25 March 2010

Revit Structure 2011 - User Interface Changes

One of the biggest changes to Revit 2011 has been in the UI and how you get around. The changes, honestly, are very subtle but very profound because of how you use work with the interface is so impacted.

The two big changes for me are the Modify panel on the Ribbon and the Properties Palette.


For the ribbon, now whenever you work with objects, the tools that are consistent between all objects are to the left side. There is a division (see fig) and then to the right are the tools that are applicable to that object. It solves a complaint in 2010 in that tools moved around and made it hard to find to what you wanted. Now there is a level of consistency that should help. As anything, as you use it, you get used to it.


The other big thing for me is the new Properties Palette. Basically an on-call dialog with either view or object property parameters. I kinda like having it at the ready, but I will admit I have to widen it up to see more data. Then I thin it back. I suppose as I move into using it for production work it will end up sitting on a second monitor and be wider all the time. At the top of this puppy is the Type Selector. Seems like a good place for it to go, with a big image of the active family. If that placement isn't as helpful as one would like you can add it to the Quick Access Toolbar. From there it is much like it as in the past on the Options Bar.


Autodesk Webcast

Hey, guess what! It is that time again! Spring! And with spring comes...software!
It had to happen, Autodesk had improvments to make and users had needs. Then they get married!

But seriously, interested in what's coming around the bend? Click here... but you have to be fast...today only.

12 March 2010

AutoCAD Linetype Survey

ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear AutoCAD User-

AutoCAD Product Design and Usability Group would appreciate your feedback and input on using Linetypes in AutoCAD.

Who Should Participate?

The audience is that of general AutoCAD users, in any discipline, currently using linetypes in their drawings.

How To Participate?

Please use the AutoCAD Linetypes Survey Link to access the survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6Z2NMVW

Thanks for your participation!

11 March 2010

AUGIWorld March/April 2010 Issue

AUGI is pleased to announce that the latest issue of AUGIWorld is now available for download.

Click Here to download the AUGIWorld March/April 2010 issue

In this issue of AUGIWorld:

* Beyond Autodesk: Are You Plugged In? - Innovation comes not only from within Autodesk, but from the vast user community outside it as well. In this article, Autodesk's Kean Walmsley introduces a number of plugins developed to enhance various Autodesk products - all honored as "Plugin of the Month."
* How Do You Use AutoCAD Civil 3D? - A question asked of Autodesk University attendees yields some surprising answers, summarized here by author John Evans.
* Put a Shine on those Floors! - Author Christopher Fox discusses a number of techniques for creating and managing floors in Autodesk Revit Architecture.
* Groups Inside Revit Structure - The ability to better manage change is one of the major reasons to use groups inside of Revit. Phil Russo walks you through the process.
* Peopleware, Part 2 - If you decide to hire outside the firm, here are some practical tips from Antonio Fontenele on the best way to approach