tomnewsom
2006-07-18, 02:18 PM
I've given this a bit of thought. Revit relies on the standard windows MDI (multiple document interface) for handling multiple views within the main Revit window. As we all know, this is sub-optimal and can be very frustrating. Here is my proposed solution, which scales well to multiple monitor setups:
1. The viewing area (ie, everything excluding the toolbars) is divided into one or more 'Viewports' similar to those in 3D Studio. There are a number of preset Viewport layouts (split horizontal 2, 3, 4, quad, large and three small etc.)
2. Each Viewport can contain multiple views. Each View is maximised to the size of the Viewport
3. Tabs along the top of each Viewport allow switching between Views. Tabs can be dragged from one Viewport to another or rearranged within their current Viewport.
This lets you have, say, a Plans viewport and a Sections viewport and never have to worry about overlaying windows. Here's a mockup - note the tooltip to let you know what the full view name is:
1. The viewing area (ie, everything excluding the toolbars) is divided into one or more 'Viewports' similar to those in 3D Studio. There are a number of preset Viewport layouts (split horizontal 2, 3, 4, quad, large and three small etc.)
2. Each Viewport can contain multiple views. Each View is maximised to the size of the Viewport
3. Tabs along the top of each Viewport allow switching between Views. Tabs can be dragged from one Viewport to another or rearranged within their current Viewport.
This lets you have, say, a Plans viewport and a Sections viewport and never have to worry about overlaying windows. Here's a mockup - note the tooltip to let you know what the full view name is: