The Mad Cadder

AutoCAD WS Has A New Name

Autodesk AutoCAD WS is now called to Autodesk AutoCAD 360.

AutoCAD 360 is a cloud based CAD editor. Basically, its a light version of AutoCAD available in the cloud accessible through a web interface and mobile app for free. 

Take your drawings anywhere. Collaborate live with multiple users at the same time.

https://www.autocad360.com/

Is Revit 2014 Muli-threaded

Is Revit 2014 multi-threaded? Answer = YES

It has been multi-threaded for many versions on the following features:

• Vector printing
• 2D Vector Export such as DWG and DWF
• Rendering (4 Core Limitation lifted in Revit
  2011)
• Wall Joins representation in plans and
  sections
• Element Loading. Loading elements into
  memory is multi-threaded, reducing view open times when elements are displayed
  for the first time in the session.
• Parallel computation of silhouette edges
  (outlines of a curved surfaces) in perspective 3D views. Engaged when opening
  views, changing view properties, and navigating the view and will be more
  noticeable as the number and complexity of curved surfaces increases.
• Translation of high level graphicalrepresentation of model elements and annotations into display lists optimized for given video card. Engaged when opening views, changing view properties and will be more noticeable as the number and complexity of model elements
  increases.
• File Loading
• Point Cloud Data Overlay

There is no other software on the market where all built-in features will support multi-thread. In other words, there is no such thing as a true 100% multi-threaded software.

LOD - Level of Detail or Level of Development

In the BIM world there is a new emerging acronym....LOD.

Some say this stands for Level of Detail. Others argue that Level of Detail is the old version and the new version is Level of Development. Based on my current involvement in a construction project where the Architect is leading, his definition of LOD  suits both arguements. Also, speaking with collegues and other industry experts the resolution to this is quite simple.

LOD stands for both Level of Detail and Level of Development. How and where the acronym is used is dependant on the context of the discussion.

When talking about the graphical reperesentation of an object, you are discussing the Level of Detail.

When discussing both the graphical reprsentation and the information (properties) of the object, you are now talking about "Level of Development".

There are people out there that may have a different view which is fine. In the end, it's easier to describe both Level of Detail or Development then it is to define BIM.

DYN - Dynamic Input in AutoCAD

One of the best new features in AutoCAD over the years is DYN (Dynamic Input). I know many people turn this feature off without realizing its full capabilities.

Dynamic Input provides a command line interface at your crosshair. It also provides for user entry to input like the length of a line or the radius of a circle.

DYN can be toggled by using F12 or by clicking on the DYN icon in the status bar.

It is important to know that in Settings for DYN (right-click on DYN icon) you can tweak the interface to suit your needs. For example, you may not want see commands at the crosshair but you still want to change the angle of a line.

 

Are Blueprints Really Dead

Very interesting article from Shaan Hurley about the current state of blueprints in the office, shop floor and in the field.

Are Blueprints Really Dead

Prevent Palettes or Windows from Auto Docking

In AutoCAD and Navisworks you can dock a palette or floating window. Holding down the CTRL key when moving a palette or window, prevents it from auto-docking.

Add-ons for AutoCAD, Revit and other Autodesk software

Autodesk is the workd leader of 2D and 3D design software. Their most popular programs are AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor and 3DS Max. 

Many people are unaware that Autodesk has created the "Autodesk Exchange Store" which provides free and paid add-ons (apps).

So before you program your own tool or hire a programmer to create an add-on/plug-in goto: http://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/.

 

 

Turn off ViewCube in AutoCAD

If you are like most users of AutoCAD and do not create 3D content, you probably do not use the ViewCube in the top-right portion of the drawing window.

If this is the case, you can turn off the ViewCube through OPTIONS.

Instructions:

1. Go to OPTIONS - command line type 'OP'

2. Select the 3D Modeling tab

3. Remove the check mark for "2D Wireframe visual style"

 

Array in AutoCAD Classic View

Who misses the old ARRAY dialogue box in AutoCAD.......I do. Even though the ribbon version is useful, I still prefer the old method. Check out "Array in AutoCAD Classic View" from Garth Spencer's Blog:

Array in AutoCAD Classic View

Revit - Use Grid Guide to align views on a sheet

When placing views on a sheet, like floor plans, its important to align the views between multiple sheets in Revit. Here is a video from Revit OpEd: Grid Guide