Important Revit MEP 2008 Update

There are 19 reasons you may want to download and update your Revit MEP 2008 with this new build. ( 2007_0615_1700) Most noteworthy is a fix for product activation. The other 18 are listed on this (English) Revit MEP 2008 download page.

A Grand Entrance Requires a Graceful Exit

You can expedite the loading of a Revit project file by following these guidelines when you exit a Revit project.

1. Always exit a Revit project file from a 2D view. Such as a floor plan, elevation, or drafting view.
2. Do not exit (leave) a project from a 3D (isometric or perspective) view.
3. Do not exit a project from a view that has "Shadows turned on". Typically, I suggest turning Shadows off when they are no longer needed in a view.

Use these steps to save and exit a Revit project (*.rvt) file.

1. Go to a 2D view
2. Go to the Window Pulldown Menu > Select Close Hidden Windows
3. Now Select the Save Command
4. Exit the project or software.

Revit component families (doors, windows, furniture) are 3-dimensional. In this case, you'll find Revit family files are intentionally saved from a 3D isometric view. Most familes are set to a default southeast isometric view.

The Revit OPEN dialog box and the Windows file manager (Explore) have a view type called "thumbnails". With thumbnails enabled, you can view family files in a folder using the 3D isometric thumbnail views.

Use these steps to save and exit a Revit component family (*.rfa) file.

1. Set your view to a 3D isometric view.
2. Use the View Pulldown Menu > Orient > Southeast
3. Go to the Window Pulldown Menu > Select Close Hidden Windows
4. Now Select the Save Command
5. Exit the Revit family file.

Auto-Rotating Revit Components: Revit Productivity Techniques

Revit provides two methods for rotating components as you place them into the project.

The easiest technique is to "tap" the SPACEBAR prior to placing a component.

Each time you tap the spacebar, the family component will rotate 90 degrees.

Use this same technique to place components parallel or perpendicular to building elements that are not on a 90-degree angle.

For example, as you insert a component, hold the cursor on the "linework" of an angular oriented building element or component.

While the linework is highlighted (not selected) by the cursor, tap the spacebar. The component attached to your cursor will pick up the angle of the reference object and will begin rotating at 90 degree increments, relative to the reference object's angle. The component is now parallel or perpendicular to the reference object.

The last method for rotating components prior to placement is located in the Options Bar.

Select the Component command and check the "Rotate after placement" checkbox in the Options Bar.

You can dynamically set the angle by picking a point on screen...or just start typing the value of the angle and press the Enter key. Done!

Important Revit Structure 2008 Update

There are 20 reasons you may want to download and update your Revit Structure 2008 with this new build. (20070607_1700) Most noteworthy is a fix for product activation. The other 19 are listed on this (English) Revit Structure 2008 download page.

Choose this page to select your language:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=9339705

Important Revit Architecture 2008 Update

There are 10 reasons you may want to download and update your Revit Architecture 2008 with this new build. (20070607_1700) Most noteworthy is a fix for product activation. The other 9 are listed on this (English) Revit Architecture 2008 download page.

Choose this page to select your language:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=9262388

Revit Productivity Techniques: Assess Your Skillset

I'm publishing a productivity series titled; Revit Productivity Techniques. I have 6 techniques currently loaded into the blog auto-publisher; with several more almost complete. They'll be released every couple days.

As an instructor of 20+ years, I assess learners' skill levels prior to and during the course of every class. I have at least 15 base techniques-skills (outcomes) every Revit user should have when they leave my 3-day Revit Essentials class. These techniques will be published over the next few weeks. Consider using them for your own internal lunch and learns.

The first one will publish tomorrow, Friday, June 15th.

Until then, Happy Flag Day!