Release ALLPLAN 2017
Release Notes
General
We edited and corrected various messages of Quality Reporter, producing a more reliable ALLPLAN.
We improved the 'datwaprjs' hotline tool for converting the data of all projects straight from the Services application. If conversion of a drawing file was not possible, the subsequent drawing files and projects were not converted either, so you might not be able to use the contents of these drawing files any more. We recommend that you check projects converted by 'datwaprjs' to see whether the project data are complete.
We added more attributes to layout types.
Customer involvement program
ALLPLAN offers you the option to take part in a customer involvement program. Participation is optional and anonymous. After installation, you can switch off participation, which is preset by default. To switch it off, open the 'Options' on the 'Desktop environment' page and go to the 'General' area.
Setup and licensing
It is now easier to enter any time period for 'Borrow license'.
You can display the contents of a license.
You can specify the path for installing the license server.
When you install a trial version of ALLPLAN, the 'Workgroup' option is off by default.
Silent installation of ALLPLAN now works with the 'Viewer' license and thus with stand-alone licenses. Note: For this, you must install the complete package as an upgrade or as a new installation.
Uninstalling a newer ALLPLAN version no longer changes the registry entries of earlier versions installed in parallel.
If you have to reboot the computer while installing an ALLPLAN 'Package for the Web', ALLPLAN automatically continues the installation afterwards.
When you use small letters to enter the Product Key for licensing, ALLPLAN automatically converts the small letters to capital letters.
It is now easier to borrow licenses using a WIBU license server. You will see a message telling you that you have to use the clients to borrow licenses.
Basic
We improved area detection in various places, making it much faster. For example, this applies to points of intersection in glancing sections, elements hidden using the 'Objects' palette or advanced XRefs.
Area detection now ignores smart symbols in openings, recesses and niches of walls, slabs and roof coverings.
We improved the polyline entry tools for entering areas on arcs.
When you have deactivated the 'Topology' sorting criterion in the 'Objects' palette, the ToolTip now tells you that a building structure is not defined.
It is now easier to measure areas in rotated plan view.
The system angle now applies to layout borders, too.
You can use the new 'Drawing File Selection' tool (viewport toolbar or View menu) to temporarily hide drawing files that are currently visible in the active viewport.
You can configure the viewport toolbar to stay visible all the time.
The new 'Zoom All in All Viewports' tool (View menu or SHIFT+F5) displays the entire design in all open viewports.
You can now use a palette to define the parameters for hidden line images in target documents.
Imperial Units - Feet and Inches
ALLPLAN now provides feet and inches consistently in all modules.
We added new options for entering dimensions in feet and inches.
You can add, subtract, multiply and divide values in feet and inches.
The calculator can process entries in feet and inches.
We adapted the tools in the basic and architectural modules so that you can work with feet and inches.
We adapted the scale and calculation mode for use in the USA
You can enter reinforcement and fixtures in feet and inches.
Workgroup, Workgroup Online
When you allow every normal user to access print sets and privilege sets in a workgroup environment, these sets are again visible to project owners.
When working with online projects and projects prepared for online use, you can now compress the drawing files of these projects to reduce the data volume to be transferred.
Interfaces
We improved import of large VRML files.
IFC interface
We adjusted the building structure of the project templates that come with ALLPLAN to IFC standards.
ALLPLAN exports the 'Unit' attribute of a total wall to IFC.
ALLPLAN exports shading SmartParts to IFC.
We improved IFC export of openings in freeform walls.
We improved IFC export of openings with several smart symbols.
IFC export now includes the height settings of smart symbols placed on finishing surfaces.
The new 'Export IFC4 Data' tool exports data to the IFC 4 format; however, there are still differences in the function scope.
DWG / AutoCAD interface
You can use the DWG interface in ALLPLAN to export ALLPLAN data to AutoCAD ACIS and import these data to ALLPLAN. The architectural elements become volume solids in AutoCAD, where you can edit them. After (re)import to ALLPLAN, these solids are available as Parasolid 3D solids.
ALLPLAN can now import DWG hatching without default names.
We reduced the data volume for exploded export of splines to DWG format.
ALLPLAN correctly exports the page setup to DWG format.
ALLPLAN correctly exports detailing windows in drawing files open in edit mode to DWG format.
ALLPLAN correctly imports DWG data with blocks having attributes from a prototype file even though some attributes are empty. If the resulting smart symbols are given more attributes in ALLPLAN, these attributes will be included the next time you export data to DWG format.
For the CAD-Stelle Bayern/Amberg, we corrected additional scaling for layout export.
Fills exported to DWG format are placed in the background.
Round columns created in ALLPLAN retain their original radius when you export them to DWG format and then reimport them to ALLPLAN.
Particular exchange favorites correctly include partial schemas, dimension lines and labels.
We improved exploded export of text and dimension lines to DWG format.
You can now export particular ellipses to DWG format.
ALLPLAN exports hidden layers to DWG format even though both the 'Layers' option and the 'Documents' option are selected for 'Arrange layers'.
We improved export of complex attributes.
The mark numbers of fixtures do not change during DWG export.
We improved import of circles and arcs with negative z-values.
ALLPLAN correctly selects the view after having imported a DWG file.
We improved DWG export of dimension lines with the 'Decimal separator' option being set to 'Comma'.
We improved DWG import of dimension lines.
PDF interface
You can now import very large PDF files in their entirety.
You can now define the resolution, that is to say, the quality of the PDF file you are exporting. This allows you control the file size.
DGN interface
We improved export to Microstation V8 format.
The 'Advanced resource administration' dialog box, 'Resources' tab, now combines color definition files, plot style definition files, RSC files and Seed files in one central place.
The selected Seed file is displayed in the 'Definition files' area of the 'MicroStation V8 [ ODA v4.01 ]-specific' tab.
Rhino interface
You can use 'Export Rhino Data' and 'Import Rhino Data' to export and import general 3D objects and 3D surfaces delimited by curves. Curves are no longer broken down into polygons.
CPIXML interface
We improved the 'Export CPIXML Data' tool. ALLPLAN also exports particular 3D objects (similar to IFC export).
Layout
Using the 'Options', you can set the reference point of the layout page to bottom left or bottom right.
When exporting PDF data, you can control the quality of bitmaps and thus the size of the PDF file.
Particular Canon plotters include the complete layout name in the log file.
Bonus Tools
3D Modeling
Modeling is now consistent.
Various tools check which option is best for the geometry given, presetting the appropriate option.
We improved the properties dialog boxes of various tools such as 'Loft', 'Sweep Path', 'Fillet Edge', 'Chamfer Edge', 'Convert General 3D Elements', making these dialog boxes more consistent. Instead of clicking 'Apply', you can now press ESC to confirm.
Using the 'Loft' tool, you can now use handles to change the starting points of profiles and thus model straight or twisted objects.
The 'Extrude Along Path' tool can handle paths that are inside or outside the profile. It is no longer necessary that the path has a common point with the profile.
The 'Fillet Edge' and 'Chamfer Edge' tools now offer the 'Connecting edges' option. When you select this option, ALLPLAN also fillets or chamfers tangentially connected edges.
The 'Fillet Edge' and 'Chamfer Edge' tools remember the last value you entered for 'Radius' or 'Chamfer width', proposing this value the next time you select the tool.
Curved shaping is available for 'Modify Edge Offset'. You can even modify the offset of a single edge.
You can edit 3D solids using the 'Stretch Entities' tool.
You can use handles to edit general 3D objects and 3D surfaces.
You can measure the volume of general 3D objects.
You can display division points on 3D splines and on edges of 3D objects and 3D surfaces.
You can use direct object modification to edit 3D splines.
We improved the 'Sweep Path' tool. In particular, this applies to situations with two paths and to situations where the path does not touch the profile.
Architecture
We updated the CAD-TAI interface so that it is in line with ALLPLAN BCM 2017.
The 'Options' - 'Rooms' - 'Representation of finish elements' area provides the new 'Minimum total thickness' and 'Minimum thickness per layer' options you can use to control how finish elements look in sections. In addition, you can choose to display vertical finish elements (for example, vertical surfaces) using a 'Symbolic thickness (5 mm)' or the 'Real thickness'.
Unified sections and views (derived from building structure)
Views and sections in the 'Derived from building structure' area on the right are now consistent. You can create these views and sections more quickly and easily. All you need to do is select a single tool.
You can now define all necessary settings for views and sections in a palette.
By selecting the 'Update automatically' option, you ensure that views and sections are always up-to-date. You can deactivate or activate this option at any time. ALLPLAN updates the data in real time.
You can add new section objects.
The 'Remove adjacent edges' option is generally switched off for the new hidden line images.
Calculating hidden line images or sections of NURBS objects produces NURBS curves.
Hidden line images are now much faster.
You can use the new 'Modify View, Section' tool to edit views and sections created from the building structure.
General: Roofs, Planes, Sections
You can now define all settings for the 'Clipping Path' tool in modular palettes instead of dialog boxes.
When you select the 'Basic' input method, you define the section type by clicking in the graphics area. When you select the 'Custom' input method, you can create sections with any viewing direction.
To modify sections created with 'Clipping Path', you can use the new 'Modify Clipping Path' tool.
Walls, Openings, Components
We improved labeling of round openings.
SmartParts
A dropdown list includes all elements of a SmartPart in hierarchical order. When you click an element, ALLPLAN highlights this element in the preview, presenting its parameters in the palette so that you can modify them.
Window SmartParts can be subdivided freely. This division type is also available for mullions, transoms and crosses. Using this tool, you can also create ribbon windows.
Window SmartParts can be given a rabbet ledge on the inside or outside.
You can define different 2D and 3D settings for the opening ratio of casements and door leaves in window SmartParts and door SmartParts.
You can create a glass cutout in a leaf of a door SmartPart or a window SmartPart.
Window sill SmartParts created separately can have cross-sections that are profiled, inclined or with edges.
By entering an angle defining the lateral edges, you can accurately fit window sills of corner windows.
When creating a roller shutter SmartPart, you can define the distance between the roller shutter box and the window reveal and between the edge of the box and the slats.
You can add a profiled cover to a sliding shutter SmartPart.
Python Parts
ALLPLAN comes with the Python API programming interface. Using Python scripts, you can access ALLPLAN features, thus adding new functions and objects to ALLPLAN. You can even include reinforcement in these objects.
Rooms, Surfaces, Stories
We improved the start of 'Report Viewer' and the calculation of reports. The 'Server is busy' message does not appear anymore.
DIN277
We integrated the new DIN 277-1:2016-01 standard in ALLPLAN. This new standard is now available in addition to DIN 277-2:2005-02.
You can create rooms and stories in accordance with the new DIN277.
Reports analyze both DIN277 standards. DIN277-2016 is preset for the reports in the new 'DIN277 2016' folder.
Converted user-defined architectural elements
You can convert any 3D objects to user-defined architectural elements. You can even convert objects delimited by curves or polygons. As a result, general architectural elements delimited by real curves are available in ALLPLAN.
Converted user-defined architectural elements have an architecture-specific plan view. You can even customize this plan view to suit your needs and requirements. You can label and analyze converted user-defined archit. elements in the same way as conventional user-defined archit. elements.
You can use 'Change Archit. Properties' to assign or edit architectural attributes.
You can modify converted user-defined archit. elements in the same way as 3D solids. For example, you can use 'Stretch Entities' or Boolean operations.
BIM
Task Board
The BIM platform ALLPLAN includes the new 'Task Board' palette, which is directly connected with bim+. Consequently, BIM task management is now available directly in ALLPLAN.
You can log in to or log off from bim+ at top right on the menu bar. You need to log in just once.
You will see a message if you have not yet logged in or if the project has not yet been uploaded.
Breadcrumbs help you navigate. Clicking the eye symbol takes you from view to view. Double-click to zoom in on the selected element.
The first page of the palette gives you an overview of the tasks; the second page shows the details.
You can export and import tasks in BCF format.
Element markers assigned in bim+ are visible in all views and view types in ALLPLAN.
bim+
We improved the program in many places, making it much faster and easier to use.
You can export tasks to Excel.
You can measure the distance between two parallel surfaces or points.
Double-click an element to center and enlarge it. You can simulate a fly-by around an object.
You can import IFC 4 data.
Engineering
We improved the workflow and function scope in engineering, removing various modules and tools, which were replaced with new ones some time ago.
The 'Shell' module is no longer available.
The 'Enter' tool is no longer available.
We removed duplicate placing modes from the 'Place' tool.
You can no longer create 3D reinforcement in 2D sections or 2D formwork.
When importing projects, ALLPLAN converts any data you created in the Shell module in earlier versions. Consequently, those data are still available for output.
Reinforcement
Leaders and partial schemas are now represented by a dashed line. This is the default setting. You can select a different line type in the 'Options'.
ALLPLAN retains the label when you modify reinforcement placed in rotation.
Bar Reinforcement
You can use the new 'Extrude Bars Along Path' tool to create reinforcement in a cross-section and place bending shapes including longitudinal reinforcement along any path
This new tool replaces the 'Define Batch', 'Place in Batch' and 'Place in Section' tools, which are no longer available.
You can now filter by layer when working with the 'Section Along Curve' tool.
ALLPLAN only provides the 'Associative Views' module for creating views and sections in a three-dimensional general arrangement drawing. Using this module, you can create views and sections at any time during the reinforcement process. These views and sections will update automatically to reflect any changes you make to the reinforcement.
ALLPLAN only provides the 'Bar Shape' tool for entering bar shapes.
Associative Views
The 'Display section object (as construction lines)' option is now preset for associative sections.
When you remove all the elements from a section object, ALLPLAN no longer deletes the associative section. The section is still available with an empty section object. Empty section objects are visible even though the 'Display section object (as construction lines)' option is not active. ALLPLAN retains the 'Hidden' status.
You can create reinforcement directly in an empty section object.
Library for steel sections
We restructured and updated the 'Steel sections' library. In addition, we added missing sections to this library. The steel sections now come with additional attributes and consistent colors, style ares, line types and layers.
Engineering International
We added the new NF EN standard for France.
You can define the line type for leaders using the Options - Reinforcement - Format page. So you can now create leaders with a dashed line in accordance with DIN EN ISO 3766.
You can define different format properties for full schemas and partial schemas. You can also select the line type.
You can define the type of schema that is common practice in Brazil using the Options - Reinforcement - Label page. You can select the minimum diameter for displaying the inside radius of the bending pin with the schema bar.