Tag: url

The Power of a simple URL parameter in a Revit Schedule or Family

Luke Johnson

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

Launching Scripts and Programs directly from Revit

Luke Johnson

This technique allows file operations and programs to be initiated from an in-canvas Revit modelling session, without the need to switch to Windows Explorer.

Basically, you just need a Symbol family with URL instance parameter.  In the URL parameter, paste a fully resolved path to the script or exe file (you can use Shift + rightclick to quickly get this from Explrorer in Windows 7).  Now, when you select the Symbol family, click on the dots in the Properties Palette  – the exe or script will run, directly from Revit

Potential uses:

  • Launch any program
  • Launch a program that may be useful in-canvas (like Colorette)
  • Launch a search program like Locate32, that can be used to search for Revit content and drag-drop into the Revit session
  • Copy point clouds to local drive
  • Map network drives
  • Archive RVT folder script, perhaps using 7-zip
  • Run Autodesk program update packages (some of these may require Revit to be shutdown)
  • Run add-in installers (that will probably require Revit to be updated)
  • Copy macro updates
  • Delete Revit backup files script
  • Clean up Journal folder
  • Make a backup of Keynote file or Shared Parameter file (perhaps used before editing)
  • Run Windows Task Scheduler tasks
  • Shutdown the computer

Once you have the Annotation family loaded and placed, just add the suitable path, and then select the element and click where the little dots should be:

The command is instantly triggered.

In a worksharing environment, you could set up a Drafting View where you placed different instances of this “linker” family to trigger various project-related scripts.

This idea grew from this post and this one about copying Point Clouds.

Free add-ins – including automated 2D Cad Link, and Hyperlink important documents from inside Revit

Luke Johnson

These are part of the Standard, Free BIM Project Suite by CTC:

BIM List is a content management solution providing the ability to sort, search and leverage your families more effectively.
  • Locate and insert families into a Revit project
  • Search parameter data using filters
  • Administrative controls help enforce company standards
Detail Link automates the process of linking AutoCAD DWG details for use in the Revit project environment.
  • Reduce errors and ensure consistency
  • Save time by automating an otherwise manual process


Project Link is an easy and customizable system for finding and organizing documents from inside the Revit interface.
  • Make important documents and hyperlinks accessible from within Revit
  • Locate and group all families that have a hyperlink associated with them
  • Both administrative and user interfaces are provided


Renumbering provides a fast and simple way to renumber your rooms and doors.
  • Auto-swapping avoids duplicates
  • Alphanumeric sequential numbering
  • Add separators and suffixes to room and door numbers

Download at:
BIM Project Suite Standard

Heads-up:
Revit Add-Ons: BIM Project Suite 2014 from CTC – Includes 4 New Tools!

Add a URL link to your Titleblock – easy way to advertise!

Luke Johnson

No doubt you issue many PDF files to consultants, Clients, Builders and the like. Why not add a URL link to your titleblock, so that anyone receiving your PDF files can jump directly to your webpage?

 

Its as simple as adding a parameter of type:URL into your titleblock.

 

To make it even easier for you, I have created a Generic Annotation family with a URL parameter inside it. Simply load this family into your titleblock, then link the parameter from it to a parameter in your titleblock (see image).
Here is the download link:

 

Now, when anyone opens this PDF, they can jump directly to your webpage.
The URLs worked fine for me using CutePDF and Adobe Reader, but Foxit Reader seemed to have an issue parsing the link correctly.