Courses offered at Destination Desktop 2010

This course has been cancelled

Is it time to introduce yourself to Autodesk Inventor? In this introductory class you will learn how to create 3D solid parametric models and then combine them into an 3D assembly. You will also learn how to create an animation of your assembly working and produce final working drawings.

 CUI
 3D Part Modeling
 Assembly Modeling
 Working Drawing

In a short time let us help you in understanding the logistics of making the new Custom User Interface (C.U.I.) work for you, avoiding the need to go back in time with old commands and thought process.

 Understanding and working with the Customization User Interface
 Creating Keyboard Shortcuts
 Customization of the Ribbon, menu bar, and drop down listings
 Loading of customization files
 Mouse customization

Civil 3D is a wonderful design package that does things we couldn't have imagined ten years ago. Along with that come performance issues relating to speed, reliability, and data sharing. Add to the mix the advent of Windows 7, multi core processors, system RAM, system variables and the choices can become daunting. Never fear, we will make the road to better performance clear by going through recommended settings and setup relating to hardware, operating systems, drawing set up, and object sharing.

 Drawing Setup
 Recommended Hardware
 Recommended Operating System
 Data Sharing

The new 2010 pipe support palette allows you to fully model the project with 3D pipe supports; no longer do you have to settle for just 2D representation! These pipe supports also work with clash detection which will make you want to use them that much more!

 Dissect the pipe support palette
 How to modify pipe supports
 How to change Sizes of pipe supports
 How to create new pipe supports

We all know it's a great idea to re-use information, what better way than to use a template! This class will show you some best practices for templates to help you on the road to BIM. We will cover:

 Site Templates
 Building Templates
 Shared Locations
 Levels & Grids
 Views & Sheets
 Project Browser

Family creation is an integral part of advanced Revit use. You can create new content for your projects. This two part class will introduce you to the family editor and creation of objects. This class is not for beginners to Revit, a knowledge of Revit parameters and dimensions is a prerequisite.

 Select the correct template
 Understand the importance of Reference Planes
 Associate dimensions and labels
 Create solid objects
 Create multiple Types within the Family

Time to make Isogen more exciting with I-Configure, a new feature to replace the old project manager. If you were lost in the project manager, then you must check out this new feature!

 How to install the new I-Configure
 How to Navigate I-Configure
 The new wizard option to set up our Isometrics
 Creating SKEY's

The world of piping is much bigger than what Autodesk can create and ship in the Civil 3D release. The Civil 3D part builder gives users the ability to create custom parametric parts and to modify already created parts. So there, Inventor users! Many users don't realize that they have the capability and functionality to create customized parts right in Civil 3D. The drawback is that the format is somewhat unfamiliar to the 2d users of the world. Well, we're here to change all that. We'll take you through the part builder from the interface to modifying existing pipe objects, creating new parametric objects (pipe and structure). No part, no problem.

 Sharing Pipe Catalogs
 Create Custom Parts
 Modify Existing Parts
 Part Builder Interface

A little consistency goes a long way, and starting from the beginning is better than the end. This course will help your firm maintain consistency within your AutoCAD drawings that will result in better quality and a boost in productivity. We will start with a blank drawing and build upon it to establish a fully usable template (DWT) drawing.

 The overall idea behind CAD Management and its value
 Overview of file organization for projects and how to store them on your server
 Linetypes, Textstyles, Dimension Styles, Scales, system variables, supports paths etc.
 Block libraries and custom palettes throughout the Design Center
 Establishing layouts for plotting

Wow, what a program! If you have not seen or played with this program, free with CADWorx, now is your chance to get ahead of your competitors. We'll model, redline, show your project in different modes and use line isolate. If that is not enough, we'll create an animation to walk through your project

 In depth look into CADWorx design review
 How to use the Palettes
 Animation!

This course has been cancelled

Are you struggling with the new Interface? Not sure what can be done about it? This class is just for you. This class is going to look at the different Customization options available inside AutoCAD with the CUI (Customize User Interface). Whether you are new to the CUI Interface or you are curious about the changes to the Interface, this class will give you all the tools you need to navigate the CUI interface with ease.

 CUI Interface
 Customized Ribbons/Panels
 Transferring CUI Files
 Manage Changes to CUI

Want to learn the secrets of Revit Architecture? In this class we will show you the secret tips and tricks that will catapult you to become an Advanced Revit user. Speed up your productivity by learning the tips and trick that will wow your colleagues and improve your knowledge of Revit Architecture. Learn how to use the Revit tools in unique ways to help you create your content. Some tips you will learn during this class include placing conventional doors in a Curtain wall, importing Topo surfaces, hatch patterns and much, much more...

 Tips on how to enhance your Revit to suit you
 Trick on increasing your productivity and knowledge of the Revit program
 Discover unique ways to use some of the Revit Tools

What is all this excitement about Autodesk Revit? In this class you will be introduced to the basics of Revit. Learn how to create 3D Architectural models then see how easy it is to turn them into working drawings.

 CUI
 Creating floor plans
 Adding Door & Windows
 Creating Floors & Roofs
 Creating working drawings
 Create a walk through

So you have the new release, now what? Do not let your purchase become "shelfware". Join us for an overview of the latest release. We'll quickly go through the newest features to get your feet wet before tackling the features in more depth later at DD.

 new features
 updated features
 upgrade: should I or shouldn't I?

Do you own a copy of Map but don't use it? Want to move Civil 3D data directly into a different GIS format? We'll examine working with data from various sources and different ways on importing them. Then we'll also look at different ways of sharing the data we create. All using the Map functionality built into Civil 3D.

 exporting Civil 3D objects to GIS formats
 working with GIS data
 analyzing data with Map 3D

This course has been cancelled

With the introduction of constraints in AutoCAD 2010, this opens up more possibilities for our Blocks and Dynamic Blocks. This class will focus on efficiently applying geometric and dimensional constraints. We will also look at how to represent these blocks using the Block Properties table. Come and find out just how intelligent we can make them.

 Parametric Constraints
 Geometric Constraints
 Block Properties Table

During this session you'll learn techniques and features that are not typically included in conventional "Out of the Book" Revit Architecture training. We'll troubleshoot some of the more frustrating issues common to Revit and teach you tips on how to address and solve these issues. We will also look at solving issues such as Revit views, families, file corruption and much, much more.

 Learn some new features and techniques in Revit Architecture
 Tackle some common Revit problems and issues

AutoCAD is the building block of the CADWorx program and in this class we'll show you the features that will help you design and model our project. From simple commands to complete customization, we'll cover all the bases!

 Using and customizing the ribbon
 Tool palette options for Spools
 Hatching improvements
 Rotating Viewports
 Many other new AutoCAD Features found in AutoCAD 2011

Sheet Sets give you the ability to organize, create, and publish multiple titleblocks into a single sheet set. Before this, a drawing set had to be organized manually, which was laborious and could be error-prone. The individual drawings could be spread across several different files/folders, and collating them and ensuring that they were properly ordered and accurately numbered was not an easy task. AutoCAD simplifies this task with a great tool, the Sheet Set Manager. By the end of this class you will be able to organize existing projects into the Sheet Set Manager as well as create new documents using the Sheet Set Manager for guidance.

More and more companies are requesting 3D isometrics, so we'll make it quick and easy!

 Step by step procedure on creating 3D isometrics
 How to utilize our Bill Of Materials
 Using Isometric text

Revit comes with a representative sample of typical walls, but when the walls of your building differ from what Revit provides, you need to create custom walls. This class will teach you everything you need to know about creating custom walls. We'll look at the tools for creating and editing wall assemblies, how to create wall materials, work with sweeps and reveals, create vertically stacked, create sloping walls, and go beyond basic curtain walls. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make your walls truly functional.

Sheet set manager combined with the plan/production tools in Civil 3D allow you to quickly and efficiently creating plot sets. Ever have to put 50 or more drawings together in a project and then have to try to remember which layouts to plot later? Not fun. Using the tools available it's a cinch, except we need to set it up. Just like the challenge of style and template creation slowed the adoption of Civil 3D, setup is stopping people from using the sheet set manager. We'll show you how to set up, create the sheets, and update them with automatic field updates. Then you get back to doing more interesting things.

 Set Up Sheet Templates
 Sheet Set Manager Overview
 Update and Plot Sheet Sets
 Create Sheet Sets
 Set up Plan Production Templates

This course has been cancelled

A class for experienced AutoCAD users who would like to take advantage of AutoCAD's customization features to increase productivity and ease of use. Topics could include configuration, modifying the ACAD.PGP file, accelerator keys, menu customization, command macros, sources of AutoCAD utilities, script files, custom linetypes, maybe more, maybe less, but 10 tips for sure.

This is a continuation of Part Builder 1 from session 2.

Roofs are one of the most complex architectural elements to model, but with Revit you can create just about any type of roof. This class will explore the best methods for creating various types of roofs using all the tools in Revit. We will look at complex roofs with varying pitch, offset plate heights, ridge and valley control, dormers, flat roofs, and more. You will also learn how to create roofs with varying thickness using shape editing tools. Whether you design residential or commercial buildings, you will learn new techniques you can immediately put to use in Revit.

Got a question? Have an idea? Want to know a little more about a certain tool or function? This is your chance to drill the instructor! Send your toughest questions and issues and get the answers here! E-mail ideas or things you wish to find out more about in this class!

 Email me Ideas darrenb@autodraft.com

With all the cool features of Civil 3D we can’t forget about the labels. Label styles have been greatly improved and have the ability to do whatever we can imagine. Using expressions we can add mathematical formulas and display information that in the past we had to manually input. The ability to create labels with references to many civil 3D objects such as surfaces, profiles, and alignments is available. -Using Expressions -Creating labels with references

Blocks are the oldest form of reusable content in AutoCAD users. Although the basic concepts remain unchanged, recent developments make Blocks more powerful than ever before. Dynamic Blocks have added a new level of power and complexity that, once mastered, can greatly simplify the way you work with blocks. Discover how the grip and action features of Dynamic Blocks can increase your efficiency and productivity. You will not only learn how to build new Dynamic Blocks, but also how to apply the new ideas of geometric and dimensional constraints to the existing Block libraries you use in AutoCAD everyday for instant productivity gains.

Why make 6 clicks when you can make 2? Why take 3 steps to do something when you can do it in 1? This class will make you quicker by simplifying tasks. You will amaze your coworkers and be the guru of the office.

 Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar
 Layer Management
 Understanding Autodesk SEEK
 Customization of Quick key functions
 Dimensioning shortcuts
 Utilizing the palette tab

This lecture provides information on the use of Inventor sheet metal part design tools and covers some of the more recent additions, capabilities and methods now available. If you are a sheet metal designer this information will assist you in increasing your productivity.

This class focuses on taking the already powerful Documentation tools and gives them a boost. Basic Schedules are great, but let's utilize the intelligence of Revit and gather even more information than you might be used to. Let's add some custom parameters to the schedule to sort and organize in different ways. Come see how easy it is.

 Key Schedules
 Custom Parameters
 Calculated Values
 Material Takeoffs

Plotting can be a challenging step that is essential to any project. The initial setup and core selections can assist you in working efficiently and successfully.

 Initial Page setup
 Layout Management: Paper vs. Model space
 Customize the Plot Style Table Editor
 Publishing options
 Use of the Plot stamps
 Plotter Configurations

This class is going to focus on the tools within Revit that assist you with Phasing and Design Options. If you have had some trouble dissecting the correct methods to utilize the Phasing and Design options features within Revit, then this class is for you. Let's clear the cobwebs and simplify these handy tools.

 Phases
 Phase Filters
 Graphic Overrides
 View Setup (Phases)
 Design Options
 View Setup (Design Options)

In this lecture the authoring of frame generator custom profiles is covered along with techniques for creating bolted connections, O-ring design, and other topics in the area of design accelerator applications.

AutoCAD's new parametric drawing functions promise to increase your productivity by constraining drawing objects based on design intent. In this class, you will learn how to use geometric and dimensional constraints to ensure that specific relationships and measurements remain persistent even as objects are modified. We will look at how to apply, delete, and control constraints, adjust constraint settings, and set up parametric relationships. You will be surprised at how easy these tools are to use and amazed at the power they provide.

Grading in Civil 3D has come a long way from the first release. In this class we will look at various grading methods for lot design, building platforms, and other designs. We'll look at the tools available to us and how they work. The results can then be sent out for visualization in a later class.

 understanding grading methodology
 grading objects vs. feature lines
 incorporating corridors with grading objects
 site grading

Okay, we've all seen corridor road models. What about for interchanges? What about combining corridors together with dynamic ditches between? How can generic links help? What about medians that collapse or move across centerlines? We'll look at these design challenges and offer solutions to make your model more accurate and efficient.

 Interchange Design
 Median Design
 Generic Links
 Linking Corridors

Family creation is an integral part of advanced Revit use. You can create new content for your projects. This two part class will introduce you to the family editor and creation of objects. This class is not for beginners to Revit, a knowledge of Revit parameters and dimensions is a prerequisite.

In this course we'll look at creating free flowing organic shapes using the new intuitive tools and features in AutoCAD. Free form design is like sculpting with clay, we can now model easily with more flexibility to achieve your design goals. Use Free Form design to create components and objects for digital prototyping as well as creating Architectural surfaces and mass model forms. You'll learn how to use mesh modeling and composite modeling methods to quickly transform your ideas into a model that can then easily be converted from one modeling technology to another.

 Utilize Free Form design to define and describe the design process
 Create and edit complex objects and shapes using a mesh surface
 Create composite models that consist of meshes, surfaces and solids

Are you tired of calculating text height and dimension scale factors? Learn how to harness annotation scaling to create text, dimensions, hatch patterns, and other annotation objects that automatically change their size and placement when you change the scale of the drawing. You will see how easy it is to apply annotation properties to text, dimensions, leaders, blocks, attributes, and hatches. Learn everything you need to know to create annotation styles and control the size of annotation objects in both layouts and model space. You will be amazed at how easy it is and how much time you will save.

This section covers a variety of techniques to improve your sketching and modeling abilities. Included are a discussion of sketch constraining methods, shell tool methods, work feature creation, and more.

This is a continuation of Advanced Transportation Design 1 from session 9.

In this session we'll learn the benefits and characteristics of parametric geometry and how various types of constraints can be assigned to our geometry enabling greater flexibility and control to our design. See how to utilize parametric design to create relationships to geometry to help you manage your design. Parametric design and geometric constraints allow us to edit or adjust our design quickly and easily. Using these tools force objects to behave a certain way or maintain a position or shape.

 Learn the characteristics and benefits of designing using parameters
 Use geometric constraints to establish relationships between drawing objects
 Use parametric tools and techniques in a floor plan

Do you need to exchange drawings and collaborate with others who do not use Autodesk products like AutoCAD, Inventor, or Revit? Learn how to publish AutoCAD drawings as DWF files and then collaborate using Autodesk Design Review. This class covers creating DWF files, using Autodesk Design Review to view, measure, and mark up those DWF files, and then use AutoCAD's Markup Set Manager to view and respond to those markups in a seamless collaboration process. This class will also illustrate how this same process works with other Autodesk products such as Revit and Inventor.

Formatting drawings, punch notes, stacked annotation, and publishing dwfx file format will be discussed with a view to making your drawings more presentable and more widely available.

There is a rumor out there that creating stairs and railings in Revit can be challenging. This class will dispel some of those myths! Using the built-in functions, we will look at the possibilities and explain some of the features. We'll even use the stair & railing tools to create elements that aren't stairs & railings! In this class you will learn about:

 Best Practices for Stairs & Railings
 Using the Stock Tools
 Exceptions to the Rules
 Tips & Tricks

AutoCAD has evolved considerably over recent years to become a powerful 3D design application. In this class, you will explore new and enhanced AutoCAD functionality that enables you to apply your existing 2D AutoCAD experience to the visual world of 3D modeling. Learn how to take your design ideas from concept to completion by creating and editing solid primitive objects. Create smooth, free-form shapes with new mesh tools. Control selection and editing with sub-object selection filters and 3D gizmos. In addition to exploring these basic 3D tools, you will learn valuable tips and tricks for navigating and visualizing your AutoCAD model. If you thought 3D in AutoCAD was just too hard, think again.

Geometric Constraints - the AutoCAD feature that helps YOU draw! Well almost, I will be giving you the 'know how' to take control of all your drawing standards, creating higher accuracy at a greater speed of drawing, giving you the tools to be the fastest caddy on the block...my classes are fun, full of energy and most of all, full to the brim with information.

Corridor objects are great! They can update with our design changes and are wonderful for creating finished ground surfaces, calculating volumes, and other tasks. But what about how they look? How can we control their appearance? How do we control the large amount of link, shape, marker, and feature line styles? How do we set things up so they will automatically label section information? How do we create code sets to speed up 3D viewing? Come to this class and all of these things will be revealed! Code sets can increase your productivity and accuracy with a few very simple steps. Put them in your template so they are available to all users. Create custom codes for links and marked points. Create and apply material area fill styles.

 Controlling layer and appearance of feature lines
 Creating custom codes
 code set styles
 Code set label styles for sections
 Increasing 3D viewing speed

Revit has a very powerful system for ensuring you have total control over the visibility of objects within your views. However, sometimes this means you have no idea how someone has hidden the object you are looking for!! I have found over time that when someone has lost an object in a view, I run through a set list of places to look for that object. Today I will share that list with you, so that you never again loose an object within your project!

 Model/Annotation Categories
 Filters, Workspaces & Design Options
 Imported DWG Annotation Families
 View Ranges
 Revit Linked Project Overrides

Let's play! Depth of field, animating cameras, animating lights and more will be presented with a view to creating a visually stunning presentation of your model.

Dimensional Constraints - the AutoCAD feature that helps YOU present your drawings the way they SHOULD look! I will be giving you the 'know how' to take control of all your drawing standards, creating higher drawing standards at a greater level, giving you the tools to be the fastest caddy on the block...my classes are fun, full of energy and most of all, full to the brim with information.

Manage your files and control access using Autodesk Vault! Always know you are working with the most recent version of a model component, and never be in a situation where more than one person can edit a component at one time.

Modeling in 3D is fine, but eventually, you need to produce 2D drawings. In this class, you will learn about tools in AutoCAD that let you quickly take 3D models and represent them in 2D to create orthographic, section, and detail views. Discover which methods let you quickly update your 2D views when the 3D model changes. We will look at each tool and consider the pros and cons of each to develop best-practices suited to your particular needs. Don't draw it twice; leverage the power of 3D to create your 2D drawings.

One of the major reasons for taking subscription with your Revit purchase is the access to extension add-ons that you get. These add-ons allow you to do anything from framing a wood stud wall to renaming the spaces in your model to match the room names, invaluable for anyone looking to integrate their model with a building analysis program. We will take a look at a broad section of these add-ons from Architecture, MEP and Structure to give you an idea of what you may be missing.

Do you ever need to show a design to a non engineering group? Want to create accurate visualizations of your designs? Join us to look at creating effective drive throughs using Civil 3D and additional third party software to wow your clients.

 preparing the model
 different visualization tools
 creating the model
 sharing visualizations