AutoCAD Architecture-MEP 2011 Object Enabler Readme

The AutoCAD Architecture-MEP 2011 Object Enabler makes AEC objects come to life in 2011 releases of AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk 3ds Max Design, Autodesk Navisworks Manage, and Autodesk Navisworks Simulate. For earlier versions of these products, VIZ, and AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop please refer to www.autodesk.com\enablers for the correct version to download. This new release leverages ObjectDBX technology allowing object data created in AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP to be accessed outside the AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP environments.


Experience AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP 2011 functionality and flexibility including:
Receive DWG files created in Architectural Desktop R1, R2, R2 DACH, R2i, 3, 3.3, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, AutoCAD Architecture 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, Autodesk Building Systems R1, R2, 3, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2007.1, as well as AutoCAD MEP 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
View and modify AEC objects using AutoCAD commands such as MOVE, COPY, and STRETCH.
Improved object snap support.
Elimination of proxy graphics messages.
Supplement an office that has a mix of AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP and other AutoCAD-based seats, allowing improved interoperability between users. In AutoCAD Map 3D 2011, access and query data from different drawings created in AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP.


AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enablers are freeware applications distributed to Autodesk customers at no charge for the purpose of fully accessing AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP drawing files. Without this object enabler installed, you can share drawings using proxy graphics representations or the Export to AutoCAD command.

Known Issues

  • Plotting AutoCAD MEP drawings
  • Label curve objects may not plot at the same rotation as in the drawing viewport. The cause of this behavior is due to a rotation being applied by the Drawing Orientation within the plot dialog. By default, the labels will have the proper rotation if the Drawing Orientation is set to Landscape. If the Drawing Orientation is set to Portrait, some labels may be rotated 180 degrees. To workaround this problem, set the Drawing Orientation in the plot dialog to Landscape and then back to Portrait, click on the "Apply to Layout" button and cancel out of the dialog box. This will cause the settings from the dialog box to be saved back into the drawing, so the next time that you run the PLOT command, since the current layout has been updated, the labels should plot in the correct orientation.

    What do you want to do?
    Access and install the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler
    Share drawings using the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler
    Additional commands supplied with the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler
    Overview of proxy graphics
    Questions and answers

     

    The AutoCAD Architecture-MEP 2011 Object Enabler is installed as part of the normal installation of all AutoCAD 2011-based products, including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Map 3D, and AutoCAD Civil 3D.

    Previous versions of the AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enablers as well as object enablers for Civil and Mechanical products can be downloaded from the Autodesk website at www.autodesk.com\enablers.

    A silent installation of the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP 2011 Object Enabler can be configured using the /q quiet switch. The following is an example of the context used for a quiet installation:

    \\ServerName\ObjectEnabler\AutoCAD Architecture-MEP 2011 OE.exe /q

     

    The AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler provides an advanced level of compatibility for users of AutoCAD 2011-based applications to share files with AEC objects. The object enabler "wakes up" the AEC objects enabling full use of the AutoCAD environment with support for AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP’s multiple display representations. With the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler installed you can load any file created with AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP into many AutoCAD-based applications and see exactly the same object display as in AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP.

    Use of the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler can reduce or eliminate the need to store proxy graphics. File sizes are smaller, and drawing compatibility is improved. For example, an AutoCAD 2011 user can load an AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP drawing and experience exactly the same behavior of objects using object snaps or many of the standard AutoCAD commands such as MOVE, COPY or ROTATE. Installing the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler will not significantly impact the performance of the host program and will only be accessed when drawings containing AEC objects are opened.

     

     

    AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP use object technology to represent walls, doors, windows, ducts, pipes, and other AEC objects. These objects are stored in your drawing (DWG) files and to access them, you must run AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP, or an equivalent ObjectARX application capable of reading AEC objects.

    Proxy graphics provide an alternative means to display objects using simple graphical representations. Objects represented as proxy graphics lack the full "intelligence" of true objects. You cannot copy a proxy object, nor can you reposition a door within a wall when these objects are represented by proxy graphics.

    Note: If you are sharing files with AutoCAD users, a better alternative to proxy graphics is to have the AutoCAD users install the appropriate object enabler.

    To share AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP drawings using proxy graphics successfully, it is important to understand the multiple display representations of AEC objects and how they are stored as proxy graphics. Each object can store a single proxy representation. Therefore it is important to configure your work session to be sure the file you are saving displays correctly in the shared application. For example, a door can be displayed using a model, plan, or reflected ceiling representation and proxy graphics for a door can only be saved as one of several display representations.

    What do you want to do?


      1. At the command line, type PROXYGRAPHICS and press ENTER.
      2. Type 1 and press ENTER to set the variable to true. This is a drawing-based setting, so it needs to be done one time in each drawing.
      3. At the command line, type ISAVEPERCENT and press ENTER.
      4. Type 0 and press ENTER to set the value to zero percent. This is a registry-based setting, so it only needs to be set once.
      5. Save your drawing with the active viewport set to display the graphics to be saved as proxy graphics.

      Note: ISAVEPERCENT must be set to zero to enable consistent control of the graphical representations being saved with proxy graphics. Failure to set this value to zero can result in mixed graphical representations saved as proxy graphics. See also AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP Performance Tips.

      1. At the command line, type OPTIONS and press ENTER.
      2. Click the Open and Save tab.
      3. In the Proxy images for custom objects dropdown, select Show proxy graphics.
      4. Click OK.

      AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP leverage ObjectARX object technology and how to optimize your system depends on how you use AEC objects. If you are working exclusively with AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP, or a combination of AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP and adjacent seats of AutoCAD 2011 equipped with the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP 2011 Object Enabler, you can significantly decrease file size and improve file performance by eliminating the storage of proxy graphics.

      AEC objects are relatively complex compared with traditional AutoCAD objects such as lines, arcs, and text. For example, a stair object can have hundreds of graphical primitives used in its display. Consequently object snap settings need to be set in a manner that is consistent with your performance requirements. Turning on numerous running object snap options can significantly hinder object snap performance when moving the cursor in the vicinity of stairs. This can be managed by setting and changing the AutoCAD object snap options.

      What do you want to do?


        1. At the command line, type PROXYGRAPHICS and press ENTER.
        2. Type 0 and press ENTER to set the variable to false.
        3. At the command line, type ISAVEPERCENT and press ENTER.
        4. Type 50 and press ENTER to set the variable to fifty percent, which is the default AutoCAD value.

        Note: ISAVEPERCENT must be set to zero if proxy graphics are enabled. If proxy graphics are disabled, ISAVEPERCENT can be set to any value from 0 to 100.

         

    What is the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP 2011 Object Enabler?

    The AutoCAD Architecture-MEP 2011 Object Enabler is a utility that provides new functionality and design flexibility through the power of AEC objects to customers using the 2011 releases of AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk 3ds Max Design, Autodesk Navisworks Manage, and Autodesk Navisworks Simulate. With the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP 2011 Object Enabler, users working with these products can enjoy full compatibility with AEC objects from 2011 and earlier releases of AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP.

    Objects retain their intelligence and provide AutoCAD functionality that is nearly identical to AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP. For example, within AutoCAD 2011, AutoCAD commands, including OSNAP, MOVE, COPY, TRIM, EXTEND, and EXPLODE, are fully supported with AEC objects. In addition, objects provide full display characteristics including support for multiple views.

     

    What AutoCAD commands are available with the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler?

    When the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler is installed, objects respond to AutoCAD software commands the same way they do in AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP. The majority of AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP commands, however, are not available, including commands to edit object-specific properties and object styles. These are some of the AutoCAD commands you will be able to use specifically on AEC objects:

    Most AutoCAD commands are supported in the same manner as AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP.

     

    What specific benefits does the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler provide to users of AutoCAD-based applications?

    By allowing correct viewing and manipulation of AEC objects in AutoCAD-based applications, you can:

     

    How is the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler different from proxy graphics?

    The AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler does not replace the proxy graphics mechanism of interoperability. Proxy graphics remains a valuable "common denominator" of interoperability across the Autodesk product line but the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler provides a more robust level of compatibility for AutoCAD users, allowing them to benefit from the power of AEC objects. When the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler is installed on AutoCAD, there is no proxy message displayed when opening a file that contains AEC objects.

     

    What additional functionality do I get with AutoCAD Architecture?

    AutoCAD Architecture was designed for the architectural design process, and provides a full suite of architectural tools. AutoCAD Architecture includes conceptual modeling and planning, creation and editing of objects using right-click menus and a variety of predefined styles, and development of construction documentation using display management and layering designed for architects. For more information and details visit www.autodesk.com\autocadarchitecture.

     

    What additional functionality do I get with AutoCAD MEP?

    AutoCAD MEP was designed for the architectural design process, and provides a full suite of engineering tools. AutoCAD MEP includes conceptual modeling and planning, creation and editing of objects using right-click menus and a variety of predefined styles, and development of construction documentation using display management and layering designed for architects. For more information and details visit www.autodesk.com\autocadmep.

     

    How do I use the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler?

    Once installed, the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler works automatically with your existing AutoCAD configuration. If you open a DWG file containing AEC objects, they are "live" and you are able to edit them directly using AutoCAD commands. The power of the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler is the ability to use existing and familiar AutoCAD commands on AEC objects without the need to learn new functionality.

     

    Can I create intelligent objects using the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler on AutoCAD?

    There are no commands to create new AEC objects using AutoCAD and the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler. Copying existing AEC objects, however, is supported, and the copied AEC objects retain their intelligence. For example, a door copied from one wall to another wall automatically cuts the wall and anchors appropriately. In order to have commands to create new AEC objects and change object styles, you need the full version of AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP.

     

    What are Display Configurations and how do they work with the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler?

    AEC objects provide different graphic display depending on viewing direction and AutoCAD viewport settings. This allows architects and designers to configure different viewports to display objects appropriately for different uses, such as for floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, or isometric or perspective views of a 3D model. The different display configurations available in AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP are fully supported in the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler, allowing AEC objects to respond to changes in viewing direction and respect the Display Configurations assigned to viewports in AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP. Users of AutoCAD-based applications with the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler will be able to select Display Configurations that have previously been established in AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP. However, users will not be able to modify those display configurations.

     

    Once I download and install the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler, does it automatically initialize every time I launch the host application, or does it demand load?

    The AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler is a demand-loading program which only initializes when needed in AutoCAD-based applications. In other words, the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler is not loaded in an AutoCAD session until a drawing containing AEC objects is opened. You can prevent the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler from loading even if an AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP drawing is opened.

      To disable demand loading of the Object Enabler

      1. At the command line, type OPTIONS and press ENTER.

      2. Click the Open and Save tab.

      3. In the Demand load ObjectARX apps drop-down list, select Command invoke. This setting allows other ARX applications, such as ISM, to be loaded when an image command is used.

      4. Click OK.

     

    How much does the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler cost?

    The AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler is available at no charge to use and distribute. There is no payment required before or after installation. By downloading the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler from the Autodesk website, you agree to the terms and conditions of its usage.

     

    Is AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler free to distribute?

    Yes; however, by downloading it from the Autodesk website you agree to the terms and conditions of its usage.

     

    What limitations are there with AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler?

     

    Does the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler include support for AutoCAD Civil 3D objects?

    No. There are AutoCAD Civil 3D specific object enablers that you can download from www.autodesk.com\enablers.

     

    Does the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler include support for Mechanical Desktop objects?

    No. The AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler only supports objects from AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP.

     

    Does the AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler include ObjectARX objects from third-party developers?

    No. The AutoCAD Architecture-MEP Object Enabler only supports objects from AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP. Many Autodesk partners support the AutoCAD proxy graphic mechanism or provide viewers for their objects at no charge. Contact the independent application developer for more information.