Computer Performance and Flash Player problem and solution

Having problems with the computer being slower that expected?

Is the Flash Player causing the CPU fan to sound too much? The Flash Player is known for using a lot of CPU and is often a first indicator that it’s time to clean the computer. Check the CPU temperature using for example Real Temp.

Vacuum cleaner and Gas duster (canned air/compressed air) can do magic with the computer performance and eliminate noise. Note! Shut down the operating system and remove the power cord.

You don’t want it to look like this.

All the dust will lead to overheating because it acts like an insulation blanket on heatsink cooling surfaces and clogging fan filters. Optical disk drives like CDROM and DVD are very vulnerable as they contain motors and servos as well as rely on a dust-free light path for the laser-light and optical lenses to function properly.  The keyboard and mouse are also affected by dust and might lead to stuck keys or sticky mouse movements.

When did you clean yours last time? When did your IT department perform cleaning of the office computers?

Autodesk acquires T-Splines technology

Autodesk has acquired certain technology-related assets from T-Splines Inc., a privately-held surface modeling software company, based in Utah according to this short press release.

“The technology acquisition will strengthen our Digital Prototyping portfolio with more flexible free-form modeling and will help achieve even closer integration between industrial design and engineering workflows,” said Buzz Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry at Autodesk. “T-Splines technology will benefit designers and engineers that require watertight surfaces for downstream analysis and manufacturing.”

The image below is from the T-Splines technology page for T-Splines showing a duck toy model converted from polygons to T-Splines to NURBS. The duck in the middle is done with T-Splines. “All T-Splines surfaces are 100% compatible with NURBS and create gap-free, smooth and manufacturable surfaces.”

It will be no surprise if we can see this added across products like AutoCAD, Revit, Maya, Alias and Inventor in the future. But from what I understand there is a lot of work to make a easy to use UI as it has been missing so far.

Last chance to access AU Virtual 2011 is today

Today is the last day to access AU Virtual 2011. If you want to see a class or the  General Session  Keynote go there now.

For my class Autodesk® Network License Manager visit the AU Player and search for Network License Manager.

UPDATE: AU Virtual Classes Have Moved

AU Virtual classes are now available from the Online Classes tab on the AU website. Members can access all AU Virtual class recordings, handouts, and other materials from there.

Autodesk and AutoCAD knowledge base documents

Some recent useful knowledge base documents from Autodesk:

AutoCAD 2011 Hotfix for Complex PLine Measurements

For AutoCAD 2011 with Update 2 installed, this hotfix repairs the area calculation problem of polylines positioned at a great distance from the origin.

Get it here: DL18225251

Autodesk 2012 Content Explorer Service Hot Fix 2

This hotfix applies to the Autodesk 2012 Content Explorer Service (Public and Personal) and addresses the following issues:

• In some cases renaming a folder in Windows Explorer, which is currently being watched by the Autodesk Content Service, can cause the service to stop running.
• The Autodesk Content Service could not be started because the size of the database file was larger than the configured maximum size. If you have encountered this issue please follow the steps found in the companion document "Configuring Maximum Database Size in Autodesk Content Service.pdf" after you have installed Hot Fix 2. If you have not encountered this issue these additional steps are not needed.
• Files fail to index when an English Autodesk Content Service is installed on a Turkish operating system.

Get it here: DL18247986

Comparing the drawing-specific system variables of different DWG files

To compare the drawing-specific system variables of two DWGs, you can convert the drawings to DXF and compare them using a tool that can compare text files, for example the free open source program Winmerge.

Full details here: TS17915749

How to find the product key for your Autodesk product

Starting with the Autodesk 2010 product releases, most Autodesk software required both a serial number and product key to successfully install and activate.

Product keys are used to differentiate products that are both sold independently and sold as part of a product suite. For example, a user installing AutoCAD 2010 would use product key 001B1 while a user installing AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite 2010 (which includes AutoCAD 2010) would use product key 241B1.  The same AutoCAD is in both software packages but the product key differentiates one package from the other.

Full details here: TS1105767

How to write AutoLISP that works on both Windows and Mac

If you want to write AutoLISP code that works for both AutoCAD on Windows and AutoCAD for Mac remember that there is no support for DCL or COM interfaces such as VLA or VLAX (Visual LISP).

There are 4 new AutoLISP functions in AutoCAD 2012 that can help as long as you don’t need backward compatibility:

• dumpallproperties - Outputs all the properties and their current value for the specified entity.
• getpropertyvalue - Returns the current value of the specified property for an entity.
• ispropertyreadonly - Returns T or nil of the specified property for an entity is read-only or not.
• setpropertyvalue - Sets the specified property to a new value for an entity.

The following example demonstrates how to get the current radius value of a circle.
Command: (command "_circle" "2,2" 2)
nil
Command: (getpropertyvalue (entlast) "radius")
2.0

The following example demonstrates how to change the radius of a circle.
Command: (command "_circle" "2,2" 2)
nil
Command: (setpropertyvalue (entlast) "radius" 3)

For more see Hyperpics and Accessing Information About Layers in a Drawing with GETPROPERTYVALUE.

Autodesk Customer Care on Twitter

Contact  Autodesk Customer Care Team @AutodeskCare on Twitter for issues or questions about Autodesk business services like getting "up and ready" to use your Autodesk software from licensing to activation issues, renewals, suites, registration and versioning questions, cloud provisioning, logins, trial versions, student software, subscription benefits.

Starting December 1st, the Autodesk team will be listening and engaging 24 hours a day, 5 days a week Monday to Friday. Behind the scenes, your hosts on @AutodeskCare are Céline, Camilo, Philip, Angelo, Arlin and Joane. Follow @AutodeskCare

Customize AreaText.LSP to change the text justification

I got a question how to customize this AutoLISP/Visual LISP AreaText.LSP to change the text justification. The solution is to make use of vla-put-attachmentPoint as seen in the example below.

(defun Get-ObjectIDx64 (obj / util)
  (setq util (vla-get-Utility (vla-get-activedocument (vlax-get-acad-object))))
  (if (= (type obj) 'ENAME)(setq obj (vlax-ename->vla-object obj)))
  (if (= (type obj) 'VLA-OBJECT)
    (if (> (vl-string-search "x64" (getvar "platform")) 0)
      (vlax-invoke-method util "GetObjectIdString" obj :vlax-False)
      (rtos (vla-get-objectid obj) 2 0)
    )
  )
)

(defun c:AT (/ entObject entObjectID InsertionPoint ad)
  (vl-load-com)
  (setq entObject (vlax-ename->vla-object(car (entsel)))
        entObjectID (Get-ObjectIDx64 entObject)
        InsertionPoint (vlax-3D-Point (getpoint "Select point: "))
        ad (vla-get-ActiveDocument (vlax-get-acad-object))
  )
  (vla-put-attachmentPoint (vla-addMText (if (= 1 (vla-get-activespace ad))
    (vla-get-modelspace ad)
    (if (= (vla-get-mspace ad) :vlax-true)
      (vla-get-modelspace ad)
      (vla-get-paperspace ad)
    )
  )
  InsertionPoint 0.0 (strcat
  "%<\\AcObjProp Object(%<\\_ObjId "
  entObjectID
  ">%).Area \\f \"%pr2%lu2%ct4%qf1 SQ. FT.\">%"
  )) acAttachmentPointMiddleCenter)
)

acAttachmentPointMiddleCenter can be changed to any of the following Visual LISP constants:

acAttachmentPointTopLeft
acAttachmentPointTopCenter
acAttachmentPointTopRight
acAttachmentPointMiddleLeft
acAttachmentPointMiddleCenter
acAttachmentPointMiddleRight
acAttachmentPointBottomLeft
acAttachmentPointBottomCenter
acAttachmentPointBottomRight

See also Customize AreaText.LSP for AutoCAD and AreaText.lsp updated for 64-bit AutoCAD.

AU 2011 General Session Keynote on AU Virtual

The AU 2011 General Session Keynote is now available on AU Virtual under AUTV.

I finally got the chance to see the crowd sourced edition of the legal disclaimer.

For more on the legal disclaimer visit Between the Lines.

Turn point clouds into pipes in AutoCAD and Revit

ClearEdge3D has a pretty groundbreaking technology for extracting features from laser scan point clouds.  Their clients are reporting time saving in their modeling workflows of more than 50%. The company is exhibiting at Autodesk University where they are debuting their plug-in for AutoCAD and Revit, which will allow users to extract geometry from point cloud data directly in the AutoCAD and Revit platforms.  Check them out at booth number 919.

Autodesk 360 for BIM

Autodesk Showcases Project Collaboration, Data and Lifecycle Management to More Than 8,000 Autodesk University Attendees in Las Vegas according to this press release.

Autodesk brought the power of the cloud, mobile computing and its industry-defining Building Information Modeling (BIM) portfolio together at Autodesk University. The design, engineering and entertainment software leader showcased a BIM solution to dramatically improve how AEC project team members connect, collaborate and communicate on building projects.

Autodesk’s BIM offering is part of Autodesk 360 solutions: flexible, easy to use and affordable solutions developed to streamline product and project business processes. The solutions are capable of scaling from individual users connecting to a regional office, up to larger teams working on projects across continents.

“Today’s AEC projects are often hindered by widely dispersed teams relying on inefficient communications and collaboration services,” said Jim Lynch, vice president, Architecture, Engineering and Construction Solutions, Autodesk. “Autodesk 360 for BIM is a powerful and comprehensive set of cloud-based and on-premise tools that can have project teams up and running with collaboration and data management in a matter of days. It represents a significant step toward enabling a BIM workflow from design through to construction.”

The Autodesk 360 for BIM solution is designed to handle multi-discipline models, thousands of drawings and other project information. Autodesk 360 for BIM comprises:

• Autodesk Vault Collaboration AEC ― Currently available, Autodesk Vault is an on-premise data management solution that lets project teams manage and track digital models without leaving their BIM design tools, including Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk Revit MEP, Autodesk Revit Structure, AutoCAD Civil 3D and Autodesk Navisworks. Complete project documents and content are centrally managed and integrated with enterprise systems like Microsoft Outlook and SharePoint. Integration with the Autodesk Buzzsaw cloud service provides more complete external collaboration and mobile access.
• Autodesk Buzzsaw ― The Autodesk Buzzsaw cloud-based project collaboration solution provides for secure exchange designs and documents with external partners and distributed teams from any location. Autodesk Buzzsaw Mobile enables users to have the most up to date information, wherever it’s needed. Autodesk Buzzsaw is enabled by Autodesk Cloud technology and integrates with AutoCAD WS for DWG review and edit workflows.
• Autodesk 360 Nexus — Autodesk 360 Nexus, introduced today initially for the manufacturing industry, is also planned to support configurable AEC workflow and business process management needs.

About Autodesk 360

Enabled by Autodesk Cloud, Autodesk 360 solutions provide a powerful and complete digital view of information and processes, combined with the ability to securely manage data, so that the right information is accessible wherever and whenever it is needed. Easily accessible to both technical and non-technical professionals within or outside the enterprise, Autodesk 360 represents an intuitive way to view business information, manage and share data, and integrate with existing systems and software. The low up-front and ongoing costs of cloud-based solutions present the most affordable path by virtually eliminating largely unnecessary capital expenditures and deployment costs. Autodesk 360 also provides customers with built-in security and regular back-ups. For more information about Autodesk 360 solutions, see today’s related announcement “Autodesk Introduces Cloud-based Product Lifecycle Management.”

A related press release says:

Autodesk Agrees to Acquire Horizontal Systems

Autodesk, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Horizontal Systems, a provider of innovative cloud-based Building Information Modeling (BIM) collaboration solutions for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

Horizontal Systems technology will be an important contributor to the Autodesk 360 for BIM vision for collaboration, data and lifecycle management, which was announced yesterday at Autodesk University (see related release). The acquisition of Horizontal Systems will help accelerate the movement of BIM to the cloud by providing users with the ability to more easily access and coordinate multi-discipline project data wherever and whenever it is needed throughout the entire project lifecycle.

“Horizontal Systems technology will help accelerate our Autodesk 360 for BIM capabilities by allowing multi-discipline teams to more easily communicate and synchronize information--helping reduce waste and errors during the design and construction of AEC projects and leading to faster, more efficient project delivery,” said Jim Lynch, vice president, Architecture, Engineering and Construction Solutions, Autodesk. “The integration of Horizontal Systems technology with other Autodesk BIM solutions will streamline business processes and workflows for increased efficiency, improved profitability, and higher quality outcomes for both Autodesk and Horizontal Systems customers.”

Horizontal Glue brings BIM to the cloud with technology that supports multi-discipline model collaboration and intelligent object data exchange for the building and infrastructure industries. This approach enables architects, engineers, owners and builders across the globe to collaborate in real time in over 40 different 3D formats, while providing a solution to distribute BIM data into external business systems.

“Autodesk has long been a valued business partner, sharing our dedication to advancing BIM across multi-discipline teams, workflows, and projects,” said Jordan Brandt, CEO and Cofounder at Horizontal Systems. “Our customers will experience the benefit of ‘gluing’ together Horizontal Systems’ cloud technology with the comprehensive portfolio of Autodesk BIM software. The Autodesk 360 for BIM vision is a perfect fit for our customers, as this integrated and flexible strategy makes it easier than ever for everyone to collaborate.”

Autodesk intends to integrate Horizontal Systems solutions into its Autodesk 360 for BIM solution. During the transition, Autodesk will continue to fully support existing Horizontal Systems customers.

About Horizontal Systems

Horizontal Systems is a global cloud technology company focused on the needs of design firms, construction companies and building owners. Through unique web streaming Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, Horizontal unites all project stakeholders in a live collaborative 3D environment for more effective and efficient coordination. With accessible, intelligent BIM data hosted on an open platform, Horizontal Systems’ clients leverage seamless workflows across project and facilities management systems for a truly integrated building enterprise. Horizontal Systems was incorporated in 2009 and is based in New York, New York.

Autodesk 360 for PLM

Autodesk unveiled this new PLM Offering at Autodesk University 2011.

According to the press release Autodesk previewed a new solution designed to transform how manufacturers manage the entire lifecycle of a product--from its conception, through design and manufacture, partner and supplier management, procurement, quality, compliance, service and more. Autodesk is tapping into the cloud to deliver a new approach to product lifecycle management (PLM), which enables companies to capture and manage product information and processes to continuously improve the products they manufacture.

Autodesk’s new PLM offering, which is expected to be generally available early next year, is part of Autodesk 360 – a set of secure, easy to use and affordable solutions developed to streamline product and project business processes. Autodesk 360 for PLM is for companies of all sizes, from small companies eager to deploy PLM for the first time to large enterprises that have become disenchanted by PLM, due to the complexities and high costs associated with traditional PLM implementations.

“Our approach to PLM is a sharp contrast to the decades old technology in the market today,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk. “Autodesk 360 for PLM will enable customers of all sizes to achieve the full promise of PLM with a scalable, configurable and intuitive solution. We believe it will help our customers achieve a measurable competitive advantage through better, more accessible collaboration and business information management.”

Building upon the company’s leadership with cloud-based solutions, Autodesk 360 for PLM is geared for manufacturers that need to manage business processes throughout the entire lifecycle of a product — from the earliest concept to retirement. Autodesk 360 for PLM will comprise:

• Autodesk 360 Nexus — Autodesk 360 Nexus is a new, cloud-based solution that will anchor Autodesk 360 for PLM with affordable, easy-to-use and simple-to-deploy software as a service that helps make the benefits of PLM business applications available to users anytime, anywhere — with less cost and risk.
• Autodesk Vault — Currently available, Autodesk Vault provides on-premise product data management software that enables engineering workgroups to organize, manage and track their entire designs, engineering bills-of-materials and change processes. Autodesk Vault will work seamlessly with the Autodesk 360 Nexus.
• Autodesk Buzzsaw ― Enabled by Autodesk Cloud, Buzzsaw’s cloud-based supplier collaboration allows customers to securely exchange designs and documents with external partners and distributed teams, regardless of their location. Autodesk Buzzsaw Mobile ensures that users have the most up to date information, wherever it’s needed.

Global research firm IDC* estimates the PLM software applications market will grow to $20.5 billion by 2015. The processes required to commercialize and maintain products are increasingly complex and dispersed. Frequent interactions result in an overload of design, process, and business information that decision-makers and distributed teams must sort, prioritize, and manage over the lifecycle of their products.

Unlike the expensive, complicated, engineering-centric, and difficult-to-deploy PLM systems available today, Autodesk 360 Nexus is more readily and easily configurable to meet customer-specific product lifecycle process needs across the enterprise. Employees in a range of roles from planning to product development to supplier management, quality and compliance, service and more will have greater ability to eliminate bottlenecks and access product and project-related information more quickly regardless of their location.

Until recently, PLM has been the near-exclusive domain of large businesses, mainly due to the high cost and expertise related to deploying and maintaining the systems. “No company should be excluded from the benefits of PLM technology,” commented Kross.

An IDC Manufacturing Insights report released in June 2011** revealed that manufacturers identified the top three business benefits of cloud systems as: reducing total hardware spend; improving IT staff productivity and end user service levels; and reducing total spend on software licensing and maintenance. Autodesk 360 Nexus will better enable customers to start small but scale fast to meet demand, and fit easily within their existing business environment.

About Autodesk 360 solutions

Enabled by Autodesk Cloud, Autodesk 360 solutions provide a powerful and complete digital view of information and processes, combined with the ability to securely manage data, so that the right information is accessible wherever and whenever it is needed. Easily accessible to both technical and non-technical professionals within or outside the enterprise, Autodesk 360 presents an intuitive way to view business information, collaborate, manage and share data, and plan throughout product lifecycles, while integrating with existing systems and software. The low up-front and ongoing costs of cloud-based solutions present a more affordable path by eliminating largely unnecessary capital expenditures and deployment costs. Autodesk 360 solutions also provide customers with built-in security features and regular back-ups. For more information about Autodesk 360 solutions, see today’s related announcement (“Autodesk Takes BIM to the Cloud at Autodesk University”).

Having seen a few 360 products from different vendors maybe it’s time for JTB 360 next.

AU Virtual 2011 today

If you haven’t yet signed up on the free AU Virtual 2011 there is still time. Today more than 150 more classes goes live.

Among the classes is Autodesk® Network License Manager that I’ve put together. To find it visit AU Virtual 2011, sign up and search for “license” or “Autodesk® Network License Manager” to quickly find it.

Do I need to watch virtual classes at a certain time or reserve a space?
No. For AU Virtual 2011, all classes will be available on demand. No reservations are necessary, and you can view the class anytime after it is made available.

Here are more classes available at AU Virtual 2011:

• 24/7 on 6 Continents: 1 Ford, 1 Team, 1 Goal = 1 CAD Standard
• 45 Autodesk® Revit® Tips in 45 Minutes
• A Crash Course in AutoCAD® for Mac®
• Add Needed Information to an Autodesk® Revit® Structure Schedule in 45 Minutes
• AEC Team Collaboration with Project Bluestreak
• Affordable Training Alternatives: Virtual CADLearning™ Centers
• All in the Family: Creating Parametric Components in Autodesk® Revit®
• An Overview of Cloud Computing
• Animation of Autodesk® Inventor® Assemblies Using Autodesk 3ds Max® Design
• Applying the Top 10 New Features and Functions in AutoCAD® 2012
• Are You STILL Not Using AutoCAD® Civil 3D®?
• Are Your Buildings Floating in the Air? Site Work in Autodesk® Revit®: Piece of Cake!
• AutoCAD LT® Tips and Tricks
• AutoCAD® Certification Preparation, Part 1
• AutoCAD® Certification Preparation, Part 2
• AutoCAD® Civil 3D®: Workflow for Visualization Using Civil View and Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design
• AutoCAD® Map 3D Functionality in AutoCAD Civil 3D®: How to Use Geospatial Data in Civil 3D
• Autodesk® 3ds Max® Certification Preparation, Part 1
• Autodesk® 3ds Max® Certification Preparation, Part 2
• Autodesk® Digital STEAM Workshop
• Autodesk® Inventor® iLogic™ Made Simple
• Autodesk® MapGuide® Assists Australia's National Telecommunication Carrier after Natural Disasters
• Autodesk® Maya® Certification Preparation, Part 1
• Autodesk® Maya® Certification Preparation, Part 2
• Autodesk® Network License Manager
• Autodesk® Revit® 2012: Compatibilización de Disciplinas
• Autodesk® Revit® Architecture Certification Preparation, Part 1
• Autodesk® Revit® Architecture Certification Preparation, Part 2
• Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Classy Construction Documents
• Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Create MEP Systems Like a Mad Man
• Autodesk® Revit® MEP: Not Enough Content—What is the Problem Again?
• Autodesk® Revit® Rendering Tips You Can Use
• Automating Autodesk® Revit® Server
• Be a Hit: Work on your A.I.M. with Autodesk® Infrastructure Modeler 2012
• Become an Autodesk® WikiHelp Wizard
• Best Practices for Add-In Programming and Design Patterns Applied to the Autodesk® Inventor® API
• Better Infrastructure Planning with AutoCAD® Map 3D
• BIM for Infrastructure: Show Me the Money!
• BIM for Interiors: Making Autodesk® Revit® Work for You
• Capitalize on Corridor Improvements in AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2012
• Change How You Access Your Autodesk® Vault Data with Vault Links
• Civil 3D Survey: What Is Behind the Curtain?
• Conflation or Deflation: Tips for Conflating Your Data to Another Landbase
• Connecting the "I" in BIM: Leveraging Information in Autodesk® Revit®
• Connecting the Dots: Implementing Autodesk® Revit® Server for Multi-Firm Collaboration
• Converting Existing Piping Specs
• Converting Subdivision Surface (SubD) Models into CAD Models: Autodesk® 3ds Max® to Inventor®
• Create a Geneva Mechanism with Autodesk® Inventor® 2011
• Creating 3D Primitives and Composites in AutoCAD®
• Creating Custom Autodesk® Vault Report Templates
• CUIs for Everyone
• Design Charrettes in Wood Construction: The New Preconstruction Meeting
• Design Process Improvement with Fast, Inexpensive 3D Printing
• Design Visualization 101: Making the Most of the Autodesk® Product Design Suite
• Design Visualization with Autodesk® Alias®, Part 1
• Design Visualization with Autodesk® Alias®, Part 2
• Design Visualization: From Concept to Reality
• Did Somebody Say CONTENT? Creating and Editing Electrical Content for Autodesk® Revit® MEP
• Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff: Make Received Drawings Conform to Your AutoCAD® Civil 3D® Standards
• DWG™ to the Cloud and Back
• Efficiently Find the Information You Want Using the Autodesk® Revit® API
• Electrical BIM: Beyond 3D
• Engineering to Order: Substation Design Process—High Potential by Using a 3D Model
• Everything in Place with Autodesk® Revit® MEP Programming
• Evolution of Utility Workflow
• Extensions for Autodesk® Revit® Structure 2012 for the Precast Concrete Industry
• FDO 2.0: The Magic Grows
• Fiber-Reinforced Injection-Molded Plastic Parts: Efficient Calculation and Lifetime Prediction
• For Educators: Simple Steps into Autodesk® Inventor® and More
• From Concept to Published Document: Tips for Working Effectively with Autodesk® Inventor® Publisher
• Furniture Modeling in Autodesk® 3ds Max®
• Getting Started with Autodesk® Vault Programming, Part 1
• Getting Started with Autodesk® Vault Programming, Part 2
• Go-Go Gadget Mobile
• Going on the Road with HP Mobile Workstations
• Got Discipline? Managing a Multiple-Model, Multiple-Discipline Project
• Handy Nanny to the Rescue
• How to Teach Autodesk® Revit® Effectively: Reflections on Two Years of Teaching BIM at Hong Kong University
• I’m a Civil Engineer: Why Should I Care About GIS?
• Improving Business Process Management to Facilitate Global Collaboration and Compliance
• Incorporating Electronics into Product Assemblies Using Autodesk® Inventor®
• Incredible AutoCAD® Civil 3D® Users: Prove Your Credibility with Civil 3D Certification, Part 1
• Incredible AutoCAD® Civil 3D® Users: Prove your Credibility with Civil 3D Certification, Part 2
• Instant Video Assistance within AutoCAD®
• Integrated Electrode Design and Machining
• Integrating Water Elements and Fountains into Architectural Renderings Using Particle Flow
• IPD: Integrating my Project Design with Others—Let's Come Together Right Now!
• Is That a Photograph? Architectural Photography for 3D Rendering
• It's About Time: Migrating from AutoCAD® Land Desktop to AutoCAD Civil 3D®
• Lean Manufacturing with Autodesk® Factory Design Suite
• Loading It Up with Autodesk® Autoloader
• Make Sense of Autodesk® Product Design Suite: How It All Works Together
• Making Autodesk® Inventor® Work for Substation Design
• Managing Construction Phase Revisions with Autodesk® Revit®
• Managing Lifecycle States...from a Governor's Point of View
• Mastering Metadata with Autodesk® Vault
• Mastering the Skills: The Ultimate Autodesk® Certification Preparation Guide Revealed!
• Mission Impossible? Corporate Standards Are Not a Myth: The Path
• Modeling for Construction
• Multi-Project Management with Autodesk® Vault and ATEC Project Base
• Multithreading and Message Handling in Windows® Presentation Foundation (WPF) Applications
• New CAD = New Opportunity
• Optimizing Digital Drawing Files and BIM Models for Measurement and Estimating
• Physical and Digital Prototyping Belong Together
• Point Clouds and Design: What Do I Do with All of These Points?
• Practical Tips and Tricks for Autodesk® Revit® MEP That I Wish Someone Taught Me on Day 1
• Principles of Hydraulic Analysis for Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems
• Real Projects, Real Maths
• Revitalizing a Mapping Solution with AutoCAD® Map 3D Enterprise
• Rotary Wire EDM in Modern Manufacturing
• Roundabout Design: A Better Workflow
• Securing AutoCAD® IP in the in the Era of WikiLeaks
• Show Me the Money! Impress Your Customers with Great Presentations for Manufacturing
• Simplified 5-Axis Machining
• Standardize Away Problems and Save! (Virtual)
• Standards and Process and Vault, Oh My! Case Study of a CAD Modernization Project
• Step Up and Get Certified in Autodesk® Inventor®, Part 1
• Step Up and Get Certified in Autodesk® Inventor®, Part 2
• Strategic Planning 101: The Basic Tools for Success
• Surveying and Base Mapping Standards and Practices
• Swept Path Analysis for AutoCAD® Civil 3D®
• Taking the BIM Execution Plan Beyond a Spreadsheet
• Tales from the Road: Five Years of Corridor Modeling Lessons Learned
• The Compositing Power of Autodesk® 3ds Max®: Using Render Elements and the New 3ds Max Composite
• The Deliverable Is in What? Paper Trails from Autodesk® Revit® to AutoCAD®
• The Differences Between Us: How Generational Diversity Drives Technology Adoption and Learning
• The Parametric Advantage: High-Value, Low-Investment Software Deployment
• Tips and Tricks 2011: Getting Top Performance From Your Desktop and/or Laptop
• Tips and Tricks for Autodesk® Revit® Graphic and Visualization Techniques to Make Your Drawings Look Great!
• Tool Palettes: No Pain, Much Gain
• Top 50 BIM Bugs and Things to Avoid
• Turn All of Your Users Into Power Users (Virtual)
• Use Autodesk® Revit® Structure Levels and Spot Elevations
• Using Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design, Autodesk Revit®, and iray® to Render Compelling Photographic Scenes
• Vault Integration for Sheet Set Manager in AutoCAD®
• What the Heck is an API?
• What's New in AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2012?
• Which Autodesk® Plant Design Suite is Right for You?
• Wholly Sheets Batman! Plotting in AutoCAD® Civil 3D®
• Why Use a Workstation?
• Virtual Photography: Rendering Autodesk® Inventor® Designs Using Autodesk 3ds Max® Design and iray®
• Wood Framing Level of Detail: How Far Should You Go?
• Writing Your First Autodesk® Revit® Model Review Plug-In

AutoCAD WS with 3D, GPS and Print functionality

AutoCAD WS Blog talks about the next release of  AutoCAD WS.

3D - “View and share the 3-dimensional objects in your DWGs using AutoCAD WS”

GPS – “Position yourself physically inside your design when you are out visiting a site”

Print – “Send your designs to any compatible HP printer using Wi-fi…  Additionally you can plot your design directly as a PDF and send it to your email.”

Outlook not Moving Messages Solution

Problem: I had problem in Microsoft Outlook 2010 that not all selected emails were moved using either Quick Steps or Move.

Typically I reply to an email and mark it to be followed up and then select both the one in the Inbox and the one in Sent Items and move them to another folder. I either select the emails by expanding the conversation or through a search. Drag and drop is no problem but using Move or Quick Steps from the Ribbon does not work.

Solution: I wondered if it was some bug moving multiple emails but eventually found that “Don’t move flagged messages” in Outlook Options under the heading Conversation Clean Up was checked. When I unchecked it I got the emails moved as expected, problem solved.

500 Internal Server Error bX-7sd12g

Problem to post from Microsoft's Windows Live Writer to Blogger (blogspot): The server reported an error with the following web address: 500 Internal Server Error bX-7sd12g.
It is also problem to open posts from WLW.
Workaround for now is to use the the Blogger website.
It seems also to work to post a draft from WLW and then post it from the web interface in Blogger.
Hopefully Google comes with a solution to this bug soon.


Update: Another bug is that the url created contains the first words from the post and not from the title as it should.


Update 2: A intermediate fix that works with Windows Live Writer is to make the post as usual in WLW, including images and then click on "Post draft to blog", ignore any errors, then click on "Publish" and ignore the errors. This will solve both the url problem and the post will be posted to your blog.


This problem also exist with other blog applications and it might work with the same workarounds too.

Update 3: November 23 and the issue with posting and opening blogs is fixed as well as the issue with the url.

Imagine Design Create

This is a great book to read and view.

At TED 2011, Autodesk launched a new book that celebrates the impact of design. Featuring the work of dozens of leading designers, many of them TEDsters, Imagine Design Create tells stories of how technology is transforming the very nature of design.

Bringing together stories of good design happening around the world, Imagine Design Create shows how people are using fresh design approaches and new capabilities to solve problems, create opportunities, and improve the way we live and work.

Design as a verb: Collaborating, building, and testing to create solutions that address human needs and improve our world.

Design as noun: The intended physical and emotional meaning conveyed through the crafted qualities of an image, object, or experience.

Download this .pdf version of the first Autodesk design book to view on your computer or tablet device.

Download the iPad App from Apples’ App Store and get even more.

• More than 30 minutes of video
• 13 original video interviews exclusive to the app
• Interactive infographics
• More than 250 stunning images, including dozens seen only in the app
• Slideshows and interactive photo features
• Visual table of contents for quick and easy navigation

Via Autodesk Manufacturing Northern Europe and Between the Lines.

Design is the fundamental soul of a man-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service. Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. — Steve Jobs, CEO, Apple

Make a wish for AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D or Inventor

AUGI Wish list is available 2 weeks more. What do you wish for?

You can add wishes for these products: AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Inventor, Revit, Revit Architecture, Revit MEP and Revit Structure.

Autodesk® Network License Manager Virtual Class at AU 2011

Now you can register and sign up for AU Virtual 2011.

My class is Autodesk® Network License Manager and will go live on November 29 as well as be available to view also after that. The handout and Power Point presentation are available to download already.

Class Audience

CAD/IT managers and advanced users with CAD/IT management responsibilities for network licenses

Class Description

This class is for anyone who wants to learn how to manage network licenses. You will learn the steps required to install and configure Autodesk Network License Manager and use the Options file to manage group license permissions. We will also cover command-line tools, how to troubleshoot and diagnose problems, optimization, limit borrowing, and upgrade licenses. You will learn how to list current users and create usage reports. This class will benefit everyone new to network licenses and those that want to learn more.

Key Learning

• Report license usage
• Install and configure Autodesk Network License Manager
• Troubleshoot network license issues
• Manage network licenses

This class can be viewed on YouTube and handout is found on the Autodesk Network License Manager page.

IE7Pro Google PageRank broken and solved

Google changed the lookup URL for the PageRank value for more than a month ago and that broke the IE7Pro Alexa rank/google pagerank plugin (searchstatus) that makes it possible to see Google PageRank in the status bar of Internet Explorer. Even though the name indicates something else IE7Pro does work in IE8 and IE9 too.

Old PageRank URL:
http://toolbarqueries.google.com/search?client=navclient-auto&features=Rank&ch=8f3b58e04&q=info:[URLHERE]
New PageRank URL:
http://toolbarqueries.google.com/tbr?client=navclient-auto&features=Rank&ch=8f3b58e04&q=info:[URLHERE]
The solution it to edit …\IEPro\plugins\searchstatus\plugin.js like this and Google PageRank work again.
Old code:
queryurl = "http://toolbarqueries.google.com/search?client=navclient-auto&ch=" + mGoogleCH + "&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&features=Rank&q=" + reqgre;
New code:
queryurl = "http://toolbarqueries.google.com/tbr?client=navclient-auto&ch=" + mGoogleCH + "&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&features=Rank&q=" + reqgre;

The Alexa rank has since been broken and only show 0 so the plugin.js needs to be edited.
Change the regex parsing of the xml result like this:
Change from
var re = /POPULARITY.*TEXT=\"(\d+)\"\/\>/i;
to
var re = /POPULARITY.*TEXT=\"(\d+)\"/i;

Free BIM application – view, clash check, measure, markup…

Tekla BIMsight version 1.3 is the current version and if you haven’t tried it, now might be a good time. Tekla BIMsight was first released in February 2011 and has improved since.

Here’s what Tekla says: "Tekla now offers the missing link BIM application for building information model-based project communication and management to everyone in the construction industry for free."

With Tekla BIMsight you can:

• Add and remove projects and models

• View, navigate and search in the models

• Change color and visibility of the objects and the models

• Check for conflicts visually and with conflict checking tools

• Measure in the models

• Add notes in the projects

• Add relevant project documentation and link it to model objects

• Add markups in the model view to highlight items

Currently supported model file formats:

• IFC (.ifc)
• IFC XML (.ifcXML)
• IFC ZIP (.ifcZIP)
• DWG (.dwg)
• DGN (.dgn)
• Tekla Web Viewer (.xml)

AEC Magazine reviewed version 1.2

Have you tried it? What are the limitations? Will you try it? What pressure does this put on other vendors with similar products?

Autodesk and AutoCAD news

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 2012 SP1 Ribbon Hotfix

This hotfix is for users that have had an AutoCAD® 2012-based products become non responsive while navigating, saving or closing a drawing file. You must install Service Pack 1 before you apply this hotfix. DL18022638

AutoCAD Map 3D 2012 Service Pack 1

Get it here: DL18021295

Autodesk Shifts Industry-Leading R&D Budget Toward the Cloud

“We are devoting a larger percentage of our R&D budget to cloud computing, with a significant portion of our new product investments going toward products that are cloud-enabled,” said Paul Sullivan, a spokesman for Autodesk. “We expect that all of our major products will be available in the cloud within the next three years.” via Bloomberg

Autodesk has still not jumped on the Windows Phone OS train. My guess is that they will if Windows succeed with it’s mobile platform during next year.

Isometric Generation in the Cloud

The AutoCAD® Isometrics WS technology preview is an Autodesk® Cloud service for creating, storing, viewing, and sharing isometric drawings. You can design and collaborate on isometrics across multiple platforms - desktop, web, and mobile devices - with full DWG™ reliability and compatibility. Simply upload PCF files from AutoCAD Plant 3D, Autodesk Inventor, or 3rd party applications, and then generate isometric drawings without running any desktop software for isometric generation. You can then easily share and view the isometrics with your colleagues through the AutoCAD WS web and mobile applications.

www.autodesk.com/autocadisometricsws

Network Licensing Manager on the Mac

If you are setting up a license server on the Mac for Maya or AutoCAD, it's probably best to install the Network License Manager… read about it here.

AutoCAD Mechanical 2011 takes 2 licenses

Here is what Up and Ready says about this:

If you have Autodesk Product Design suite Premium 2012 Package license and if you still use 2011 version of AutoCAD Mechanical and Inventor, you might find that it is using 2 seats (if you have more than 1 license) or for you get license error for the second product.

One work around to the issue is to make sure the Inventor 2011 is started prior to starting AutoCAD Mechanical 2011.

If you don't want to pass on the responsibility to the user then you can create an options file with the following line to exclude AutoCAD Mechanical 2011 to all the users, forcing the users to checkout Inventor 2011 feature code.

INCLUDE 85545AMECH_PP_2011_0F USER DUMMYUSER

You can win a trip to AU 2011 and a SpacePilot PRO 3D mouse

Want to go to Autodesk University 2011 and get a SpacePilot PRO too?

Here’s your chance. Find the full details here on 3Dconnextions’s site.

Register now to enter to win:

• One full-conference pass to Autodesk University 2011 in Las Vegas, NV
  Nov 29 through Dec 1, 2011
• Airfare and hotel accommodations for 3 nights
• A SpacePilot PRO - The Ultimate Professional 3D Mouse

FlexNet errors in the Event Viewer related to a network path

A customer of our license reporting manager JTB FlexReport recently had a problem with Autodesk Network License Manager and I found the solution in TS1053532 FLEXlm errors in the Event Viewer related to a network path:

Issue

Although the Start Server at Powerup option was selected in LMTOOLS, the FLEX service did not start automatically when you rebooted the license server. However, you were able to start the service manually.

In the Windows Event Viewer, there was an error message similar to the one below.

FLEXlm service failed to start. Cannot find the network path.

Solution

This error will occur if you use UNC paths when you configure the service in LMTOOLS.

In most Windows networks, proper credentials are required to access UNC paths and these credentials are usually not available before a user logs in to the machine. Because the FLEXlmservice tries to start before a user logs in, the UNC paths will not be resolved correctly. As a result, the FLEXlm service will not be started automatically when the license server is rebooted. 

For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you use only valid, local drive letter paths when you configure the FLEXlm/FlexNet service in LMTOOLS.

It is possible to configure the service to recognize UNC paths by elevating the rights of the service, but this is not recommended.

Solution to the problem with PayPal emails in Outlook

Problem:

Problem with PayPal emails locking up (Not Responding) Outlook?

You may see a message about contacting: \\102.112.207.net\b\ss\paypalglobal\1\G.4-NS

Microsoft Outlook 2010 and probably older versions stops responding, freezes or hangs for quite a while.

Solution:

One solution is to wait.

Another is to turn off the reading pane or just show it as plain text.

A better solution is to add a new line to the host file: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
127.0.0.1 102.112.2o7.net

Hopefully PayPal will fix this issue with their emails soon.

How to change AutoCAD from network license to standalone

Sometimes it can be useful to convert a standalone license to a network license or the other way around. This works for AutoCAD and for verticals like AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD P&ID, AutoCAD Plant 3D and AutoCAD Structural Detailing. It can be done with a simple registry hack (start the Registry Editor with regedit.exe and take backup of the registry to be on the safe side).

For AutoCAD 2011 locate this key in the registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\AutoCAD\R18.1\ACAD-9001:409\AdLM

In that directory change the type for the installation that you require:

1 – Network
2 – Standalone
3 – Multiseat Standalone

For AutoCAD 2012:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\AutoCAD\R18.2\ACAD-A001:409\AdLM

A tip is to locate HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\AutoCAD first and then you will find the version (R18.2 is for 2012 products) and then the vertical (ACAD-A004:409 is for AutoCAD Architecture 2012).

Via Up and Ready

Change AutoCAD from standalone to network describes how it works for AutoCAD 2008 and older versions.

Change AutoCAD network to standalone to network describes how it works for AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD 2010.

Nucleus simulation engine in AutoCAD 2012

What is Project Nucleus:

Project Nucleus integrates the Nucleus simulation engine from Autodesk® Maya® into AutoCAD® 2012 software. It allows designers to experiment with "form-finding" in the conceptual design phase by simulating forces directly in AutoCAD.

Project Nucleus can simulate a wide range of physical phenomena in real time, like wind, gravity, constraints, and collisions. These forces can help architects generate free-form shapes, many of which would be impossible to model by hand.

Here’s my try of simulating a cloth falling down onto a table. First showing part of the Ribbon tab Nucleus.

It’s starting.

Slowly falling down.

Depending on how quick computer you have this can take some time to simulate.

Because of the Wind noise it’s blowing off the table eventually.

As this is CPU intensive I can see how this could be great to be able to run in the cloud.

Video showing how Nucleus works.

You find it here: Project Nucleus on Autodesk Labs

Via It’s  Alive in the Lab: Project Nucleus for AutoCAD Now Available

License monitoring - JTB FlexReport 6.3.2 released

JTB FlexReport license monitoring software has been updated to version 6.3.2 with the following bug fixes:

• Fixed some problems to create chart reports on the Detailed tab.
• Fixed some issues introduced in 6.3 for the HTML reports happening in some situations resulting in duplicate servers showing.
• Fixed issue with reading certain OPT files in Group Administrator.
• Improved silent installation procedure for Process Monitor Client using JTBProcessMonitorClientConfigured.reg.
• Fixed problem with ' character in project names in Process Monitor Service.
• Improved reliability in timing of showing the Project selection dialog box for Process Monitor Client.
• Fixed Excel chart report to retain custom paths to the database.

Downloads here. See also the Upgrade tips.

Known issues: we’re investigating a problem where duplicate data is saved in very specific cases using Process Monitor. Group Administrator is also having problems in some cases that we’re working to fix.

If you use SQL Server as database it might not always work to automatically update it. If you from scratched installed JTB FlexReport 6.2 or later it should not be a problem though. To know if the database is inconsistent you can send the following information to JTB World for confirmation.

Within Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Open up the database and create a new query like below. Just change JTBFlexReport to whatever the JTB FlexReport database is named.

SELECT * FROM [JTBFlexReport].[INFORMATION_SCHEMA].[COLUMNS]

Then save the result using File>Save Result As a CSV file and send it to JTB World.

For complete information run also this query:

SELECT * FROM [JTBFlexReport].[INFORMATION_SCHEMA].[CONSTRAINT_COLUMN_USAGE]

JTB FlexReport is a report tool for applications using the FlexNet / FLEXlm (flexlm license manager), IBM LUM (IBM License Use Management), SPLM (Intergraph SmartPlant License Manager), SLM/Sentinel LM/Sentinel RMS, LM-X, Solidworks SNL License Manager, Licman, Primavera from Oracle or 12D software licensing as well as any Windows application like Acrobat, Visio, single licensed AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.

Contact us to get a time limited license file for free. You can try it in your environment with your real data for a few weeks with full functionality.
Full support is provided during trial period.

Previous related posts:
License Reports - JTB FlexReport 6.3.1 released
Asset tracking - JTB FlexReport 6.3 released

LaunchPad and other Autodesk news

LaunchPad

Autodesk Labs presents LaunchPad. The LaunchPad Technology Preview accelerates design efforts by providing a single portal into Product Design Suite applications, project data, and workflows. The LaunchPad’s one-click workflows prepare your design data in the Suite environment that is most appropriate to your task so you can quickly start designing, engineering, simulating, and visualizing your design. The LaunchPad is intended for users who already have Product Design Suite installed.

Video showing LaunchPad:

Via Autodesk Labs Blog

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AutoCAD crashes while trying to locate the target for transparent orbit

Problem:

Your AutoCAD based product crashes when you try to orbit the model using the shift + Center mouse button.

Solution:

1. Use the orbit command in the navigation tools instead of shift + center mouse button to orbit the model.
2. Start the orbit command, right click and in the right click menu uncheck the item “Enable Orbit Auto Target”. Use the transparent orbit as normal.

Via GS17773959

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Cloud Computing and Your Autodesk Product Plug-ins

Overview

The world of computing is always changing:  corporate mainframe computers were replaced by desktops; desktops became laptops; phones became mobile and then became smart; mobile data streaming allowed smartphone, handheld and tablet device users to be connected anywhere in the world. These advances were ‘game changers’ – new technology that made older systems obsolete almost overnight. They were revolutions not evolutions, and those businesses that couldn’t adapt quickly enough were replaced by those that could.

A revolutionary change is happening now - the move to cloud computing (or Software as a Service (SaaS)). Cloud computing is essentially just renting processing power and storage space on a virtual server that is managed in a remote datacenter and which you access over the internet. The technology is now mature – it is reliable, low cost, and simple to use. Vendors such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google are competing with each other to make their cloud services more reliable, cheaper, and easier to use than their competitors. Autodesk is experimenting extensively with cloud services. See labs.autodesk.com for some of our technology previews, or visit www.autodesk.com to discover some of our mature solutions, such as Autodesk Homestyler® or Green Building Studio®, that are available now.

So why might your applications benefit from the cloud? The answer is simple - for the same reasons Autodesk applications do. Consider these simple example scenarios:

• Your application performs a processor intensive task, such as photo-realistic rendering, FEA analysis, or feature recognition. Instead of tying up your customer's computer for hours, why not send the raw data to a virtual machine on the cloud and then send the results back when they are finished. While your cloud service is grinding away at the data, your customer can carry on with their work.
• Your application, or the reference data it uses, frequently changes. Instead of shipping frequent updates for your customer to install, you can just update one application on your cloud server and your updated algorithm or data is immediately available to all your customers.
• Your customers are accessing a common dataset from geographically distributed locations. That data needs to be stored somewhere, so do you buy a set of servers, rent a room to house them in, and pay a server admin to maintain them; or do you just rent space in the cloud and let your cloud provider take care of all the maintenance and administration for you?

• Demand for your services varies significantly through the day. Perhaps you have thousands of customers accessing your services during peak hours, but only one or two during the night. Should you scale your server farm to cope with the peak demand and accept that most of the time your processors will be idle, should you plan for the average demand and accept that customers will be frustrated during peak demand; or should you use a cloud provider that can automatically bring additional servers online for you at the peak and remove them when they’re no longer needed – and you only pay for the additional servers when you’re using them?

Startup costs for cloud computing are so low that you can easily afford to experiment with the technology. And the learning curve is shallow, so it's an easy step from writing desktop applications to cloud applications.

Getting Started

To help you get started, the Autodesk® Developer Network team has put together the following informational DevTV videos:

• Up in the Cloud — An overview of the benefits of cloud computing by Jim Quanci, Director for the Autodesk Developer Network.
• Getting Started with Cloud Computing — An introduction to the basics of creating a cloud computing application with demonstrations of integrating a cloud service with an AutoCAD® plug-in application by Stephen Preston, Autodesk Developer Network.
• Cloud Computing Revit Demo — A demonstration of integrating a cloud service with an Autodesk® Revit® plug-in application by Jeremy Tammik, Autodesk Developer Network.
• Cloud Computing Inventor Demo — A demonstration of integrating a cloud service with an Autodesk® Inventor® plug-in application by Philippe Leefsma, Autodesk Developer Network.
• Cloud Computing Civil 3D Demo — A demonstration of integrating a cloud service with an Autodesk® Civil 3D® plug-in application by Augusto Gonçalves, Autodesk Developer Network.

The sample code used in the demonstration is available here.

Further Reading

For additional information and tutorial material, please visit the website of your favorite cloud computing provider. We can't list them all here, but here are three:

• Amazon Web Services™
• Google App Engine™
• Microsoft® Windows Azure™

Read more here

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General Licensing: Do I need IPv6 Network License Manager for Windows?

If you wonder if you need Autodesk Network License Manager update for IPv6 or if you can stay with IPv4 then read the post at Up and Ready

---

Top Autodesk Sign in Questions & Answers

What is an Autodesk ID?
How do I create an Autodesk ID?
I can’t remember my Autodesk ID
I forgot my Autodesk ID and I don’t remember what e-mail address I used when I created my account
I forgot my password
I followed the steps to reset my password but haven’t received an e-mail
How do I change my password or e-mail address?
What are the minimum character requirements for my Autodesk ID account?
How can I get additional help if I can’t resolve my sign-in issues?
What is an Autodesk ID?

For answers visit GS17837889

Revit Architecture 2012 Update 2 + Revit Structure 2012 Update 2

Revit Architecture 2012 Update 2 and Revit Structure 2012 Update 2 is required to install the add-in for the new Cloud Rendering available for subscription customers.

Enhancement list will be updated within two days to include Update 2 improvements. See bottom with the updates on Update 2.

Revit MEP 2012 Update 2 is not ready yet.
UPDATE: Sept. 29 is Update 2 ready fro Revit MEP 2012 too.

Shouldn’t it be Service Pack instead of Update like the recent AutoCAD 2012 SP1?

Improvements made in Revit Architecture 2012 Update 2 build (20110916_2132):

• Regenerates Stair and Railing after making adjustments in Edit Baluster Placement or Edit Rail
• Placement dialogs and selecting the Apply button.
• Improves the regeneration of a detail number, within an elevation view on a sheet, when the detail number is updated within the properties palette.
• Improves stability when switching the visibility setting of linked file from By Linked View to By Host View.
• Corrects Ambient Shadow on objects which are contained within a mirrored linked file.
• Improves the import of IFC files which contain overlapping walls.
• Improves stability when exporting a project to DXF which contains a dimension style that is referenced more than 255 times within the project.
• Corrects the resolution of the background image when calculating offset and scale.
• Corrects duplicate column creation when using Create columns by Grid when some columns are already created on the grid.
• Improves stability when setting a view to Realistic display mode.
• Improves stability when navigating in 3D view after canceling a Print operation.
• Corrects silhouette display for perspective views in projects with linked files.
• Corrects the angle of Photometric Web based light sources when exported to FBX.
• Retains the original IES files when exporting to FBX.
• Reduces the scenarios where element IDs may become remapped or removed when
  Synchronizing to Central.
• Improves stability when removing layers from floors, roofs and walls.
• Corrects gbXML export of curtain walls where window openings were classified as air opening when using simple complexity mode.
• Improves stability when accessing Help.
• Corrects mapping of Cable Tray, Cable Tray Fittings, Conduit and Conduit Fittings when exported to IFC.
• Improves the consistency of beams being unique objects when exported to IFC.
• Improves the placement of slabs when exported to IFC.
• Improves the creation of beams, such as length, when imported from IFC.
• Disables switching to 3D view if current view only is set when exporting to IFC.
• Enables the export of filled regions to IFC.
• Enables mass based curtain panels and mullions to be individual elements when exported to IFC.
• Enables Structural Columns to be exported to IFC.
• Allows elements hidden by category to be ignored when project is exported to IFC.
• Enables Unicode support for both Import and Export of families.
• Changes setting for “Export views on sheets and links as external references” to be enabled when exporting to DGN.
• Allows exporting to DWFx if the view is blank.
• Improves stability when exporting to DWG.
• Improves the export of custom wall hatch patterns to DWG.
• Improves stability after displaying a warning message.
• Enables the use of Family Parameter when using the Material Browser Paint tool.
• Improves stability when modifying part assemblies.
• Improves stability when working within the Phases dialog.
• Improves placement of linked point clouds based upon their origin.
• Improves stability when printing to PDF in batch mode.
• Improves stability when saving a family into the same folder as the type catalog.
• Improves stability when upgrading projects.
• Improves stability when setting a workset from Editable to non-Editable.
• API: Corrects the sheet size calculation when exporting to one sheet to DWFx.
• API: Improves stability during Reload Latest/Sync to Central when the document is not allowed to be modified.
• API: Retains schemas during Sync to Central and allows central file to remain correct.
• API: Reduces file corruption introduced by extensible storage. 

Improvements made in Revit Structure 2012 Update 2 build (20110916_2132):

• Sets the level Underlay to NONE, instead of below level, when creating a new level.
• Maintains graphical display of Rebar when upgrading a project to Revit Structure 2012.  Rebar which was displayed using Medium level of detail in Revit Structure 2011 will updates to use Coarse level of detail with the project is upgraded.
• Improves stability when adjusting rebar settings which cause the number of rebars in a set to exceed 1000.
• Restores display cutting of Slanted Columns in plan view when Course level of detail is used.
• Removes ½” cutback on wood framing members when using medium or fine level of detail.
• Maintains the alignment method parameter on manually adjusted walls when a Revit Structure 2011 project is upgraded to a Revit Structure 2012 project.
• Hides analytical nodes that are connected to hidden elements when in Analytical Model edit mode.
• Improves analytical node display when isolating by either Element or Category.
• Improves use of analytical model Rigid Link when overlapping beam and column are moved away from each other.
• Adds Analytical Reset to the right-click menu for an analytical model.
• Improves stability when setting Alignment Method on an analytical model element, such as a structural wall.
• Maintains the visibility of analytical models in linked files when upgrading a Revit Structure 2011 project to Revit Structure 2012.
• Improves floor analytical model shape when boundary line references a curved beam.

Improvements made in Revit MEP 2012 Update 2 build (20110916_2132):

• Improves stability when routing ducts which utilize an elbow or takeoff to complete the run.
• Improves stability when dragging a Panel Schedule into a sheet.
• Corrects the classification of embedded windows within a curtain wall contained within a linked file which is used as the boundary to create spaces.
• Improves the regeneration time of Ducts after applying a Visibility/Graphics Override.
• Improves stability when creating a new zone in the zone editor and specifying an already existing name in the properties palette.
• Improves performance when adding an air terminal to a system.
• Retains System Type when coping elements from one project to another.
• Retains pipe and fitting connections when moving piping layout to another level.
• Improves the display of duct with insulation and lining for hidden line views when contained within a linked file.
• Improves display of insulation on segments when viewed in ceiling plans.
• Maintains the type parameter values for panel schedules viewed on a sheet.
• Maintains circuits when upgrading Revit MEP 2011 projects in Revit MEP 2012

SSMPropEditor 4.4.1

SSMPropEditor version 4.4.1 is now available. If you use AutoCAD’s Sheet Set Manager you will have a hard time to not justify using SSMPropEditor. Give it a try for free and see for yourself.

Fixed problems in 4.4.1.

• Fixed path issue with export.
• Fixed problem to remove some of the paths.
• Fixed browsing for sheet path.

Would you like also to have access to Sheet View information? If so, what would you like to do in SSMPropEditor?

Sheet Views View by sheet.

Sheet Views View by category.

JTB FlexReport LT on Autodesk Exchange Apps

JTB FlexReport LT is now available on Autodesk Exchange Apps that you can access from within AutoCAD 2012. JTB FlexReport LT is a freeware product from JTB World to create HTML reports on current usage of FlexNet/FLEXlm licenses.

Autodesk Exchange Apps introduced in AutoCAD 2012

Guide to install an app from Autodesk Exchange Apps

See also JTB FlexReport for the full license reports software.

Autodesk Cloud documents and more for the cloud introduced

Today Autodesk is introducing Autodesk Cloud, a collection of more than a dozen web-based capabilities, products and services that enable customers to extend their desktops with greater mobility, new viewing and sharing capabilities, and more computing power, helping them better design, visualize and simulate their ideas. In addition, Autodesk Subscription customers will now have exclusive access to cloud-based, high-performance rendering and design optimization, and enhanced collaboration capabilities. Autodesk Subscription now provides 3 GB of online storage for each seat of software on Subscription for greater access to design and engineering documents, anywhere, anytime.

Autodesk Cloud documents offers 1GB of storage for free for anyone without Autodesk Subscription and 3GB for subscribers.

If a company has 10 seats they have all access to up to 30GB as a company.

Question is how many companies that will block Autodesk Cloud due to security or privacy requirements/policies.

After a document like a DWG is added it’s possible to act on it like editing, sharing, adding comments and much more.

Autodesk Cloud Services & Support is new support center for Autodesk Cloud.

Autodesk Cloud Documents Tutorial Videos

Additional storage for Autodesk Cloud Documents?

Issue

You would like to know if it is possible to get more storage for your Autodesk Cloud Documents account.

Solution

Currently, it is not possible to get more storage for your Autodesk Cloud Storage account.  The current limits of 3 GB for Subscription customers and 1 GB for non-Subscription customers is set.

However, if you require more storage and/or additional file controls, you should consider Autodesk Buzzsaw or Autodesk Vault.

Via TS17829724

System Requirements for Autodesk Cloud Documents

Minimum Browser Requirements

To be able to use web based Autodesk Cloud Documents, you must have, at a minimum, one of the following web browsers:

Firefox 3.0 and Higher 
Google Chrome 
Internet Explorer 7 and Higher 
Safari 3.0 and Higher

Recommended Browser Requirements

To be able to use the in-browser viewer (View Tab) you must have one of the following web browsers:

Firefox 4.0 and Higher 
Google Chrome 
Internet Explorer 9 and Higher (2D viewing only) 
Safari 5 and Higher (2D viewing only)

Via TS17829819

More from the press release:

Autodesk Cloud Enables Access to Design Capability from Anywhere, at Anytime

“For more than a decade, Autodesk has embraced the power of the cloud to extend the functionality of our design solutions and help our customers work more effectively,” said Amar Hanspal, senior vice president, Platform Solutions and Emerging Business at Autodesk. “With Autodesk Cloud, we are demonstrating an even greater commitment to helping our customers solve the world’s toughest design and engineering challenges.”

Autodesk has been a pioneer in cloud-based applications for the design industry — starting more than a decade ago with Autodesk Buzzsaw — and more than a dozen cloud-based offerings currently available to customers are now encompassed as part of Autodesk Cloud. Autodesk Cloud provides a powerful foundation to enable all Autodesk customers to begin using the cloud to access and store their work from anywhere; to view their work through web browsers or mobile devices; and to share their work with other users, even users without Autodesk software. Cloud applications such Autodesk Cloud documents, AutoCAD WS and the Autodesk Design Review mobile app provide users with the freedom to work where they can be most effective, and to view, edit and share designs anywhere and with almost anyone. AutoCAD WS and the Autodesk Design Review mobile app are available today on the iOS App Store.

Additional cloud services exclusive to Autodesk Subscription customers give designers, engineers and digital artists sophisticated new capabilities, such as high-performance 3D visual communication, simulation and collaboration that were once limited to organizations with privileged access to expensive, high-end supercomputing centers.

These exclusive services include:

• Autodesk Cloud rendering ― Customers with an Autodesk Subscription to the Premium or Ultimate editions of Autodesk Design Suite or Autodesk Building Design Suite will have access to powerful rendering capabilities, helping them better visualize designs, increase the number of renderings they can create and reduce hardware investments.
• Autodesk Inventor optimization ― Customers with Subscription to the Premium or Ultimate editions of Autodesk Product Design Suites will gain an intuitive cloud-based simulation tool, enabling them to test multiple design options in the cloud, and to create more sustainable designs and higher-quality products while reducing material, transportation and energy costs.
• Autodesk Revit Conceptual Energy Analysis ― Customers with Subscription to Autodesk Revit Architecture or Autodesk Revit MEP software, or select suites containing these products, can extend design beyond the desktop with powerful cloud-based energy analysis capabilities, helping them to quickly gain insight into the energy consumption and building energy costs of early design concepts from within the design application.
• Autodesk Green Building Studio web-based energy analysis software ― Customers with Subscription to Autodesk Building Design Suite and other select products have access to this cloud-based service that can help designers, architects, engineers and building energy analysts perform faster, more accurate energy analysis of multiple building design iterations, optimize energy efficiency and work toward carbon neutrality earlier in the design process.
• Autodesk Buzzsaw software as a service (SaaS) ― Customers with Subscription to Autodesk Vault Collaboration AEC software now have access to cloud-based document, data and design management solutions for architecture, engineering and construction firms and owner-operators, helping them centralize and securely exchange project information and enhance team collaboration.

Autodesk works with multiple partners, including Amazon and Citrix, to provide a scalable cloud computing infrastructure to meet customer needs. Autodesk has been working with Amazon Web Services for more than three years in order to securely host high-demand, scalable applications such as Autodesk Homestyler software and Autodesk Seek web service. Amazon Web Services provides Autodesk with the flexibility to scale computing around the world with Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) and resilient storage capacity with Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) and Elastic Block Store (EBS), as well as the ability to more efficiently deliver applications and content to customers. Autodesk also teams with Citrix to provide customers with greater efficiency in their use of Autodesk applications. Delivering solutions to end users with Citrix XenApp can help customers reduce workstation costs while still providing the software performance they need.

“Our relationship with Autodesk demonstrates how innovative and forward-thinking software companies can leverage the power of AWS to provide greater value to their customers,” said Terry Wise, Director of Business Development at Amazon Web Services. “We are pleased to work with Autodesk to provide secure, on-demand, pay as you go cloud services, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the design and engineering market.”

In addition to the new Autodesk Cloud services, Autodesk Subscription continues to provide the most up-to-date software, online technical support and flexible licensing privileges for customers looking to maximize their competitive advantage.

Availability

Autodesk Cloud services are available worldwide starting today in English, and will be available soon in other languages including Czech, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Traditional Chinese. Some Autodesk Cloud services are available to all customers, such as Autodesk Cloud documents and the Autodesk Design Review mobile app, while other services are exclusive to Autodesk Subscription customers. All customers should contact their local reseller or visit www.autodesk.com/cloud to learn more.