• Dynamo for Revit 2.17 Upgrade – Part 1

    Introduction

    Navigating through the intricate world of Dynamo, it is crucial to stay updated on its continuous enhancements and refinements. In this part, the first of a series dedicated to Dynamo updates, we’ll delve into six (6) user-centric new features and enhancements aimed at enriching the user experience and broadening the horizon of what is possible with visual programming.

    This blog aims to nurture curiosity about Dynamo, encouraging the reader to explore its capabilities and experience with its features.

    In this part 1, we will discuss the Six (6) New features and enhancements.

    • Enhanced Node Autocomplete
    • New Dynamo settings with Import/Export and Deployment
    • In-Product Node Documentation
    • Insert Graph into an Open Workspace
    • Enhanced 3D Node Preview in Dynamo
    • Improving Workspace Organization with Advanced Grouping

    Each of these enhancements is designed to cater to different aspects of the Dynamo experience, whether you are an architect, engineer, designer or a passionate Dynamo enthusiast, these improvements have the potential to elevate productivity and deliver more efficient BIM projects, saving valuable time.

    Enhanced Note Autocomplete – Smart Recommended Nodes

    Feature Overview

    The world of visual programming is continually evolving, equipping developers with more refined tools and functionalities. Among the recent enhancements in Dynamo is the “Recommended Nodes” feature in Node Autocomplete.

    Dynamo’s Node Autocomplete, once enabled, now features a “Recommended Nodes” enhancement driven by machine learning. This improvement provides more relevant node suggestions based on Confidence Level. Suggestions are derived from extensive training on real-word Dynamo patterns. Users have the flexibility with Low Confidence suggestions can easily switch suggestions methods.

    A Deeper Dive

    • Introducing the “Recommended Nodes” Feature in Node Autocomplete

    Dynamo’s Node Autocomplete has been enhanced with a significant feature: the “Recommended Nodes”. This feature, driven by advanced machine learning, it offers precise node suggestions to optimize the visual programming workflow.

    • What is “Confidence Level” for Precision in Suggestions?

    Once the Node Autocomplete is enabled in the Preferences, it can be activated by double-clicking on an Upstream or Downstream node port in the graph. the Autocomplete node ranks suggestions to ensure the most relevant and appropriate connections are prioritised. Each suggested node is assigned a Confidence Level, reflecting the algorithm’s certainty about its relevance and suitability within the given context. A higher confidence rating (percentage) prioritises nodes that are more pertinent, further prioritising the design process.

    • What are node rankings and suggestions from Real-World Learning?

    The node rankings and suggestions are derived from the algorithm’s extensive training on the Dynamo dictionary, Dynamo host samples, and real Dynamo graphs. By understanding real-world patterns, it can make informed recommendations. As a result, the Autocomplete node offers customised and reliable suggestions, that can significantly improve the visual programming experience in Dynamo.

    • What is “Low Confidence” nodes?

    Nodes assigned a lower ranking percentage are considered nodes that the algorithm have less confidence in their usability/match with the selected port and are conveniently categorized under “Low Confidence”. They are available for optional selection, ensuring flexibility in node choices. The criteria for which nodes fall under “Low Confidence” can be adjusted.

    • How to swiftly alternate between the Ranking Methods?

    Regardless of the Preferences settings, users can effortlessly switch between the Recommended Nodes and the previously existing Node Type Match method directly from within the Autocomplete node. This ensures a seamless workflow, eliminating the need to delve into separate settings or menus.

    Enabling Node Autocomplete – Step-by-Step

    1. From the Dynamo tab, select Preferences.

    Dynamo

    1. Under Features, locate the Node Autocomplete option and expand it.
    2. Toggle the switch to ‘On‘ to the left of Enable Node Autocomplete.

    Dynamo

    1. Select the Default Ranking Method
    2. Type the number of nodes that will show in the Autocomplete node
    3. Toggle the switch for Hide nodes below a specified confidence level to ‘On
    4. Close the Preferences Panel

    How to Select nodes from the high-ranking List – Video

    Beginning with a single node:

    • Autocomplete node is initiated by double clicking on one of the node’s input ports
    • Top ranked node is selected from the list
    • This process is repeated for the other ports

    How to Select nodes from Low Confidence list – Video 

    Beginning with a single node:  

    • Autocomplete node is initiated by double clicking on the Category input port of the All Elements of Category node. 
    • The top ranked Category.ByName node is selected from the list and automatically connected 
    • Autocomplete node is initiated by double clicking on the Name port of the Category.ByName 
    • The String node is selected from the Low Confidence list and automatically connected 

    How to Select nodes from Low Confidence list – Video 

    Beginning with a single node:  

    • Autocomplete node is initiated by double clicking on the Category input port of the All Elements of Category node. 
    • The top ranked Category.ByName node is selected from the list and automatically connected 
    • Autocomplete node is initiated by double clicking on the Name port of the Category.ByName 
    • The String node is selected from the Low Confidence list and automatically connected 

    Feature summary 

    The introduction of the “Recommended Nodes” feature, enhances the functionality of Dynamo’s Node Autocomplete. Utilising machine learning and data from real-world usage patterns, this user-centric enhancement allows users to create graphs with greater efficiency. With the added flexibility to feature aims to provide ore relevant and reliable node suggestions. Alongside the ability to adjust confidence criteria and switch suggestion methods, users have tools at their disposal to refine their visual programming experience. 

    1. New Dynamo setting with import/export and deployment. 

    Feature Overview 

    In the vast spectrum of visual programming tools provided by Dynamo, the ability of exporting and importing settings using XML files stands as another practical addition, accessible right from the Preferences panel. This feature not only facilitates the sharing, deployment, and transfer of preferences, but also serves as an efficient backup mechanism. Ensuring consistency in Dynamo settings across the company, it provides a safeguard against unintended changes and streamlines collaboration efforts. 

    Exporting Settings in Dynamo from the Preferences Panel – Step-by-Step 

    Note: Before making changes or importing existing preferences, exporting current configurations to an XML file is a prudent step. This acts as a backup, allowing importing them back if needed.   

    1. From the Dynamo tab, select Preferences.
    2. In the “Preferences” dialog box, click on the section (that contains the specific settings to export. 
    3. Expand Subsections: Expand subsections to reveal the individual preferences. 
    1. Review and Set Preferences: Review the individual preferences and ensure they are set according to your desired configurations. 
    1. Export Settings: Once you have reviewed and set all the preferences you want to export, click on “Export” within the “Preferences” panel to initiate the export process. 
    1. Choose Export Location: A file explorer window will appear, allowing you to choose a location for saving the exported settings file. 
    1. Rename File: The first exported settings file to that location, will be automatically named “DynamoSettings.XML”, otherwise the file of the being exported will have a suffix appended to it (i.e. DynamoSettings_12345678.XML). Renaming the exported file or adding/replacing the suffix will help identify the settings later. 
    1. Close File Explorer Window: After providing the file name and selecting the export location, close the file explorer window. 

    The exported XML file will contain the chosen configurations and can be used later to import the settings into Dynamo or share them with others who might benefit from the same configurations. 

    Importing Preferences – Step-by-Step

    Weather reapplying exported settings, deploying them across multiple instances or incorporating received ones from another user, the effort is minimal. Simply use the Import tool in the Preferences panel to integrate them.

    1. From the Dynamo tab, select Preferences.
    2. In the “Preferences” dialog box, click on Import
    3. Locate the XML file: Locate and select the XML file that contain the configurations you want to apply and select it
    4. Import Success? Click OK

    With these few steps, the settings in the Preferences panel will update to reflect the ones imported thru the chosen XML file.

    For settings outside the Preferences panel in Dynamo, it is necessary to restart both Dynamo and its host program for the settings to take effect.

    Deployment with XML files

    Using XML files for transferring preferences, offers a structured method for sharing, transferring, or reverting settings in Dynamo. It supports uniformity, collaboration, and quick settings adjustments.

    How to Export and Import Settings – Videos

    Here are two short videos that demonstrate how to export and import setting using XML files:

    1. The Node Autocomplete feature is enabled, and the Auto-Backup Interval time is modified
    2. The preferences settings are exported to an XML file that is renamed

    The preferences settings are exported to an XML file that is renamed

    • An existing XML Dynamo settings file is imported in which the Node Autocomplete feature was disabled, and the Auto-Backup Interval was set to 1 minute

    Feature Summary

    Utilizing XML files, Dynamo’s export and import tools offer a straightforward approach to managing configurations, remaining a user-centric environment by enabling users to both preserve and modify their setup.

    In-Product Node Documentation

    Feature Overview

    Dynamo’s revamped Documentation Browser simplifies node understanding with improved in-product node documentation. The Documentation Browser Accessed by right clicking a node and selecting Help…, it organizes information into three main parts: Node Information, Inputs and Outputs and Node Issue Help when things don’t go as planned.

    A feature familiar to many, the Documentation Browser is Dynamo’s in-product node documentation designed to give users quick access to node details without leaving the application. It is now reimagined and refined to provide more organized and detailed per-node documentation.

    Feature Details

    The Documentation Browser is now segmented in 3 sections:

    1. Node Information: This section provides information about the selected node. While the aim is to offer clarity on a node’s functionality, some nodes have In Depth information.
    2. Input and Outputs: This section presents a breakdown of the nodes inputs and outputs complete with their type, a brief description, Inputs Default Value and Outputs Data type.
    3. Node Issue Help: This section appears only when a node error is detected. It is intended to offer guidance to address the error.

    The enhanced in-product node documentation provides structure and efficient way for users to access and understand vital information. This streamlined approach addresses the fundamental need for clarity and accessibility in Dynamo’s complex environment.

    In-Product Node Documentation – How it Works – Video

    Showcasing the improved in-product node documentation within Dynamo offers just a glimpse. It is recommended to dive into the improved documentation firsthand, allowing for a richer understanding of its advancements and nuances.

    Insert Graph into an Open Workspace

    Feature Overview

    Dynamo’s “Insert” tool, amplifies the modular assembly approach in visual programming., by streamlining the integration of graphs within graphs or within empty workspace. This enhancement ensures a boost in workflows efficiency, reusability, modularity, and clarity within the Dynamo ecosystem.

    The optimization of the user experience in Dynamo is enhanced by the “insert” tool. While copy-pasting graphs served as a functional method, this new tool provides an elegant, integrated, and straightforward approach for optimizing the workflow even further.

    Feature Benefits

    • Precision: Minimize manual errors and ensure that graphs are integrated correctly
    • Efficiency: Speed up the process by bypassing the older copy-paste approach.
    • Streamlined workflow: This tool’s introduction fits seamlessly with established workflows, simplifying the integration/nesting process.
    • Enhanced Collaboration: Ensures that graphs to be nested maintain their functionality and integrity when shared among different users

    Workflow enhancements

    This functionality goes beyond nesting graphs, it reshapes how professionals approach their graphs creation in Dynamo. While enabling efficient integration, it offers:

    • Modular approach: Emphasizes the discrete unit of design, promoting a design as you go approach and encouraging decomposing complex tasks into distinct graphs and seamlessly stitch them together in one file as needed.
    • Reuse & Recycle: Once a graph is created, it can be reused repeatedly across different multiple projects, maximizing efficiency.
    • Maintained Clarity: It promotes preserving a tidy and organized library that is ready for integration.

    Inserting a Graph into an Open Workspace – Step-by-Step

    The introduction of the “Insert” graph tool in Dynamo, elevates the visual programming experience of both novices and seasoned users, fostering better organization and collaboration leading to an increased efficiency.

    1. Start a new graph or open an existing one in the workspace.
    2. Navigate to the File tab and select Insert.

    Dynamo-for-Revit

    1. Locate the graph you want to insert and select it. (Note: If the graph is inserted in an existing graph, it will be located below it)
    1. Review and connect the newly added graph as desired.

    Feature Demonstration – Video

    Like other tools in this version, this tool has also to be experienced firsthand.

    In this demonstration 2 graphs will be inserted in a new file, and stich together to export door’s data from a Revit project to an Excel file.

    Enhanced 3D Node Preview in Dynamo

    Feature Overview

    Dynamo’s 3D Watch node ensures the geometry remains in sight, even when the connected node preview is turned off. This feature provides an uninterrupted spatial understanding without distractions

    In certain cases, there may be no need to toggle node preview of a node on just to see the spatial context. Watch 3D now shows geometry for all directly connected nodes, even if their preview is turned off. With this update designers can remain immersed in their workflows while still retaining visual clarity.

    How it Works – Step-by-Step

    1. Right click the node connected to the 3D Watch node and uncheck Geometry Preview.
    2. Run the graph. The geometry will stay visible in the 3D Watch Node after the graph.

    This enhancement is not merely a technical update; it is a thoughtful design decision. It acknowledges the core principle that visual continuity is a must in spatial design tools like Dynamo.

    How it Works – Video

    In this demonstration the Geometry Preview is turned off in the GeometryColor.ByGeometryColor node. After the graph is run, the color disappears in the background but remains in the 3D Watch node.

    Improving Workspace Organisation with Advanced Grouping

    Feature Overview

    Another enhancement in Dynamo is group functionalities. Custom Group styles, resizable headers, intuitive color adjustments, various customization option, together with the added convenience of dragging nodes into groups and, removing them using Alt+Left Click, makes organising the workspace a more intuitive endeavor. Additionally with settings exportable from within the Preferences panel, sharing. Backup, or deployment becomes smoother and more consistent.

    Feature Details

    • Resizable Headers: Customize to content’s needs. Adjust the headers size for better readability or a neater visual look.
    • Automatic Text Color Adjustment: Dynamo toggles between black and white text based on group’s background color, ensuring readability.
    • Direct Access, Drag & Drop and Easy Removal:
      • Quick Style Change: While Styles are created and set in the Preferences panel, Adjustments like color and font size are just a click away with the context menu.
      • Direct Node Organisation: Dragging a node straight into a group for swift organisation.
      • Easy Node Removal: Removing a node from a group is made easy using Alt+Left Click.
    • Exporting Settings Via Preferences: Groups Styles Settings can be backed up, shared and deployed by using the Export tool in the preferences panel. Consistency is ensured across teams and projects.

    Why it Matters

    The enhanced grouping functionality in Dynamo emphasize:

    Efficiency: With intuitive nodes organisation, direct style customization and easily readable group labels, workflows become faster and smoother.

    Collaboration: he ability to export and share settings ensures that teams work with a consistent visual framework, enhancing collaborative effort

    Personalization: With a wide range of customisation options, Dynamo allows users to create a workspace that reflects their styles and project needs.

    Dynamo’s advanced grouping features in this update increase clarity and efficiency, adapting as workflows grow in complexity. The result is potentially a better organised, efficient, and customized visual programming environment.

    How it Works – Video

    In this demonstration, a new Group Style is created and applied to a group and text size is changed.

    Part 1 Conclusion

    The six Dynamo enhancements we explored in this blog are clearly geared towards refining the user experience a boosting efficiency in visual programming. From Node Autocomplete to the revamped group functionalities, each feature aims to empower design professionals even further.

    Keep an eye for the part II of this Dynamo for Revit 2.17 series where we’ll keep spotlighting more of Dynamo’s updates throughout. Until next time!

    For any questions reach out to your sales rep or contact us at info@solidcad.ca

    RAW Design Inc.

    Success Stories

    RAW Design Inc.

    Front view of building

    RAW is one of Toronto’s most vibrant and respected architectural and design studios. Cited as the 2009 Ontario Best Emerging Practice, we possess an international design sensibility and wisdom combined with a wealth of recent local experience. Unconcerned with stylistic expectations, RAW focuses on both the understanding of site opportunities and client-specific objectives. We take an open-minded approach to design, encouraging a fluid and collaborative process. RAW is not a hierarchical corporation. We are a medium-sized design studio delivering creative responses to design problems.

    Building Consistency and Efficiency: RAW Design Inc. Successfully Implements BIM Processes

    The Challenge

    RAW Design’s BIM leadership set key objectives for BIM technology, including enhancing staff efficiency in producing crucial outputs and standardizing visuals and graphics across projects for consistency.

    SolidCAD conducted a thorough BIM Process Assessment and identified the following challenges and desired results for RAW Design:

    • Adopting a uniform approach to project processes
    • Establishing a central, approved source for BIM content
    • Utilizing models for better coordination

    Barriers included:

    • Different Revit usage among staff
    • Inconsistent use of templates and project processes
    • The unfulfilled potential of BIM/Revit for coordination
    The Solution

    To achieve the desired outcomes, SolidCAD proposed a long-term partnership, working together with RAW Design’s BIM admin team as a strategy consultant.  Collectively, the team achieved the goals, implementing the optimized standards and processes by mentoring staff as they worked on projects.

    SolidCAD’s structured approach achieved the efficiency and quality standards RAW Design was looking for.  The completed Revit template and content libraries will ensure consistency of deliverables, streamlining staff workflows through better organization.  Documentation was provided to support the adoption of the enhancements and to serve as a guide during the onboarding of future new hires.  Finally, targeted training in specific Revit topics resulted in the advancement of staff skills, adopting best practices, and making it easier for them to achieve the full potential of BIM.

    The Results

    RAW Design achieved the following outcomes:

    • Optimization of BIM Processes and Documentation. Workflows are more efficient, and staff have guidelines to follow the intended process.
    • Consistency of Graphics Standards and Content. Deliverables produced using the enhanced template achieve RAW Design’s quality standards on all projects.
    • Advancement of skill levels was achieved through custom training and project-specific mentoring where best practices were reinforced. As result, staff are more capable of using Revit, allowing them to create deliverables in less time.

    Testimonial

    We brought in the SolidCAD team to help us update our Revit template, while also teaching staff new ways to use the software

    SolidCAD’s extensive knowledge was a great asset in achieving both goals. They assessed our existing template, identified areas that could be improved, developed a plan to get everything done, and executed what we needed. Staff were very pleased with the tutorials they received, coming away with both gained Revit knowledge and applicable skills. Now we are getting to use new resources to benefit projects and workflow.

    – RAW Design Inc.

    Products & Services Used

    • Using the Revit Software
    • Warnings & Model Health / File Corruptions
    • Family Creation (Curtain Walls)
    • Stairs & Railings (Detailing)
    • Conceptual Massing (Design Options, Using Revit customized to RAW)
    • Schedules Beginner (Schedules Advanced (including site statistics))
    • Site and Coordinates (Assemblies Advanced (walls/floors/roofs, sloping, sweeps/reveals))
    • BIM Execution Plans, setting up a new Project
    • Model Groups & Keynotes (Phasing)
    • Working with Doors and Windows (Collaboration, coordination, copy/monitor)
    • Dynamo – beginner

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    Autodesk Desktop Connector Update

    We are excited to share with you the highlights of the latest Autodesk Desktop Connector update!

    Enhancements are:

    • Folders Shared using Autodesk Drive are now visible on the desktop when using Desktop Connector.
    • When using Autodesk Collaboration for Civil 3D, an XML configuration file can be used to prevent a drawing’s reference template file from being uploaded when saving or dragging and dropping the drawing to Autodesk Docs.
    • AutoCAD 2022.1 will no longer create bak, dwl, dwl2 files when the dwg was opened from the workspace. For AutoCAD releases prior to 2022.1, Desktop Connector will add dwl and dwl2 files to the ignore list so they will no longer be uploaded.
    • In Autodesk Drive web, ‘My Data’ cannot be renamed or deleted. To match that behavior, Desktop Connector has removed those commands when right clicking on ‘My Data’.
    • Unnecessary “Checking Latest Version” dialog showing up during AutoCAD dwg compare workflow.

    There have been significant changes to folder sharing.  If you have folders shared, it is recommended to educate yourself on the new behavior.

    The new behaviour is outlined here and here.

    For more information, visit this link.

     

    Create Easy Surface Statistics Labels with Dynamo

    In this blog, our Civil/Infrastructure Technical Product Specialist, Jae Kwon, will cover how a Civil 3D user can use an automatic way to create surface statistics labels with Dynamo.

    Instead of Civil 3D users manually labelling surface statistics for his surfaces with a manual process, they can explore an automatic way using Dynamo. Let’s take it further below by comparing the existing manual method versus the Dynamo Solution.

     

    Existing Manual Method

    The existing method by the user was the following:

    1. Open the surface properties, navigate to the statistics tab, right click and “copy to clip” the contents

    2. Paste the info into notepad and rearrange the text to get the desired format

    3. Copy-paste the info into an Mleader pointing to the surface.

    This method works, but there is a lot of manual formatting involved every time, and this has to be repeated every time there is a surface update.

    Also, we cannot create a surface label style for this kind of label since there are no statistics properties we can pull from the surface labels (spot elevation, contour and slope).

    Now, let us look an automatic solution to this via Dynamo.

     

    Dynamo Solution

    First, we get the user to select the surface they want to label with a simple drop-down list. This may be done through either the Surfaces node from the Civil 3D Toolkit (shown below) or a UI package like Data Shapes.

    Next, we extract the statistics with the Surface TerrainStatistics node.

    The statistics can then be formatted with various text manipulation nodes. But where can we inject this text where one of the surface labels can access it? The answer is surface description! For most of us, the surface object’s description field goes largely unused, and it serves as the perfect place to store the statistics data.

    When a spot elevation label that shows the surface name and description is used, it looks something like this:

    Just a general note: The surface statistics can also be stored on the surface as a property set.

    If the surface undergoes any changes, we can update the statistics data stored in the descriptions (and the property set) by simply rerunning the same Dynamo script with a click of a button.

     

    Conclusion

    Dynamo has become the primary tool for many power users to automate various tasks in Civil 3D because it is so easy to put together.

    We saw how surface statistic labelling may be done with Dynamo including:

    • Extracting and formatting surface statistics 
    • Storing the formatted data in the description and/or property set
    • Accessing this data with any one of the available surface label styles 
    • Easily updating the data by simply rerunning the Dynamo script

    If you need a solution to any Civil 3D project, we would be glad to help and find a specific Dynamo solution for you. Reach out to us at info@solidcad.ca

    Autodesk Desktop Connector Update – February 13, 2023

    We are pleased to share with you the highlights of the latest Autodesk Desktop Connector update!

    New Feature and Enhancement:

    • Autodesk Construction Cloud drive now supports the View Online capability in Desktop Connector

    Resolved Issues

    • Users will experience faster performance when Opening DWG files that exist locally
    • Changes to how files are marked read-only which will significantly reduce occurrences of “File in use” category of errors
    • Improved messaging to provide better awareness when a file is opened if the file is locked by another user
    • Improved messaging in workflows which will result in files being sent to the recycle bin
    • When DWG files are opened from the Desktop Connector workspace, transient files (ex. bak, dwl, dwl2) will no longer be created
    • Desktop Connector will ignore activity initiated by Sophos anti-virus (SavService)

    For more information, visit here.

     

    Assign Point Layers by Note Column with Dynamo

    In this vlog, our Civil/Infrastructure Technical Product Specialist, Jae Kwon, will demonstrate how to assign point layers by Note Column with Dynamo application.

    Autodesk Dynamo is a programming environment that requires no programming experience. Dynamo enables designers to create visual logic so they can explore a wide range of parametric conceptual designs using logic, simple data and analysis without the need to create a physical prototype.

    This vlog will cover a demo of:

    • Problem to solve
    • No out of the box solution available
    • Dynamo script breakdown
    • Dynamo player, script run and result review

     

     

    Dynamo for Autodesk Fusion 360 – Made Simple

    Dynamo Studio is typically associated with Revit; however, it offers a fantastic platform for algorithmic-driven design and easy parameter manipulation in Fusion 360. It also features great T-spline and surface support for complex geometry creation, for those wishing to bring a degree of parametric control to their surfacing with ease.

    The add-in supports a bi-directional data exchange between Fusion 360 and Dynamo Studio, allowing users to create visual logic for Fusion 360 parameters update. It can be downloaded here: https://apps.autodesk.com/FUSION/en/Detail/Index?id=74731490955641349&appLang=en&os=Win64

    It provides an ability to use a visual editor environment to modify Fusion 360 model parameters, view and use them in complex logical graphs. Fusion 360 parameters will be automatically updated from Dynamo Studio using custom input and output nodes.
    Dynamo for Fusion 360 Supports Dynamo Studio 2017 version: 1.1 – 1.3.

    The benefits of using Dynamo with Fusion 360 are:

    • Very complex and rapidly reconfigurable T-Spline surfacing is
    • Parameter driven components can be modified live using sliders to adjust
    • Parameter driven components can have logic integrated to link different parameters and make automatic adjustments according to conditional
    • Parameter driven assemblies can be modified live and can adapt if setup
    • Parameter driven assemblies can have logic integrated to link parameters from different components to respond to changing geometry according to conditional

    One of Dynamo – Fusion 360 Workflows is called “Synchronous workflow”. It is directly manipulating parameters listed in the parameter table in Fusion 360. This can enable rapid reconfiguration of assemblies and components by using sliders, or logic can be incorporated to describe relationships between geometry. If you have not tried, here are some simple steps to try:

     Step 1: Create a simple Fusion part with some name parameters as shown:

    Step 2: Save and name the part as “Dynamo-Fusion”

    Step 3: Go to Tools -> DYNAMO FOR FUSION to run Dynamo


    Dynamo will create a same name parameter file with extension “.json” that contains all extracted parameters from Fusion 360 part and stored under:  C:\Users\ (your username) \AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\Autodesk Fusion 360\API\AddIns\Dynamo for Fusion\exported parameters\

    Step 4: In Dynamo’s search bar, search for “output” and insert “Fusion 360 Output” node. Repeat search for “Slider” and insert “Number Slider” node.



    Step 5:
    In Dynamo, connect File Path to “Fusion 360 Output” and “Number Slider” to any parameter and set Min, Max and Step. Use the slider to size or adjust the features.


    If you would like to manipulate other parameters, then just add more sliders. Simply select the slider node and use Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste it. After that you can customise each slider values (Max, Min, Step) and connect it to any of the parameters and watch the part update. You can even connect a slider to more than one parameter (i.e. to make a square cut).

    Using Dynamo with Fusion360 can be fun and simple. Try it and have fun with Dynamo for Fusion 360.

    Auto-numbering parking stalls using Dynamo

    This article describes how to use Dynamo to number parking stalls. Numbering parking tags can be tedious doing manually. If you have to number or renumber parking stalls and you are looking for tools to do it in an efficient and quick way, this can be a great opportunity to use Dynamo and automate all this work. The process demonstrated in this post was tested in Revit 2017, Revit 2018, and Revit 2019 using Dynamo 2.0.

    1. Place the parking stalls and load the parking tags into your project.
    2. Select Tag All under Annotate tab then select the Parking Tag family and click okay.
    3. Download the dynamo script and save on your computer. Open the Dynamo player and select Browse to Folder to navigate to a directory containing Dynamo scripts and click OK.
    4. Select Run Script on the right side of the dynamo script you are going to use.
    5. Another window will pop up asking for the inputs. Draw the spline over the parking stalls and click Select under Select Model Element in Dynamo Player. Then click at the spline
    6. Under Number, write the number that will represent the start number.
    7. Press Run Script again to activate the command.

    Download the Dynamo script for auto-numbering parking stalls.