Showing posts with label Ron Palma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ron Palma. Show all posts

April 18, 2017

Help! My .dwg Is Too Large For Email

I was on tech support when a client called in with a question about making a .dwg file smaller. The client had used Revit to export a floor plan to a .dwg to hand off to a consultant, but once exported, the file size was too big to send via email.

In response, I shared some things to consider when exporting a Revit view to a CAD file:

  • Although exporting a view creates a .dwg, it doesn't create an optimized .dwg. Here are a couple of ways to try to optimize it:
  1. After exporting the view to a CAD file, open the .dwg in AutoCAD, use the PURGE or the -PURGE commands to purge the model and clean up the file. 
  2. Save the file.
  3. Check the file size. Is it smaller? If not, go to the next bullet point.
  • After the .dwg has been exported, open the file.
  1. Use the WBLOCK command to create a new .dwg using the Entire drawing option. See the image below.
  2. Specify a location and name for the new .dwg.
  3. Specify the Insert units for the .dwg.
  4. Press [OK]. This will create a new “native” .dwg from the exported Revit view .dwg. This .dwg should be optimized and be the absolutely smallest the CAD file can get without deleting geometry.
  5. Check the file size. The file should be smaller and optimized for working with AutoCAD consultants.



Use this process to optimize and reduce the size of your exported .dwg files prior to sending to consultants. 

Until next time, 
Ron

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


Ron Palma
AEC Application Specialist
Ron has 25+ years of experience in the architectural industry as a drafter, designer, lead project designer, trainer, and a CAD manager implementing Autodesk Architectural Solutions for residential design firms. His instructional accomplishments include: Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), trainer, support technician, educator at Portland and Clackamas Community Colleges, as well as a U.S. Army certified instructor. Ron holds a BA in Instructional Design suma cum laude, is a member of the Oregon Army National Guard, where he is a First Sergeant of an Infantry Company, specializing in training and mentoring soldiers in their careers, and has been deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. Ron is a published author and continues to write professional technical training manuals and shorts for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit. As an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Professional, Ron continues to provide Revit Architecture and AutoCAD training and support for various AEC firms. @RonPalmaAEC

March 16, 2017

BIM 360 Team: Service Unavailable?

With cloud computing becoming more prevalent these days, much of our data is now being stored in “The Cloud.” So, what happens when The Cloud is unavailable? Does all work come to a screeching halt? In some cases, the answer may be yes. But have no fear, we have a recommended practice for moving forward with Revit projects stored in the BIM 360 Team cloud.

With Collaboration for Revit (C4R) and BIM 360 Team (cloud storage space or “the hub”), Revit models are processed via C4R and stored in the BIM 360 Team hub. Essentially, the Revit model “central file” is stored in The Cloud, with BIM 360 Team being the interface to manage and view the model.

After a Revit model has been processed and stored in BIM 360 Team, a cache file is created on the local machine that was used to process the Revit model. This cache file enables faster loading and synching times when working between C4R and BIM 360 Team. Other team members can use Revit with C4R to open models from the BIM 360 Team hub, which in turn creates a cache file on their local machines. Essentially, this becomes their copy of the Revit model.

Since the local copy of the Revit model is a cache file, it is hidden from the everyday user, and is assigned an arbitrary name with letters and numbers, as depicted below.



The fact that cache files are created by initially opening a file from the BIM 360 Team hub and then updated each time the Revit model is synched means that a local copy of the model can be worked on in the event the BIM 360 Team service becomes unavailable.

To locate the cache file for a project, use Windows Explorer and copy/paste one of the following addresses:

  • For Revit 2015: %localappdata%\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit 2015\CollaborationCache
  • For Revit 2016: %localappdata%\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit 2016\CollaborationCache
  • For Revit 2017: %localappdata%\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit 2017CollaborationCache

Once the folder has been located, look for the Revit (.rvt) model with the naming convention described and depicted above. Once the cache file is located, determine amongst your team members the copy that should be used.

Ideate’s recommendation is to use Revit to open and detach the cache file, then process the file as a new Central model on your local network. Note that once detached, the file will no longer synch with the model stored in BIM 360 Team. This will allow users to create local copies to work from in the traditional work sharing environment. Later, when the BIM 360 Team service becomes available, the Central model can be detached from the local network and processed back to the BIM 360 Team hub for cloud collaboration.

Alternately, the cache file can be detached, worked on, and saved. When the BIM 360 Team service becomes available, the changes can be copied from the detached copy of the Revit model, then pasted into the Revit model in BIM 360 Team. Note that this is a less desirable process, as Revit building element relationships may not be coordinated correctly and can be time consuming.

We realize that both methods are not ideal courses of action, but if time working on the model is critical, the above suggestions will help you move forward.

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

Ron Palma
AEC Application Specialist
Ron has 25+ years of experience in the architectural industry as a drafter, designer, lead project designer, trainer, and a CAD manager implementing Autodesk Architectural Solutions for residential design firms. His instructional accomplishments include: Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), trainer, support technician, educator at Portland and Clackamas Community Colleges, as well as a U.S. Army certified instructor. Ron holds a BA in Instructional Design suma cum laude, is a member of the Oregon Army National Guard, where he is a First Sergeant of an Infantry Company, specializing in training and mentoring soldiers in their careers, and has been deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. Ron is a published author and continues to write professional technical training manuals and shorts for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit. As an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Professional, Ron continues to provide Revit Architecture and AutoCAD training and support for various AEC firms. @RonPalmaAEC

January 17, 2017

Creating Lettering on Glass (Decals Part Two)

In my post last week, My Model is Finished, Now to Add The Decals, I showed you how to use the Decal tool in Autodesk Revit software to apply a raster image into 3D views and Renderings for use as television screens, building signage, photographs, and paintings. I want to take that one step further now and show you another use for decals, lettering on glass.
With standard decals, a Source image is added to a Decal Type with the decal in turn being added to a surface. When creating the appearance of lettering on glass, two image files need to be used:

1. One that is considered the Source image and will represent the lettering or symbol “painted” on the glass
2. One that will be used as a mask, or in decal terms, a Cutout.

The Source image will generally include any lettering or symbols against a transparent background. Most photo editing programs will allow you to create an image that includes the transparent color. In the image below, the checkered pattern indicates the transparent background.

Note: Just using a Source image with a transparency is not enough to create the lettering effect.
The Cutout image is used as the mask for the Source image, and it is black and white. The black portion of the image is the transparent area from the Source image and will not display when applied to a surface in Revit. The White area is the “Cutout” of the mask where the text and symbols of the Source image will be placed.
To create the decal, use the Decal Types tool found in the Insert tab>>Link panel>>Decal flyout>> Decal Types tool.
In the Decal Types dialog, select the Create New Decal icon (see image below) to create a new decal. For the Source image, which will be the actual decal/image applied to the glass, pick the […] beside the Source to select the Source image to be used.

At the bottom of the dialog, choose the Cutouts drop-down menu and select “Image file” from the list. This will display a Source box similar to the Source box at the top of the dialog box. Pick the […] to select the image that will be used as the Cutout.
After the Decal Type is created, use the Place Decal tool to add the type to a glazing surface. Once rendered, you should have what appears to be lettering on glazing.

Cutouts can also be used to mask any image for portions of the image you do not want to show up in your Rendering. In the following example, an Image and a Cutout was used to place Graffiti on a building.
To see this workflow in action, watch my video, Creating Lettering on Glass.

Have fun working with decals and making your renderings dynamic.

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

Ron Palma
AEC Application Specialist
Ron has 25+ years of experience in the architectural industry as a drafter, designer, lead project designer, trainer, and a CAD manager implementing Autodesk Architectural Solutions for residential design firms. His instructional accomplishments include: Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), trainer, support technician, educator at Portland and Clackamas Community Colleges, as well as a U.S. Army certified instructor. Ron holds a BA in Instructional Design suma cum laude, is a member of the Oregon Army National Guard, where he is a First Sergeant of an Infantry Company, specializing in training and mentoring soldiers in their careers, and has been deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. Ron is a published author and continues to write professional technical training manuals and shorts for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit. As an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Professional, Ron continues to provide Revit Architecture and AutoCAD training and support for various AEC firms. @RonPalmaAEC

January 10, 2017

My Model is Finished, Now to Add the Decals (Decals Part One)

In my post From Napkin Sketches to Revit, I showed you how to use the image command to apply a raster image of a napkin sketch, add it into your Revit model, scale it, and use it as a background to trace over to create a BIM model. In that post, I mentioned images could only be added to 2D views, but by using the Decal tool in Autodesk Revit software, an image can be used within 3D views and perspectives.

The Decal tool can be a helpful tool when the desired effect is to use an image to enhance your model. Decals can be used to display a client’s signage on a building, a painting in an office or living room, a football game on TV, or even your business name lettered on a glass door, and it is typically used when rendering a model.



Working with Decals:
The Decal tool can be found in the Insert tab. This tool is a dual functioning tool; pick the bottom portion of the tool to flyout the two tools related to decals.



The Decal Types tool is used to create and configure a decal for use in the model.

In the Decal Types dialog box, new decals can be created, duplicated, renamed, and deleted. The list on the left contains any decals configured in the project. 

The settings on the right side of the dialog box control various settings for the selected decal from the list on the left. Settings such as Selecting an image to use a decal, the Brightness, Reflectivity, Transparency, and Finish of the decal can all be controlled here.



After a decal has been created and configured, use the Place Decal tool to place the decal on a flat or curved surface. Note that the decal image will be visible when using a Realistic visual style and when rendering. If you are using a visual style other than Realistic, the decal will not show at the time you add the decal.



At the time, you add the decal to a surface, the decal boundary appears, and it will adjust to either a curved or a flat surface. Keep in mind, the decal is designed for use in a rendering. Although it will display when using the Realistic visual style, the boundary of the decal will appear.



Images and the Image tool are used to display the image in a 2D view such as a plan and elevation view. Decals can be used in 3D views and are typically effective when the 3D view is rendered, otherwise the Realistic visual style will display the decal boundary.

So there you have it, use Decals to enhance your renderings by helping them be a bit more realistic, incorporate logos or images that would not be able to be used by using the Image command. 

To get a closer look at this workflow, watch my accompanying video, My Model is Finished, Now to Add the Decals.

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

Ron Palma
AEC Application Specialist
Ron has 25+ years of experience in the architectural industry as a drafter, designer, lead project designer, trainer, and a CAD manager implementing Autodesk Architectural Solutions for residential design firms. His instructional accomplishments include: Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), trainer, support technician, educator at Portland and Clackamas Community Colleges, as well as a U.S. Army certified instructor. Ron holds a BA in Instructional Design suma cum laude, is a member of the Oregon Army National Guard, where he is a First Sergeant of an Infantry Company, specializing in training and mentoring soldiers in their careers, and has been deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. Ron is a published author and continues to write professional technical training manuals and shorts for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit. As an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Professional, Ron continues to provide Revit Architecture and AutoCAD training and support for various AEC firms. @RonPalmaAEC

September 29, 2016

Revit Fundamentals for Interior Architecture – Online

Hello, folks, 

I wanted to report back after my last blog post, Ideate Announces Revit Architecture Fundamentals-Online.

We launched our Revit Architecture Fundamentals Online course on August 22nd, 2016, and I have to say, it has been a huge success! Students seem to really enjoy the format, and see value in Ideate, Inc. providing this online training option.

Today we are excited announce our next online offering: Revit Fundamentals for Interior Architecture – Online.

We have had many requests from our interior architecture clients asking us to teach a class geared towards their work and focus. Well, we listened and have created an online Revit class aimed at the interior architecture industry. Building on the success of the Revit Fundamentals online course, the Online Revit Fundamentals for Interior Architecture course will explore those fundamental parts of Revit that make the interior architecture industry a partner in the BIM world.

The online program:


How will the online training work? Class agendas will mirror our in house training by introducing the topic with a presentation, followed by a hands-on demonstration of the topic or function, where students follow along with the instructor, and a quick assessment of what was learned. Each topic will be 
covered in approximately 20-25 minutes, allowing you, the student, to focus on the material being covered in smaller, "bite-sized" chunks.

The class will be taught across five days, with each day occupying a four-hour block of time, break included. This allows users to spend a half a day in training, and still have time to focus on their day-to-day routines. 


Topics Will Include:

• BIM and Revit Overview
• Working with Linked Files
• As-built strategies and phasing
• Grids and Levels
• Working with Walls, Doors, Curtain Walls/Storefronts
• Generating Interior Elevations, Sections, and 3D Camera and Presentation views
• Creating Floors and Ceilings
• Employing Design Options
• Documenting the model
• Working with Schedules
• Assembling Sheets and Printing
• Overview of Worksharing

Looking Forward:

Our inaugural Revit Fundamentals for Interior Architecture online class is scheduled for November of this year, beginning Monday, November
 28, 2016 and concluding Friday, December 2, 2016. Future online classes will be released over the following months and will include topics such as Revit Families, Revit MEP Beyond the Basics, and Revit for Landscape Architecture.

I look forward to helping you continue your education, and providing this next online training opportunity from Ideate, Inc.

Take Care Until Next Time,

Ron

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

Ron Palma
AEC Application Specialist
Ron has 25+ years of experience in the architectural industry as a drafter, designer, lead project designer, trainer, and a CAD manager implementing Autodesk Architectural Solutions for residential design firms. His instructional accomplishments include: Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), trainer, support technician, educator at Portland and Clackamas Community Colleges, as well as a U.S. Army certified instructor. Ron holds a BA in Instructional Design suma cum laude, is a member of the Oregon Army National Guard, where he is a First Sergeant of an Infantry Company, specializing in training and mentoring soldiers in their careers, and has been deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. Ron is a published author and continues to write professional technical training manuals and shorts for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit. As an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Professional, Ron continues to provide Revit Architecture and AutoCAD training and support for various AEC firms. @RonPalmaAEC

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 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.

June 15, 2016

Ideate Announces Revit Architecture Fundamentals - Online

Hello, folks, 

Welcome back to the Ideate Blog. 

I want to share a big project I have been working on for the last few months with you: instructor-led online training. 

Those of you who know me, know my background is in Residential Design, including high-end custom residential buildings, single family residences, and multi-family units. I have trained many clients in the use of AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit. I have also written technical books used in many colleges across the country. Needless to say, the last 25+ years have been very rewarding for me and I have been involved in some really fun projects.

A few years ago, I decided to head back to school and finish up my degree in Instructional Design, where I honed my skills in developing and putting together instructional materials. After a rigorous and dedicated training regimen, I graduated the day before I deployed to Afghanistan with the Oregon Army National Guard. Upon returning from military service, Ideate approached me about creating an online training course. I jumped at the opportunity to put my skills and experience to work developing and creating another great training opportunity for our clients.

Now, I am proud to announce Ideate will be providing a larger online educational presence beginning August 2016.

What is this "online training" I speak of? First off, we are taking what has been successful in our brick and mortar classrooms, and applying it to an online training environment. Our Revit instructors will teach using a “best-practices” methodology, as opposed to a feature-based methodology. Our new Revit training, which will be provided by instructors who have been in your shoes, will focus on the practical application of tools. You will learn the tools in a manner similar to how you might use them in your work, rather than us teaching you a tool out of context, and leaving it up to you to figure out how to implement it.

Many of our classes are instructor-led, and our online courses will be no different. However, given that online training is online, we have had to develop a bit more regimentation for the online environment to ensure you get the best quality training possible.

The online program:


We have developed a four step process, where each topic will be covered in 20-25 minutes. For our fundamentals course we will host six, half day classes. Each class will be four hours in length, with a break, in order to accommodate your busy work schedule, and limit all day training burnout. 


The process breakdown:


Topic Description/Lecture (
3-5 minutes): First, we will briefly explain the topic/function.

Topic Demonstration (
3-5 minutes): Next will be a demonstration from the instructor and a preview of the exercise.

Topic Exercise (
10-15 minutes): This section will be reserved for the student to work through an exercise on the topic described at the beginning.

Topic Assessment (1 minute): The final step of the process is a 1-2 question assessment of the topic, in an effort to re-enforce what was taught.

Looking forward:

As 
previously indicated, the first Ideate online education offering will be our Revit Fundamentals course, available in August 2016. Future online courses will be released over the following months to include topics such as Families, Revit for Interior Architects, Revit for Landscape Architects, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D.

I look forward to helping you continue your education, and am excited by this new education delivery system.

Take Care Until Next Time,

Ron

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


Ron Palma
AEC Application Specialist
Ron has 25+ years of experience in the architectural industry as a drafter, designer, lead project designer, trainer, and a CAD manager implementing Autodesk Architectural Solutions for residential design firms. His instructional accomplishments include: Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), trainer, support technician, educator at Portland and Clackamas Community Colleges, as well as a U.S. Army certified instructor. Ron holds a BA in Instructional Design suma cum laude, is a member of the Oregon Army National Guard, where he is a First Sergeant of an Infantry Company, specializing in training and mentoring soldiers in their careers, and has been deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. Ron is a published author and continues to write professional technical training manuals and shorts for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit. As an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Professional, Ron continues to provide Revit Architecture and AutoCAD training and support for various AEC firms. @RonPalmaAEC

June 9, 2016

From Napkin Sketches to Revit

I have been in the business of designing buildings since the late ‘80s. And, over the years, I have seen the design and documentation practices change a lot. I started off sketching ideas on “trace” (aka, tracing paper or onion skin), copy paper, paper bags, lumber, wall board, and even the proverbial napkin. After the idea was sketched, I would turn the sketch over to a drafter to be turned into working or construction drawing (CDs). The drafter would then use any number of mediums: stone and chisel, chalkboard and chalk, paper and pencil, vellum and ink, CAD or BIM tools to create these CDs. But my process was always the same regardless of the medium, start with a sketch.
We are now in the digital age of design, and our design methods are certainly smarter than they have ever been before. We have instant access to information to make our design bigger and better, but there is still something to be said about getting ideas out of your head and put to paper.

Getting the idea from your head into Revit:

Beginning with a napkin and a conveniently available Ideate pen, I quickly sketched out an idea for a restaurant.
After I had my sketch, I took a picture with my smartphone (previously I would have handed the sketch to the drafter), and sent it to my computer via Bluetooth, (back in the day it might have been sent by facsimile machine). Note as long as your image is a .bmp, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .tif file, you can import it into Revit.

In Revit, I started a new drawing, then used the Image tool to insert the image into the Revit model.
Simply “click” to place the image into a floor plan view or an elevation view. Note that images cannot be placed in 3D views. If you need images in a 3D view investigate the Decal tool. Or maybe that will be the topic of a future post.

Once the image has been placed in the View, it will most likely not be scaled. This is where the Scale tool can be used. The object is to figure out what size something is in the sketch and scale it to the desired size it should be in Revit.

Select the Image to access the Modify|Raster Image tab. Under the Modify panel is the Scale tool.
Once the Scale tool has been accessed Revit prompts you to “Click to Enter Origin”. Because the image is a raster file, Revit cannot snap to a point on the sketch. Pick a point on the sketch from which Revit should scale the image up or down.
After selecting the origin point Revit prompts to “Click to Enter Drag Point”. As you move the cursor a listening dimension is displayed indicating the length from the origin to your cursor location. This is where you specify a referencing length within the sketch that will then be scaled to the desired length.

Move the cursor along the sketched wall to the corner of the building. Again, you cannot snap to the image pixels, so the point being measured is only as good as the sketch and where you decide to click the drag point.
After specifying the drag point, Revit prompts to “Click to Enter New Position of Drag Point”. Ignore this prompt, simply enter the desired real-world length. For example, in my sketch, the distance between the origin point and the drag point (considered the reference length), measured out at 14’-3”, in the sketch but is supposed to be 36’-0” in the model. Entering 36’-0” will scale the referenced length of 14’-3” to 36’-0” scaling the entire image to a “real-world” size.

After the image is scaled, use the image as a guideline for the design. This is where you can test how well scaled your sketching skills are. Keep in mind that you will not be able to “snap” to the sketched lines, and use the sketched image as a guideline.

With the napkin sketch scaled, use any Revit tools to trace over the image to develop your design and move it forward in the BIM world.
Check out the accompanying video to this blog post and prepare to take your drawings from napkin sketches to Revit.

For more information on training and consulting for the various products Ideate services, visit our website.

Ron Palma
AEC Application Specialist
Ron has 25+ years of experience in the architectural industry as a drafter, designer, lead project designer, trainer, and a CAD manager implementing Autodesk Architectural Solutions for residential design firms. His instructional accomplishments include: Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), trainer, support technician, educator at Portland and Clackamas Community Colleges, as well as a U.S. Army certified instructor. Ron holds a BA in Instructional Design suma cum laude, is a member of the Oregon Army National Guard, where he is a First Sergeant of an Infantry Company, specializing in training and mentoring soldiers in their careers, and has been deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support. Ron is a published author and continues to write professional technical training manuals and shorts for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit. As an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Professional, Ron continues to provide Revit Architecture and AutoCAD training and support for various AEC firms. @RonPalmaAEC

May 16, 2016

Classroom Training - Open AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil3D and Revit 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.
5.19::Portland
Revit Architecture Families
5.24-5.26::San Francisco
AutoCAD Fundamentals
6.1-6.2::San Jose
Revit MEP - Mechanical Fundamentals
6.14-6.16::San Jose
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
6.22-6.23::Sacramento
Civil 3D for Surveyors
6.22-6.23::Seattle
Revit Architecture Beyond the Basics
Know your software. Sign up now! 

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

May 9, 2016

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.
5.19::Portland
Revit Architecture Families
5.24-5.26::San Francisco
AutoCAD Fundamentals
5.24-5.26::San Francisco
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
5.24-5.25::San Jose
Civil 3D for Surveyors
6.1-6.2::San Jose
Revit MEP - Mechanical Fundamentals
Know your software. Sign up now! 

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

May 2, 2016

e-Learning - Upcoming Revit and Ideate Software Classes - Enrolling Now

Join the Ideate Tech Experts for eLearning – live online classes that provide your entire organization with easy access to premium education.
5.3::Revit 201:
Roofs in Revit Architecture

5.4::Ideate Software:
Introduction to Ideate Sticky
5.5::Revit 201:
Stairs and Railings in Revit
5.12::Ideate Software:
Auditing Your Revit Project with
Ideate Explorer 
5.13::Revit 201:
Documenting Your Project in Revit MEP: Keynotes and General Notes
5.19::Ideate Software:
Revit Model Management with
Ideate BIMLink 
5.20::Revit 201:
Converting Blocks to Families & Working with 2D Content in Revit
5.25::Ideate Software:
Ideate BIMLink for Revit MEP Projects
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.
5.6::San Francisco
Revit Architecture Families
5.9-5.10::San Francisco
Revit MEP - Electrical Fundamentals
5.10-5.12::Sacramento
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
5.19::Portland
Revit Architecture Families
5.24-5.26::San Francisco
AutoCAD Fundamentals
5.24-5.25::San Jose
Civil 3D for Surveyors
Know your software. Sign up now! 

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

April 25, 2016

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.
5.3-5.5::Seattle
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
5.6::San Francisco
Revit Architecture Families
5.9-5.10::San Francisco
Revit MEP - Electrical Fundamentals
5.10-5.12::Sacramento
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
5.19::Portland
Revit Architecture Families
5.24-5.25::San Jose
Civil 3D for Surveyors
Know your software. Sign up now! 

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

April 5, 2016

Classroom Training - Open Revit, AutoCAD and 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.
4.12-4.14::Sacramento
Civil 3D Fundamentals
4.12-4.14::San Francisco
Revit Structure Fundamentals
4.12-4.14::Sacramento
AutoCAD Fundamentals
4.14::Seattle
Revit Architecture Families
4.26-4.28::San Francisco
AutoCAD Fundamentals
Know your software. Sign up now! 

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