Month: December 2011

Divider tools for an Array anytime

Luke Johnson

While editing a Group, you can’t create an Array.  There are two workarounds:

  1. Make the array ‘outside the group’ and then Add it to the Group.  This requires you to Finish Group, make Array, Edit Group, Add… etc
  2. You could use a line based Component as an array ‘guide’ to provide you with the intervals you need, and then Copy Multiple.  If you are in a Detail Group, use a Detail Component, if you are in a Model Group, use a Generic Model.

Here are some links to download my array guide components
These components have two instance properties – one to control the size of the ‘tick’, and one to control how many elements / divisions are in the array.

Download example Detail Component here

Download example Generic Model here

Family Creation, Performance and Standards post – with tips (BIMAdvent)

Luke Johnson

There is huge post on content (family) creation over at this link.  I have provided a few useful excerpts below:

A handy list of relevant Agencies / Organizations:

Nice tip on formulaic materials:
How do you parametrically change a material parameter in a family if the material itself depends on factors outside of each type designation? After all, it’s impossible to control materials through formulas. Our approach (when the number of ‘stacked’ geometry instances is few) is to model separate pieces of geometry, apply their unique material and then control their on/off visibility through parameters.

How to provide error messages to the family user:
One solution to this perplexing problem is to include 3D text displaying a message to the user when a non-existent configuration is selected.

via
WARNING! This may void your manufacturer’s warranty: The Pros Dissect Autodesk Revit Content – BIMAdvent

Show your support and appreciation for What Revit Wants

Luke Johnson

Over the years, I have spent countless hours keeping up with Revit news.  I have consistently shared news, tips, tricks, hacks, workarounds, and generally cool things with all of you out there in the Revit community.

I have provided you with free workflows and tools that have probably saved you time and money.  This information has been offered to all of you free of charge – over 700 posts of goodness!

I could not have done this without the unfailing support of my employer, Dimond Architects.

I haven’t asked much of you, but I ask now that you please show your support for this blog and for the company that makes it possible.  Please Like our company Facebook page by clicking on the Like button below.

(if you can’t see the badge, just click on this link and Like the page that way).

Also, please follow Dimond Architects on Twitter.

If you require any architectural assistance feel free to contact us – info@dimondarchitects.com.au

We also offer Revit training and consultancy services.  Again, feel free to contact us using the above email, or call us:
+61 07 5451 0988

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your comments and for following this blog.  If you haven’t subscribed yet, head over to this link and do so.  You can also follow me on Twitter.

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Python Tools for Visual Studio Download (and RevitPythonShell ?)

Luke Johnson

Another major addition to 1.1 includes the addition of two additional sample libraries available as separate downloads: PyKinect for working with the Kinect Beta SDK and Pyvot for working with Excel spreadsheets…

via
Python Tools for Visual Studio – Download: 1.1 Beta 1

Here is a question for you:

How will the new Python Tools allow further interaction with Revit via revitpythonshell?
http://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/2011/07/python-shell-in-revit-and-vasari.html
 

EDIT – added links to buildz post with 2012 installers etc.  Also embedded extra Youtube video.

http://buildz.blogspot.com/2011/09/python-scripting-in-vasari-21.html

Download some starter samples from here.  (via buildz)

Link to the Google Project:
revitpythonshell – An IronPython plugin for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 – Google Project Hosting

Link to a revitpythonshell install guide:
Installing IronPython with Vasari (The Proving Ground)