Load as group? How is this useful?
@RDAOU wrote:
It has multiple uses depending on the workflows you have in place. It’s not just for detail groups but for entire models. In many ways, it works similarly to linking a model and then binding it as a group. Interestingly enough, I have not used the binding component in revit yet. Familiar with it on some level because of xrefs and binding in autocad. Wondering how the functionality in revit might be different. And once I get a handle on that, what the distiction between binding links in revit vs inserting groups would be.... which relates to a question I have below. The most common use case is with projects that contain typical, repeating units (e.g., hotels, hospitals, residential buildings). The units are modeled as templates and then brought in as groups (or links) to populate the main model. When loading them as groups, any associated details will be inserted as attached detail groups. Apparently there is a way to have linked groups and I need to look into that. Also apparently there is a way to have a linked group and I can edit that in my model and it will update to a remote location that can be edited real time in the model I'm working on. My thinking that this could potentially, kinda sorta, work like an xref edit in place..... but not sure about this.... but that would be NICE! Maybe this is what you're alluding to above.... but my limited knowledge on this won't let me come to terms with that yet!
What are they good for? or better say usually used for:
Reuse Designs Across Projects (mentioned above). Saves huge amounts of time for repetitive layouts. Not sure how this works..... yet. Only thing I can figure is that if I have a remote group (just found out that groups have their own file type".rvg".... so need to come to terms with that..... one of the first things on the list.....). Wondering if there is some way to make sense of a "group library" (vs and perhaps similar to a cad block library) BUT vs a "Family Library" or "Family Container". Maybe the idea is that the group library (if such a thing can exist) is for 2d type stuff where the family library is for 3D entities.....?
Maintain Consistency. Groups allow you to make direct changes in the model once (inside the group) and all other instances update automatically. Some believe this is better than linking if you want internal consistency rather than external coordination. Does this have to do with not having an "xref edit in place feature?".... just thinking here. But, I totally get the beauty of groups ("blocks") WITHIN a project. Just don't know how this can work externally.... with saving changes to the groups back outside of the project. I think I get that they can be loaded into a project AND can conceivably overwrite groups of the same name within the project. Wondering how I could conceivably have a lot of different groups in one library. And potentially load only 1 group within that library. Maybe just copy/ paste the group? I get (I think) that I could conceivably load a bunch of individual groups into a project in one swoop by using the load group feature. My test confirmed this.... I loaded a project as a group and it broke everything down into MODEL groups (Elevations, Floor plans, Sections). But I'm not sure how it handled the DETAIL Groups..... Doesn't appear that they were loaded but I could be mistaken. So, for the time being, assuming only loading the VIEWS as groups (that are linked groups). But I'm also not understanding why it would basically ask me if I want to override the the groups (change names etc.... i'm thinking append with a 1>2 etc.) if this doesn't relate back to the detail groups (vs the model groups). And Here's a question that I don't understand yet however. Each one of the groups (Model Groups) that was loaded in shows up with a paperclip link symbol. Was thinking I should be able to drag these groups into a model view or onto a sheet..... but I'm not able to do this and have no idea why. Also, wondering why the groups were linked (apparently) in the first place rather than just being inserted as groups into the model? And also need to understand where the group is linked back to? Is it linked back to the model that the group was imported from? This would make sense but how can I check/ know? Guessing this COULD be a problem (linking back to another project/ model that you don't want to potentially overwrite changes to the groups to. Need to be aware of this correct?
Modular Design Workflows (similar concept to Links).... But also differences..... TBD.
Reduce File Linking Overhead
Unlike linked models, groups (including everything modeled in the dedicated model, System families Types, Material, loadable families, Details...etc) become part of your project, so you don’t need to manage separate external files. Its like loading one of those library models you were asking about in a different post. Not exactly following. So all of these items are brought in from the "project" that I'm importing the group from? Just a quick study shows me (first dialog when select load group) that certain item types (the non group components) are maintained and CAN NOT be overriden, however there is a blanket way to override the groups, or rename the groups (which would imply to me that you can have both versions of the group (the group imported & the original group in the project).
Less coordination hassle if you’re not collaborating across multiple teams. (you do not to open links to make a modification then save and reload....its all inside the model). I get this. It, on some level is like trying to decide whether to use xrefs in cad or just insert a block of the file (say as an underlay) for the various plan views. The downside would be that the changes you make in the model you're working in would not be update the groups in an external file. HOWEVER, I'm thinking revit has this covered and can be set up such that it will update the remote file. My take is that it more or less has the ability to act like an "xref edit in place" as I alluded to above. IF that is the case then I can see me getting on board with the whole insert group thing vs the link thing.
The key question to ask first: should I use Links or Groups? This has been a long-standing debate in the Revit world, and both approaches come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Had no idea this was even a consideration let alone a debate. Personally, I’m not strictly for or against either method. Instead, I often combine the use of both, depending on what the situation requires. So, there is some flexibility to use both methods.... that's another positive.
ANY help with getting more clarification on any of this appreciated. I know this is long..... just trying to get the brain wrapped around it all.
THANKS!
