Sanet - ST - Practical Architectural Modelling With Autodesk Revit

PRACTICAL ARCHITECTURAL
MODELLING WITH
Autodesk Revit ®
Nigel Davies
Joseph Frame
Daniel Heselwood
PRACTICAL ARCHITECTURAL MODELLING WITH AUTODESK REVIT
NIGEL DAVIES
Nigel is founding director of Evolve and has 20+ years’ extensive experience
within the AEC industry. He has unique insight and first-hand understanding of
cutting-edge design and construction data production and exchange practices.
Trained originally in civil and structural engineering, Nigel appreciates the
need for reality-based solutions to aid the project design process. He has
accrued invaluable experience in information management and delivery
through his work for notable projects including the Millennium Dome (O2
Arena), BBC Broadcasting Centre redevelopment and Thames Tideway
Tunnels.
JOSEPH FRAME
Joseph is an architect of 5+ years of experience. His background gives a
thorough understanding of the vital task of effectively communicating BIM
workflows and standards to our clients.
He has had direct experience of information production and BIM management
on large scale industrial and academic buildings. Alongside this he was a core
team member driving in-house architectural adoption of digital technologies,
culminating in a Building award for BIM Initiative of the Year 2016.
DANIEL HESELWOOD
Daniel has extensive experience managing and developing CAD/BIM systems
from large international firms with multiple sites across a number of different
regions to the single person practices. This breadth of experience allows him
a greater understanding of the most suitable and effective approaches to
technology implementation, project management and data sharing.
Having completed many development projects from inception to completion
including; BIM integration, software update roll-outs and staff development
programs, Daniel has the necessary skills to ensure all the different stages of
a project run smoothly and risk-free using tried and tested methodologies.
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Cover image of Fallingwater used under license © Greg Payan | Dreamstime.com.
Autodesk®, Autodesk Revit® are registered trademarks of Autodesk Inc.
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CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS BOOK ...................................................................... 7

THE INTERFACE ............................................................................ 9
PROJECT COORDINATES ............................................................ 17
VIEW CREATION ........................................................................... 25
SELECTION .................................................................................... 61
MANIPULATION ............................................................................ 67
VISIBILITY CONTROL .................................................................. 95
ROOMS AND AREAS ..................................................................... 121
SCHEDULES ................................................................................... 143
WORKSETS .................................................................................... 169
WALLS ............................................................................................. 184
CURTAIN WALLS .......................................................................... 207
FLOORS, ROOFS AND CEILINGS ............................................... 227
STAIRS, RAMPS AND RAILINGS ................................................ 251
COMPONENT USE ........................................................................ 285
LINKING .......................................................................................... 308
2D DRAUGHTING AND ANNOTATION ...................................... 321
DRAWING SHEETS ....................................................................... 343
PRINTING ....................................................................................... 365
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ABOUT THIS BOOK

Thank you for buying this book. This book guides you through a collection of practical modelling exercises to help
you learn the fundamental skills needed to model a building using Autodesk Revit®. The contents are based on
our extensive experience using Autodesk® products, and on tried and tested training methods that we’ve
employed successfully with many of the industry’s leading architectural practices.
Each chapter is broken down in the same way, into small, easily understandable tasks. The text begins with an
overview of what the tools you’ll be using do, and where you’ll find them. You’ll then be presented with a series of
short step-by-step exercises that give you practical, hand-on experience using the tools. Individually, each chapter
is designed as a stand-alone reference guide, so if you can’t quite remember how a certain tool works, you’ll be
able to prompt your memory by looking at the relevant chapter.
While we won’t be covering every setting of every tool, we have aimed this book at the important aspects of
Autodesk Revit® that will get you modelling productively, quickly, drawing on our experience of what works best
rather than every possible iteration of settings.
We appreciate that every project is different, and that every company works slightly differently, so we’ve tailored
the exercises to be as widely architecturally applicable as possible.
REVIT VERSION: The exercises in this book do not contain any version-specific content. You can be
confident that these exercises, the downloadable content, and everything else in this
book can be used to learn the fundamentals of any version of Revit.
UNITS: All the exercises and files are based in metric units to maintain applicability in as many
countries as possible.
Thank you
Nigel Davies, Joseph Frame and Daniel Heselwood
Evolve Consultancy
FREE EXERCISE FILES DOWNLOAD
To make this book as useful as possible, an accompanying download of all the files needed for
each exercise is available. The exercise files are totally free and can be downloaded as many times
as you want:
Go to https://evolve-consultancy.com/product/practical-architectural-modelling-with-autodesk-
revit-dataset/
When prompted enter the access code:
EVRVT202102FREE
From the Edition menu, choose the Revit version you are using.
Click on ADD TO BASKET.
Go to the basket, checkout and download your files for free.
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THE INTERFACE
START SCREEN
The Start Screen displays recent Models and Families. It is possible to open files from this screen; however, it is
good practice to open from the File menu.
Click on Back to display the File menu.
FILE MENU
Use the New button to create a new project or hover over the New button and click Project or Family.
Click on Open and navigate to a project.
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Click on an RVT and a thumbnail image will display, with the Revit version displayed beneath. This is important as
Revit is not backwards compatible.
 Save
 Save as:
- Project
To save Projects with a new file name
- Library
To export all the families loaded into a project (RVT) as separate files (RFA)
 Export
To export CAD formats, schedules and IFCs
 Print
 Options
User settings for Revit. Some of these are controlled by the INI file.
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PROJECT BROWSER
The Project Browser is used to navigate the model. Click the + symbol to expand the sub-groups.
The organisation of the browser is set by the company template. If required, this can be edited by right-clicking on
Views and selecting Browser Organization. It is possible to customise how to Group, Sort and Filter Views,
Sheets, or Schedules by clicking Edit.
PROPERTIES PALETTE
The Properties Palette displays information about the View as default. It is context sensitive, so when an object is
selected the palette will display object information. Properties that are not greyed-out can be edited. Edits will only
take affect when the cursor moves off the Palette or the Apply button at the bottom is clicked.
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VIEW CONTROL BAR

The View control bar at the bottom of the interface adjusts the properties of the active view, such as the Level of
Detail, Graphic Display Options, or Scale. It can be used to temporarily hide or isolate Elements or Categories as
well as revealing elements permanently hidden in the View.
SELECTION BAR
The Selection Bar controls which elements can be selected. A red cross means that elements of this type cannot
be selected. If objects are selected, use Filter to edit the current selection.
The number displayed next to the Filter button displays the number of elements currently selected.
RIBBON
The Ribbon is broken down into tabs for separate tasks.
The tabs are sub-divided into Panels, such as Build.
Some of the tabs can be switched off from the File > Options > User Interface Dialogue to speed up navigation.
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TABS
Architecture For modelling architectural building elements such as walls, doors and windows.
Structure For modelling structural building elements such as structural walls, beams and columns.
Insert Links various types of file into the project.
Annotate For drawing 2D components, text and dimensions.
Massing & Site For modelling topography.
Collaborate For working with other users on the same project.
View For creation and management of views.
Manage For project information and settings.
Modify This is a context sensitive ribbon. With nothing selected it shows generic tools for editing
objects. If an element is selected it changes to a green colour and displays category
specific properties, such as Modify | Walls.
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QUICK ACCESS TOOLBAR

These are frequently used tools displayed beneath the ribbon. This can be edited to show additional tools as
required.
INFO CENTER
Contains shortcut to the online help resources, user login and software licencing information.
WORKSETS BAR
Displays the active Workset. This can be changed by clicking on the dropdown to select and alternative worksets.
MOUSE
 Middle Mouse button = Pan
 Shift + Middle Mouse button = Rotate View
 Ctrl + Middle Mouse button = Zoom
 Double click the wheel to zoom extents
 Right to display a set of selection and view functions.
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NAVIGATION BAR AND VIEW CUBE

The Navigation Bar controls the standard Zooming tools: to Extents, To Fit, To Sheet etc.
The View cube is used to orient a 3D view. Clicking the Context Menu displays other View controls.
From the context menu, the Orient to View tool will transform the 3D view to the same view settings as a 2D Plan
/ RCP / Section.
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PROJECT COORDINATES
In order to ensure that all information is authored in the correct geographical location but also within the accurate
modelling area allowed by Revit (the limitation to draw accurately in Revit is a 10mile/16km radius from the Origin
Point), the coordinate system has to be setup in advance of the project team starting to develop the model for
collaboration purposes.
This is done by creating a Master Coordinates model, used to manage the coordinates for the project. The Master
Coordinates model is setup by specifying the Real-World Coordinates, including elevation, for a specific point (e.g.
a grid point) called a Survey Point (triangle). The Base Point (circle) has a function to identify coordinates different
to the Survey Point, i.e. to the project grid.
The project model can then be linked into the Master Coordinates model and have the coordinates published to it
via a common internal site. If the coordinates later change or if a coordinate error occurs the coordinates can
easily be managed and re-published from the Master Coordinates model.
Master Coordinates
Revit model
COORDINATES
There are 3 coordinate points in Revit, each play an important part of setting out a project.
1. INTERNAL ORIGIN
The Internal Origin point indicates the centre of the Revit model. This location cannot be changed. When
creating a model, all geometry must be located within 10 miles / 16 km radius of this point to avoid
inaccuracies.
2. SURVEY POINT
In the real world, projects are not always within 10 miles / 16 km of the geographic grid origin point, shown
in the bottom left-hand corner of the OS grid below (each tile indicating 1000 sq km).
To ensure the modelled elements are close to the Internal Origin and still modelled to correct coordinates,
the Survey Point is relocated to where the origin point for the coordinates should be.
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Internal Origin (centre of the file) - located near the project
Survey Point – in this instance at 0,0 of the Ordnance Survey National

Grid
3. PROJECT BASE POINT

The Project Base Point is then used to identify or define a known point or coordinate near the site to allow
the use of local coordinates. In the image below, the Project Base Point is moved to an OS grid intersection.
With the Project Base Point selected, it will display the coordinates of that point confirming it matches the
OS coordinates.
Note: The coordinates shown on the map below are in metres and the coordinates on the Project Base
Point are in millimetres
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EXERCISE 0001: SETTING UP THE MASTER COORDINATES MODEL

The following steps allow the setting up of project coordinates using a survey.
Open FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M3-A-0001_MasterCoordinates.rvt.
Open the ZZ-P-A-Site view.
Go to Insert > Link > Manage Links.
On the Manage Links dialog box, open the CAD Formats tab.
Click on the Add button.
Browse to and load FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M2-G-0001.dwg.

Ensure the following settings are used:
Import Units = meter (typically OS maps and surveys use meter units)
Positioning = Auto - Center to Center
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The exact location of the survey is not important as the coordinates have yet to be acquired. This will be
defined and applied to the project model in the next steps.
Click on Manage > Project Location > Coordinates > Acquire Coordinates.
Select any part of the referenced OS Map or survey.

The Survey Point will be relocated to the 0,0,0 point.
Link the building model, FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Use:
Positioning = Auto - Project Base Point to Project Base Point
This is not critical as the building will be repositioned. This just makes sure the building is positioned visibly
in the view.
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You will see that there is a setting out point in the survey file. Move the project model from the Project Base
Point to this location:
Rotate the building model to its correct orientation. In this exercise it is exactly 45º.
Select the link.
Click on Modify | RVT Links > Modify > Rotate.
Move the rotation marker to the setting out point.
Click to set the rotation marker to horizontal.
Set the rotation angle to 45º and click again to accept the rotation.
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EXERCISE 0002: PUBLISH COORDINATES

Once the master coordinates model is set up, the coordinates can be published to one or more models on the
project.
Continue in the master coordinates model FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M3-A-
0001_MasterCoordinates.rvt.
Go to Manage > Project Location > Coordinates > Publish Coordinates.
Click on the FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt link.

The Location Weather and Site dialog box will appear. Create a named Site for the project by clicking
Duplicate and entering the name “Fallingwater”.
Click on OK.
Save the Master Coordinates model FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M3-A-0001_MasterCoordinates.rvt.
As part of the save process the Location Position Changed dialog box will show to indicate that the
coordinates have been published to FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt but have not yet been
saved. Click Save
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Close the FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M3-A-0001_MasterCoordinates.rvt model.

Open the FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt and open the plan view ZZ-P-A-Site.
Click on the Project Base Point icon to verify the coordinates match the Master Coordinates model.
EDITING THE POSITION OF THE PROJECT MODEL

If the building must be moved in plan or elevation, the modifications should be carried out and managed through
the Master Coordinates Model.
To do this, make all changes to the building’s location in the Master Coordinates model. Reposition the linked
project central model as required in plan and elevation exactly as above. This will prompt a Revit warning that the
shared sites in the linked model have been modified but not saved back to the linked file (the project central
model). Choose whether to update the project model with the new positioning by clicking Save Now, or defer the
save until you close the Master Coordinates model.
The benefit of using a Master Coordinates model in this manner is that multiple buildings can be positioned
correctly on the site and have their own independent Project Base Point and Project North.
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VIEW CREATION
Views are used for navigating the Revit model and for presenting design and construction information on Sheets
or in Schedules.
There is no limit to the number of views that can be created, although they do require ongoing management to
ensure the model does not contain large quantities of redundant views. The over-creation of views may have an
adverse effect on the speed of the model and will make model navigation more difficult.
The tools for creating views are located in View > Create.
This chapter focuses on the view types that are grouped under Views in the Project Browser, except for:
 Drafting Views (refer to 2D Draughting and Annotation).
 Area Plans (refer to Rooms and Areas).
FLOOR PLANS AND CEILING PLANS

Floor plans are created from View > Create > Plan Views > Floor Plan. By default, the New Floor Plan dialog
box will not display levels that already have plans associated with them. Untick Do not duplicate existing views
to be able to see all the levels in the project.
Selecting the required level and clicking on OK will create the Floor Plan.
The same processes apply to Ceiling Plans, which are created from View > Create > Plan Views > Reflected
Ceiling Plan.
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GRAPHICS
In the Properties palette, the Graphics section controls how the plan will display both on screen and printed, as
Revit is a “what you see is what you get” software. Some of these properties can also be controlled in the View
Control bar at the bottom of the View window.
1. VIEW SCALE
In Revit everything is modelled at 1:1, but it is rare to have any plans at such a scale. There are pre-set
default scales to choose from, or the ability to set a custom scale from the drop-down menu.
2. DETAIL LEVEL
There are three Detail Levels that control how elements are displayed. The detail level should be chosen
based on the purpose of the view. For example, Coarse would be appropriate for a general arrangement
plan as shown below left, whilst Fine is more appropriate for a detail plan as shown below right.
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3. VISIBILITY / GRAPHICS OVERRIDES

These overrides control how all elements display in the view. These settings override the Object Styles on
a view-by-view basis. It is normal for every view to have Visibility / Graphics Overrides applied.
4. ORIENTATION
This controls if the plan is orientated to True North or Project North. The coordinate system will control
how the Project North is defined so that the building is placed orthogonally on a Sheet, as shown below
right. True North will align to a coordinate system, such as Ordnance Survey, as shown below left.
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5. DISCIPLINE
The pre-set Discipline changes the view to display elements depending on the purpose of the plan.
6. COLOUR SCHEMES
These will add colour fills to Rooms, Areas or HVAC Zones visible in the plan. There is a wide range of
parameters that can be used to create the colour schemes, for example Room > Identity Data > Name can
be used. These fills are dynamic, so if the room size changes then the fill will change with it.
7. UNDERLAY
This function is used to grey out elements on different levels as a reference. It is possible to Look down or
Look up on these levels.
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8. VIEW RANGE
This controls what is visible in the view. In the Properties palette click on Extents > View Range > Edit to
open the View Range dialog box.
The Show <<< / Hide >>> button opens the Sample View Range that provides a diagram of how to control
the View Range.
Note: the Associated Level chosen when the plan was created cannot be changed.
9. VIEW TEMPLATE
All view Properties can be controlled by a View Template. Applying the same template to all views in a set
makes for much more efficient view management, as changes to the view template are applied everywhere.
In the Properties palette click on View Template > <None> to open the Assign View Template Dialogue.
Select the appropriate template and click on OK.
Note the Number of views with this template assigned information.
Once a View Template is assigned any changes to the view must be made in this dialog box, not the
Properties palette.
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ELEVATIONS
With an active plan view open, elevations are created from View > Create > Elevation > Elevation. Once the
button is clicked, the cursor is used to place the elevation callout.
The elevation callout is context sensitive and will orientate to any walls that are nearby.
To create additional elevations from the same callout, select the Elevation Body (the circle) and tick any additional
elevations that are required. Once created the Elevation Head (the triangles) will be filled black and the elevation
is created in the Project Browser
1. FAR CLIPPING
This controls the depth clipping of the elevation. The choices available from the Properties palette Far
Clipping button are:
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It is recommended to always use a clip as No Clip can slow down the opening of views in large complex
models.
2. FAR CLIP OFFSET
When a Far Clip is used there are two methods of controlling its offset. One is to enter a value in the
Properties palette Far Clip Offset property. The other is to manually push and pull the offset using the
handle in the plan view. Any element beyond the clip offset will not be visible in the view.
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SECTIONS
With an active plan view open, sections are created from View > Create > Section. Click to start drawing the
section and click to finish.
1. EXTENTS
As with elevations, sections should have a far clip set. Its offset can be controlled manually with the push
pull handles on the view or numerically in the Properties palette.
The horizontal extents of a section can be moved manually in the view with the push pull handles and are
independent of the section tail.
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2. SECTION HEADS
Click on the Cycle Section Head icon to select the appropriate head, or to turn them off.
3. FLIP SECTION
The Flip Section icon flips the direction of the section along the same line. Flipping the section does not
affect the extents of the view.
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4. SPLIT SEGMENT
A “dog-leg” section can be created by selecting the section arrow and using Modify > Section > Split
Segment.
Clicking on the Section tail will split the segement; moving the cursor will drag the line segment manually to
its new location. The section will be cut using two planes.
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DETAIL CALLOUTS
Detail callouts are created from View > Create > Callout > Rectangle. A rectangle is drawn around the relevant
area that is to be detailed. Once drawn, right-click on the callout and select Go to View.
Note: Callouts can be created in plans, sections, or elevations views, with the chosen view becoming the Parent
View of the detail.
1. PARENT VIEW
By default, the callout is only visible in the Parent View where it was originally drawn. If the Parent View is
deleted, the callout will also be deleted. This property can be changed from the Properties palette
Graphics > Show in > Intersecting Views. This will display the callout in multiple views.
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By default, the clip settings of the callout are controlled by the Parent View. The clip settings can be
controlled from the callout using Extents > Far Clip Settings > Independent. This will activate the clip
settings in the Properties palette.
2. ANNOTATION CROP
Annotation Crop allows annotations to sit outside of the Crop View. This is on by default and is located in
the Properties palette under Extents > Annotation Crop. This crop is displayed as a dotted blue box and
can be controlled with the handles.
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3D VIEWS
Default 3D views are created from View > Create > 3D View > Default 3D View. This will create a view with
global object and visibility settings with the name {3D}. It is recommended that this default view is renamed prior
to any manipulation, otherwise clicking the Default 3D View button will simply re-open the same view rather than
creating a new default 3D view.
1. VIEW CUBE
This allows for orientation of the view to algin with the faces of the cube. Click on the face of the cube to
change the view to this alignment. The View Cube is always located in the top right-hand side of a 3D view
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2. SECTION BOX
This function applies a live section box to the 3D view. It is located in the Properties palette under Extents
> Section Box. The default size of the section box is the 3D extents of the model.
The Section Box can be modified by selecting it in the view and using the handles to drag the box to the
desired size.
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3. CONTEXT MENU
The Context Menu is located below the View Cube, but is only visible if the cursor hovers over the View
Cube
The context menu has additional options for controlling the 3D view, including changing the projection from
the default orthographic to perspective.
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CONTROLLING VIEWS
Open views show along the top of the view window as tabs. There are several methods for controlling and
navigating the open views:
1. CYCLE THROUGH VIEWS
This can be achieved by pressing [Control + Tab] on the keyboard or from View > Windows > Switch
Windows. This will present a list of all the open views.
2. CLOSE, TAB OR TILE

The following buttons are all located in View > Windows:
Close Inactive will close all windows that are not active.
Tile Views will arrange views into tiles to easily see their contents.
Tab Views will rearrange views back into tabs.
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EXERCISE 0001: CREATING FLOOR PLANS

Open the file FWater-EVC-ViewCreation-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt
Open the Elevation S-E-A-GA.
Click on Architecture > Datum > Level.
Move the cursor to align with the start of the 03 Level marker. A dashed line should show on the screen to
confirm the start point will be aligned.
Move the cursor up or down until another dashed line shows horizontally that the level is aligned with the
top of the walls.
Click to begin placing the level.
Move the cursor to the right-hand side of the view where another dashed extension line should show that
the end points of the levels are aligned.
Click to complete the new level.
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Select the level in the view.

In the Properties Palette edit the Name to be “RF-P-A-GA”.
In the Confirm Level Rename dialog box click on Yes.

The view in the project browser will now be named correctly, but the level needs to be renamed
independently for easy identification in the elevations.
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Select the level in the view.

Click on the name RF-P-A-GA.
Rename the level to be “RF”.
Hit [Enter] to accept the edit.

This time, in the Confirm Plan View Rename dialog box, click No.
In the Project Browser, double-click on the view name to open the floor plan.
Note: The active view name is bold in the Project Browser.

Click in the view to drop any selected elements.
In the Properties palette pan down to the Underlay section.
Set the Range: Base Level to 03. This will reveal the elements on level 03.
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Tick Crop View and Crop Region Visible.

Select the Crop Region.
Use the blue dot handles to reduce the extents to the edges of the building in the Underlay to just outside of
the building’s extents.
In the Properties palette, change the Underlay Range: Base Level to None.
Click on Properties Palette > View Range > Edit button.
Click <<Show in the bottom left corner of the dialog box to display further information on this tool.
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Set the View Depth > Level to 00.
Click on OK.
With the new View Range all visible elements can be selected.
Note: The elements are not greyed-out as they were using an Underlay.
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EXERCISE 0002: CREATING REFLECTED CEILINGS PLANS

Open the file FWater-EVC-ViewCreation-ZZ-M3-A-0002.rvt.
Click on View > Create > Plan Views > Reflected Ceiling Plans.
In the New RCP dialog box select 02.
Click on OK.
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In the Project Browser navigate to the Ceiling Plan 02.

Right-click and rename to “02-R-A-GA”.
In the Confirm Plan View Rename dialog box, click No.
In the Project Browser, double-click view 02-R-A-GA to open the Ceiling Plan.
The grid pattern of the ceilings placed in two rooms will be visible.
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EXERCISE 0003: CREATING ELEVATIONS

Open the Floor Plan 01-P-A-GA.
Click on View > Create > Elevation.
Place the elevation marker to the north of the building. As the cursor moves towards the building the
direction of the elevation will change to point towards the building.
In the Properties palette rename the elevation to “N-E-A-GA”.

Select the arrow head (not the circular body) of the elevataiton.
Use the handles to drag the view extents (the dotted blue lines) as below. This will capture the entire
building.
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In the view, double-click the elevation arrowhead to open the view.

In the Properties Palette set the Far Clip Offset to “7000”. This will change the visible elements in the
elevation to those within 7000 mm of the elevation marker.
In the Properties Palette click on Extents > Far Clipping.
In the Far Clipping dialog box select No Clip.
Click on OK.
The Far Clip is now unlimited and will show all the elements.
Click on Properties Palette > Graphics > Graphic Display Options.

In the Graphic Display Options dialog box expand the Shadows Menu by clicking the Arrow.
Tick Cast Shadows.
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Click on OK.
The elevation will now display shadows.
The source of the lighting and the angle of the shadows can be edited in the Graphic Display Options in
the Lighting section.
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EXERCISE 0004: CREATING SECTIONS

Click on View > Create > Section.
Draw a section through the Door in the view.
1 2
In the view, right-click on the section marker and select Go to View.

The section view will open.
In the Properties Palette change the following settings:
View Scale = 1:50
Detail Level = Fine
Discipline = Architectural
View Name = AA-S-A-GA
Title on Sheet = Typical External Section
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Click on View > Create > Callout.

Draw a callout around the top of the Door on level 03.
In the Project Browser, under Sections, select the view called AA-S-A-GA - Callout 1.
Right-click on the section and click Rename. Change the name to “XX-D-A-DoorJamb”.
In the Project Browser double-click on the view to open it. The detail view of the door jamb will be
displayed.
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EXERCISE 0005: CREATING A 3D VIEW

Click on View > Create > 3D View > Default 3D View.
In the Properties Palette tick Section Box.
Move the cursor on to the view for the Section Box to appear.
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Select the Section Box.

Drag the from Control handle to cut through the entrance staircase as shown.
In the View Control Bar click on the 3D View Icon and select Save Orientation and Lock View.
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The Rename Default 3D View To Lock dialog box will display.

Change the Name: to “ZZ-M3-A-ThroughStairs”.
Click on OK.
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EXERCISE 0006: CREATING A CAMERA VIEW

Continue in the file FWater-EVC-ViewCreation-ZZ-M3-A-0005.rvt.
Click on View > Create > 3D View > Camera.
Click once in the view to place the camera as shown below.

The second point places the focal point of the camera.
The camera view will open automatically

Use the blue dot handles to widen the field of view.
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Select the door in the camera view.
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Click on Modify > View > Selection Box.
The Default {3D} view will open with a section box around the selected Door.
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SELECTION
Clicking on an element will highlight it onscreen and show temporary dimensions of distances to other related
elements.
Clicking on another element will de-select the last element and select the new element.
Clicking and dragging from left to right will select everything inside the window.
2
Clicking and dragging from right to left will select everything inside the window and anything that crosses though it.
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1
Once elements have been selected, holding [Ctrl] will show a + symbol next to the cursor. Clicking on an element
will add it to the selection.
Once elements have been selected, holding [Shift] will show a - symbol next to the cursor. Clicking on a selected
element will remove it from the selection.
To select all elements of the same Category and Type in the view, select an element, right-click and choose
Select all Instances > Visible in View.
To select all elements of the same Category and Type in the whole project select an element, right-click and
choose Select all Instances > In Entire Project.
A specific Family Type can also be selected by browsing to it in the Project Browser’s Families section. Locate the
Family, expand it to see the Types, right-click the Family Type and click Select All Instances > Visible in View /
In Entire Project.
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A selection can be filtered by using Modify > Selection > Filter.
This will open the Filter dialog box, listing all selected elements by Category:
Unticking a Category and pressing OK will remove all items of that Category from the selection.
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The total number of selected elements will be shown in the Filter icon at the bottom right of the view.
Clicking on this filter icon will open the Filter dialog box.
To deselect all selected elements, either press the [Esc] key or click on an empty area of the view.
If a selection is accidentally deselected, right-click and choose Select Previous to reselect the previous elements.
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THE TAB KEY

The Tab key allows selection of overlapping elements. When two elements overlap, hover over them and press
the [Tab] key. This will cycle through each element in turn. Once the required element is highlighted, click to select
it.
The Tab key can also be used to select multiple elements joined in a chain. Hover over an element and press the
[Tab] key. Joined elements will be highlighted. Click to select all the elements.
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SELECTION FILTERS
Selection filters are locks that change the way elements can, or can’t, be selected.
The Selection Filters are found in the bottom-right corner of the view:
They can be turned on or off by clicking on the icons. A red cross means the elements cannot be selected.
The filters include:
1. EDITABLE ONLY
This filter will only display if worksets have been enabled. Refer to Evolve-Guide-Revit-DPL1-Worksets.
If this is ticked only elements that are in editable worksets can be selected.
For example, in the image below, the walls workset and been made uneditable. The walls will not highlight
and cannot be selected.
2. SELECT LINKS
When the Select Links icon displays a red cross, links cannot be selected.
3. SELECT UNDERLAY ELEMENTS
Elements in an Underlay cannot be selected when this icon displays a red cross. shown
with a red cross will stop underlay elements being selected.
4. SELECT PINNED ELEMENTS
Pinned elements cannot be selected when this icon displays a red cross.
5. SELECT ELEMENTS BY FACE
When this icon displays a red cross, elements cannot be selected by a face; an element
needs to be selected by an edge.
6. DRAG ELEMENTS ON SELECTION
When Drag Elements on Selection displays a red cross, elements need to be selected
before they can be dragged. This is useful for avoiding accidentally moving elements.
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MANIPULATION
The Modify panel shows tools for manipulating already placed elements.
MOVE
Select an element and click on the move tool.

The following settings will display on the options bar:
Constrain Ticking Constrain will lock movement to the X and Y directions only.
Disjoin Ticking Disjoin will move the selected element without keeping it joined to other elements.
Moving an element without Disjoin ticked:
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Moving an element with Disjoin ticked:
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EXERCISE 0001: MOVING ELEMENTS

Open FWater-EVC-Manipulation-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Open the 02-P-A-GA view.
Select the bed in Bedroom2.
Click on Modify > Modify > Move.

Snap to the middle of the top of the bed against the wall as the move from point. The tooltip will show as the
endpoint of the bed’s centre line.
In the Options bar untick Constrain to allow moving diagonally across the room.
Snap to the midpoint of the top wall. Click to move the bed.
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ROTATE
The options bar shows the following settings:
Disjoin Ticking Disjoin will rotate the selected element without keeping it joined to other
elements.
Copy Will create a copy of the element being rotated.
Rotating an element with Copy ticked:
Rotating an element with Copy unticked:
Angle Enter an exact angle to rotate the element. Angles are anti-clockwise.
Centre of rotation By default Revit will rotate an element from the centroid. Clicking Place allows a
different rotation point to be selected.
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EXERCISE 0002: ROTATE

Continue in the FWater-EVC-Manipulation-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt file and the 02-P-A-GA view.
Select the bed now placed over the wall at the top of Bedroom2.
Click on Modify > Modify > Rotate.
On the Options bar click Centre of rotation: Place.
Snap to the end point at the back of the bed.
Align the rotate start angle with the head of the bed. Click to start the rotation.
Align the rotate to angle with the wall. Click to rotate the bed 90 degrees.
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COPY
The Options bar shows the following settings:
Constrain Ticking Constrain will lock movement to the X and Y directions only.
Multiple Allows multiple copies of the element to be made.
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EXERCISE 0003: COPY

Select the chest of drawers in the top right corner of Bedroom2.
Click on Modify > Modify > Copy.
Snap to the top right corner of the chest of drawers.
1
Snap to the top left corner of the existing chest of drawers to create a copy.
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OFFSET
The Options bar shows the following settings:
Graphical Will prompt to click two points on the screen. The distance between the two points will
be the distance the source element is offset by.
Numerical Will offset by the distance specified in the Offset: box.
Offset The offset distance.
Copy If ticked will create a copy of the source element.
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EXERCISE 0004: OFFSET

Select the beam in the roof opening below Bedroom2.
Click Modify > Modify > Offset.

In the Options bar > Offset box, enter “1468”.
Click the lower edge of the beam previously selected. A dotted line will display to show where the offset
beam will be placed.
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Click to offset the beam.

Repeat the process 3 more times but clicking on the lower edge of each newly created beam every time.
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MIRROR
PICK AXIS
This tool requires a line, grid, wall or other linear element to be selected. This will be used as the mirror line.
In the below image the gridline between the doors has been used.
DRAW AXIS
If there is no convenient linear element to use, Draw Axis requires two points to be defined as the mirror line.
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DELETE
Select an element to delete and click the Delete button.

The [Delete] button on a keyboard will also delete an element.
COPY AND PASTE

To copy an element to the clipboard click on Modify > Clipboard > Copy.
The windows shortcut of holding [Ctrl] + C will also copy an element to the clipboard.
There are then six options available in Modify > Clipboard > Paste.
1. PASTE FROM CLIPBOARD

Pastes the element to the cursor. [Ctrl] + V does the same.
2. ALIGNED TO SELECTED LEVELS
Opens the Select Levels dialog box:
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The elements will be copied to the same place in each of the selected levels.
This can be useful for copying internal layouts, window layouts and cores from one floor to multiple other
floors:
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3. ALIGNED TO SELECTED VIEWS

Can be used for copying 2D linework, text, dimensions, or detail components from one view to another.
This opens the Select Views dialog box:
The clipboard will be copied to the selected view/s.

4. ALIGNED TO CURRENT VIEW
Pastes the clipboard in the same location it was originally copied from, to the same position in the active
view. This might be used to copy elements from a Plan view to a Callout view.
5. ALIGNED TO SAME PLACE
Pastes the clipboard to the same place. This is useful for copying elements between Design Options or files
using the same Shared Coordinates.
6. ALIGNED TO PICKED LEVEL
Works similarly to Aligned to Selected Levels except the level is selected in an elevation or 3D view instead
of choosing from a list.
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EXERCISE 0005: COPY, PASTE TO SELECTED LEVELS

Continue in the FWater-EVC-Manipulation-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Open the view ZZ-M3-A-GA.
Select the door on the left side of the building on the level 02.
Click on Modify > Clipboard > Copy.

Click on Modify > Clipboard > Paste > Aligned to Selected Levels.
In the Select Floors dialog box, select floor 03.
Click on OK.
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ARRAY
There are two kinds of array: Linear and Radial.
LINEAR ARRAY
Linear Array is the first icon in the Array Options bar:
Group and Associate This will keep the arrayed elements grouped together.
Number This is the total number of elements that will be generated. A setting of two will include
the source element and one additional item.
Move To: 2nd Uses the distance specified, as the distance between each arrayed item.
Move to: Last Uses the distance specified, as the distance from the first element to the last. The array
will evenly space the total number of elements between that distance.
Constrain Constrains the array in the X or Y directions only.
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EXERCISE 0006: LINEAR ARRAY

Open the view 01-P-A-GA.
Locate the seating area on Gridline 2.
Select the seating element.

Click on Modify > Modify > Array.
From the Options bar, set the settings as shown below.
Snap to the top left corner of the chair and click.
Move the cursor to the right, enter a distance of “1000” and press [Enter].
The array will be created with six seats in total.
This is one too many seats for the available space. Because Group and Associate was ticked, selecting
any one of the seats will show the array count.
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Change the text to “5”.
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RADIAL ARRAY
Radial Array is the second icon in the Array Options bar. Most options are the same as Linear Array except for:
Move To: 2nd Uses the angle specified as the angle between each arrayed item.
Move to: Last Uses the angle specified, as the total angle from the first element to the last. The array
will evenly array the total number of elements between that angle.
ALIGN
The Align tool aligns one element with another.
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EXERCISE 0007: ALIGN

Locate the walls close to grid intersection B11.
Click on Modify > Modify > Align.

Select gridline B.
Click the outside face of the vertical wall nearest to grid line B indicated below in red.
Once aligned, tick the padlock symbol to lock the wall to the gridline.
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Repeat the process to align the wall near gridline 11 to gridline 11.
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TRIM
TRIM / EXTEND SINGLE ELEMENT
The Trim/Extend Single Element tool will either trim or extend elements to others:
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TRIM/EXTEND MULTIPLE ELEMENTS
The Trim/Extend Multiple Elements tool works in the same way as the Trim/Extend Single Elements tool except
once the trimming / extending edge is selected, the tool will continue to as many elements as selected:
2 3 4
SPLIT ELEMENT
The split element tool will break an element at a selected position:
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SPLIT WITH GAP
The Spit with Gap tool will split an element creating a gap in it.
The Options bar has the Joint Gap field to specify the size of the gap.
Note: the Joint Gap size can only be 1.6 to 304.8mm (1 ft).
The point selected will form the centreline of the gap:
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SCALE
The scale tool is used to scale elements up or down.

Scaling works on a limited number of Categories. For example, doors, or walls connected at both ends will not
scale.
Some elements will only scale in one axis. For example, a wall that is not connected on both ends can be scaled
in length but not width.
The Options bar offers either Graphical or Numerical scaling.
Graphical Requires two points to define the current size and a third point to set the new size of an
element.
Numerical Scales by the factor in the Scale box.
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PIN
The Pin tool fixes an element to its current location. This is useful to avoid accidental modification. Pinned
elements show with a pin icon:
Pinned elements cannot be moved or edited until it has been unpinned using Unpin:
Elements can also be unpinned by selecting them and clicking the pin icon.
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VISIBILITY CONTROL
SCALE AND DETAIL LEVEL
Adjusting the scale in Revit will affect the appearance of text, dimensions, and linetype, lineweight and hatch
pattern appearances.
The scale of a view can be adjusted from the view controls at the bottom of the view.
The image below shows a plan at a scale of 1:200.
The image below shows the same plan at a scale of 1:50.
When working on a project, the presentation of modelled elements may also need to be different for different
scales or uses of a drawing such as plan used for a planning application vs a plan used for a construction
drawing.
To allow for this the Detail Level can be adjusted from the bottom of the Revit view to Course, Medium or Fine.
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Families can be customised to show any amount of detail at different detail levels and family creation should
consider these different levels.
1. COURSE
Course will show simpler geometry, walls will show a filled region between the external and internal edges,
families will show a simpler geometry in the example below doors show without the door frame and
architraves.
2. MEDIUM
Medium will show the different skins of a wall and, in the example below, doors will gain more detail.
3. FINE
Fine will show the most amount of detail. In the example below architraves and door stops are shown.
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When working on a view, it can sometimes be difficult to snap to the right elements when zoomed in due to
the thickness of the line weights.
To avoid this issue, without having to adjust the scale, the line weights can be turned off while modelling
from View > Graphics Thin Lines.
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MATERIALS
Materials are used to control how an element looks in different views.
Materials can be accessed from Manage > Settings > Materials.
The Material Browser will show a list of all the materials on the left side.
Once a material has been selected, the right-hand side of the window will show the properties for the material.
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1. SHADING
The shading of a material is the appearance when the Visual Style is set to Shaded.
This view style is typically viewed in a 3D view.
2. SURFACE PATTERN > FOREGROUND
The Surface pattern > Foreground allows a pattern to be applied to the surface of an element e.g. brick
on the surface of a wall.
The patterns can be
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Model patterns Patterns that are a fixed size. Scaling the view will not adjust the scale of the pattern.
Drafting patterns Patterns that automatically scale with the view.
3. SURFACE PATTERN > BACKGROUND
The Surface pattern > Background allows a pattern to be applied to the surface of an element below the
Foreground pattern.
The patterns can only be drafting patterns or a solid fill.
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4. CUT PATTERN > FOREGROUND / BACKGROUND
Cut Pattern > Foreground and Background works in a similar way to Surface patterns except they are
shown when an element is cut in a plan view or section view.
Cut patterns, unlike surface patterns, can only be drafting patterns.
COARSE SCALE FILL PATTERN / COLOUR

When walls are shown in Detail Level > Coarse, the material will be overridden by the wall’s Coarse Scale Fill
Pattern and Coarse Scale Fill Colour.
Select a wall and on the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
In the Graphics section edit the Coarse fill appearance.
Materials control the default appearance of Model Objects (not Annotation Objects), but overrides can be set to
change the appearance at a project, view or element level.
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OBJECT STYLES
Object Styles control the default appearance of geometry at a project level.
For model elements, if the material has been set to Default, the Object Styles will control the appearance.
For most annotation elements, the Object Style will control the appearance.
Click on Manage > Settings > Object Styles.
The Object Styles dialog box will show four tabs: Model Objects, Annotation Objects, Analytical Model Objects
and Imported Objects.
Model Objects These are building parts including doors, walls and windows
Annotation Objects These are annotation symbols such as elevation markers, detail markers and tags
Analytical Model Objects
These are the lines that represent the location of structural members for use in analysis
tools
Imported Objects This is anything imported or linked into the file including DWG and DGN files
In the Object Styles dialog box, locate the Revit category that needs to be edited.
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Most categories can be expanded to show the sub-elements. For example, under Doors there are separate
entries for the Frame/Mullion, Panel (leaf), and Plan Swing can all be shown visually different.
Some categories allow editing the appearance for different scenarios of the Object.
In the example below, it is possible to show the interior edges of a slab (where the direction of the slope of a slab
changes) differently to the bounding edges.
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The available overrides in Object Styles include:

Line Weight > Projection
This is the line weight of objects in the forward view that are not cut by the view depth.
Line Weight > Cut This is the line weight of objects that are being cut by the view depth.
Line Color This is the colour of the objects on the screen.
Line Pattern This is the line pattern of the objects
Material This is the default material of the object if another material has not been applied in the
family editor.
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VISIBILITY GRAPHICS OVERRIDES

Each view’s visibility can be customised using a view’s properties Visibility/Graphics Overrides by clicking the
Edit button.
Visibility Graphics Overrides will override a material and the Object Styles.
The Visibility Graphic Overrides dialog box is very similar to Object Styles with the exception of the tickbox that
can turn off the display of elements.
It also allows control of Imported Categories, Filters and Revit Links.
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EXERCISE 0001: PREPARING A VIEW

Open the file FWater-EVC-VisibilityControls-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Select the Floor Plan 01-P-A-GA, right click and click Duplicate View > Duplicate with detailing.
The new view will be called 01-P-A-GA Copy1.
Right-click the view and click Rename.
Rename the view “01-P-A-Planning”.
From the bottom of the view, click the scale and change to 1:50.
Click on the Manage > Settings > Object Styles button.

In the Object Styles dialog box, Scroll to Doors and click the + symbol to expand it.
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Locate Plan Swing and change the Line Pattern column value to be Evolve_Dash.
The door swings in the project will show a dashed door swing.
Without anything selected, in the Properties palette, click the Visibility/Graphics Overrides > Edit button.
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On the Annotation Categories tab, scroll down to Sections and untick the checkbox.
Scroll to Grids and untick them.

The grids and section arrows will be turned off.
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EXERCISE 0002: APPLYING A HATCH

Sometimes a hatch pattern can help differentiate between certain parts of a plan.
Continue in the FWater-EVC-VisibilityControls-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt file.
Click on the Manage > Settings > Materials button.
In the Material Browser dialog box, enter “Concrete Masonry, Floor Block” in the search bar.
Select the Concrete Masonry, Floor Block material.

On the right-hand side, click on Surface Pattern > Foreground > Pattern to show the Fill Patterns dialog
box.
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Select Evolve-Pattern-DiagonalDown from the available patterns and click on OK.
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The roofs will show with a diagonal hatch.
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VIEW TEMPLATES
View templates are a way of standardising view settings. Instead of assigning the same properties to multiple
views, a view template can be created and assigned to multiple views.
View templates can be accessed from a view’s Properties > View Template button.
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EXERCISE 0003: VIEW TEMPLATES

Continue in the FWater-EVC-VisibilityControls-ZZ-M3-IM-0001.rvt file and 01-P-A-Planning view.
On the Properties palette, click the button next to View Template to show the Assign View Template
button.
On the Assign View Template dialog box, tick Show Views to show the settings for all views.
Scroll through the list and select the 01-P-A-Planning view and click Duplicate.
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Name the duplicated view template “ZZ-P-A-Planning” and click on OK.
Untick Show Views in the Assign View Template dialog box.

The view properties controlled by the new view template will include all the settings from the 01-P-A-
Planning view.
Click on OK to close the dialog box.

Select the 02-P-A-GA view, right-click and choose Duplicate View > Duplicate with Detailing.
Right-click on the new view called 02-P-A-GA Copy1 and click on Rename.
Name the new view “02-P-A-Planning”.
In the Properties palette click the View Template button.
Select the recently created view template called ZZ-P-A-Planning and click on OK.
The same settings are now applied to the first floor and second floor planning drawings.
Editing the view template will change both drawings at the same time.
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DISCIPLINE
Each view has a property called Discipline. Changing the discipline adjusts the display based on the selected
discipline’s expected view requirements.
1. ARCHITECTURAL
All elements display regardless of the associated discipline.
Only architectural callouts, sections and elevation markers show.
Hidden lines (lines below other elements) are not shown in the view.
2. STRUCTURAL
All elements except non-structural walls are shown.
Only structural callouts, sections and elevation markers are shown.
Hidden lines are shown such as beams below a floor finish.
3. MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL / PLUMBING
Ceilings are not shown.
All other non-mechanical, electrical or plumbing elements display half-tone.
Most mechanical, electrical and plumbing elements show above architectural or structural elements
irrespective of whether they are below them or not.
Only the mechanical, electrical or plumbing callouts, sections and elevation markers are shown.
4. COORDINATION
All elements show.
All callouts, sections and elevation markers are shown.
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DEPTH CLIPPING / FAR CLIPPING

Depth clipping is how far a view sees forward and backwards into a plan view.
Far Clipping is how far a view sees forward and backwards into a section or elevation.
When selecting a section, this clipping is indicated by a dashed blue line.
The resulting section will show only the wall highlighted green. The wall highlighted red is not within the clipping of
the section.
The section:
The Far Clip Offset can also be set as a distance. With either a section view open, or by selecting a section, the
value can be seen and set in the Properties palette:
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The Far Clipping setting controls how elements crossing the Far Clip Offset are handled. This is accessed from
the Properties palette.
No Clip Will not clip the section. The dashed blue line will not have a grip to adjust the far clip
length.
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Clip without Line Will clip the section but where it is clipped, it will not create solid lines to show the
clipped edge.
Clip with line Will clip the section and will create lines where geometry is clipped.
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TEMPORARY HIDE / ISOLATE

Elements can be temporarily hidden or isolated in a view.
To hide or isolate elements, select them in the view and in the view settings (at the bottom of the view), click on
the Temporary Hide / Isolate button.
Isolate Category Shows only elements that are the same category as the current selection
Hide Category Hides elements that are the same category as the current selection
Isolate Element Shows only the currently selected elements
Hide Element Hides the currently selected elements
Once elements have been hidden or isolated, clicking Reset temporary Hide / Isolate will reset the view.
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HIDE IN VIEW
Any selected elements can be hidden by right-clicking and choosing Hide in view > Elements.
Hide in view > Category will turn off the whole Category of the selected element.
To show the hidden elements, click Reveal Hidden Elements on the view toolbar at the bottom of the view.
Elements that are hidden in the view will show in red. Elements not hidden in the view will show grey.
To unhide:
Select a hidden element (shown in red)
Right-click and choose Unhide in view > Element (or Category). The elements will be shown again.
Click the Reveal Hidden Elements button again to return to a normal view.
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ROOMS AND AREAS

ROOMS
A room is a 3D volume. Rooms are bound by:
 Walls including curtain systems
 Roofs
 Floors
 Ceilings
 Columns
 Room separation lines
 Building pads
 IFC elements
Rooms are created using Architecture > Room & Area > Room.
Hovering over an enclosed area will highlight enclosed spaces. Clicking in the enclosed space will place a room.
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If a room cannot be created because it doesn’t have enough bounding elements, the room will display as Not
Enclosed.
While placing a room, Modify > Room panel > Place Rooms Automatically can be used to place rooms in all
available enclosed areas.
Placing a room also automatically creates a room tag.

A room tag can be deleted without deleting the room.
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Rooms can be split using the Architecture > Room & Area > Room Separator button.
Room separators are elements drawn to restrict the size of rooms.
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ROOM PARAMETERS
To edit the properties of a room, the room must be selected not the room tag. The room is selected using the
cross.
Once a room is placed and selected, the Properties palette will show information about the rooms.
1. CONSTRAINTS
Level This is the level the room is created at and is not editable. To create the room on
another level, the room needs to either be moved or deleted and recreated on the
required level.
Upper Limit This defines the level of the top of the room. Rooms will typically extend to the next floor
up but may, in certain instances, such as with double-height spaces, the upper limit may
need to be adjusted manually.
Limit Offset This property allows extending the volume of the room to a specific height. This would
usually be used for volume measurements, particularly in cases where sloped ceilings
exist.
Base Offset Base offset allows a floor to extend below its base level. This might be necessary to
account for floor finishes or accurate volume calculations.
2. DIMENSIONS
Area, Perimeter and Unbounded Height will show in the Dimension group. By default, Volume and
Computation Height will not.
These are turned off by default because computing areas can cause Revit to operate slowly. To turn on
computational volumes, choose Architecture > Area & Room > More > Area and Volume
Computations.
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In the Area and Volume Computations dialog box, choose Areas and Volumes.
With this turned on, extending a room past a roof or ceiling will automatically adjust the shape of the room
to match the bounding elements.
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3. IDENTITY DATA
Shows descriptive parameters about the room, including Number, Name and finishes.
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EXERCISE 0001: CREATING ROOMS

Open the model FWater-EVC-RoomsAndAreas-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
There need to be four rooms on the first floor. Some of the room separation lines have already been
created.
One of the spaces has an opening where the structural model would go.
To ensure the rooms can be created, room bounding lines need to be created to enclose the area.
From Architecture > Room & Area, click on Room Separator.

Draw room separator lines using the detail lines in the view as a guide.
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Click on Architecture > Room & Area > Room.

Create rooms in each of the 4 enclosed areas.
Select each of the rooms created one by one.

In the Properties palette, edit the room Name and Number as shown below:
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First room
Room Name “Staff Room”
Room Number “01.01”
Floor Finish “Concrete”
Second Room
Room Name “Kitchen”
Floor Finish “Tiled”
Third Room
Room Name “Dining Area”
Floor Finish “Timber”
Fourth Room
Room Name “Main Room”
Floor Finish “Timber”
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AREAS
Areas act similarly to rooms but enclose multiple spaces. Areas can be used for measurement of gross internal
area or similar.
Areas are created on special Area Plan views using Architecture > Room & Area > Area > Area Plan. The New
Area Plan dialog box will be displayed.
Type The type of area plan can be selected from the defaults of GIA, Gross Building and
Rentable. Additional Area Plan types can be created by setting up new computations
and colour schemes. See Colour Schemes below.
Once a level is selected, clicking OK will create a new Area Plan.
Revit will prompt to create area boundary lines automatically.
Choose Yes to create area lines to the extent of the building. Choose No to manually create them.
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Revit will create a new type of view called an Area Plan (Type of area plan).
If No was chosen, or missing boundary lines need to be created, Architecture > Room & Area > Area Boundary
can be used to draw the enclosing shapes.
From Modify > Draw, use the drawing tools to trace the required boundaries.
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EXERCISE 0002: CREATING A GROSS AREA PLAN

Open FWater-EVC-RoomsAndAreas-ZZ-M3-A-0002.rvt.
Click on Architecture > Room & Area > Area > Area Plan.
In the New Area Plan dialog box, set the Type to Gross Building.
Select level 01.
Click on OK.
When prompted to automatically create area boundary lines, choose No.

Locate the Area Plan in the Project Browser called 01, right-click and choose Rename.
Enter the name as “01-P-A-GrossArea”.
When prompted to rename corresponding views, click No to avoid renaming the floor level in the elevations.
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Click on Properties > Visibility/Graphics Overrides > Edit.
In the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog box, in the Model Categories tab, untick Doors, Floors and
Walls. This is a temporary measure to help with tracing the area below.
On the Annotation Categories tab, untick Show annotation categories in this view.
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The outline of the building has been drawn as a model line to help with the exercise and will be shown.
Click on Architecture > Room & Area > Area Boundary.

Click on Modify > Draw > Line.
Snap to the top left corner of the building outline.
Continue snapping to each of the points around the building until the entire building is traced with a green
Area Boundary. The direction of travel as the area is traced is not important.
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To fill the Area Boundary with an Area, click on Architecture > Room & Area > Area > Area.
Check that Modify | Place Area > Tag On Placement > Tag On Placement is highlighted. The tag will be
placed with the area.
Click inside the area boundaries to create an area. The Area Boundary lines will change to a different shade
of green to indicate which boundary lines are being used.
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Hit the [Esc] key to cancel the Area command.

In the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog box, in the Model Categories tab, turn Doors, Floors and
Walls back on.
On the Annotation Categories tab, tick Show annotation categories in this view.
The area tag will be displayed.
Open the view 02-P-A-GrossArea.
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Click Architecture > Room & Area > Tag Area.
The existing area will be highlighted. Place the tag in the required location.
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COLOUR SCHEMES
Colour schemes can be used to apply colours to rooms and areas to highlight them based on their properties.
Colour schemes can be created from Architecture > Room & Area > More > Color Schemes.
Color Schemes can be created from Areas, Ducts, HVAC Zones, Pipes, Rooms, and Spaces.
Any property can be used to define the colours. The exercise below will explain the process to create a colour
scheme.
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EXERCISE 0003: FLOOR FINISH COLOUR SCHEME

Open the FWater-EVC-RoomsAndAreas-ZZ-M3-A-0003.rvt.
From Architecture > Room & Area > More > Color Schemes, open the Edit Colour schemes dialog box.
Change the Category dropdown to Rooms.
Select By Department.
Click the Duplicate button.
Enter the name “EVC-FloorFinishes”.
Click on OK.
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From the Color dropdown, select Floor Finish.

When prompted with the Colors Not Preserved message, click on OK.
For each of the finishes, click on the Color column and change to match the list below.
Concrete = 192, 192, 192

Tiled = 064, 128, 128
Timber = 128, 128, 255
Change the Title to “Floor Finishes”
Click on OK to close the dialog box.

Without anything selected in the view, in the Properties palette > Graphics section, click the button next to
Color Scheme.
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In the Edit Color Scheme dialog box, change the Category to Rooms.
Select EVC-FloorFinishes
Click on OK.
The rooms will display using the fill colours:
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Click on Analyze > Color Fill > Color Fill Legend.
Place the legend to the side of the building.
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SCHEDULES
Schedules are a type of view that list elements in a model. Schedules can be created that show all instances of a
certain type, or they can be filtered and grouped depending on your requirements. The schedules are generated
from, and link to, the elements placed in the model. This means they update as the model is developed.
Schedules in the model are shown in the Project Browser:
Schedules can be exported as a text file for import into spreadsheet software.
Schedules’ contents and appearance are controlled by the Schedule Properties which are shown when either
creating a new schedule or editing an existing schedule.
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1. FIELDS
The Fields tab defines the parameters of a Category that are included on the Schedule.
The required fields are selected from the Available fields: pane and added to the Scheduled fields (in
order): pane.
The order of the list reflects the order of columns on the Schedule. To re-order fields, use the Move
parameter up / down buttons.
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Fields can be removed from the Schedule by selecting them and using the Remove parameter(s) button.
2. FILTER
Filters allow the list of instances to be cut down based on up to 8 different criteria.
Multiple filters are added using the And function. This means an element must meet all the criteria to be
included in the schedule
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It is not possible to filter by a field not used in the Schedule.

The options of available values will vary depending on the Field selected. For example, with Level selected,
the values available will be the levels in the model:
Mark shows the values of instance Marks in the model:
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3. SORTING/GROUPING
The options on this tab control how the scheduled data is organised.
Sort by: Lists the fields used in the Schedule.

Header / Footer Ticking this option adds a title above or below the sorted entries. For example, sorting by
Level would give a header something like “01” (for level 01).
Blank line Inserts a blank line between sorted entries.
Grand totals Adds a summary to the end of the schedule.
When Grand totals is ticked, the Custom grand total title: field becomes active, allowing
the title to be edited. For example, “Total count”.
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Itemize every instance

With this option ticked all instances are shown. When it is unticked, items of the same
sorting / grouping are shown in a single row. This is most obvious when Count is
included as a field.
For example, a Schedule of plumbing fixtures sorted by Type Mark itemizing every
instance:
And without Itemize every instance ticked:
4. FORMATTING
Allows the column titles and layouts to be formatted.
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Heading: Edits the column title. If Level is included, the Heading might be changed to “Floor” to
aid understanding.
Heading orientation:
Changes the title from Horizontal to Vertical.
Alignment: Aligns the column either Left, Center or Right justified.
Field Format Overrides the Project Settings. For example areas could be displayed as imperial feet
rather than mm.
5. APPEARANCE
Controls the Line Styles used for Grids and the Outline of the Schedule, the Text Styles used for headings
and the schedule values, and whether to show the title and column headers.
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EXERCISE 0001: CREATING A SCHEDULE

Open FWater-EVC-Schedules-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Create a new Schedule from View > Create > Schedules > Schedule / Quantities.
In the Category: pane select Doors.

Edit the Name: to “ZZ-SH-A-DoorSchedule”.
Click on OK.
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Add the Available fields: as show in the image below:
To Room: Number is found by changing Select available fields from: to To Room and selecting To
Room: Number from the list.
The field can be added in the required position on the Scheduled fields (in order) list by selecting Mark
before clicking on Add parameter. It will be added below the selected field:
2 3
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Once the fields have all been added, click on OK to create the Schedule.
The Schedule will be opened:
Schedules are listed in the Project Browser under Schedules/Quantities:
Schedules are a tabular representation of the model. Any changes made to the model, or to the values in the
schedule, are linked.
The appearance of Schedules can be controlled from Modify Schedule/Quantities. This tab will appear when a
schedule view is active.
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EXERCISE 0002: MODIFYING A SCHEDULE

Continue in FWater-EVC-Schedules-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt and the ZZ-SH-A-DoorSchedule view.
Select Column F (Phase Created) by clicking on the F.
Click on Modify Schedule/Quantities > Columns > Hide.
The Phase Created column will be hidden, but not removed, from the Schedule.
Column F is now Width.
This can be useful for columns used for calculations that are not needed to be seen.
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The parameter name does not have to be used as the column title. A column can be renamed to more
understandable definitions.
Click on the heading of column E (Mark). Edit the heading to be “Door Number”.
In the Properties palette, click on Edit… next to Appearance.
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The Schedule Properties dialog box will open to the Appearance tab.
Change the settings as listed below:
Outline Ticked Medium Lines
Title text: Arial 5.0mm
Header text: Arial 3.5mm
Body text: Arial 2.5mm
Click OK to update the Schedule.
Click on Modify Schedule/Quantities > Appearance > Stripe Rows.
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Click on Modify Schedule/Quantities > Columns > Insert.
In the Select Fields dialog box, in Available Fields: select Fire Rating.
In Scheduled fields (in order): select Height.
Click on the Add parameter(s) button.
Click OK.
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The Fire Rating column will be added at the far right of the Schedule.
Enter a value against the Fire Rating of Door Number DR_02_02 of “FR30”.
At the prompt, click on OK. Fire Rating is a Type Parameter so all instances of 810x2110mm (Door Type
DT_01) will be updated.
Repeat the process for Type Mark DT_02.

Enter a Fire Rating of “FR60” for the 1010x2110mm door.
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Repeat the process for Type Mark DT_03.

Enter a Fire Rating of “FR90” for any Glass_Dbl_Door door.
From the Properties palette click on Filter > Edit.

Set the following values:
This will remove any entries that do not have a Fire Rating value (DR_03_03).
In the Sorting/Grouping tab, set the following values:
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Click on OK.
The schedule will be ordered by the Fire Rating column and a total of doors added to the end of the table.
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In the Schedule Properties dialog box, set the Filter by option back to (none).
Click on OK.
This re-displays the door without a Fire Rating.
Select the row of the door without a Fire Rating (Type DT_04).
Click on Modify Schedule/Quantities > Element > Highlight in Model.
Revit will search the views to find a representation of the door. When prompted to Continue? click on OK.
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Revit will open a view and prompt to either Show another view, or Close to stop the search and remain in
the open view.
Click on Show and continue until view 03-P-A-GA is opened and door DR_03_03 is highlighted.
Click on Close.
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The door will be selected. In the Properties palette, click on Edit Type.
Edit Identity Data > Fire Rating to be “FR120”.
Click on OK.
This will apply the parameter value and update the Schedule.
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EXERCISE 0003: CALCULATING TOTALS

Open FWater-EVC-Schedules-ZZ-M3-A-0003.rvt.
Open the ZZ-SH-A-DoorSchedule Schedule.
In the Properties palette, click on Edit… next to Fields.
In the Schedule Properties dialog box, select Cost from the Available fields: list.
Click on Add parameter(s).
Change to the Formatting tab.

In the Fields: list, select Cost.
Select Calculate Totals
Click on Field Format…
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Untick Use project settings.

Change Unit symbol: to £.
Click on OK.
Change to the Sorting/Grouping tab.

Change Grand totals: to Title and totals.
Change Custom grand total title: to “Total cost”.
Click on OK.
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The schedule will be updated to include the Cost column, and a total cost will be shown at the bottom.
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EXPORTING SCHEDULES
Schedules are a powerful tool, but do not offer the same formatting ability or functionality as a spreadsheet tool or
databases. If additional editing or analysis is needed, Schedule views can be exported to a .txt file.
Many applications can import this information, including Microsoft Excel and Access, SQL Server, all Text
Editors…in fact pretty much any application you can think of.
To export a Schedule, make sure it is the active view and choose File > Export > Reports > Schedule.
The Export Schedule dialog box will open, providing options to include or exclude titles, columns and groupings.
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Output options control how the text file is formatted.

Field delimiter provides options to separate values by , ; (tab) or (space)
Text qualifier encloses text entries in either " ' or (none).
Which settings are used depends on the software being used to process the schedule after export. Leave the
values as default if you are not sure.
Once the Schedule has been exported, there is no link between the data and Revit.
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WORKSETS
Worksets are a function that enables more than one person to work on a single model, while preventing different
users editing the same element.
When multiple users are required to work on a project, worksharing must be enabled. This will create default
worksets. Ideally this task will be undertaken at the start of a project to allow for a disciplined approach to
structuring the model before multiple users gain access to it.
Once worksharing is enabled all team members work on their own Local model, which is linked to the Central
model to ensure no conflicts between their work.
This guide will demonstrate how to create and manage worksets for a central Revit model on a local area network.
The buttons relating to worksets are found in the Collaborate > Manage Collaboration and Synchronize panels.
Worksets are not comparable to layers in CAD draughting software. Instead, the recommended workset
organisational split should be based on systems such as envelope, internal walls, etc. Furthermore, it is not
necessary to duplicate Revit family categories as worksets. For example, a workset is not required for doors as
they can be controlled as a family category in Visibility / Graphics Overrides.
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EXERCISE 0001: CREATING A WORKSHARED MODEL

Open the file FWater-EVC-Worksets-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Navigate to Collaborate > Manage Collaboration > Collaborate.
From the Collaborate dialog box choose Within your network and click OK.
Once the dialog box has closed, navigate click on Collaborate > Manage Collaboration > Worksets.
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The Workset dialog box will open to show the two default worksets that have been created:
Shared Levels and Grids
will have any Levels and Grids already created in the model, assigned to it.
Workset 1 will have all other elements assigned to it.
Click Rename to and edit the workset names to the following

Shared Levels and Grids = “EVC-ZZ-LevelsAndGrids”
Workset1 = “EVC-ZZ-Internal”
Click OK to close the Rename dialog box.

Click OK to close the Workset dialog box.
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Click the File menu > Save button.

This will open the Save File as Central Model information box.
Click Yes.
Note: This dialog box will only appear at this initial workset creation stage.
Click on Collaborate > Synchronize > Synchronize with Central.

Note: The file must have been saved as a central model to activate the Synchronize panel.
From the Synchronize with Central dialog box tick User-created worksets.
Click OK.
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Click on Collaborate > Manage Collaboration > Worksets.

Within the Worksets dialog box confirm that the Owner of the worksets are blank.
This confirms that the Synchronization has taken effect.
Click on OK to close the Worksets dialog box.

Click on the File > Close button to close the file.
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EXERCISE 0002: OPENING A WORKSHARED MODEL

Note: this exercise can only be completed once worksharing has been enabled in Exercise 0001.
Click File > Open Project
Navigate to the location of the workshared file FWater-EVC-Walls-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt and select it.
Ensure that Create New Local is ticked.
Click Open
Note: The Revit version of the file is displayed beneath the Preview.
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EXERCISE 0003: CREATING A WORKSET

Continue in the workshared file FWater-EVC-Workset-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Click on Collaborate > Manage Collaboration > Workset.
In the Worksets dialog box click New.
Enter the name “EVC-ZZ-External”
Click OK.
Click OK to close the Worksets dialog box.
Click Yes on the Specify Active Workset dialog box.
Note: This dialog box only appears when new worksets are created.
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EXERCISE 0004: ASSIGNING ELEMENTS TO A WORKSET

Continue in the file FWater-EVC-Workset-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Open the ZZ-M3-A-Modelling view
In the View Control bar at the bottom of the view select Worksharing Display > Worksets.
This step is not essential to assign elements, but helps distinguish them visually to make it more obvious.
The view will display the worksets by colour.

Select the roof element shown below.
Note: The orange box around the view to indicate that a view control has been applied.
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In the Properties palette > Identity Data > Workset dropdown select EVC-ZZ-External
De-select the roof. It will now display in its new colour, demonstrating the workset has been assigned.
You are, of course, able to select and assign multiple elements simultaneously should you need to.
Go to View Control > Worksharing and select Worksharing Display Off.
The view now displays again as per the Visibility / Graphic Overrides.
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EXERCISE 0005: CREATING ELEMENTS ON WORKSETS

Continue in the file FWater-EVC-Workset-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Open the ZZ-M3-A-Modelling view.
From Collaborate > Manage Collaboration > Active Workset: dropdown select the EVC-ZZ-External
workset.
Click on Collaborate > Manage Collaboration > Gray Inactive Worksets.

Note: This graphically distinguishes the active workset and is a recommended modelling aide.
Click on Architecture > Build > Window.
Hover the cursor over the wall and click to place the window. The exact position is not important.
Press [Esc] to exit the Window tool.
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Select the new window in the view.

In the Properties palette under the Identity Data section, the Workset property will be EVC-ZZ-External.
Note: Any element that is created will be assigned to the active workset
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GUIDANCE ON OWNING OR BORROWING WORKSETS

Once worksharing is enabled on a project, teams members work on their local copies of the central model. To
ensure that users work does not conflict, worksets are used. Worksets can function in two different ways:
1. OWNING A WORKSET
Taking ownership of a workset means that only you can edit elements that are contained within this
workset. This may be applicable when a workset is undergoing a major change, such as a external
envelope update, where other users may interfere with the task.
Ownership of a workset is controlled in the Worksets dialog box which is opened from Collaborate >
Manage Collaboration > Worksets. The Editable column next to the relevant workset shows Yes where
the worksets are editable. The Owner of the workset is shown alongside.
Taking ownership of an entire workset can be frustrating for other team members as it can lock them out of large
parts of the model. The need to take ownership of a whole workset is not that common on a standard project.
If a workset is owned, it will need to be relinquished to allow others to work on it again. To Relinquish ownership,
use the Collaborate > Manage Collaboration > Synchronize with Central > Synchronize and Modify
Settings button. Tick User-created Worksets and click OK
This will synchronize with the central model and release the workset and its contents for any user to edit.
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BORROWING A WORKSET
A more common method of collaborative working is to simply Borrow worksets. Borrowing automatically happens
when a user edits an element in their local file and Revit locks the element until the user has synchronized and
relinquished.
To view which worksets have borrowed elements navigate to Collaborate > Manage Collaboration > Worksets.
In the Worksets dialog box the Borrowers column shows who has edited an element in the worksets. There are
no limits on the number of borrowers.
This method of collaborative working is more natural as it does not require the opening of the Worksets dialog box
to take ownership.
When synchronizing a model, make sure that Borrowed Elements is checked in the Synchronize with Central
dialog box.
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SYNCHRONIZING A WORKSHARED MODEL

Whether owning or borrowing worksets, it is important that local models are synchronized regularly to ensure that
all users work is saved back to the central model.
It is recommended to always close the local file at the end of the workday and select Synchronize with central in
the Changes Not Saved dialog box.
If changes are not synchronized and relinquished it is possible that other users will be stopped from working,
particularly if a colleague has taken some annual leave!
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SAVING THE LOCAL FILE

Along with synchronizing when prompted, it is good practice to occasionally save the local file as Revit does not
have an autosave function. Using the standard [Control + S] keys will save the local model, or it can be accessed
from the Quick Access Toolbar.
The saved path of the local file is set in File > Options > File Locations > Default path for user files. This path
can be edited via the Browse button, but it would normally be set to a consistent location for all users in a
company.
It is good practice to tidy this location regularly as it can become full of redundant local files, particularly if a user is
frequently opening a range of central models.
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WALLS
Walls can be created in two ways: by either drawing them as walls using the Wall tool, or by applying them to the
face of a Mass. Walls can be either Architectural or Structural. This guide will focus on Architectural Walls.
TYPES OF ARCHITECTURAL WALLS

The choices available when creating Architectural walls are:
1. BASIC WALL
These consist of editable layers of Materials that are used to create specific wall build
ups. This type of Wall it the focus of this guide, however the principles and exercises
also apply to Structural Basic Walls
2. STACKED WALL
These consist of Basic Walls stacked on top of each other to allow for different wall
build ups at different heights. Any edits to the Basic Walls will be reflected in the
Stacked Walls where they are used.
3. CURTAIN WALL
These consist of Curtain Grids, Curtain Mullions and Curtain Panels to define the
curtain wall structure (refer to Curtain Walls).
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WALL PLACEMENT
Walls can be placed using Architecture > Build > Walls.
Once the tool is started, scroll through the list of walls in the Properties palette to the section titled Basic Wall.
Basic Walls are at the top of the list of Wall Types.
Once the correct wall has been chosen, set the required options in the Modify tool bar and Properties palette,
then place a wall.
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WALL TYPE PROPERTIES

The type properties of a Wall can be accessed before placement or after placement by selecting the wall and
clicking Edit Type on the Properties palette.
In the Type Properties dialog box clicking the Preview button will show the wall build up. This view can be either
a plan or a section.
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1. STRUCTURE
The wall structure, its constituent parts, can be edited from the Edit... button (refer to WALL STRUCTURE).
2. WRAPPING
Wrapping at Inserts and Wrapping at Ends control whether the skins of a wall are closed at openings and
/ or the ends. To do so the skin of the wall (a layer) has to be defined as wrapping (refer to WALL
STRUCTURE).
3. FUNCTION
This defines the basic function of the wall. It can be used to filter views and schedules:
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WALL STRUCTURE
Editing the wall structure opens the Edit Assembly dialog box. Here it is possible to edit the layers of the wall to
create build ups that reflect the actual wall construction.
1. LAYER FUNCTION
This defines what each layer’s construction function is. The available options are:
 Structure
 Substrate
 Thermal Air Layer
 Finish 1
 Finish 2
 Membrane Layer
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It is important to correctly define the Layer Function as it will affect how walls, floors and ceilings join in the
model. There is a hierarchy of functions as the layers move from EXTERIOR SIDE to INTERIOR SIDE,
where Structure cannot sit above a Finish, for example. These functions cannot be edited.
2. LAYER MATERIAL
The Material is defined in the Material Library and can be applied to multiple layers. It is important to use
the same Material across System Families (Walls, Floors, Ceilings) so that any edits, such as cut patterns,
will update globally. To edit the Material, click on the … (three dots) button in the relevant row. This opens
the Material Browser where edits can be made, or a new material assigned to the layer (refer to materials).
3. LAYER THICKNESS
The thickness of the layer should align with the real-world thickness of the layer material, such as brick
dimensions or insulation thickness.
4. LAYER WRAPS
This controls if the layer can wrap when the wall is placed in the model. Note that layers inside of the Core
Boundary cannot wrap.
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5. STRUCTURAL MATERIAL
This defines which layer forms the structure of the wall. It will also affect the any structural analysis or
energy analysis applied to the wall.
6. LAYER POSITION
The position of the Layer can be changed by clicking Up or Down buttons.
Layers can be added or removed by clicking the Insert or Delete buttons. All Layers that should not wrap
must be placed within the Core Boundary.
7. DEFAULT WRAPPING
Wrapping controls the behaviour of the layers at the end of a wall, and at inserts, which are families that are
hosted in the wall. The Default Wrapping can be overridden in the Type Properties dialog box. In the
image below the material at the EXTERIOR SIDE is wrapping as it has been set in Default Wrapping > At
Ends > Exterior.
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8. MODIFY VERTICAL STRUCTURE

To activate the Modify Vertical Structure buttons the Preview > View must be set to Section. Once
activated, Sweeps and Reveals can be added to the Type, or alternatively they can be applied to Walls on
an Instance basis.
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EXERCISE 0001: PLACING A WALL

Open the file FWater-EVC-Walls-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Select the Wall on grid line 7 between grids G and H.
Right-click and choose Create Similar.

This will activate the Wall placement tool using the same settings as the selected Wall.
Use the dropdown menu to change the Properties Palette > Top Constraint to Up to Level 03.
Check the Modify Bar > Location Line is set to Finished Face: Exterior.
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Click in the view to start drawing a wall from grid intersection H7 to H5.
Press [Esc] to finish drawing the Wall.
1
You may be prompted that the highlighted walls overlap:
Use the Modify | Place Wall > Modify > Trim/Extend to Corner tool to correct the join.
Click on both walls in turn.
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Open ZZ-M3-A-Modelling view.

With the wall selected click on Modify | Walls > Modify Wall > Attach Top / Base.
Select the Floor that the wall is protruding from. This will Attach the top of the wall to the underside of the
Floor.
Click on Modify | Walls > Mode > Edit Profile to open Sketch Mode.
You will be prompted that the tool will remove the top and base attachments.
Click Close.
Sketch mode is displayed with pink profile lines.
Use the Draw tools to edit the edge of the wall:
Draw a line vertically from the endpoint of the upstand to the topmost edge of the wall profile.
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Draw another line horizontally from the same point across the top of the slab.
1
2
Use the Trim/Extend to Corner tool to trim the original edges to the new lines.
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Once finished, click on Modify | Walls > Mode > Finish Edit Mode.
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EXERCISE 0002: EDITING A WALL TYPE

Select the Wall between grid intersections H8 and H9.
In the Properties palette, click Edit Type.

In the Edit Type dialog box click Duplicate.
Edit the Name to “Evolve_Wall_25Rdr-140Blk-50i-100pLightweight”.
Click OK.
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In the Type Properties dialog box click on Structure > Edit.
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In the Edit Assembly dialog box, edit the following:

Layer 3 (Concrete Masonry Units) Thickness = “140.00mm”.
Layer 5 (Concrete Masonry Units) Thickness = “140.00mm”.
Click on OK.
The wall between grid intersection H8 and H9 will have changed to the new type.
Note the increased width of the wall demonstrated by the dimension shown below.
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EXERCISE 0003: WALL SWEEPS

Note: this exercise can be completed using Reveals instead of Sweeps.
Open the View ZZ-M3-A-Modelling.
Select the beige coloured wall at the front of level 01.
In the Properties palette click Edit Type.

Then click on Structure > Edit...
Click Preview in the Edit Assembly dialog box to show the wall structure.
Change the Preview View to Section : Modify type attributes.
This will enable the Sweeps and Reveals buttons.

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Click the Sweeps button.
In the Wall Sweeps dialog box click the Add button to add sweep 1.
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With the new sweep selected, click on Load Profile.
Click the Profile dropdown and change it to Evolve_ProfileDef_CantBrickSoldier3Courses.
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Edit the following settings:

Distance = “500.0 mm”
Offset = “75.0 mm”
The Sweep is now visible in the section preview in the Edit Assembly dialog box.
Click OK.
Click OK in the Type Properties dialog box to finished editing.
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The Wall will now have a sweep along its length.
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EXERCISE 0004: WALL WRAPS

Note: The exterior plaster finish and interior wood finish do not wrap at the end of the wall, nor where the
window is placed.
Select the Wall running along grid line 5.

In Properties palette click on Edit Type
In the Type Properties dialog box click Structure > Edit
In the Edit Assembly dialog box tick Wraps for Finish 1 and Finish 2
Click on OK.
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Back in the Type Properties dialog box set the following parameters:
Wrapping at Inserts = Exterior
Wrapping at Ends = Interior
Click on OK.
The Interior wood material now wraps at the wall Ends to meet to the plaster finish.
The Exterior plaster material now wraps in to meet the Wall Closure Reference Plane as defined in the
window family (RFA).
Note: This is because the window is an Insert. The location of the wall closure line can be edited in the
window RFA.
Note: The above is not intended to reflect a correct wall wrapping for construction. It is to demonstrate the
wrapping functionality in Revit and should not be replicated on a live project.
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CURTAIN WALLS
Curtain Walls can be created in two ways: by either drawing them as walls using the Wall tool, or by applying them
to the face of a mass as a Curtain System.
HIERARCHY OF CURTAIN WALLS

Curtain Walls are made up of Curtain Grids that define the Curtain Wall’s structure.
Between the Curtain Grids, different Curtain Panels (doors, solid panels and glazed panels) can be added.
A Mullion can be added at each Curtain Grid if required.
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CURTAIN WALLS PLACEMENT

Curtain Walls can be placed using Architecture > Build > Walls.
Once the tool is started, scroll through the list of walls in the Properties palette in the section Basic Wall.
Curtain Walls are then placed in the same way as Walls (refer to Walls).
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CURTAIN WALL TYPE PROPERTIES

The type properties of a Curtain Wall can be accessed before placement or after placement by selecting the wall
and clicking Edit Type on the Properties palette.
AUTOMATICALLY EMBED
Placing a Curtain Wall inside a normal Wall will cause the two walls to overlap.
In Edit Type Properties, turning on Automatically Embed will cut any normal Walls around the embedded Curtain
Wall.
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VERTICAL / HORIZONTAL GRID LAYOUT

In the Type Properties dialog box, editing the Vertical Grid and Horizontal Grid sections will adjust the layout of
the Curtain Wall’s structure.
Changing the Layout dropdown will allow the following layout approaches:
1. FIXED DISTANCE
This will create a horizontal or vertical Curtain Wall Grid at a fixed distance from the start of the wall.
E.g. In the Vertical Grid section, set the Layout to Fixed Distance. Once set, change the Spacing to
“2000” will set the grids repeating every 2000mm. The final panel will fill the remaining space.
Once a Fixed Distance Curtain Wall is created, the setting out of the Grids can be altered by selecting it and
in the Properties palette and changing the Horizontal Grid > Justification or Vertical Grid >
Justification.
For example, to have an equal sized smaller panel on both ends of the Curtain Wall, change the Properties
> Vertical Grid > Justification to Center.
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2. FIXED NUMBER
Fixed Number will split the Curtain Wall into a number of panels making each, equally sized.
Change the Layout to Fixed Number:
Then to change the number of panels, click OK on the Type Properties dialog box to close it and, with the
Curtain Wall still selected, change the Number property to the number of required panels in the Properties
palette.
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3. MAXIMUM SPACING
The Curtain Wall will be divided equally, with as many panels as possible, but each panel will be less than
the value set in Spacing.
4. MINIMUM SPACING
The Curtain Wall will be divided equally, with as many panels as possible, but each panel will be at least the
value set in Spacing.
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EDITING CURTAIN GRIDS

ADDING GRIDS
Curtain Grids can be customised from a uniformed layout to any required layout.
Architecture > Build > Curtain Grid allows clicking any edge of a Curtain Wall to add a Curtain Grid.
MOVING GRIDS
To move a Curtain Grid, hover over it and press [Tab] until the Curtain Grid is highlighted and click to select.
The Curtain Grid will show with a pin. Click the pin to unpin the Curtain Grid and edit the dimensions to control the
location.
Once the correct layout has been achieved, re-pin the Curtain Grids to avoid accidental changes.
REMOVING GRIDLINES
To remove a Grid or portion of a Grid, select it and use Modify > Curtain Grid > Add/Remove Segments.
Click each segment to remove. They will initially display as a dotted line but when the Curtain Grid is deselected,
they will disappear.
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MULLIONS
Mullions are placed on the Curtain Grid. In the Project Browser expand the Families section and scroll to
Curtain Wall Mullions to see the available kinds of mullions.
Circular and Rectangular Mullions can be used on any Curtain Grid. L Corner, Quad Corner, Trapezoid Corner
and V Corner Mullions can only be placed on the end of a Curtain Wall.
To change all Mullions in a Curtain Wall, select the Curtain Wall and on the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
In the Edit Type dialog box, scroll to the sections Vertical Mullions and Horizontal Mullions to change the
Mullions.
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Interior Type These are the mullions on the interior grids

Border 1 Type These are the mullions on the start of the curtain wall
Border 2 Type These are the mullions on the end of the curtain wall
If in Vertical Grid or Horizontal Grid the setting Adjust for Mullion Size is ticked, the panels will automatically
change size to account for the space taken by the Mullions.
CHANGING MULLION ORIENTATION

Once Mullions are placed, Revit will automatically orientate the vertical mullions through the horizontal mullions
but the orientation can be edited by selecting a Mullion and clicking the icon shown below.
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CURTAIN WALL PANELS

Once the Curtain Grid has been set up, each Panel can be edited to either a Wall type or a Curtain Wall Panel.
Hover over the edge of a Panel and press [Tab] until only the Panel is highlighted and click to select.
From the Properties palette, select the type of Panel.
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EXERCISE 0001: PLACING CURTAIN WALLS

Open the file FWater-EVC-CurtainWalls-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Open the Floor Plan 02-MP-A-GA.
Click Architecture > Build > Wall.
In the Properties palette, use the Type Selector to select Evolve_CurtainWall_ExteriorGlazing.
In the properties dialog box, ensure the following properties are set:
Base Constraint: 02
Base Offset: 0
Top Constraint: Up to level: 03
Top Offset: 0
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Click on the left-hand end of the red line in the view to start drawing the Curtain Wall.
Click on the right-hand end of the red line to place the curtain wall.
Press [Esc] on your keyboard to complete the curtain wall.
Open the ZZ-M3-A-GA View.
With the curtain wall selected, click on Modify | Walls > Attach Top / Base.
Note: make sure you are selecting the whole curtain wall, not an individual mullion.
Select the floor that the wall is protruding from.
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Note: A prompt will show asking whether to delete a curtain wall mullion. This is because the highest
mullion is now above the height of the curtain wall so cannot exist.
Click Delete Element(s).

The top of the curtain wall will be attached to the underside of the floor.
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EXERCISE 0002: EDITING THE CURTAIN WALL TYPE

Select the curtain wall placed over the red line.
From the Properties palette, change the Number in the Vertical Grid section to 5.
Click the Edit Type button.

In the Edit Type dialogue, under the Vertical Mullions section, change the Interior Type property to
Rectangular Mullion: Evolve_ProfileDef_50x150mm.
The interior vertical mullions will update to the new mullion Type.
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EXERCISE 0003: EDITING THE CURTAIN WALL LAYOUT

Select the mullion as shown in the image below. Hover over the mullion and pressing [Tab] until the mullion
is highlighted, then click to select.
The mullion will show a pin icon to indicate that it cannot be modified.
Click on the pin icon to unpin the mullion.
Press [Delete] on the keyboard to delete the mullion.
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Repeat the process for the three other unrequired mullions as shown opposite:
The mullions will be deleted leaving only the Curtain Wall Grids showing.
Select any of these curtain rrids using [Tab] to sort through the elements until a curtain grid is selected).
Click Modify | Curtain Wall Grids > Add/Remove Segments.
Click the portion of grid where the mullions have been deleted to remove the grids.
Repeat for the other grids. There is no need to remove the segment at the foot of the door.
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Hover over the edge of the panel and use [Tab] to cycle through the elements until the panel
Evolve_CurtainWall_Glazed is highlighted.
Click to select.
From the Type Selector, change the panel type to Evolve_Door_CurtainWallDouble.
Click to apply the change.
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EXERCISE 0004: SCHEDULE CURTAIN WALLS

Hover over one of the Curtain Wall Panels and click [Tab] until it is highlighted and click to select.
On the Properties panel, click the Edit Type button.
Change the Type Mark to “CW-01”

Repeat the process for the door changing the Type Mark to “CWD-01”
In the Project Browser, right-click on Schedules/Quantities (All)
Choose New Schedule/Quantities.
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From the New Schedule dialog box, ensure Multi-Category is selected, enter “ZZ-SH-
0001_CurtainWallSchedule” into the Name.
Click OK.
Locate the following fields and add them to the schedule in the same order using the Add Parameter(s)
button:
Type Mark
Type
Count
Switch to the Filter tab.
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Change the first line to Filter by Type Mark begins with “CW”
On the Sorting / Grouping tab, set the Sort by to Type Mark.

Untick Itemize every instance
Click OK.
The schedule will be created and show all Curtain Wall Panels whose Type Mark starts with “CW”
regardless of their Type.
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FLOORS, ROOFS AND CEILINGS

FLOORS
Floor can be created in two ways: by either drawing them using the Floor tool, or by applying them to the face of a
Mass. Floors can be either Architectural or Structural. This guide will focus on Architectural floors, but the same
principles apply when creating structural floors.
FLOOR PLACEMENT
Floors are placed using Architecture > Build > Floor.
Once the tool is started, scroll through the list of floors in the Properties palette to select the appropriate floor
Once the correct floor has been chosen, set the required options in the Modify tool bar and Properties palette,
then place a floor.
FLOOR TYPE PROPERTIES

The type properties of a floor can be accessed before placement or after placement by selecting the floor and
In the Type Properties dialog box click the Preview button to show the floor build up.
To edit the floor build up click Construction > Structure.
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FLOOR STRUCTURE
Editing the structure opens the Edit Assembly dialog box. Here it is possible to edit the layers of the floor to
create build ups that reflect the actual floor construction.
1. LAYER FUNCTION
 Structure
 Substrate
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 Finish 1
 Finish 2
 Membrane Layer
 Structural Deck
It is important to correctly define the Layer Function as it will affect how walls, floors and ceilings join in the
model. There is a hierarchy of functions as the layers move from the top to the bottom, where Structure
cannot sit above a Finish, for example. These functions cannot be edited.
2. MATERIAL
The material is defined in the Material Library and can be applied to multiple layers. It is important to use
the same Material across System Families (Walls, Floors, Ceilings) so that any edits, such as cut patterns,
will update globally. To edit the Material, click on the … (three dots) button in the relevant row. This opens
the Material Browser where edits can be made, or a new material assigned to the layer (refer to materials).
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3. THICKNESS
The thickness of the layer should align with the real-world thickness of the layer material, such as insulation
thickness.
4. STRUCTURAL MATERIAL
This defines which layer forms the structure of the floor. It will also affect the any structural analysis or
energy analysis applied to the wall. The material mut be within the Core Boundary.
5. VARIABLE
This allows for a material to have a variable thickness to compensate for any slopes applied to the floor.
6. POSITION
The position of the Layer can be changed by clicking Up or Down buttons.
Layers can be added or removed by clicking the Insert or Delete buttons..
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CEILINGS
TYPES OF CEILINGS
The choices available when creating ceilings are:
1. BASIC CEILING
These consist of a planar element layer with no thickness, which can have
a material applied.
2. COMPOUND CEILINGS
These consist of layers of materials with a thickness and a function applied.
This guide will focus on compound ceilings, but the same placement methods
apply for basic ceilings.
CEILING PLACEMENT
Ceilings can be placed using Architecture > Build > Ceiling.
Once the tool is started, scroll through the list of walls in the Properties palette to the section titled Compound
Ceiling.
Once the correct ceiling has been selected, the appropriate placement options can be set:
Automatic ceiling will flood any area bounded by walls in the view.
Sketch ceiling requires manual drawing of the ceiling boundary lines.
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CEILING TYPE PROPERTIES

The type properties of a ceiling can be accessed before placement or after placement by selecting the ceiling and
clicking on Edit Type.
As with floors, to edit the compound ceiling build up click on Type Properties > Construction > Structure.
CEILING STRUCTURE
As with floors, editing the ceiling structure opens the Edit Assembly dialog box
1. LAYER FUNCTION
 Structure
 Substrate
 Finish 1
 Finish 2
 Membrane Layer
As with floors, it is important to correctly define the Layer Function as it will affect how walls, floors and
ceilings join in the model.
Note: compound ceiling layers cannot be structural.
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ROOFS
Roofs can be created in three ways: by using the Roof tool to create them as a footprint or an extrusion, or by
applying them to the face of a Mass. Roofs can be either a Basic Roof or Sloped Glazing. This guide will focus on
Basic Roofs.
TYPES OF ROOFS
The choices available when creating ceilings are:
1. BASIC ROOF
These consist of layers of materials with a thickness and a function applied.
These can be created either as footprints or extrusions.
2. SLOPED GLAZING
This consists of curtain wall functionality with the ability to define roof slopes.
These can be created both as footprints or extrusions.
ROOF PLACEMENT AS FOOTPRINT

Roofs can be placed using Architecture > Build > Roof > Roof by Footprint.
Once the tool is started, scroll through the list of roofs in the Properties palette to select the appropriate basic
roof. Basic roofs are at the top of this list.
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ROOF TYPE PROPERTIES

The type properties of a roof can be accessed before placement or after placement by selecting the floor and
As with floors, to edit the roof build up click Type Properties > Construction > Structure.
ROOF STRUCTURE
As with floors, editing the ceiling structure opens the Edit Assembly dialog box. The options are the same.
Note: basic roofs layers cannot be Structural.
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EXERCISE 0001: CREATING FLOORS

Open the file FWater-EVC-FloorsRoofCeilings-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Locate the green detail lines around gridlines C2 to E3.
Click on Architecture > Build > Floor.
In the Type Selector pick Evolve_Covering_InsulationSandCementScreed.
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Click on Modify > Draw > Boundary Line.

Set the placement option to Pick Lines.
From the Modify toolbar check the settings are as below:
In the plan view select each of the green lines to form the boundary of the floor.
Hint: use the [Tab] key to make sure the correct lines are selected.
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Click on Modify > Model > Finish Edit Mode.
In the Attaching to floor dialog box click Don’t Attach.
Open the ZZ-M3-A-Modelling view to check the floor in 3D.
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EXERCISE 0002: EDITING FLOOR GEOMETRY

Select the red floor slab between gridlines C4 and E2.
Click on Modify > Create > Edit Boundary.
Use Modify > Draw > Lines to draw boundary lines around the column on grid line E3.
Select the top boundary line.
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Drag the right-hand end back to its intersection with the column.
2 1
Select the right-hand boundary line.

Drag the top end back to its intersection with the column.
Draw two lines from the right-hand end of the top boundary line, to the corner of the column, and finish at
the top end of the right-hand boundary line.
2 3
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Click on Modify > Mode > Finish Edit Mode to completed editing floor.
Note: It is not possible to finish editing the floor if the boundary lines are overlapping or contain any gaps
Open the view ZZ-M3-A-Modelling and select the same floor element.
Click on Modify > Shape Editing > Modify Sub Elements.
Select the boundary.
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In the Modify | Floors toolbar set:

Elevation = “20”
Press the [Enter] key.
Press the [Esc] key to stop modifying.
Click on Modify > Shape Editing > Add Point.
In the Modify | Floors toolbar set:

Elevation = “-2”
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Move the cursor over the floor and click to place the point.
Press the [Esc] key to stop modifying.
Note: The Shape Editing tools are intended for moderate slopes only. If the edits are too extreme this Warning
dialog box will display, and the element thickness may be inaccurate.
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EXERCISE 0003: EDITING FLOOR STRUCTURE

Select the section between grid lines C to D.
Right-click and choose Go to View.
Select the instance of Evolve_Covering_InsulationSandCementScreed

Note: The floor has a slope applied to it by editing points.
In the Properties click on Edit Type.

Click on Structure > Edit…
Click << Preview to show the floor build up.
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Click Insert and enter the following properties for the new layer:
Function = Finish 1
Material = Concrete, Sand/Cement Screed
Thickness = “65.0 mm”
Click Up to move the layer to the top row.
Tick Variable on for the bottom layer. Ticking Variable for the insulation layer compensates for the slope on
the floor to ensure it aligns with the top of the floor beneath.
The floor build up has updated.
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EXERCISE 0004: CREATING CEILINGS

Select Architecture > Build > Ceiling.
Click on Modify > Ceiling > Automatic Ceiling.
In the Properties palette set the following:

Type = Evolve_Covering_600x600Grid
Level = 01
Height Offset From Level = “2600”
Hover the cursor over the area bound by grid lines C9 and E10 to highlight the automatic ceiling boundary
created by the existing walls.
Click in the view to place the ceiling.
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The warning dialog box explains that the ceiling is not visible because it has been placed above the current
view range.
Press [Esc] to exit the Ceiling tool.

Click on Modify > Ceiling > Sketch Ceiling.
In the Properties palette set the following:

Type = Evolve_Covering_600x1200Grid
Level = 01
Height Offset From Level = “2600”
Change the draw mode to Lines.
In the plan view trace around the walls bounding the area between grid lines C9 and E9.
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1 2
5
3
6
Click on Modify > Mode > Finish Edit Mode to complete the sketch ceiling.
From View > Plan Views choose Reflected Ceiling Plans.
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In the New RCP dialog box select 01.
Click on OK.
The reflected ceiling plan will open and show the two ceilings.
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EXERCISE 0005: CREATING ROOF BY FOOTPRINT

From Architecture > Build > Roof select Roof by Footprint.
Click on Modify > Draw > Pick Lines.
In the Modify tool bar untick Defines slope.
In the Type Selector pick Evolve_Roof_FlatWarmConcrete.
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In the view move the cursor over one of the red detail lines and press [Tab] to pre-select the chain of lines.
Click in the view to create the roof boundary lines.

Click on Modify > Mode > Finish Edit Mode.
Open the ZZ-M3-A-Modelling view.

Using the [Tab] key select all the walls protruding from the newly created roof.
Click on Modify > Modify Wall > Attach Top/Base.
Click on the roof to attach the walls.
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STAIRS, RAMPS AND RAILINGS

STAIRS
There are several parts that make up a Revit stair as shown below.
A Run is a group of steps. A stair may be made up of one or more runs.
A Landing is a flat portion joining two or more runs.
A stair can have up to three supports. Left, Right and Middle.
A support can be a Carriage which sits under the stair.
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The left and right supports can also be Saddled which saddle the stairs between them.
A step as a minimum must have a Tread.
A tread may have a Nosing profile.
A step may have a riser.
Stairs can be placed from Architecture > Circulation > Stair.
Once clicked, the Options bar will show the following options:
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Location Line Will allow specifying whether to place the stairs using the following alignments:
Exterior Support Run Left Run Center Run Right Exterior Support
Left Right
Offset Allows setting a distance to offset the placement. Setting a distance of -100 will result in
the below. The red line showing the placement 100mm away from the Exterior Support
Left.
This can be useful to ensure a gap is created between a wall and the stair.
Actual Run Width This is the width of the stair run without the left and right supports. Setting a value of
1000 will result in the below.
Automatic Landing With this ticked on, Revit will try to automatically create a landing between each run.
The landing width will match the Actual Run Width.
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STAIR LAYOUTS
Once the stair tool is clicked, the Modify ribbon will automatically show. The Components panel allows creation
of different layouts of stairs.
RUN
Allows placement of runs of steps. A stair can be comprised of multiple runs. In the example below, the stair is
made of 3 runs.
The runs can be configured using the options on the Components panel.
Straight Full-step spiral Centre-Ends L-Shape Winder U-Shape Winder

Spiral
If the pre-defined run types do not match the needs of the project, a completely custom stair can be created using
Sketch Stair.
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Once clicked the Modify > Draw panel will show.
Boundary This allows drawing the shape for the bounding edges of the stairs. This can be any
combination of lines and arcs needed.
Riser This allows drawing each of the risers between the boundary edges.
Stair Path Creates a line up the stairs. An arrow can then be placed on the stair showing the
direction using the Annotate > Symbol > Stair Path tool.
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LANDING
Allows creation of a landing to any shape and size required.

If Automatic Landing is ticked the landings will be created automatically but this can be deleted and replaced
with a custom shape.
SUPPORT
Allows clicking on a single edge of a stair or landing to add a support.
Note: The left, right or middle support needs to be defined in the stair’s type settings to allow adding a support.
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EXERCISE 0001: CREATE STAIRS

Open the file FWater-EVC-Stairs-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Level 01 is shown as an underlay to help position the stair correctly.
Zoom into the grids 3-4/G-H. If it helps, turn on Crop View in the Properties palette.
Locate the detail line on the small platform.
Click on Architecture > Circulation > Stair.

In the Properties palette:
Set Top Level to 01.
Set Base Level to 00P.
Setting Top Level first avoids any warnings that the Base Level is higher than the Top Level.
In the Options bar, change the settings to match the following:
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Click on Modify | Create Stair > Tools > Railing.
In the Railing dialog box, change the railing to None.

Click on OK.
Snap to the bottom endpoint of the detail line and click to start placing the stairs.
Move the cursor to the left ensuring all 18 risers are shown and 0 remaining.
Click to complete the stair.

To confirm there are no additional landings or changes, click on Modify > Mode > Finish Edit Mode.
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STAIR TYPES
Revit provides three groups of stair types: Assembled Stair, Cast-In-Place Stair and Precast Stair.
Clicking on Architecture > Circulation > Stair will show the stair properties in the Properties palette.
The three types of stair have slightly different settings.

Assembled Stair This type of stair is composed of treads and risers either between stringers or on top of
carriages.
Cast In-Place Stair This type of stair has a concrete structure. Treads and riser finishes can be added
additionally.
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Precast Stair This type of stair is similar to cast in-place stairs but gives options for adding nibs to the
stairs to allow fixing to floors.
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CALCULATION RULES
Calculation Rules are used to control the number of steps and risers based on maximum and minimum sizes. The
Calculation Rules can be adjusted by selecting the stair type in the Type Selector and clicking Edit Type.
Maximum Riser Height This is the maximum height a riser is allowed before showing a warning.
Minimum Tread Depth This is the minimum tread depth allowed before showing a warning.
Minimum Run Width This is the minimum run width allowed before showing a warning.
Calculation Rules Clicking Edit… will show the Stair Calculator which can be used to alter stairs to follow
a particular slope angle.
The Calculation Rules will be used to automatically calculate the number for stairs. For example, if a floor-to-floor
height is 4000 then 4000 / 170mm Maximum Riser Height = 23.52 stairs. Half stairs cannot be created so the
required number of steps is 24 with a riser height of 166.67.
The Constraints section of the properties controls the top and bottom position of the stairs.
Base Level This is the floor level the base of the stairs are associated with.
Base Offset Allows a positive or negative value. Repositions the base of the stair above or below the
Base Level by the specified amount.
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Top Level This is the top level for the stairs.

Top Offset Allows a positive or negative value. Repositions the top of the stair above or below the
Top Level by the specified amount.
Desired Stair Height This value is not editable. It shows the distance from the Base Level + Base Offset to
the Top Level + Top Offset.
The Dimensions section of the Properties palette allows adjusting the steps from the sizes defined in the
Calculation Rules.
Desired Number of Risers

This sets the number of steps. Reducing the number of steps below what is specified in
the Calculation Rules will result in a warning.
Actual Number of Risers
This will show the number of risers that have been placed. The image above shows a
value of 1, which means another 23 risers need to be added before the stair reaches the
Top Level.
Actual Riser Height is the Desired Stair Height divided by the Actual Number of Risers.
Actual Tread Depth is the “going” length of each step. Adjusting the Actual Tread Depth below the minimum
value in the Calculation Rules will result in a warning.
Tread/Riser Start Number
When numbering the steps using the Annotate > Tag > Tread Number tool, the lowest
step will use this number.
This might be adjusted when a stair is modelled as separate instances up the full height
of a building. The stair from ground to first would start at “1”; the stair from first to second
might start at “25”.
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MODIFYING STAIRS
Once a stair has been placed, they can be flipped so the up and down flights are switched by clicking the small
arrow at the end of the stairs.
A stair can be edited by selecting the stair and clicking Modify > Edit > Edit Stairs.
While editing a stair a run can be converted to a sketch by clicking Modify > Tools > Convert.
Note: Once a stair is converted to a sketch stair, it cannot be converted back to a pre-defined type.
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EXERCISE 0002: MODIFYING STAIRS

Open the file FWater-EVC-Stairs-ZZ-M3-A-0002.rvt.
Open the section view ZZ-MS-A-ExternalStairs.
Select the stair.
In the Type Selector change the type to Evolve_Stair_NoStrings.
A warning will show. This can be ignored for the moment.
Select the stairs again.

In the Type Properties dialog box, change the following properties:
Maximum Riser Height = “220”
Minimum Tread Depth = “200”
Click on OK.
A warning will show. Click OK.
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In the Properties palette change the following properties:

Base Offset = “1500”
Desired Number of Risers = “19”
Actual Tread Depth = “300”
Click on Apply.
Click on Modify > Edit > Edit Stairs.
Select the stair run.
Note: Previous selections during this exercise have been selecting the Stairs because the Edit Stairs
button has been clicked, the selection will now select the Stair Run.
Click and hold the top circular grip and drag it to the right.
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Drag the grip until the automatic dimension at the bottom of the stairs reads 5770.
Click Modify > Mode > Finish Edit Mode to complete the changes to the stair run.
Select the stairs.

In the Properties palette, click on Edit Type.
In the Type Properties dialog box > Run Type, click on Steps and click the 3 dots to the right.
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In the Type Properties dialog box change the following settings:

Tread Thickness = “40”
Nosing Length = “50”
Nosing Profile = Evolve_ProfileDef_StairNosingRadius : 40mm
Click on OK in both of the Type Properties dialog boxes.
The stair is now correct in elevation.
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Open the 01-P-A-GA view and zoom in on the stair. The stair is too wide for the opening in level 01.
Click on Modify > Edit Stairs.

Select the stair run.
Arrows will be displayed that can be used to drag the stair to modify it in all 4 plan directions. While it is
possible – and in many situations, desirable to use the arrows, there are times when exact values need to
be entered.
Click on the 144.4 mm dimension.

Edit the value to be -100.
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In the Properties palette, change the Actual Run Width to be “1420”.

Click on Apply.
Click on Modify | Create Stair > Mode > Finish Edit Mode.
The stair will now be correct in plan as well.
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MULTI-LEVEL STAIRS
Once a stair has been created it can be converted to span multiple levels. This can be achieved by selecting the
stair and clicking on Modify > Multistorey Stairs > Select Levels. The required levels can be selected in the
view. The stair will adjust to match the levels using the stairs properties. For example, any Base Offsets will be
used on the other levels.
To adjust a single run hover over it and click [Tab]. Single stairs can then be moved and adjusted as necessary.
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RAMPS
The Ramp tool is found in Architecture > Circulation > Ramp.
1. RUN
A run can be drawn using either a line or arc to define its length. As with stairs, ramps can be made up of
multiple runs.
2. BOUNDARY
Use Boundary to draw the bounding edges of a ramp. This can be made up from any combination of lines
and arcs.
3. RISER
These are lines drawn to indicate the start or end of a rise. Each new riser line alternates between a slope
and a flat section.
Slope
Flat
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MODIFYING RAMPS
Ramp constraints are similar to that of stairs. They use the same settings to control the start and end heights.
The slope of a ramp is determined by the Maximum Incline Length of the ramp and the Ramp Max Slope (1/x).
These settings can be adjusted from Edit Type.
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EXERCISE 0003: CREATING RAMPS

Open the file FWater-EVC-Ramps-ZZ-M3-A-0003.rvt.
Open the view DRV-P-A-GA.
Click on Architecture > Circulation > Ramp.
Click on Modify | Create Ramp Sketch > Tools > Railing.
Set Railing to None.
Click OK.
In the Properties palette check that the Top Level is set to Entrance.
Change Width to be “10000”.
Click on Edit Type.

In Type Properties set the following values:
Thickness = “410”
Maximum Incline Length = “15000”
Ramp Max Slope (1/x) = “50”
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Click on OK.
Hover over the edge of the driveway on the right side of the building till the tooltip displays Midpoint.
Note: the snap icon may not show.
Click to start the ramp.
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Snap to the entrance road and click to place the ramp.
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RAILINGS
Railings can be attached to stairs, landings and ramps from Architecture > Circulation > Railing > Place on
Stair/Ramp.
Alternatively, railings can be placed by sketching paths using Architecture > Circulation > Railing > Sketch
Path.
There are several parts that make up a railing:

1. RAILS
Rails are horizontal rails that run the length of the railing.
Rails can be edited from the Type Properties dialog box under Rail Structure (Non-Continuous).
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Railings are added using the Insert button.
Name This is a text description of the rail.

Height This is the vertical distance of each rail from the base.
Offset Offsets the baluster to the left- or right-hand side of the placement line.
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Profile This is the shape used to form the rail.

Material This is the material the rail is made from.
2. BALUSTERS
Balusters are the vertical posts of a railing.
Balusters are edited using Baluster Placement.
Name This is text used to identify each baluster.
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Baluster Family This can be either:

A profile which will be extruded the height of the baluster
A 3D baluster family that will be placed in the required location. This would be
used for glass panels.
The image below shows both balusters created from extruded profiles and a glass
panel:
Base This is the bottom level of the baluster.

Base Offset Raises the base of the baluster above the Base level.
Top This is the top level of the baluster.
Top Offset Allows the top level of the baluster to be adjusted from the Top level.
Dist. from previous This is the distance from one baluster to the next.
Offset Offsets a baluster to the left- or right-hand side of the placement line.
3. TOP RAIL
The top rail sits at the very top of the railing.
Top rails are defined from Top Rail > Type.
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The Construction section sets the profile of the handrail, the position in relation to the centreline of the
railing and joining conditions.
4. HANDRAIL 1 + HANDRAIL 2
Handrails are horizontal rails that can be added instead of, or in addition to, the top rail. It is possible to
have two different types of handrails on the inside and the outside of the railing.
Handrails are also edited in the Type Properties.
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The position can be None, Left, Right or Left and Right.
As with the top rail, the profile, position and joining conditions can all be set from Type.
The available settings are similar to those found in the top rail settings.
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EXERCISE 0004: ADD RAILINGS

Open the file FWater-EVC-Railings-ZZ-M3-A-0004.rvt.
Open the view ZZ-M3-A-Modelling.
Zoom into the stairs running up to the first floor.
Click on Architecture > Circulation > Railing > Place on Stair/Ramp.
Click on the stairs to add default railing.
Select either railing and click on Properties > Edit Type.

Click on the Edit button next to Baluster Placement.
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Ensure Use Baluster Per Tread on Stairs is ticked.

Change the Balusters Per Tread to “1”.
Change the Baluster Family to Evolve_Railing_Round : 25mm.
In the Posts section, change each of the Start Post, Corner Post, and End Post Baluster Family to
Evolve_Railing_Round : 25mm.
Click OK to accept the changes.
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In the Top Rail section, click … next to Type.
Change the Profile to Evolve_ProfileDef_HandrailCircular : 30mm.
Click OK on each of the Type Properties dialog boxes.
The railing will be updated.
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COMPONENT USE
Components are repetitive elements modelled once but placed many times within a model. Think of them like a
traditional AutoCAD block but containing 2D and 3D geometry along with parameters.
The Component tools are found in each of the discipline-specific tabs (Architecture, Structure and Systems).
There are essentially three different type of family:

System basic construction elements, including walls, floors, ducts and pipes. These are created in the model
or a .rte template.
Loadable anything else that would be installed around a project. Examples include doors, windows, fixtures,
furniture, boilers, pumps and other equipment, and annotation symbols.
In-place unique elements that would only be specific to the project, or when a suitable loadable family cannot
be found. Usually if it were an element that would be needed on other projects, the Family Editor
would be used to create an independent component.
This module covers how to load and use “loadable” components (families). More details about creating families
can be found in the Family Editor module Evolve-Guide-Revit-DPL2-FamilyEditor.
There are many components delivered with Revit. Libraries of country-specific components can be found in
C:\Users\All Users\Autodesk\RVT [version]\Libraries\.
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TYPES AND INSTANCES

Each family has a number of associated parameters, either to control its visual appearance and size, or as non-
graphical data for schedules, design, construction and asset information.
Instance parameters are shown in the Properties window.
Type parameters are shown by clicking on Edit Type. Changing a Type parameter will update every instance of
that family in the project.
Certain families, including doors and windows, must be “hosted” by other families. For example, a door has to be
placed in a wall.
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EXERCISE 0001: PLACING A FAMILY

To place a family that is already loaded:
Open FWater-EVC-ComponentUse-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Click on Architecture > Build > Component.
From Properties > Type Selector, either scan the list for Evolve_Furniture_Bed2 or type “bed” in the
search box.
From the results list, select the 1981x2108x330mm – King Type.
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Snap to the midpoint of the right-hand wall in Bedroom2. Do not yet click to place the component.
While it is possible to tick the Modify | Place Component > Rotate after placement option it is often
easier to use an alternative method if the required rotation is an increment of 90º.
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Use [Spacebar] to rotate the component until it is rotated correctly.
Click to place the component.

An alternative method of placing loaded families is to find them in the Project Browser and click & drag them into
a view.
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EXERCISE 0002: LOADING AND PLACING A FAMILY

To place a family that is not included in your project:
Continue in FWater-EVC-ComponentUse-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt and view 02-P-A-GA.
Click on Insert > Load from Library > Load Family.
Browse to the Library location. By default this will be located in C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RVT

[version]\Libraries\.
Open the country folder for your location.
Load the Autodesk-provided family Plumbing\MEP\Fixtures\Bathtubs\Bath Tub.rfa. The exact name may
differ depending on your country.
The Family will be loaded, along with all the Types it contains and will now be available in the Type
Selector.
Select the 1525 mmx815mm – Private Type.
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Place it, rotate and move it as necessary into Bathroom1:

a) Press [Spacebar] three times until the bath is orientated correctly.
b) Place the bath against the north wall. The exact location is not important.
c) Hit [Esc] to exit the Place a Component command.

d) Click on Modify > Modify > Move (or use the shortcut MV).
e) Select the bath.
f) Hit [Enter] to complete selection and start the Move command.
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g) Click on the top-right corner of the bath.
h) Click on the top-right inner corner of the bathroom walls to move the bath.
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EXERCISE 0003: EDITING A LOADED FAMILY

In the 00 – EvolveSplashScreen view, the font for the project title is not correct. A family can be opened for
editing in a couple of different ways:
a) If an instance exists in the project, double-click it to open the Family Editor or
b) Right-click on an instance and choose Edit Family
or
c) Select an instance and click on Modify > Mode > Family Editor.
Note: the exact title of the Modify tab and the modify tools available will depend on the category of
Family selected.
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d) In the Project Browser, locate the family, right-click and choose Edit.
With the Family Editor open, select the Fallingwater text.
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In the Type Properties dialog box, set Text Font to Arial.
Click on OK.
Click on Modify | Text Notes > Family Editor > Load into Project and Close.
Choosing Load into Project will still load the updated family into the project, but will leave the family open in
the Family Editor.
At the Save File prompt, click No.
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This will save the changes only in the current project rather than saving the family to the external family .rfa
file.
Use Yes if an update to the family definition .rfa file is needed.
The next prompt warns that the family already exists in the project and it will be updated. It is important to
be aware that any parameter values that have been changed – either text-based or geometry-based could
be reset when reloading a family.
As the only thing that has been edited is a font, choose Overwrite the existing version so that no
parameters are reset.
The splash screen is updated.
The same method can be used to edit the geometry and other aspects of any family. For further details of editing
family geometry refer to the module Evolve-Guide-Revit-DPL2-FamilyEditor.
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EXERCISE 0004: PLACING A HOSTED FAMILY

Open view 02-P-A-GA.
Zoom into Bedroom2. A door, identical to the Bedroom1 door, is required in the north wall to complete the
layout.
Rather than selecting the door to identify its type, then locating the family in either the Type Selector or
Project Browser, right-click on the Bedroom1 door and choose Create Similar.
The correct Type will be loaded for placement.

At this point the cursor may change to a No Entry sign. This is because a door must be hosted in another
element.
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Hover over the north wall to Bedroom2. The door will be shown at the cursor position.
To change the door’s direction to open into the bedroom, move the cursor to the lower edge of the wall.
In this instance, the door is handed correctly, but if it needed to be changed to a left-hand swing hitting
[Spacebar] would do this.
Click to place the door.
Hit [Esc] to close the command.
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To position the door correctly, select it. Constraint dimensions will be displayed, along with icons to change
the opening direction and swing.
Click on the left-hand dimension and enter 300.
Hit [Enter] to position the door.

The other change needed is that the wrong door type has been placed into Bathroom1.
Select the double door in Bathroom1.
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In the Type Selector, select Evolve_Door_InternalSingle > 810x2110mm.
The door is updated to the correct Type.
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GROUPS
Another type of repetitive component that can be used is a Group - a selection of elements grouped together and
copied multiple times. A benefit of a Group is that all instances are related: any changes to one group are made to
all.
Groups can be used for almost anything, but examples might include:
 Furniture layouts
 Rooms or flat types
 Cores
 Hatching, fills and annotation
 Repetitive floors of high-rise buildings
The Group tools are found in the Architecture and Structure tabs in Model > Model Group.
Create Group only activates when elements are selected.

Groups can be created from Model elements or Detail elements.
It is not possible to edit a group directly. Instead, the Group Editor needs to be started. Select a group and click on
Modify | Model Groups > Group > Edit Group to open the Group Editor.
The view background will change colour and the Edit Group tools will display.
Add adds existing elements to every instance of the group. Clicking on Add will activate all elements that
can be added. Select them as normal to add them to the group.
Remove removes elements already in the group.
Attach attaches Detail Groups to Model Groups. This allows detail lines to be copied along with model
geometry.
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Most Revit functionality remains active in the Group Editor. To place new elements, use the normal commands.
Any groups that exist in a project will be shown in the Project Browser, towards the bottom, under Groups.
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EXERCISE 0005: CREATING AND PLACING A GROUP

Open view 03-P-A-GA.
Zoom in on the tables and chairs to the bottom-right of the terrace, grids G-H/6-7.
Select the table and chairs.

Click on Modify > Create > Create Group.
When prompted, enter the name of the group as “Evolve_Furniture_Group”.
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The elements will be grouped and display with a dashed box outline and X and Y axes.
The axes are useful to be able to tell how each group is orientated against the original. This can be
especially helpful with larger, complex, nested groups.
Click on Modify | Model Groups > Modify > Copy.

Place a copy of the group to the top-right of the terrace. The exact location does not matter.
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EXERCISE 0006: EDITING A GROUP

Select either group.
Click on Modify | Model Groups > Group > Edit Group to open the Group Editor.
The view background will change colour and the Edit Group tools will display.

Select Evolve_Furniture_ChairExternal > 457x508x547mm from the Type Selector.
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Place an additional chair around the table.
Click on Finish.
All instances of the group will be updated.

With multiple instances of groups, it may be necessary to make one slightly different. A group can be ungrouped
from Modify | Model Groups > Group > Ungroup.
This permanently explodes a group back to the individual elements.

If it is preferable, elements can instead be excluded (hidden) in a single instance.
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EXERCISE 0007: EXCLUDING ELEMENTS FROM A GROUP

Select the top-right group.
To select individual items in the group, hit the [Tab] key. Now it will be possible to select individual items.
Click on the table.
The table will be selected and the other elements dropped.
Right-click and choose Exclude.
The table will be hidden in only the selected instance of the group.
To unhide excluded elements, right-click and choose Restore All Excluded.
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LINKING
Linking is the process of referencing additional models. Linking can generally be controlled from the Insert tab.
The Insert ribbon is split into 3 sections:

Link The linked models will have no affect on the size or complexity of the model because all
the information is maintained in another external file. If the external file changes, the
updates will be shown in the current model.
Import Importing copies the elements from another file into the current model. This will increase
the file size as the imported data will now exist in the model. If updates are made to the
external source file, the file would need to be deleted from the current model and re-
imported.
Linking is preferred over importing because it makes the workflow of updating the model
more streamlined, avoids creating a copy of external geometry and can be unloaded as
and when necessary.
Load From Library This loads families into the current model.
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LINK REVIT
Revit projects can be linked from Insert > Link > Link Revit.
Links can be positioned in one of seven ways.
1. AUTO – CENTER TO CENTER

This option links the files so the centre of each file’s extents align.
In the example above, the centre of the massing model’s extents is inside the building but the centre of the
project model is outside and therfore the models will not align when linked.
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2. AUTO – INTERNAL ORIGIN TO INTERNAL ORIGIN

Every Revit model has an internal origin. This is the centre of the actual file and cannot be moved.
If the files were setup in exactly the same way, the internal origins may align but it is unlikely if the files are
from external sources.
The internal origin can be displayed by turning on Visibility Graphics > Site > Internal Origin
3. AUTO – BY SHARED COORDINATES

If coordinates have been set up in both models using the same coordinates, they are said to have Shared
Coordinates (refer to Project Coordinates).
Once models have been set up, this is the most sensible approach to linking files in the correct location.
4. MANUAL – INTERNAL ORIGIN
This method will attach the link to the cursor using the link’s Internal Origin. The point then clicked in the
view will be where the link is placed.
5. MANUAL – BASE POINT
This method will attach the link to the cursor and position the model using the link’s Project Base Point.
6. MANUAL – CENTER
This method will attach the link to the cursor and position the model using the link’s centre.
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MANAGE LINKS
Once a link has been established, it can be managed through the Insert > Links > Manage Links.
Tabs across the top of the Manage Links dialog box show the different kinds of links.
Available links are then shown in the relevant tab.
Link Name This is the name of the file that has been attached.
Status Will either be Loaded to show the link is loaded, Unloaded when the link is found but
not loaded or Not Found when the link cannot be found in the saved path.
Reference Type Overlay attaches only the selected external file.
Attachment attaches the selected external file and also any external files attached to
that model.
Positions Not Saved If a link is moved this read-only tick box will indicate if the new position of the file has
been saved or not (refer to Save Positions below).
Saved Path This is the path where the linked file is located.
Path Type Can be set to:
Absolute where Revit remembers the full path to the linked file. For example:
E:\EvolveInternal\Project\FWater\Shared\Received\.
Relative where Revit remembers the relative path backwards form the active model to
the external linked file. For example:
Active model location = E:\EvolveInternal\Project\FWater\WIP\Model\3D\System\
Linked model location = E:\EvolveInternal\Project\FWater\Shared\Received\
Relative path = ..\..\..\..\Shared\Received. (The ..\ moves back up one level of folder
from the active model’s location. In this example it is back up one level from System to
3D, then from 3D to Model, Model to WIP, WIP to FWater, and then forwards into
Shared and Received.
Local Alias This column is populated with a local path of a workshared model when available.
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EXERCISE 0001: LINKING REVIT MODELS

Open the file FWater-EVC-Linking-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt
Open the view ZZ-M3-A-Linking.
Click on Insert > Link > Link Revit.
Browse to and select FWater-EVC-Linking-ZZ-M3-S-0001.rvt.
Change the Positioning to Auto – By Shared Coordinates
Click on Open.
Select any part of the linked model and click on Modify > Modify > Pin to ensure the link is not accidentally
moved.
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With the linked model still selected, in Properties > Name enter “Structures”.
If the model is linked multiple times, each should be named differently to help identify the links.
Zoom in on the 02.05 Landing room tag.
The tag reads Not Enclosed.
This is because the structural walls that form the room boundary are not being recognised.
Select any part of the linked structural model.
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Click on Properties > Edit Type.

In the Type Properties > Constraints section, tick Room Bounding.
Click on OK.
The landing will now be bound by the structural model and will show the area.
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LOADING AND UNLOADING LINKS

Links are turned on and off using Insert > Link > Manage Links.
In the Manage Links dialog box, select any link and clicking on Unload will unload it from the model.
Once unloaded, selecting the link and clicking Reload will load the file again.
If the file has been moved or renamed, the file can be re-linked using Reload From.
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LINK CAD
CAD files can be linked from Insert > Link > Link CAD.
The type of CAD file that can be linked are:

.dwg Autodesk drawing format.
.dxf Autodesk drawing exchange format.
.dgn Bentley design file format.
.sat Dassault Systems standard ACIS text format.
.skp Google Sketchup format.
The Link CAD Formats dialog box provides settings related to the linking and positioning of CAD files.
Current view only This will link in the CAD file but it will only be visible in the current view.
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Colors This can be set to one of the following options:

Preserve where the colours in the file are kept as they are shown in the CAD file.
Invert where the colours are inverted (this might be useful because often CAD
backgrounds are black and Revit’s working background is white).
Black and White.
Layer/Levels Choosing All will load all layers even if they are turned off in the CAD file.
Visible will only load layers turned on in the source CAD file.
Specify will show a dialog allowing manual selection of which layers are to be linked.
.
Import Units This is the units the CAD file is linked in using. When linking AutoCAD files, Auto-Detect
will use the file’s insertion units.
The units of a CAD file may not be known when linking it. If the units are discovered to
be wrong once the file has been linked, they can be corrected after the fact in the link’s
Type Properties (accessed from the Properties palette > Edit Type).
Import Units and Scale Factor can be adjusted from here.
Positioning The positioning options are similar to those found when linking a Revit file.
If Revit detects the extents of the CAD file are greater than 20 miles, the chosen
Positioning option is ignored and link the file Auto - Center to Center.
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Place at This is the level at which the linked CAD file will be placed. The available options will be
the current view’s level and any below it.
e.g. If the link is to be placed on the fourth floor, a fourth floor view or above must be
active prior to clicking Link CAD.
Orient to view This is especially important when linking files into elevations. If the option is ticked, then
the CAD file will be orientated to the correct elevation instead of a plan.
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EXERCISE 0003: LINKING CAD

Open the file FWater-EVC-Linking-ZZ-M3-A-0003.rvt.
Open the view 00-P-A-Site.
Click on Insert > Link > Link CAD.
Browse to and select the file FWater-EVC-Linking-XX-M2-G-0003.dwg.
In the Link CAD Formats dialog box, set the following options:
Colors = Preserve
Layers/Levels = Visible
Import Units = meter
Positioning = Auto – By Shared Coordinates
Place At = 00
To verify the link is loaded in the correct position, the project base point should be on the corner of the West
balcony.
Select the linked CAD file and click on Modify > Import Instance > Delete Layers.
In the Select Layers/Levels to Delete dialog box, tick G-Zz8085M-Plants&Trees and click on OK.
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The DWG file will display as below:
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2D DRAUGHTING AND ANNOTATION

When producing construction drawings in Revit it is recommended to model up to an accuracy of 1:50. Any views
more detailed should be produced in separate detailing views. This additional detail is only visible in the view in
which it is created. This guide will focus on the most commonly used tools for draughting and annotation.
DETAIL LINES
Detail lines are view-specific lines. The tool is accessed from Annotate > Detail > Detail Line.
The method of drawing the line and the line style are set in Modify | Place Detail Lines.
The choice of lines style is defined from Manage > Settings > Additional Settings > Line Styles. New line styles
(subcategories) can be created or edited, from here. These edits are global, not view specific.
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REGIONS
There is a choice of two region types, filled regions or masking regions. These are accessed from Annotate >
Detail > Region. Masking regions simply hide elements beneath it. Filled regions contain a pattern, normally
representing a material.
The method of drawing the region and the line style of its boundaries are set in Modify | Create Filled Region
Boundary.
As with other elements, the type of region is selected in Type Selector.
Filled region types have fill patterns and colours specified in the Type Properties.
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The fill patterns available in the project can be viewed from Manage > Settings > Additional Settings > Fill
Patterns.
Fill patterns are either Drafting or Model.

Drafting patterns have no scale and will look identical across views of different scale. Model patterns have
a scale and are visible when applied to the surfaces of modelled elements, such as a
brick coursing.
Model patterns can be used to align modelled elements to them.
Filled regions can contain either type of pattern.
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COMPONENTS AND SYMBOLS

There are two types of components that can be placed in a view: detail components and repeating detail
components. These can be access from Annotate > Component.
Detail components are two-dimensional families that can be loaded into any project file. They can contain data
and can be tagged in views. Using repeating detail components allows for repetitive elements, such as blockwork,
to be drawn along a line. The image below shows a wall tie detail component, and a blockwork repeating detail
component in plan.
Symbols are also two-dimensional elements, but they do not have a scale and can be placed directly on sheets as
well as in views. Examples of symbols would be north arrows or scale bars. They can be accessed from Annotate
> Symbol > Symbol.
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TAGS & KEYNOTES

Any instance or type data can be tagged in views. Using tags rather then text ensures that data is aligned all
throughout the model and makes for efficient drawing production. All the different types of tags are accessed from
Annotate > Tag panel.
Selecting Tag by Category will tag any element selected in the view. If there is no appropriate tag loaded it will
prompt to load one.
In the image below a door the tag is reading the Type Mark of the door. The tag can be edited to label any door
parameter:
KEYNOTES
Keynotes are a type of tag that links to an external TXT file and is normally used to add specification information
to elements or materials. Keynotes are access from Annotate > Tag > Keynote.
In the image below an element keynote tag has been used on the door:
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If an element or material has no Keynote information the below dialog box will prompt you to select the relevant
entry.
If there is no appropriate entry the TXT file must be edited and reloaded into the file via Annotate > Tag >
Keynote Settings.
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SPOT ANNOTATIONS
Once correctly set up with a coordinate system it possible to tag coordinate, elevation, and slope information on
any element in the model. These tags are accessed from Annotate > Dimension panel.
DRAFTING VIEWS
Drafting views are views that are not taken from the model and can be used for ‘sketching’. It is not recommended
to detail in isolated drafting views as the benefits of aligned information can be lost. To create a drafting view click
on View > Create > Drafting View and set the name and scale.
Once the view has been created most annotation tools can be used, but modelling is not possible.
The drafting view will be accessible from the Project Browser.
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LEGENDS
Legend are views that can be placed on multiple sheets, unlike other view types. As with drafting views it is only
possible to include two-dimensional information. To create one click on View > Create > Legends > Legend and
set the name and scale.
Once the view has been created most annotation tools can be used, but modelling is not possible.
Note that as legends have a scale they will impact the scale label on any sheet to which they are added.
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EXERCISE 0001: 2D DRAUGHTING

Open the file FWater-EVC-2DDraughtingAndAnnotation-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
Open the view ZZ-D-A-Detail01.
Click on Annotate > Detail > Detail Line.
Set the Modify ribbon as shown in the image below:
Click in the view to start drawing the detail line in the location shown in the image below.
Click to finish placing the line.
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Select Annotate > Detail > Region > Filled Region.
Set the Modify ribbon as shown in the image below:
In the Type Selector pick Evolve_AnnotationFillArea_Plaster.

Draw the filled region boundaries around plaster layer and return to the door:
a) Start at the bottom corner of the external brickwork. Click on this point to begin the filled region.
b) Move horizontally and click the second point in line with the face of the door.
1 2
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c) Move vertically downwards and type “22”. The value will be entered as a dimension.
Press [Enter].
d) The next two points trace around the outside edge of the wall:
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e) Finally, draw a line across the width of the finish and vertically downwards to meet point 1.
f) Select the two lines indicated below and change their type to Wide Lines.
Click on Annotate > Detail > Component > Detail Component.
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In the Type Selector pick Evolve_Annotation_InsulatatedLintel > CG90-100x180mm_Dp.

Click on the bottom left corner of the left-hand skin to place the component as shown in the image below:
Click on Annotate > Detail > Component > Repeating Detail Component.
In the Type Selector pick Evolve_Annotation_BlockworkLgtWt100mmTk.

Click on the bottom left of each skin to place the repeating detail component:
2 4
1 3
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Click on Annotate > Detail > Insultation.
Set the Modify toolbar as shown in the image below:
Click on the bottom left of the right-hand skin to start drawing the insulation.
2
Click at point 2 (the exact location is not critical) to finish drawing the insultation.
Select the insulation.
Use Modify | Insulation Batten Lines > Arrange > Send to Back to “trim” the insulation.
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Click View > Cut Profile.
Click on the internal plaster layer to enter Create Cut Profile Sketch mode.
Click Modify > Draw > Line.
a) Draw the lines to extend the plaster under the bottom of the blockwork to the door, starting at the
point indicated below.
b) Move vertically downwards.

Type “12”.
Press [Enter] to draw the next line.
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c) Continue to draw the next two lines to complete one side of the plaster.
d) Press [Esc] to finish the first line. The Cut Profile must be open at the end it joins the element to be
extended.
e) Draw the top line to complete the cut profile.
4
5
f) Click on the blue arrow to set the direction of the cut profile.
Press [Esc] to stop drawing.

Click Modify > Finish Edit Mode.
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EXERCISE 0002: ANNOTATING

Open the file FWater-EVC-2DDraughtingAndAnnotation-ZZ-M3-A-0002.rvt.
Open the view ZZ-MS-D-Detail01.
Click on Annotate > Tag > Tag by Category.
Set the leader dropdown to be Free End. This will avoid fixed placement of tags and allow them to be
positioned manually in a view.
Click on the door to add a tag.

Move horizontally to the right and click again to place the leader.
Click again position the Type Mark tag.
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1 2&3
Repeat the process on the lintel detail component to tag its Type Name.
1 2&3
Note: use the dashed extension lines to help align the annotation.
Click on Annotate > Tag > Keynote > Material Keynote.
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Click on the internal blockwork skin to tag the blockwork material.

Again, move horizontally right and click twice more to finish placing the keynote tag.
1 2&3
Click on Annotate > Text > Text.

In the Type Selector pick Arial 2.5mm.
Click next to detail component lintel and type “Refer to S.Eng Information”
Click in blank space to complete the text.
Select the text box.

Click Modify > Leader > Add Left Side Straight Leader.
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A leader will be added to the left-hand side of the text.

Use the control points to edit the leader to point at the detail component lintel.
1 2
Click on Annotate > Dimensions > Aligned.
Hover the cursor over the internal face of the wall.

Use [Tab] to pre-select the external face and click to start placing the dimension.
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Using [Tab] to select the correct face, click on the layer edges as shown in the image below.
5 4 3 2
Click in blank space to finish placing the dimension.

Select the dimension.
Use the blue control points to move the dimension text as shown in the image below:
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342 OF 371
DRAWING SHEETS
Sheets are a specific type of view in Revit that represent the finished, printed drawing. A sheet view is composed
of at least one other view placed on it (a plan, elevation, section or schedule) and a family for the drawing border
and title.
The sheet tools can be found in View > Sheet Composition.
Sheets in the model are listed in the Project Browser under Sheets.
Good practice is to define the sheet views in a template prior to creating new projects. Load each of the required
sheet size families and create new views for a typical drawing set (site plans, general arrangements, elevations,
full sections, etc). This avoids having to set up standard sheets and number them in every project.
Sheet families can be loaded from either Insert > Load Family or directly in the Sheet tool.
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To add a view to a sheet, either:

Drag and drop the view in Project Browser onto a sheet.
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Use the View > Sheet Composition > View tool to select the view(s) from a list.
Using either method the view will need to be manually placed on the sheet in the desired location. Once placed,
the view is represented as a “viewport”.
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To add views in the same location on different sheets, or to align details tidily, a Guide Grid can be used.
A Guide Grid is merely a regular grid of lines that can be used as snap points when moving viewports.
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EXERCISE 0001: SETTING UP A SHEET

Open the file FWater-EVC-DrawingSheets-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
In the project browser, right-click on Sheets (all) > New Sheet.
Ensure the titleblock Evolve_Annotation_DrawingBorderA1Metric : Standard is selected and click on

OK.
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Zoom into the titleblock information, select the title sheet and click on the Number.
In the Change Parameters dialog box, change the following values:

Organization Name = “EVC”
DrawingSheet_Parameters_Volume = “ZZ”
DrawingSheet_Parameters_Level = “01”
DrawingSheet_Parameters_Type = “DR”
Organization Description = “A”
Sheet Number = “0001”
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Click on OK.
Repeat the process for the other properties of the drawing border as shown in the image below:
Note: The scale and revision are edited later in the exercise.
Click on View > Sheet Composition > Guide Grid.

Enter the name “EV-DetailDrawings”.
Click on OK.
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Select the edge of the guide grids.

In the Properties palette change Guide Spacing to “50”.
Drag and drop the view ZZ-D-A-Detail01 from the Project Browser into the view.
Position the view approximately as shown.
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To rename the view from ZZ-D-A-Detail01 select the viewport.

In the Properties palette edit Title on Sheet to “Door Head Jamb Detail”.
With the viewport still selected untick Crop Region Visible to remove the box around the detail.
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Note: Dragging the view onto the sheet will automatically update the scale in the titleblock to match the
view’s scale.
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Drag and drop the view ZZ-S-A-Section10 from the Project Browser into the view.
Position the view approximately as shown.
To rename the view from ZZ-S-A-Section10 select the viewport.

In the Properties palette edit Title on Sheet to “Section Through Door”.
To remove the crop region around the detail select the viewport.
Untick Crop Region Visible.
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Adding additional views with differing scales will change the titleblock to read As Indicated.
In the Properties palette click on Visibility/Graphics Overrides > Edit.

On the Annotation Categories tab, untick Guide Grid
The final sheet will look as shown opposite.
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355 OF 371
REVISIONS
Revisions are managed through View > Sheet Composition > Revisions.
The revisions dialog box shows all revisions for all sheets.
1. NUMBERING
Numbering can either be set to Numeric or Alphanumeric.
Numeric can be customised from the Numbering Options > Numeric button.
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From here it is possible to change the starting revision to a different value and add prefixes or suffixes.
Alphanumeric can be customised from Numbering Options > Alphanumeric.
It is possible to enter a totally custom sequence of letters and numbers, each separated by a comma.
Prefixes and suffixes can also be added here.
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2. DATE
Enter the date of the revision in any format required e.g. 01.01.2021, 01/01/21 or 01 Jan 2021.
3. DESCRIPTION
A textual description for the revision.
4. ISSUED
If an issue is ticked, the revision will be locked against any changes. Any revision clouds related to that
revision cannot be edited either. New revision clouds cannot be associated to that revision.
5. ISSUED BY
The name of the person issuing the revision.
6. ISSUED TO
The name of the person receiving the revision.
7. SHOW
Indicates whether revision clouds related to the revision are shown, shown with their tags or not shown at
all.
Revisions can be applied to sheets from Properties palette using Identity Data > Revisions on Sheets > Edit.
This will open the Revisions on Sheets dialog box.
From here ticking the Shown In Revision Schedule box will populate the revisions schedule on the sheet with
the relevant information without the need to draw a revision cloud.
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If a revision cloud is needed they can be added from Annotate > Detail > Revision Cloud.
The cloud needs to be associated with the specific revision. This is achieved from the Properties palette using the
Revision parameter dropdown. Once associated, the cloud can be drawn on the sheet or view.
This will populate the revision schedule on the sheet. In the image below the revision schedule has been updated
using both methods described above.
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EXERCISE 0002: REVISIONS

Open the file FWater-EVC-DrawingSheets-ZZ-M3-A-0002.rvt.
Click on View > Sheet Composition > Revisions.
In the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog box, click on Numbering Options > Numeric.
In the Prefix box, enter “P0”

Prefixing the revisions will mean the revisions are numbered P01, P02, P03, etc.
Click on OK.
Change the first revision in the list to the following properties:
Date = today’s date formatted “dd/mm/yy”
Description = “Building Control Issue”
Issued by = “ABC”
Issued to = “DEF”
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Click on Add to create a new revision.
Change the new revision in the list to the following properties:

Date = today’s date formatted “dd/mm/yy”
Description = “Planning Issue”
Issued by = “ABC”
Issued to = “DEF”
Click on OK to close the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog box.

From the Project Browser, double click the sheet 0001 – Construction Details to open it.
In the Properties palette click on Revisions on Sheet > Edit.
On the row with Building Control Issue tick the Shown in Revision Schedule.
Click on OK.
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The titleblock of drawing no. 0001 will be updated with the new revision.
Open the sheet 0002 – General Arrangement – First Floor

In the Properties palette click on Revisions on Sheet > Edit.
On the row with Planning Issue tick the Shown in Revision Schedule.
Click on OK.
The titleblock of drawing no. 0002 will be updated independently with the new revision.
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EXERCISE 0003: ADDING REVISION CLOUDS

Continue in the file FWater-EVC-DrawingSheets-ZZ-M3-A-0002.rvt.
Open the sheet 0001 - Construction Details.
Click on Annotate > Detail > Revision Cloud.
In the Properties palette, set Revision to Seq 2. Planning Issue.
Check that the Modify | Create Revision Cloud Sketch > Draw option is set to Rectangle.
Click in the view on either side of the blockwork keynote to place the revision cloud.
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Click on Modify | Create Revision Cloud Sketch > Mode > Finish Edit Mode to complete the cloud.
Click on Annotate > Tag > Tag by Category.
Untick the Leader option.
Click on the revision cloud to place the tag. The exact position is not important.
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PRINTING
Printing can be carried out by:
Clicking on File > Print > Print.
Using the Quick Access Toolbar > Print at the very top of the screen
By pressing [Ctrl] + P.
In the print dialog box, the printer can be selected from the Name: dropdown.
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Once the printer is selected, the print settings need to be configured by clicking on Setup.
In the Print Setup dialog box the previously selected printer will be displayed at the top of the dialog box. The
Paper > Size and Paper > Source (if relevant to the printer) can be selected.
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These will be directly related to the selected printer e.g. if an A4 printer is selected, only A4 paper and smaller will
be available from the list.
Paper Placement Adjusts the printed image placement on the paper. Typically Center is used.
Zoom Choose to fit the image to the page or print to a particular zoom %. Typically when
printing to full size, Zoom: 100% is used.
Orientation Choose between Portrait and Landscape.
Hidden Line Views Vector processing will send geometry to the printer in vector (lines) format. This is
typically the preferred option and will create a more accurate print.
When the print contains images or uses transparency, using Raster Processing will
convert the print to an image before sending it to the printer. This option can create
grainy, less accurate linework but will show images better.
Appearance Choose the quality of images and whether to print colour, black and white or grey scale.
Options Allows hiding certain elements from the printed output.
Once the settings are completed, click on Save As and provide a name for the print setup.
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EXERCISE 0001: PRINTING

Open the file FWater-EVC-Printing-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt.
In the Quick Access toolbar click on Print. It does not matter which view you have open for this exercise.
From the printer dropdown, select any installed PDF printer.
Click on the Setup button.

Change the following settings.
Size = A1
Zoom = 100%
In the Options section, tick the following options:
Hide ref/work planes
Hide unreferenced view tags
Hide scope boxes
Click on Save As and enter the name “Evolve-A1Print”.
Click on OK in both dialog boxes.

In the Print dialog box, click on Selected views/sheets.
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Click on the Select button.
Tick the two sheet files 0001 and 0002.
Click on Save As and enter the name “All Drawings”.
Click on OK in both dialog boxes.
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Ensure the File section has Create separate files ticked.

Click on the Browse button and choose a folder to where the files will be printed.
Click on OK to print the files.

You will be prompted with the number of files to print.
Click on Yes.
Check in the chosen folder for the PDF copies.
Take a deep breath. You’ve finished the book!
370 OF 371
Evolve is one of the UK’s premier BIM and design technology consultancies. The internationally
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Sanet - ST - Practical Architectural Modelling With Autodesk Revit

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Sanet - ST - Practical Architectural Modelling With Autodesk Revit

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PRACTICAL ARCHITECTURAL

Copyright © Evolve TechCon Ltd 2021

First edition: February 2021

Cover image of Fallingwater used under license © Greg Payan | Dreamstime.com.

Autodesk®, Autodesk Revit® are registered trademarks of Autodesk Inc.

ABOUT THIS BOOK ...................................................................... 7

ABOUT THIS BOOK

FREE EXERCISE FILES DOWNLOAD

VIEW CONTROL BAR

The tabs are sub-divided into Panels, such as Build.

QUICK ACCESS TOOLBAR

NAVIGATION BAR AND VIEW CUBE

Internal Origin (centre of the file) - located near the project

Survey Point – in this instance at 0,0 of the Ordnance Survey National

3. PROJECT BASE POINT

EXERCISE 0001: SETTING UP THE MASTER COORDINATES MODEL

Browse to and load FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M2-G-0001.dwg.

Select any part of the referenced OS Map or survey.

EXERCISE 0002: PUBLISH COORDINATES

Click on the FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M3-A-0001.rvt link.

Close the FWater-EVC-Coordinates-ZZ-M3-A-0001_MasterCoordinates.rvt model.

EDITING THE POSITION OF THE PROJECT MODEL

FLOOR PLANS AND CEILING PLANS

3. VISIBILITY / GRAPHICS OVERRIDES

2. CLOSE, TAB OR TILE

EXERCISE 0001: CREATING FLOOR PLANS

Select the level in the view.

In the Confirm Level Rename dialog box click on Yes.

Select the level in the view.

Hit [Enter] to accept the edit.

Note: The active view name is bold in the Project Browser.

Tick Crop View and Crop Region Visible.

Set the View Depth > Level to 00.

EXERCISE 0002: CREATING REFLECTED CEILINGS PLANS

In the New RCP dialog box select 02.

In the Project Browser navigate to the Ceiling Plan 02.

EXERCISE 0003: CREATING ELEVATIONS

In the Properties palette rename the elevation to “N-E-A-GA”.

In the view, double-click the elevation arrowhead to open the view.

Click on Properties Palette > Graphics > Graphic Display Options.

EXERCISE 0004: CREATING SECTIONS

In the view, right-click on the section marker and select Go to View.

Click on View > Create > Callout.

EXERCISE 0005: CREATING A 3D VIEW

In the Properties Palette tick Section Box.

Select the Section Box.

The Rename Default 3D View To Lock dialog box will display.

EXERCISE 0006: CREATING A CAMERA VIEW

Click once in the view to place the camera as shown below.

The camera view will open automatically

Select the door in the camera view.

Click on Modify > View > Selection Box.

A selection can be filtered by using Modify > Selection > Filter.

THE TAB KEY

Select an element and click on the move tool.

Moving an element with Disjoin ticked:

EXERCISE 0001: MOVING ELEMENTS

Click on Modify > Modify > Move.

The options bar shows the following settings:

Rotating an element with Copy unticked:

EXERCISE 0002: ROTATE

The Options bar shows the following settings:

EXERCISE 0003: COPY