AutoCAD - Windows XP

Autodesk have announced that from 1st January 2014 support will end for all new and upgraded versions of AutoCAD products, which are released in 2014 or later.

AutoCAD products released prior to that date will still be supported on Windows XP operating system

To find out more see the following link: Windows XP Support

ROLLOVERTIPS in AutoCAD

In AutoCAD you may of noticed that when you hover over an object with your cursor it may or may not display some information about the object. 

The below images shows this information:

 And this images doesn't show the information:

This can be controlled by typing ROLLOVERTIPS into the command line.

0 - Object rollover tooltips aren't displayed

1 - Object rollover tooltips will be displayed.

Autodesk to Acquire Structural Fabrication and Detailing Technology from Graitec

Some very interesting news coming from Autodesk today, they have signed an agreement to acquire Structural fabrication and detailing technology from Graitec.

This means Autodesk will add Graitec's Advance Steel and Advance Concrete products to its growing technology portfolio and structural engineering and BIM solutions.

For more information and details see the following link: Autodesk News

Information above has been taken from Autodesk news website

How to show or hide file name extensions in Windows Explorer

Do you ever forget how to do thing or can't find something your looking for when your working on your computer? Well today I needed to show the extensions for the files in a folder, but I couldn't remember.

So hitting Google give me the answer.

If you need to do the same I am going to list how to.

To show how to show or hide the name extensions in a folder

For Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 only

• Opening a folder, you wish to see the file extensions
• Click Organize.

• Click Folders and search options.
• Click the View (tab).
• Scroll down until you see Hide extensions for know file types, un-tick the box to left.

Note: To hide the extension just tick the box.

• Click OK.

Please note this information was taken from Microsoft Support, also if you click following link it will explain how to do this for Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003: support.microsoft.com/kb/865219

System Requirements for 2014 Suites

Autodesk now have a website which has all the system requirements for all the 2014 Suites.

Click on the following link for more information: System Requirements for 2014 Suites

Autodesk Services & Support

Did you know Autodesk have a page where the post links to things like updates and service packs? 

Click on the following link for more infomration: Autodesk Services & Support

Fundraising 100mile Bike Ride

Hi, 

Can ask everyone just take a few moments out of their day to just read this post. 

On Sunday 1st September I am going to ride a 100 miles for a great cause to raise as much money as I can for a little boy called Jack who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating and currently incurable muscle-wasting disease associated. To find out more about this please Click Here.

To find more about Jack and all the great work that is being done by others to raise as much money as they can. See www.joiningjack.org

If you can sponsor me on my little bike ride I know the money will be going to a great cause to help find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

You can sponsor me here: www.justgiving.com/Gareth-Spencer1

If you would like to follow me along my 100 miles I will be Tweeting when I can and I hoping map my route which I will post when I have finished.

Follow me on Twitter: @Spenhog
Follow @JJack100 for all information about everything and everyone doing the 100 mile or 100 km ride for Joining Jack.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post.

3D Print A Full Scale Car

I came across this great article on a Auto enthusiast to 3D-Print a full scale Aston Martin DB4. 

To find out more read the article on www.gizmag.com

Tutorial for FABmep Import for Revit MEP Now Available

FABmep import of Revit MEP is now available to download from Autodesk Labs. FABmep is Autodesk free technology preview app you can download, which allows you import FABmep models into Revit MEP.

For more information and to download see the following link: FABmep for Revit MEP

Autodesk Navisworks Object Enablers

When you open programs such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Plant 3D, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP and AutoCAD Structural Detailing in Navisworks you may find that you need an Object Enabler so you can access, display object data in Navisworks.

To download the Object Enabler click on the following link: Autodesk Navisworks Services & Support

Recover Revit Files

When opening a file in Revit you receive the following error message, "Data in file <filename> is corrupt and needs to be manually recovered."

Solution: See Autodesk Revit Services & Support

AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2013 - Service Pack SP2 Released

If you running AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2013 then you will be glad to know Autodesk have now released Service Pack SP2, available for download: ASD 2013 - SP2.

AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2013 Update 2 provides fixes for defects in the following areas:

AutoCAD Structural Detailing - Reinforcement

Service Pack 1

·        Adding the viewports generated as blocks to the drawing.

·        The reinforcement tables definition after database modification.

Service Pack 2

·        Improved stability during wire fabric definition by using pick-point command.

AutoCAD Structural Detailing - Steel

Service Pack 1

·        The structure transfer between AutoCAD Structural Detailing Steel and Autodesk® Robot™ Structural Analysis Professional.

·        Incorrect displaying AutoCAD Structural Detailing objects saved as ACIS objects.

·        Incorrect result of modification in base and endplate connections.

·        Incorrect value of levels displayed in description of elevation marks.

Service Pack 2

·        Improved Fit to object command for pipe elements.

·        Improved stability of Pipes- flanges connection after the modification.

·        Improved cut-by-line command.

·        Improved stability of engineering drawings generation.

·        Description improvements for doubled welds.

·        Not displayed shapes of hoops in some steel cages for American template.

·        Improved stability while loading template via AutoCAD Structural Detailing centre.

AutoCAD Structural Detailing - all modules

Service Pack 1

·        Impossibility to select and change the colour of layer, line type or line weight in the existing objects in case of ribbon menu of AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2013.

Follow Me on Twitter

Why not follow me on Twitter.

 

@Garethcadline

Wall Layer Functions In Revit

Do you know what the different functions mean on a wall in Revit? 

If you don't and you would like to know about it then you need to have a look at this following link: 

Wall Layer Functions

beCADsmart becomes Evolving BIM Technology

Important Announcement

You may of noticed that my blog has changed its name from beCADsmart to Evolving BIM Technology. As I have been blogging for over two years now I felt it was time to update my blog and bring it more up to date.

On Monday 20th May I change the name on the page but the site link is still: becadsmart.blogspot.co.uk. 

Nothing is going change in respect to the blog posts, it's just a name change to Evolving BIM Technology, so watch this space. 

AutoCAD 2014 - Lynn Allen's TIps & Tricks

Ok so AutoCAD 2014 here been out for a while now. It's now here Lynn Allen's tips and trick booklet is here too.

 Download it from here: Lynn Allen's Tips & Tricks

Autodesk Building Design Suite System Requirements 2014

Now the Building Design Suite 2014 is available you might want to check your operating system is supported.

Below links to System Requirements:

Standard 2014: BDS Standard 2014

Premium 2014: BDS Premium 2014

Ultimate 2014: BDS Ultimate 2014

Inventor 2014 to Revit 2014

Check out this excellent blog about  taking you Inventor data to Revit using the new tools for Inventor 2014.

Inventor 2014 to Revit 2014

It examples what Autodesk have done to help you the user to export your Inventor model as a Revit family (.rfa). It's not a dumb solid anymore as it can take across the parametric data included int the Revit family. Which helps with the BIM process.

Inventor 2014 to Revit 2014

beCADsmart is changing

I have been blogging now for over two years and I thought it was time for a little change to my blog. I am looking at changing the name to bring it more up to date.

So as from the Monday 20th May the name will be changing its not going to affect anything with the blog posts just a name change to Evolving BIM Technology, so watch this space. 

beCADsmart Word Image

Autodesk ReCap

Autodesk ReCap is now part of the Building Design Suite 2014 (Standard)

Its used to create intelligent 3D data from photos and scans. It delivers powerful and easy to use workflow on the desktop and in the cloud to create intelligent 3D models from laser scans and captured photos.

If you would like to see it in Auction check out this short YouTube Video: Autodesk ReCap

Building Design Suite 2014 - What's New

Autodesk released the 2014 version of the Building Design Suite recently and a few new products have been added.


New Products in Autodesk Building Design Suite 2014 highlighted in RED below: 

Standard

• AutoCAD
• AutoCAD Architecture
• AutoCAD MEP
• AutoCAD Structural Detailing
• Showcase
• SketchBook Designer
• AutoCAD Raster Design
• AutoCAD ReCap

Premium

• Revit (Architecture, MEP, Structure)
• 3ds Max Design
• Navisworks Simulate

Ultimate

• Navisworks Manage
• Inventor
• Robot Structural Analysis Professional
• InfraWorks (Formally named as Infrastructure Modeler)

If you would like to know more about the Building Design Suite 2014 click here: Building Design Suite 2014

Autodesk Revit 2014 & Revit LT 2014

Revit 2014 is finally here. You can now download your copy from Autodesk Subscription Center. I think everyone has waited long enough now. 

If you have subscription then you can now download:

• Autodesk AutoCAD Revit LT 2014 Suite
• Autodesk Building Design Suite 2014 (Standard, Premium & Ultimate)
• Autodesk Revit 2014 (Stand-Alone Products)

To read more about it click: Here

AutoCAD 2014: Whats New with the command line

Autodesk have made quite enhancements to the Command Line AutoCAD 2014.

These enhancements include the following new tools and further enhanced tools that AutoCAD already had, which you the user has control of:

• AutoComplete
• AutoCorrect
• Search System Variables
• Search Content
• Mid-String Search
• Delay Time

AutoComplete - Is enhanced if you don’t know the full name but you know some AutoCAD will search and bring up the command your look for using Mid-String search.

AutoCorrect - Will automatically find the correct command if you miss spell the word wrong, you can also update your own AutoCorrects in the list.

Search System Variables/Content – So if you start typing things ‘symbol’ in the command line it will know you want to insert and give you the options in the command line or even a system variable. You can even type in object or layer names in the command line allows you to insert blocks or switch to a layer directly from the command line.

Synonyms.pgp – You now have a Synonyms.pgp file with lists of things so if you want to ETRANSMIT you can just type SHARE, SEND, TRANSMIT, PACKAGE, or ZIP into the command line it knows you want to ETRANSMIT.

Remember you commands – AutoCAD will even remember your commands and as you type into the command line, it’s going to put those common used commands further up the list.

Help & Internet Search – The command line allows you to access AutoCAD help or search the internet directly from directly from the command line.

I am looking forward to getting my hands on 2014 and seeing how well these new tools work.

Autodesk 2014 Product Launch Dates

Autodesk 2014 Products Coming Soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So its coming to that time of the year and Autodesk will be going to releasing 2014 versions of their produces. So if you would like to know the dates of the produces you use then check out the following link:


Autodesk 2014 Product Launch Dates

Revit Keyboard Shortcuts

Remembering all the keyboard shortcuts in Revit can be difficult. So would you like a A4 crib sheet with all the keyboard shortcuts on that you can download and print of? 

You can download one for Revit Architecture, MEP or Structures and do just that, just click on the following link:

Revit Keyboard Shortcuts

Showcase Visualizing a Revit Model

If you have created your model in Revit why not impress your clients and use Autodesk Showcase to visualize what there building is going to look like, and even it being built up just like on Grand Designs.

Take a look at the below short video of what you can do with showcase.

If your interested and would like to know more about Showcase or undertake a Showcase training course. Contact CADline UK's largest Autodesk Reseller in the UK:

CADline: Learning Autodesk Showcase

CADline Community: Tips & Tricks and all things Autodesk

CADline

Revit - Lighting Groups (Rendering)

If your like me your always looking for different ways to do things in Revit and some helpful tips tips & tricks. 

I have come across this excellent tip from Autodesk Building Solutions Channel on YouTube. This helpful  tip is looking using Lighting Groups while rendering, to decrease the rendering time.

Websites & Blogs I Read

If you search the web you will find loads of sites to give you information about all the Autodesk products. The main one's I read and follow are as follows:

CADline Community

www.cadlinecommunity.co.uk

It's a free technical website on all Autodesk products run by Autodesk professionals, to provide tips & tricks, useful information about all things Autodesk.

Autodesk Labs

labs.autodesk.com

Autodesk Labs, part of the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), is home to innovative new technologies and collaborative development. Its mission is to involve you, the customer, in the progress of design technology solutions. We’re not a beta program (although Autodesk does have an active beta community), or a usability team, because the technology we work with is too new to be a product. The user feedback that you provide to Labs is really on product ideas, while they’re still in an early conceptual stage.

Autodesk Discussion Group

forums.autodesk.com

Autodesks own forums site, were you can interact with other Autodesk profressionals.

AUGI

www.augi.com

Probably the largest forum outside the Autodesk Discussion Group but also to get loads of information on Autodesk porducts

Autodesk University

au.autodesk.com

If you are lucky enough to go then you can gain access to all the great lessons you attended but if you couldn't go you can still download and watch the lessons from Autodesk University website.

BIM Show Live 2013

The BIM Show Live 2013 has been announced:

30th April & 1st May 2013

at

Park Plaza, Westminster, London.

www.bimshowlive.co.uk

This will be third one and they are seeking proposals from individuals interested in speaking at this year’s Show. If your interested in submitting a proposal click the following link:

BIM SHOW LIVE 2013: CALL FOR PROPOSALS

BIM in Transportation Symposium

Have you registered for the BIM in Transportation Symposium on 25th February at the Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel. Hosted by Savoy Computing and CADline.

To find out more please click on the following link: BIM in Transportation

To download a copy of the agenda please click here: Agenda

Revit-Reinforcement Render

I have been looking Reinforcement in Revit and how its exported to AutoCAD Structural Detailing.  

I will be write something about Revit's interaction with AutoCAD Structural Detailing soon and post a blog about, so look out for it.

In the mean time I have put a little render I created showing the reinforcement in a trench inside my test model. 

Placing A Recess in a Slab in Revit

Every had the problem you wanted to create a recess in a slab within Revit just like in the below image.

You would think you can just edit the slab profile and simply just add a void into the slab where you need it, then define a depth you require. Well you can it just added a hole straight through the slab.

Another option is to draw a shaft and adjust the depth so only part of the shaft goes through the slab. Yet again it cuts all the way through the slab creating a opening through the slab.

The solution is to create a Void Family and load it and place it onto the floor to create your recess. If you want to know how to do this then please take a look at the following link:

Slab Recess Family (Revit)

You can download a free white paper on how to create a Void family to create the recess in a slab.