With BIM becoming a cornerstone of government projects and commercial tenders, Revit has become a requirement. So, if you’re part of the AEC industry in Australia, the need to learn Revit has never been more pressing.
Yes, learning Revit properly is your ticket to thriving in this evolving landscape. Here at Interscale, we’re right in the thick of it with Aussie AEC firms, so we get the hurdles and the potential. This guide is about sharing what we’ve learned when helping professionals get skilled up. So you have a clear picture of the journey ahead.
What Is Revit?
Revit is a building information modeling (BIM) software platform. It’s used by architects, engineers, and construction pros to design buildings in 3D, creating smart, data-rich models.
Unlike traditional CAD, where you’re sketching lines, Revit’s parametric modeling lets you work with intelligent objects.
Change one element, and Revit updates everything else, from plans to schedules. This keeps your project consistent without the manual hassle.
For example, when you move a wall in Revit, every linked view, floor plan, elevations, and schedule updates automatically. This parametric engine is what makes Revit different from traditional CAD: it’s not just geometry again. It’s geometry with context.
Used across disciplines, Revit enables better project coordination. Imagine structural engineers and MEP consultants working seamlessly on the same model, with real-time updates ensuring consistency. Revit also supports advanced features like phasing, families, and Dynamo scripting for automation.
This explains why Revit has become so popular recently and will continue to be so in the future. If you’ve looked at a list of BIM software before, you’ll see Revit near the top every time.
Is Revit Hard to Learn?
For everyone coming from 2D CAD tools like AutoCAD, Revit will feel so different because it’s not just a drawing tool. Revit is a BIM (Building Information Modeling) platform. That means you’re creating a smart digital building model, not just lines and shapes. But if you’re used to model-based tools, the Revit concepts will click faster.
If you’re new to design software entirely, Revit will feel even more difficult. Because there’s a lot happening: Views, families, parameters, schedules, sheets. However, it’s very learnable, especially if you take it step by step.
Here are a few things can influence how tough you find it:
- Your Background: If you’ve dabbled in 3D before or other BIM tools, you might find it clicks faster. If you’re a seasoned 2D CAD pro, you might need to un-learn a few habits.
- How You Learn: Trying to piece it together from random online Revit tutorials can be frustrating. A structured approach often works better for mastering Revit.
- The Software Itself: Revit is a big. It’s a powerful program covering architecture, structure, and MEP. So yes, it can look a bit intimidating for beginners.
Actionable Tips to Learn Revit
In many Revit training sessions, a few actionable tips can make all the difference. Here are five practical tips to help you to learn Revit skills that stick.
Start with Real Projects, Not Just Tutorials
Passive video Revit tutorials are great for getting your feet wet, but real learning happens when you apply what you know. Start modeling something tangible, like your home or a small building, with clear plans. This forces you to figure things out, combine commands, and hit those little snags that tutorials sometimes skip over.
And remember, making mistakes on a practice project is honestly one of the best ways to learn. It cements your Revit skills way better than just following along.
Master Revit Foundation Before Jumping Into Families and Phasing
As far as our experience delivering Revit or BIM training to various types of clients, mastering the fundamentals is everything. We see the pattern of how beginners rush into advanced features. For example, try fancy stuff like custom families or phasing straight away.
So please, nail the basics first. A beginner should focus initially on:
- Navigating the interface efficiently
- Creating fundamental elements (walls, doors, windows, floors)
- Setting up project structure with levels and grids
- Generating basic views and understanding parameters
- Implementing essential annotation techniques.
Skipping these fundamentals makes mastering Revit much harder down the track. Also, try to avoid common rookie mistakes, like
- Don’t ‘explode’ CAD files you import because it will mess up your model.
- Be wary of random free families from the web. Many are poorly made or too heavy. It is better to check out reliable Revit content libraries.
- Keep in mind that Worksets are for team collaboration on big projects, not just visibility control like CAD layers.
Take a Structured Revit Course (Online or Offline)
Free Revit tutorials online are tempting, but a proper Revit course has huge advantages. A proper Revit course, either online or offline, gives you a clear path.
If you want to learn Revit online, take a course with real support, curated lessons, a local approach, and step-by-step guidance. These factors will speed up your progress and build better habits.
Here in Australia, providers like Interscale offer Revit training specifically geared for the local AEC industry. With us, you’ll learn why workflows matter, not just how to click buttons.
Use Revit Keyboard Shortcuts and Custom Templates
Learn the keyboard shortcuts early, and you’ll save hours of click time later on. Even better, customise them to fit your workflow using the ‘KS’ command. Here are several Revit keyboard shortcut examples:
| Shortcut | Command | Function |
|---|---|---|
| WA | Wall | Creates an architectural wall. |
| DR | Door | Adds a door to the building model. |
| WN | Window | Places a window or skylight. |
| CS | Create Similar | Creates an element like the one selected. |
| AL | Align | Aligns elements with a selected reference. |
| TR | Trim/Extend Corner | Trims or extends two elements to meet at a corner. |
| MV | Move | Moves a selected element. |
| CO / CC | Copy | Copies selected element(s). |
Join the Revit Community
Joining the Revit community is the best way to keep evolving. Why? Because Revit’s a big world, and you don’t have to navigate it solo.
Secondly, Revit evolves every year; just look at what’s been added in Revit 2025’s new features. So, staying connected helps you with these evolving challenges.
Jump into Autodesk forums, AUGI, or RevitCity to swap tips, troubleshoot, and stay updated. Local Australian user groups are gold for connecting with peers. Ask questions, share what you’ve learned, and keep up with BIM software trends.
How Long Should It Take to Learn Revit?
The learning timeline varies significantly based on prior experience, learning intensity, specific goals, and resource quality. Got CAD or 3D modeling experience? You’ll pick it up faster. Only dipping in occasionally? It’ll take longer.
Most Revit learners progress through three stages:
- Basic Familiarity (1–3 months): You’ll learn the interface of Revit, place walls and doors, and build basic plans and views. This is where you get comfortable.
- Intermediate Proficiency (3–9 months): You can now handle small projects, create clean documentation, and use schedules and system families. This level often aligns with being job-ready for junior roles.
- Advanced Skills (1 year or more): Here’s where you dive into family creation, worksets, phasing, and custom scripts. In this phase, your focus is on mastering and using Revit well.
Please note, if your goal is to become Revit certified, you’ll want to hit that intermediate mark, at least. This is why structured programs can help you get there faster. Of course, you can teach yourself. The problem is that self-teaching is time-consuming. Even worse, you do not have a structured approach.
This is why our Interscale Revit course maps out your learning journey based on where you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re new to BIM or working toward Revit certification, we’re making the process less confusing and more focused.
If you want to talk it through, book a free discussion session with one of our instructors here. We’ll answer your questions, help you identify the right course. Then, we give you a clearer sense of what’s realistic for your goals and timeframe.
Your Next Step
Mastering Revit means shifts from just a handy skill to a core competency for career advancement. But you don’t have to learn Revit alone. We’re here to help you move from Revit confusion to confidence. Explore our course options, download our training brochure, or get in touch to talk through what you need.
