The Mad Cadder

Default Ribbon in Revit

In any version of Revit 2012, a user can rearrange the panels in the Ribbon interface to suit their work flow.

There is a way to reset the Ribbon interface so that the panels return to their original position. 

Locate and delete the UIState.dat file. For Revit MEP 2012, in my computer the file is in the following location (Windows 7):

C:\Users\mrotolo\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit MEP 2012

WARNING: Deleting this file will also remove any customization done in the Quick Access Toolbar. I would recommend making a backup of this file before deleting.

Autodesk University - Day 3

AU continues to be great. The Exhibit Hall last night presented great technology and was a great opportunity to network.

It also amazes me how many people still love AutoCAD. I am sitting in a class regarding CAD Standards and its full and it's not even Lynn Allen presenting.

If you have never attended Autodesk University and you either use or consult with any Autodesk software, you should attend.

Stop Staff from Modifying the acad.cui

Here is a great article from AUGI - Matt Worland.

It talks about not customizing the acad.cui but creaing a partial .cui file. Also, take the standard acad.cui file, place it on the server and map it as the Enterprise CUI.

On top of all this, use a profile to push these settings to the rest of the staff in your office.

Link: AUGI - Enterprice CUI

Autodesk University - Day 2

Class are good but networking with other especially in the Exhibit Hall is awesome.

There is so much innovation displayed and new perspectives on BIM and other interesting topics.

Unfortunately one more day to go.

Autodesk University Day 1

So far so good. Opening ceremony was great. The focus was on innovations coming from people or groups you would never expect from was an eye opener. Think different is the key. Looks like they took a little out of the Steve Jobs play book.

Autodesk University (AU) - ATC Summit

ATC Summit Meeting @ Autodesk University

AU starts for most people tomorrow but there is a pre-conference meeting for Autodesk Authorized Training Centers.

I can't divulge all the particulars but I can say that they are raising the bar in the value of Autodesk Certification for students and instructors.

Instructor qualifications will be more demanding which is great. It will weed out the weak ones. No more teaching out of the courseware, LOL!

Which version of AutoCAD should you load?

Every year Autodesk releases a new version of AutoCAD but, should you install it right away?

Through my experiences as a CAD Manager and now as a Application Specialist my suggestion is to wait for the 3rd release of the current file format. What does this mean? Since the 2004 version there has been 3 file format relased which include 2004, 2007 and 2010. 

AutoCAD 2004, 2005 and 2006 are all release 2004 format.

AutoCAD 2007, 2008 and 2009 are all release 2007 format.

AutoCAD 2010, 2011 and 2012 are all release 2010 format.

The version with the least amount of bugs and fastest is always the 3rd release. Therefore, in the past I have always suggest loading either 2004, 2007 and now I suggest 2012.

For a CAD Manager this means that a complete overhaul of AutoCAD will happen every 3 years. This also allows for better budgeting of software.

It is always best if every user in the office is working on the same version.

And above all, create a customized company CUI file that can be carried forward through to the new releases. If you are still living in the world of MNU, MNS, MNC it time to learn CUI.

 

Autodesk University 2011

Autodesk University is around the corner. Here is an informative video on what to expect this year:

Autodesk University 2011

See you there!

Displaying the current profile in the status bar

When using AutoCAD MEP or AutoCAD Architecture it is always important to open a version that preloads the correct profile. For example, when AutoCAD MEP is installed it automatically loads an imperial and metric profile with 2 preset desktop icons.

The challenge for a user is to make sure they have the correct version open when working on a DWG. If you are working on an imperial dwg you should open the imperial version of MEP.

To help users understand which version (current profile) is currently open without resorting to checking the profile in the OPTIONS, the following steps can be used to display the version in the status bar like this:

 

Instructions:

 

You will need to modify the acad2012doc.lsp file in AutoCAD MEP. Look for a similar .lsp file in AutoCAD and AutoCAD Architecture

 

1.       Locate and open the acad2012doc.lsp file in Notepad. In my computer the file is located at: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD MEP 2012\Support

2.       Scroll to the end.

3.       Add this variable as the last line item:  (setvar "modemacro" (getvar "cprofile"))

 

 4. Save the file 

Convert a drawing from STB to CTB

When starting a new drawing in AutoCAD, the user can choose from a variety of templates (DWT) that are loaded with the program. Most users are taught to start with the ACAD.DWT file which is a color-dependent plot style template(CTB). It contains not preloaded layers or styles. There are also a number of named plot style templates (STB) to choose from. A drawing can use either named or color-dependent plot styles, but not both.

The difference....a CTB is based on colors. A color = pen wieight. This is the most common type of plot style and very popular in the architectural and building engineering industries. A STB  based drawing uses words that are assigned to layers or objects instead of colors. For example, THICK = 0.02mm. In other words, the color of objects in a STB drawing does not control pen weight for plotting. It is controlled by the "name" assigned to it.

Here's the big issue. When plotting a STB drawing you will not be able to select your company's traditional CTB pen weight in the drop-down list. The plot dialog box will only display CTB or STB plot styles.

To convert a STB to a CTB:

1. Open the STB based drawing

2. On the command line type the variable: CONVERTPSTYLES

3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

To convert a CTB to a STB:

1. Open the CTB based drawing.

2. On the command line type the variable: CONVERTCTB

3. Follow the on-screen instructions.