How to change the avatar in NavisWorks

This doesn't seem to be documented anywhere so here is a quick how-to.

First off open up the file you want as your avatar, it could be a dwg, skp, etc. Now publish this file to an nwd to the following folder C:\Program Files\Autodesk\NavisWorks Manage 2009\avatars\new folder name\new avatar name.nwd

Restart NavisWorks if it is open.

Open the file you want the avatar for, go to Viewpoint > Edit Current Viewpoint > Collision Detection > Setttings... > Enable Third Person, now from the Avatar drop down you can select your new avatar.

Under the viewer settings you can also change the size of the avatar by changing the height and the radius

Technorati Tags: NavisWorks,Avatar

Black objects in NavisWorks?

Ever had objects from a dwg that come in black? No matter what you do it seems you cannot change the color.

The solution is very simple, go to the materials tab in presenter and delete the material called ByLayer, this comes across sometimes when the image file isn't present.

Too many new blogs to keep up with

I've been meaning to add these to my list of links but I may need to create a new page just for links, there are so many now!

http://www.revitcommunity.com
http://architechure.blogspot.com/
http://revittut.blogspot.com/
http://irevit.blogspot.com/
http://virtualconstruct.blogspot.com/
http://whosafraidofthebigbadbim.blogspot.com/
http://www.revit-waterman.blogspot.com/
http://bimboombam.wordpress.com/
http://revitclinic.typepad.com/
http://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/
http://revitize.blogspot.com/
http://collaborativeconstruction.blogspot.com/
http://bimvids.blogspot.com/
http://managing-cad.blogspot.com/
http://mep-cad.blogspot.com/
http://revitunplugged.blogspot.com/
http://fmdesktop.blogspot.com/
http://revitstructure.spaces.live.com/
http://revitrockstar.blogspot.com/
http://revitfix.blogspot.com/
http://www.revitfactory.com/
http://redbolts.com/blog/
http://buildinginformationmodeling.wordpress.com/
http://www.bimmanager.com/
http://insitebuilders.wordpress.com/
http://otrorevitblog.blogspot.com/
http://revit.rossbar.com/

New Revit Extensions

Here’s a few extensions I’ve come across recently

FilterTool – This is how Revit’s filter tool should work.

From their site: You're able to filter not only the categories of your selection but also the types. Your selection is level-based. Additionally, you can save pre-defined Filters, so whenever you need a recurring selection, just open a saved Filter selection in our FilterTool.

ideate explorer – Same as above except even more powerful. I need this and I need it now. Considering they are about the same price if you get the office version of filtertool, I think this is the right choice.

Revit Excel Import – Converts excel files to dxf so you can import them into Revit as a link. It’s not very ‘BIM’ that’s for sure, but there are times I could’ve have used this.

Metal Wood Framer – I know of many people that have been looking for this, it automatically creates wood or metal stud framing from your Revit walls

BIMreview – THE way to maintain standards in Revit.

I’ve only tried BIMreview so far because we are currently on a purchasing freeze. Stinkin economy is preventing me from having any fun.

BIM Management Forum Now on AUGI!

Mike Perry just invited me to be the moderator of the new BIM Management Forum on AUGI, I have graciously declin….wait….accepted!

So I am now the moderator of two forums on AUGI, the other being the NavisWorks Forum

Hmmm when do we get a QTO forum Mike?

Technorati Tags: AUGI,BIM,Management,VDC

Advanced Options in NavisWorks

Came across this on the Connected blog. Since most people probably don’t read a buzzsaw blog for NavisWorks information I thought I would repost it here.

- Click Start.

- Click Run.

- Type in cmd in the Open field and click OK.

RESULT: A black command prompt window will open. Click into the black window so you can type commands in.

- Type: "CD C:\Program Files\Autodesk\NavisWorks Manage 2009"

RESULT: You will now be in the NavisWorks Program Directory

- Type "OptionsEditor.exe -a"

RESULT: The Global Options editor will open in advanced mode.

So many options, I have some digging to do. I will post if I find anything interesting.

Technorati Tags: NavisWorks

Autodesk University 2008

April? Really? I haven't posted since April. Wow, been busy.

We have made quite a bit of progress in that time, doing a lot with NavisWorks bringing it into the field and tying the model to the construction schedule. Have been training the construction project managers in Navis to view the model, measure, markup, etc.

We also hired a Revit Specialist so I can focus on the bigger BIM picture rather than just Revit. All of our projects are in Revit now, unfortunately with economy situation there are not many new jobs to speak of. We recently had layoffs and the possibility of more is very real.

But even with that bleakness we are still sending 18 people to Autodesk University! We still feel there is great value in it and you can't beat the training you get for the price.

I will be at the BIM Mixer, the Blogger Social, the AUGI Volunteer get together, AEC direction meeting (architecture and construction) and some other unconference events.

I'll be updating my twitter status (I'm stealing this idea from Greg) saying where I'm at so you can find me if you like. You can follow me here http://twitter.com/davidkingham