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Davies N. Practical Architectural Modelling With Autodesk Revit 2021
Davies N. Practical Architectural Modelling With Autodesk Revit 2021
Davies N. Practical Architectural Modelling With Autodesk Revit 2021
MODELLING WITH
Autodesk Revit ®
Nigel Davies
Joseph Frame
Daniel Heselwood
PRACTICAL ARCHITECTURAL MODELLING WITH AUTODESK REVIT
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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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form on by an electronic or mechanical
means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Limits of Liability / Disclaimer of Warranty: The publisher and authors make no representations of warranties
with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all
warranties including without limitation warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Evolve
TechCon Ltd be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages
whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the
use of the contents of this work and any associated downloads.
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CONTENTS
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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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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.
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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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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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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On the Manage Links dialog box, open the CAD Formats tab.
Click on the Add button.
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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.
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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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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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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).
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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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.
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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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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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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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Click on OK.
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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.
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Click on OK.
The Far Clip is now unlimited and will show all the elements.
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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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1 2
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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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Move the cursor on to the view for the Section Box to appear.
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In the View Control Bar click on the 3D View Icon and select Save Orientation and Lock View.
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Click on OK.
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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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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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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
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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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
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:
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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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
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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Snap to the top left corner of the existing chest of drawers to create a copy.
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OFFSET
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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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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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
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.
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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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ARRAY
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.
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Move the cursor to the right, enter a distance of “1000” and press [Enter].
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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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
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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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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
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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
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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 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.
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From the bottom of the view, click the scale and change to 1:50.
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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.
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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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Scroll through the list and select the 01-P-A-Planning view and click Duplicate.
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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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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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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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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.
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Rooms can be split using the Architecture > Room & Area > Room Separator button.
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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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First room
Room Name “Staff Room”
Room Number “01.01”
Floor Finish “Concrete”
Second Room
Room Name “Kitchen”
Room Number “01.02”
Floor Finish “Tiled”
Third Room
Room Name “Dining Area”
Room Number “01.03”
Floor Finish “Timber”
Fourth Room
Room Name “Main Room”
Room Number “01.04”
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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When prompted to rename corresponding views, click No to avoid renaming the floor level in the elevations.
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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.
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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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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Select By Department.
Click the Duplicate button.
Enter the name “EVC-FloorFinishes”.
Click on OK.
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For each of the finishes, click on the Color column and change to match the list below.
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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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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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3. SORTING/GROUPING
The options on this tab control how the scheduled data is organised.
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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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Click on OK.
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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 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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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”.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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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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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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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.
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From the Synchronize with Central dialog box tick User-created worksets.
Click OK.
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Click Open
Note: The Revit version of the file is displayed beneath the Preview.
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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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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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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
Use the Modify | Place Wall > Modify > Trim/Extend to Corner tool to correct the join.
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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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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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In the Wall Sweeps dialog box click the Add button to add sweep 1.
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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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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.
Between the Curtain Grids, different Curtain Panels (doors, solid panels and glazed panels) can be added.
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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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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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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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The interior vertical mullions will update to the new mullion Type.
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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.
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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
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Change the first line to Filter by Type Mark begins with “CW”
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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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.
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
This defines what each layer’s construction function is. The available options are:
Structure
Substrate
Thermal Air Layer
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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 STRUCTURE
As with floors, editing the ceiling structure opens the Edit Assembly dialog box
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
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.
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 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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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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Use Modify > Draw > Lines to draw boundary lines around the column on grid line E3.
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Drag the right-hand end back to its intersection with the column.
2 1
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.
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Move the cursor over the floor and click to place the point.
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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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.
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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.
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.
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Click on OK.
The reflected ceiling plan will open and show the two ceilings.
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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.
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The left and right supports can also be Saddled which saddle the stairs between them.
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.
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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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
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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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.
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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.
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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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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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.
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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.
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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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Click OK.
In the Properties palette check that the Top Level is set to Entrance.
Change Width to be “10000”.
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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.
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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.
Rails can be edited from the Type Properties dialog box under Rail Structure (Non-Continuous).
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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.
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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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In the Posts section, change each of the Start Post, Corner Post, and End Post Baluster Family to
Evolve_Railing_Round : 25mm.
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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).
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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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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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b) Place the bath against the north wall. The exact location is not important.
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h) Click on the top-right inner corner of the bathroom walls to move the bath.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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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.
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The view background will change colour and the Edit Group tools will display.
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Click on Finish.
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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.
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LINK REVIT
Revit projects can be linked from Insert > Link > Link Revit.
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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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.
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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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.
Open the view 02-P-A-GA.
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 OK.
The landing will now be bound by the structural model and will show the area.
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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.
Current view only This will link in the CAD file but it will only be visible in the current view.
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.
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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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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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.
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.
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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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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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Click in the view to start drawing the detail line in the location shown in the image below.
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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 Modify > Mode > Finish Edit Mode.
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Click on Annotate > Detail > Component > Repeating Detail Component.
2 4
1 3
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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 on the internal plaster layer to enter Create Cut Profile Sketch mode.
a) Draw the lines to extend the plaster under the bottom of the blockwork to the door, starting at the
point indicated below.
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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.
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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.
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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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1 2&3
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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
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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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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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Zoom into the titleblock information, select the title sheet and click on the Number.
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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 OK.
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Drag and drop the view ZZ-D-A-Detail01 from the Project Browser into the view.
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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.
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Adding additional views with differing scales will change the titleblock to read As Indicated.
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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.
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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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 OK.
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The titleblock of drawing no. 0001 will be updated with the new revision.
Click on OK.
The titleblock of drawing no. 0002 will be updated independently with the new revision.
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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 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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Click on Yes.
Check in the chosen folder for the PDF copies.
Take a deep breath. You’ve finished the book!
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Evolve is one of the UK’s premier BIM and design technology consultancies. The internationally
renowned consultancy was formed to provide support and development services to the construction
industry. Evolve delivers consulting services and support to clients, contractors, architects and
engineers in the UK, the US, Europe, Middle East and Australia.
Evolve’s aims are to:
1. IMPLEMENT TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS.
2. ALWAYS ACCOUNT FOR THE HUMAN ASPECTS OF ANY SOLUTION.
3. UNLOCK THE FULL POTENTIAL OF EXISTING ASSETS.
4. EASE THE LEARNING PROCESS.
5. REDUCE RISK AND MAXIMISE PRODUCTIVITY.
OUR SERVICES