Interscale Content Hub – One of the first things people new to Building Information Modelling (BIM) want to know is how to use Revit effectively.
Revit is a must-have tool for creating detailed 3D models, enhancing collaboration, and streamlining project workflows.
But this powerful software also has some unique complexities.
That’s why we’re going to break down those complexities and make the most of what it can do. Let’s buckle up.
Is Revit Harder Than AutoCAD?
First of all, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But, it’s fair to say while Revit’s interface and concepts are different from AutoCAD, it’s not necessarily harder, just different.
Revit definitely requires a steeper learning curve because of its comprehensive Building Information Modelling (BIM) capabilities.
AutoCAD is mainly used for drawing up plans, whereas Revit brings together all the different elements of a building design in one model.
Revit is 3D and object-based, while AutoCAD is 2D and line-based. Simply put, Revit is definitely more complex than AutoCAD.
But please note that people who’ve used AutoCAD before often get to grips with Revit pretty quickly because they’re good at visualising space.
However, it can feel a bit tricky at first to start thinking about building components (walls, doors, windows) instead of lines and arcs.
The good news is that you can pick up Revit pretty quickly with a bit of dedicated learning and practice.
Glenn Barret, our BIM/CAD technical support specialist, provides an overview of the benefits of Revit in comparison to AutoCAD in this brief video presentation.
Getting Started with Revit
System Requirements and Installation
Revit uses a lot of resources, which is why you need a capable machine.
So, before you install Revit, make sure your system meets the necessary requirements.
Autodesk suggests you use a 64-bit Microsoft® Windows® operating system, at least 16 GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card with DirectX 11 capabilities.
To install it, just download the software from the Autodesk website and follow the on-screen instructions.
You can also check the Autodesk guidelines for more detailed specs.
Navigating the Revit Interface
Revit’s interface can seem a bit overwhelming at first. But as they say, with complexities comes great productivity.
Get to know the ribbon, which has all the tools and commands you need, organised into tabs based on what they do.
The Ribbon is a key component, as it organises tools into tabs. This project browser on the left shows you the different parts of your project in a tree structure.
This means you can navigate different views and elements of your model.
While the properties palette on the right lets you change the properties of objects. This means the Properties Palette is where you can modify the properties of selected elements.
The drawing area is where it all comes together – your 3D model really comes to life here.
Creating a New Project in Revit
Starting a New Project
To get started on a new Revit project, just open the app and click “New” on the Projects tab.
Next, you’ll be asked to choose a template that fits your project type, like Architectural, Structural, or MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing).
Picking the right template is a big deal because it sets up the standard settings and components, saving you time and making sure everything is consistent.
For example, if you use a template designed for architectural projects, you’ll find that it includes predefined views, levels and families that are specific to architectural design.
Once you’ve picked your template, you can start tweaking it to make it fit your project.
Setting Up Levels and Grids
Levels show you the different floors or elevations in your building.
Make sure you define your levels correctly, as they’re used as a reference for placing elements.
To set up levels, just go to the “Architecture” tab and click on the “Level” tool under the “Datum” panel.
To create a level, just click in the drawing area where you want it to appear. Just tweak the level names and elevations to fit your project needs.
Grids are great for aligning and organising elements in your project. You can set up grids using the “Grid” tool in the same “Datum” panel.
You can add grids in the same way as you would add levels – just click in the drawing area.
For further information regarding levels, please refer “Your Revit Levels on the Level? How to Add Levels in Revit? Let’s Find Out.”
Modelling in Revit
Basic Modeling Tools
Revit has all the tools you need to create your building model.
You can use these tools to create walls, doors, windows and roofs.
For instance, to draw a wall, just select the “Wall” tool, choose the wall type, and then draw it directly in the plan view by clicking and dragging the mouse.
This method lets you place and align walls exactly where you want them in your project.
You can also add doors and windows by selecting the right tools and placing them in the model.
With these basic tools, you can quickly put together the main structure of your project.
Advanced Modeling Techniques
As you become more proficient, you can start to explore some of the more advanced modelling techniques.
Revit has some pretty advanced modelling tools, like the Family Editor and Massing.
The Family Editor lets you create your own custom components, or ‘families’, which can be adapted to suit changes in your design.
This flexibility is key for projects where you need to use unique elements that aren’t in the standard libraries.
Massing tools are great for getting those creative juices flowing at the conceptual design stage, allowing you to create some pretty complex shapes and forms.
This is especially helpful in the early stages of design, when you’re looking at different architectural forms and how they affect the project.
Working with Revit Families
Revit families are the foundation of your model’s detail and realism.
You can get families from Revit’s big library or make your own custom families to fit a particular project.
These components include things like doors, windows, furniture, and so on. To use a family, just go to the “Insert” tab and click “Load Family.”
This will open the Load Family box, where you can look through and see what families are available before you add them to your project.
Revit also lets you create your own custom families using the Family Editor, which gives you more flexibility and control over your designs.
The Family Editor is a handy tool for creating parametric families, which means the components can adjust automatically to changes in dimensions or other parameters.
Documentation and Detailing
Revit is great for creating detailed documentation straight from the model, including plans, sections, elevations and schedules.
To create a new sheet, just go to the “View” tab and select “Sheet”.
You can then add views to the sheet by simply dragging them from the Project Browser.
This way, you can be sure that all the documentation is consistent and up to date with the model.
Revit’s detailing tools, such as the Detail Line and Region tools, let you add really detailed bits to your drawings.
These tools are great for adding in the finer details that aren’t automatically generated by the model.
For some tips on rendering in Revit, kindly read “How to Render in Revit? Or Rendering Feeling Blue? Time for a Makeover!“
Collaboration and Coordination
Revit helps everyone involved in a project to work together.
You can use “Worksharing” to let multiple users work on the same model at the same time.
This helps to make sure everyone’s on the same page and avoids any confusion.
Cloud-based platforms like BIM 360 make it even easier to work together by letting you share models, spot problems, and keep track of issues.
On top of that, Revit makes it easy to coordinate with other teams by letting you link up with other models and file types, like DWG, DGN, and IFC files.
This is exactly what you need for projects involving lots of different disciplines, as it makes sure that everyone on the team is working with the same data.
For further technical and detailed information on the Revitt complexities, we would direct you to the Autodesk Revit Quick Start Guide page.
A Revit Management Support System
We all believe in the power of design to make a difference in the world.
That’s why we’re so excited to help you make the most of Revit, the industry-leading BIM software.
We’ve got a range of Revit Management Support Services designed to meet your needs, whether you’re a Revit pro or just starting out.
Our team of experts will come to you and break down the complexities, making Revit accessible and intuitive so you can focus on creating.
Our training and support make sure your whole team is confident and up to speed with the latest features of Revit.
We’ll also help you implement BIM best practices to ensure that everyone can work together easily and manage data effectively.
We’d be delighted to meet with you for a free consultation. Let’s have a coffee and chat about your goals and how we can work together to achieve them.
Or you could take a moment to visit our BIM Management Support Service page to learn more about our services.
In Closing
Revit is a key tool in the AEC industry. When used properly, it can really help to improve project efficiency and accuracy.
But let’s be fair. To get the most out of this powerful tool, professionals should invest time in mastering its features, from project setup to advanced collaboration techniques.
If you know how to use Revit well, you can make sure your projects are delivered to the highest standards.
