PlusSpec updates and improvements
PlusSpec 25.2 (Rbz 25.2.0)
Released:
June 6, 2025
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- Fixed a problem that caused SketchUp to crash if an environment was active while creating the Layout file.
Truss Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Resolved an issue where the fields in the Valley Truss Options section did not appear when the ‘Include Valley Truss’ option was selected.
3D Model Viewer 🟢🟣
- Corrected an issue that resulted in the exported file being blank upon opening if it was generated from SketchUp versions 24 & 25.
Scene Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Addressed an issue where only the ‘Present’ scene would be generated after using the “delete all” option to remove all scenes & then recreating them.
PlusSpec 25.1 (Rbz 25.1.0)
Released:
May 8, 2025
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool 🟢🟣
- Added the ability to assign trades in the Install Items table. The options & prices in the list can be managed via the ‘Manage Trades’ button (one-time values can also be entered in the Trade field). Any trade selected/entered will display with the install item wherever it appears in the takeoff (i.e. Summary page, Client Estimate, reports, exports, etc).
- Added the ability when assigning vendors to “associate with similar items” (same as cost codes).
- Added an option in the Takeoff Preferences dialog to exclude install items from prices, reports, etc. when the item they are linked with isn’t present in the takeoff. Note: The items will still appear on the Edit/See More pages so they can be managed.
- Added the ability to “quantify IFC elements” from the Preferences dialog.
- Update the text of the “large UI” field to be ‘Large UI (for screens larger than 13in)’.
Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to align internal battens with studs.
- Added the ability to split bottom plates for door openings. This section of the bottom plate will be placed on a new tag/layer called ‘17A_FRAME(CUT)’ & will be turned on/off for specific scenes.
- Added new fields in Adv. Framing Options to handle the positions of the plaster clips for the 2 Stud corner configuration.
- Improved the Adv. Framing Options dialog so that changes can continuously be made to the selected wall(s) & other walls selected whilst the dialog is still open.
- Updated the visibility of fields according to the wall type & other selections made so that only applicable fields are shown.
- Updated the name of the “single masonry” wall type to ‘Single Masonry (Internal)’.
- Updated the name of the “align batten” field to ‘Align Battens With Studs?’.
Window & Door Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the rectangular elevation label so there’s more space between the text & shape.
Floor & Ceiling Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the visibility of fields so that only fields available for the current selection will be shown.
Scene Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated scenes to utilise SketchUp 25 features (i.e. environments, photorealistic style/textures, etc.).
- Switched the views of ELV 2 & ELV 4 scenes so they followed the same view progression as SETC B & SECT D scenes (i.e. clockwise).
- Turned off the ’00_Hidden on Plan’ tag/layer for section scenes.
Component Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a new ‘Kitchen Drawers’ component to the Cabinetry category.
Component Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a new ‘Kitchen Drawers’ component to the Cabinetry category.
Custom Estimation Tool 🟢
- Updated the IFC folder to include more IFC layers when adding estimation to IFC components.
IFC Tool 🟢
- Updated the IFC folder to include more IFC layers when importing & optimizing.
- Removed the ‘GlobalID’ value when adding estimation to IFC 2×3 objects (when applicable).
2D Mode Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the paper size preview so that if it’s manually deleted from the model, it won’t be added back in that model when toggling the tool.
General 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the demonstration models used for SketchUp 24 & 25 in the splashscreen to showcase/utilise the features for each version.
Materials 🟢🟣🟠
- [AUS] Updated the tag/layer of some incorrect batten materials.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool 🟢🟣
- Fixed an issue where the model summary export wasn’t exporting all items (only one was appearing).
- Fixed an issue where the quantity of windows & external doors was doubled.
- Fixed an issue where windows & doors weren’t appearing as intended in the Window & Door Schedule exports.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where framing members were going through openings when there were two openings “stacked” above/below each other. Note: Any “stacked opening” will be considered as one opening & any internal framing members will need to be manually drawn in (we recommend using the Beam Tool & “Add object to wall” feature for these members). The original issue will still occur when there are more than two “stacked” openings.
- Fixed an issue where battens above & below openings were missing when they were aligned & weren’t the correct length.
- Fixed an issue in Single Masonry with Clad walls where the bottom of external battens weren’t aligning correctly when a stepdown was present (regardless of the state of the “align external batten” field).
- Fixed an issue in Single Masonry with Clad walls where cornice/crown moulding, skirting/base boards & quad were in the wrong positions.
- Fixed an issue in the Double Masonry & Double Internal wall types where the ‘External Lining Dropdown’ field wasn’t adjusting the top of the lining skin.
- Fixed an issue where the end skirting trim was being removed when a door was placed in the wall.
- Fixed an issue where “quad” wasn’t in the correct position for Wainscot walls.
- Fixed an issue where framing materials were sometimes flipped due to reversed faces.
- Window & Door Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the elevation labels weren’t in the correct position.
- [Window Tool] Fixed an issue where the ‘Window Name’ field (for Custom Windows) wasn’t working as expected.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue where the motorized option for garage doors behaved in the opposite way than intended.
- Layout Tool 🟢🟣
- Fixed an issue where SketchUp 25 crashed when generating the Layout file by disabling environments from the Layout viewports.
- Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the dimensions for openings weren’t using the frame opening.
- IFC Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where estimation information couldn’t be written to IFC4 objects.
- Fixed issues that occurred when using the tool in SketchUp 25.
- See All Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the visibility of nested folders wasn’t toggling on when using the tool.
- Create Material Page 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue when creating steel frame materials due to missing size fields.
PlusSpec 25.0 (Rbz 25.0.0)
Released:
January 30, 2025
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool 🟢🟣
- Updated the estimation of windows & doors by switching width & height values (height appears first). This will help with a better grouping of items. Note: Some recipes may need to be re-linked.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to specify what members around the perimeter should be tagged as “perimeter beams”.
Footing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to lock the axis during the drawing process.
- Added dimension text for each footing segment during the drawing process.
BIM Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the help image for the Size field.
Fixes
- Window & Door Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where architraves/casing weren’t estimating correctly due to some takeoff unit conversions. Note: Some recipes in the takeoff may need to be re-linked.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue where doors & jambs (for swinging doors) weren’t estimating correctly due to some takeoff unit conversions. Note: Some recipes in the takeoff may need to be re-linked.
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where perimeter beams weren’t being tagged for some joist directions. Note: Joists must be redrawn for the changes to be applied.
- Footing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where it wasn’t possible to click back at the start point to “close the loop”.
- Rafter Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the options in the Alternatives section weren’t tagging correctly.
- Scene Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the geolocate feature wasn’t working for SketchUp 24. Note1: You may need to update the Add Location feature via the Manage tab in the Extension Manager. Note2: [Mac] This feature has temporarily been disabled for Sketchup 24.
- General 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue in multiple tools that use the draw-from-points drawing method where going back a step (i.e. pressing Delete) removed the ability to interact with points in the model.
PlusSpec 24.8 (Rbz 24.8.0)
Released:
December 20, 2024
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the reference image in the Takeoff Tag dialogs for timber/lumber & steel frames.
Scene Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the scenes to include the SketchUp ambient occlusion feature.
Fixes
- Rafter Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the options in the Alternatives section weren’t working.
PlusSpec 24.7 (Rbz 24.7.0)
Released:
December 18, 2024
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Added the ability to backup & restore all takeoff data so it can be transferred to another computer (mainly for initial setups). Restoring will also create a backup of the previous takeoff data.
- Improved the Client Estimate PDF exports.
- Updated the minimum width of the Client Estimate dialog so the UI is as intended.
- Updated the Client Estimate header so that text & buttons weren’t overlapping.
Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added an option to align battens with studs.
- Added the ability to add extra insulation to the internal side of Lightweight Multi-Skin walls.
- Added an ability to assign a shortcut for “selecting connected walls”.
- Updated the default value of the ‘Load Bearing’ field to be ‘Yes (Roof Load)’.
- Updated the default values of skirting/base board & cornice/crown moulding to be ‘Internal’.
- Updated the Framing section so only usable fields are visible.
- [USA] Updated the default value of the Cornice/Crown Moulding Offset field.
Window & Door Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Added new header configuration options for timber/lumber framing that allow timber/lumber headers to be placed at the top of the wall. Also updated the text of existing timber header options.
- Added an option to include a timber/lumber header plate for single timber/lumber headers.
- Added an option to disable timber/lumber head trimmers for load-bearing walls for single timber/lumber headers above openings.
- Added an option to include a header plate for single timber/lumber headers.
- Added noggins above & below openings (will align with other noggins in the frame).
- Updated the flat & angle steel lintels to adjust differently for different opening widths.
- Updated the external architrave/casing to work with the split height for the Wainscot walls (excluding internal doors).
- Updated the ‘Frame Width’ field so that sizes larger than 203mm/8in (windows) & 304mm/10in (doors) cannot be entered.
- Updated the ‘Different Jamb Sizes’ & ‘Jamb Timber/Lumber’ fields to remember the last selection. The field names have also been updated to work with country terminologies.
- [Door Tool] Updated the estimation of all timber/wooden doors so that in the takeoff all imperial takeoff units will now display as inches (excluding architrave/casing).
- [Door Tool] Updated the estimation of cavity/pocket sliding doors so the pocket will now display the unit height.
Custom Window & Custom Door Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the ‘Frame Width’ field so that sizes larger than 203mm/8in (windows) & 304mm/10” (doors) cannot be entered.
- [Custom Door Tool] Updated the estimation of all timber/wooden doors so that in the takeoff all imperial takeoff units will now display as inches (excluding architrave/casing).
- [Custom Door Tool] Updated the estimation of cavity/pocket sliding doors so the pocket will now display the unit height.
MEP Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added ability to draw square/rectangular ducts.
User Created Library Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to search via category.
General 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a new help icon in the dialogs that’ll open a scannable QR code that will take you to the forum page for that tool/feature. We recommend doing this from your phone.
- Added an updated demo model for SketchUp 24 that utilises the latest SketchUp improvements & features.
- Upgraded the sign-in dialogs.
- Removed “BETA” text throughout the software.
Materials 🟢🟣🟠
- [USA] Updated the name of the Crown Molding material.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue on the Edit/See More pages when clicking the Override button, where the fields weren’t appearing in the correct positions.
- Fixed an issue where a “missing materials” message was appearing for the demo model.
- Fixed a rare issue that could occur when generating a takeoff in SketchUp versions earlier than SketchUp 21.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed issues that could appear when merging frames (like duplicating battens).
- Fixed an issue where battens were duplicating for any walls that had their frames merged.
- Fixed an issue where battens weren’t cutting properly around openings when the opening was in the top section of skillion/shed & gable walls.
- Fixed issues with internal battens where the positions of vertical battens were wrong & the start/end points of horizontal battens were wrong.
- Fixed an issue where the external skin of the Lightweight Multi-Skin wall wasn’t the correct thickness for materials less than 10mm.
- Window & Door Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where there were gaps & overlaps when the jambs studs were a different size to the rest of the frame.
- Fixed an issue where the common stud wasn’t being replaced with a secondary jamb stud when an opening was aligned with the end of a wall.
- Fixed issues where the positions of some geometry (mainly architraves/casing & reveals) weren’t correct when any battens or cavity skins were enabled for the wall.
- Fixed an issue where the steel lintel was in the wrong position for Single Masonry with Cladding walls.
- Fixed an issue where the correct options weren’t appearing in the Framing section if the wall frame type had been switched (i.e. switching from timber/lumber to steel & vice versa).
- Fixed a rare issue where steel lintels were estimating incorrectly (showing the window info instead). Note: This will only work for new models or after removing all lintels from the model, purging & redrawing them.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue where the steel lintel was doubled for the Curtain Wall option.
- Price Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the fit price wasn’t working for the Pro version.
- Sync Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the link in the dialog wasn’t opening in the default browser & wasn’t going to the correct destination.
- General 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where capitals couldn’t be used in the email field on the sign-in dialogs.
PlusSpec 24.6 (Rbz 24.6.0)
Released:
September 19, 2024
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Fixes
- Window Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the length fields weren’t displaying the correct results when the dialog units were set to ‘use model default’ in the Settings Tool.
- Beam Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the result of the ‘Flip Material’ field wasn’t working as intended.
- Truss Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the default values weren’t working as expected.
- Create Material Page 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue when changing the texture size where the old size was being used instead of the new size.
PlusSpec 24.5 (Rbz 24.5.0)
Released:
September 16, 2024
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Improved client quotes cover page.
- Added an example Template option. The Original template is now blank for new users (i.e. no recipes, prices, etc).
- Added additional “wipe” options in the templates dialog.
- Updated the UI of the Manage Template dialog & included help text for the different fields & buttons.
- Updated the highlight colour when editing in the Client Estimate.
Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a skin & battens for the outside of Double Masonry walls.
- Update material field images for the Double Masonry wall type & added clad materials for the outer skin.
Roof Framing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Changed the verge rafter size to be selected from the rafter size material field.
- Removed batten parallel to the verge rafter for the metal roof option.
Handrail Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a ‘Frameless Glass’ option.
- Added the ability to enter lengths when drawing handrails. This works the same as drawing walls.
Beam Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to flip material orientation.
MEP Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the option to select square/rectangular for the pipes/ducts. The preview will also match this selection.
BIM Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the Layer field to have PlusSpec layers even when scenes aren’t created.
General 🟢🟣🟠
- Improved the filtering within material fields throughout the software so the selected material stays selected when filtering (if it’s still available in the list).
- Added a revert button in the Takeoff Tag dialogs.
- Updated the field visibility in multiple tools (walls, roofs, joists).
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where excluded items weren’t being retained.
- Fixed an issue on the Summary page where the “unassigned price” icon was including excluded items in the count.
- Fixed an issue where prices set in Tag Tool components weren’t appearing.
- Fixed an issue in the USA version where vendors couldn’t be exported & the list couldn’t be searched.
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where the category name wasn’t saving for recipes.
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where an error message sometimes appeared when generating a takeoff.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where steel framing wasn’t remembering the last used.
- Fixed an issue where the external framing wasn’t adjusting with the stepdown for Double Internal walls.
- Fixed issue where no steel framing appeared for the external skin of Double Internal walls.
- Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue in the USA version, where the roof’s geometry wasn’t generating in the correct position according to the input values.
- Rafter Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where battens are offset from the verge rafter.
- Fixed an issue where the verge rafter was sitting outside the face.
- Fixed an issue where the birdsmouth was in the wrong position (USA only).
- Fixed an issue that would sometimes appear when changing the batten type.
- Truss Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where fields were “invalid” for imperial sizes.
- Handrail Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where an error would sometimes appear during the drawing process.
- Custom Window & Door Tools 🟢🟣
- Fixed an issue where an “incomplete fields” message was appearing when using imperial sizes.
- Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where scenes & Layout files weren’t generating.
- Component Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue in the edit dialogs where fields were “invalid” for imperial sizes.
- Share Library Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where the ‘Sync & Close’ button wasn’t working.
PlusSpec 24.4 (Rbz 24.4.0)
Released:
June 25, 2024
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Wall
Tool
🟢🟣🟠
- Updated wall skins for gable & skillion walls so they estimate as one face instead of two.
- Updated pier default values.
- Updated the visibility of some fields so they only appear when needed.
Floor & Ceiling Joist
Tools
🟢🟣🟠
- Updated joist spacing text for imperial to be inches.
- Updated joist & bearer spacing fields to not allow sizes that are too small.
Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to offset reverse dutch gable/jerkinheads.
Roof Framing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Changed the verge rafter size to be selected from the rafter size material field.
- Removed batten parallel to the verge rafter.
Slab Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated pier default values.
Footing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated pier default values.
Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Removed the link button on the advanced pages until the feature is available.
Xero Tool 🟢
- Updated the hover explanation text for the tool.
Materials 🟢🟣🟠
- [USA] Added drywall materials.
- [USA] Updated lumber materials & added more standard sizes.
Fixes
- Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where battens weren’t aligning with the top & bottom of external skins when battens were aligned.
- Fixed an issue where quad wasn’t aligning with the dropoff (top of external skin) for skillion & gable walls.
- Fixed an issue where editing older walls could cause new fields to be blank.
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the beam preview sometimes appeared blank (mainly for i-joist).
- Roof Framing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where battens are offset from the verge rafter.
- Slab Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where editing older slabs could cause new fields to be blank.
- Footing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where editing older slabs could cause new fields to be blank.
- Fixed an issue when using the tool in SketchUp 24.
- Component Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- [AUS] Fixed an issue where some switch files were causing an issue when added to models. The “glue to face” feature was also removed from these components. Note: If you came across this issue, all switches in the model will need to be deleted, then purged from the model before the new one can be added.
- BIM Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue with the ‘Provisional Allowance’ field.
- Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where “takeoff encountered an issue” appeared.
PlusSpec 24.3 (Rbz 24.3.0)
Released: April 23, 2024
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue that prevented takeoffs from generating when Roofing (Advanced) was checked.
- Footing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Amended the footing tool to prevent it from closing SketchUp.
PlusSpec 24.2 (Rbz 24.2.0)
Released: March 13, 2024
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added ability to remove individual piers drawn with walls.
Slab Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to remove individual piers.
Footing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to remove individual piers.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue with the templates feature that caused incorrect issues when exporting templates.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where piers weren’t adjusting with the stepdown.
- Fixed an issue where the California Corner wasn’t positioned correctly.
- Fixed an issue where pier default options weren’t appearing in the dialog.
- Door Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where doors couldn’t be edited.
- Window Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue with Standard Sizes UI.
- Roof Framing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where some help images were missing.
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where the tool would freeze when drawing using the options within the Alternatives section.
- Layout Tool 🟢🟣
- Fixed an issue generating a Layout file when the Arch D paper size was selected.
- Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Show Battens?’ wasn’t working as intended.
PlusSpec 24.1 (Rbz 24.1.0)
Released: February 26, 2024
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Improved the Buildertrend export to provide more information. Costs will also now include markups.
Footing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to enter a length when drawing footings.
Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- Added a ‘Show Battens?’ tickbox to turn the battens layer on/off for the scenes.
Scene Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Turned off wall battens in structure scenes.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where “show in model” wasn’t working custom windows & custom external doors (i.e. ‘18_WINDOWS’ section).
- Fixed an issue when editing the global markup value.
- Fixed an issue in the Buildertrend exports where area units weren’t appearing as m2, ft2, yd2, etc.
- Fixed an issue where beams drawn from the Alternatives section of the Roof Framing Tool aren’t appearing.
- Fixed an issue with linking with the length fields below the main table (in the Edit/See More pages).
- Fixed issues when “linking with similar items”.
- Window & Custom Window Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the pitch field wasn’t working as expected for the raked window.
- Fixed issue where the horizontal & vertical panel field help images were switched.
- General 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where field validators were sometimes causing the dialog to freeze.
PlusSpec 24.0 (Rbz 24.0.0)
Released: January 15, 2024
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added two fields in the Override section to align external battens with stepdown & dropoff values.
Footing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Improved drawing input to make drawing along axes easier.
PlusSpec 23.3 (Rbz 23.3.0)
Released: December 15, 2023
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
NEW: Edit Overhang/Fascia Details 🟢🟣🟠
This is a NEW tool that allows the individual sides of skillion/shed roofs to be edited & adjusted after the roof has been drawn.
Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Added the ability to generate client quotes that can also be formatted. This another option in the client estimate.
- Added the ability to generate takeoffs in different ways (i.e. via levels, etc).
- Added ability to create & manage different recipe templates. This enables the ability to have different recipes for different types of jobs, clients, etc.
- Added the ability to run the “wall height & special estimate” from within the Edit/See More pages.
- Added warning for users trying to do a takeoff via levels that will open the Levels & Layers Tool.
- Updated the default cost codes & vendors list for the USA library.
- When the takeoff dialog is closed, all supporting dialogs will also close.
Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added steel framing.
- Added a new field called ‘Renovate/Remodel’ which allows individual parts to be specified as to be demolished and/or replaced.
- Added internal & external battens to more wall types.
- Added cavity battens for the Double Masonry & Multi-Skin wall types.
- Added steel battens.
- Added EPS materials to the cladding/siding field of the Single Masonry with Cladding wall type.
- Added a popup message to the “project wall to…” process when the selection criteria isn’t met.
- Added the internal lining material around the internal skin of openings (when an internal lining is available & specified).
- Added reinforcement to the footing.
- Added piers to the footing.
- Updated “create similar wall” to now also use settings made in the Adv Framing Option dialog for the selected wall (excluding frame offsets).
- Updated the stud frame skin to have a semi-transparent material to help reduce the visualisation of clashing geometry (i.e. framing through internal linings).
- Updated the Cavity field to have imperial sizes for the USA library.
- Changed the down arrow to flip the drawing direction for keyboards that don’t have an INSERT key.
Project Wall Tool 🟢🟣
- Added pop-up messages when clicking on the different “project wall to…” options if the selection criteria aren’t met.
Window & Door Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Added new “boxed” & “truss” header options for steel framing.
- Added a reminder pop-up message when adding a window/door to a wall that has merged framing to “update the merged frame”.
- [Door Tool] Added the ability for jambs to be estimated for timber swinging doors.
- Updated Timber/Lumber heading to be ‘Framing’.
- [Custom Door & Door Tools] Updated the Jamb field options text.
- [Custom Door & Door Tools] The tags/layers that were enabled/disabled when the tool was activated will now be reverted back.
Redefine Opening Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Improved the ability to select the center node of the opening, mainly for when the component isn’t visible.
Slab Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to add reinforcement.
- Added the ability to draw internal beams/footings.
- Added the ability to add
Footing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to add reinforcement.
- Added the ability to add piers.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to split & extend beams. This works the same as the existing splitting beams function. A message will appear when editing joists that have split/extended beams.
- Added a new field called ‘Renovate/Remodel’ which allows individual parts to be specified as to be demolished and/or replaced.
- Added the ability to add voids to individual parts of the joist (i.e. floor only, joist only, ceiling only, etc).
- Added an option “add objects to joist”.
- Added the ability to have evenly spaced bearers/girders [Floor Joist Tool] & hanging beams [Ceiling Joist Tool].
- Added help text when drawing individual beams/joists, blocking & brackets.
- Updated the editing process so that the joist direction doesn’t need to be specified each time. There is now an ‘Edit Joist Direction’ option int he right-click menu.
- Updated the process of selecting voids to make them easier to see & select.
Roof Framing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to split & extend beams. This works the same as the existing splitting beams function. A message will appear when editing joists that have split/extended beams.
- Added the ability to generate hip, ridge & valley battens for metal roofs.
- Added the ability to allow/not allow for the roofing overhang into the gutter. This will help position the rafters & birdsmouth in the correct positions.
- Added an option “add objects to roof framing”.
- Added an ‘LVL’ option for battens.
- Updated the order of the fields so they are grouped together according to their purpose.
Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a new field called ‘Renovate/Remodel’ which allows individual parts to be specified as to be demolished and/or replaced.
- Added an option “add objects to roof”.
- Updated the default roofing type to ‘slate’ for the USA library.
Skillion/Shed Roof Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a new field called ‘Renovate/Remodel’ which allows individual parts to be specified as to be demolished and/or replaced.
- Added an option “add objects to roof”.
- Updated the default roofing type to ‘slate’ for the USA library.
Edit Roof Pitch/Gable Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to add gables on more parts of the roof (e.g. double gables).
Beam Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a “flip” option for LVL.
Capping & Flashing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the ‘D’ angle of the Apron Flashing profile.
Layout Tool 🟢🟣
- Added the ability to add a new favourite without any pages set up.
Time Tracker Tool 🟢🟣
- Added a default template for new users.
- Updated the colour of the save button to green to make it easier to locate.
Component Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Removed the “glue to face” ability from most components.
2D Mode Tool 🟢🟣
- When toggling the tool off cornice won’t be automatically turned back on (the other trim was already doing this). Tip: Use the See All Tool to quickly turn tags/layers on.
Job Tool 🟢🟣
- Added new ‘License’ field.
- Added a ‘None’ option in the Job Address field.
General 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a note in the Edit Tag & BOQ Category dialogs.
- Updated field to display maximum 3 decimal places, but will expand once the field is clicked into.
- Updated the visibility of fields throughout the software.
- Updated the demo model & added window & door numbers.
- Updated the field visibility within most dialogs to make the dialogs smaller & easier to navigate.
- Updated dialog styling.
- Updated field & option terminologies for the USA library.
- Updated default options for the USA library.
- Updated PlusArchitect inclusions.
Materials 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated “actual” lumber materials in the USA library.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where custom windows & doors weren’t appearing in the window & door exports.
- Fixed an issue where garage doors weren’t appearing for their respective window & door exports.
- Fixed an issue that would occur when doing a takeoff in the demo model.
- Fixed an issue where a pop-up wasn’t appearing when linking materials with missing products.
- Fixed an issue where parts of skillion/shed roofs were appearing under the “undefined level”.
- Fixed an issue where the spec notes were doubling up.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed issues with battens in the ‘Wainscot (Split)’ wall type.
- Fixed an issue where internal battens were adjusting with the dropoff value.
- Fixed issue where internal skirting was moving with the dropdown field.
- Fixed an issue where some help images were missing.
- Fixed an issue when drawing a “P” shape & the last wall segment wouldn’t generate.
- Door Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where a “merge visible geometry” message would sometimes appear when inserting doors into walls.
- Redefine Opening Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where a “merge visible geometry” message would sometimes appear when inserting doors into walls.
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where starting with a double beam with a 0 offset wasn’t working & caused an error.
- Fixed an issue when adding voids to the extremities of the group.
- Roof Framing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the hip rafter was doubling up for dutch gables.
- Fixed an issue where the birdsmouth position was incorrect.
- Fixed an issue where a 0 overhang couldn’t be entered.
- Fixed an issue where the under purlins weren’t appearing on the intended tag/layer.
- Fixed an issue when editing the roof framing where the dialog wasn’t populating with the correct information for the selected group.
- Scheduling Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the start dates & predecessors weren’t working as intended.
- Capping & Flashing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue when editing the ‘C’ size of the Apron Flashing profile.
- Layout Tool 🟢🟣
- Fixed an issue where the Arch D template wasn’t working.
- MEP Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue when drawing within a group or component where the geometry would end up being drawn outside of the group/component.
- Scene Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue when generating scenes whilst within a component/group.
- Materials 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue with ply texture sizes in the USA library.
PlusSpec 23.2 (Rbz 23.2.0)
Released: June 14, 2023
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
IMPORTANT NOTE: There’s currently an issue with the latest SketchUp version on Mac (v23.0.418) which is causing SketchUp to crash when generating a layout file from the Layout Tool or Frame Panelization Tool. We are looking into this and doing what we can to get it fixed.
Settings Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added an option to disable tag folders.
Fixes
- Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue with window & door geometry within walls marked as existing or demolition where “new” walls were sometimes retaining the existing/demolition tags/layering.
- Scene Tool🟢🟣
- Fixed an issue where scenes weren’t generating for SketchUp 2020 & before.
PlusSpec 23.1 (Rbz 23.1.0)
Released: March 6, 2023
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
3D Model Viewer 🟢🟣
- Added help text for the scenes sections to better explain what to do.
Job Tool 🟢
- Added a ‘Manage’ button below the Job Address (Time Tracker) field. This will open the Time Tracker Tool.
- Re-added the old Job Address field. This fixes the issue where job addresses set in older models would appear since the field was changed to a dropdown to work with the Time Tracker Tool. Note: We recommend adding your job addresses in the Time Tracker so your times will appear in the takeoff.
- Updated the field name of the job address dropdown field to be Job Address (Time Tracker)’.
General 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a prompt when the Edit Tag & BOQ Category feature isn’t available for the installed version.
Fixes
- General 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an error message that was appearing on Mac.
PlusSpec 23.0 (Rbz 23.0.0)
Released: February 16, 2023
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟣 PlusArchitect
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
NEW: Custom Window & Door Tools 🟢🟣
- This is a NEW tool that allows you to draw windows & doors outside of walls in the model. The windows & doors can also be coupled together so they estimate together in the takeoff.
NEW: Change Layer & Takeoff Category 🟢
- This is a NEW feature that allows you to change the material tag/layer & takeoff category of materials which changes what tag/layer the material draws on & where it’ll appear in the takeoff. It’s accessed via the ‘Change Layer & Category’ button below each material field.
NEW: Time Tracker Tool 🟢
- This is a NEW tool that allows you to log all of your hours spent designing, drafting, estimating & quoting jobs. This info will appear in the takeoff so so you can assign a cost to the time spent & then invoice clients/customers.
NEW: Add Adjacent Walls 🟢🟣
- This is a NEW feature that allows adjacent walls to be drawn from either end of the walls to save you time moving walls around or placing guides. We recommend using this feature with the 2D Mode & Levels & Layers Tool to get the best results.
NEW: 3D Model Viewer 🟢🟣
- This is a NEW tool that allows a model to be exported as a file that can then be opened & viewed within your internet browser. This then allows you to send the model to clients so they can view the model without having to download SketchUp.
Takeoff (new version) 🟢
- Added the ability to override the name of materials & components, which will remember for next time.
- Added the ability to deduct items, which will be remembered for next time.
- Added an Adv. Roofing option which displays roofing items (i.e. metal capping, fascia/barge, gutter & valleys) in a more advanced format & shows cut/order lengths. This page works similar to the Adv Frame page.
- Added a “large dialog UI” option in Takeoff Preferences for larger screens.
- Added & updated items in the special estimate, which will now appear on different pages according to their wall type/application (instead of Other Components). These items will appear in a new section at the bottom of the main tables.
- Added the ability to add specification notes for items in the main table.
- Added the ability to add cost codes on the Summary page.
- Added search fields to the summary page & all the edit/see more pages. On the Adv Frame & Adv Roofing pages only the Name & Type can be searched in the main table, the other tables work the same as the rest of the takeoff.
- Updated the process of exporting the Prelim Items so that a window will appear at the location where the files were saved.
- Updated pricing CSV’s with the new changes.
- Updated the Prelim Items with & without quantities exports so that the saved file location is opened once the files are exported
- Improved the speed of generating a takeoff.
- Improved the dialog speed of linking items.
- Optimised the edit/see more pages.
Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to add internal battens for the Single Masonry with Cladding & Lightweight Multi-Skin Wall wall types.
- Added the ability to project walls to joists & selected faces.
- Added a new material field so that insulation can be added to Internal Only walls.
- Added new fields to extend/reduce the start & end of top plates (ONLY when there’s more than one top plate).
- Added the ability to add a top plate (via the Manual Override section) to the Single Masonry with Cladding wall type.
- Added the ability to change the draw position using the down & right arrows.
- Updated material fields for other wall types so that they all have similar results.
- Updated the layer of the top plate that’s added via the Manual Overrides section to be the same as the framing.
- Updated the layer of the footing that’s added via the Manual Overrides section so it can be turned on/off independently to other footings & slabs.
- Updated the visibility of fields so that only the necessary field will appear for each wall type.
- Changed the field name of all external batten fields to be ‘External…’. Internal battens will all say ‘Internal…’.
- Changed the masonry hardware material list for the Single Masonry wall type to display sarking/membrane materials.
- Moved the Cavity field to the Construction section.
Redraw Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added an option to only redraw selected walls.
- Changed the original option text to ‘Redraw Walls (All)’.
Adv. Framing Options 🟢
- Added new fields offset the start & end points of framing.
- Added the ability to assign a shortcut for this tool.
- Updated the help images of the Frame Offset (Start) & Frame Offset End (End) fields.
Align Studs Tool 🟢
- Added help text (bottom left of screen) to explain how to use the tool.
Junction Tool 🟢
- Added the ability to add a shortcut for this tool.
- Updated the cursor help text.
Wall Bracing Tool 🟢
- Added ‘INTERNAL’ & ‘EXTERNAL’ text which will appear on either side of the wall.
- Added help text (bottom left of screen) when using the tool.
- Updated the cursor help text.
Window & Door Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a new input that allows the center of the window/door to be placed between two points. This allows openings to be centered in rooms, between posts and more.
- Added a ‘3 Jamb Stud’ option.
- Updated the Open Direction field name & option text to be more explanatory.
- Updated validators for some fields so that values that cannot happen can’t be entered (e.g. door width larger than opening width, door height has to be more than 100mm/4” less than the header height).
- Updated the cursor help text.
- The Stud Frame layer won’t auto-turn on when using either tool.
Slab Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the text in the Mode field options to make more sense.
Footing Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to add reinforcement. Note: This is a beta feature.
- Added the ability to change the draw position using the down arrow. There are also more draw points now.
- Added ‘Existing’ & ‘Demolition’ fields.
- Updated the “below face” field name to be ‘Below Points?’.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the “below face” field name to be ‘Below Face/Points?’.
Floor Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to generate from faces.
Beam Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Changed the linework of beams to be on the BEAMS_GROUP tag, allowing the line style to be changed in the Tag Manager (if desired).
Post/Column 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to draw footings.
- Updated the editing process so that the 3D preview of the post will only appear after the edit has been submitted.
Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added an ‘Include Ceiling?’ field which will add a ceiling skin with thickness.
- Added the ability to change the roofing takeoff tags for the new Adv Roofing page in the takeoff.
- Updated the fascia field name to ‘Fascia/Barge’.
- Removed unnecessary geometry to improve scheduling results.
Skillion/Shed Roof Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added an ‘Include Ceiling?’ field which will add a ceiling skin with thickness.
- Added the ability to change the roofing takeoff tags for the new Adv Roofing page in the takeoff.
- Updated the fascia field name to ‘Fascia/Barge’.
- Removed unnecessary geometry to improve scheduling results.
Rafter Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a pop-up when trying to generate roof framing from a flat (horizontal) face.
Ceiling Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to generate from faces. Multiple faces can be selected at once.
- Added the ability to press Enter to close the loop (after drawing 3 points).
Capping & Flashing Tool 🟢🟠
- Added metal capping to the Ridge Capping category.
Stair Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Moved the Existing & Demolition fields to the bottom of the list.
Scene Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to specify how many levels are above & below ground along with their average spacing. This will determine the number of floor plan scenes required. 🟢🟣
- Added the ability to include demo floor plan scenes. 🟢🟣
- Added the ability to include an attic floor plan scene. 🟢🟣
- Added the ability to include/exclude animation scenes. 🟢🟣
- Added a new layer called ‘26_CORNICE/CROWN_MOULDING’ which is for the cornice/crown moulding materials changes.
- Added a new layer called ‘26_CEILING_LINING’ for the ceiling materials so they are separate from other internal linings.
- Added a folder structure for layers. Some folders will appear as you use different tools. Existing & demolition geometry has its own layers & folders so they can be handled independently.
- Updated the section plane name & symbol (i.e. Section scenes symbol will be A-A, B-B, etc).
- Updated the position of section planes used in the section scenes.
- Updated the layer of sections used for floor plan scenes to remove duplicate section planes showing in the scenes.
- Updated the layers of the imported sitemaps when using the Solar North Tools.
Section Hatching Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added a Demolition field to the Layout section.
Layout Tool 🟢🟣
- Added Arch A/B/C/D/E paper sizes.
- Added a notification pop-up when Display Dimensions is ticked.
- Updated the Display Dimensions field so that by default it’s ticked for AUS & UK libraries & unticked for the USA library. Also updated the help image.
- Updated the default PlusSpec templates.
- Separated the hatching into different layers according to type in Layout.
Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- Added Arch A/B/C/D/E paper sizes.
Import PDF Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Removed duplicated layers.
Levels & Layers Tool 🟢🟣
- Added a button in the small dialog to enable/disable “tag as you draw”.
- Added a button to enable/disable “draw at level height”. This can only be enabled when “tag as you draw” is enabled.
- Updated the “active” buttons to make the state they are in more clear.
- Updated the right-click menu to display which level selected items are assigned to.
4D Model Scheduling Tool 🟢
- Added the missing help image for the Stage Cost field.
- Updated the user experience of the tool so that a date has to be selected before anything else can be done (only when no stages have been created).
- Updated the name of the duration field to ‘Duration (Days)’.
- Updated the validators of fields so that only the correct characters can be entered in the fields.
- Removed the auto schedule feature.
Share Library Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added the ability to disable shared libraries. This is accessed via the ‘Manage Shared Libraries’ button in the top left of the dialog.
Price Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- If a takeoff is open when Submit is clicked, the takeoff will be refreshed/updated.
- Removed the Find button.
- Removed the Install Price field for all versions except for Pro.
Settings Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Added an option to enable/disable the tag folder feature. It’s enabled by default.
General 🟢🟣🟠
- Added folders in the Tag Manager to simplify & lessen the list of tags. These folders will appear whenever PlusSpec geometry is drawn in the model or the Scene Tool is used.
- Added & updated help text (bottom left of screen) for all tools that have a drawing process.
- Added missing & updated help image.
- Updated the orientation of buttons below material fields to be horizontal.
- Updated existing geometry to be put on its own “existing” layer according to the tool it was generated by (e.g. Existing – Walls).
- Updated demolition geometry to be put on its own “demolition” layer according to the tool it was generated by (e.g. Demolition – Walls).
- Updated the demonstration/example model & fixed an issue where the slab wasn’t estimated.
- Updated the UI of most dialogs.
Create Material Page 🟢🟣🟠
- Updated the size/length fields so that any unit can be entered (instead of just mm or in).
- Updated the size field names for i-joist to make more sense. An image was also added to explain each field & what it adjusts.
Materials 🟢🟣🟠
- Added more materials to the USA library.
- Added square hollow section materials to the Beam Tool.
- Added reinforcement materials.
- Updated the tag/layer of cornice/crown moulding.
- Updated the tag/layer of ceiling materials so they can be separated from internal linings used on walls.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Fixed an issue where manually locked items were appearing in the takeoff.
- Fixed an issue where more than one vendor couldn’t be assigned on the Summary page.
- Fixed an issue where large beams weren’t appearing in reports.
- Fixed an issue where an error message would sometimes appear when entering a default markup value.
- Fixed an issue where Prelim Items couldn’t be exported for some models.
- Fixed an issue where insulation was sometimes wrongly appearing under the Demolition category.Fixed an issue where recipes & their totals were sometimes not appearing on the Summary page.
- Fixed an issue where blank itemcodes would cause the takeoff to not generate.
- Fixed an issue where the wall top plate (added via the Manual Overrides section of the Wall Tool) wasn’t displaying a member type.
- Fixed an issue where a takeoff wouldn’t generate when an estimating material was applied to the top level geometry with estimating materials further inside.
- Fixed a spelling mistake in the “an error appeared” message pop-up.
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where the “output” buttons in the Prelim Items dialog weren’t working.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where a 0 cavity couldn’t be entered.
- Fixed an issue where the Double Studs field was appearing for wall types where it wasn’t required.
- Fixed an issue in the Solid Wall wall type where battens were appearing when they were disabled.
- Fixed an issue where the internal battens were incorrect for the Singe Masonry with Cladding wall type.
- Fixed an issue where the cornice position wasn’t adjusting with internal battens.
- Fixed an issue where the position of internal & external cornice was wrong for the Lightweight Multi-Skin Wall wall type.
- Fixed an issue where the position of external cornice & skirting was wrong for the Single Masonry with Cladding wall type.
- Fixed an issue where the top plate (added via Manual Overrides section) wasn’t being remembered when editing walls.
- Fixed an issue where the split height was being affected when the original wall had a top plate enabled (via the Manual Override section).
- Fixed an issue where the footing wasn’t being drawn for the Single Masonry with Cladding wall type.
- Fixed an issue where walls sometimes couldn’t be drawn when footings were enabled.
- Fixed an issue where some fields were still visible when not intended.
- Redraw Wall Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue when redrawing walls that were contained within a group.
- Merge Frame Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the frame was disappearing when some walls were merged together.
- Fixed an issue where the position of the merged frame was wrong after merging some walls. External walls will always be the prioritised frame position.
- Fixed an issue where some junctions weren’t remembering for some walls.
- Fixed an issue where the length of the frame wall was wrong when junctions were present in the original walls.
- Window & Door Tools 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the divider bars were behaving in an odd way.
- Fixed an issue where other windows & doors in a model would be changed to the DEMO tag/layer when a different wall was assigned as “demolition”. Note: Walls will need to be redrawn for any model where this issue was present.
- [Window Tool] Fixed an issue where the Pitch of the Raked & Gable windows was incorrect.
- [Window Tool] Fixed an issue where the Top Height of the Arch window wasn’t working correctly.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue where the reveal couldn’t be excluded for the Curtain Wall.
- [Door Tool] Fixed issues with the Double Bifold Door & Internal Bifold Door.
- [Door Tool] Fixed a spelling mistake in the Header field.
- Slab Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the slab would generate at the wrong position when Above Face & Thickness Only was selected.
- Post/Column Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where paint wasn’t applying for masonry posts.
- Skillion/Shed Roof Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where when “None” was selected for some materials it wouldn’t generate the geometry.
- Capping & Flashing Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the Concrete Ridge Capping wasn’t working as expected.
- Fixed an issue where the components were on the wrong layer/tag and therefore appeared in the wrong section in the takeoff.
- Scene Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where some tags/layers weren’t there as intended which caused these tags/layers to not be saved for some scenes.
- Fixed an issue where some old layers weren’t working with scenes.
- Fixed an issue that caused a crash which would sometimes happen after importing a sitemap & then rotating/moving the sitemap or model.
- BIM Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where layers weren’t retaining when bringing in saved BIMed components (via the Components section of the Default Tray).
- Layout Tool 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where the replaced section hatching faces (in Layout) weren’t at the correct scale. You can now dimension off these faces.
- Fixed an issue where the wrong first-time user tutorial was linked.
- See All 🟢🟣
- Fixed an issue where levels & layers turned off in the Scheduling Tool weren’t turning back on when using this tool.
- Fixed an issue where folders in the Tag Manager weren’t turning on/off.
- Materials 🟢🟣🟠
- Fixed an issue where some materials were appearing on the 27_FLOOR_FINISH tag/layer instead of the intended 29_FLOOR_FINISH tag/layer.
- Fixed an issue where some materials had the wrong category for the takeoff.
PlusSpec 21.10 (Rbz 21.10.0)
Released: January 24, 2022
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
IMPORTANT: The right-click menus were recently updated. CLICK HERE to see the new right-click matrix.
Takeoff 🟢
- Updated the styling of the Client Estimation export.
Materials 🟢🟠
- Added more i-joist sizes to the USA library.
Fixes
- Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the Single Masonry with Cladding wall type wasn’t working as expected.
- Fixed an issue where the “add object to wall” feature wasn’t working.
- Fixed an issue where the tool wasn’t working in some instances.
PlusSpec 21.9 (Rbz 21.9.0)
Released: January 17, 2022
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ability to adjust internal & external battens separately for the Single Masonry with Cladding wall type.
PlusSpec 21.8 (Rbz 21.8.0)
Released: January 11, 2022
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Fixes
- Slab Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the Void Tool options weren’t appearing in the right-click menu.
PlusSpec 21.7 (Rbz 21.7.0)
Released: December 7, 2021
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
IMPORTANT: The right-click menus were recently updated. CLICK HERE to see the new right-click matrix.
Fixes
- Project Walls To Roof Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the walls weren’t projecting to the correct position.
PlusSpec 21.6 (Rbz 21.6.0)
Released: November 26, 2021
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- Added help images for each of the fields.
Adv. Framing Tool 🟢
- Added help images to the new offset fields.
Fixes
- Project & Join Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Project & Join Walls’ option wasn’t appearing in the right-click menu.
- General 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where material filter tickboxes would cause an issue with materials fields for some users.
PlusSpec 21.5 (Rbz 21.5.0)
Released: November 22, 2021
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
NEW: Merge Frame Tool 🟢
- This is a NEW tool that allows the framing of two aligned walls to be merged together so that the frame will be one length of framing instead of two. This tool is accessed via the right-click menu after selecting 2 or 3 walls.
Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Added opening height values to the Wall Height & Opening Special Estimate Tool.
- Added the ability to exclude whole groups in the recipe tables.
- Updated & cleaned up the default recipes.
- Updated the items added to the takeoff via the Wall Height & Opening Special Estimate Tool so that the items appear in the correct areas of the takeoff (rather than “Other Components”).
- Updated the width of the install items table to be the same width as the other tables.
- Updated the UI of the Edit/See More pages.
- Updated the Generate Reports button on the Edit/See More pages.
- Removed the “see all geometry” pop up when closing the takeoff.
Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- Added the option to have fractional inch dimensions in Layout.
- Updated the Overwrite Scenes field to be unticked by default.
- Updated the visible layers/tags so that battens don’t show.
Custom Estimation Tool 🟢
- Added the ability to apply lineal materials to edges.
Note/Tag Tool 🟢🟠
- Changed dialog & menu text so that it now says “notes/tags”.
- Removed the Install Price field.
Settings Tool 🟢🟠
- Updated the default dialog units to be inches for the USA library.
General 🟢🟠
- Updated text in the dialogs according to the country material library selected (e.g. Timbers/Lumbers is now ‘Timbers’ for AUS & UK and ‘Lumbers’ for USA).
- Updated the right-click menu & grouped items together in a more logical way. CLICK HERE to see the new right-click matrix.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Fixed an issue where recipes were appearing & adding cost to the total price but weren’t visible in the Edit/See More pages.
- Fixed an issue with the Buildertrend export into levels where the export & takeoff showed different results & values.
- Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where a Layout file wasn’t being created for imperial sizes or some page sizes/types.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where a material field image was missing for the Single Masonry wall type.
- Window Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the gable window wasn’t reacting correctly with the Top Pitch field.
- Fixed an issue where the help image for the Top Pitch field was missing.
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the perimeter beams for C Sections beams were the wrong orientation.
- Create Material Page 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where if you needed to sign in it wasn’t taking you back to the create material or my materials pages.
PlusSpec 21.4 (Rbz 21.4.0)
Released: October 1, 2021
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Added a new option in the Export Takeoff dialog to export floor joists (Advanced Framing must be enabled).
- Updated the Edit/See More buttons under Prelim Items to now open the Prelim Items dialog.
Project Walls To Roof Tool 🟢
- Updated the “raked ceiling” fields to be ticked by default.
Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- Added the wall number for each wall as a label in the floor plan scene in Layout.
- Changed name to Framing Panelization Tool.
Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Changed the layer/tag of under purlins to be the same as the rafters.
Sync Tool 🟢🟠
- Updated the look of the dialog.
Materials (sync to get these changes) 🟢🟠
- Updated the category of the MEP materials so that they appear in the correct section of the takeoff.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Fixed an issue with prices in the Buildertrend exports.
- Note: There’s still an error with the option that splits levels into different lines, which are currently looking into.
- Fixed an issue where the cost code & vendor fields weren’t acting as expected.
- Fixed an issue when importing a cost code file that had blank rows.
- Fixed an issue where a wrong order lengths file could be imported which would cause unexpected errors.
- Fixed an issue where the value in the units field wasn’t updating the amounts column as expected.
- Fixed an issue where the price fields were causing the takeoff to freeze.
- Fixed an issue where the multi-assign dialogs were sometimes appearing behind the takeoff dialog.
- Fixed an issue with prices in the Buildertrend exports.
- Project Walls To Roof Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the tool would become unresponsive if the dialog was left open.
- Fixed an issue when multiple roofs were selected which caused the walls to project to one of the selected roofs. Now only one roof can be selected at a time.
- Frame Panelization Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue that would cause the Layout file to not generate for some models.
- Custom Estimation Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue when “replacing geometry” within groups.
- Materials 🟢🟠
- Fixed a spelling mistake in the Steel Pipe in the MEP Tool.
PlusSpec 21.3 (Rbz 21.3.0)
Released: September 10, 2021
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
NEW: Project Walls To Roof Tool 🟢
- This is a NEW tool that allows walls to be projected upwards to meet skillion/shed roofs.
NEW: Frame Layout Tool 🟢
- This is a NEW tool that generates a wall framing layout file with each wall on separate pages.
Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Added a new Buildertrend export.
- Added the ability to have auto-calculated prices. This can be enabled/disabled in the Takeoff Preferences dialog (it’s disabled for existing users).
- Added two new options when exporting material pricing CSV which creates a separate file for each category (i.e. Masonry, Roofing, etc). This allows prices to be added quicker & can be sent to supplies to fill in.
- Added a pop that appears when selecting an override item which asks whether to save the change for all models or just the current model.
- Added the ability to add & manage the override items list. This is done by using the ‘Export Pricing For Model’ & ‘Import Pricing For Model’ options in the pricing dialog.
- Added the ability to multi-assign cost codes & vendors (similar to recipes).
- Added a ‘Select All’ option to the multi-assign recipes dialog.
- Added the ability to import & export recipes.
- Added Cost Code & Vendor columns in the Prelim Items import/export file.
- Updated the cost codes & vendors fields to that anything that includes the entered text will appear in the list.
- Updated the display of the price column to specify whether it’s per UOM or item (i.e. $5.00/m2 or $5.00/item).
- Updated headings & UI/UX of general features (i.e. the colours of price fields).
- Updated the takeoff exports according to the recent changes.
- Updated the summary export to put all items in alphabetical order.
- Updated the temp text in the price, cost code & vendor fields.
Window & Door Tools 🟢🟠
- Updated the names of architraves so that they can be separated & specified correctly in the takeoff. The new names are ‘Internal Architrave/Trim’ & ‘External/Exterior Window Trim’.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟠
- Updated the tags for perimeter beams that are parallel to the joist direction to be recognised as joists.
Scene Tool 🟢
- Enabled the ‘WALL_GROUP…’ layers/tags for the Slab Plan scene so that footings drawn with the wall will appear in the scene.
Section Hatching Tool 🟢
- Added the ability to add section hatchings to slabs so that it’s different from solid walls.
General 🟢🟠
- Updated the text & order of the material filter tickboxes.
- Updated the first-time user pop-up message.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Fixed an issue where some dialogs were appearing behind the takeoff dialog.
- Fixed an issue where the list of linked items in the recipe tables was larger than expected.
- Fixed an issue where levels couldn’t be assigned to & weren’t displaying for components within groups.
- Fixed an issue where the units field sometimes couldn’t be switched.
- Fixed issues in the override items dialogs.
- Fixed an issue where the reports dialog would react unexpectedly if the report type was switched.
- Fixed an issue where the wastage was affecting the amount in an unexpected way.
- Fixed an issue where excluded items in the takeoff were going through to Xero.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue in the Single Masonry with Cladding wall type where the cladding wouldn’t adjust with the dropdown. The battens will move with this as well.
- Fixed an issue where the plasterboard & cornice trim wasn’t correct for skillion/shed walls.
- Window Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the Custom Sizes & Standard Sizes section wasn’t appearing.
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the material wasn’t being applied to the ceiling insulation skin.
- Footing Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the tool couldn’t be used if a face or other geometry was selected.
- Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where drawing objects from the Alternatives section was causing a loading wheel to appear & not go away. The input method for Mac is now different to Windows.
- Scheduling Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where some models scheduling wasn’t working as expected when the Levels & Layers Tool dialog wasn’t opened.
- Fixed an issue where some models weren’t exporting.
- Xero Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where a currency or job name/address needed to be set for contacts & cost codes to be imported.
- Create Material Page 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where decimal lengths couldn’t be entered as expected.
PlusSpec 21.2 (Rbz 21.2.0)
Released: July 26, 2021
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
NEW: Custom Estimation Tool 🟢
- This is a NEW tool that allows you to add PlusSPec materials to any face or object, depending on the unit of measure (UOM). Simply search for the UOM & material name you’re after, select a material & apply it to the face/material.
NEW: IFC Tool 🟢
- This is a NEW tool which allows you to import IFC models into SketchUp that can also be optimised. It is recommended to use this tool in conjunction with the Custom Estimation Tool to get the most out of each tool.
Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Added the ability to import a prices folder.
- In reports:
- Added the cost codes included in the report to appear under the report/vendor name.
- Updated the format of the date to be dd/mm/yy (the USA version will read mm/dd/yy).
Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Added another external skin to the Single Masonry wall type. Selecting ‘None’ in the material field will not generate this skin (similar to plasterboard/drywall).
- Added the option to have double studs through the frame.
Junction Tool 🟢
- Updated the support stud tag from common stud to support stud.
Realign Studs Tool 🟢
- Updated the position of nogs when the studs have been realigned.
Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟠
- Updated the capping which fixed a lag issue when generating roofs.
Window & Door Tools 🟢🟠
- Added the ability to place windows above the “wall height” in skillion & gable walls. Previously they needed to be moved up after they were placed.
- Added the option to have double secondary jamb studs either side of openings.
- Updated the input fields for the following Raked & Gable windows so that a ‘Pitch/Ratio’ is entered to adjust the top section of the windows.
Price Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ability to import a prices folder.
General 🟢🟠
- Updated the export tags process for first-time users in the takeoff tags dialogs.
- Removed the ability to scroll on component previews (e.g. Component Tool component previews).
Splashscreen 🟢🟠
- Updated the demo model.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (old version) 🟠
- Fixed an issue where the prices weren’t calculating correctly.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the opening cut wasn’t correct for skillion & gable walls when the opening went above the wall height.
- Fixed an issue where the trim wasn’t correct for skillion or gable walls.
- Junction Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the Support Stud material field wasn’t changing the stud size.
- Wall Bracing Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue with bracing at the start of the wall.
- Redraw Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where some walls weren’t being redrawn as intended.
- Window & Door Tools 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue when openings were placed in or moved to the top section of skillion & gable walls.
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟠🟢
- Fixed an issue that would occur when drawing joists on levels.
- Layout Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the viewports sometimes weren’t appearing like the scenes as expected.
- Fixed an issue where restoring factory default was removing all saved favourites.
- Component Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the Vanity component length sometimes couldn’t be adjusted.
- Splashscreen 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the demo model couldn’t be opened in SketchUp versions before SketchUp 21.
PlusSpec 21.1 (Rbz 21.1.0)
Released: June 11, 2021
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
NEW: Xero Tool 🟢
- This is a NEW tool that allows you to log in to Xero. You can also fetch your Xero contacts and bring them into PlusSpec.
Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Added the ability to send reports to Xero.
- Added the ability to override items (Name, Product Code, Unit/UOM, Price) in the takeoff which will remember for next time. This allows you to rename items & create a list of options for future use. This feature can be enabled/disabled in the Takeoff Preferences dialog.
- Added the ability to write special estimation info to walls & window/door openings in the model. This will appear in its own category in the takeoff.
- Added a new option to the Pricing dialog which allows the Client Estimate to be imported to update prices.
- Added hover help text to the icons in the top-left corner of the dialog.
- Added a ‘Find’ button in the Prelim Items dialog next to the Write To Selection button. This will locate the item in the model after the data is written to the object.
- Added a new option in the Export Takeoff dialog which will export the model without any level information.
- Added the ability to export a window & door schedule CSV to the Export Takeoff dialog.
- Note: Old models will need redrawing so use the Redraw Walls Tool in the extensions menu.
- Added the ability to search for items on the summary & edit/see more pages. The search also includes vendors & cost codes.
- Added a vendors dropdown in the summary page.
- Added a dash in front of recipes on the summary page to make them visually more clear.
- Added the ability to remove a line in the Prelim Items dialog.
- Added the units field value to the item description in reports when the value is above 0.
- Added a button in the prelim items edit/see more page to open the Prelim Items dialog.
- Added the ability to exclude prelim items from the takeoff & not just the Prelim Items dialog.
- Added a tip to the message that appears when the takeoff encounters an error and can’t generate.
- Added the ability to isolate & locate components in the model.
- Added default values for prices.
- Added ‘(exc Tax)’ text to the Overall Total & Total Margin field names on the Summary page.
- Added the units field for all objects that have a value in the size column (e.g. architraves/casings).
- Added delivery items to recipes.
- Updated the default recipes.
- Updated how the unit price works so that there are now three different unit price fields. The active of these is determined by if there is an amount >0 in the units field and also which units field is active (i.e. unit/m2 or m2/unit).
- Updated the ‘Show In Model’ buttons to work with IFC components that have estimation info written to them.
- Updated the name of the “interim” dialog to Takeoff Preferences along with other minor changes in this dialog.
- Updated purchase orders numbers system so that there can’t be two with the same number.
- Updated the colour for Unit Price recipe textbox.
- Updated the UI of the Pricing dialog.
- Updated the prelim items exports to group items together via category & in alphabetical order.
- Updated the cursor when hovering over the Client Estimate Excel icon.
- Updated the logo size in reports & the Client Estimate.
- Note: Re-add the image at the optimal size to see this properly.
Junction Tool 🟢
- Added ‘Load Bearing Stud’ & ‘Beam Pocket Junction’ options. These options will not cut the wall skins.
- Added ‘Beam Height‘ & ‘Number of Supports’ fields which will only appear for the ‘Beam Pocket Junction’ option.
- Added ‘INTERNAL’ & ‘EXTERNAL’ text to either side of the wall when drawing junctions.
- Updated the Blocking Configuration options text to match the internal & external text changes.
- Updated the junction type previews to be more clear.
3D Model Scheduling Tool 🟢
- Changed the Contacts field to read the same options as the takeoff (PlusDesignBuild only) vendors list.
Levels & Layers Tool 🟢
- Added a notification prompt when toggling all the levels on/off at once.
- Reduced the spacing around the Layer Visibility headings & subheadings.
2D Mode Tool 🟢
- Added the ability to click on the page outline/image with the Interact Tool to change the paper size.
NEW: Realign Studs Tool 🟢🟠
- This is a NEW tool that allows you to realign studs in the wall so that they align with structural members above them.
NEW: Splashscreen 🟢🟠
- Added a demo model under Help & Support.
Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Added a new wall type called ‘Single Masonry with Cladding’ which has internal plasterboard & external cladding skins as well as the option of having battens on both sides of the masonry skin.
- Added the ability to adjust the height of internal lining skins in the wall.
- Added the ability to have a raked ceiling on both sides of internal and external walls.
- Added the ability to select material for the bottom of cladding in the Solid Wall type.
- Added more options to the ‘Corner Configuration (End)’ field.
- Added cladding & eps materials to the Wainscot wall upper external material field.
- Added the ability to add skirting, plasterboard & cornice to the ends of walls from the Trim section.
- Updated the visibility of the fields in the Timbers/Lumbers section to only be visible for wall types that have framing skins.
- Updated the drawing input so that wall lengths less than 50mm/2” cannot be drawn.
- Updated the order of the material fields.
- Updated the cavity of the Double Masonry wall to allow for the cavity skin (i.e. cavity insulation) with the cavity size.
- Updated the layers for the windows & doors in the Layering section.
- Updated the layering of the Solid Wall cladding skin.
- Updated the corner configuration previews to be more clear.
- Removed PlusSpec bracing materials from the Double Masonry cavity field.
Window & Door Tools 🟢🟠
- Added federation bars options to all windows and glass doors/panels.
- Added 3 & 4 jamb stud options in the Jamb Studs field.
- Updated the opening direction field names to be ‘Opening Panel(s)’.
- Switched all left & right text in the Opening Panel(s) dropdown to be correct for the external side of the wall. The help image has also been updated to reflect this change.
- Switched “Horizontal” & “Vertical” field names.
- Changed the PlusSpec/Generic brand to say Generic in the takeoff.
- Note: Any old windows & doors will need to be redrawn.
- [Window Tool] Added the ability for awning, casement, bifold (single & double) double-hung & single hung windows to have fixed side panels.
- [Window Tool] Updated the default option of window sills per wall type for wainscot walls so that when a masonry material is applied to the lower external skin the sill will be defaulted to be on, but if a cladding or EPS materials is applied then it will be defaulted to off.
- [Door Tool] Added the ‘Pull’ handle style option for swinging external glass doors.
- [Door Tool] Updated the input for the cavity sliding doors so that the door pocket is allowed for in the frame opening.
- [Door Tool] Updated the internal sliding doors opening direction so they can now be placed on both sides of the wall.
Component Tool 🟢🟠
- Added an outdoor tap component to the Plumbing category.
- Added new components to the Plumbing & Electrical categories for the AUS library.
- Updated the following components to have a drain & slab penetration.
- Floor Mounted Toilet
- Free-Standing Bath
- Recessed Bath
- Vanity
- Wall Hung Toilet
- Updated the default rail & stile size of the Towel Rail component.
- Updated the layers for the new component changes.
- Removed the glue to face ability from Plumbing category components.
- Removed the Drop To Wall button.
Other Small Additions 🟢🟠
- Materials (sync to get these changes)
- [AUS library] Updated the brand & material names of the Inex materials to now be generic materials. All prices will still be retained for these materials.
- Updated the categories of multiple materials to remove duplicate & similar categories.
- Updated PlusSpec bracing materials so that they only appear in bracing material fields.
- Note: This is only for materials in the PlusSpec library. User-created materials haven’t been changed.
- Create Material Page
- Added a category field that has all the categories in the software.
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools
- Added the ability to add ceilings to the bottom of the group. This was previously just a skin for ceiling insulation.
- Updated the floor material to be applied to the whole skin rather than just the face.
- Roof Framing Tool
- Added a new field called ‘Exclude Rafters?’ which toggles the creation of rafters.
- Beam Tool
- Added the ability to mitre two beams together.
- Job Tool
- Added text in the Set Logo dialog which explains the optimal size image to use.
- Capping & Flashing Tool
- Updated the components so their length could be estimated in the takeoff.
- MEP Tool
- Updated the centerline to be on the ‘MEP Centerline’ layer so it can be turned off.
- Scene Tool
- Added “(will slow computer)” text to the ‘Semi-Render’ option in the Working Drawing Style field.
- Updated scenes & layers to match the learning changes in the Wall Tool Layering section & Component Tool.
- Updated the scenes to also remember hidden objects.
- Updated the hover text of the North Tool icons.
General 🟢🟠
- Improved the dialogs.
- Added the demolition & existing options to all other tools.
- Added a new tickbox under the materials fields which will toggle the visibility of ‘PlusSpec Generic Materials’.
- Added ‘(Advanced Users Only)’ text to the Layers/Layering section headings of the dialogs, along with all fields within the section.
- When switching libraries, the default dialog options will be reset according to the library selected.
- Updated the text of the material filter tickboxes.
- Updated the text in the pop up that appears after being signed out for 7 days of inactivity.
- Changed the interactive tutorial to be a demo model that has been fully set up & shows all that PlusSpec can do.
- Added a new field called ‘Xero Currency’ in the Settings Tool.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (new version)
- Fixed an issue where included & excluded items & recipes weren’t saving per model.
- Fixed an issue where the default markup wasn’t working for fixed prices.
- Fixed an issue where a takeoff wouldn’t generate if a component’s takeoff info wasn’t entered correctly.
- Fixed an issue where the Vendors, Cost Codes & other CSV imports wouldn’t import when some incorrect characters were in the file.
- Fixed an issue where linked recipes would occasionally default back to wall lengths.
- Fixed an issue with recipe linking if there was a material with the same name but from a different material library (i.e. shared libraries).
- Fixed an issue where the takeoff would stop working when the wrong CSV file was imported.
- Fixed an issue where certain symbols weren’t appearing correctly in the takeoff (e.g. degrees symbol from Capping & Flashing Tool components).
- Fixed an issue where an extra “2” was appearing when exporting material pricing.
- Fixed an issue where sizes entered in the BIM Tool were converting to a wrong value in the takeoff (i.e. 75′ BIM Tool UOM field displays in 6.25ft in takeoff).
- Fixed an issue where CSV’s with decimal values couldn’t be imported into the Prelim Items dialog.
- Fixed an issue where importing a CSV into the Preli Items would create a ”null”/blank category & items within the category.
- Fixed an issue where the total price in the takeoff & client estimate were different.
- Fixed an issue where the degree symbol wasn’t displaying correctly for roof trusses.
- Fixed an issue where geometry marked as existing was still being estimated.
- Fixed an issue in the Prelim Items dialog where the dialog would appear blank for some older models that had items added to it with errors present.
- Fixed an issue with the logo resolution & size.
- Note: You’ll need to reimport the image.
- [Mac] Fixed an issue when exporting a purchase order as a PDF.
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where the dialog would sometimes appear as a smaller size & cause issues with the UI.
- [Mac] Fixed issues with some dialog sizes.
- Fixed a rare issue where the Prelim Items dialog would appear blank but the items would still appear in the takeoff.
- Wall Tool
- Fixed an issue where the material field wasn’t appearing for the internal side of the cladding skin for the Solid Wall.
- Fixed an issue where the Include Top Plate field wasn’t available for the Solid Wall.
- Fixed an issue in skillion walls where the top section at the end of the wall wasn’t showing.
- Fixed an issue when the Nogging/Blocking Spacing was 0 which caused the walls to not draw and bug out. The field will no longer be valid if the spacing is 0.
- Fixed an issue where a help image was missing for the Solid Wall inner side of cladding material field.
- Fixed an issue where the ‘2 Stud’ option brackets weren’t correct for skillion/shed & gable walls.
- Fixed an issue where some objects within walls marked as “to be demolished” (mainly items in windows & doors) weren’t being put on the DEMO layer/tag.
- Fixed an issue where a material was being applied to the top section of the innermost wall skin.
- Fixed an issue where plasterboard was estimating incorrectly due to extra geometry being generated.
- Note: Old walls will need to be redrawn. We recommend using the Redraw Wall Tool located at ‘Extensions > PlusSpec > Wall Tools’.
- Fixed an issue where the bottom plate wasn’t generating for gable walls when the wall height was less than the bottom plate thickness.
- Fixed an issue where the cavity override field would still be used when it wasn’t visible for different wall types which cause odd results in windows & doors.
- Fixed an issue where a 0 value would be entered in the Stud Spacing & Nogging/Blocking Spacing fields which would cause the tool to bug out.
- Fixed an issue where the ends of skillion walls weren’t going all the way to the top.
- Fixed an issue where the noggings weren’t correct after realigning the studs & adding junctions.
- Wall Bracing Tool
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Remove Individual Bracing’ option wasn’t working.
- Window & Door Tools
- Fixed an issue where some fields were visible when they shouldn’t have been.
- Fixed an issue where values & selections weren’t being retained for some fields.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue in the Bifold Door where the elevation symbol wouldn’t change with the opening direction.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue where garage door steel lintels couldn’t be excluded.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue where geometry in the double cavity sliding door was assigned to the incorrect layer.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue in the cavity/pocket doors where the ‘Flush Jamb’ option wasn’t the intended result.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue in the Single & Double Stacker Doors where the door frame width & highlite frame width couldn’t be edited separately.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue where the Handle Style field wasn’t appearing for all external swinging doors as expected.
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools
- Fixed an issue where the tools sometimes weren’t working as expected.
- Flooring Tool
- Fixed an issue where the Group Layer field was blank which caused the tool not to work.
- Roof Framing Tool
- Fixed an issue where the purlin type dropdown was affecting the batten material field.
- Fixed an issue where the wrong help image was shaping for the ‘Enable Under Purlin?’ field.
- Post Tool
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Width’ & ‘Depth’ fields weren’t appearing for the ‘Custom Timber Post’ option.
- Fixed an issue where the post brackets weren’t changing when the post size wasn’t square.
- Job Tool
- Fixed an issue in the Set Logo dialog where logos were being compressed & caused the logos to not be as clear as intended.
- Layout Tool
- Fixed an issue where a bug splat would sometimes occur when creating the Layout file.
- Note: SketchUp will also be making a fix for this on one of their coming updates.
- Fixed an issue where the Layout file wouldn’t be created for models that had walls drawn in versions before v20.0.0.
- Fixed an issue where the replaced section hatching in Layout was appearing incorrectly, not grouped or on the correct layer.
- Fixed an issue where pop up messages were appearing when generating the Layout file.
- Fixed an issue where a bug splat would sometimes occur when creating the Layout file.
- MEP Tool
- Fixed an issue where the material field wasn’t remembering the last selection.
- Fixed an issue where values wouldn’t be remembered in the dialog.
- BIM Tool
- Fixed an issue where decimals couldn’t be entered into the price fields.
- Fixed an issue where the dialog wouldn’t submit if the Size field wasn’t available.
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where the Layer field wasn’t reading the assigned layer/tag of the component.
- Settings Tool
- Fixed an issue when switching libraries where the old default options were being used & caused the dialogs to show odd values (i.e. large decimal values).
- General
- Fixed an issue where the material fields weren’t in alphabetical order. They will now read branded PlusSpec materials first, then generic PlusSpec materials. The visibility of materials can be edited via the tickboxes below the material fields.
- Fixed an issue where the correct country wasn’t selected for new users.
PlusSpec 20.12 (Rbz 20.12.0)
Released: April 15, 2021
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Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
Fixes
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where joist would sometimes not generate.
- General 🟢🟠
- Updated the text in the popup that appears after being logged out after 7 days of inactivity.
PlusSpec 20.11 (Rbz 20.11.0)
Released: March 24, 2021
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (old version) 🟠
- Fixed an issue where prices would appear as long reoccurring decimals.
- Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where materials weren’t being applied for some roof shapes.
- General 🟢🟠
- Updated the field name of all layer fields throughout the software to have ‘(Advanced Users Only)’ text added to them.
PlusSpec 20.10 (Rbz 20.10.0)
Released: December 18, 2020
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Fixed an issue where fixed prices for prelim items weren’t updating the total price.
- Takeoff Tool (old version) 🟠
- Fixed an issue where the takeoff wouldn’t generate.
PlusSpec 20.9 (Rbz 20.9.0)
Released: November 30, 2020
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the takeoff wouldn’t generate in SketchUp 21.
PlusSpec 20.8 (Rbz 20.8.0)
Released: September 10, 2020
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Added a new category called ‘Demolition’ which will display all objects in the model marked as “to be demolished”.
Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Added plasterboard & cavity insulation skins to the ‘Double Masonry’ wall type. To remove either skin, select ‘None’ from the material field.
- Added plasterboard skin to the ‘Single Masonry’ wall type. To remove the skin, select ‘None’ from the material field.
- Added plasterboard & cladding/siding skins to the ‘Solid Wall’ wall type. To remove either skin, select ‘None’ from the material field.
- Added battens to the ‘Solid Wall’ wall type, which work the same as the battens in the other wall types.
- Added missing help image for the ‘Align With Cornice?’ field.
- Updated the field name of ‘Align with Cornice’ to ‘Align Cornice With Plasterboard?’.
Window & Door Tools 🟢🟠
- Added ability to have the same jamb stud sizes as the wall or select different sizes.
- Added missing help images in the ‘Timbers/Lumbers’ section.
- [Door Tool] Improved the quality of swinging door plan components.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟠
- Updated the values in the Layers section of the dialog.
Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Updated the position of hip rafters to align more correctly.
- Updated the ‘Rafter Height’ field help image.
Skillion/Shed & Hip Roof Tools 🟢🟠
- Updated the ‘Rafter Height’ field help image.
Layout Tool 🟢
- Removed the top-most grouping of dimensions in the auto-dimension feature.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Fixed an issue where components weren’t being grouped together correctly which caused an issue in the Summary page & client estimate.
- Fixed an issue where components put on levels weren’t displaying correctly in the Summary page & client estimate.
- Takeoff Tool (old version) 🟠
- Fixed an issue where a takeoff wouldn’t generate on Mac.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the battens wouldn’t adjust when the ‘External Drop Off’ field was adjusted.
- Fixed an issue where some material fields weren’t remembering the last selection.
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where some fields weren’t remembering their last values.
PlusSpec 20.7.5 (Rbz 20.7.5)
Released: August 7, 2020
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Fixes
- Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where tile & slat capping was estimating incorrectly.
- Materials – sync to get these changes 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where some batten materials were estimating as Area instead of Lineal.
PlusSpec 20.7 (Rbz 20.7.0)
Released: August 6, 2020
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Added the ability for a new recipe under a category.
- Updated the Prelim Items Tool heading & name to be ‘Manual Qty & Prelim Items’.
- Updated the icon which opens the Manual Qty & Prelim Items Tool.
- Updated the Visible geometry/layers field name to ‘Visible Geometry Only’ in the interim dialog.
Post Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ability to add post supports/shoes when drawing timber/lumber posts.
Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ability to enable/disable under purlins via an ‘Include Under Purling?’ field.
Redraw Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Updated the tool to set the structural wall value according to what was selected for the original wall.
Scene Tool 🟢🟠
- Removed shadows from all scenes (expect ‘Present’) for the Semi-Render option.
General 🟢🟠
- Improved the ability to switch licenses between machines.
Fixes
- Takeoff (new version) 🟢
- Fixed an issue that would cause an error if a takeoff was generated with empty Prelim Items.
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Visible Geometry Only’ field wasn’t working as intended.
- Wall Bracing Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue where the ply bracing wouldn’t estimate correctly.
- Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the tool would become unresponsive when the value of some fields was 0mm/0”.
- General 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the software wasn’t working in SketchUp 18.
PlusSpec 20.6 (Rbz 20.6.0)
Released: July 22, 2020
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Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Fixes
- Takeoff (new version) 🟢
- Fixed an issue in the client estimate where margins weren’t being added to the total price.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the hover help images weren’t appearing for the ‘Frame Buffer Top’ & ‘Frame Buffer Other’ fields.
- Fixed an issue where materials weren’t being applied to the skillion & gable top faces.
- Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the birdsmouth wasn’t generating as intended.
- Fixed an issue which would cause an error to appear when created roof framing for some shapes.
PlusSpec 20.5 (Rbz 20.5.0)
Released: July 16, 2020
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟠
- Added missing help image for the ‘Valley Timber’ material field.
Scene Tool 🟢🟠
- Changed the ‘DEMO’ layer line style to dashes.
General 🟢🟠
- Updated the layer of all geometry within objects (groups only) marked as “to be “demolished”.
- Updated the interactive tutorial.
Fixes
- Takeoff (old version) 🟠
- Fixed an issue where objects & layers that weren’t visible in the model were still being estimated.
- Levels & Layers Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue with Level Heights where the slab footing depth & recess depth wasn’t being taken into account.
- Fixed an issue after assigning or drawing geometry on a level that had its visibility turned off where the opposite result would occur when switching visibility.
PlusSpec 20.4 (Rbz 20.4.0)
Released: July 9, 2020
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Added the ability to link recipes with multiple items of the same type.
Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Added ‘Purlin’ text to the field names where battens were present.
- Added an option in the takeoff tags dialog to adjust the tag of struts.
- Added missing help images.
- Added a new tutorial playlist specific for the Rafter Tool.
Fixes
- Takeoff Tool (new version) 🟢
- Fixed an issue that caused a crash when trimmers were in the model.
- Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the Cavity field wouldn’t adjust the cavity of the wall.
- Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the valley board material field wouldn’t remember the last selection.
- Layout Tool 🟢
- Fixed an issue that would sometimes occur when creating the Layout file.
PlusSpec 20.3 (Rbz 20.3.0)
Released: July 3, 2020
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Improved the tool to make it work quicker & more efficiently.
- Added the ability to add battens & purlins.
- Added the ability to add under purlins.
- Added the ability to edit the roof framing after it’s been generated.
- Note: To edit the pitch the roof framing will need to be generated again.
- Updated the takeoff tags dialog so that more beams can be tagged.
Materials 🟢🟠
- Added some more timber/lumber & metal beam sizes, mainly for battens.
Fixes
- Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the valley board material field wouldn’t remember the last selection.
PlusSpec 20.2 (Rbz 20.2.0)
Released: June 24, 2020
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
NEW Tools
- Takeoff Tool 🟢
This is a massive change from the previous takeoff – so much so that it’s basically a NEW tool which is available for the PlusDesignBuild version. The features include:- New & improved interface & features.
- Generate a takeoff of the whole model or just from your selection.
- Add recipes & link items to be remembered for next time.
- Add install items & link them with items which will be remembered for next time.
- Add & assign vendors, costcodes & more.
- Add preliminary items.
- Locate instances within the model. This means you can see what wall the brick, window & more came from.
- Specify what info you want in the takeoff.
- Levels created in the new Levels & Layer Tool will be displayed for each item (if they’ve been assigned).
- Enter units per lineal/area/cubic measure or the opposite. This means you can enter the number of bricks per m2/ft2.
- Update prices of materials, components & preliminary items within the takeoff which will be remembered for next time.
- Enter markups (%) for specific items of the whole takeoff.
- Enter a wastage for each item (material items only – not for components).
- Enter contingencies per page.
- Override the totals of items to get a more accurate takeoff.
- Exclude items not required for the takeoff so prices, size, total & more won’t be used.
- Export the takeoff in multiple different variations (including just the timber/lumber in the model).
- Generate quotes, purchase orders & other reports which can be saved & downloaded.
- Check the model for any non-estimated items.
- Create client estimates.
- Advanced Framing. This is a more advanced takeoff page for ordering timber/lumber, creating onsite cut lists for all framing areas and more. The features include:
- All timber/lumber materials will be broken down by their instance (i.e. Wall #1) and then again by their member type (common stud, top plate, etc.).
- Round lengths to their next order length which can be managed via a file that’s imported/exported. Anything over the max order length will be displayed differently and as a total lineal length.
- Select optimal lengths for timbers/lumbers that are smaller than the specified size (i.e. noggings & blocking).
- Add notes for each different member type.
- Layout Tool 🟢
This is a NEW tool that allows layout files to be created & laid out according to selections made within the dialog. The features include:- Auto dimensioning of walls.
- Save all selections & values in the dialog as a favourite.
- Select from default templates created by us or use your own.
- Select the paper size you want for the PlusSpec templates or to draw in the model (as a cross-reference).
- Add & remove pages as desired. They can also be reordered.
- Specify the number of viewports for each page.
- Rotate all viewports on a page to get the desired end result (mainly for portrait pages).
- Levels & Layers Tool 🟢
This NEW tool allows a model to be organised into & utilize levels as well as display geometry visibility via a new layers system used in conjunction with other PlusSpec tools. The features include:- Assign geometry to levels which can either be done as you draw or via the right-click menu.
- Set & modify level start heights, level heights, level names.
- Draw walls at level heights according to the selected active level.
- Locate all instances assigned to levels.
- Toggle geometry visibility separately to layers & scenes which are to be used in conjunction with the 4D Scheduling Project Management Tool.
- 4D Model Scheduling Tool 🟢
This NEW tool allows a model to be scheduled and see a representation of each stage of the job via geometry. The features include:- Set a start date of the project.
- Add all the different stages of the job and link the stages with one another. Updating dates & timeframes will update all linked stages accordingly.
- Assign a person or trade to each stage. These options can be imported & exported to manage the selections.
- Export the stages as to Microsoft (MS) Project, GanttProject or as images.
- Junction Tool 🟢
This NEW tool that allows junctions to be added to wall framing in the model. This is accessed via the right-click menu. - Bracing Tool 🟢
This NEW tool allows bracing to be added to walls in the model. This tool is accessed via the right-click menu. - Split Beam Tool 🟢
This NEW tool allows a beam or multiple beams to be split once or multiple times. This tool is accessed via the right-click menu. - Extend Beam Tool 🟢
This NEW tool allows a beam or multiple beams to be extended to a certain point selected in the model. This tool is accessed via the right-click menu. - 2D Mode Tool 🟢
This is a NEW tool that allows you to draw in 2D and will turn off some layers to help speed you your drawing process. - See All Tool 🟢
This is a NEW tool that allows all objects hidden in the model to be viewed & will revert the model back in some instances.
This update includes the following improvements:
Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ability for footings drawn with the wall to move with the stepdown when it’s a positive value.
- Added help images for the Edit Wall (Retain Values) dialog.
- Merged the Pitch & Ratio into one field called ‘Pitch/Ratio’ in the Edit Wall (Retain Values) dialog.
Ceiling Joist Tool 🟢
- Added ‘Draw Trimmers’ option which allows trimmers to be drawn in the model (similar to how blocking is drawn).
- Removed the ‘Draw Blocking’ option.
Joist Blocking Tool 🟢
- Added help text at the bottom right of the screen when using the tool.
Joist Hanger Tool 🟢
- Added help text at the bottom right of the screen when using the tool.
Fixes
- Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue the Rafter Height & Batten Thickness fields didn’t work as expected when editing a roof.
- Beam Tool 🟢🟠
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where SHIFT wasn’t locking the inference when splitting or extending beams.
PlusSpec 20.1 (Rbz 20.1.0)
Released: June 11, 2020
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
General 🟢🟠
- [Mac] Fixed an issue that caused materials to not appear & the dialogs becoming unresponsive.
PlusSpec 20.0 (Rbz 20.0.0)
Released: June 9, 2020
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🟢 PlusDesignBuild
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
This update includes the following improvements:
NEW Tools
- Redraw Walls Tool 🟢
This NEW tool redraws all walls in the model with the newest changes & improvements (e.g. new/updated wall framing). This means that all walls can be updated with the click of a button.- Note: Any manual edits done to the walls will be reverted.
- Renumber Walls Tool 🟢
This NEW tool renumbers walls after they’ve been drawn so they can be represented better when labelling the walls. - Blocking Tool 🟢
This NEW tool allows blocking to be drawn in the model via two input points. This tool is accessed via the Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools dialog. - Joist Hangers Tool 🟢
This NEW tool allows joist hangers to be drawn in the model via two input points. This tool is accessed via the Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools dialog.
Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ability to add horizontal & vertical battens to the ‘Lightweight Framed With Cladding’ & ‘EPS/XPS Veneer’ wall types. These fields are located in the ‘Timbers/Lumbers’ section of the dialog.
- Added a new section called ‘Trim’ which allows the following items to be added to the wall as you draw:
- Skirting/Baseboard
- Cornice/Crown Moulding
- Quad/Cover Moulding
- Added the ability to choose the following corner configurations for each wall:
- Single Stud
- 2 Stud Corner
- 3 Stud Corner (California)
- 3 Stud Corner (Traditional)
- 4 Stud Corner
- Added the ability to select a different material for top & bottom plates.
- Added the ability for the top of the plasterboard to align with the cornice (standard wall shapes only).
- Added the ability to retain values in the dialog when editing multiple walls with different values (e.g. standard & gable walls can be edited together). This is called ‘Edit Wall (Retain Values)’ in the right-click menu.
- Added the ability in the right-click menu to select all walls in the model that are the same wall type.
- Added masonry materials to the material field for the top, external part for the ‘Wainscot (Split)’ wall type.
- Added a ‘Takeoff Tags’ field which sets the names of all the timber/lumber members which will appear in the advanced framing pages of the new takeoff (PlusDesignBuild only).
- Updated the ‘Structural Wall?’ field to be a dropdown to make it easier to assign the type of structural wall the wall is/needs to be. The new options are:
- No = This is a non-structural wall and will add ‘_NON-STRUCTURAL’ text onto the wall parent layer.
- Yes (Roof Load) = This is used for single storey building or the top storey of a multi-storey building and will add ‘_STRUCTURAL(FL+RL)’ text to the wall parent layer.
- Yes (Floor Load & Roof Load) = This is used for any storey under the top-most storey of multi-storey buildings and will add ‘_STRUCTURAL(FL)’ text onto the wall parent layer name (i.e. WALL_GROUP).
- Updated the material section help images to change with the selected wall type and better represent where the material will be applied.
- Updated the Internal & External text when drawing walls to stand out more.
- Updated the help text that appears in the bottom left of the screen when using the tools.
- Updated the layer of the top-most & bottom-most horizontal edges of the walls to be on the ‘Wall Linework’ layer. This allows them to easily be turned on/off for specific scenes & views for a cleaner end result.
- Removed mitred framing top & bottom plates for corners that are 90 degrees/right angles. Corners that aren’t a right angle will still mitre so that the takeoff is more accurate.
- Removed the ‘Opening Header’ field from the ‘Timbers/Lumbers’ section. This is now located in the Window & Door Tools.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟠
- Joists can now continuously be placed as the dialog will stay open until it’s closed.
- Added the ability to create joists from multiple faces at the same time (same joist direction only).
- Added the ability to only draw on a flat plane by default. This can be toggled on/off using the ‘Down’ arrow.
- Added ‘Start With’ & ‘End With’ fields for both bearers & joist, with the following options:
- None = Removes the beam.
- Single = Single beam as it’s always been.
- Double = Adds another beam that’s offset according to the value entered into the new ‘Spacing’ field (only appears for this option).
- Added ‘Include Perimeter Beams’ & ‘Perimeter Beam’ fields which allow different perimeter beam sizes to be selected for the joist.
- Added ‘Include Blocking’ & ‘Blocking’ fields which allow blocking to be added between each joist at either end of the joist, along with selecting the blocking beam size.
- Added ‘Draw Individual Joist’ & ‘Draw Individual Beam’ fields so individual beams can be drawn in the model. This will open the Beam Tool but change the layer when drawing the individual joist.
- Added a ‘Location’ field which will update the instance name so you know where the joist group is for.
- Added a ‘Takeoff Tags’ field which sets the names of all the timber/lumber members which will appear in the advanced framing pages of the new takeoff (PlusDesignBuild only).
- Added a symbol to display the joist spacing start & direction.
- Added ‘Add Object To Joist’ & ‘Remove All Objects From Joist’ options in the right-click menu. This allows objects to be added within the joist group instance.
- [Ceiling Joist Tool] Updated the position of the “bearers/girders” (now called ‘Hanging Beams’) & joist so that it’s more accurate to how it’s constructed. The draw direction is still for the joist direction.
Window & Door Tools 🟢🟠
- Added ‘Jamb Stud Type’ & ‘Jamb Timber/Lumber’ fields to select the number & size of jamb studs (studs either side of openings) for structural walls.
- Added a ‘Label Header’ field which will label headers with 3D text inside of the model. This will display the number of beams, size, type & length.
- Added ‘Extend Header Right’ & ‘Extend Header Left fields to extend headers in either direction.
- Note: This will extend the header length & update the header label but won’t adjust the other framing members in the wall.
- Moved the ‘Opening Header’ field from the Wall Tool to the Timbers/Lumbers section of the dialog so that different openings can have different header sizes.
- Updated the position of elevation symbols geometry so that they can’t be seen in elevations for some wall types when they shouldn’t be seen.
- Removed handle estimation from sliding & stacker doors.
Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ability for internal/external corner & stop end gutter components to be estimated.
- A purge will now be done after the tool has been used.
Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Added a ‘Takeoff Tags’ field which sets the names of all the timber/lumber members which will appear in the advanced framing pages of the new takeoff (PlusDesignBuild only).
Ceiling Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ability to generate via faces via the right-click menu. Multiple faces can be selected at once to generate the ceilings.
Beam Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ability to draw from the top & bottom centre points of each beam type.
- Added a ‘Takeoff Tag’ field which gives the ability to assign a member type to the beam which will appear in the advanced framing page in the new takeoff (PlusDesignBuild only). The list options can be edited via a CSV file which can be imported/export.
- Added the ability to mitre two beams. This can also project and join the beams.
- Updated the layer of the I-Joist category materials.
Post/Column Tool 🟢🟠
- Added a ‘Concrete Pier’ option to the Type field. This will change the instance name of the group to ‘Pier #?’.
- Added a ‘Custom Timber/Lumber Post’ option to the Type field. This allows the post/column to use the Width & Depth fields to adjust the size of the post. The ‘Timber Post’ material has been moved to this type to accommodate this change.
- Merged the Sizings section into the Construction section. The fields that were found here still show/hide according to the selection in the Type field.
Import PDF Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ability to assign the imported plans to the active level in the model. If levels haven’t been created (using the new Levels & layer Tool) then it will work how it previously did.
BIM Tool 🟢🟠
- Added ‘UOM’ (Unit Of Measure) & ‘Size’ fields which give the ability to change how the component is estimated in the new takeoff (PlusDesignBuild only). Sizes for BIMed components will be added together and give a total value in the new takeoff.
Scene Tool 🟢🟠
- Added the ‘All’, Struct Off’ & ‘Roof Off’ scenes to all scene sets.
- Changed the following scene names to be more easily view on smaller screens:
- Presentation = Present
- Window Schedule = W/D Sched
- Structure = Struct
- Structure w/Sheeting = Struct w/Sheet
- Animation Vertical/Horizontal = Animate Vert/Hor
- Remember Position = Remember Pos
- Updated all scenes to retain hidden geometry & objects.
- Updated the layer name from Hidden on Plan to ‘00_Hidden on Plan’ so that it appears first in the list. The layer colour was also changed to green.
- Turned off the ’00_Hidden on Plan’ layer in documentation scenes.
- Turned off the ‘24G_FIX_OUT_A’, ‘25_DOOR_FURNITURE’ & ‘27_DOORS’ layers in the W/D Sched scene.
- Removed wall corner/mitre at wall junctions in floor plan scenes for a better Layout result.
- Removed profiles from floor plan scenes.
Component Tool 🟢🟠
- Updated the layer of the components in the Frame Hardware category.
- Updated the name of the dryer component to ‘Front Loader Dryer’.
Job Tool 🟢🟠
- Added ‘Company Number’, ‘Estimator Name’, ‘Supervisor Name’ & ‘Client Name’ fields. The values for these fields will appear in reports generated in the new takeoff (PlusDesignBuild only).
- Added ‘Order Number Prefix’ & ‘Order Number Start’ fields which will adjust the quote/purchase order number in reports generated in the new takeoff (PlusDesignBuild only).
- Changed the For Quote option in the Stage field to ‘Quotation Request’.
Purge Tool 🟢🟠
- Added ‘Temporary Files’ option which will purge temporary filed and help increase PlusSpec & SketchUp performance for models open for a longer period of time. This will be defaulted to ‘No’.
Section Hatching Tool 🟢🟠
- Added a new ‘Layout Options’ section which gives the ability to replace textures with higher quality textures inside of Layout when using the new Layout Tool (PlusDesignBuild only).
- Added the ability to turn the ’00_Hidden on Plan’ layer when the tool is opened to make using the tool quicker & easier.
Settings 🟢🟠
- Added four new fields (‘Takeoff Floor Joist Tags’, ‘Takeoff Wall Tags’, ‘Takeoff Ceiling Joist Tags’ & ‘Takeoff Rafter Tags’) which adjust the tags used in the advanced estimation pages of the new takeoff (PlusDesignBuild only).
- Added ‘Tax Prefix’ & ‘Tax Percentage’ fields. The percentage is used for reports generated in the new takeoff (PlusDesignBuild only).
- Added a ‘Sill Option’ field which sets whether the window sills are to default according to the wall type (this is the default option & recommended) or remember the last input entered.
- For new installations (new users), the Takeoff Unit field value has been defaulted according to the option selected in the Material Library field.
General 🟢🟠
- Added ‘PlusSpec Default Materials’ & ‘User Material’ tickboxes below each material field which improves the dialog load time for users with lots of materials. These fields will remember for next time.
- Added a pop-up message for the first time using tools but mainly new tools.
- Note: Existing users will also encounter these pop-ups for some tools they’ve already used before, however, once the pop-up is closed the second time you won’t see it again.
- Updated timber/lumber material fields to have the same materials (mainly LVL materials in the AUS library). Some material names have been updated as well.
- Updated the new user video to open in SketchUp rather than a browser.
- Updated splashscreen logos which will change depending on the version you have installed.
- Updated the main toolbar icons to be high-res.
- Updated the Floor Tools sub-menu so all tools appeared in one line.
- Updated the Read Me file copyright text.
- Removed the ‘Purchase License’ button from the splashscreen.
Create Material Page 🟢🟠
- The ‘Generic (No Brand)’ brand option will now no longer add ‘Generic (No Brand)’ text to materials names when the material is created.
- Added a ‘None’ option for the Treating field (timber/lumber materials only). If ‘None’ is selected the treating will be set to ‘untreated’.
- Note: The Treating field only appears if the original material (material selected when the ‘Create/Manage’ button was clicked) has a treating.
- Removed the ‘Buy Price’, Install Price’ & ‘Weight’ fields.
Materials 🟢🟠
- Updated the estimating unit for the CLT solid wall material.
Fixes
- Wall Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the top of the studs would protrude into the top plates for skillion & gable walls.
- Fixed an issue where noggings above window & door openings wouldn’t start again from the bottom of the header.
- Fixed an issue where the top plates for skillion & gable walls would estimate incorrectly.
- Fixed an issue where some materials would duplicate in the ‘Lightweight Multi-Skin’ wall type material fields.
- Fixed an issue where there were lines appearing through window & door openings in wainscot walls.
- Fixed an issue where cubic materials in the Solid Wall type wouldn’t estimate correctly.
- Fixed an issue where some walls couldn’t be edited (mainly wainscot & solid walls) which also caused windows & doors to not be added to the walls.
- Fixed an issue in the Lightweight Multi-Skin wall where the bracing skin wouldn’t change with skillion & gable wall shapes as intended.
- Fixed an issue in the framing when the top of the header & bottom of the top plate(s) were at the same point and caused an incorrect result/error.
- Fixed issue where a line would appear at the base of walls (mainly when drawing a triangular loop of walls).
- Slab Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the slab dialog would occasionally become unresponsive.
- Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the visibility of some fields would react differently than intended.
- Window & Door Tools 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the visibility of fields in the Annotation & Text section would react differently than intended.
- Fixed an issue where windows & doors couldn’t be copy-moved (pressing Ctrl when moving the opening).
- Fixed an issue where the Frame material field was blank for the USA library.
- [Window Tool] Fixed an issue with the Fixed/Picture Window where the lite wouldn’t change positions.
- [Door Tool] Fixed an issue with the opening direction of the ‘Sliding Internal’ Door type.
- [Door Tool] Remove the ‘Opening Direction’ field for the ‘Sliding Internal Double Door’ type as it isn’t needed.
- [Door Tool] Removed the estimation ability for handles for sliding & stacker door types.
- Note: Door drawn using the previous version will still estimate the handles.
- Hip Roof Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the tile & slate capping material was being applied to the wrong area which caused an incorrect estimate in the takeoff.
- Rafter Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Strut From Points’ & ‘Rafter From Points’ options weren’t working.
- Fixed an issue where the values selected/entered in the dialog wouldn’t remember for next time.
- Post/Column Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where rectangular timber/lumber post materials weren’t using the sizes set in the materials as expected and instead were using the Width & Depth fields to adjust the size of the post/column.
- Section Hatching Tool 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where the section hatching wouldn’t generate in some instances.
- General 🟢🟠
- Fixed an issue where composite materials (e.g. masonry with render) weren’t displaying correctly in the model.
- Fixed an issue where some tools wouldn’t work in older versions of SketchUp (before SketchUp 2018).
- Create Materials Page 🟢🟠
- Fixed scaling issue when trying to adjust the image height in the Materials Creation page.
PlusSpec 19.3 (Rbz 19.3.0)
Released: February 6, 2020
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool 🟠🟡
- [Mac] Fixed an issue where the takeoff wouldn’t generate in some instances.
General 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue where some timber/lumber materials didn’t have any materials appearing in the USA library.
PlusSpec 19.2 (Rbz 19.2.0)
Released: January 29, 2020
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
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This update includes the following improvements:
General 🟠🟡
- Added an option in the EXE installer to install to SketchUp 20.
PlusSpec 19.1 (Rbz 19.1.0)
Released: April 24, 2019
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Window & Door Tools 🟠
- Added the ability to switch walls when inserting windows & doors. To do so (whilst using the Window/Door Tool), hover over a new wall and press SHIFT.
- Note: Make sure you switch walls before making changes in the dialog.
- Fixed the issue where a highlite/lowlite couldn’t be added to the ‘Curtain’ & ‘Custom’ window types.
- Removed the ‘Open Direction’ field for garage doors. They will now only open to the internal side of the wall.
Grid Tool 🟠
- Added the ability to adjust the grid sizes for each direction.
- Added the ability to edit the grid after it’s been drawn.
Takeoff 🟠
- Fixed an issue where a takeoff sometimes wouldn’t generate.
Sync Tool 🟠🟡
- Update the icons that appear when materials are being synced.
General 🟠🟡
- Updated the toolbar name.
Materials 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue where Austral Masonry materials were appearing for all libraries, instead of just the AUS library.
PlusSpec 19.0 (Rbz 19.0.0)
Released: February 27, 2019
We’ve just released our first big update for 2019, and we’ve focused on speed, because every second counts, right?!
What’s coming in 2019
The benefit of subscriptions is that you get access to all of our improvements as soon as we finish making them. And we have a tonne of big changes coming in 2019, so if you haven’t signed up to the Annual plan, get in before you miss some AMAZING savings! Stay tuned.
If you don’t know how to update your PlusSpec version, click HERE. Note: The process of updating is the same as installing PlusSpec for the first time.
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
General 🟠
- All of the PlusSpec dialogs have been supercharged to open a lot faster. This will be a huge time saver!
Materials 🟠
- Fixed issue where metal beam materials were estimating as the wrong unit (all libraries).
PlusSpec 18.9 (Rbz 18.9.0)
Released: February 12, 2019
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool 🟠
- Fixed an issue where solids walls marked as ‘demolition wouldn’t appear in the DEMO section in the takeoff.
General 🟠
- Fixed issues so that all tools were compatible with SketchUp 2019.
Materials 🟠
- Added Austral Masonry materials (AUS library).
PlusSpec 18.8 (Rbz 18.8.0)
Released: December 20, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Redraw Wall Tool 🟠
- This is a NEW tool that redraws all walls in the model with the newest changes & improvements (e.g. new/updated wall framing). This means that all walls can be updated with the click of a button.
Wall Tool 🟠
- Fixed an issue where window & door openings weren’t the intended sizes for plasterboard, cavity insulation, wall bracing & other wall linings.
- Fixed an issue where some opening sizes weren’t the intended size and were clashing with window & door geometry.
Window Tool 🟠
- Fixed an issue where the external architrave/casing for the ‘Fixed/Picture’ window wouldn’t be the intended size & position for the ‘Lightweight Framed with Cladding’ wall type.
Door Tool 🟠
- Fixed the door position of the ‘Cavity Sliding/Pocket’ & ‘Cavity Sliding/Pocket Double’ door types for some walls types.
- Updated the door pockets size for the ‘Cavity Sliding/Pocket Double’ door type.
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Opening Direction’ field was appearing for the ‘Cavity Sliding/Pocket Double’ door type.
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Sliding/Gliding Internal Door’ & ‘Sliding Internal Double’ door types opening direction couldn’t be switched to the other side of the wall.
Post/Column Tool 🟠
- Updated the estimate for the ‘Masonry Rectangular’ option to be more accurate. When the size is twice the thickness of the brick/block/etc., the new estimation method will be used, otherwise it will use the original estimation method.
- Added note to the dialog explaining the new ‘Masonry Rectangular’ estimation method.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟠
- Fixed an issue where some beams would split when drawing non-rectangular shapes.
- Isolated bug fix where bearer materials weren’t appearing for ‘Actual’ timber/lumber sizes.
Sync Tool 🟠🟡
- Updated the text in the dialog.
- Added a link to an explanatory video about how syncing works and what it does.
Roof Framing Tool 🟠
- Fixed an issue where the ridge materials wouldn’t change to ‘Actual’ timber sizes (USA library).
Scene Tool 🟠🟡
- Turned on the ’21_EAVES’ layer for the ‘Roof Off’ scene.
Settings Tool 🟠🟡
- Added a note at the bottom of the dialog.
General 🟠🟡
- Updated the process for new users to be more intuitive.
Materials 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue that caused some materials to display differently than intended (all libraries).
PlusSpec 18.7 (Rbz 18.7.0)
Released: October 8, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Door Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue where geometry would randomly appear for some external door types.
- Fixed an issue where the elevation symbol for the ‘External Swinging/Hinged Patio Glass Door’ wouldn’t change when the opening direction was changed.
- Fixed an issue where door stops couldn’t be disabled.
Window Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Gable’ & ‘Raked’ window reveals wouldn’t appear for Wainscot walls.
Pricing Tool 🟠
- Improvements to the CSV import/export feature.
- Fixed an issue where the takeoff units set in the Settings Tool wouldn’t be set for each product that hasn’t been assigned a price.
- Note: Any product that has a price assigned will retain the unit set.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟠
- Isolated bug fix where the tool couldn’t be used for the USA library in some cases.
Ceiling Tool 🟠
- Fixed an issue where the ceiling would change position when it was redrawn.
Import PDF Tool 🟠
- Updated the layer names for the imported plans so they appear first in the SketchUp Layer Manager.
Job Tool 🟠🟡
- Updated the field name of ‘Bushfire Category’ to ‘Fire Hazard Rating’.
- Added new fields called ‘Altitude’ and ‘Snow Load’ to the Job Categories section. These will also appear in the Takeoff.
Settings 🟠🟡
- Isolated bug fix where actual & nominal timber/lumber sizes wouldn’t switch.
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Added an option to ‘Restore Factory Default’ (called ‘Prices’) which removes any prices that have been assigned. This is defaulted to be ‘No’.
- Note: If you’re using a Mac, SketchUp will need to be closed and reopened after resetting the prices for the changes to be made.
Materials 🟠🟡
Note: Don’t forget to sync to get these materials.
- Changed brick sill materials to have ‘Sill Brick/Block’ in the name.
- Note: This will only be shown in the takeoff and won’t appear in the material dropdown lists.
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Sandstone Stacked’ material was displaying incorrectly (AUS library).
- Added 1/4″ FC Sheeting to the Lightweight Multi-Skin wall type (USA library).
PlusSpec 18.6 (Rbz 18.6.0)
Released: August 10, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Fixed the issue where feet and inches without fractions wouldn’t be remembered when the dialogs were reopened.
PlusSpec 18.5 (Rbz 18.5.0)
Released: August 9, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟠
- Fixed the issue where joist timbers/lumbers would overlap perimeter beams when perimeter beams were enabled.
- Fixed the issue where joist timbers/lumbers would duplicate for the first and last joists when perimeter beams were enabled.
Beam Tool 🟠
Note: You will need to sync your materials to get these changes.
- Added PFC, Rectangular Hollow Section (Hot Rolled) & I-Joist options to the ‘Profile/Type’ field.
- Changed the existing Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) option to be ‘Rectangular Hollow Section (Cold Rolled)’. Any materials previously created will appear in this option.
- Removed the ‘Timber/Lumber Plate’ option from the icons. This is now found as a tickbox called ‘Plate (Flip)?’ in the ‘Solid Timber/Lumber’ option which will flip the beam.
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Added the ability for feet AND inch plus fractional inputs to be entered and remembered for length fields (the Edit Component dialogs will still only allow for fractional input, not remembering the value).
- To enable this, go to the Settings Tool and select the ‘use model default’ option in the ‘Dialog Units’ field, then go to Window > Model Info > Units and change the ‘Format’ field to ‘Architectural’ and change the ‘Precision’ field value (we recommend either 1/32 or 1/64).
- Note: After doing these steps you will need to enter length fields with feet and inches values (with fractions if required). Make sure there’s a space between whole and fractional numbers.
- To enable this, go to the Settings Tool and select the ‘use model default’ option in the ‘Dialog Units’ field, then go to Window > Model Info > Units and change the ‘Format’ field to ‘Architectural’ and change the ‘Precision’ field value (we recommend either 1/32 or 1/64).
PlusSpec 18.4 (Rbz 18.4.0)
Released: July 19, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
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This update includes the following improvements:
Window & Door Tools 🟠🟡
- Fixed the issue when editing window & door the architraves/casings would change back to a default value.
- Fixed the issue where fields with the tilde symbol (‘~’) would cause a message to appear and not let the tool be used. This mainly happened when converting imperial measurements in length fields (for the USA library).
- Fixed an issue where the header height entered into the Wall Tool wouldn’t appear in the Door Tool ‘Header/Door Height’ field when creating/adding a new door.
- Added more shapes to choose from for the elevation symbols. You can now choose from Rectangular, Circle, Hexagon.
- Added more configuration options for the floor plan text option. You can now choose from Label, Type & Size or Type & Size or Label w/Symbol.
- Fixed the issue where the architraves for internal doors would appear on the ’21_EAVES’ layer.
- Fixed the issue where the ‘French Window’ elevation symbol wasn’t assigned to the ‘Elevations’ layer (like the other symbols).
- Removed ‘Style 4’ for the ‘External Swinging/Hinged Door’ and the ‘External Swinging/Hinged Double Door’. This fixed issue where selecting the style would cause the door panel to disappear.
- Fix the opening direction of the Single Hung window to allow it to be changed.
- Added a note at the bottom of the dialog explaining what to do to accurately place windows & doors along the wall via the SketchUp VCB.
Wall Tool 🟠🟡
- Changed the ‘Add Beam To Wall’ option in the right-click menu to ‘Add Object To Wall’. This will now add any object to the selected wall.
- Fixed the error when using the Push/Pull Wall Tool on a wall with beam objects where it would cause the added beam objects to duplicate to the adjacent walls.
Pricing Tool 🟠
- Fixed the error where imported prices wouldn’t appear in the takeoff.
- Fixed the error which caused shared library materials to not appear in the CSV export.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟠
- Fixed the error that would sometimes appear when drawing some shapes and/or joist directions.
- Fixed the error when creating joists on back/reversed faces would cause the position of some joists to be incorrect.
Takeoff Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed the issue where any component that had the same itemcode but different names would estimate together. They will now estimate separately.
Settings Tool 🟠🟡
- Added a new field called ‘Architrave/Casing Options’ which allows you the ability to either have the architraves/casings default to a recommended number according to the wall type used (this is how it currently works) or to remember your last entered value.
- Fixed issue for new users where library wasn’t selected in some cases and could complete a sync.
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Updated the ‘Extensions > PlusSpec’ menu to be smaller and easier to navigate by adding the tools to sub menus according to the PlusSpec toolbar. Important Note: ANY PlusSpec shortcuts previously assigned will need to be reassigned.
- Fixed a non-critical error that would appear when first installing PlusSpec.
Materials 🟠🟡
Note: Don’t forget to sync to get these materials.
- Added brick/masonry materials for the following brands (USA library):
- Brampton Brick
- General Shale
- Glen Gery
- Redland Brick
- Added Maibec cladding/siding materials (USA library).
PlusSpec 18.3 (Rbz 18.3.0)
Released: May 14, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Wall Tool 🟠
- Fixed the issue where the ‘Wainscot (Split)’ wall had no material selected by default for the cladding (upper/top) material.
Window Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed the error where redefining old windows (drawn before 18.0) would generate another wall and incorrectly generate the other windows/door in the wall.
- Fixed the issue where undoing & redoing adding, editing, redefining or removing a window would cause an error with the wall and windows & doors within the wall. You now only need to undo/redo the action once.
- Fixed the issue where gaps would appear around some windows for certain wall types.
Door Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed the issue where undoing & redoing adding, editing, redefining or removing a door would cause an error with the wall and windows & doors within the wall. You now only need to undo/redo the action once.
- Fixed the issue where gaps would appear around some doors for certain wall types.
- Fixed the issue where swinging doors reveals/jambs would clash with the ‘Solid Wall’ type wall.
Beam Tool 🟠🟡
- Added the following new profiles/types; Angle, Channel, Flat Bar, Pipe & T-Bar.
- Added more sizes for ‘Universal Beams’ and adjusted some existing sizes (for AUS library).
- Updated & fixed the explanation text below the material field.
PlusSpec 18.2 (Rbz 18.2.0)
Released: May 3, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Wall Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed the error when having an old window in a wall would cause the dialog to appear blank.
- Added the external cladding materials from the ‘Lightweight Framed with Cladding’ option to the ‘Lightweight Multi-Skin Wall’ external material field.
Window Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed the following errors when editing old windows (drawn before v18.0):
- Where the dialog would appear blank.
- Where the windows would change their size.
- Where changing the windows to a standard size would change the windows position along the wall.
- Where the windows geometry sometimes wouldn’t appear correctly.
- Fixed a spelling mistake in the pop up message that appears when changing a window to a standard sizes that overlaps another opening.
- Fixed a position error of external architraves/casings when recessing some windows.
- Fixed an issue where some sizes for the ‘Fixed/Picture’ window wouldn’t appear (USA only).
Door Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed the error where the external swinging/hinged & pivot doors sidelite reveal wouldn’t appear correctly in some areas.
- Fixed the error where the ‘Open Direction’ field was appearing for the ‘Double Sliding/Gliding’ door.
Scene Tool 🟠🟡
- Turned off the ’24G_FIX_OUT_B’ layer for the ‘All’ scene.
Sync Tool 🟠🟡
- Update the help note to explain what to do if the sync takes too long.
PlusSpec 18.1 (Rbz 18.1.0)
Released: April 30, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Wall Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed the error where the Garage Doors field in the Layering section wasn’t filled out.
Window Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed the error where editing an old window (drawn before v18.0) would cause the window to move to a different position along the wall and change its size.
Door Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed a spelling mistake in the ‘Handle Type’ field.
PlusSpec 18.0 (Rbz 18.0.0)
Released: April 26, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Wall Tool 🟠
- Added a new wall type called ‘Wainscot (Split)’ with the ability to change the height of the split.
- Added materials to the top & sides of walls (certain areas only).
- Moved the ‘Solid Wall Thickness’ field to be below the ‘Wall Type’ field.
- Added options to the right-click menu to add and delete beams to/from a wall. These options are called ‘Add Beam Object To Wall’ and ‘Delete All Beam Objects From Wall’.
- Updated the ‘Layering’ section in the dialog with the following:
- Added a new field called ‘Garage Doors’
- Changed the names of the other window & door fields to be ‘Windows & External Doors’ and ‘Internal Doors’.
- Added opening buffers to the framing to represent more accurately how it’ll be constructed.
- Added opening buffers to walls with framing to accommodate the new window & door sizes when a reveal/jamb is required.
Window Tool 🟠🟡
- A new & improved dialog (similar to Door Tool) with all the options in one dialog (no more second dialog when editing windows).
- Added the option to include and window sills with the ability to change the parameters of the sill (Note: sills aren’t available for the ‘Round Window’ option). Sills will estimate as lineal length of sills in the Takeoff.
- Added the ability to select standard window sizes (metric & imperial) with the ability to redrawn them from either the left, right or center of the window. These are found under the ‘Standard Sizes’ tab.
- Window sizes are now the size of the window and not the outside of the reveal.
- The reveal will now not appear for wall types where they aren’t required (e.g. Double Masonry).
- Added option to select the opening direction of windows.
- Added ‘Arch’, ‘Round’, ‘Raked’, ‘Gable’ and ‘Tilt & Turn’ windows. These will now go straight into the wall and have the ability to control the arch, rake & gable heights, rake direction and swing direction.
- Added the ability to also place windows from a center point. Use the ‘Ctrl’ key to toggle which options to use.
- Updated the Interact Tool hover text to explain what will happen when you click on the different parts of the window.
- Added the ability to change the window highlites/lowlites position in the dialog (i.e. lowlite -> highlite & vice versa). Previously this was done via the Interact Tool.
- Brands will now only appear if they’re available for the country selected int he Settings Tool.
- Added the ability to add the window size & number to the model. This text can be used in elevations, floor plans or both. The fields to control this have been added to the dialog under the new ‘Text & Annotations’ section.
- [Mac] Fixed the issue where Mac users couldn’t change the position to draw the windows from (e.g. pitching point of internal/external side of wall). They will need to still press Submit before pressing the right arrow key.
Door Tool 🟠🟡
- A new & improved dialog (similar to Window Tool) with all options in one dialog (no more second dialog when editing doors).
- Door sizes are now the size of the door and not the outside of the reveal/jamb.
- The reveal/jambs will now not appear for wall types where they aren’t required (e.g. Double Masonry).
- Added option to select the opening direction of doors. This is for all doors except for swinging doors. To change the direction of swinging doors, still click the door swing plan.
- Added the ability to also place doors from a center point. Use the ‘Ctrl’ key to toggle which options to use.
- Updated the Interact Tool hover text to explain what will happen when you click on the different parts of the door.
- Brands will now only appear if they’re available for the country selected int he Settings Tool.
- Added the ability to include door number & size text to elevations, floor plans or both. Fields for this have been added to the dialog under the new ‘Text & Annotations’ section.
- Added door & garage door materials to the dialog with the ability to create your own.
- The door handle brand for swinging doors has been removed.
- Added a new option to selecting handle types (entry, passage, privacy & dummy) & styles (knob & pull handles) for swinging doors.
- Added a new option for selecting deadlocks for most external doors.
- [Mac] Fixed the issue where Mac users couldn’t change the position to draw the doors from (e.g. pitching point of internal/external side of wall). They will need to still press Submit before pressing the right arrow key.
Takeoff Tool 🟠
- Added the ability for the ‘Export Excel’ & ‘Export CSV’ options to split the size values & units into different columns. Units are now in the column called ‘Units’.
- Updated the ‘Export CSV’ option export file with the following:
- Layers will appear in line with each item (previously layers appeared as sub headings for groups of items).
- Added a new column called ‘UOM’ (Unit Of Measure) which displays either each, lineal, area or volume.
- The Austral Bricks materials will now export either the area or number of bricks depending on what shown at the time of the export. This is changed by clicking on yellow columns.
- Links in the ‘Notes’ field will now appear as hyperlinks that will open in a new tab when clicked on. These are from the ‘URL’ field in the BIM & Tag Tools.
Pricing Tool 🟠
- Added two new buttons at the top of the dialog called ‘Import Pricing CSV’ & ‘Export Pricing CSV’. This allows the ability to import/export a CSV spreadsheet of either all created materials at the time of the export or all materials used in the model (depending on what option is selected) for pricing. Prices will always be remembered.
Public User Material Library 🟠
- Added a ‘Country’ filter option to the search bar. This will remember the last country that was searched.
- Note: This feature is only accurate from when the ‘Country’ field was added to the Create Material pages. For any material created before then please use the ‘Unknown’ option.
Scene Tool 🟠🟡
- Added ‘Basement FP’ (floor plan), ‘SECT C’ & ‘SECT D’ scenes.
- Updated documentation scenes (e.g. floor plans, elevations, etc) to bring the model view into focus when the scenes are created.
- Updated animation scenes so that they use the scene transitions time set in the model (i.e. the time between scenes).
- Turned on solid walls in the structure scenes.
- Turned off the ‘Floor Plan’ layer for the elevations, sections & roof plan scenes.
- Turned off the ‘Elevation’ layer for the sections scenes.
- Added section scenes to the ‘Designing’ set.
Skillion/Shed Roof Tool 🟠
- Fixed the issue where you couldn’t enter a ‘0’ overhang in the dialog.
Edit Roof Pitch/Gable Tool 🟠🟡
- Changed the top edges of the gable faces to been hidden.
Settings Tool 🟠🟡
- Added a new option to select whether to use actual or nominal for all timber/lumber fields. This is only for the USA library and won’t filter the LVL options.
BIM Tool 🟠
- Added a new field called ‘URL’ (this will be a link in the Takeoff).
- Added options to the right-click menu to add, view & edit BIM info. This option is called ‘+ MAKE BIM COMPONENT/SHOW INFO’.
Tag Tool 🟠
- Added the following new fields:
- Assigned From
- Contacted Email
- URL (this will be a link in the Takeoff)
Component Tool 🟠🟡
- Removed the ‘Arch’, ‘Round’ and ‘Raked’ windows from the Special Windows category.
Import PDF Tool 🟠
- Moved the existing note to be positioned below the previous/next page buttons.
- Added a note in the dialog for any users having issues importing a PDF that says to either save or export the PDF again and re-import it.
Splashscreen/Welcome 🟠🟡
- Changed ‘Remove License’ to ‘Change/Remove License’ in the License Info section.
Other/General 🟠🟡
- New and improved sign in pages.
- Components will now filter according to the country selected in the Settings Tool. This is so that you only see brands that are available for your selected country.
- Updated the Create Materials page(s) with the following:
- Added a new ‘Country’ option which will filter the materials shown in the Public User Material Library. This will remember the last country selected.
- Fixed the issue where materials were remembering the colours of the original material (template material in dialog).
- Added the option to either share or not share created materials with the Public User Material Library. This has been defaulted to always be ticked).
Materials 🟠🟡
- Added actual and nominal timber/lumber sizes (USA library). LVL & GluLam materials are actual sizes and will be available for both actual & nominal options.
- Added more LVL sizes (USA library).
- Added brick sill materials (all libraries).
- Added garage door materials (USA & UK libraries).
- Fixed the missing texture issue with the composite decking materials (all libraries).
PlusSpec 17.10 (Rbz 17.10.0)
Released: March 8, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Fixed the issue where you sometimes couldn’t add windows & doors to walls when there was a certain timber frame material applied.
PlusSpec 17.9 (Rbz 17.9.0)
Released: February 13, 2018
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Fixed the issue where wall lines weren’t appearing inside of Layout (mainly for Layout 18).
PlusSpec 17.8 (Rbz 17.8.0)
Released: December 13, 2017
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Added an option to install to SketchUp 2018 in the EXE installation file.
PlusSpec 17.7 (Rbz 17.7.0)
Released: October 23, 2017
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
NEW Tools
- Share Library Tool 🟠
Share your material library with your friends and colleagues or connect a company to one library for easier material management. - Public User Material Library 🟠
Browse through a vast range of user-created materials and add them to your own library.
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Removed the ‘Prices’ buttons from material fields.
Materials 🟠🟡
- Added Inex Boards products for cladding and wall finishes (AUS library).
PlusSpec 17.6 (Rbz 17.6.0)
eleased: October 9, 2017
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
NEW Tools
- Import PDF Tool 🟠
Easily import and position PDF documents into your SketchUp model.
Ceiling Tool 🟠
- Added thickness field when creating ceiling materials.
PlusSpec 17.5 (Rbz 17.5.0)
Released: September 26, 2017
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟠
- Fixed an issue on Mac with the I-Joist option in the Joist Tools.
Component Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue with the ‘Drop to Wall’ button appearing in the wrong location.
PlusSpec 17.4 (Rbz 17.4.0)
Released: September 18, 2017
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Skillion/Shed Roof Tool 🟠
- Skillion Roof Tool now opens when you remove a face from a hip roof using the ‘Remove Face’ options.
Component Tool 🟠🟡
- Added scaffolding component to the Site category.
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue with the material library status button in the welcome splash screen.
Materials 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue with ceiling plasterboard estimate (all libraries).
- Added rammed earth materials to Solid Wall (all libraries)
PlusSpec 17.3 (Rbz 17.3.0)
Released: September 4, 2017
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Beam Tool 🟠
- Added rotate beam feature (use ‘HOME’ key) so beams profile can be drawn either vertically or horizontally.
Door Tool 🟠🟡
- Updated cavity sliding/pocket doors.
- Fixed an issue with the wall pocket estimation.
- Added a privacy lock option.
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Updated material field buttons, which include:
- ‘Create Material’ & ‘Manage’ buttons merged together and renamed to ‘Create/Manage’. To manage materials, click on the ‘Manage My Materials’ link on the Create Material page.
- ‘Paint Material’ button moved below the material drop-down menu and updated to a round paint bucket icon.
- ‘Search Material’ button moved below the materials field and now aligned with the other material buttons.
- ‘Find Material’ button removed.
- Added ‘Suggest/Request’ button and form for material and component fields.
- Added explanatory message boxes when hovering over the above buttons.
- Added user email address to ‘License Info’ section of the welcome splash screen (Windows only).
- Fixed up dialog field names & terminologies.
Materials 🟠🟡
- Added generic masonry/EPS/stucco with render or to be painted materials (all libraries).
- Added Austral Metallix & San Selmo products (AUS library).
- Fixed an issue with the composite decking materials (AUS library).
PlusSpec 17.2 (Rbz 17.2.0)
Released: ???
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Window & Door Tools 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue with the Edit Window or Door dialogs not appearing.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟠
- Fixed an issue with the layer of the joist materials.
Skillion/Shed & Hip Roof Tools 🟠
- Update dialog field names.
PlusSpec 17.1 (Rbz 17.1.0)
Released: July 5, 2017
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
Takeoff Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue with trying to do a takeoff when the fields in the ‘Job Categories’ section of the Job Tool were filled out.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟠
- Fixed an issue with generating joists (mainly when adding a void).
- Added ‘Girder’ where ‘Bearers’ appears.
Scene Tool 🟠🟡
- Updated which scenes the ‘Stair Space’ layer is turned on/off in.
- Fixed an issue with the animation scenes not animating.
Pricing Tool 🟠
- Added yards option to units.
- Duplicate items (components) for the Handrail Tool (wires & tensioners) now only need to have price assigned once.
PlusSpec 17 (Rbz 17.0.0)
Released: June 29, 2017
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements:
NEW Tools
- Beam Tool 🟠
Create ‘C’ Section, RHS, ‘Z’ Section, Universal Beam, Solid Timber/Lumber, LVL & Timber/Lumber Plates. - Handrail Tool 🟠
Create timber or metal handrails with wire or glass options. - Dutch Gable/Multi-Pitch Tool 🟠
Create dutch gables and multiple pitched for hip roofs. - Dormer Tool 🟠
Create dormer roofs in three clicks for hip roofs.
Hip Roof Tool 🟠🟡
- Added ‘Include Sheathing’ options.
- Added the option to create 2D roof plans when you right-click on the roof.
- Added ‘Remove all pitch settings’ option in right-click menu to remove all edits made to the roof with the Edit Roof Pitch/Gable & Dutch Gable/Multi-Pitch Tools.
- Fixed an issue with metal capping length for estimate and assigning prices. Can now assign price via lineal length (not every individual capping).
- Fixed an issue with the length of valleys in dormer and raised entry/roofs.
- Fixed an issue with creating L-shape roofs.
- Changes ‘Slate’ to ‘Slate/Shingles’.
Edit Roof Pitch/Gable Tool 🟠🟡
- New & improved drawing method which allows more edits to be made to hip roofs.
- Added Gable & Dutch Gable infill sections. Material/colour to be chosen in the Hip Roof Tool dialog.
Skillion/Shed Roof Tool 🟠
- Updated and improved the drawing method so that you don’t have to pick points on a flat plane anymore.
- Added ‘Include Sheathing’ options.
- Added the option to create 2D roof plans when you right-click on the roof.
- Fixed an issue with the skillion roof overhang and position.
- Changes ‘Slate’ to ‘Slate/Shingles’.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟠
- Added steel ‘C’ Section, ‘Z’ Section, Rectangular Hollow Sections, Square Hollow Sections and Universal Beams. This has replaced the old ‘Steel’ option.
- Added timber/lumber I-joist and floor trusses.
- Updated the drawing method so that joists can be created on an angle.
- Changed ‘Ceiling Joist Tool’ name to ‘Ceiling Joist/Rafter/Purlin Tool’.
- Fixed a layering issue with the Ceiling Joist Tool (put top layer on ‘CEILING_JOIST_GROUP’ by default).
- Added ‘Group Layer’ fields so the joist top layer can be specified/changed.
Wall Tool 🟠
- Added foundation walls (top plate & footing for specific walls).
- Red studs in wall framing to show load bearing points around windows and doors.
- Added ‘Structural Wall?’ option which will assign the wall whether it’s structural or non-structural. The wall will behave differently depending on what’s selected.
- Added ‘Nogging/Blocking Spacing’ field which will set the number of noggings/blockings in the wall.
- Added ‘Align Header’ field to align all headers in the wall to either the inside or outside of the frame and also choose.
- Added ability to have double headers above windows and doors.
- Added Wall Tool help GL preview text to show the widths for the different sections of the wall.
- Added opening buffers for windows & doors to more accurately represent how it’ll be constructed.
- Changed ‘External Cladding with Plasterboard Interior’ wall type to ‘Lightweight Framed with Cladding’.
Window & Door Tools 🟠🟡
- Added Single Hung Window.
- Window & door elevation swing plan directions can now be chosen in the Settings Tool. This will need to be selected before the windows & doors are created.
- Window & door size order in the Takeoff can now be chosen in the Settings Tool. This will need to be selected before the windows & doors are created.
- Added window and door opening buffers (height & width) for framing.
- Added architrave length to window & door architrave estimation.
- Fixed the architrave estimate output which will now appear on the ’21_EAVES’ layer.
- Added the ability to assign a shortcut to add a window or door. Note: The wall must be selected to do this.
- Added the ability for garage doors to switch side of wall using the Interact Tool.
- Fixed an issue with the Sliding Middle Door dialog not appearing.
- Fixed an issue with the AWS Casement Window materials not applying.
Slab Tool 🟠🟡
- Added the ability to enable/disable slab recess for each side using the ‘Ctrl’ key.
- Fixed an issue with the underslab materials not estimating.
Scene Tool 🟠🟡
- Added to a PlusSpec dialog with help images.
- Added the Solar North Tools to the dialog (from the Job Tool).
- Added ‘Working Drawing Style’ field to set colour/quality.
- Removed zoom extents from scenes to improve the export to Layout.
- Changed the name of all floor plan type scenes. These will now read, Floor Plan 1, Floor Plan 2, etc.
- Added ‘Structure w/Sheathing’ scene.
- Updated ‘Structure’ scene.
- Removed RCP scenes. These can still be created manually from the Floor Plan scenes then manually drawing/adding the ceiling geometry.
- Section planes turned on for section scenes.
- Added vertical & horizontal animation (with section cut/plane) scenes.
- Turn on ‘Brickwork’ & ‘Blockwork’ layers for all structure scenes.
- Changes ‘Spaces’ scene to ‘Room/Area’.
- Updated ’17_WALL_BRACING’ layer (Lightweight Multi-Skin Wall) to work with scenes.
- Turned on ‘ROOM_QUANTITIES_GROUP’ & ‘Plan’ layers for floor plan scenes to show room labels for the Room Quantities Tool.
- Added ‘External Walls’ layer.
Section Hatching Tool 🟠
- Sections can now go through groups/components.
- Remove mitre where walls meet. The ‘Hidden on Plan’ layer will need to be turned on (when creating and moving a section) and off (before exporting to Layout) as needed.
- Added the ability to apply section hatchings to the Footing Tool which will work and look the same as slabs.
- Added the ability to apply section hatchings for CLT walls via the new ‘Solid (CLT)’ field.
- Changed Solid field name to read ‘Solid (Concrete)’.
Room Quantities Tool (old IFC Spaces Tool) 🟠
- Changed tool icon, name, description and field names.
- Added estimable materials for each room/area to quantify the area & volume of it.
- Added ‘Category’ field to choose the type of the room/area.
- Added option to create quantities from a face in right-click menu (‘+ ROOM QUANTITIES > Create Room Quantities’).
- The text in the shape is now position more in the center.
- Added area text (m2/ft2) to appear under room/area name.
- Changed the top layer to ‘ROOM_QUANTITIES_GROUP’.
- Dialog will now stay open till closed or another tool is selected/used.
- The ‘Description/Type’ field has been removed.
Component Tools 🟠🟡
- Added ability to continuously drop components to selected wall.
- Remove multiple components dropped to wall (Remove Component Tool).
- Move multiple components dropped to wall (Move Component Tool).
- Added weight to hollow section columns & beams.
- Fixed layering issue with Water Tank component.
Truss Tool 🟠
- Fixed an issue with the Truss Tool girder trusses bottom chord.
- Now purges/deletes redundant components in the model when creating or editing trusses to improve speed and file size.
Settings Tool 🟠🟡
- Added Norwegian Krone currency symbol to the Settings Tool.
- Added window & door opening elevation symbol direction.
Takeoff Tool 🟠🟡
- Fixed issue when clicking on Takeoff Tool when the Job Tool isn’t filled out. This uses placeholder text allowing users to still estimate. Text reads ‘Change in Job Tool’.
- The totals text is now bold.
Pricing Tool 🟠
- Duplicate items for the Handrail Tool (posts & clamps) now only need to have price assigned once.
Job Tool 🟠🟡
- Removed Solar North Tools (they’ve been moved to the Scene Tool).
- Moved ‘Test’ to bottom of the ‘Stage’ field. To change what option appears by default, select the option you want and save as a new template.
Sync Tool 🟠🟡
- Added help/info text to the dialog/window. Text says to users to use the tool again if it didn’t work/complete.
Other/General 🟠🟡
- Added dialog help images to explain what each field does. Hover over the orange rectangles at the start of fields to see an explanation.
- The submit button has been moved to the bottom of the dialog and the Cancel button has been removed (use the ‘X’/close button at the top of the dialogs).
- Added links in the dialog to go to tool related posts on the Forum. Click the white ‘Forum’ icons to find out more.
- Updated default options for each country.
- Updated terminologies (mainly for US users).
- Added ‘Lumber’ where ‘Timber’ appears.
- Added ‘Blocking’ where ‘Noggings’ appears.
- Added ‘Jerkinhead’ where ‘Reverse Dutch Gable’ appears.
- Added ‘Pitch’ where ‘Ratio’ appears.
- Added ‘Ledge’ where ‘Recess’ appears.
- Added ‘Casing’ where ‘Architrave’ appears.
- Added ‘Pocket Door’ where ‘Cavity Sliding Door’ appears.
- Added ‘Moulding’ where ‘Cornice’ appears.
- Added ‘Base Moulding’ where ‘Skirting’ appears.
- Added ‘Sheathing’ where ‘Batten Thickness’ appears in roof tools.
- Added ‘Underlay’ where ‘Sarking’ appears in roof tools.
- Added ‘Multi-Slide’ when ‘Stacker’ appears for windows & doors.
- Added ‘Gliding’ when ‘Sliding’ appears for windows & doors.
- Added ‘Picture’ when ‘Fixed’ appears for windows.
- Added ‘Folding’ when ‘Bifold’ appears for windows.
- Added ‘Folding Patio’ when ‘External Bifold’ appears for doors.
- Added ‘Folding’ when ‘Internal Bifold’ appears for doors.
- Added ‘Hinged Patio’ when ‘External Swinging’ appears for doors.
- Added ‘Hinged’ when ‘Internal Swinging’ appears for doors.
- Added designer name to Job Tool by default (license name), This can be changed and saved which will also appear in the Takeoff. Note: You will need to submit the change and update your template again.
- Plasterboard has been turned off by default (only before scenes are generated) so walls can be lined up.
- Updated the welcome splashscreen interface.
- Add sign out feature.
- Changed Rubysketch.com to read BIMBits.com for the Get Models (3D Library) Tool.
- Changed ceiling joist right-click menu text to read ‘CEILING JOIST/RAFTER/PURLIN’.
- Changed text after right-clicking on walls and selecting ‘+Generate’ to read ‘Face at top of Walls’ & ‘Face at base of Walls’.
- Updated dialog links to video tutorials.
- Added options to select what to do when resetting factory default (Extensions > PlusSpec > Reset Factory Default).
Materials 🟠🟡
Note: Please reset your ‘Texture Files’ (go to Reset Factory Default) then use the Sync Tool to get these changes.
- Added Stramit products to the software (Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools and Beam Tool).
- Fixed an issue with the Austral Bricks Common 90mm Rendered material size (AUS library).
- Fixed the direction of decking materials (AUS library).
- Fixed an issue with the composite decking materials (AUS library).
- Fixed an issue with the bracing materials takeoff for the Lightweight Multi-Skin Wall.
- Added & updated Weathertex materials (AUS library).
- Added sheathing materials (Plywood & OSB). This is mainly for USA construction methods.
- Fixed OSB & ply roof sheathing materials sizes.
- Fixed horizontal ply wall bracing textures.
- Added OSB & ply bracing to ‘Multi-Skin Wall’ in the cavity insulation material field.
- Added Buechel Stone textures (USA library).
- Temporarily removed Austral Bricks Indulgence range (AUS library).
- Added 4×4 Lumber Structural (USA library).
- Added ashphalt roof shingles.
PlusSpec 16.3 (Rbz 16.3.7)
Released: February 8, 2017
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements: 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue with adding windows and doors to Dincel walls.
- Fixed an issue with editing Dincel walls.
PlusSpec 16.3 (Rbz 16.3.6)
Released: January 24, 2017
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements: 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue with navigating the splashscreen for Mac.
PlusSpec 16.3 (Rbz 16.3.5)
Released: November 18, 2016
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements: 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue with syncing material libraries in the Settings Tool.
PlusSpec 16.3 (Rbz 16.3.4)
Released: November 11, 2016
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This is an update for SketchUp 17 and includes the following improvements: 🟠🟡
- Fixed an issue with the cornice in the Ceiling Tool.
- Fixed an issue with the MEP Tool.
- Fixed an issue with the Drop to Wall function.
- Fixed an issue with the splashscreen buttons.
- General improvements and optimization.
PlusSpec 16.3 (Rbz 16.3.3)
Released: October 27, 2016
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements: 🟠🟡
- Fixed a thickness issue in the Joist & Ceiling Joist Tools.
- Fixed Takeoff header naming errors.
- Fixed a custom material thickness error and wall preview error for the Lightweight Multi-Skin Wall.
- Fixed a Takeoff Export Excel issue with a forward slash (‘/’) in the layer name.
PlusSpec 16.3 (Rbz 16.3.2)
Released: October 17, 2016
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements: 🟠🟡
- Fixed Skillion/Shed Roof fascia height error.
- Added missing fascia material to Reverse Dutch Gable option.
- Fixed Wall Surface Tool draw error.
- Bomb Tool moved into the Component Tools.
PlusSpec 16.3 (Rbz 16.3.1)
Released: October 10, 2016
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
This update includes the following improvements: 🟠🟡
- Updated splashscreen.
- A new internal bifold door option (single & double) has been added.
- Skirting enable/disable issue has been fixed.
- Slab drawing issue has been fixed. Previously, if you tried to generate a slab from an edge/line made up of multiple segments, the slab would not have been formed correctly. This is no longer a problem.
PlusSpec 16.3 (Rbz 16.3.0)
Released: September 16, 2016
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
Click HERE to see the FULL Release Notes
New Paint Tool for better communication 🟠🟡
- Introducing the most powerful and easy-to-use Paint Tool EVER!
Full range of Taubmans Paints for the Australian Material Library 🟠🟡
- With over 5040 colours to select from. This gives you the ability to apply paints/colours to just about anything inside of PlusSpec!
Hip Roof Tool 🟠🟡
- Now includes fascia options.
- Now includes gutter options.
- Boxed & raked eave options.
- Plumb & angled fascia options.
- Eave/soffit material can now be chosen.
- Timber/lumber fascia option.
- Fascia/barge materials for gables can now be chosen and enabled/disabled.
- Reverse dutch gable option added to the ‘Edit Roof Pitch’ Tool.
Skillion/Shed Roof Tool 🟠
- Improved draw method: now each side of the roof will explain if the fascia will be plumb or angled; if the fascia material will be removed; and if the overhang will be enabled/disabled.
- Now includes fascia option.
- Now includes gutter option.
- Boxed & raked eave options.
- Plumb & angled fascia options.
- Eave/soffit material can now be chosen.
- Timber/lumber fascia option.
- Raked or flat ceiling option for insulation.
Wall Tool 🟠🟡
- When you draw a wall, you will now see a bold, black line. This line indicates which wall alignment has been nominated to draw from.
- Help text will now appear as you draw walls. This will enable you to better understand which side of your wall is the external material, and which side of your wall is the internal material.
- Raked ceiling option for internal lining (eg. plasterboard) has been added.
- External wall reveals around windows and doors now have the wall material applied. Previously these reveals were shown white.
Section Hatching Tool 🟠
- Stucco hatching option added
- Existing and Demolition hatching options added
Slab Tool 🟠🟡
- Slabs can now be drawn without a footing.
- Construction details have been updated to make more sense.
- Slabs and footings are now one object.
Ceiling Tool 🟠
- The ceilings now have a thickness.
Floor & Ceiling Joist Tools 🟠🟡
- The joist direction will now determine the direction of the flooring.
Rafter Tool 🟠
- The ridge sizing error has been fixed.
Settings Tool 🟠🟡
- More Takeoff units have been added: Materials & components can be imperial or metric in takeoff (mm, cm, m, in, ft, yd).
General Improvements 🟠🟡
- The Search Materials feature has been improved to make it quicker and easier to use.
- The ‘Create Similar’ option has been added to more tools.
- PlusSpec right-click menu items are now in capitals to make them easier to find/see.
- An Arch window has been added to the Component Tool.
- Updated splash screen and links to tutorials.
- The ‘None’ option has been removed from some material fields.
- General Performance improvements and upgrades.
PlusSpec 2016+ (Rbz 16.2.0)
Released: June 10, 2016
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
🟡 PlusSpec Lite
What’s new in PlusSpec 2016+?:
NEW Tools
- Section Tool 🟠
You can now assign a hatch, colour or texture to each PlusSpec material – and when you change/move your sections, they will update live! And the best part? It’s super easy to use! (Please note that the Section Tool will only work for walls/slabs, etc that have been drawn using PlusSpec 2016+). - Capping & Flashing Tool 🟠
The new capping and flashing tool allows you to quickly and easily add any combination of flashings, cappings and gutters to your model. - Ceiling Joist Tool 🟠
You can now generate Ceiling Joists from the Roof tool. Draw Ceiling Joists in exactly the same way as Floor Joists. - Dincel Wall Tool 🟠
Australian users will be happy to hear that you can now model your projects using the Dincel construction system!
Updates 🟠
- Lightweight Multi-Skin wall added to the Wall Tool which is a common wall construction for USA, Europe and Asia
- Masonry products have been joined together for more wall customisation like block and brick walls and more
- Full Austral Bricks product ranges have been added
- Search Material function for material fields
- Material geolocation according to your area/region (currently only available for AUS library)
- Three point drawing methodology for the Joist Tool (same as the Truss Tool)
- Skillion & Dutch Gable truss options added to the Truss Tool
- Ability to change the takeoff units has been added to Settings
- Round timber post option added to the Post Tool
- Search Layer option in BIM Tool
- Documentation scenes have been set to color by default as well as other updates to the scenes
- Updated tutorials
- General performance improvements
PlusSpec 2016 (Rbz 16.1.0)
Released: March 02, 2016
What is new in PlusSpec 2016?:
Do you prefer to watch videos, than reading? If so, you may like to take a look at our What’s New in PlusSpec 2016 Overview video, instead:
Or, take a look at our In depth 2016 update Tutorial video:
This update includes the following new features and improvements:
NEW Tools
- North Tools – The new North tools allow users to geolocate their site, and then set Project North, which will adjust the site and North Point accordingly. Sun and Shadow Diagrams will be set at Project North, but accurately capture the sun to real world conditions. Users will now also be able to automatically generate Sun & Shadow Analysis plans, with the addition of a new scene set.
- Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Tool – The new MEP tool allows you add more information to your model to aid early error detection and clashes. Currently, you can select from hot and cold water, grey water, gas, recycled water, steel pipe, fire pipes, exhaust & air conditioning ducting and electrical conduit.
- Roof Truss Tool – The new Truss tool allows you to create trussed roof framing.
Updates
- Fractional measurements (e.g 9′ 1 1/8″) & ratio pitches/angles (e.g 1:4) are now supported in dialogues.
- Walls have been given a thickness for plasterboard/moulding, and better visualisation for 2D & 3D scenes.
- Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) scenes have been added to the Scene Tool.
- Cornice options have been added to the Ceiling Tool.
- Advanced voids/cutouts for slabs, joists, flooring & wall surfaces.
- Advanced slab recess & penetrations.
- Merged Roof Tools: There is now a Skillion Roof Tool & a Hip Roof Tool.
- Fascia, gutter profiles, valley, ceiling insulation & sarking options have been added to the Hip Roof Tool.
- Stramit roofing products have been added to the Roof Tools (for our Australian users).
- Timber LVL headers have been added as an option for windows & doors.
- Materials have been updated & added. Make sure you sync your library!
- Door materials have been moved to the Door Tool dialogue.
- Inside the Job Tool you can now add your company logo & enter site classifications, which will also be displayed in takeoffs.
- Inside the Settings Tool, you can now select which Material Library (Country) to use, select the currency symbol that best suits your region, as well as the ability to choose the units (metric or imperial) to write/display in all PlusSpec dialogues.
- You can now export your takeoff/estimate directly into Excel, in XML format.
- The Machine ID mismatch error has been fixed.
- The Tag Tool has an updated dialogue, and also a reply field.
- The Stair Tool now has winder stairs & an updated dialogue, which allows you to create & apply materials.
- The component option fields have been moved to new dialogue.
- Intuitive dimension strings now guide the insertion of windows and doors. These dimensions can be toggled so that doors and windows can be inserted or offset by exact distances, and from different points (exterior wall, interior wall, frame, etc).
- A French door type has been added.
- All doors and windows can now be opened inward/outward (previously, windows could only open outward).
- The Layer field in the BIM Tool is now in alphabetical order.
- More tutorials have been made for our new and existing tools.
PlusSpec 2015 (Rbz 1.3.5)
Released: November 04, 2015
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.5?:
This update includes the following: 🟠
- Multi-Skin Wall, which allows plasterboard thickness & has the option for cavity insulation
- Solid Wall, which includes concrete walls
- Skirting in the Flooring Tool
- Block & Beam option in the Joist Tool
- Tag Tool, which gives you the ability to point out areas in your project for easier collaboration & communication
- More image types able to be used when creating materials
- Ability to switch between material libraries (AUS, US & UK – with more coming soon)
- Water Tank, Corner Brick Sill & Round Window components added to the Component Tool
- Updates to Take Off / Estimation Tool
- Updates for scenes including the new Presentation scene
- Updates to tool dialogues
- Bug fixes
PlusSpec 2015 (Rbz 1.3.4)
Released: May 29, 2015
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🟠 PlusSpec Pro
What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.4?:
This update includes the following: 🟠
- Fix machine mismatch error when changing internet connections
- Bi-fold windows & doors can now open both inwards & outwards
- Updates for lintels in windows & doors
- Kitchen & Laundry Corner Benches added to Component Tool
- Updates for scenes and layers
- Updates for the Post Tool
- Bug fixes
PlusSpec 2015 (Rbz 1.3.3)
Released: May 25, 2015
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.3?:
This update includes the following: 🟠
- Component previews added to the Window, Door & Stair Tools
- LVL materials added to Rafter Tool
- Spreader options added to downpipe component
- Demolition & Existing options added to Roof Tool
- Bug fixes & improvements
PlusSpec 2015 (Rbz 1.3.2)
Released: May 18, 2015
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.2?:
This update includes the following: 🟠
- Bug fixes and General improvements
- Machine ID fixes
PlusSpec 2015 (Rbz 1.3.1)
Released: May 14, 2015
LEGEND
Shows the version(s) the feature is available in.
🟠 PlusSpec Pro
What’s new in 2015 – 1.3.1?:
This update includes the following: 🟠
- Roof Framing
- Special Windows (Corner & Gable Windows)
- Miscellaneous (Brick Sill & Downpipe)
- Ancillaries (Frame Hardware)
- Water Feature, Toilet Roll Holder, Surface Water Pit, Skip Bins & Hedges
- Improved export for Layout
PlusSpec 2015 (Rbz 1.3.0) Official Launch
Released: February 25, 2015
PlusSpec Launch
After years of development, and months of Beta testing, we are proud to announce that we have officially launched the Full version of PlusSpec: PlusSpec 2015.
PlusSpec is a new building design, planning and estimating BIM software, that brings together the power of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), Estimation, 3D Modelling, 2D Planning and Building Information Modelling (BIM) – into one easy-to-use package.
PlusSpec offers architects, designers and builders, total design freedom, and incorporates parametric modelling within the native SketchUp platform, so that any design option can be sketched out and explored quickly and easily in either BIM or free-form 3D.
PlusSpec uses real products from real manufacturers, and allows full quantity/material take-offs and pricingto be automatically calculated and collated in a report – all with a simple click of a button.
At PlusSpec, we share the SketchUp mantra:
‘Great tools are ones you look forward to using…They let you do what you want without having to figure out how. They help with hard or boring tasks so that you can focus on being creative, or productive, or both’
PlusSpec has been designed by Architects and Builders, for Architects and Builders.
The first and only rule of PlusSpec, is that there are no more rules!
Customization: Now you can create and customize your own wall-types/materials and structural framing. Any new wall-types/materials or framing that you create will be saved in your personal library, and available for you to select, at the click of a button. You can also edit your custom materials at any time. With PlusSpec 2015, you have total design freedom. You can design with parametric modelling, which you can customize – or you can use the free-form 3D sketching with the native SketchUp tools.
Shortcuts: In PlusSpec 2015, you can associate shortcuts on your keyboard for all of the PlusSpec tools, to best suit your own personal workflow.
Pricing: PlusSpec 2015 enables you to add prices to every material or component in your model. Literally everything that you draw can have a price associated to it – and PlusSpec will remember it for your next projects. Now when you click your take-off, all of your materials will be quantified AND priced. You can associate labour prices in sqm or lineal meter, and you can even add a margin. If you are an Architect, you can track project costs throughout the design process – and understand cost implications as they happen. If you are a Builder, you can say goodbye to wasting away your hours, tediously preparing quantity take-offs. PlusSpec will give you your life back – and dramatically reduce errors.
This is a Game Changer!!!
We have made many other improvements to PlusSpec 2015, such as:
IFC attribution.
- IFC attribution has become automated! Now you can use your Sketchup models in any IFC compatible software.
- Walls now = IfcWall
- windows = IfcWindow
- Joist and beams =IfcBeam
- Stairs = IfcStair
- Floors=IfcFloor
- Footings =Ifcfooting
- Roof =IfcRoof, etc
IFC Spaces Tool
- Create IFC spaces from your floors, or from floor coverings
- Name your rooms
- Set your ceiling heights
- Demonstrate the room size in 3d
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Footing Tool
- Create strip footings that don’t have to join back up
- Create, find and manage materials (drag & drop)
- Create bearers and joists and change spacing
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Slab Tool
- Create and remove openings after they have been drawn
- Footing only option
- Right-click menu options
- Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
- Demolition option
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Joist Tool
- Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Floor Tool
- Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
- Existing and demolition options
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Wall Tool
- Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
- New Split walls icon
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Wall Surface Tool
- Create your own tile-able images and place them over any surface. Or, find pre-made materials, and simply drag and drop these materials straight into your model. You can manage materials and sync them by clicking the Sync button.
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Window Tool
- Window Tool can change glass type, head height, frame type and colour…even window tinting.
- Copy and place windows in the same wall
- Define residential or commercial windows
- Change the material that the windows are made from: Timber; Aluminium; PVC; etc
- Create custom windows to suit standard glass sizes
- Associate heads for brick work or for framing. These sizes can be changed or attributed by your engineer
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Door Tool
- Associate hinges, door stops, screws, architrave sizing (to one side or both sides), & change door styles
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Post Tool
- Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
- Change draw location: top bottom centre outside, by pressing the right arrow key on the keyboard
- Existing and demolition options
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Roof Tool
- Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
- Remove ‘Hip Cap’ field
- Demolition options
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Roof Tool (face)
- Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
- New ink to tutorials and tips & tricks
Roof Editing Tool
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Ceiling Tool
- Create, find, and manage materials (drag & drop)
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Stair Tool
- We now have 12 different stair types and all of these stairs can make thousands of variations.
- We added in a head height reference for stair void openings
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Scene Tool
- Add IFC spaces scene
BIM Tool
- Create new layers
- IFC classification
- Install price
- Buy price
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Purge Tool
- Make your model work more efficiently The purge tool, this will get rid of all of the unnecessary textures and components in just one click.
- New link to tutorials and tips & tricks
Help Tool
- We made help easy to find! Every tool has access to associated tutorials.
- New beginner & advanced tutorials
- New Tips & tricks section