Recently we added the ability to create the export of DWG files from Revit models with Ideate Automation.
- We’ve supported the creation of PDFs since June of 2022
- We support exporting to DWG from Revit version 2020 and above
Controlling the output of files is performed with the set-up wizard in Ideate Automation. We improved the Revit DWG export settings, and you can control the naming of the DWGs better and add custom parameters where needed.
- The default file naming for many scripts that export to DWG is controlled by the variable ${view_parameterValue}, which is in turn controlled by either a sheet or view name parameter.
- The default value for the sheet elements is to use the parameter called “Sheet Number.”
- The default value for view elements is to use the parameter called “View Name.”
For example, to comply with ISO 19650 standards, many people manage required sheet number values with custom parameter names. In the image below, you see that the sheet number on the title block is combined with two custom parameters called Project Code and Originator. Both of them are stored under Project Information.
Complying with ISO 19650 UK Standard with a title sheet using custom parameters
You can use the AUT-Export_DWG and the IBL-Export_DWG_Dynamic Ideate Automation scripts to deliver unique dwg file names by adjusting the File Name variable to:
${Revit.CurrentFile.ProjectInfo.Project Code}-${Revit.CurrentFile.ProjectInfo.Originator}-${view_parameterValue}
Adding custom parameters from Project Information to the file name.
After the script is complete and the files created, the file name is created by concatenating the Project Code, the Originator, and the Sheet Number parameters.
DWG exports are created with names consistent with ISO the 19650 UK standard.
Combinations of custom or built-in parameters under Project Information can follow this syntax to become part of the file naming. However, you can only use one Sheet or View parameter in combination with any Project Information parameters within the script.
Read more about how to automate DWG exports from Revit in this how-to guide.
If you’re a fan of ISO 19650, you may find these blog posts useful as well:
- ReNumber Revit Sheets per ISO 19650-2 Standards with IdeateApps
- Evolve Consultancy Streamlines ISO 19650-2 Compliance with Ideate BIMLink
For additional training tips, check out our Training blog series
Browse our website to learn more about how Ideate Software add-on products help Revit users save time, increase model accuracy, improve deliverables and elevate design. You can give them a try by downloading trial versions or purchasing the bundle for access to the Revit plugin solutions Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, Ideate StyleManager, and IdeateApps for six months.
About the Author
Steve Deadman - Customer Success Manager - EMEA
Steve provides support to customers and helps them get a strong return on their software investment. He has a B.Eng (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering and various certifications in engineering. Before joining Ideate Software, he worked at several top architectural firm in the United Kingdom where he specialized in the implementation and management of BIM processes and technology. Find Steve on LinkedIn.
