Revit 2012 Tweaks and Enhancements

Revit 2012 includes a number of enhancements that solve some of those day to day annoyances for production users. Some of these features may be missed when test driving the new software. Let’s take a look at a few. My name is Teresa Martin, Senior Application Specialist at Ideate, Inc. Revit 2012 contains a number of new features including point cloud support, parts and assemblies and energy analysis to name a few. However, there are a number not so glamorous tweaks that will be of interest to day to day users.


Worksharing Enhancements

• Worksets are now supported as part of view templates. That is to say you can now control workset visibility through view templates. This will be a welcomed feature by BIM Managers and Project Technical Leads everywhere. Also note, that Links, Analytical Model, Lighting, Sun/Shadow as well as Background are now included here as well.




• Another change to Worksharing is the ability to disable the feature. In the past, once it was on, it was on for good. Now if you open the project and choose detach from Central you will have this option:
  
  

You will then have a ‘new’ project with Worksharing disabled. For some users this will solve some long standing issues.

• Another Worksharing feature is Connect to Revit Server option available under the Collaborate Tab>Synchronize panel.




• Worksharing Ballon Notification (to let you know that a workset has been updated)
• On the Graphics Bar on the bottom of the screen, users will find a Worksharing Display Settings option if Worksharing is enabled. This will allow the user to adjust the display settings by color to show things such as ownership, Checkout Status or Model Updates.
  
  

Linking

• This version of Revit supports the tagging of Rooms, Spaces, Aeas, Keynotes, Beams, and Beam Systems through linked Revit models. This could save a lot of time and help firm’s workflow when dealing with large datasets.
• Exporting of linked Revit models to Navisworks. When exporting to Navisworks, linked files will also read through which will save time on file exports as the project progresses.
  
  

Modeling

• Last year, Revit 2011 included a new family known as an adaptive component. Essentially this family let the user utilize the massing environment to make content by wrapping the component in a quasi mass wrapper. The only issue was when brining the component into the project, the user had to launch the in place Mass editor and then drag the component into the project from the browser. Now, users can utilize the massing tools by using the Generic Adaptive Component family. This allows users to create content using the conceptual design tools but without having to wrap/unwrap the content. The family will show up in the component pull down menu.
  
  
  

Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2012 releases for Navisworks, Revit MEP, Revit Structure, Civil 3D, AutoCAD and more: ideateinc.com/2012

Teresa Martin
AEC Solutions Application Specialist
Teresa is a graduate of Cornell University and has over 20 years experience in the architectural and construction industry. She has spent her career pursuing her interest in 3D modeling and computer-aided-design having worked alternately as a designer, project manager, CAD manager, 3D modeler and educator. Teresa currently develops curriculum and customized content as an Revit Implementation Expert. As a trainer in Revit, Navisworks, and Ecotect, Teresa brings her real-world experience to the classroom.

Get it. Know it. Use it.