What is the Deal With ACC/BIM360/Autodesk Docs - Or whatever they call it now.

[npsconsultingllc]

I know someone is going to comment on here that I just dont know what im doing, and thats the problem. Just wanted to say this in advance.

If I upload a file directly to a project via autodesk docs, wait for it to finish processing, then why is it that I can't see that file in Revit when I access it via the cloud option within revit, or in autodesk docs.

In this case I have an MEP model and I needed to save a new Revit Architectural file to link it in. I have both the MEP model and the Architectural file saved in the same project. I can see my MEP model, but the revit link doesen't show up at all, even when I try to link it using the "External references". 

Perhaps im doing this wrong and no issue admitting that, but no matter what I do I run into issues on about 50% of my projects. 

This entire autodesk cloud thing really needs to be cleaned up ASAP. In 2023, using the cloud shouldn't be so complicated, nor should a cloud software have so many names where even the users dont even know the difference between the names of the products they're using.

[ToanDN]

1. Update Desktop Connector. 

2. You can always open the file in Revit and save it to cloud. This adds an extra step but is the sure way.

[npsconsultingllc]

Thanks!

A few questions.

What’s the point of the desktop connector exactly? I have it, but some people are telling me not to use it. Is it essentially to mirror what’s shown online? 

Also, let’s say I downloaded the source model and saved it like you suggested. Should I “save as” and then choose “cloud model”? Or, do I choose “autodesk docs”? 

How does Autodesk get away with charging so much money for something that doesn’t work? Imagine if you had a cell phone service that only worked 50% of the time. 

[HVAC-Novice]

Autodesk products were designed like the Pontiac Aztek. The people who designed the front never talked to the people who designed the rear. Autodesk bought a bunch of completely unrelated software companies and products and somehow bundles them in their subscription packages and pretend it would be one seamless user experience. If Autodesk ever build a car, it will have a steam locomotive drivetrain, a ship steering wheel, a Zeppelin for the cabin, and a horse saddle as seat just because they happened to purchase those companies before.  And they will say the user is just not sophisticated enough to use it properly. 

ACC seems to be a newer product and is not the same as BIM 360. We use ACC for design and construction project management. Desktop connector allows you to directly move files via windows explorer (as opposed to upload via website UI). We don't have BIM 360, not sure what desktop connector does for that. 

ACC in itself consists of different modules (like cost, build etc.) designed by different teams. It is infuriating that in a project I need parts from any of the products, but you have to switch between build, and cost etc. And they also behave differently. It is like no one at Autodesk ever used all the modules together before releasing to users. 

[ToanDN]

Desktop Connector can show your Autodesk Docs folder in Windows File Manager unless you always want to go to a web browser to see the folders and files.  All Autodesk programs need it if you are hosting files on ACC.

To save a Revit file to ACC, open it in Revit and save to cloud, then choose a Project folder on Autodesk Docs.

[npsconsultingllc]

My feels exactly.

Keep in mind though. The Pontiac Aztec worked though. It made no sense, but technically worked.

[npsconsultingllc]

Thanks. 

I tried using the desktop connector a handful of times but nothing ever seemed to sync to the cloud so then I stopped using it. 

[robertas_suminskas2]

Benefits of using Doc for Revit:

• It doesn't make copies with the ending 001
• External links can be opened without closing the primary model
• You can comment on a project using Doc so that others can see your comments, and you don't need a PDF reader. Also, you can tag people or teams so they get a notification.
• Versioning control
• Easy Control of who can access the project
• Only show projects on your computer that you selected on Desktop Connector
• You can view AutoCAD files without having AutoCAD drawings and other 60 formats
• Better place to manage template

ACC Build (Autodesk Built)

If you have an AEC collection, it is not worth buying ACC Build because you pay again for ACC Doc and also a ridiculous price for ACC Build. When Autodesk set the price for ACC Build, they had in mind that most people should not use it.  I didn't see contractors or traders having this, so I don't have a point using myself. ProCore is the best option to go in terms of pricing and features. ACC Build is a joke.

[HVAC-Novice]

You always need the newest version installed. And no, it doesn't automatically update. 

Sometimes it takes hours or even days to sync. Could also be an issue with your access rights in the project. 

When I tried to use Revit in ACC, I spent quite some time with support just because it was stuck somewhere. Sometimes it " just works", sometimes it doesn't. They really need to get those issue resolved for me to use it. Me sometimes opening up my project and it not working is NOT an option for me. 

Lots of potential and I really would love to use it more. But until they resolve the issues, i limit my use to the absolute minimum my employer requires. 

[RSomppi]

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@npsconsultingllc wrote:

If I upload a file directly to a project via autodesk docs, wait for it to finish processing, then why is it that I can't see that file in Revit when I access it via the cloud option within revit, or in autodesk docs.

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That is not the correct way to make a cloud model. You need to open the file in Revit and save as a cloud model from the collaborate tab.

[robertas_suminskas2]

If you open the file in Revit and save it as a cloud model from the Collaborate tab, you need to have a BIM Collaborate Subscription, costing $90/month. Also, consider if other users want to work on these or linked files when another user must have a BIM Collaborate Subscription. One important note: Reverting would be difficult and much work if you did it from the Collaborate tab converted to BIM Collaborate.

Another method is "File - Save As - Save to Cloud" if you don't have a BIM Collaborate Subscription. You need to have Autodesk Doc, which is included with AEC, or you can get separate.

[RSomppi]

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@npsconsultingllc wrote:

This entire autodesk cloud thing really needs to be cleaned up ASAP. In 2023, using the cloud shouldn't be so complicated, nor should a cloud software have so many names where even the users dont even know the difference between the names of the products they're using.

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It's really not that complicated to use it for Revit. It gets complicated when you use it for the miriad of other functionalities available. It is a robust system and can get complicated but just setting up a project and running it is not really any different from a workshared project on a local network.

The different names are for different platforms. There are differences, they do different things. If you don't need any of that functionality, just ignore the different offerings and stick with what you need. Keep it simple until you need more of what is being offered.

[Mustafa.Salaheldin]

Make sure all files and links are published first to the latest version.