About Alias-Dynamo

We've provided some sample files to help you learn how to use Dynamo with Alias.

Download the Alias Dynamo Sample Files under Alias 2019 Sample Files, then and extract the Alias-Dynamo Sample Files folder.

Each folder contains the wire files and scripts for the following examples:

• Graphic Patterning
• Grille
• ID Patterns
• Light Cans
• Parametric Pattern
• Webinar Demo
• Wheel

Work with the sample files

1. In Alias, open the wire file with history in the project wire folder (the file name includes _With_History).

2. Choose Object Edit > Query Edit.

3. Click the surface that has generated components.

   Dynamo opens the script connected to the wire file.

   The sample files include sliders that you can use to explore different values. For example, the 02_Wheel_Texure.dyn file associated with the Wheel_With_History.wire file includes the following sliders.

   

4. Drag the sliders to change the values and update the wire file.

   Note: The wire file may take some time to update.

1. In Alias, create the geometry you want to work with. Note: Selecting Alias geometry before launching Dynamo is optional. You can the select geometry you want to work with later in the workflow. This would be case if you wanted to use geometry or components that are organized in selection sets. See step 7 below.

2. In the Transform tool palette, select Dynamo .

   The Dynamo option box opens and Dynamo launches.

3. In the Dynamo start panel, under Files, choose New to create a new script, or Open to open an existing script.

   The Alias category appears in the Library. It contains the nodes needed for the Alias-Dynamo workflow.

   For more information, see Alias-Dynamo nodes.

   

4. Expand the Alias category and click Select from Alias in the Library to create the Select from Alias node.

   

5. Select the type of geometry you want to use as an input for the node.

   

6. On the node, click Unspecified and select the input geometry type from the drop-down list. Choose Unspecified if you do not want to predefine a geometry type.

   Note: When you predefine the geometry inputs, Dynamo Player automatically activates the selection filters for each input. This can simplify the process of setting up and running the script for Dynamo Player users.

   

   The focus switches from Dynamo back to Alias.

7. In Alias, select the geometry you want to operate on. If the geometry you want to use is part of a selection set, turn on Use Selection Sets.

   

8. In the Dynamo option box, click Send to send the selection to Dynamo.

   

   In Dynamo, the Select from Alias node shows that elements have been selected.

   

   • To list the selected geometry, click Geometry.
   • To change the selection, click Change, select the geometry in Alias, then Send to Dynamo.

9. Create nodes from the library to build the algorithm.

10. Wire the nodes together.

11. Click Send to Alias in the Library to create the Send to Alias node.

12. Wire the input to the Send to Alias node.

13. Save the Dynamo file and switch to Alias to see the result.

Dynamo offers many resources to help you get started.

• DynamoPrimer.com introduces you to Dynamo scripting, describing important concepts and demonstrating techniques with full examples.
• DynamoBim.org provides videos, tutorials, examples, and sample data sets to explore.
• Design Studio Blog provides additional Dynamo Player learning resources.
• The Dynamo help center allows you to search for answers to your scripting questions.
• The Dynamo forum connects you with the community to learn from your peers.
• Dynamo also maintains an active Dynamo blog. Read up on recent posts to learn about the latest developments.
• Open-source searchable database for Dynamo functionality.

If you're a programmer and want to get involved in Dynamo's development, check out the github page.

Tutorials

• Beginner Alias-Dynamo Video Series
• Alias | Dynamo Computational Design webinar
• Basics/Fundamentals tutorials
• Parametric patterning tutorials (Part 1 - Part 5)