How to create Custom Layer mapping file in Revit 2012?

[Twolly]

I am trying to create a custom layer mapping file in Revit 2012, but I can't seem to figure out how to create a new file. I see the ones that come with the program and I see how to load a custom one, but I want to create a new one. Can I modify the AIA one, for example, in Revit and then save it as a new text file? It seems it would be easier to do this then to edit the actual text file.

Also, does anyone know where the export layer text files actually exist for 2012. I can't seem to find them in the program files.

I saw something about an "export layers tool" for Revit 2011, but I can't seem to find anything like that for 2012.

thanks in advance!

[cliff collins]

Does this help?

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Revit/enu/2012/Help/Revit_User's_Guide/1394-Document1394/2112-Print_Ex2112/2113-Export2113/2114-Exportin2114/2116-Exportin2116/2117-Layer_Ma2117#GUID-E0B73981-9496-43CD-A358-581FEF3A3008

[Twolly]

Thanks for the link. I had actually already read that, but it seems to describe how to modify an existing layer mapping file (i.e. AIA, ISO, Singapore, or British) while maintaining the same file name and then saving the modifications as a custom export setup name. Is this the best way to do this or should an actual custom layer mapping file be created.

As I mentioned, I can't even find the layer mapping text files on my computer.

What have other people done to customize the layers when exporting to CAD in Revit 2012?

[cliff collins]

Here is where they are in Revit 2012:

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit Architecture 2012\Data

We always use the AIA Layer Standard, so I have not customized it.

But I think a save-as of the AIA .txt file would be a good place to start. It seems very tedious and time consuming, but once it's done it will make your exports a snap.

[jeffh]

I am trying to create a custom layer mapping file in Revit 2012, but I can't seem to figure out how to create a new file. I see the ones that come with the program and I see how to load a custom one, but I want to create a new one. Can I modify the AIA one, for example, in Revit and then save it as a new text file? It seems it would be easier to do this then to edit the actual text file.

Also, does anyone know where the export layer text files actually exist for 2012. I can't seem to find them in the program files.

I saw something about an "export layers tool" for Revit 2011, but I can't seem to find anything like that for 2012.

thanks in advance!

Revit 2012 does not save out export TXT files. The process was changed in 2012 so the DWG layer export setups are saved as part of the project file itself. They are somethig that can be transferred from project to project using transfer project standards. In the layer export dialog on the left side is where you can create new setup or change the setup being used.

The TXT method of importing a setup is still supported because there are lecacy TXT file out there that need to be supported alongside the new workflow.

[Twolly]

Thank you both very much! So the 2012 workflow is to edit an existing layer standard (AIA, ISO, etc.) and just create a custom export setup? I take it that when you edit an existing layer standard it doesn't overwrite the text file. Is this true? Also, just to clarify, should one edit an existing layer standard within Revit or do people edit the actual .txt file. It seems like editing within Revit would be much easier.

Also, I still can't seem to find the .txt files under Program files/Autodesk/Revit Architecture 2012/Data.

Thanks!

[jeffh]

When you edit a standard you do not overwrite the source TXT file. Edit layer standards in Revit. Doing it in a text editor would not be a task you want to take on. Just think of these setups as a part of the Revit file. You don't need to worry about the TXT files at all unless you have legacy TXT files you are using.

[Twolly]

Thanks Jeff! I think I get it now, the only thing that I'm a little curious about is why you still choose from the drop down list of layer mapping files (AIA, ISO, etc.) instead of starting from scratch. It seems a little weird that with in the custom export setup you still choose the AIA, ISO, etc. when choosing "load layers from standards" when the custom standards are no longer those actual files. It seems like it would give you the option to choose "custom" or something like that.

Sorry if that sounds confusing!