Export list of Import or Linked CAD Symbols

[luke.s.johnson]

This may seem an unusual request, but:
We have lots of Import Symbols (DWGs) linked into a Revit project and used as details.

It is very difficult to keep track if someone adds a new detail without adding it to Revit etc.

So I am trying to create an Excel spreadsheet showing a list of the currently referenced DWGs in the Revit project.

Is there any way to extract this data?

Does anyone have a fancy add-on that I can use for this?

[luke.s.johnson]

bump

c'mon people, some one must have a solution for this?

[martijnderiet]

This seems like a workflow-problem to me...
Two ways of covering this:

1. Only import dwg's in Drafting Views. Create a View Schedule and filter this for Drawing Views. Additional you can create a Shared Parameter of the Yes/No-type in order to specify whether a Drafting View is based on a dwg.
2. Instead of directly importing dwg's in Revit take the time to first import them into a family file. Import these files into your Revit Project. This way you can schedule them (providing that you use a family type which you can schedule.

[wmullett]

Sorry - I have no suggestions on how to manage your problem.


We have been working hard at converting all CAD items to Revit. Revit items are easier to manage and detailing in Revit is so much easier than CAD.

[patricks]

^^^ Yes this.

I try to never, ever import DWG's that aren't used for actual model purposes (building layout underlay, site underlay, etc.). Having many DWG's linked (imported is even worse) has been known to cause instability and corruption issues, not to mention making the file a total dog to deal with.

[mmonty1269]

So you are re-drawing/modeling your entire detail library?

Just curious what my answer is going to be when "They" finally decide to make the move to Revit.

[Scott Womack]

So you are re-drawing/modeling your entire detail library?

Just curious what my answer is going to be when "They" finally decide to make the move to Revit.

You can link in the AutoCAD details for a project or two. Most of us had to start this way at one time, although most of us also made the mistake of importing versus linking them in.

You'll quickly find that converting them to Revit details will be the way to go. The project files will be less "error" prone, respond faster, and importing Revit views from one project to another is faster and easier than linking CAD details in.

One trick is to "convert" a few details each project. In this way after a few projects, you'll have alot of the most commonly used details converted.

[wmullett]

Details are 2D and yes... we have converted those to Revit. Fairly easy process, you just don't want polylines, very small lines, hatches or dimensions. You can convert all CAD lines to Revit lines. We always clean up these details outside of the project. Then we save these details in organized resource projects so they are easily found and brought into our project. (Exmp ... door details ... window details...etc)

If you are an E firm, you probably have a lot more standard details. Much of or detailing now is model dependent rather that "standard details" that never seem to be accurate.

[glynnis.patterson]

Hi there,

The Ideate Explorer can assist in finding all the DWGs within your Project, by Level, or by View. The 2011 version also a new feature that will let you export the results to Excel.

www.ideateexplorer.com

This video shows how it's done:
http://www.ideateexplorer.com/swf/display_screencast.php?target=hidden

We use this tool all the time on our Tech Support side.