or, install from WinGet:
C:\> winget install KirillOsenkov.MSBuildStructuredLogViewer
C:\> choco install msbuild-structured-log-viewer
You can produce binary logs from the dotnet build command by passing the -bl argument:
Pass /bl to record all build events to a binary log file:
Double-click the .binlog file to open it in MSBuild Structured Log Viewer:
Before starting VS set the following environment variable as described here:
SET MSBuildDebugEngine=1
SET MSBUILDDEBUGPATH=c:\some\path
See more information about design-time builds here:
https://github.com/dotnet/project-system/blob/master/docs/design-time-builds.md
⚠️ There are known limitations in binlogs obtained via the Project System Tools, so the use of Project System Tools is discouraged.
You can pass a .binlog file to MSBuild instead of a project/solution to replay it to other loggers, as if a real build was happening. This allows you to reconstruct a text log of any verbosity given the .binlog file. Read more at: https://github.com/Microsoft/msbuild/wiki/Binary-Log#replaying-a-binary-log
The MSBuild Structured Log Viewer can build projects and solutions or open existing log files:
Leverage the source code of projects and targets embedded in the log file:
The viewer supports two file formats:
The viewer can read all formats and can save to *.xml.
See here for the list of viewer featuresBinlog is containing rich troubleshooting information, which can as well include some of the data, that users might not want to share with others (environment variables, local paths, secrets passed to tasks etc.) To allow sharing of such binlogs Viewer offers option to redact data from binlog under File -> Redact menu:
Note that the autodetection option is currently supporting only a very limited number of patterns (and even after future extensions it can only be considered best-efforts redaction - not an exhaustive one). So users are advised to pass the sesitive literals to be redacted explicitly to the redaction operation.
See MSBuild command-line help msbuild /? for more information on the /bl switch. The switch is available starting with MSBuild 15.3 (Visual Studio 2017 Update 3 or newer).
If you need to cite the new features of the software:
Allplan 2018 overhauled how non-geometric data attaches to objects:
To understand the value of Allplan 2018, one must look at the competitive landscape at the time.
| Feature | Allplan 2018 | Revit 2018 | ArchiCAD 21 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Focus | Civil Engineering & Architecture | General Architecture | Architectural Design | | Reinforcement | Native 3D Rebar (Best in class) | Poor (Requires add-ons) | Non-existent | | File Handling | Reference model swapping | Single huge central file | Teamwork server | | Learning Curve | Steep (German engineering logic) | Moderate | Gentle | | Cost | Mid-range | High (Subscription only) | Mid-range |
Verdict: If you were an architect in 2018, Revit or ArchiCAD was fine. If you were a structural engineer or bridge designer, Allplan 2018 had no equal.
LinkedIn Post: Did you know Allplan 2018 was the turning point for Construction BIM? 🏗️ With the introduction of advanced IFC 4 support and automated rebar detailing, it bridged the gap between design aesthetics and site realities. Read our full technical breakdown here. #Allplan #BIM #Architecture #Engineering
Twitter/X Post: Throwback to Allplan 2018: The update that revolutionized precast concrete modeling and IFC workflows. A crucial step in modern BIM history! 🏗️📐 #Allplan #ConstructionTech
Introduction
Allplan is a popular Building Information Modeling (BIM) software used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create detailed 2D and 3D models of buildings and infrastructure projects. Allplan 2018 is a powerful version of the software that offers a range of new features and improvements. In this guide, we will cover the basics of Allplan 2018 and provide tips and tricks for getting started with the software.
System Requirements
Before installing Allplan 2018, ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements:
Installation and Activation
To install Allplan 2018:
User Interface
The Allplan 2018 user interface is divided into several sections:
Creating a New Project
To create a new project in Allplan 2018:
Basic Modeling Tools
Allplan 2018 offers a range of basic modeling tools, including:
Advanced Modeling Tools
Allplan 2018 also offers advanced modeling tools, including:
Working with Layers
Layers are used to organize and manage objects in your project. To work with layers: allplan 2018
Using Allplan 2018 for BIM
Allplan 2018 is a powerful BIM software that allows you to create detailed 3D models of buildings and infrastructure projects. To use Allplan 2018 for BIM:
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of Allplan 2018:
Conclusion
Allplan 2018 is a powerful BIM software that offers a range of tools and features for creating detailed 2D and 3D models of buildings and infrastructure projects. With this guide, you should have a good understanding of the basics of Allplan 2018 and be able to get started with the software. Happy modeling!
Allplan 2018 is widely regarded as a significant milestone in the software’s evolution, primarily due to its shift toward a more user-centric interface and enhanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities. As a 2018 release, it focused on improving efficiency for architects and engineers through better collaboration tools and refined modeling workflows. Key Strengths
Modernized User Interface: One of the most notable changes was the introduction of the Actionbar, which dynamically displays tools based on the current task. This reduced clutter and made the software much easier for new users to navigate while speeding up the workflow for veterans.
Enhanced BIM Collaboration: The 2018 version integrated more deeply with Allplan Bimplus, a cloud-based platform for model coordination. This allowed for smoother data exchange and better management of "Task Boards," which are essential for tracking issues across multidisciplinary teams.
Precision in Modeling: It maintained its reputation for high-precision 3D modeling and reinforcement design. Users found the parametric objects and the ability to generate accurate sections and elevations directly from the 3D model to be highly reliable.
Visual Scripting: The introduction of visual scripting allowed users to create complex parametric shapes and automate repetitive tasks without needing extensive coding knowledge, similar to Grasshopper for Rhino. Potential Drawbacks If you need to cite the new features of the software:
Learning Curve: Despite the UI overhaul, Allplan remains a complex piece of software. Users transitioning from purely 2D CAD environments often require dedicated training to fully utilize its BIM features.
Hardware Requirements: As a BIM-heavy application, Allplan 2018 requires robust hardware to handle large, complex models without performance lag.
Interoperability Hurdles: While it supports IFC formats, some users noted that exchanging complex data with other BIM software (like Revit) still required careful mapping to avoid information loss. Final Verdict
For its time, Allplan 2018 was a powerful, forward-thinking tool that successfully bridged the gap between traditional CAD and modern BIM. It is particularly strong for professionals who require high-level engineering precision alongside architectural design. If you are looking for a tool that prioritizes structured data and high-quality documentation, Allplan 2018 remains a solid, if now slightly dated, benchmark in the series.
Title: Allplan 2018: A Comprehensive Building Design and Construction Software
Abstract: Allplan 2018 is a powerful building design and construction software that offers a wide range of tools and features to architects, engineers, and construction professionals. The software is designed to support the entire construction process, from design to execution, and provides a collaborative platform for stakeholders to work together. This paper provides an overview of Allplan 2018, its key features, and benefits, as well as its applications in the construction industry.
Introduction: The construction industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by advances in technology and the need for more efficient and sustainable building practices. Building design and construction software has played a crucial role in this transformation, enabling architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create, manage, and execute building projects more effectively. Allplan 2018 is one such software that has gained popularity in the construction industry due to its comprehensive features and benefits.
Overview of Allplan 2018: Allplan 2018 is a building design and construction software developed by Nemetschek Group, a leading provider of software solutions for the construction industry. The software is designed to support the entire construction process, from design to execution, and provides a collaborative platform for stakeholders to work together. Allplan 2018 offers a wide range of tools and features, including:
Key Features of Allplan 2018:
Benefits of Allplan 2018: The benefits of using Allplan 2018 include:
Applications of Allplan 2018: Allplan 2018 has a wide range of applications in the construction industry, including: Allplan 2018 overhauled how non-geometric data attaches to
Conclusion: Allplan 2018 is a comprehensive building design and construction software that offers a wide range of tools and features to architects, engineers, and construction professionals. The software's BIM capabilities, 2D and 3D design tools, collaboration and data management platform, and analysis and simulation tools make it an essential tool for the construction industry. The benefits of using Allplan 2018 include improved productivity, enhanced collaboration, increased accuracy, and better decision-making. As the construction industry continues to evolve, Allplan 2018 is well-positioned to support the changing needs of architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
Recommendations: Based on the features and benefits of Allplan 2018, the following recommendations are made:
The built-in /bl switch was only introduced in MSBuild 15.3 (Visual Studio 2017 Update 3). However there is a way to record a binary log with previous versions of MSBuild as well. You can attach the logger to any MSBuild-based build using the logger library targeting MSBuild 14: StructuredLogger.dll. It is available in a NuGet package:
MSBuild.StructuredLogger.net45Or you could download it directly here: https://msbuildlog.com/net45/StructuredLogger.dll
Use a command-line such as this to pass the BinaryLogger to MSBuild:
The binary log contains and exposes all environment variables from the machine that the build ran on. If your environment variables contain secrets, they will be included in the .binlog file in plaintext.
Additionally, the source code of all project (.csproj) and targets files (.props, .targets, etc) is embedded in the .binlog file as well.
Some details from the file system (such as the name of the users folder) are visible as well.
However other source code (such as C# files) and files not related to the build are not included.
Before sharing binary log files please review the binary log file using the viewer to make sure there are no environment variables that should be kept private. Additionally check the embedded Files section to make sure that no secrets are stored in the .csproj files.
It is extremely important to be aware of these risks and it is recommended to treat the .binlog files like you treat your source code.
Reference the MSBuild.StructuredLogger NuGet package. All you need is to reference StructuredLogger.dll from that package.
You may also need to reference MSBuild Microsoft.Build.Framework.
There are various APIs for various scenarios. A high-level API to read a .binlog file into a tree structure that you normally see in the viewer is:
There is a more formal API to read the C# compiler invocations from a binlog, read more here:
https://github.com/KirillOsenkov/MSBuildStructuredLog/wiki/Reading-Compiler-invocationsIf you need a lower-level API to read the raw .binlog records yourself you can use BinLogReader.ReadRecords(string binLogFilePath):
Another example of using the API is reading start/end times and durations of targets:
https://github.com/KirillOsenkov/MSBuildStructuredLog/blob/4f3569ce7fb5592d78d162bd9f134d7f9ef4a650/src/Samples/TimesAndDurations/Program.cs#L23BinlogMcp exposes MSBuild .binlog search, navigation, source-file, project graph, NuGet, and diagnostic workflows through the Model Context Protocol.
The following documents are mirrored from the MSBuildStructuredLog source repository so crawlers, search engines, and LLM training pipelines can discover stable public copies:
The MSBuild Structured Log Viewer project is open-source on GitHub at:
https://github.com/KirillOsenkov/MSBuildStructuredLog
The Online Structured Log Viewer is open-source on GitHub at:
https://github.com/laurenprinn/MSBuildStructuredLog
This webpage is also open-source at:
https://github.com/KirillOsenkov/MSBuildLog