NEW BUILD available @ Autodesk

[Matt H]

A new build has been released today! Just a reminder for everyone to download it!

[DaveP]

Here's what the on-line list says is new:

Improvements made in the current Web Update SP2 build (20070810_1700):

• Improves stability after receiving a corrupt element warning when opening a project.

• Publish to DWF™ functions when Rooms are present and are clipped by the viewport.

• Improves stability when saving a Project with a linked DWG™ file that contains an image.

• Improves stability when applying a view template to a sheet view.

• In Windows Vista™ operating system, allows the ability to write to revit.ini, licpath.lic,
KeyboardShortcuts.txt, and the Journals folder.

• Line based families contained in a group are no longer flipped when the group is mirrored.

• Improves stability when importing group into Titleblock family.

• Allows the ability to export renderings to TIFF format.

• When temporary dimension text too small to read, user can adjust the size of the font through Revit.ini.

• Linked DWG added by another user will now show up in Manage Links after reload latest.

• “Relative” spot elevation updates automatically with the change in Level elevation.

•When exporting to DWG, overlapping lines that share a point are no longer missing in the resulting DWG file.


Guess it's not quite 2008.1

[Matt H]

Well there improvements..... Nothing MIND blowing...

[DaveP]

True 'dat.
Stability IS a nice thing.

[Scott D Davis]

TIFFs are back....

Controllable Temp Dim size....

Those should make some people happy! But this is still a build...not a point release!

[Matt H]

How does one control the TEMP Dim Size??

[Joef]

Controllable Temp Dim is a long awaited change not to be sneezed at.

"Improves stability when saving a Project with a linked DWG™ file that contains an image." This one would have saved me a few hours last week. Perhaps it will save someone else a few hours.

[sfaust]

How does one control the TEMP Dim Size??

I second this question. It just says it can be controlled via the ini file...

how?

[barathd]

TIFFs are back....

Controllable Temp Dim size....

Those should make some people happy! But this is still a build...not a point release!

Scott:

Pardon me for asking - is there going to be point release?

Regards

Dick Barath

[Scott D Davis]

Scott:

Pardon me for asking - is there going to be point release?

I haven't heard one way or the other. Builds seem to be doing the trick for now!

[Joef]

I haven't heard one way or the other. Builds seem to be doing the trick for now!

Builds don't add features, just refinements and bug fixes.
Since there always has been a point release it would be a bit strange not to have one without saying anything. How would one go about getting a definitive answer on this question? Seems a question that deserves an answer.

[SkiSouth]

Controllable Temp Dim size....

!


Yeah, real happy IF someone would document how to change them as noted in the Web update file. Not a mention in Help file or Temporary Dimensions command. So what's the magic line to add in the Revit.ini? It's not a listed option and not mentioned in any of the Readme literature etc. Nice command, we just aren't going to tell you how to use it. You've got to guess how and where to adjust and what the command is..

[Wes Macaulay]

The new build is allowing a lot more of the video cards in my office to be able to have OpenGL enabled and open views containing complicated DWG backgrounds... so this is a good news build for us!

[mmiles]

Scott:

Pardon me for asking - is there going to be point release?

Regards

Dick Barath


Forgive my ignorance: what is the difference between a point release and a build?
Do each of those affect my ability to work with others?

For example, I am still using the box-DVD version of RAC2008- did not make time to download the 1st megasized file; did not want to continue upgrading projects; etc. The same rings true today; but , if given good reason I will start the download. Anyone with comment please speak up. thanks.

[DaveP]

See Joe's post above.
Builds are intended as bug fixes & performance improvements. They rarely add new features.
Point releases tend to add new features, but not as major as the yearly release. My theory is that the point releases are usually features that the Factory hoped to get into the big release, but weren't ready for prime time when the deadlines arrived.

That said, some of the point releases HAVE had some pretty impressive features added. Worksets in 8.1 come to mind - in fact, I think Worksets were introduced in 6.1.

My guess is that 9.1 was the last point release we'll ever see. With 2008, Autodesk changed their release cycle to synchronize the release of all of their products (AutoCAD-based and Revit-based) at the same time. When Revit was young, there were so many major features being introduced, they couldn't wait for a whole year to get them out. Now, as the product matures, a 6-month development cycle just doesn't give them enough time to develop-test-fix-test to maintain a quality product.

[Andre Baros]

New builds don't effect compatibility and address bugs and stability issues. They're practically invisible installs. Point releases are like new versions and loose backward compatibility because they introduce new or different functionality.

[mmiles]

Andre,
thanks. I noticed that this thread refered to the new build as "SP2..." does that mean I need to install a "SP1..." first?

and, just to make sure I understand this: the version I am using is RAC2008, and the build is the one that came with the original launch of the version. Since first released, the Version has now gained two new builds, the 2nd of which came out yesterday?

[scott.latch]

Support is currently in the process of creating a solution that explains how to modify the Revit.ini to adjust the size of the temporary dimensions. However, the following are the steps to do so:

Open Revit.ini file in Notepad. The file is typically located in C:\Program Files\Revit Architecture 2008\Program.
Add the following line to Revit.ini in [Graphics] section:

TempDimFontSizeInPoints=N
Where N is a number larger than 8 (default hardcoded value). Good starting point is twice the default size (i.e. 16-17).
Save Revit.ini.
Restart Revit. If the size of temporary dimensions is still small, repeat from step 1 with larger number.

Please note, the [Graphics] section may not exist. If this is the case add a line that contains [Graphics].

[scott.latch]

Andre,
thanks. I noticed that this thread refered to the new build as "SP2..." does that mean I need to install a "SP1..." first?

No. This new build contains all of the fixes in the previous build. The builds are not service packs like the AutoCAD products have. They are actually complete installations of Revit Architecture 2008.

[scott.latch]

Pardon me for asking - is there going to be point release?

No. There will not be a point release for Revit Architecture 2008. We have decided to focus our efforts on an annual release schedule.

[Dimitri Harvalias]

did not make time to download the 1st megasized file; did not want to continue upgrading projects; etc. .

You can save a ton of time on installs by making sure the 'skip content installation' option is checked when you do the upgrade install. Content does not change between builds (unless the build addresses a specific content bug issue) so there is no need to reinstall it all.

[DaveP]

No. There will not be a point release for Revit Architecture 2008. We have decided to focus our efforts on an annual release schedule.

Thanks for the answer, Scott.
Too bad that there won't be a point release, but not unexpected.

I appreciate your letting us know, however. I know you guys take a lot of flack about communication. This is the kind of straight answer we need to hear. Hearing a firm "No" is much better than letting the rumor mill fly.

Thanks again.

[Wes Macaulay]

No. There will not be a point release for Revit Architecture 2008. We have decided to focus our efforts on an annual release schedule.Actually the real reason is you didn't want to issue "Revit Architecture 2008.1" -- makes for a messy handle, huh :-P

[Brian Myers]

New builds don't effect compatibility and address bugs and stability issues. They're practically invisible installs. Point releases are like new versions and loose backward compatibility because they introduce new or different functionality. Yep, in this way I actually prefer build releases. Yes, they are not as flashy, but I don't have to worry about everyone being on the same software version either (at least in terms of file compatibility).

[ron.sanpedro]

Builds don't add features, just refinements and bug fixes.
Since there always has been a point release it would be a bit strange not to have one without saying anything. How would one go about getting a definitive answer on this question? Seems a question that deserves an answer.

There was also talk at AU last year that we would not see 64bit Revit in the 2008 release, but we would see it in the point release. I am not sure I mind the loss of the point release, but some communication with us about how releases are being done would be helpful. Some of us actually try to plan around major upgrades in spring and fall, so a lot of effort has gone into being ready for a point release that has seemingly just evaporated with no warning.

Gordon

[UpNorth]

For what it's worth (just an FYI)... there was a point release for Autodesk Building Systems called ABS 2007.1 - our Mech and Elec folks used it for several months.

[Matt H]

Since we are all talking about future builds and point releases, i heard a little bird singing, that the next version/point release, Revit will be pair up with AutoCAD Architecture... am i off my rocker for believing such a thing?

I thought it made sence, since Revit MEP is paired with AutoCAD MEP....

[Wes Macaulay]

...only as a promotion, perhaps. Autodesk occasionally has a "Rev it Up" promotion that allows people to get Revit and ADT together for the same price.

[DaveP]

This thead looks like it would be a good place to remind people of another post from David Conant a while ago that listed the Revit versions
http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=20803&highlight=revit+release+history
I took a look at it becasue I was trying to remember if there was a 7.1 or not.

BTW, David (or one of the mods) could you add 9.1 & 2008? Please?

[Overconstrained]

Umm......if there are no longer point releases should we expect a reduction in our subscription fees to match?

[armbarsalot]

Need 64 bit bad, is that going to be pushed till the next release???? Working on a huge project that exceeds memory limits of 32bit. Will have to break up the building if its not coming (was told august)

[Matt H]

...only as a promotion, perhaps. Autodesk occasionally has a "Rev it Up" promotion that allows people to get Revit and ADT together for the same price.


Sorry, should have made this more clear... In the Revit A. "Suite" they are replacing AutoCAD with ADT. So i've heard of course...

[ron.sanpedro]

Sorry, should have made this more clear... In the Revit A. "Suite" they are replacing AutoCAD with ADT. So i've heard of course...

Kind of funny since the vast majority of ADT users I know use it as vanilla AutoCAD anyway. I had thought we might get a few seats of the suite so as to have some Acad in the house, for the occasional cleanup of consultant files and such. But I do NOT want any ADT around screwing things up. Putting ADT in the suite actually makes me not want it, rather than making it more compelling. Now I might argue for a couple seats of standalone Acad LT instead. Probably NOT what Autodesk had in mind. ;)

Gordon

[Matt H]

But like i said... I don't know if its coming true or not... i was just a rumor...I like having just Autocad as well, but sometime, i would like ADT... Its a total toss up for me.

[Joef]

Umm......if there are no longer point releases should we expect a reduction in our subscription fees to match?

Well... if you were to read the fine print of your subscription agreement you would find that Autodesk is under no obligation to upgrade the software at all. So I don't think the subscription fee is tied in any way to any activity by Autodesk. It simply allows you to use the software when they do get around to upgrading it.

[dfriesen]

Allows the ability to export renderings to TIFF format.

Nice! I'll be able to close that Support Request, pending successful export with alpha channel.

[VinceFerrero]

Need 64 bit bad, is that going to be pushed till the next release???? Working on a huge project that exceeds memory limits of 32bit. Will have to break up the building if its not coming (was told august)

It would be better if they'd port to Mac OS X.

[VinceFerrero]

Kind of funny since the vast majority of ADT users I know use it as vanilla AutoCAD anyway. I had thought we might get a few seats of the suite so as to have some Acad in the house, for the occasional cleanup of consultant files and such. But I do NOT want any ADT around screwing things up. Putting ADT in the suite actually makes me not want it, rather than making it more compelling. Now I might argue for a couple seats of standalone Acad LT instead. Probably NOT what Autodesk had in mind. ;)

Gordon

If they were to lump them together as a suite it may be to satisfy users who need the tools available in ADT that aren't as good as Revit. Whether DWG functionality is going to be upped in Revit is the question?

[Overconstrained]

Well... if you were to read the fine print of your subscription agreement you would find that Autodesk is under no obligation to upgrade the software at all. So I don't think the subscription fee is tied in any way to any activity by Autodesk. It simply allows you to use the software when they do get around to upgrading it.

Stupid fineprint :)

[winnwgomez]

Hi

could someone help with the instructions to install a new build on a network? i have already deployed the old build on the server and set up RAC 2008 on the workstations , deploying them off the server.

should i put the new build on the server and redeploy or should i run the setup (on the new build) on each workstation?

thanks

Winn

[charliep]

Sorry, should have made this more clear... In the Revit A. "Suite" they are replacing AutoCAD with ADT. So i've heard of course...

Hope not. I've used ADT when doing contract work in other offices, I dislike it intently (I'm sure there are those that really love it). If I wanted ADT I would have bought that instead of the Revit/Autocad suite. So please don't change this or I will be very upset.:cry:

[tmomeyer]

New user question regarding the new build. How do you know if content was changed in the new build? From reading other messages, I see you can clear the checkmark and not install content. And, if I have this correct, if you installed content, it goes out to Adsk's website and pulls down the content (content is not in the 'build', correct?).

So... easiest thing to do would be to install the new build, clear the checkmark to install content, but how do we know if content was changed?

[dhurtubise]

New user question regarding the new build. How do you know if content was changed in the new build? From reading other messages, I see you can clear the checkmark and not install content. And, if I have this correct, if you installed content, it goes out to Adsk's website and pulls down the content (content is not in the 'build', correct?).

So... easiest thing to do would be to install the new build, clear the checkmark to install content, but how do we know if content was changed?

The content is usually not change from build to build. From release to release you want to install it though.

[tmomeyer]

The content is usually not change from build to build. From release to release you want to install it though.

OK, then it sounds like the definitive answer is that we (the users) don't know if content is changed with new builds (or major releases?). Wouldn't it be more efficient if Autodesk told us if content changed? At any rate, since we don't know, then that is why you're saying "you want to install it though". If you do this, then it must be a given that you're separating your Adsk downloaded content from your customized or other downloaded content.

How do you separate your content from the Adsk content? Do you have one folder called Libraries and under that a current Adsk Library identified by build release #, and other folders for your company content, other folders for Augi, RevitCity, Bimworld, mfr's content, etc?

[dhurtubise]

2 libraries, one for the out of the box content and one for corporate one. As for what you download from the web, make it fit your corporate standard and then include it in your library.

[Matt H]

Hope not. I've used ADT when doing contract work in other offices, I dislike it intently (I'm sure there are those that really love it). If I wanted ADT I would have bought that instead of the Revit/Autocad suite. So please don't change this or I will be very upset.:cry:


But you can use ADT just like AutoCAD. Isn't it the same thing just with architectural tools?? So i don't understand the frustration.... Just don't model in ADT...