Improved Mark-ups in BIM360 Docs – November Update

By Henry Coombs

The latest BIM360 Docs web and Android releases are available now.  This month, Autodesk has added new mark-up tools, enhanced the default RFI and issue viewing experience, and improved the file upload experience (within the "Project Files" folders) in Docs web.  The new version of BIM360 Docs Android app, now available on Google Play, provides improved issue capabilities and viewing of 3D model Issues and RFI's.

Improved Markup Tools - Now with Text Box and Dimension tools

Autodesk has added some new tools to the expanding BIM360 mark-up tool set.  In this release, you'll find the new, improved Text Box tool.  Now the text box has an automatic border with a white "fill" behind the text, to make it easier to view in both 2D and 3D.  You can adjust or remove the fill as well.

They have also added a "dimension" mark-up tool, so that you can share verified dimensions with the broader team for a variety of workflows.  To use the tool, first check your "units" setting (for measurements) in the toolbar (Measure > Measure Settings).  Then select the "Markup" tool in the toolbar and choose the "Dimension" tool.

In addition to the Text Box and Dimension tools, Autodesk has improved the "Freehand" tool for more accurate freehand mark-ups (works great with my Surface Book touch screen).

Issue and RFI Visibility

Autodesk has updated the default behaviour for the Issue and RFI "pushpin" visibility, based on customer feedback.

Issues:

Before, "closed" issues would remain visible, by default, on the current version of the drawing or model on which it was "closed."  (note that it would not be visible, by default, on subsequent versions).

Now, all "closed" issues, even those closed on the current version of the drawing or model, will not display by default.  If you want to view them, you can change the view setting in the Issue panel.

RFIs

Before, "closed" RFI's would not be visible (by default) on newer versions of the drawing or model.

Now, all "closed" RFI's will be visible (by default) on newer versions of the drawing or model.

Tip:  Here's how you can filter the Issue (or RFI) panel to view issues by status on the drawing or model:

Upload Usability Improvements

In August, Autodesk updated the "upload" process for adding files to "Project Files" folders.  However, if you were uploading large numbers of files, you had to wait for the uploads to finish before you could exit the full-screen upload confirmation page.  They have updated that experience so that you can keep working (navigate to other folders and documents, for example) while you are uploading files.  The uploads are still tracked in the "Publish Log" so that you can easily check on the processing status if you dismiss the upload box in the lower right corner.

 Android V1.7 Now Available

 The latest version of the BIM 360 Docs Android app includes the following new features and enhancements:

■ View photo attachments on issues
■ Add comments to issues
■ View issues and RFIs on 3D models