Assemblies Viewer

Owned by Matthew Tate
Last updated: Oct 23, 2024 by Conk Buckley
30 min read

 

The Assemblies > Viewer tab displays an assembly. An assembly displays when a users clicks a link from another page like a dashboard or by using the assembly filter tools (Ex. Project, Model, Package, Assembly). The assembly’s Status, Division, Comment, Hours, and Cost Type can be updated. The 3D viewer section includes the STRATUS Toolbar. The detailed content section, includes tabs for Parts, STRATUS Sheet, CAD Sheet, Notes, Attachments, Tracking, and Tasks.

Open Assembly

Project Drop-down Set to Active Package
The Assemblies > Viewer top navigation includes a Package drop-down. The last package opened or refreshed by the user in the Packages > Viewer is stored as the active package for the model. When an assembly is opened, STRATUS will check to see if the assembly is included in the active package. If it is that package name will display in the Assemblies > Viewer > Package drop-down. Otherwise, the Package drop-down will display Unspecified.

Open Assembly from the Models Viewer

  1. In the Models > Viewer the Project and Model are selected.

     

  2. A link to assemblies displays in 2 places:

    1. Under Filters > Assemblies, click the link to the assembly.

       

    2. Under Display Modes > Assemblies

       

    3. Under Actions > Assemblies. In this case, a part in the assembly must be selected in the Models > Viewer to display.

       

  3. The assembly will display with the same Project, Model, and Assembly selected. For the Project:

    1. If the assembly is included in the active package, the package name will display in the Package drop-down.

       

    2. If the assembly is not part of the active package, the Package drop-down will display Unspecified.

Open Assembly from the Packages > Viewer

Project Drop-down: Set to Active Package

  1. With the Packages > Viewer opened to a package that includes assemblies, click the assembly link to open the assembly in the Assemblies > Viewer. Links to assemblies can be found under:

    1. Toolbar > Display Nodes

    2. Toolbar > Filters > Assemblies

    3. Packages > Viewer > Items > Assemblies.

       

  2. The assembly will display in the Assemblies > Viewer and Package will be set to the active package.

     

  3. If the Assemblies tab was clicked, the Assemblies page will open to the user’s default Assemblies tab (Dashboard (below) or Viewer) and the active Project will be set in the Package drop-down.

Open Assembly from the STRATUS Home Page

Project Drop-down Set to Active Package
The active package is remembered from session to session. This examples shows Recent assemblies on the STRATUS home page.

  1. The 2 assemblies below that are in the active package will open the Assemblies > Viewer and the Package will be set to the active packge.

  2. The other assemblies which are not in the active package will open the Assemblies > Viewer and the Package will be set Unspecified.

Open Assembly from the Assemblies > Dashboard

Project Drop-down: The selected assembly displayed on the Assemblies > Dashboard works independently from the Packages active package. Also note, for a Package to display in the Assemblies > Dashboard > Package drop-down list, it must contain at least 1 assembly, otherwise it will be filtered out.

  1. In the Assemblies > Dashboard, 1 Project or ALL PROJECTS and 1 Model or ALL MODELS can be selected.  Note: In this example, there are not additional filters for Division or Status and Package is Unspecified. If a Package were selected, assemblies not in the selected package would be filtered off the Dashboard.

     

  2. Initially, the Package drop-down will display Unspecified.

  3. Open an Assembly included in a Package - To open an assembly that is included in a package, click the Assembly Name link. Note: In this example, the Default Report is displaying.

     

    1. The assembly will display and the package name will display in the Package drop-down.

       

  4. Open an Assembly NOT included in a Package - To open an assembly that is not included in a package, click the Assembly Name link. 

     

    1. The assembly will display and the Package drop-down will display Unspecified.

Open Assembly by Scanning QR Code with Handheld Scanner

The Scan assembly QR code using handheld scanner button uses a configured handheld scanner. A user can scan an assembly QR code and the assembly will display. This will save clicks and the need to know the name of the project, model, package, or spool assembly. 

  1. Under Assemblies > Viewer, click the Under Assemblies > Viewer, click the Scan assembly QR code using handheld scanner button.

     

  2. The word SCANNING will display. The scanner will continue to wait for input until it detects a scan, keyboard action, or mouse click.

     

  3. Scan the assembly QR code with the handheld scanner.

  4. The assembly associated with the QR code will display.

Open Assembly by Scanning QR Code with the Tablet’s Camera

The Scan assembly QR code using camera button uses the built-in camera on a tablet or phone as a scanner. A user can scan an assembly QR code and the assembly will display. This will save clicks and the need to know the name of the project, model, package, or spool assembly.  Note: For iPad users, this feature only works when you have logged into STRATUS using the Safari web browser. 

  1. Login to STRATUS on the tablet or phone.

  2. Under Assemblies > Viewer, click the Scan QR code with camera button.

     

  3. The Capture an Image prompt will display asking if you “Would like to Access the Camera.” Click Allow.

  4. Point the camera at a STRATUS QR Code (Part or Assembly) either printed on a label or on the screen.

  5. The assembly associated with the QR code will display on the device.

Open Assembly by Scanning to the Assembly QR Code Scanned Page

See the Assembly QR Code Scanned article for more information.

Open Assembly from the Containers > Dashboard

Once an assembly has been added to a container, it will display under Containers > Dashboard.

  1. From the Containers > Dashboard, expand a Container to which an assembly has been added.

     

  2. Click the assembly Name link to open the assembly in a separate browser. 

  3. The assembly will display with the Project, Model, and Assembly names. For the Project:

    1. If the assembly is not in the active package, the Package drop-down will display Unspecified.

       

    2. If the assembly is in the active package, the Package drop-down will display the active package name.

       

Viewer Filtering

Once an assembly is opened, other assemblies can be located using the filtering Assemblies > Viewer filter options for Project, Model, View, Package, and Assembly, or using one of the Open Assembly methods.

Project

To locate an assembly in a different Project:

  1. Click the Project drop-down and either select the project or search for the project.

     

  2. When switching to a new project, STRATUS will not know which model you intend to open. Therefore, STRATUS will look for the:

    1. The first model, sorted alphabetically, that contains an assembly will be selected, then the first assembly sorted alphabetically.

    2. If no models include an assembly, the Models > Dashboard will display.

Model

To locate an assembly in a different Model within the Project:

  1. Click the Model drop-down and either select the model or search for the model. Only models that include at least one assembly will display in the drop-down.

  2. When switching to a new model, STRATUS will not know which assembly you intend to open.

    1. Therefore, the last assembly sorted alphabetically will be selected.

View

By default, all published models include a 3D view. The person who publishes the model can select additional views including 2D views. 90% of the time the default view in the Assemblies Viewer will display the needed information. In some cases, the default view may not include all of the model parts and will need to be overridden. Note: Overriding the View will set the newly selected view as the default for all users.

To change the View in the 3D viewer:

  1. Project Admins Only - Only Project Admins can change and override a default view. Users who are not a Project Admin under Admin > Project > Team do not have a View option in the Packages Viewer. Below is an example where the View drop-down does not display.

     

  2. Override a View

    1. Selected View Does Not Contain All Parts - A Project Admin may select a default View that does not contain all the parts in the assembly and a warning icon will display "View does not contain all parts in the Packages".  

      1. In this example, the Top half view displays the full dimensions of the pipe but does not display the bottom pipe parts because they were not included in this Revit view.  

         

      2. To resolve the issue, a Project Admin will need to override the default view.

        1. If the Project Admin selects a view that does not include all of the model parts included in the Assembly, the following message will display and the Project Admin will need to select a different view.

           

    2. Selected View Contains All Parts - Once the Project Admin selects a view that contains all of the model parts included in the Assembly, the following prompt will display. Note: Making a View change will set the selected view as the default view.

       

    3.  After a Project Admin selects a view (Ex. Full model) that includes all of the model parts for the Assembly, anyone who opens the Assemblywill see the selected view.

Package

To locate an assembly in a different Package within the same Project and Model:

  1. Click the Package drop-down. For long lists of packages, enter any portion of the package name into the search to filter the list. Packages displays packages in alphabetic order. If a package does not include an assembly, it will not display in the Package drop-down list. The list of assemblies are limited to those within the selected Package.

     

  2. Select a different package. STRATUS will open the first alphabetic assembly within the package.

Assembly

The Assembly filter displays assemblies in alphabetic order. For long lists of assemblies, enter any portion of the assembly name into the search to filter the list. When selecting a different assembly within the same View, the assembly will display almost instantly. Alternatively, if the newly selected assembly does not use the same View, the model will need to be reloaded (the Powered by Autodesk logo will display in the viewer).

  1. To switch to a different assembly, click the Assembly drop-down:

    1. Package - If the package is selected, only the assemblies within the package will display.

       

    2. Package is Unspecified - When the Package is Unspecified, all packages (arrows) and their assemblies will display in the Assembly drop-down.

3D Viewer - Expand / Collapse

By default, the Assemblies > Viewer tab displays the 3D Viewer (left) and the assembly’s detailed content tabs (right). Clicking the expand to full screen button in either section will change both sections to full screen, one stacked on top of each other. 

Below are the mechanics of the Assemblies Viewer:

  1. Default View - 3D Viewer (left) and assembly’s detailed content tabs (right) and expander/collapse buttons in both panels. Click a part in the viewer and it will be selected in the in the assembly’s detailed contents Parts tab, or check a Part in the Parts tab and will be selected in the 3D Viewer.

     

  2. Click the 3D panel expander - The 3D View expands to full screen and the assembly’s detailed contents displays full screen below the 3D View. Click a part in the viewer and it will be selected in the in the assembly’s detailed contents Parts tab, or check a Part in the Parts tab and will be selected in the 3D Viewer.

     

  3. Click the collapse button in either the 3D Viewer or assembly’s detailed content tabs - The default view will display. In this example, when the 3D View was expanded to full screen the user zoomed in on the assembly, added dimensions, and then collapsing the panels retained both.

     

  4. Click the assembly’s detailed content tabs expander - The assembly’s detailed contents display on top and the 3D view on the bottom. In this example, the STRATUS Sheet tab was clicked and the zoom and dimensions are retained from the previous example.

3D Viewer - Settings

Click the gear icon to access viewer Settings. See the Viewer Settings and Search article for more information.

Settings in the Assemblies > Viewer include the following:

  • Hidden Parts Shaded

  • Multiple Part Selection

  • Dynamic Tags

  • Decimal Inches / Feet Inches Toggle

3D Viewer Search for Parts

Click the Search icon to access the viewer's Search. See the Viewer Settings and Search article for more information.

  1. Click the Search button.

     

  2. Click into the Search box. The gear icon will display. 

     

  3. Click the gear icon to display and configure the search settings.

3D Viewer - Rename Assembly

To rename an assembly within the assembly viewer, the assembly must be in a Tracking Status where Can Assemble is checked.

  1. If the assembly is in a Tracking Status where Can Assemble is checked, then hovering over the assembly name will display “Edit Assembly Name”.

    1. To edit the assembly name, click the assembly name. The Rename Assembly dialog will display.

       

    2. Enter a unique name and click the green Save button.

      1. If the new assembly name is not unique, the “Could Not Rename the Assembly” message will display.

         

    3. If the new assembly name is unique, the name will change.

       

    4. The assembly name will also change on the Assemblies > Dashboard and anywhere the name is referenced.

       

  2. If the assembly is not in a Tracking Status where Can Assemble is checked, then hovering over the assembly name will display “Name is locked based on Tracking Status”.

3D Viewer - STRATUS Toolbar 

Display Modes

See the Models > Viewer Display Modes article for more information.

Filters

See the See the Models > Viewer Filters article for more information.

Grid Offset Measurement

See the Models > Viewer Grid Offset Measurement article for more information.

Click the Grid Offset Measurement tool for a digital tape measure and then select an item in the viewer. The tool will display the item’s dimension offset from grid line intersections. You can pick which level the tool is referencing and select which grid to measure in the drop-down. The distance to the X, Y grid line will display for point A and point B.

Display Grid

See the Models > Viewer Display Grid article for more information.

Click the Display Grid tool to display the model grid. The RVT or DWG would need to have been published with a grid.

Properties

See the Models > Viewer Properties article for more information.

Display Tags and Item Numbers Toolbar

Project Roles

For information about permissioning the Numbering buttons, see the Project Roles Numbering article.

Display Tags and Item Numbers Toolbar

Clicking the Display Tags and Item Numbers Toolbar button:

  1. Displays any existing tags. See the Create Tags section below.

  2. Opens a flyout that includes separate buttons for Renumber Parts, Create Tags, Delete Part Item Numbers, Delete All Tags, and Custom Tags. In each viewer, item numbering rules and tag shapes are controlled by the Administrator.

Renumber Parts (Stratus.Part.Number)

For a part item number tag to display, the part’s Stratus.Part.Number must have a value.

  1. The company Admin configures several settings to define how and if parts are numbered. The settings control:

    1. Whether or not assembled parts or unassembled parts can be numbered in a specific viewer (Model, Package, or Assembly).

    2. How different parts are numbered based on Part Filters (Ex. The weld should include a Prefix or Suffix).

    3. Whether or not to automatically renumber assembly parts when they are created or modified.

    4. In addition, the Can Number Tracking Settings rule is honored when users attempt to number parts.

  2. Once the Item Number Scheme is configured by the Administrator, a part’s Stratus.Part.Number property value is set during a numbering action. Numbering actions are described below:

    1. Model Publish

      1. Authoring Software is Right - For companies who prefer to number parts in the authoring software, the only numbering action occurs during the publish process. Note: The admin can configure numbering rules so that the authoring software is used to number parts that match certain Part Filters while Stratus is used to number other parts. The Stratus.Part.Number value for parts that match the Authoring Software is Right rule cannot be numbered differently in STRATUS.

      2. Stratus is Always Right - When a model is published for the first time, no part that matches a Stratus is Always Right numbering rule will include a value for the Stratus.Part.Number property. The value will be applied during a different numbering action. Then, when this model is imported, any Stratus.Part.Number property values that were populated in Stratus can be stored in Revit. When the model is republished, the Stratus.Part.Number property will be retained.

    2. Renumber Parts or Renumber and Tag Parts button - When any user clicks the Renumber Parts button or the Renumber and Tag Parts button the Part Filter for each project Numbering Rule is checked. As soon as a part matches a filter it will be eligible to populate the Stratus.Part.Number and will not be matched with any other Part Filter.

      1. Note: The button flyout can be displayed by either: 1) clicking the expand carrot or 2) by doing a long click (2 seconds) on the button.

      2. Note: If you think parts should be numbered but are not, check with Administrator to ensure the assembled or unassembled parts can be numbered in the viewer you are in.

    3. Manually Edit Stratus.Part.Number property - When the part’s Part Template Stratus.Part.Number property is editable, user’s with permission can manually edit the part’s Stratus.Part.Number property value.

      1. Note: If you think parts should be numbered but are not, check with Administrator to ensure the assembled or unassembled parts can be numbered in the viewer you are in.

    4. Create or Modify an Assembly - When a user creates a new assembly or modifies an existing assembly the assembly parts may automatically be numbered. Check with Administrator to determine if the Renumber Parts When Creating or Modifying Assemblies setting is checked for the part’s System Type.

  3. Once a part’s Stratus.Part.Number property is added or deleted in one viewer (Ex. Assemblies Viewer) it is added or deleted in all Viewers (Ex. Models Viewer and Packages Viewer).

Create Tags

When the Create Tags or the Renumber and Tag Parts button is clicked in a viewer (Model, Package, or Assembly), the following tags can be created depending on how the Administrator has configured the Viewer Tags options.

  1. Part item number tag - For a part item number tag to be created, the part must have a Stratus.Part.Number property value.

  2. Package - Package tags display in the Models Viewer and provide a link to the package.

  3. Assemblies - Assemblies tags display in the Models Viewer and the Package Viewer and provide a link to the assembly.

  4. Connected Assemblies - Connected Assembly tags display in the Assemblies Viewer and provide a link to the connected assembly.

     

    1. When a Connected Assembly tag link is clicked the messaging after clicking it will depend on whether or not the linked assembly belongs to the same package or not.

      1. Connected Assembly does not belong to any package - In this example, the selected assembly (Ex. SLV002-HWS-002) does not belong to a package. When the Open Assembly link is clicked, the assembly will open without refreshing the page or giving a prompt.

      2. Connected Assembly does not belon to the same package - In this example, the selected assembly (Ex. SLV001-HWS-001) belongs to the SLV001-L1_B-Heating Water System package, however the linked assembly (Ex. SLV002-HWS-001) does not belong to the same package. As a result, when the Open Assembly link is clicked, the following dialog will display confirming you want to change packages.

  5. Notes:

    1. Dynamic Tags - Tags dynamically display the current values of whatever property they are referencing. For standard item number tags, they will reference the STRATUS.Part.Number property. Existing static tags will be updated to dynamic tags once a change has been made to the STRATUS.Part.Number property or once new tags are placed.

    2. Any tags that reference a blank value will be removed upon deletion of the value. For example, if the STRATUS.Part.Number property value is deleted, the related tag will also be deleted.

    3. Filters - Only visible parts will be tagged, therefore, using a Filter (Ex. Company) that changes the viewers visible parts will impact tagging.

    4. Assembly Tags and Package Tags - Assembly Tags and Package Tags will only display if the assembly or package existed when the Create Tags button was clicked.

Custom Tags (Annotation Tags)

Custom Tags enable the user to add a Custom Tag to one or more parts. There are 5 Annotation Types: Item Numbering, Properties, Fields, Aliases, or Notes.

To place an annotation tag on a part:

  1. Click the Custom Tags tool button. The Custom Tags panel will display. 

     

  2. Select the Annotation Type (Ex. Properties). Properties also includes extra settings that other Annotation Types do not (Ex. Override Value). Notice that nothing displays in the Selected Tag field until an item under Properties is selected.

     

  3. Click the Properties drop-down and select an item (Ex. Diameter). Selected Tag now displays the selected property (Ex. Diameter). Select a Tag Shape if other than Rounded (default).

    1. Begin typing the tag name to jump down in the list.

    2. The most recently selected and active option is listed at the top of the panel on dropdown change.

    3. Notes are defined under Admin > Company > Notes, or, can be added when a Tag Override Value Label is entered (see below).

  4. With the Annotation Type and item selected, click the part in the viewer and the Annotation Tag will display. The annotation tag will be placed on the centroid of the element.

     

  5. Display the Prefix on Annotation Tags - Check the Display the Prefix on Annotation Tags checkbox to add the tag prefix (Ex. Diameter).

  6. Override Prefix - Check the Override Prefix checkbox to enter a different prefix label (Ex Dia).

     

  7. Override Value - Check the Override Value checkbox to enter a different Label value. When the Annotation Type is Notes, a new assembly note can be created by selecting an existing note and entering an Override Value Label. 

     

  8. Once a tag is placed, it is connected to a lead. To move the tag: 

    1. Hover over the tag and click the blue move  button and let go of the mouse.

    2. Move your mouse toward where you want to place the tag. The tag will disappear as you move your mouse. A leader will display and will follow your mouse.

    3. Click the mouse when you are ready to place the tag. The tag will display.

Bulk Delete

Bulk Delete

Click the Bulk Delete button to flyout the delete options. Note: No numbers or tags are impacted by clicking this button.

Delete Part Item Numbers

  1. Click the Delete Part Item Numbers button to remove values contained in the STRATUS.Part.Number property for all visible parts in the viewer. As a result:

    1. The Part Item Numbers visible in the viewer are deleted in all Viewers (Models, Packages, and Assemblies)

    2. Any tags that now reference a blank value are also deleted.

    3. Custom Tags are not deleted.

  2. Click either the Renumber Parts or Renumber and Tag Parts button to regenerate Part Item Numbers.

Delete All Tags

  1. Click the Delete All Tags button to remove As a result the following tag types will be deleted if they are in the viewer:

    1. Part Item Number

    2. Connected Assemblies

    3. Assembly

    4. Package

    5. Custom Tags

Tag Management Leader

To move a tag leader, hover over the tag, click the blue drag icon, drag the tag and click to place the tag. The leader will display automatically.

Tag Management Delete Individual Tag

To delete an individual tag, hover over the tag and click the red delete icon. The tag will be deleted. All deleted tags, except a Custom Tag, can be regenerated in its original location by clicking the Create Tags button.

Tag Connected Assemblies (Link)

If an assembly is connected to another assembly, and the Assembly Viewer Tags > Connected Assemblies checkbox is checked in the Numbering Scheme, the connected assembly will display a link. When clicked, the assembly will display in the viewer.

Sleeves, Saddles, Hangers

Sleeves, saddles, and hangers are not treated as a pipe branch. As a result, when calculating pipe length, they are ignored and pipe with the same diameter receive matching item numbers.

Dimensioning

For information about permissioning the Dimensioning buttons, see the Dimensioning Project Roles article.

Auto-dimensioning

Note: In order for conduit dimensions to work properly, conduit elbows must have a Revit parameter named ‘Angle’.

Run Auto-dimension Routine

The Run Auto-dimension Routine tool places dimensions on the assembly automatically. To use the Run Auto-dimension Routine tool:

  1. Click the Dimensioning button, then click the Run Auto-dimension Routine button. That was easy!

     

  2. Here's what the Run Auto-dimension Routine tool is doing:

    1. Adds the dimension tag between points.

    2. Adds a tag for Angle (45)

    3. Adds connected assemblies tag.

    4. Any Kick 90's will receive a Rise tag:

       

    5. Any offset regardless of spatial orientation will receive a Rise tag:

       

    6. Adds a tag for measurements center to center between tees and to the nearest end, cap, elbow, branch, or cross.

    7. Cleats display too.

  3. Once any tag is placed, it is connected to a lead. See the Assembly Annotation section below for screenshots on how to move a tag.

    1. To move a tag:

      1. Hover over the tag and click the blue move  button and let go of the mouse. 

      2. Move your mouse toward where you want to place the tag. The tag will disappear as you move your mouse. A leader will display and will follow your mouse.

      3. Click the mouse when you are ready to place the tag. The tag will display.

      4. Once tags are placed where you want them, the only way they will display for other users is to click the Save Default Extensions button. In addition to saving dimensions placed on an assembly, the Save Default Extensions setting is also a company user setting for which extensions are enabled by default whenever any assembly is loaded, like whether dimension lines should be turned on or if item numbers should be turned on.  

    2. To move the leader’s attachment point:

      1. Hover over the part’s centroid until the + icon displays.

         

      2. Click the + icon and release the mouse.

      3. Move the mouse to the new location and click. The attachment point will move.

      4. To move the same attachment point again, hover at the base of the leader to locate the + icon.

Accidental Auto-dimension or Annotation Prompt

After the dimensions and/or annotations in the assembly viewer have been arranged, if you accidentally click the Run Auto-dimension Routine button, do the following.

  1. After setting dimensions and/or annotations, click the Run Auto-dimension Routine button.

  2. The “Overwrite the existing dimensions?” prompt will display. Click OK to overwrite or Cancel to stop the process.

Olets Recognized in Auto-Dimension Spool Assembly

The Auto-Dimension Spool Assembly recognizes olets and generates dimensions from the center of the outlet to the end of the pipe. These dimensions are automatically perpendicular to the outlet showing the olets proper orientation to the pipe. For example, if the branch is of the bottom of the pipe the dimension will pull off the bottom. 

Filtered Parts Do Not Dimension

In Packages and Assemblies Viewers, when a dimension is drawn between 2 parts (Part A and Part B) and a filter is applied that filters out one of the parts, the dimension will not display.

For example:

  1. Filter Off.


  2. Filter On.

Manual Dimensioning

To access the manual dimensioning tool, click the Dimensioning tool in the toolbar. The Dimensioning toolbar will display. The tools are described below.

Dimension Settings

Dimension Settings provides options to select Snaps and Click Detection.

Snaps

To set which snap points are used during dimension placement, click the Dimension Settings button.  The checked snap points in the screenshot below are selected by default.

Click Detection

The purpose of the Click Detection settings is to provide different mouse movement allowances (mouse down, mouse up, pan, zoom, and simultaneous mouse movement) when selecting snap points which can differ depending on the mouse settings and how the user clicks mouse buttons. During dimensioning, as the user hovers over a snap point, when a user clicks the mouse down button, Click Detection will consider both the elapsed time after the mouse down action and the movement of the mouse in terms of the pixel radius away from where mouse down was clicked. The table below displays the 3-option settings. Option 1 provides the least allowance while Option 3 provides triple the allowance.

 

 

Option 1 (Default)

Option 2

Option 3

Elapsed Time Less Than (ms)

300

500

1000

Pixel Movement

16

24

48

To use Click Detection:

  1. Under Dimensioning, click the Dimensioning Settings button.

  2. Scroll down to the Click Detection section.

  3. The default Click Detection setting will be selected.

  4. To change to one of the other 2 Click Detection settings, click and drag the slider button. The Click Detection description will change.

  5. Try out the new setting.

Dimensioning Status Toolbar

The Dimensioning Status Toolbar provides users with information while mousing over, adding, or moving a dimension.

To use the Status Toolbar:

  1. Click the Dimensioning Status Toolbar button on the Dimensioning flyout. The Dimensioning Status Toolbar will display.

     

  2. Hover over any snap point like this Center/Connector and its From or To value will display the part’s BOM Description (Ex. CI No Hub-Storm Drain).

     

  3. Once dimensioning has been placed, hover over any dimension to view the From/To and Point1/Point2 values.

 

Axis Colors

Like Autodesk, STRATUS utilizes standard colors for dimensions that are aligned with each of the primary coordinate axes.

  • X = Red

  • Y = Green

  • Z = Purple

  • Off Axis = Blue - The linear dimension is not aligned with any primary axis.

Revit Snap Points for all Parts

Dimension snap points for all Revit parts including hangers, racks, equipment, and any Revit object can be referenced using any of the Place dimension tools.

Below is an example of grabbing dimensions from the rack to the duct edge using the Place Aligned Length Measurement tool.

Below is an example of snap points for a trapeze hanger.

Place Linear Length Measurement

The Place Linear Length Measurement tool is used to dimension between 2 snap points on a cardinal plane.

Key Features:

  1. The tool will only measure one dimension at a time.

    1. To switch between the axis of measurements press Tab.

    2. If an axis of measurement does not change (i.e., a 0” measurement) that axis will be skipped.

  2. The leaders will be placed off the first snap point you select and the kick back line will be drawn to the second snap point selected to provide a visual representation of what the measurement line is representing.

    1. (1) Leader

    2. (2) Measurement Line

    3. (3) Kick Back Line

  3. Right-click will cancel your action.

  4. Colors

    1. Blue – Measures Up and Down

    2. Green – Measures Front and Back

    3. Red – Measures Left and Right

    4. These colors will update with any UCS adjustments (more on UCS below)

UCS:

Some models or portions of models may not be perpendicular to the view, this is where the UCS comes in to play. The UCS will allow you to define a new Coordinate System to align Left/Right/Front/Back. Up and down will always remain the same.

To set a UCS:

  1. Open Dimension Settings

  2. Select “Custom”

  3. If you know the angle in which your model is rotated you can type it in, otherwise select the pencil

  4. Once the pencil is selected you will want to identify a straight piece of content that follows the angle you want adjust to.

  5. Once you have identified the piece of content you are going to use select the “Left” Center and then the “Right” Center

    1. We recommend always using the Center snap point (Circle with a dot) to specify your angle to ensure you are getting the correct angle.

  1. When the Linear Dimensioning tool is active you can use the following buttons:

    1. Global will disable your UCS and return you to default behavior.

    2. Custom will enable your UCS

    3. Top will bring you to a top view rotated to match your custom UCS.

      1. This can be used to verify you have set your UCS correctly and get an easier angle to work with when placing your dimensions.

  2. Colors will update with the new UCS as well.

  3. Linear Dimension Button will update when a UCS is active

Place Aligned Length Measurement 

The Place Aligned Length Measurement tool makes it easier to dimension when points are not parallel aligned on a cardinal plane. It projects lines along a pivot point to better capture measurements along cardinal planes between snap points that are not aligned on a cardinal plane. The Place Aligned Length Measurement tool can also be used to place dimensions on rod and bearer (strut) snap points.



Tips

  1. Sometimes the tool has trouble placing the dimension in the plane you want:

     

    1. Changing the view angle can help placement.

    2. Drag the dimension over the origin point also helps set the plane.

  2. After selecting the two points you want to dimension between:


    1. Press the tab key to change the direction the dimension line is measuring. When tabbing between linear dimensions will provide an immediate visual indicator that the dimension changed, namely, that the pivot symbol will re-position itself and two of the dimension lines will change to reflect the updated pivot.

Place Angular Measurement

The Place Angle Measurement tool adds snap points that will be projected into space for easy measurement between connected model elements. To use the Place Angle Measurement tool:

  1. Click the Dimensioning button and then click the Place Angle Measurement button.

     

  2. Hover around the starting point and click one of the snap points. In this example, I clicked the Circle on the Elbow in.

    1. Circle - Center or node of the object. Tip: Use tab to move from one center point to the next.

    2. Diamond - Face, quadrant, or endpoint 

        

    3. X - Intersection, angle vertex point 

  3. Hover to find the vertex of the angle snap point. Click the vertex of the angle. In this example, I clicked the X.

  4. Hover to find the second snap point on the other side of the angle. In this example, I clicked a Circle on the Elbow out.

  5. Drag back and forth around the pivot element.

  6. When the pivot element is the position where you want to place the angle measurement, release the mouse. The angle measurement tag and legs are placed. You can move it as needed.

Tab Olet Snap Points

Olet Snap Point can be difficult to select. Tab through available Olet snap points to improve point selection in dimensioning tools. To use:

  1. Select the Place Aligned Length Measurement button.

  2. Hover over the Olet and press tab. Continue pressing the tab key until the snap point you want is selected.

Roll Angle Dimension

Use the Place Rolling Angle Measurement between two parts with respect to the second part selected, but set to a rolling angle. A rolling angle (clocking angles) is an angle that changes directions in all three planes. A common example is if you have an offset that changes elevation between two 45 degree angles, and you rotate it clockwise about 35 degrees, you’ll have a rolling offset. The purpose of this tool is to obtain that 35-degree roll.

  1. Click the rolling dimension button.

  2. Click two parts the order of which needs to be the rolling element first, and the part about which it is rolling second.

  3. Once the two parts are selected, a drag line will display around a pivot at the end of the reference part. This defines the plane that will be measured against.

  4. Click to place the Roll Angle tag. The arm that remains gives you a reference point for how the angle was created (90 - 55 = 35).

Spool Checker

The Spool Checker tool enables users to make part cut length adjustments which are preserved after the model is imported and then republished. In addition, when parts are connected, and their dimensions are NOT locked, those dimension adjustments will impact each part. As a result, when the user adjusts the dimension for one part, that amount of length removed or added will be transferred to the other part(s). For example, if one part that is originally 4", is adjusted to 2", the connected part (9-7/16"), which is NOT locked, will receive the additional 2", making it's adjusted measurement TAG now 11-7/16". Note: Spool Checker will not make adjustments to parts in connected assemblies.

  1. In the Assembly Viewer using the Spool Checker, cut length adjustments can be made.

    1. Before - Original part is 4" and is connected to a part that is 9-7/16" which is not locked.

       

    2. After – Adjusted Cut length changed from 4” to 2". In addition, the 9-7/16" is adjusted to 11-7/16", both reflected in the Adj.L tags.

       

  2. When you use the Dimensioning > Auto-Dimension Spool Assembly tool, the Adjusted Cut Length will be labeled Adj.L: which you can compare to the original cut length (Ex. 7'0")

  3. The Adjusted Cut Length can be sent to your cutting tool.

  4. When the model is republished, the assembly's Adjusted Cut Length will be retained.

Save Default Extensions

The Save Default Extensions option gives each user the ability to set the default view in the Assemblies Viewer. If want your item numbers and/or dimensions showing by default, then turn those on and then click the Save Default Extensions button.

Assembly Tasks

If Assembly Tasks have been defined and triggered, the Assembly Tasks action bar will display. See the Task Definitions (Admin) article and the Assign to section for more information on configuring an Assembly Task.

  1. With the Assembly Tasks action bar, the red button label (Ex. Cut Assembly) based on the Task Definition will display.

     

  2. To change the task status to In-progress, click the red button once.

  3. To change the task status to Complete, click the blue button once.

     

Videos

04/02/21 CSG Webinar: STRATUS In-Depth Series, The Assemblies Module

00:00 Introduction and Release Notes
11:00 Filter Spools
13:00 Can Assemble Tracking Status
13:30 Rename Assembly
13:55 Scan QR Code to display Assemblies Viewer page
15:00 Toggle Assemblies View for Tablets
16:20 Display Mode Tool
15:50 Grid Offset Measurement Tool
17:20 Explode Model Forge Tool
18:00 Numbering Tool
19:30 Annotation Tags Tool
22:15 Custom Notes
23:10 Attachments
24:30 Dimensioning Tool
31:00 Save Default Extensions Tool
32:30 Find Part
33:00 Spool Checker Tool

STRATUS 09-24-2020 What is the difference between the Place Linear Length Measurement tool and the Place Aligned Length Measurement tool? 

STRATUS 06-11-2020 Implementation Webinar - Spooling and the Assembly Viewer (32:44)

01:36 Package in Can Assemble Tracking Status
02:04 Create Assembly
07:00 Assemblies Viewer
07:50 QR Code Scan Options
08:25 Rename Assembly
08:40 Admin > Naming and Numbering (Naming Conventions)
08:10 Toggle Orientation
09:50 Tracking
11:45 Settings Gear
13:10 STRATUS Toolbar
13:20 Display Mode
13:41 Filters, Grid Offset Measurement, Display Grid
14:10 Admin > Item Numbering and Can Number Tracking Status
17:30 Admin > Naming and Numbering (Numbering Rules, Numbering Schemes)
18:50 Admin > View Styles
19:22 Admin > Project Roles
19:43 Tags and Notes
22:20 Dimensioning
23:20 Linear Placement Measurement Tool and Node Options
25:10 Spool Checker and Adjusted Cut Length
27:15 Parts Tab - Send to Tool
27:58 Parts Reports and Assembly Filter
29:39 STRATUS Sheet Tab











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