So is 8.1 Really Worth It?

[patricks]

At the present time my office is still using the most recent build of Revit Building 8.0. We haven't really had time lately to upgrade to 8.1.

However, looking at some of the threads I've seen around here lately, it seems as if 8.1 is just plagued with problems and issues (reminds me of 7.0 almost). I've been reading alot about issues with wall joins, walls joining to roofs, color fills, and other things in 8.1.

Is there any particular new features of 8.1 that would really be worth it to us to change from 8.0 (which I haven't had too much trouble with), or should we just wait for the next major release?

[Steve_Stafford]

...Is there any particular new features of 8.1 that would really be worth it to us to change from 8.0 (which I haven't had too much trouble with), or should we just wait for the next major release?...I'd do it in a second...worksharing justification alone...nevermind the dozens of other improvements. My 2 pence.

[mtogni]

...nevermind the dozens of other improvements. My 2 pence.

Please, can you list just some of the most important of the dozens improvements?
Thanks.

[blads]

A couple of things initally I noticed...


loads faster
printing faster even with shadows

[Mike Hardy-Brown]

Ciao Michelangelo,

Is part of the fun not finding new buttons and functions:D

[m_cahoon14336]

Another reason might be......Did some one already mention Worksets?

I believe Worksets alone is justification alone!!!

[sbrown]

if you are using ws yes, if not hold off, the wall joins are awful. they maybe better on a from scratch project, but joins that were fine in 7.0 are un fixable in some cases in 8.1 without using the right click disjoin method, which isn't really acceptable in many cases.

[Steve_Stafford]

A list of improvements which doesn't include fixes. You decide...never know which ones are most compelling to folks. Bug fixes aren't included since they don't ever include them in lists. (Blue are ones I like)

Structure
Embedded Connection Symbols for Structural Columns
Columns Attach to Newer Grids
Isolated Footings
Additional Continuous Footing Types
Tag Bottom Elevation of Footing

Massing
Non-Vertical Walls from Massing Components

Annotation
Vertical/Horizontal Dimensions
Tag All not Tagged for a Selection

Modeling
Added Subcategory Control of Host Layers
Shaft Tool
Create Work Planes Based on Linked Models

Curtain Wall/Roof/System
More Selection Options for Panels and Mullions.
Mullion Join Controls
Type Driven Curtain Mullions and Panels
Adjust Curtain Grid to Create Equal Panel Sizes

Families and Content
Flip controls for Workplane Based Families
Formulas are no longer deleted when a participating parameter is renamed

Linked Models
Linked DWG/DXF Files Retain Layer Settings on Reload
Schedule Elements in Linked Models
Coordination Monitor

Import/Export
Include Links in DWF Exports
Layer Settings Accessible in Export Options
Export Viewports to a Defined Layer
More Surface Forms Supported
Special Layers for Hidden Lines
Merge Collinear Lines in DWG/DXF Exports

Worksets
Relinquish all Mine
Compact File Option for Save
Detach From Central
Audit on Opening
Open/Close Status is Independent of Editability

Area Analysis
More Options for Room Area Calculation

Views
Set Orbit Center by Selecting Elements
Temporary Hide/Isolate Works for Curtain Wall/System

Output/Print
Collate Option When Printing

Site
Topo-Surfaces Built From Point Files

[hand471037]

However, looking at some of the threads I've seen around here lately, it seems as if 8.1 is just plagued with problems and issues (reminds me of 7.0 almost). I've been reading alot about issues with wall joins, walls joining to roofs, color fills, and other things in 8.1.

uhhh... those problems are in 8.0 too you know. 8.1 didn't introduce them. So you've got the problems right now anyways, *and* none of the benifits.

[Wes Macaulay]

The latest build of 8.1 (20051017_2000) is ready for prime-time. The previous build had a small memory leak apparently. Didn't cause most people problems, but very large projects seemed to suffer more.

[funkman]

what the heck is this autodeck security thing about....

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=5549329&linkID=3770209


A security issue has been identified that could allow a local user to gain inappropriate access to another local user's computer. This problem occurs in a number of Autodesk products. You can help protect your computer by installing this update.

[beegee]

In response to the Thread Title.

Yes.

Absolutely.

No question.

End of story.

[patricks]

Okay guess I'll try to find the time to install the newest release.

My question is, have they fixed corner joins at automatically embedded curtain walls yet?

[sbrown]

Go for it, the new build seems to have fixed many of the wall join issues I was having.

[narlee]

If I understand correctly, you can put walls etc. into different subcategies. Does this work with doors, windows, railings etc. as well?

[narlee]

Hi Steve Stafford,

You mentioned that 8.1 "Added subcategroy control of host layers" but I haven't been able to find that. It's certainly something I'd love to see, and needed since I use worksets as a workaround for turning on/off certain walls, doors, etc.

Geof Narlee.

[Steve_Stafford]

If you examine the export file you'll see additional options for layer assignment, but they only take effect if you check the option to Cut Line Styles

There is a THREAD (http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=23744) where we discuss this a a bit more in depth.

[narlee]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the quick response, esp. on Thanksgiving.

I see I misundertstood the kind of subcategories you were referring to. I'm looking to be able to put different walls, doors etc. into new subcategories for visibility purposes. Since the Hide/Isolate doesn't hold for printing, it doesn't do what I'm looking for. Guess I'll continue to use worksets as a workaround. I know what I am seeking is already well-represented on the Wishlist.

Happy Holiday.