In one recent post, Paul Crickard describes how you can use a URL field in a Revit schedule to:

  • open documents or images
  • open a video
  • open a map or facility plan to a specific geographical location
  • retrieve data from an external database

These points are along similar lines to my post about launching scripts and programs directly from Revit. The same principles apply to families with a URL parameter.

From Architecture and Planning:
Changing HTTP to FILE makes it a local file browser. I created a room in Revit and added a parameter of type URL. The URL added is:

file:///c:/Users/Paul/Desktop/efpGIS/Config/Splash.png

This URL links to a picture on my desktop. If I click the link in Revit, I get the image on the right. The computer knows to launch the appropriate program to open the file. A link to a AVI file opens my Divx Player.

Read the whole post:
URL Tricks in a Revit Schedule | Architecture and Planning

As I go about my day-t0-day, I come across some very good free programs (some of which I have posted about before – see links at bottom).

Most recently, I have come across the following free utilities:

  • FreeFileSync – for comparing directories
  • RichCopy – very powerful copying utility, for things like network backups etc. Replacement for Robocopy + GUI
  • InfraRecorder – free burning and ISO creating utility
  • Mozilla Thunderbird – just goes from strength to strength. I have used it to connect to our Exchange database at work.
  • GRemote – this utility allows you to control a PC using a Windows Mobile device as an emulated mouse. Can connect either using WiFi or Bluetooth. Useful for Media Centre and Presentations.
  • Microsoft Security Essentials – free antimalware and antivirus program with real time scanning from Microsoft.

Hope you find these helpful!

https://wrw.is/2009/11/free-cutepdf-writer-setup-and-settings.html

https://wrw.is/2009/09/these-are-few-of-my-favourite-things.html