Keynote File Error

On reloading keynote file I get the error message:  Duplicate key value '', text: ''

This forum discussion helped solve this, see the very last comment.
I had a blank line with a Tab in it. Deleted the tab, resaved, reloaded and the error was gone.

I have no issues with keeping blank lines in the keynote file as one of the comments states.

http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?145647-Keynote-File-Error-Duplicate-Key-Value

Autocad 2011+ Turn Off That Grid

AutoCad: Don't like the new grid showing up in the background? Are you used to staring into the deep endless vapidness of Model space? Well then, Turn off that grid! I can't find the button, type 'GRID' into the command line, type 'OFF' and enter. Voilà, back to outer space for you! Also as a production value, it kept feeling like I was selecting linework that I didn't want to be selecting. A little disconcerting for people who are used to moving fast in CAD.

Custom User Input Detail Callout (Aka Dumb callouts, this is dumb!)

I need a detail callout that I can input my own text. I have seen plenty of these but I need one with a smart section tail. I have found instructions on how to do this, links pasted below. I will update once I have my own free time to test it out.

http://www.apertedesign.com/2010/09/revit-dummy-tags/
"these system annotation items are somewhat protected by a pretty complex layered hierarchy of nested families. In a simplified distillation, it goes something like this:

Separate .rfas create the graphics of the reference bubble, with hard-coded parameters making up the data-drawing labels.
System annotation types designate which of these bubble .rfas will be applied, depending upon the nature of the view being created or referenced.
Appropriate graphics, browser sorting, etc also respond to the nature of the view being created or referenced.
So how was the ‘dummy’ reference accomplished?  I created an .rfa based upon the standard reference bubble, but removed all the standard labels for detail and sheet numbers. In the project, I duplicated the standard callout and section families and created a new type that drew in these ‘blank’ detail bubbles. I created a Symbol of two labels with custom parameters for Detail # and Sheet # to be manually entered by the user.  I created a single drafting view “AAA – CAD detail” to always show up at the top of the list of referenceable views when a user created their CAD-detailed callout/section view.  Once the system recognized the view as a drafting view, it applied one of the detail callout/section types, which was then specified to be the ‘blank’ type by the user. Once positioned, the user then placed the symbol over the blank bubble, and entered in the CAD reference data.  A less than automated process, yes, but the only way to ‘fool the system’ and create manually inputted references."


http://www.revitforum.org/structure-family-creation/4815-annotation-text-lines.html
user = dzato
"Here's how I would do it. I'm sure there's a better way, though. I'm not the family guru here.

1. Create a generic annotative family.
2. Add a label
3. In the labe box, create a parameter. Make sure it's set to be text, and it's an instance parameter.
4. Create another family, this time a generic model based family (yes, they can have reference planes. I'm pretty sure all families can).
5. Draw 2 more reference planes and set them to weak refererence planes in the properties dialogue. This will allow you to have grips for changing the lengths.
6. Add a parameter for length, and also an equality dimension string so the line stays centered on the insertion point. Draw a symbolic line where you need it and lock the ends to the reference planes using the align command.
7. Load your annotative family into the generic model family
8. Select the annotative family. In the properties dialoge box you will see a text category. The parameter you created for your label should be there. Click on the small button to the far right.
9. Create an instance parameter here. You have just linked the label from the annotation family to this parameter. Now, you will be able to edit it.
10. Load this family into a project. You should be able to edit the text, and adjust the lines.

Like I said, I'm not that strong at families yet. But that should work."




http://www.revitforum.org/architecture-family-creation/2090-annotation-symbol-grips.html

AutoCAD 2011: Hide Ribbon

For all you command line and keyboard shortcut junkies like me!

Hide ribbon
At command line type 'ribbonclose' and press enter

Bring the ribbon back:
= ribbon

Fix Family Not Aligning With Host Wall

Group all elements, then dimension from the group to the reference wall face @ 0'-0" and lock it. Worked for me so far, we will see if this awakens other Revit gremlins.

ISSUE:
I was having problems with a family that contained multiple modeled elements and a nested family within it.
It was not aligning with the finish face of the wall that was hosting it. (It was appearing embedded in the wall.)
On further research I read a recommendation to align and lock one main element to the reference wall face then align or dimension and lock the other elements to that main element. I tried this and had issues with this method, the family was not able to be created and it would delete itself on attempt of placement. I believe I was over constraining the Family.

A helpful and simple description of reference planes which indirectly applies to this topic:
http://architects-desktop.blogspot.com/2012/03/revit-when-is-reference-not-reference.html

Helvetica Substitute

Usually use 1/4" Helvetica for your plan titles? Don't have Helvetica on your computer? Try "Swis721 BT" set to Bold, width = 1

Ceiling Grid Partial Demolition

Existing Ceiling grid, need to cut (demo) new openings / holes. best way to accomplish...?

Go to the following link to set up the ceiling grid demolition pattern, not native to Revit as a default.
(Thanks to Doug at this blogpost for sharing)
http://aectechtalk.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/display-of-demolished-ceilings-in-revit/

1. Cut holes in existing ceiling there are three ways to accomplish this, of the three below I recommend drawing the new openings inside the ceiling boundary.
Note:
_Shaft Opening  can be set as a new element while creating a NEW cut in an existing element. There is the benefit of being able to move / resize it independently of the ceiling boundary while tweaking the design. An issue I noticed is that it is not visible in a view set as an existing or demolition phase.
_Vertical Opening - good to use in an existing ceiling with existing openings or floors (single cut) since it assumes the Phase of the host element and cannot be changed.
_Another option is to just draw the opening in the ceiling boundary - I might use this for an existing opening that I'm fairly sure won't be changing for the project.
_Either one you use you have to manually draw in the ceiling to be depicted for demolition and self manage their locations, move an opening then move the infill grid. (maybe they can be locked together...?).

2. Draw in separate demo'd ceiling with new type (per instructions at link above).

3. In order to move together, Group if desired.

4. If copying openings and ceilings around, remember to set the ceiling phasing for the copied elements.