Revit and Automated DWF

[mbeham]

Does anyone know of a way to create an automatic dwf on a save in revit?

[Mlabell]

Does anyone know of a way to create an automatic dwf on a save in revit?

Not that I am aware of, but I know a "guy" that may be able to do it through the API! :lol:

[mbeham]

I figured thats how it would have to be done. Was hoping someone may have script or something already created that you could just put in the c program files revit architecture 2009 and have it work. I'll have to ask our API specialist if he can do it.

[twiceroadsfool]

Me thinks with Central files, and 5 users in a jobs, thatll be a hell of a lot of 3D DWF's. Im ASSuming 3D DWF's, i cant imagine waiting for all the drawings to export everytime someone saved, lol...

[mbeham]

IM thinking it would overwrite the previous one instead of making a new one each time...but its a way for our managers to see the model without having Revit and always having it up to date

[cliff collins]

If the reason is for non-Revit user/managers to have a current 3D view of the model,
then just have them run Revit in demo mode, like a "viewer".

I think that an automated regular schedule for updating a 3D DWF is a good idea--but would need tight control to avoid "overkill" versions on every user's STC/Synchronization.
Perhaps a "Scheduled Task" feature which the BIM Manager controls permissions?

cheers.........

[mbeham]

You make a good point about it shouldnt happen every save to central. So maybe on a close of the file. It will take some thought to figure out what the best method would be if it were to be automated. We dont do "demo" version because of issues on deployment and also because we dont install revit on every machine. Only machines in which users have been trained. But good points.

[twiceroadsfool]

With 2010 having the Create New Local, i would bet you could even make a script or something that ran completely outside of Revit. A PM could press a button and get prompted for a Project Number. It could then initiate a session of Revit on another station, Open with create new local or DFC, Open default 3d view, export to 3D DWF, and close.

I know its not THAT simple, but im sure it could be done without making it happen at saving intervals...

EDIT: Oh man, this reminds me of the thread in Out There where we talked about fictitious Revit tools we wanted.

I would call this one the *PM* tool. It would Launch the model, export it to 3D DWF, then says *GTFO* on the screen before kicking the manager out of the project :)

[Mlabell]

How about a wishlist item for ADR 2011 to import a rvt file? (or more likely 2012 since 2011 more than likely in Alpha) Since ADR already has the capability to import a dwg, pdf, jt and dgn file. In the meantime how about that API hook? Will have to get kassab involved.:beer: