Revit 2020 Fundamentals For Structure

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Autodesk® Revit® 2020
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Fundamentals for Structure

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Learning Guide
Imperial Units - 1st Edition
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Cover Page
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Authorized Publisher
ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®
Autodesk® Revit® 2020
Fundamentals for Structure
Imperial Units - 1st Edition
Prepared and produced by:
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ASCENT Center for Technical Knowledge
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Charlottesville, VA 22911
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866-527-2368
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www.ASCENTed.com
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Lead Contributor: Martha Hollowell Orcutt
Copyright
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ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge is a division of Rand Worldwide, Inc., providing custom
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© ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge, 2019
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AS-RST2001-FND1IM-SG // IS-RST2001-FND1IM-SG
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Preface ............................................................................................................ ix
In this Guide ................................................................................................. xiii
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Practice Files ............................................................................................... xvii
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Chapter 1: Introduction to BIM and Autodesk Revit ................................. 1-1
e EN1.1 BIM and Autodesk Revit ................................................................. 1-2
Workflow and BIM ............................................................................. 1-3
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Revit Terms....................................................................................... 1-4
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Revit and Construction Documents................................................... 1-5

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1.2 Overview of the Interface ............................................................... 1-6

1.3 Starting Projects ........................................................................... 1-21
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Opening Projects............................................................................. 1-22

Starting New Projects...................................................................... 1-24
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Saving Projects ............................................................................... 1-25

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1.4 Viewing Commands ...................................................................... 1-27

Zooming and Panning ..................................................................... 1-27
Viewing in 3D .................................................................................. 1-29
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Visual Styles.................................................................................... 1-33

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Practice 1a Open and Review a Project ............................................. 1-35

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 1-42

Command Summary ............................................................................. 1-45
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Chapter 2: Basic Sketching and Modify Tools........................................... 2-1

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2.1 Using General Sketching Tools ..................................................... 2-2

Draw Tools ........................................................................................ 2-2
Drawing Aids ..................................................................................... 2-5
Reference Planes.............................................................................. 2-8
2.2 Editing Elements ............................................................................. 2-9
Selecting Multiple Elements ............................................................ 2-12
Filtering Selection Sets ................................................................... 2-14
© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® i

Autodesk Revit 2020: Fundamentals for Structure
Practice 2a Sketch and Edit Elements ............................................... 2-16

2.3 Working with Basic Modify Tools................................................ 2-23
Moving and Copying Elements ....................................................... 2-23
Rotating Elements........................................................................... 2-25
Mirroring Elements .......................................................................... 2-27
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Creating Linear and Radial Arrays .................................................. 2-28
Practice 2b Work with Basic Modify Tools ........................................ 2-32
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2.4 Working with Additional Modify Tools........................................ 2-39
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Aligning Elements ........................................................................... 2-39
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Splitting Linear Elements ................................................................ 2-40
Trimming and Extending ................................................................. 2-41
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Offsetting Elements......................................................................... 2-43
Practice 2c Work with Additional Modify Tools ................................ 2-45
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Command Summary ............................................................................. 2-52
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Chapter 3: Starting Structural Projects ...................................................... 3-1
3.1 Linking and Importing CAD Files .................................................. 3-2
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Practice 3a Start a CAD-based Structural Project............................... 3-7
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3.2 Linking in Revit Models ................................................................ 3-10

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Managing Links ............................................................................... 3-13

Practice 3b Start a Model-based Structural Project.......................... 3-15
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3.3 Setting Up Levels .......................................................................... 3-18

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Modifying Levels ............................................................................. 3-20

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Creating Plan Views........................................................................ 3-23

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3.4 Copying and Monitoring Elements.............................................. 3-24

Practice 3c Copy and Monitor Elements............................................ 3-27
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3.5 Coordinating Linked Models........................................................ 3-33

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Practice 3d Coordinate Linked Models .............................................. 3-37

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Command Summary ............................................................................. 3-42
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Chapter 4: Working with Views ................................................................... 4-1

4.1 Modifying the View Display............................................................ 4-2
View Properties ................................................................................. 4-2
Hiding and Overriding Graphics ........................................................ 4-6
Using View Templates .................................................................... 4-12
4.2 Duplicating Views ......................................................................... 4-14
Duplication Types............................................................................ 4-14
Practice 4a Duplicate Views and Set the View Display..................... 4-17
ii © 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

Contents
4.3 Adding Callout Views ................................................................... 4-20

Working with Crop Regions............................................................. 4-22
Plan Regions................................................................................... 4-23
Practice 4b Add Callout Views............................................................ 4-26
4.4 Creating Elevations and Sections ............................................... 4-28
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Elevations........................................................................................ 4-29
Sections .......................................................................................... 4-31
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Modifying Elevations and Sections ................................................. 4-32
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3D Section Views ............................................................................ 4-36
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Practice 4c Create Elevations and Sections...................................... 4-40
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Command Summary ............................................................................. 4-50
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Chapter 5: Structural Grids and Columns.................................................. 5-1
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5.1 Adding Structural Grids ................................................................. 5-2
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Modifying Grid Lines ......................................................................... 5-3
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Practice 5a Add Structural Grids .......................................................... 5-5
5.2 Placing Structural Columns ......................................................... 5-10
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Modifying Columns.......................................................................... 5-12
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Loading Structural Content ............................................................. 5-13

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Purging Unused Elements .............................................................. 5-15

Practice 5b Place Structural Columns ............................................... 5-16
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Command Summary ............................................................................. 5-19

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Chapter 6: Foundations ............................................................................... 6-1

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6.1 Modeling Walls ................................................................................ 6-2

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Modifying Walls ................................................................................. 6-4

Wall Joins.......................................................................................... 6-6
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Wall Openings................................................................................... 6-7

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6.2 Adding Wall Footings ..................................................................... 6-9

Wall Profiles and Footings .............................................................. 6-12
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Practice 6a Model Walls and Wall Footings....................................... 6-15

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6.3 Creating Piers and Pilasters ........................................................ 6-20

Practice 6b Create Piers and Pilasters............................................... 6-23
6.4 Adding Isolated Footings ............................................................. 6-26
Working with Custom Families........................................................ 6-28
Practice 6c Add Isolated Footings...................................................... 6-30
Command Summary ............................................................................. 6-38
© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® iii

Chapter 7: Structural Framing..................................................................... 7-1

7.1 Modeling Structural Framing ......................................................... 7-2
Beam Systems .................................................................................. 7-4
Adding Bracing.................................................................................. 7-8
Cross Bracing Settings...................................................................... 7-9
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Practice 7a Model Structural Framing................................................ 7-11
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7.2 Modifying Structural Framing ...................................................... 7-19
Sloping and Offsetting Beams......................................................... 7-21
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Adding Beam Cantilevers and Cutbacks......................................... 7-23
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Changing the Cutback..................................................................... 7-25
Changing Justifications ................................................................... 7-26
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Attaching a Column to a Beam ....................................................... 7-29
Applying Beam Coping.................................................................... 7-30
Editing Beam Joins ......................................................................... 7-31
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Practice 7b Modify Structural Framing .............................................. 7-33
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7.3 Adding Trusses ............................................................................. 7-37
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Setting Framing Types in Trusses .................................................. 7-39
Practice 7c Add Trusses...................................................................... 7-41
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Command Summary ............................................................................. 7-48
Chapter 8: Adding Structural Slabs ............................................................ 8-1

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8.1 Modeling Structural Slabs.............................................................. 8-2

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Modifying Slabs................................................................................. 8-6

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Slab Edges........................................................................................ 8-7

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Joining Geometry .............................................................................. 8-8

Practice 8a Model Structural Slabs ...................................................... 8-9
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8.2 Creating Shaft Openings .............................................................. 8-17

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Practice 8b Create Shaft Openings .................................................... 8-19

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Command Summary ............................................................................. 8-24
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Chapter 9: Structural Reinforcement.......................................................... 9-1

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9.1 Structural Reinforcement ............................................................... 9-2

Setting the Rebar Cover Depth ......................................................... 9-3
Reinforcement Settings..................................................................... 9-5
Rebar Visibility ................................................................................ 9-10
9.2 Adding Rebar................................................................................. 9-11
Sketching Rebar Shapes ................................................................ 9-15
Multi-planar Rebar........................................................................... 9-16
Free Form Rebar............................................................................. 9-18
iv © 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

Contents
9.3 Modifying Rebar ............................................................................ 9-20

Practice 9a Add Rebar ......................................................................... 9-25
9.4 Reinforcing Walls, Floors, and Slabs.......................................... 9-30
Area Reinforcement ........................................................................ 9-31
Path Reinforcement ........................................................................ 9-33
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Fabric Reinforcement...................................................................... 9-35
Modifying Area, Path, & Fabric Reinforcement ............................... 9-41
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Practice 9b Reinforce Structural Elements........................................ 9-44
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Command Summary ............................................................................. 9-56
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Chapter 10: Structural Analysis ................................................................ 10-1
10.1 Preparing Projects for Structural Analysis................................. 10-2
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Structural Settings........................................................................... 10-3
10.2 Viewing Analytical Models ......................................................... 10-13
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Graphic Overrides for Analytical Model Categories ...................... 10-16
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Practice 10a Analytical Settings and Views..................................... 10-19
10.3 Adjusting Analytical Models ...................................................... 10-24
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Analytical Justifications ................................................................. 10-25
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Analytical Properties ..................................................................... 10-26

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Manually Adjusting the Analytical Model....................................... 10-28

Creating Analytical Links............................................................... 10-30
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10.4 Placing Loads.............................................................................. 10-32

Boundary Conditions..................................................................... 10-32
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Adding Loads ................................................................................ 10-34

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Practice 10b Place Loads .................................................................. 10-38

Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 10-45
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Command Summary ........................................................................... 10-48

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Chapter 11: Creating Construction Documents ...................................... 11-1

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11.1 Setting Up Sheets ......................................................................... 11-2

Sheet (Title Block) Properties ......................................................... 11-4
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11.2 Placing and Modifying Views on Sheets..................................... 11-5

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Practice 11a Create Construction Documents ................................ 11-12

11.3 Printing Sheets............................................................................ 11-18
Printing Options............................................................................. 11-18
Command Summary ........................................................................... 11-25
© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® v

Chapter 12: Annotating Construction Documents .................................. 12-1

12.1 Working with Dimensions ............................................................ 12-2
Modifying Dimensions ..................................................................... 12-5
Setting Constraints.......................................................................... 12-8
Multi-Rebar Annotation ................................................................. 12-13
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Practice 12a Work with Dimensions................................................. 12-15
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12.2 Working With Text....................................................................... 12-19
Editing Text ................................................................................... 12-22
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Spell Checking .............................................................................. 12-26
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Creating Text Types...................................................................... 12-26
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Practice 12b Work with Text.............................................................. 12-28
12.3 Adding Tags ................................................................................ 12-33
Tagging in 3D Views ..................................................................... 12-39
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Beam Annotations......................................................................... 12-40
12.4 Adding Detail Lines and Symbols ............................................. 12-43
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Using Symbols .............................................................................. 12-44
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Practice 12c Add Tags and Symbols................................................ 12-48
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12.5 Creating Legends........................................................................ 12-52
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Practice 12d Create Legends ............................................................ 12-55

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 12-62
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Chapter 13: Creating Details...................................................................... 13-1

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13.1 Setting Up Detail Views ................................................................ 13-2

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Referencing a Drafting View ........................................................... 13-4

Saving Drafting Views ..................................................................... 13-5
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13.2 Adding Detail Components .......................................................... 13-8

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Detail Components.......................................................................... 13-8

Repeating Details.......................................................................... 13-10
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13.3 Annotating Details ...................................................................... 13-12

Creating Filled Regions................................................................. 13-12
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Adding Detail Tags........................................................................ 13-15

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Practice 13a Create a Detail Based on a Section Callout ............... 13-17

Practice 13b Create a Bracing Detail................................................ 13-25
Practice 13c Additional Details ......................................................... 13-28
Command Summary ........................................................................... 13-32
vi © 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

Contents
Chapter 14: Scheduling.............................................................................. 14-1

14.1 Structural Schedules .................................................................... 14-2
14.2 Graphical Column Schedules ...................................................... 14-3
Modifying Graphical Column Schedules ......................................... 14-4
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Practice 14a Create a Graphical Column Schedule .......................... 14-7
14.3 Working with Schedules............................................................. 14-10
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Modifying Schedules ..................................................................... 14-11
Modifying a Schedule on a Sheet ................................................. 14-13
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Practice 14b Work with Schedules ................................................... 14-14
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Command Summary ........................................................................... 14-21
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Appendix A: Introduction to Worksets .......................................................A-1
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A.1 Introduction to Worksets................................................................A-2
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Saving Workset- Related Files.......................................................... A-4
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Command Summary ...............................................................................A-7
Appendix B: Additional Tools .....................................................................B-1

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B.1 Reusing Selection Sets ..................................................................B-2

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B.2 Placing Slanted Structural Columns .............................................B-5

B.3 Editing Wall Joins ...........................................................................B-8
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B.4 Creating Slab Types......................................................................B-10

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B.5 Creating Rebar Types ...................................................................B-12

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B.6 Editing Plan and Section Profiles................................................B-14

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B.7 Working with Guide Grids on Sheets..........................................B-15

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B.8 Revision Tracking .........................................................................B-17

Issuing Revisions ............................................................................ B-21
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B.9 Annotating Dependent Views ......................................................B-22

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Annotating Views ............................................................................ B-23

B.10 Importing and Exporting Schedules ...........................................B-26
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B.11 Creating Building Component Schedules ..................................B-28

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Schedule Properties........................................................................ B-36

Material Takeoff Schedules............................................................. B-36
B.12 Creating a Repeating Detail .........................................................B-38
Command Summary .............................................................................B-40
© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® vii

Appendix C: Project - Concrete Structure..................................................C-1

C.1 Start a Structural Project................................................................C-2
C.2 Create Foundation Elements .........................................................C-6
C.3 Frame a Concrete Structure...........................................................C-9
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Appendix D: Autodesk Revit Structure Certification Exam Objectives...D-1
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Index ...................................................................................................... Index-1
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viii © 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

Preface
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To take full advantage of Building Information Modeling, the Autodesk® Revit®
2020: Fundamentals for Structure guide has been designed to teach the concepts
and principles of creating 3D parametric models of structural buildings from
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engineering design through construction documentation.
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This guide is intended to introduce you to the user interface and the basic building
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components of the software that makes Autodesk® Revit® a powerful and flexible
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structural modeling tool. The goal is to familiarize you with the tools required to
create, modify, analyze, and document a parametric model. The examples and
practices are designed to take you through the basics of a full structural project,
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from linking in an architectural model, to construction documents.
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Topics Covered
• Introduction to the Autodesk Revit software

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• Basic drawing and editing tools

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• Setting up levels and grids

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• Working with views

• Starting a structural project based on a linked architectural model
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• Adding structural columns and walls

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• Adding foundations and structural slabs

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• Structural reinforcement
• Beams, trusses, and framing systems
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• Analytical models and placing loads

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• Project practices to reinforce learning

• Construction documents
• Annotating construction documents
• Detailing and Scheduling
© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® ix

Prerequisites
• Access to the 2020.0 version of the software (or later). The practices and files
included with this guide are not compatible with prior versions. Future software
updates that are released by Autodesk may include changes that will not be
reflected in this guide.
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• This guide introduces the fundamental skills in learning how to use the
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Autodesk Revit software, with a focus on the structural tools. It is highly
recommended that students have experience and knowledge in structural
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engineering and its terminology.
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Note on Software Setup
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This guide assumes a standard installation of the software using the default
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preferences during installation. Lectures and practices use the standard software
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templates and default options for the Content Libraries.
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Students and Educators can Access Free Autodesk Software and
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Resources
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Autodesk challenges you to get started with free educational licenses for
professional software and creativity apps used by millions of architects,
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engineers, designers, and hobbyists today. Bring Autodesk software into your
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classroom, studio, or workshop to learn, teach, and explore real-world design

challenges the way professionals do.
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Get started today - register at the Autodesk Education Community and download
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one of the many Autodesk software applications available.

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Visit www.autodesk.com/education/home/
Note: Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user
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license and services agreement that accompanies the software. The software is
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for personal use for education purposes and is not intended for classroom or lab
use.
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x © 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

Preface
Lead Contributor: Martha Hollowell Orcutt
Martha incorporates her passion for building design and education into all of her
projects, including the learning guides she creates on Autodesk® Revit for
Architecture, MEP, Structure, and Landscape Design, and on AutoCAD® Advance
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Steel. She started working with AutoCAD® in the early 1990’s, adding AutoCAD®
Architecture and Autodesk Revit as they came along.
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After receiving a B.Sc. in Architecture from the University of Virginia, she worked
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in the architectural department of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and later
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in private practice, consulting with firms setting up AutoCAD in their offices.
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Martha has over 20 years' experience as a trainer and instructional designer. She
is skilled in leading individuals and small groups to understand and build on their
potential. Martha is trained in Instructional Design and has achieved the Autodesk
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Certified Professional designation for Revit Architecture.
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Martha Hollowell Orcutt has been the Lead Contributor for Autodesk Revit:
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Fundamentals for Structure since 2008.
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© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® xi

In th is Gu id e
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The following images highlight some of the features that can be found in this
guide.
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Practice Files
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The Practice Files page tells

you how to download and install
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the practice files that are

provided with this guide.
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Link to the practice files

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Chapters
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Each chapter begins with a brief

introduction and a list of the
chapter’s Learning Objectives.
Learning Objectives for
the chapter
© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® xiii

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Instructional Content
Each chapter is split into a
series of sections of
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instructional content on specific
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topics. These lectures include
the descriptions, step-by-step
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Side notes procedures, figures, hints, and
Side notes are hints or information you need to achieve
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additional information for the chapter's Learning
the current topic. Objectives.
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Practice Objectives
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Practices
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Practices enable you to use the

software to perform a hands-on
review of a topic.
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Some practices require you to

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use prepared practice files,

which can be downloaded from
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the link found on the Practice

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Files page.
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Chapter Review Questions

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Chapter review questions,

located at the end of each
chapter, enable you to review
the key concepts and learning
objectives of the chapter.
xiv © 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

In this Guide
Command Summary
The Command Summary is
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located at the end of each
chapter. It contains a list of the
software commands that are
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used throughout the chapter,
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and provides information on
where the command is found in
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the software.
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e EN Autodesk Certification Exam
Appendix
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This appendix includes a list of
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the topics and objectives for the

Autodesk Certification exams,
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and the chapter and section in

which the relevant content can
be found.
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© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® xv

Chapter
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Introduction to BIM and
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Autodesk Revit
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Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the Autodesk® Revit® software work
hand in hand to help you create smart, 3D models that are useful at all stages in
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the building process. Understanding the software interface and terminology
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enhances your ability to create powerful models and move around in the various
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views of the model.
Learning Objectives in this Chapter

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• Describe the concept and workflow of Building Information Modeling in relation to the
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Autodesk Revit software.

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• Navigate the graphic user interface, including the ribbon (where most of the tools are found),
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the Properties palette (where you make modifications to element information), and the
Project Browser (where you can open various views of the model).
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• Open existing projects and start new projects using templates.

• Use viewing commands to move around the model in 2D and 3D views.
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© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–1

1.1 BIM and Autodesk Revit

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an approach to the entire
building life cycle, including design, construction, and facilities
management. The BIM process supports the ability to
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coordinate, update, and share design data with team members
across disciplines.
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The Autodesk Revit software is a true BIM product. It enables
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you to create complete 3D building models (as shown on the left
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in Figure 1–1) that provide considerable information reported
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through construction documents, and enables you to share these
models with other programs for more extensive analysis.
The Autodesk® Revit®
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software includes tools
for architectural,
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mechanical, electrical,
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plumbing, and structural
design.
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Figure 1–1
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The Autodesk Revit software is considered a Parametric Building

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Modeler:
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• Parametric: A relationship is established between building

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elements: when one element changes, other related

elements change as well. For example, if you add an element
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in a plan view, it also displays in all of the other views.

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• Building: The software is designed for working with buildings

and the surrounding landscape, as opposed to gears or
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highways.
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• Modeler: A project is built in a single file based on the 3D

building model, as shown on the left in Figure 1–1. All views,
such as plans (as shown on the right in Figure 1–1),
elevations, sections, details, construction documents, and
reports are generated based on the model.
• It is important that everyone who is collaborating on a project

works in the same version and build of the software.
1–2 © 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

Introduction to BIM and Autodesk Revit
Workflow BIM has changed the process of how a building is planned,

budgeted, designed, constructed, and (in some cases) operated
and BIM and maintained.
In the traditional design process, construction documents are

created independently, typically including plans, sections,
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elevations, details, and notes. Sometimes, a separate 3D model
is created in addition to these documents. Changes made in one
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document, such as the addition of a light fixture in a plan, have to
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be coordinated with the rest of the documents and schedules in
the set, as shown in Figure 1–2.
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Figure 1–2
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In BIM, the design process revolves around the model, as shown

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in Figure 1–3. Plans, elevations, and sections are simply 2D

versions of the 3D model, while and schedules are a report of the
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information stored in the model. Changes made in one view

automatically update in all views and related schedules. Even
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Construction Documents update automatically with callout tags

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in sync with the sheet numbers. This is called bidirectional

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associativity.
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By creating complete models and associated views of those

models, the Autodesk Revit software takes much of the
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tediousness out of producing a building design.

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Figure 1–3

Revit Terms When working in the Autodesk Revit software, it is important to

know the typical terms used to describe items. Views and reports
display information about the elements that form a project. There
are three types of elements: Model, Datum, and View-specific,
as shown in Figure 1–4 and described below:
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Model Model
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Element: Element:
Host Component
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View
Element
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Plan View
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Figure 1–4
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Views Enable you to display and manipulate the model. For

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example, you can view and work in floor plans, ceiling

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plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and 3D views.

You can change a design from any view. All views are
stored in the project.
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Reports Reports, including schedules, gather information from the

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building model element that can be presented in the

construction documents or used for analysis.
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Model Include all parts of a building such as walls, floors, roofs,

Elements ceilings, doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, lighting
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fixtures, mechanical equipment, columns, beams,

furniture, plants and many more.
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• Host elements support other categories of elements.

• Hosted elements must be attached to a host element.
• Standalone elements do not require hosts.
Datum Define the project context such as the levels for the floors
Elements and other vertical distances, column grids, and reference
planes.

View-specific Only display in the view in which they are placed. The
Elements view scale controls their size. These include annotation
elements such as dimensions, text, tags, and symbols as
well as detail elements such as detail lines, filled regions,
and 2D detail components.
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• Autodesk Revit elements are “smart”: the software
recognizes them as walls, columns, plants, ducts, or lighting
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fixtures. This means that the information stored in their
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properties automatically updates in schedules, which ensures
that views and reports are coordinated across an entire
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project, and are generated from a single model.
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Revit and In the traditional workflow, the most time-consuming part of the
project is the construction documents. With BIM, the base views
Construction
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of those documents (i.e., plans, elevations, sections, and
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Documents schedules) are produced automatically and update as the model
is updated, saving hours of work. The views are then placed on
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sheets that form the construction document set.
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but the required categories of elements are hidden or set to
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halftone and annotations are added. The plan is then placed on
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a sheet, as shown in Figure 1–5.

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Figure 1–5
• Work can continue on a view and is automatically updated on
the sheet.
• Annotating views in the preliminary design phase is often not
required. You might be able to wait until you are further along
in the project.

1.2 Overview of the Interface

The Autodesk Revit interface is designed for intuitive and
efficient access to commands and views. It includes the ribbon,
Quick Access Toolbar, Navigation Bar, and Status Bar, which are
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common to most of the Autodesk® software. It also includes tools
that are specific to the Autodesk Revit software, including the
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Properties Palette, Project Browser, and View Control Bar. The
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interface is shown in Figure 1–6.
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1 8 5 4 9
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6
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7
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2 10
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Figure 1–6
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1. Quick Access Toolbar 6. Properties Palette
2. Status Bar 7. Project Browser
3. File tab 8. View Tabs
4. Ribbon 9. Navigation Bar
5. Options Bar 10. View Control Bar

The Home Screen
When you first open the Autodesk Revit software, the Home
screen displays, showing recently used projects and families, as
well as links to BIM 360 files, as shown in Figure 1–7.
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Figure 1–7
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• Click on the picture to open a recent project. Hover over the

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name of the file, to display additional information.

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• In the Quick Access Toolbar, click (Home) to return to the

screen.
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• In the Home screen, click (Back) to return to the active

model.
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• Press <Ctrl>+D to toggle between the Home screen and

active model.

1. Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar (shown in Figure 1–8) includes

commonly used commands, such as Home, Open, Save, Undo,
Redo, and Print. It also includes frequently used annotation
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tools, including Measuring tools, Aligned Dimension, Tag by
Category, and Text. Viewing tools, including several different 3D
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Views and Sections, are also easily accessed here.
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Figure 1–8
Hint: Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar
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Right-click on the Quick Access Toolbar to change the docked
location of the toolbar to be above or below the ribbon, or to
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add, relocate, or remove tools on the toolbar. You can also
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Access Toolbar, as shown in Figure 1–9.
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Figure 1–9
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The top toolbar also hosts the InfoCenter (as shown in

Figure 1–10) which includes the Autodesk A360 sign-in, access
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to the Autodesk App Store, and Help options. A search field, as

shown in Figure 1–11, is also available to find help on the web
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Figure 1–10
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Click here to expand or collapse the search field.

Figure 1–11

2. Status Bar
The Status Bar provides information about the current process,

such as the next step for a command, as shown in Figure 1–12.
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Figure 1–12
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• Other options in the Status Bar are related to Worksets and
Design Options (advanced tools) as well as selection methods
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and filters.
Hint: Shortcut Menus
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Shortcut menus help you to work smoothly and efficiently by
enabling you to quickly access required commands. These
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menus provide access to basic viewing commands, recently
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Figure 1–13. Additional options vary depending on the element
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or command that you are using.
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Figure 1–13

3.File Tab
The File tab of the ribbon provides access to file commands,

settings, and documents, as shown in Figure 1–14. Hover the
cursor over a command to display a list of additional tools.
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If you click the primary
icon, rather than the
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arrow, it starts the
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default command.
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Figure 1–14
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• To display a list of recently used documents, click

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(Recent Documents). The documents can be reordered

as shown in Figure 1–15.
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Click (Pin) next to a

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document name to keep

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it available.
Figure 1–15

• To display a list of open documents and views, click

(Open Documents). The list displays the documents and
views that are open, as shown in Figure 1–16.
You can use the Open
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Documents list to
change between views.
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Figure 1–16
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• Click (Close) to close the current project.
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e EN • At the bottom of the menu, click Options to open the Options
dialog box or click Exit Revit to exit the software.
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4. Ribbon
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The ribbon contains tools in a series of tabs and panels as

shown in Figure 1–17. Selecting a tab displays a group of related
panels. The panels contain a variety of tools, grouped by task.
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Figure 1–17
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When you start a command that creates new elements or you

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select an element, the ribbon displays the Modify | contextual

tab. This contains general editing commands and command
specific tools, as shown in Figure 1–18.
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Contextual tab
Figure 1–18

• When you hover over a tool on the ribbon, tooltips display the
tool’s name and a short description. If you continue hovering
over the tool, a graphic displays (and sometimes a video), as
shown in Figure 1–19.
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Figure 1–19
• Many commands have shortcut keys. For example, type AL
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for Align or MV for Move. They are listed next to the name of
the command in the tooltips. Do not press <Enter> when
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typing shortcuts.
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• To arrange the order in which the ribbon tabs are displayed,

select the tab, hold <Ctrl>, and drag it to a new location. The
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location is remembered when you restart the software.

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• Any panel can be dragged by its title into the view window to
become a floating panel. Click the Return Panels to Ribbon
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button (as shown in Figure 1–20) to reposition the panel in

the ribbon.
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Figure 1–20

Hint: You are always in a command when using the

Autodesk Revit software.
When you are finished working with a tool, you typically default
back to the Modify command. To end a command, use one of
the following methods:
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• In any tab on the ribbon, click (Modify).
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• Press <Esc> once or twice to revert to Modify.
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• Right-click and select Cancel... once or twice.
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• Start another command.
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5. Options Bar
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The Options Bar displays options that are related to the selected
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command or element. For example, when the Rotate command
is active it displays options for rotating the selected elements, as
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shown at the top in Figure 1–21. When the Place Dimensions
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shown at the bottom in .
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Options Bar for Rotate Command

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Options Bar for Dimension Command

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Figure 1–21
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6. Properties Palette
The Properties palette contains several parts, as shown in

Figure 1–22. The Type Selector can be found at the top, which
enables you to choose the size or style of the element you are
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adding or modifying. The options available on the palette enable
you to make changes to information (parameters). There are two
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types of properties:
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• Instance Properties are set for the individual element(s) you
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are creating or modifying.
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• Type Properties control options for all elements of the same
type. If you modify these parameter values, all elements of
the selected type change.
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The Properties palette is
usually kept open while Type Selector
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working on a project to
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easily permit changes at
any time. If it does not
Filter drop-down
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display, in the Modify
tab>Properties panel,
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click (Properties) or Instance

type PP. Properties
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Access to Type
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Properties
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Some parameters are

only available when you
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are editing an element.

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They are grayed out

when unavailable.
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Figure 1–22
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• Options for the current view display if the Modify command is

active, but you have not selected an element.
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• If a command or element is selected, the options for the

associated element display.
• You can save the changes by either moving the cursor off of
the palette, or by pressing <Enter>, or by clicking Apply.

• When you start a command or select an element, you can set

the element type in the Type Selector, as shown in
Figure 1–23.
You can limit what
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shows in the drop-down Search Box
list by typing in the
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search box.
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• When multiple elements are selected, you can filter the type
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of elements that display using the drop-down list, as shown in

Figure 1–24.
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The Properties palette can be placed on a second monitor, or

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floated, resized, and docked on top of the Project Browser or

other dockable palettes, as shown in Figure 1–25. Click the tab
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to display its associated panel.

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7. Project Browser
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Figure 1–24 Figure 1–25

The Project Browser lists all views of the model in which you can
work (as shown in Figure 1–26) and any additional views that
you create, such as floor plans, ceiling plans, 3D views,
elevations, sections, etc. It also includes schedules, legends,
sheets (for plotting), lists of families by category, groups, and
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Autodesk Revit Links.
The Project Browser
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displays the name of the
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active project.
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Figure 1–26
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• To open a view, double-click on the view name or right-click

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and select Open.

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• To rename a view, slowly double-click on the view name and

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the text highlights as shown in Figure 1–27. You can also

right-click on a view name and select Rename... or press
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<F2>.
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To display the views associated with a view type, click

(Expand) next to the section name. To hide the views in the
section, click (Collapse). You can also expand and collapse
sets using the shortcut menu, as shown in Figure 1–28.
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• If you no longer require a view, you can remove it. Right-click
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on its name in the Project Browser and select Delete.
e EN • The Project Browser can be floated, resized, docked on top
of the Properties palette, and customized.
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How To: Search the Project Browser

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1. In the Project Browser, right-click on a view type (not a view

name) and select Search....
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2. In the Search in Project Browser dialog box, type the words

that you want to find (as shown in Figure 1–29), and
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click Next.
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3. In the Project Browser, the first instance of that search

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displays, as shown in Figure 1–30.

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4. Continue using Next and Previous to move through the list.

5. Click Close when you are done.

8. View Tabs
Each view of a project opens in its own tab. Each view displays a
Navigation Bar (for quick access to viewing tools) and the View
Control Bar, as shown in Figure 1–31. You can drag tabs to other
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monitors.
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Navigation Bar
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In 3D views you can
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also use the ViewCube
to rotate the view.
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View Control Bar

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Figure 1–31
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• Click on the tab to switch between views. You can also:

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• Press <Ctrl>+<Tab>.
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• Select the view in the Project Browser.

• In the Quick Access Toolbar or View tab>Windows panel,
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expand (Switch Windows) and select the view from

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the list.
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• Expand the drop-down list at the far end of the tabs, as

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Figure 1–32

• To close a tab, press the X that displays when you hover over
the tab or the name in the list, as shown in Figure 1–32.
• To close all open views except the current view, in the Quick
Access Toolbar or View tab>Windows panel, click (Close
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Inactive Views). If you have multiple projects open, one view
of each project remains open.
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• You can switch between tabbed and tiled views, as shown in
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Figure 1–33. In the View tab>Windows panel, click (Tab
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Views) or (Tile Views).
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Figure 1–33
• Drag the edge of tiled views to resize them. The other views
resize to match.

9. Navigation Bar
The Navigation Bar enables you to access various viewing

commands, as shown in Figure 1–34.
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Figure 1–34
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10. View Control Bar

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The View Control Bar (shown in Figure 1–35), displays at the

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bottom of each view window. It controls aspects of that view,

such as the scale and detail level. It also includes tools that
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display parts of the view and hide or isolate elements in the view.
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Figure 1–35
• The number of options in the View Control Bar change when
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you are in a 3D view.

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1.3 Starting Projects

File operations to open existing files, create new files from a
template, and save files in the Autodesk Revit software are found
in the File tab, as shown in Figure 1–36.
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Figure 1–36
There are three main file formats:
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• Project files (.rvt): These are where you do the majority of

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your work in the building model by adding elements, creating

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views, annotating views, and setting up printable sheets.

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They are initially based on template files.
• Family files (.rfa): These are separate components that can

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be inserted in a project. They include elements that can stand

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alone (e.g., a table or piece of mechanical equipment) or are

items that are hosted in other elements (e.g., a door in a wall
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or a lighting fixture in a ceiling). Title block and Annotation

Symbol files are special types of family files.
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• Template files (.rte and .rft): These are the base files for
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any new project or family. Project templates hold standard

information and settings for creating new project files. The
software includes several templates for various types of
projects. You can also create custom templates. Family
templates include base information for creating families.
Template files are usually saved as a new file.

Opening To open an existing project, in the Quick Access Toolbar or File
Projects tab click (Open), or press <Ctrl>+<O>. The Open dialog box
opens (as shown in Figure 1–37), in which you can navigate to
the required folder and select a project file.
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Figure 1–37
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• The software release version of the currently selected project

displays below the preview. Do not open a drawing that
should remain in an earlier version, as you cannot save back
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to previous versions.
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Note: It is important that everyone working on a project uses

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the same software version. While your software may be able

to open files created in its earlier versions, it will not be able
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to open files created in versions newer than the one you are
using currently.
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• When you open a file created in an earlier version, the Model

Upgrade dialog box (shown in Figure 1–38) indicates the
release of a file and the release to which it will be upgraded. If
required, you can cancel the upgrade before it completes.

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Figure 1–38
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e EN Hint: Opening Workset-Related Files
Worksets are used when the project becomes large enough for
multiple people to work on it at the same time. At this point, the
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project manager creates a central file with multiple worksets
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(such as element interiors, building shell, and site) that are

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used by the project team members.
When you open a workset related file it creates a new local file
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on your computer as shown in Figure 1–39. Do not work in the

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main central file.

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Figure 1–39
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• For more information about opening and saving

workset-related files, see Appendix A: Introduction to
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Worksets.
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• When you click on a central model showing in the Home

screen, a local copy of the file is created.
• For more information on establishing and using Worksets,

refer to the Autodesk Revit: Collaboration Tools learning
guide.

Starting New projects are based on a template file. The template file
includes preset levels, views, and some families, such as wall
New Projects styles and text styles. Check with your BIM Manager about which
template you need to use for your projects. Your company might
have more than one based on the types of building that you are
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designing.
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How To: Start a New Project
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1. In the File tab, expand (New) and click (Project) (as
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shown in Figure 1–40), or press <Ctrl>+<N>.
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Figure 1–40
2. In the New Project dialog box (shown in Figure 1–41), select
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the template that you want to use and click OK.

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The list of Template files

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is set in the Options

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dialog box in the File

Locations pane. It might
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vary depending on the

installed product and
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company standards.
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Figure 1–41
• You can select from a list of templates if they have been set
up by your BIM Manager.

• You can add (New) to the Quick Access Toolbar. At the
end of the Quick Access Toolbar, click (Customize Quick

Access Toolbar) and select New, as shown in Figure 1–42.
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Figure 1–42
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Saving Projects It is important to save your projects frequently. In the Quick
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Access Toolbar or File tab click (Save), or press <Ctrl>+<S>
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to save your project. If the project has not yet been saved, the
Save As dialog box opens, where you can specify a file location
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and name.
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• To save an existing project with a new name, in the File tab,
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expand (Save As) and click (Project).
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• If you have not saved in a set amount of time, the software

opens the Project Not Saved Recently alert box, as shown in
Figure 1–43. Select Save the project. If you want to set
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reminder intervals or not save at this time, select the other

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options.
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Figure 1–43

• You can set the Save Reminder interval from 15 minutes to

4 hours, or to have No reminders display. In the File tab,
click Options to open the Options dialog box. In the left pane,
select General and set the interval as shown inFigure 1–44.
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Figure 1–44
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Saving Backup Copies
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By default, the software saves a backup copy of a project file
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incrementally (e.g., My Project.0001.rvt, My Project.0002.rvt,
etc.) and are saved in the same folder as the original file. In the
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Save As dialog box, click Options... to control how many backup
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copies are saved. The default number is three backups. If you

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exceed this number, the software deletes the oldest backup file.
Hint: Saving Workset-Related Projects

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If you use worksets in your project, you need to save the project
d
locally and to the central file. It is recommended to save the

ng e
local file frequently, just like any other file, and save to the
yi vid
central file every hour by synchronizing with the central file.

op ro
To synchronize your changes with the main file, in the Quick

lc p
Access Toolbar expand (Synchronize and Modify Settings)

Al ple
and click (Synchronize Now). After you save to the central

file, save the file locally again.
m
At the end of the day, or when you are finished with the current
Sa
session, in the Quick Access Toolbar, expand (Synchronize
and Modify Settings) and click (Synchronize and Modify

Settings) to relinquish the files you have been working on to the
central file.
• The maximum number of backups for workset-enabled files

is set to 20 by default.

1.4 Viewing Commands

Viewing commands are crucial to working efficiently in most
drawing and modeling programs and the Autodesk Revit
software is no exception. Once in a view, you can use the Zoom
n. nly
controls to navigate in it. You can zoom in and out and pan in any
view. There are also special tools for viewing in 3D.
de o
id w
Zooming and Using The Mouse to Zoom and Pan
rb ie
Panning Use the mouse wheel (shown in Figure 1–45) as the main
fo rev
method of moving around the models.
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
Mouse
d yA
Wheel
an b
Figure 1–45
d
• Scroll the wheel on the mouse up to zoom in and down to

ng e
zoom out.
yi vid
• Hold the wheel and move the mouse to pan.

• Double-click on the wheel to zoom to the extents of the
op ro
view.
• In a 3D view, hold <Shift> and the mouse wheel and move
lc p
the mouse to rotate around the model.

Al ple
• When you save a model and exit the software, the pan and
zoom location of each view is remembered. This is especially
m
important for complex models.

Sa

Zoom Controls
A number of additional zoom methods enable you to control the

screen display. Zoom and Pan can be performed at any time
while using other commands.
n. nly
• You can access the Zoom commands in the Navigation Bar
in the upper right corner of the view (as shown in
de o
Figure 1–46). You can also access them from most shortcut
id w
menus and by typing the shortcut commands.
rb ie
fo rev
(2D Wheel)
provides cursor-specific
access to Zoom and
tly r
Pan.
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
Figure 1–46
an b
Zoom Commands
d
ng e
Zoom In Region Zooms into a region that you define. Drag the
(ZR) cursor or select two points to define the
yi vid
rectangular area you want to zoom into. This is

the default command.
op ro
Zoom Out(2x) Zooms out to half the current magnification

lc p
(ZO) around the center of the elements.

Al ple
Zoom To Fit Zooms out so that the entire contents of the

(ZF or ZE) project only display on the screen in the current
view.
m
Zoom All To Fit Zooms out so that the entire contents of the
Sa
(ZA) project display on the screen in all open views.
Zoom Sheet Zooms in or out in relation to the sheet size.

Size (ZS)
N/A Previous Steps back one Zoom command.

Pan/Zoom (ZP)
N/A Next Pan/Zoom Steps forward one Zoom command if you have
done a Previous Pan/Zoom.

Viewing in 3D Even if you started a project entirely in plan views, you can
quickly create 3D views of the model, as shown in Figure 1–47.
There are two types of 3D views: isometric views created by the
Default 3D View command and perspective views created by
the Camera command.
n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
Figure 1–47
e EN Working in 3D views helps you visualize the project and position
some of the elements correctly. You can create and modify
elements in both isometric and perspective 3D views, just as you
us C
can in plan views.
re S
d yA
• Once you have created a 3D view, you can save it and easily
return to it.
an b
How To: Create and Save a 3D Isometric View

d
1. In the Quick Access Toolbar or View tab>Create panel, click

ng e
yi vid
(Default 3D View). The default 3D Southeast isometric

view opens, as shown in Figure 1–48.
op ro
You can spin the view to

a different angle using
lc p
the mouse wheel or the

Al ple
middle button of a
three-button mouse.
Hold <Shift> as you
m
press the wheel or

Sa
middle button and drag

the cursor.
Figure 1–48
2. Modify the view to display the building from other directions.

3. In the Project Browser, double-click slowly or right-click on

the {3D} view and select Rename....
4. The name is placed in a text box with the original name
highlighted, as shown in Figure 1–49. Type a new name in
the Rename View dialog box, as shown in Figure 1–50.
n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
All types of views can • When changes to the default 3D view are saved and you start
be renamed. another default 3D view, it displays the Southeast isometric
tly r
view once again. If you modified the default 3D view but did
ric fo
not save it to a new name, the Default 3D View command
opens the view in the last orientation you specified.
st T
e EN How To: Create a Perspective View
1. Switch to a Floor Plan view.
us C
2. In the Quick Access Toolbar or View tab>Create panel,
re S
d yA
expand (Default 3D View) and click (Camera).

3. Place the camera on the view.
4. Select the direction that you want the camera to face by
an b
clicking to place a target, as shown in Figure 1–51.

d
ng e
Target
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa
Camera
Figure 1–51

A new view is displayed, as shown in Figure 1–52.

Use the round controls
to modify the display
size of the view and
press <Shift> + the
n. nly
mouse wheel to change
the view.
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN Figure 1–52
5. In the Properties palette scroll down and adjust the Eye
us C
Elevation and Target Elevation as required.
re S
• If the view becomes distorted, reset the target so that it is

d yA
centered in the boundary of the view (called the crop region).
In the Modify | Cameras tab>Camera panel, click (Reset

an b
Target).
d
ng e
• You can further modify a view by adding shadows. In the

yi vid
View Control Bar, toggle (Shadows Off) and

op ro
(Shadows On). Shadows display in any model view, not

just in the 3D views.
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Hint: Using the ViewCube

The ViewCube provides visual clues as to where you are in a
3D view. It helps you move around the model with quick
access to specific views (such as top, front, and right), as well
as corner and directional views, as shown in Figure 1–53.
n. nly
ViewCube
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
Figure 1–53
re S
Move the cursor over any face of the ViewCube to highlight it.
d yA
Once a face is highlighted, you can select it to reorient the

model. You can also click and drag on the ViewCube to rotate
the box, which rotates the model.
an b
d
• (Home) displays when you roll the cursor over the

ng e
ViewCube. Click it to return to the view defined as Home.

yi vid
To change the Home view, set the view as you want it,
right-click on the ViewCube, and select Set Current View
op ro
as Home.
lc p
• The ViewCube is available in isometric and perspective

Al ple
views.
• You can switch between Perspective and Isometric mode

m
by right-clicking on the View Cube and selecting

Sa
Perspective or Orthographic.

Visual Styles Any view can have a visual style applied. The Visual Style
options found in the View Control Bar (as shown in Figure 1–54),
specify the shading of the building model. These options apply to
plan, elevation, section, and 3D views.
n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
Figure 1–54
ric fo
• (Wireframe) displays the lines and edges that make up
st T
elements, but hides the surfaces. This can be useful when
e EN you are dealing with complex intersections.
• (Hidden Line) displays the lines, edges, and surfaces of

us C
the elements, but it does not display any colors. This is the
re S
most common visual style to use while working on a design.

d yA
• (Shaded) and (Consistent Colors) give you a sense of

the materials, including transparent glass. An example that
an b
uses Consistent Colors is shown in Figure 1–55.

d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa
Figure 1–55

• (Realistic) displays what is shown when you render the

view, including RPC (Rich Photorealistic Content)
components and artificial lights. It takes a lot of computer
power to execute this visual style. Therefore, it is better to
use the other visual styles most of the time as you are
n. nly
working.
de o
• (Ray Trace) is useful if you have created a 3D view that
id w
you want to render. It gradually moves from draft resolution to
rb ie
photorealistic. You can stop the process at any time.
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Practice 1a Open and Review a Project

Practice Objectives
• Navigate the graphic user interface.
n. nly
• Manipulate 2D and 3D views by zooming and panning.
• Create 3D Isometric and Perspective views.
de o
• Set the Visual Style of a view.
id w
In this practice, you will open a project file and view each of the
rb ie
various areas in the interface. You will investigate elements,
fo rev
commands, and their options. You will also open views through
the Project Browser and view the model in 3D, as shown in
Figure 1–56.
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa
Figure 1–56
• This is a version of the main project you will work on
throughout the learning guide.

Task 1 - Explore the interface.
1. In the File tab, expand (Open) and click (Project).
n. nly
2. In the Open dialog box, navigate to the practice files folder
and select Syracuse-Suites.rvt.
de o
3. Click Open. The 3D view of the building opens in the view
id w
window.
rb ie
If the Project Browser 4. In the Project Browser, double-click on the Structural Plans:
and Properties palette 00 GROUND FLOOR view. It opens a plan with the Visual
fo rev
are docked over each Style set to Wireframe so that the footings and foundation
other, use the Project walls display, although there is a slab over them.
Browser tab at the
tly r
ric fo
bottom to display it. 5. In the View Control toolbar, change the Visual Style to
Hidden Line. The lines that are hidden in the view display as
st T
dashed, as shown in Figure 1–57.
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
Figure 1–57
6. In the Project Browser, double-click on the Structural Plans:

op ro
T.O. FOOTING view. The strip footings and spread footings

display as continuous lines because they are not obscured by
lc p
a slab, as shown in Figure 1–58.

Al ple
m
Sa
Figure 1–58

7. Zoom in on one corner of the building. The foundation walls

are in-filled with the appropriate concrete hatch, as shown in
Figure 1–59.
n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
Figure 1–59
e EN 8. Double-click the mouse wheel or type ZE to zoom to the
extents of the view. (ZA zooms to the extents of all of the
us C
opened view windows). Find the section marker that extends
re S
vertically along the model as shown in Figure 1–60.

d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
Figure 1–60
9. Double-click on the section head to open the

m
NORTH-SOUTH SECTION view.

Sa
10. In the Project Browser, navigate to the Sections (Building

Section) category. The NORTH-SOUTH SECTION view
name is bold. You can navigate through your model by
double-clicking on the element in the Project Browser, or by
using the graphical view elements in the model.

11. In the section view, zoom in on the area in which the callout
has been placed as shown in Figure 1–61. Double-click on
the callout-head to open the TYPICAL EDGE DETAIL view.
n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
Figure 1–61
ric fo
12. In the TYPICAL EDGE DETAIL view, select the floor, as
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
Figure 1–62
d
13. This is a full 3D floor element. You can edit it using the
ng e
standard modify tool and the concrete floor specific tools

yi vid
shown in the Modify | Floors contextual tab, as shown in

Figure 1–63.
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa
Figure 1–63

14. The Properties palette displays the Instance Parameters for

the element, as shown in Figure 1–64.
Any changes made here

are applied to the
selected element only.
n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN Figure 1–64
us C
15. In Properties, click (Edit Type) to access the Type
re S
Parameters in the Type Properties dialog box, as shown in

d yA
Figure 1–65.
Any changes made here

an b
to the element are

applied to all its other
d
instances in the project.

ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa
Figure 1–65
16. Click Cancel to close the Type Properties dialog box.
17. Press <Esc> or click in empty space to clear the selection.

18. Select one of the bolted connections. This is a detail

component (2D element). The Modify | Detail Items
contextual tab displays the modifying options specific to this
element as shown in Figure 1–66.
n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
Figure 1–66
19. Press <Esc> to clear the selection.
tly r
ric fo
Task 2 - Work with Multiple views and 3D views.
st T
1. At the top of the views, click each tab to switch between the
e EN open views.
2. In the View tab>Windows panel, click (Tile Views). All of

us C
the open views are tiled. Type ZA (for Zoom All) to zoom out
re S
to the extents of each view, as shown in Figure 1–67.

d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
Figure 1–67
ng e
3. Click inside the 3D view to make it active.

yi vid
4. In the View tab>Windows panel, click (Tab Views). The

op ro
views return to the tabs and the 3D view is first in the group.
lc p
5. In the Quick Access Toolbar, click (Close Inactive

Windows) so that only the current window remains open.
Al ple
6. Using the mouse wheel, zoom in on the building.

m
7. Press and hold <Shift> and then press and hold the wheel on
Sa
the mouse. Move the mouse to dynamically view the 3D

model. You can also navigate in 3D using the ViewCube in
the upper right corner of the view.
8. Expand the File tab and click (Close) to exit the project.
Do not save changes.

Chapter Review Questions

1. When you create a project in the Autodesk Revit software, do
you work in 3D (as shown on the left in Figure 1–68) or 2D
n. nly
(as shown on the right in Figure 1–68)?
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
Figure 1–68
an b
a. You work in 2D in plan views and in 3D in non-plan views.

d
b. You work in 3D almost all of the time, even when you are
ng e
using what looks like a flat view.

yi vid
c. You work in 2D or 3D depending on how you toggle the

2D/3D control.
op ro
d. You work in 2D in plan and section views and in 3D in

isometric views.
lc p
Al ple
2. What is the purpose of the Project Browser?

a. It enables you to browse through the building project,
m
similar to a walk through.

b. It is the interface for managing all of the files that are
Sa
required to create the complete architectural model of the

building.
c. It manages multiple Autodesk Revit projects as an
alternative to using Windows Explorer.
d. It is used to access and manage the views of the project.

3. Which part(s) of the interface changes when you start a

command such as Wall, Beam, or Duct? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Ribbon
b. View Control Bar
n. nly
c. Options Bar
de o
d. Properties Palette
id w
4. The difference between Type Properties and Properties (the
rb ie
ribbon location is shown in Figure 1–69) is...
fo rev
Type Properties
tly r
Properties
ric fo
st T
Figure 1–69
e EN a. Properties stores parameters that apply to the selected
individual element(s). Type Properties stores parameters
that impact every element of the same type in the project.
us C
re S
b. Properties stores the location parameters of an element.

Type Properties stores the size and identity parameters of
d yA
an element.
c. Properties only stores parameters of the view. Type
an b
Properties stores parameters of model components.

d
5. When you start a new project, how do you specify the base
ng e
information in the new file?

yi vid
a. Transfer the base information from an existing project.

op ro
b. Select the right template for the task.

lc p
c. The Autodesk Revit software automatically extracts the

base information from imported or linked file(s).
Al ple
m
Sa

6. What is the main difference between a view made using
(Default 3D View) and a view made using (Camera)?

a. Use Default 3D View for exterior views and Camera for
interiors.
n. nly
b. Default 3D View creates a static image and a Camera
view is live and always updated.
de o
c. Default 3D View is isometric and a Camera view is
id w
perspective.
rb ie
d. Default 3D View is used for the overall building and a
fo rev
Camera view is used for looking in tight spaces.
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Command Summary
Button Command Location
General Tools
n. nly
Home • Quick Access Toolbar
• Shortcut: <Ctrl>+<D>
de o
Modify • Ribbon: All tabs>Select panel
id w
• Shortcut: MD
New •
rb ie
• File tab
fo rev
• Shortcut: <Ctrl>+<N>
Open • Quick Access Toolbar
• File tab
tly r
ric fo
• Shortcut: <Ctrl>+<O>
Open • File tab
st T
Documents
e EN Properties • Ribbon: Modify tab>Properties panel
• Shortcut: PP
us C
Recent • File tab
re S
Documents
d yA
Save • Quick Access Toolbar

• File tab
an b
• Shortcut: <Ctrl>+<S>
Synchronize • Quick Access Toolbar
d
and Modify
ng e
Settings
yi vid
Synchronize • Quick Access Toolbar>expand

Now/ Synchronize and Modify Settings
op ro
Type Properties • Ribbon: Modify tab>Properties panel

lc p
• Properties palette
Al ple
Viewing Tools
Camera • Quick Access Toolbar> Expand
Default 3D View
m
• Ribbon: View tab>Create panel>

Sa
expand Default 3D View

Close Inactive • Quick Access Toolbar
Views • Ribbon: View tab> Windows panel
Default 3D View • Quick Access Toolbar

• Ribbon: View tab>Create panel
Home • ViewCube

N/A Next Pan/Zoom • Navigation Bar

• Shortcut Menu
N/A Previous • Navigation Bar
Pan/Zoom • Shortcut Menu
• Shortcut: ZP
n. nly
Shadows • View Control Bar
On/Off
de o
Show • View Control Bar
Rendering
id w
• Ribbon: View tab>Graphics panel
Dialog/ Render
• Shortcut: RR
rb ie
Switch • Quick Access Toolbar
fo rev
Windows • Ribbon: View tab> Windows panel
Tab Views • Ribbon: View tab> Windows panel
tly r
• Shortcut: TW
ric fo
Tile Views • Ribbon: View tab> Windows panel
st T
• Shortcut: WT
e EN Zoom All to Fit • Navigation Bar
• Shortcut: ZA
us C
Zoom in Region • Navigation Bar
re S
• Shortcut Menu
d yA
• Shortcut: ZR
Zoom Out (2x) • Navigation Bar
an b
• Shortcut Menu
• Shortcut: ZO
d
Zoom Sheet • Navigation Bar

ng e
Size • Shortcut: ZS
yi vid
Zoom to Fit • Navigation Bar

• Shortcut Menu
op ro
• Shortcut: ZF, ZE
lc p
Visual Styles
Al ple
Consistent • View Control Bar:

Colors
Hidden Line • View Control Bar
m
• Shortcut: HL
Sa
Ray Trace • View Control Bar:
Realistic • View Control Bar
Shaded • View Control Bar

• Shortcut: SD
Wireframe • View Control Bar
• Shortcut: WF

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n.

Fundamentals for Structure

In this Guide ................................................................................................. xiii

Revit and Construction Documents................................................... 1-5

1.2 Overview of the Interface ............................................................... 1-6

Opening Projects............................................................................. 1-22

Saving Projects ............................................................................... 1-25

1.4 Viewing Commands ...................................................................... 1-27

Visual Styles.................................................................................... 1-33

Practice 1a Open and Review a Project ............................................. 1-35

Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 1-42

Chapter 2: Basic Sketching and Modify Tools........................................... 2-1

2.1 Using General Sketching Tools ..................................................... 2-2

© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® i

Practice 2a Sketch and Edit Elements ............................................... 2-16

3.2 Linking in Revit Models ................................................................ 3-10

Managing Links ............................................................................... 3-13

3.3 Setting Up Levels .......................................................................... 3-18

Modifying Levels ............................................................................. 3-20

Creating Plan Views........................................................................ 3-23

3.4 Copying and Monitoring Elements.............................................. 3-24

3.5 Coordinating Linked Models........................................................ 3-33

Practice 3d Coordinate Linked Models .............................................. 3-37

Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 3-40

Chapter 4: Working with Views ................................................................... 4-1

ii © 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

4.3 Adding Callout Views ................................................................... 4-20

Loading Structural Content ............................................................. 5-13

Purging Unused Elements .............................................................. 5-15

Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 5-18

Command Summary ............................................................................. 5-19

Chapter 6: Foundations ............................................................................... 6-1

6.1 Modeling Walls ................................................................................ 6-2

Modifying Walls ................................................................................. 6-4

Wall Openings................................................................................... 6-7

6.2 Adding Wall Footings ..................................................................... 6-9

Practice 6a Model Walls and Wall Footings....................................... 6-15

6.3 Creating Piers and Pilasters ........................................................ 6-20

© 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® iii

Chapter 7: Structural Framing..................................................................... 7-1

Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 7-46

Command Summary ............................................................................. 7-48

Chapter 8: Adding Structural Slabs ............................................................ 8-1

8.1 Modeling Structural Slabs.............................................................. 8-2

Modifying Slabs................................................................................. 8-6

Slab Edges........................................................................................ 8-7

Joining Geometry .............................................................................. 8-8

8.2 Creating Shaft Openings .............................................................. 8-17

Practice 8b Create Shaft Openings .................................................... 8-19

Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 8-22

Chapter 9: Structural Reinforcement.......................................................... 9-1

9.1 Structural Reinforcement ............................................................... 9-2

iv © 2019, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

9.3 Modifying Rebar ............................................................................ 9-20

Analytical Properties ..................................................................... 10-26

Manually Adjusting the Analytical Model....................................... 10-28

10.4 Placing Loads.............................................................................. 10-32

Adding Loads ................................................................................ 10-34

Practice 10b Place Loads .................................................................. 10-38

Command Summary ........................................................................... 10-48

Chapter 11: Creating Construction Documents ...................................... 11-1

11.1 Setting Up Sheets ......................................................................... 11-2

11.2 Placing and Modifying Views on Sheets..................................... 11-5