Portland, Oregon.

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Hand Pick from the Best and Brightest Tech Experts

Ideate Speakers to Present at Autodesk University 2011

This year, Ideate technical team is providing interesting and informative presentations at Autodesk University.  AU 2011 will be held from November 29 to December 1, 2011 at The Venetian in Las Vegas (http://au.autodesk.com).  

Ideate speakers will be highlighted in such diverse topics as LIDAR and Point clouds, 2D to 3D transitioning, shop drawing creation in Revit, process integration of Autodesk Design Suites, and Lean Business Practices in BIM.  This diversity of topics, and depth of knowledge, is a tradition at Ideate, Inc. and highlights the high technical expertise of the Ideate technical staff. 
Autodesk University is known for showcasing the ‘best and brightest’ as presenters, and Ideate is proud of providing some interesting and informative sessions to AU 2011.

Here is a brief overview of each of the sessions:

LIDAR Data and Point Clouds: From Scan to Plan with AutoCAD Civil 3D: Session ID: CI3853

Matt Miyamoto, PE, Ideate Infrastructure Application Specialist

This lecture class is designed for the surveyor, engineer or planner who is interested in finding out more about the ground-mounted LiDAR scanning process.  Technological advancements have made it much easier for engineers and developers to gain access to LiDAR data.  In this class, we will take a look at some of the tools for LiDAR data collection, and discuss how ground-mounted data is collected, processed, and incorporated into a Civil 3D drawing via AutoCAD ® Civil 3D Point Cloud functionality.  Additionally, we will see how a Civil 3D Point Cloud object can be used to create an existing ground model for use in design or further evaluated in Autodesk Navisworks®.  If you’re interested in LiDAR technology, or have been working with LiDAR data and wonder where your data comes from, this class is for you. 

Shop Drawings in Revit: What? It Can Do That?: Session ID: SE2745

Ron Palma, Ideate AEC Application Specialist

Do you have a need to create shop or assembly drawings of building materials within Revit Architecture or Revit Structure? Have you been drawing 2D shop drawings in drafting views without the benefit of live views in the building model? Or have you created “live” views of your model and then resorted to visibility graphic manipulation to isolate what it is you are trying to document? If so, this class is for you. The class focuses on helping you create shop drawings of your designs using the new Parts, Assemblies, and Assembly drawing tools in Revit Architecture and Revit Structure 2012. 

2D to 3D: Transitioning Documentation from AutoCAD to Revit: Session ID: SE7280 –U (Part of AU 2011 Unconference Sessions)

Ron Palma, Ideate AEC Application Specialist

This unconference session will be focused on the transitions you must consider when moving from 2D documentation to 3D documentation. Additional topics will include making use of BIM in the structural engineering documentation process, how we may consider presenting designs and documents in new ways beyond the traditional 2D views, and considerations in getting other BIM team members involved in the integrated project delivery (IPD) process. 

How Suite It is! Leveraging Autodesk Design Suites from Schematic Design to Construction: Session ID: AB4384-P

Teresa Martin, Ideate Senior Application Specialist

This class will focus on using Autodesk Design Suites to leverage your workflow process from its humble napkin-sketch beginning to a means and method construction model as well as post-occupancy usage. We will discuss Autodesk Revit, 3ds Max Design, Navisworks, and Quantity Takeoff.

Adopting Lean Processes in BIM: Session ID: BO2507

David Haynes, AIA, LEED AP, Ideate Director of Consulting

This session is aimed at Business Owners, and Firm Principals to highlight the next step in BIM Business Transition

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has given architects, engineers, and contractors new tools and revised workflow processes that should translate to higher profits. Some firms are realizing gains and some are finding them elusive. This class will explore the issues involved and discuss how adopting Lean processes can increase profitability and efficiency, decrease issues, and create a better total “design and build” experience for the client. The class will explore how to translate success in Lean practices (mostly in the manufacturing world) to the service-oriented world of architecture and engineering. These changes in workflow and business practices require a new look at how we do project design and documentation.

Congratulations to these Ideate presenters to Autodesk University 2011. See you at AU2011 in Las Vegas. See Ideate at its Ideate BIMLink booth (#806).

Express Your Creativity, Your Way - with Autodesk Design Suites

What is AutoCAD Design Suite Premium?
Autodesk has a new package of design and visualization tools, Autodesk Design Suite 2011. A high-value offering for architects and designers, Autodesk Design Suite Premium 2011 software combines the familiar power of AutoCAD with best-in-class 3D visualization and animation workflows.



Offering easy access to a cost-effective suite of leading Autodesk products, it gives you, as an AEC professional, the tools you need to design more creatively, communicate ideas with clients more clearly and accelerate the sales process.

With Autodesk Design Suite you can:
• Get more value out of your Investment: Get the Autodesk leading design and visualization software in a single, cost-effective package – a savings of 44% off MSRP.
• Improve workflow for increased productivity: enhance design with a single suite of products that integrates easily into your existing workflow.
• Communicate more clearly with clients: Bring designs to life visually, communicate with more clarity, and facilitate a smoother approval process at every stage of design.
• More compelling bids: Develop more inspiring designs faster than the competition, and win more business with emotionally engaging presentations that inspire confidence in your vision.

Ready to learn more? Contact sales@ideateinc.com today.

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Autodesk Design Suite Premium Rebate - Act Now to Save on AutoCAD

3D Visualization & Animation

A high-value offering for architects and designers, Autodesk Design Suite Premium 2011 software combines the familiar power of AutoCAD with best-in-class 3D visualization and animation workflows:

- Create powerful, emotionally engaging visualizations
- Develop interactive presentations
- Illustrate, paint, and manipulate concepts naturally







Includes:
AutoCAD
Autodesk Alias Sketch
Autodesk Showcase
Autodesk 3ds Max Design

And now - get an Autodesk Design Suite Premium Rebate when you purchase qualifying new commercial licenses and/or upgrades of Autodesk® Design Suite Premium or Autodesk® Design Suite Advanced software.

• $400 Mail-in Rebate for Autodesk Design Suite Premium or Autodesk Design Suite Advanced New Licenses
  
• $200 Mail-in Rebate for Autodesk Design Suite Premium or Autodesk Design Suite Advanced Upgrades and Legacy from all eligible versions and paths, including R14-2011 versions of AutoCAD, Autodesk Design Suite Standard, 3ds Max and 3ds Max Design

Eligible products must be ordered and invoiced before January 14, 2011. Complete Terms and Conditions.

Contact your Ideate Account Manager today to learn more!
sales@ideateinc.com 888.662.7238

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