Knowledge Base ​>​ ​Announcements & Release Notes ​>​ EVOLVE Mechanical 9.0.2

EVOLVE Mechanical 9.0.2

Updated 6 hours ago by Jason Earl

Resources

Compatibility

  • Autodesk® Revit® 2023.1.7
  • Autodesk® Revit® 2024.3.3
  • Autodesk® Revit® 2025.4.12
  • Autodesk® Revit® 2026.2

Summary

EVOLVE Mechanical 9.0 new features include Auto Place Straps, Automatic Dimensions for 3D Spool Views, Hanger Bearer Length Adjustments, Auto Placement of RFA Single Hangers, Content Portal, Roles & Permissions, VDC OS Analytics, Global Configurations, and SSO login capabilities. Enhancements to existing features include, Hanger Placement, Spool Manager, Seismic Supports, Insert Offset, Location Manager, Prefabrication, Sleeves, Points, and Utilities.

Update Training Course

To learn all about the new update complete the training course below on EVOLVE University

EVOLVE University Video - 9.0 Feature Updates (eM)

Upgrade Notices

Conversion of Workset Manager Rules to name based

The following configurations require migration updates to their format. Updates should be performed in order to ensure configurations will continue to work as expected in future releases.

Unless otherwise noted, the required migration can be performed simply by opening the respective configuration dialog and clicking OK/Apply. After updating, these changes should be checked in via Worksharing Sync.

  • Renumber (per project per user)
  • Workset Manager (per project)
  • Location Sheet creation has been moved to sheet manager and the corresponding settings will need to be configured in the sheet manager settings from version 9.0 forward.

Configuration setting incompatibilities

Some feature's project configurations may not be compatible with previous versions. To prevent compatibility issues, all project members should be on the same version.

🎉New

Roles and Permissions

Video Tutorials

  1. Configuring Roles within Revit
  2. Assigning Roles to Users
  3. User Files for Testing

What does Roles and Permissions mean?

This feature allows company admins to assign team members specific roles within the licensing portal, then Admins/Power Users have the ability to upload and assign both User and Project configurations via our new Role Manager within Revit. The project and/or user configurations are then distributed to the team members, making this a seamless way of creating/managing EVOLVE standards across your team.  

Project vs. User/Workstation Configurations

While this feature is capable of distributing any file(s) across the team, the main purpose is to manage project and user configurations. Here is some important information to know about what exactly this means and how setting these configurations impacts users. 

  1. Project Configurations - this functions very similar to our "network default configurations". By setting a project config, there is no impact to any existing project. The project config is loaded during new project start up OR when a user decides to "restore defaults" within a given feature. 
  2. User/Workstation Configurations - again while this feature is capable of managing ALL user configurations, I think it's best to focus on the 2 main workstation configurations that will be the most beneficial to the team, which are:
    a. EVOLVE Ribbon - when this config is set and/or modified, this will require a restart of Revit before the user will see this change. 
    b. EVOLVE Toolbox - when this config is set and/or modified, this change will occur in the session while the user is operating.

How to use?

There are 2 main steps listed below, while the order technically doesn't matter, I suggest first configuring the roles within Revit and possibly testing on a few users before assigning roles across the entire team. At any point in time you can unassign a role for a user which will stop any users configs from 'syncing' if needed. 

  1. Step 1 - Configure Roles within Revit
  2. Step 2 - Assign Roles within the Licensing Portal
  3. User configs for testing - User files for RP testing.zip

EVOLVE Analytics

Video Tutorial

EVOLVE Analytics

What is EVOLVE Analytics?

EVOLVE analytics provides 4 main charts which displays various usage data. Once users install this latest version, the usage data will begin getting collected and can be visualized within this dashboard. 

How to use? 

Simply install this latest update and begin using Revit as normal.

SSO

What is SSO?

Single Sign-On (SSO) allows users to access EVOLVE with their company credentials instead of needing to remember a separate username and password for EVOLVE.

How do I enable SSO? 

Contact your account manager to inquire about SSO for your company.

  • Revit 2026 support
  • Automatic dimensioning support for 3D ISO assembly views
  • Auto Place Straps feature
    • Automatically places strut straps on trapezes and strut supports. Custom families supported.
    • Currently supports RFA hangers, ITM hanger support coming soon
  • Content Portal feature
    • Receive new content from EVOLVE more frequently without needing to install a new version
  • Roles Manager
    • Easily standardize project defaults and user settings in the cloud
  • Sheet Manager
  • Bearer Adjustments to Family Hanger Adjustments feature
  • Insert Offset Quadrant Overlay
  • Apply to Linked Model column in Sleeve Settings
  • Seismic Supports feature
    • Added to Clash Detection
    • Add options to select which view placements occur in
    • Add additional parameters to be written to during placement
    • UI adjustments
  • Update Seismic Support feature
  • Define Parameter and Apply To options for Spool Status
  • Support for single-rod style RFA hangers in Hanger Placement tool
  • Merge Packages when shift-clicking Modify Package
  • ITM hanger adjustment to stretch bearer
  • Override Default Point Family path in Points Settings
  • Additional write to parameter column in Locations Manager
    • Ability to write location Id to additional parameter
  • Restore Default Configurations
  • Global Configurations

👍Improvements

  • Spool Manager - Adjust Title Block loading for better performance
  • Show error when improper schedule used during sheet generation
  • Stop settings command from repeating
  • Make help icons DPI aware
  • Add support for 2 Rod Single Hanger (Duct Straps, 2 Rod Clevis, etc.)
  • Ability to customize System Family description
  • Replace hanger type Auto Detect with user selection of available families
  • Convert Workset Manager Rules to Name based
  • Improve resolution of built-in and shared parameters
  • Update Reporting functions used to provide information about Data Tables
  • Optimize PowerShell startup and script decoding
  • Help Link for ChatGPT/LLM prompt template to PowerShell script editor
  • Include PowerShell processing to Renumber value generation
  • Import/Export functionality on Toolbox & Ribbon Tabs configurations
  • Renumber Configuration support in Configuration Exchange
  • Notification when Move Straight feature disconnects neighboring accessory

🔧Changes

  • Update Submit Idea URL
  • Remove Revit 2022 support
  • Ribbon updates
  • Changes to Shared Parameter Loading
  • Added Disable AddRemoveSpoolElementsUpdater to Disable Updaters During Sync Option
  • Add '$eVolveSystemTypeName' and '$eVolveNominalSize' PowerShell context
  • Global PowerShell common functions
  • Added report functions to pull Data Profile field information

💪Stability

  • Fix Layout Point Status not updating correctly when moving hanger host
  • Fix Element Filter not correctly acting on part lining
  • Fix error when using Continuation Tags during spool sheet creation
  • Fix error when placing an ITM hanger with rods extended to reference plane
  • Stop exploded view for spools hiding non-exploded CIDs
  • Fix internal Data Tables cache not getting reset
  • Fix sleeves getting assigned the incorrect Level
  • Fix Press Enter for Finish not working on some selections
  • Fix the orientation of placed Box Outs within linked models
  • Fix Project Tags imported via Configuration Exchange displaying incorrectly
  • Fix Find Elements incorrectly adjusting column headers
  • Fix Toolbox default selection after sorting and incorrect scrollbar behavior
  • Fix error when editing Order column in Project Tags
  • Fix Renumber not reloading configuration after Configuration Exchange import
  • Fix error when attempting to place an Annotation Tag on a specific point
  • Fixed current selection mode in prefab manager
  • Hanger Families Toolset category filter Fix
  • Fix UI blanking when editing Rank in Customize Ribbon Tabs
  • Fix Help Icon appearing in the wrong corner when screen is scaled
  • Add Fitting - delete fitting when size not found

📂Content Updates

🎉New

  • Added new tags:
    • eV_Tag Size (This is a multi-category tag and currently supports EVOLVE Pipe, Pipe Fittings, Duct, & Duct Fittings; references parameter eVolve_PartSizeText)
    • eM_RFA_Pipe_Elevation_BOP (Bottom of Pipe)
    • eM_RFA_Pipe_Elevation_BOI (Bottom of Insulation)
    • eM_RFA_Pipe_Elevation_COP (Center of Pipe)
    • eM_FabPipe_Elevation_BOP (Bottom of Pipe)
    • eM_FabPipe_Elevation_BOI (Bottom of Insulation)
    • eM_FabPipe_Elevation_COP (Center of Pipe)
    • eM_RFA_Duct_Angle
    • eM_RFA_Duct_Elevation
    • eM_RFA_Duct_Multitag
    • eM_RFA_Duct_Number
    • eM_RFA_Duct_Length
    • eM_RFA_Duct_Offset
  • Updated DefaultAnnotationConfiguration.xml with entries for new tag families.
  • Added new eM_DefaultConfigurations.eVGlobal file with mechanical utility rules included.
  • Added new eV_DefaultConfigurations.eVGlobal file with core utility rules included.
  • Added new mechanical system related utility rules:
    • eM_Duct Fittings Part Description (Elbows)
    • eM_Duct Fittings Part Description (Not Elbows)
    • eM_Duct Fittings Part Size
    • eM_Pipe Fittings Part Description (Elbows)
    • eM_Pipe Fittings Part Description (Not Elbows)
    • eM_Pipe Fittings Part Size
    • eM_System Family Part Description
    • eM_System Family Part Size
  • Added Data Tables for hanger and hardware sizing for RFA single hangers (one table for each hanger family).
  • Added new pipe strut strap family, compatible with new auto strap placement tool.
  • Added new SharedParameterDefinitions_Instance.txt shared parameter file to support standard EVOLVE method for loading instance project parameters at project start up.
  • Added new SharedParameterDefinitions_Type.txt shared parameter file to support standard EVOLVE method for loading type project parameters at project start up.
  • Added eM_Duct Gauge text parameter to instance shared parameter file.
  • Added new DefaultAutoStrapConfiguration.xml file.
  • Added nested detection window family for use in custom hanger families for auto strap compatibility.
  • Added a new parameter, eV_SheetStatus, to the SharedParameterDefinitions_Instance.txt.
  • Added new parameter sync rules to calculate rod length rounding for trapeze and single rod hanger families.

👍Improvements

  • Updated RFA Pipe & Duct Hangers:
    • Affected families:
      • eM_ASM_HS_Clevis_Hanger
      • eM_ASM_HS_Clevis_Roller_Hanger
      • eM_ASM_HS_J-Hanger
      • eM_ASM_HS_Saddle_Duct_Hanger_Rod
      • eM_ASM_HS_Swivel_Ring_Hanger
      • eM_ASM_HS_Trapeze_Roller_Hanger
      • eM_ASM_HS_Saddle_Duct_Hanger_Cable
      • eM_ASM_HS_Cable_Hanger
    • Updated to be compatible with the hanger placement tool.
    • Adjusted Nested Node family to support more accurate placement.
    • Changed eVolve_PartType parameter from Instance to Type.
    • Updated list of hardware options for families to be more accurate and in-line with associated Data Tables.
    • Updated element filter values for eVolve_Parameter_Sync and eVolve_Data_Profile.
    • Updated RFA Pipe Hanger Description parameter sync rule with new element filter values.
    • Added size validation to Nominal Diameter.
  • Updated trapeze hangers to support new auto detection in the hanger placement tool.
  • Updated elevation parameter to new Revit spot elevation parameter variant in multi-tag families.
  • Added carbon steel as a family type for the round sleeve family.
  • Updated DefaultSleevesConfiguration.xml file with updated sleeve family name.
  • Updated pipe fitting families with new parameter sync element filter value.
  • Replaced the family parameter Bend Angle with the shared parameter eVolve_PartAngle in pipe fitting elbow families.
  • Added standard eVolve parameters to duct fitting families, including parameter sync element filter parameter and value for compatibility with new parameter sync rule.
  • Moved information regarding elbows and taps/tees for duct systems to Type Description from Description.
  • Added renumbering configurations for RFA Duct and RFA Duct Fittings to DefaultRenumberingConfiguration.xml file.
  • Updated additional configuration files with updated family names and new families:
    • DefaultAnnotationConfiguration.xml
    • DefaultSpoolingConfiguration.xml
    • DefaultProjectTagsConfiguration.xml
  • Added Duct, Flex Duct and Flex Pipe to Length system parameter sync rule.
  • Added parameter GUIDs to Length system parameter sync rule.
  • Added eM_PlanView_Spool_Map view template with eV_ASM view filters to project template file.
  • Added family support for Revit 2026.

💪Stability

  • Renamed some tag families to be in-line with EVOLVE tag family naming standard.
  • Removed "CIDs to not explode" option in View Window family and updated project template and associated title blocks with latest View Window family.
  • Removed outdated, unreferenced files from the content library.
  • Removed built-in rod rounding calculations in channel trapeze families.
  • Removed extra family types from system families in project template.
  • Renamed final family type for each system to "Default".
  • Removed stock Autodesk loadable families.
  • Updated Equipment_Id in Mechanical Equipment families to shared parameter variant.
  • Updated the View Template reference in the 30x42 Locations title block to eM_PlanView_Locations.
  • Updated the project template file with the latest 30x42 Locations title block.
  • Changed the subcategory of the 11x17 Pipe Spool title block to Spools.
  • Renamed eM_ProjectTagSettings.xml to DefaultProjectTagsConfiguration.xml.
  • Removed EVOLVE configuration entries from project template file.
  • Fixed an issue in the element filter of the Air Terminal Sizing Method parameter sync rule.
  • Updates to default grid states including:
    • Global and System rules are filtered off by default.
    • Standardized default column layout for all grids.
    • Where applicable, default grouping is by Group, then Sub Group.
    • In Point Manager, group by "Layer" then "Status".
  • Updated parameter sync Offset system rule to include all supported model categories for the hanger placement tool.
  • Updated additional utility rules that affect hangers to include all supported model categories for the hanger placement tool.
  • Removed diameter symbol from eM_Tag_FabPipe_Size tag.
  • Removed outdated Elevation tags.
  • Removed RFA Pipe Fittings Size and RFA Pipe Straights Size tags (new eV_Tag Size replaces these tags).
  • Removed non-routing preference compatible families from various RFA Pipe Types and added them to family browser library instead.
  • Removed rules from the DefaultConfigurationEntries.eVBatch file (these rules now exist in the new global configuration file).
  • Relocated the DefaultConfigurationEntries.eVBatch file to \Content.
  • Removed the trapeze hash utility and data profile configuration files.
  • Relocated the SharedParameterDefinitions.txt file to \Content directory.
  • Added "Fab" prefix to existing fab duct and fab duct fittings renumbering configurations.
  • Updated CategoryId for Housekeeping Pad and Roof Curb families to "Equipment Supports".
  • Changed family template files from .rft to .rfa (.rft files can be unfriendly to work with, if attempting to make modifications to their geometry).
  • Removed family support for Revit 2022.

Content Known Issues

  • The following families do not support the seismic placement tool and will be fixed in a future release:
    • eV_ASM_HS_Single_Channel_Trapeze
    • eV_ASM_HS_Angled_Channel_Trapeze
    • eV_ASM_HS_B2B_Channel_Trapeze
    • eM_ASM_HS_Clevis_Hanger
    • eM_ASM_HS_Clevis_Roller_Hanger
    • eM_ASM_HS_J-Hanger
    • eM_ASM_HS_Saddle_Duct_Hanger_Rod
    • eM_ASM_HS_Swivel_Ring_Hanger
    • eM_ASM_HS_Trapeze_Roller_Hanger
  • The following families do not support the auto place straps tool and will be fixed in a future release:
    • eV_ASM_HS_Single_Channel_Trapeze
    • eV_ASM_HS_Angled_Channel_Trapeze
    • eV_ASM_HS_B2B_Channel_Trapeze

🧠Technical Notes

API Notices

  • New API methods
    • eVolve.Core.Revit.ProductInfo.API.ProductConfigurationFolderPath
    • eVolve.Core.Revit.ProductInfo.API.RegisterExpansionPathMarker
    • eVolve.Core.Revit.ProductInfo.API.GetExpansionAwarePath
    • eVolve.Core.Revit.ProductInfo.API.GetExpandedPath
    • eVolve.Core.Revit.ProductInfo.API.RegisterGlobalConfigurationPath
    • eVolve.Core.Revit.ProductInfo.API.UnregisterGlobalConfigurationPath
    • eVolve.Core.Revit.ProductInfo.API.ReloadGlobalConfigurations
    • eVolve.Core.Revit.Spooling.API.GetSpoolStatusParameterName
  • API signature changes
    • eVolve.Core.Revit.Spooling.API.GetSpoolStatus (optional parameter to allow providing the known status parameter name)
  • Removed API methods

Known Technical Issues

Compatibility issue with other addins

Our product uses DevExpress 24.2.7 for it's UI components. Any other Revit addin (regardless of vendor) installed on the client also using DevExpress but on a different version may cause crashes and/or unpredictable behavior with our product and/or the other addin. When this is the case, the user must either uninstall the other addin or contact the vendor to issue a new release with updated DevExpress references.

External communication

Access to the following must be allowed and unfiltered on all client machines:

  • api.evolvemep.com

Revit Project Units

Unit precision

Content and/or default configurations shipped with the product use measurements of a set precision level. Revit projects must use (at a minimum) this precision level otherwise content and/or configurations may produce errors, incorrect results, or behave unpredictably.

Length units must be set to a precision of at least:

  • 1/32" in imperial
  • 0.0001 m in metric
Rounding

Configuration data will be saved against the precision level at the time of save, regardless of the precision level of the previous value.

For example, assume a configuration value is currently set to 2 1/32" and the current precision level is 1/16". When the user opens the configuration form, the value will show as 2 1/16". Upon the user clicking OK or Apply, the value will be saved as 2 1/16" even if the user did not explicitly update this particular value. The value will remain 2 1/16" even after the precision level is changed to 1/32", however at this point the user can update and save the configuration value as 2 1/32".

Duplicate Custom Properties

When multiple custom properties with the same name are present, only the first one will be editable in the eVolve Properties grid. Additionally, the respective eM_ property with the same name will have the data type of this first entry.

In the event there is a duplicate name with a different data type this can cause issues if it is not fixed across all models (where the first property by the name is the same data type for all). These situations will need to be addressed manually.

Licensing

When a license is disabled, the following automatic processes will not run which can cause the elements they update to become "stale" and/or lead to data issues:

  • Data protection prompts and integrity enforcement on elements with a Pre-Fab Package (eV_PackageId) assigned
  • Spool Modeling
    • Modification: updates association of parts merged into/added to/removed from a spool
      • Prompt to add parts cut into or added on to the end of an existing spool
      • Prompt to update sheets when a spool is modified
      • Prompt to renumber when a spool is modified
    • Deletion: disassociates parts, deletes generated spool sheets
    • Change monitoring: assists in monitoring spools on the document
      • If this is re-enabled in a session where spools have been modified then this must be rebuilt by either closing/reopening the model or by opening Prefab Manager.
        Failure to do so can cause incorrect behavior with the execution and/or detection of spooling events.
    • Reset on Copy: when a spool is created via a copy from existing, associations of the "source" spool (packages, status, etc.) are removed from the new spool
    • Assignment to Locations based on part assignments
  • Properties
    • Fabrication Part properties sync with Revit parameters
    • Carry over values
  • Working with Family Hangers may fail or produce incorrect results
  • Automatic control of product specific View Template parameters
  • Parameter Sync
  • Workset Manager
  • Macro Automation
  • Gauge Manager
  • Colorizer
  • Part Encoder
  • Automatic Point Status updating
  • Automatic Renumber

Default Configurations

Default feature configurations (what is applied when a feature is first used within a model) is applied in the following order (first match wins):

  1. Configuration exists within the model (i.e. the project template the model was created with contains configuration information)
  2. Default configuration is defined within Network Default Configuration of Workstation Settings
  3. Default configuration exists in the local machine's user profile folder for the product the feature was opened under
  4. Factory defaults are used

Localization

On startup, our product will set the Revit process' localization/culture according to the language settings configured. If the auto detect setting (which is the default) is used the culture will be set to the language which Revit was launched in.

Examples:

  • Auto detect is set and Revit is launched in English. The culture will be set to "en-US".
  • Auto detect is set and Revit is launched in French. The culture will be set to "fr-FR".
  • French is set as the language and Revit is launched in English. The culture will be set "en-US".

When the environment is in a hybrid setup where all of the following localizations are not consistent: Windows, Revit, and eVolve - the following inconsistencies can occur:

  • Some dialog messages may display in a different language
  • Numeric formatting may be inconsistent
    • For example, if Revit Project Units define numbers using the #,###.## format and the culture is set to use French, some numeric values may appear as # ###,##
    • Certain input fields may require for data to be entered in the format of either the Project Units or the culture
Number Formatting

The following are supported number formats for decimal values. If the settings below are not used, some features may not work as expected.

  • 123,456,789.00 when running in the English language
  • 123.456.789,00 when running in the French language

Revit Limitations

In Revit versions prior to 2023, eVolve Properties, Mechanical Properties, and Compare Data may not update when selecting similar elements. To refresh the data displayed in this situation, click on a empty space within the view to clear the grid and then select the target element.

Misc

  • Some features which utilize background processes and data caches may not work correctly until a project is saved with a unique RVT file name.
  • If a Revit Workset referenced in a Workset Manager rule is deleted then Workset Manager configuration must be addressed immediately, otherwise elements may continue to be assigned to the deleted Workset.
  • A licensed version of Microsoft Excel must be installed on the local machine for some import/export functionality to work.
  • Background processes required for successful operation of the product are flagged as optional within Revit. If Revit fails to load them for any reason, the user will not be notified.
  • The PowerShell version used for the execution of scripts depends upon the host Revit version:
    • Revit 2025+ uses 7.4.2
    • Prior versions use 5.1
  • Some file operations may not work as expected when using either a network path, mapped folder location, or a directory which utilizes Windows symbolic or junction links. When this is encountered, it is recommended to use a local user path (such as the user's desktop) to perform the operation.
  • Due to Revit's internal workings, Revit should be set to open on your primary monitor. When Revit is initially opened on a monitor other than the system's primary, unexpected/unpredictable behavior can occur with the initialization methods.

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