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Autodesk 24000-000000-9860 - Revit Architecture - PC User Manual

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Revit Architecture 2009

User's Guide

240A1-050000-PM02A

April 2008

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Page 1 Revit Architecture 2009 User's Guide 240A1-050000-PM02A April 2008...
Page 2 © 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Except as otherwise permitted by Autodesk, Inc., this publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose. Certain materials included in this publication are reprinted with the permission of the copyright holder.
Page 3 © Portions relating to JPEG Copyright 1991-1998 Thomas G. Lane. All rights reserved. This software is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group. © © Portions relating to TIFF Copyright 1997-1998 Sam Leffler. Copyright 1991-1997 Silicon Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved. The Tiff portions of this software are provided by the copyright holders and contributors “as is”...
Page 5: Table Of Contents
..........14 Autodesk Training Programs and Products .
Page 6 Lighting Enhancements ........22 Plant and Entourage Enhancements .
Page 7 Content Search ........63 Interface Basics .
Page 8 Reference Sections ......... . 96 Hiding the Section Annotation Symbol .
Page 9 Limiting Data Presented in a Schedule ......132 Sorting Fields in a Schedule ....... . . 132 Adding Grand Totals to a Schedule .
Page 10 Overview of SteeringWheels ....... . . 175 Wheel Menu ......... 178 Navigation Wheels .
Page 11 Moving the Witness Line for Temporary Dimensions ....233 Moving the Witness Line for Permanent Dimensions ....234 Controlling Witness Line Gaps for Permanent Dimensions .
Page 12 Chapter 7 Editing Elements ........269 Selecting Elements .
Page 13 Moving Elements with the Offset Tool ....... 303 Moving Elements with Cut-and-Paste .
Page 14 Families Tips ..........350 Families Included In The Library .
Page 15 Void Extrusions ........390 Void Blends .
Page 16 Creating a Column Family ........426 Starting a Column Family .
Page 17 Searching for a Material ........460 Applying Materials to Elements .
Page 18 Object Snaps and Snap Shortcut Key Combinations ..... . . 496 Specifying Temporary Dimension Settings ....... . 497 View Templates .
Page 19 Cannot See Mass Floors in a View ......542 Cannot Select or Tag a Mass Floor .
Page 20 Editing Wall Joins ........581 Editing Complex Wall Joins .
Page 21 Resizing or Flipping Roof Fascias ....... 624 Adding or Removing Segments of the Fascia .
Page 22 Cutting Openings in Floors, Roofs, and Ceilings ......660 Cutting Shaft Openings ........661 Stairs .
Page 23 Architectural Column Instance Properties ......699 Curtain Elements ..........700 Curtain Walls, Curtain Grids, and Mullions .
Page 24 Applying a Function to a Layer of a Compound Structure ....749 Inserting Layers into a Compound Structure ......751 Layer Wrapping .
Page 25 Tagging Beam Systems on Placement ......821 Resetting Structural Beam Systems ....... . . 823 Modifying a Beam System .
Page 26 Using the Curved Edge Condition Tool ......886 Using the Reset Shape Tool .
Page 27 Room Boundaries ......... . 915 Rooms in Plan Views .
Page 28 Creating an Area Scheme ........946 Deleting an Area Scheme .
Page 29 Adding Text from a File to a Sheet ......982 Adding a Spreadsheet to a Sheet .
Page 30 Assigning a Revision to a Revision Cloud ......1015 Modifying a Revision Cloud ....... . 1015 Tagging a Revision Cloud .
Page 31 Naming Reference Planes ........1047 Hiding the Annotation in the View .
Page 32 Detail Views ......... 1075 Drafting Views .
Page 33 Decals ..........1152 Creating a Decal Type .
Page 34 Specifying Settings for a Single-Day Solar Study ......1183 Specifying Settings for a Multi-Day Solar Study .
Page 35 Defining Named Locations ........1230 Seeing and Creating Named Locations .
Page 36 None of the Created Elements Are Visible in This View ..... 1261 None of the Selected Elements Can Be Added to This Option Set .
Page 37 Publish ..........1299 Publishing 2D or 3D DWF .
Page 38 Messages and Warnings You Can Ignore ......1334 Reviewing Warning Messages ....... . 1334 Warnings for Selected Elements .
Page 39: Welcome To Revit Architecture 2009
Welcome to Revit Architecture 2009 ® This section includes licensing information and other information pertinent to this release of Revit Architecture. Network Deployment Installation This procedure describes how to set up a Revit Architecture installation for deployment from a network location.
Page 40 c Ensure that the correct (32-bit or 64-bit) radio button is selected. NOTE You must set the radio button for the type of system (32-bit or 64-bit) on which you intend to deploy the client. d Click Next. 5 In the Select the Products to Install dialog, select Revit Architecture 2009 and click Next. 6 In the Accept the License Agreement dialog, do the following: a For Country or Region, select the appropriate value from the list.
Page 41 13 In the Select the License Type dialog, do one of the following: To use stand-alone licenses on client systems, click Stand-alone License, and click Next. (For more information, see Standalone Licensing on page 4.) To use a network license, do the following: a Click Network License.
Page 42: Licensing
11 Verify your information, and click Next. 12 When finished, click Finish. Network License Server Setup If you already have an Autodesk License server set up, skip to Obtain a Network License File on page 6. IMPORTANT Revit Architecture supports redundant or distributed server configurations.
Page 43: Install The Network License Manager Tools
IMPORTANT If you are running the network license manager on Windows XP and have upgraded to Service Pack 2, a new software firewall is enabled. When using its default settings, this firewall disables the Autodesk License Server installed on the same machine. For more information on this, contact Revit Architecture Client Support.
Page 44: Obtain A Network License File
A license file identifies important license information, including license type and behavior, and the number of seats available for use. You must obtain a license file from Autodesk for each license server. With the Network License Activation utility, you can obtain licenses over the Internet. In addition, this utility registers your product, provides automated support via e-mail if you cannot obtain a license over the Internet, and saves and migrates license files.
Page 45: Set Up The Network License File
65-6735-4857 (fax) ap.register@autodesk.com Japan 03-6221-1791 (fax) japan.register@autodesk.com EMEA 41-32-723-9169 (fax) authcodes.neu@autodesk.com Set Up the Network License File After you receive a license file from Autodesk, you set up the file to configure the license server. Network License Server Setup | 7...
Page 46: Configure The Network License Server
9. To set up the network license file 1 Copy the contents of the license file (supplied by Autodesk in an e-mail) to an ASCII text editor, such as Notepad. WARNING Do not copy the contents into a word processor. A word processor can add hidden formatting that a text editor cannot read.
Page 47: Combining Network License Files
When adding licenses of the same Autodesk product to your license file, you must obtain a new license file for the total number of licenses for that feature code, not just the new ones. For example, do not combine two different Revit Architecture license files into one file.
Page 48: Distributed License Server Model
SERVER PCS770 a1b2c3d4e5f6 USE_SERVER VENDOR adskflex port=2080 INCREMENT 48400REVITS_2_0F adskflex 1.000 permanent 10\ VENDOR_STRING=commercial:permanent BORROW=720 SUPERSEDE \ DUP_GROUP=UH ISSUED=10-Mar-2004 SN=339-12345678 SIGN="1037 \ 7E66 6695 2D57 47D9 C59D FAAB DC45 CC51 1414 A8AB 29F4 2773 \ CE33 59EC 0397 B326 29FE 16EC 5C95 8213 BE5C A88F 25F5 3FC1 \ 8CB4 C0CD 65D4 C7E5 40BB"...
Page 49: Redundant License Server Model
If one of the 3 servers is replaced, you need to obtain a new license file from Autodesk. Also, on the client machines, the Licpath.lic file should be modified to include the new server name.
Page 50: Network License Client Setup
For products purchased separately and as part of a Revit Architecture Series package, a network license server can be set up with combinations of license seat counts.The mechanism employed by Autodesk cascading will first use the single product license ("non Series"), and then cascade as needed to the Series licenses.
Page 51: Licensing Extension
Portable License Utility. This transfers a product license from one computer to another and ensures that the product works only on the computer that has the license. Access the Portable License Utility by clicking Start menu Programs Autodesk Revit Architecture 2009 Portable License Utility. For more information on the Portable License Utility, see its online help.
Page 52: Subscription Center
2 Click Return next to the Network license option. Subscription Center The Autodesk Subscription Center is available from the Revit Architecture interface. It includes several commands that offer web-based resources to subscription customers: Subscription e-Learning Catalog, Create Support Request, View Support Requests, and Edit Subscription Center Profile. If you installed Revit Architecture with a network license, the install requires that you enter the network license serial number to enable your subscription access.
Page 53: Autodesk Training Programs And Products
Autodesk Official Training Courseware Autodesk publishes many courseware titles each year for users at all levels to improve their productivity with Autodesk software. The preferred training materials of Autodesk partners, these books are also well-suited for self-paced, standalone learning. All courseware simulates real-world projects with hands-on, job-related exercises.
Page 54: Gb Feature Considerations
If you receive a message that the current session's memory usage is approaching the operating system limit, save your work as soon as possible and restart Revit Architecture. If you are using a workshared environment, save your local file, restart Revit Architecture, and then save to central. ®...
Page 55: Verifying Virtual Memory Allocation
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional 3GB" /3GB /fastdetect When you start your computer with the modified boot.ini file, you see the following options to select from: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Microsoft Windows XP Professional 3GB To enable the 3 GB feature on Windows Vista 1 Click Start menu All Programs Accessories, and run the command prompt.
Page 57: Chapter 2 What's New In This Release
What's New in This Release This topic describes the new and enhanced features for Revit Architecture 2009. Rendering Enhancements ® ® In Revit Architecture 2009, the AccuRender rendering engine has been replaced with the mental ray rendering engine. With this change, Revit Architecture 2009 provides an overall higher quality of rendering. Improved lighting effects and more accurate render appearances for materials result in more photorealistic rendered images.
Page 58: Rendering Workflow Enhancements
® Image generated using the mental ray rendering engine Rendering Workflow Enhancements The user interface for rendering images has been completely redesigned. Fewer dialogs, a simplified workflow, improved defaults, and clear terminology make it easier for users to generate realistic images with a minimum of effort, even if they have limited rendering experience.
Page 59: Render Appearance Enhancements For Materials
Related topics Rendering Workflow on page 1099 Rendering an Image on page 1158 Render Quality Settings on page 1163 Rendering Best Practices on page 1172 Render Appearance Enhancements for Materials In Revit 2008 and previous releases, the software provided default materials, many of which used AccuRender definitions for render appearances.
Page 60: Lighting Enhancements
Lighting Enhancements Lighting fixtures are now photometric and can be described by IES files. (Many manufacturers provide IES files for their lighting fixtures, which you can download from their Web sites.) When you render an image, Revit Architecture uses information in the IES file to determine the intensity of light at various points in space.
Page 61: Decal Enhancements
1152. Enhancements for Export to 3ds Max ® ® When you export a 3D view to Autodesk 3ds Max to use its higher-level rendering capabilities, Revit Architecture 2009 passes rendering settings to 3ds Max. The information includes render appearances (material assignments), lights, and related settings defined in the project.
Page 62: Migrating To Revit Architecture 2009
Migrating to Revit Architecture 2009 After you upgrade from a previous release to Revit Architecture 2009, Revit families and projects may need to be migrated to make them compatible with the new rendering functionality. Some migrations are performed automatically when you upgrade the Revit software. Other migrations are performed automatically when you open a Revit family or project.
Page 63: Migrating Render Appearances For Materials
To migrate... Do this... For more information, see... AccuRender procedural plants Do either of the following: Migrating Plants on page 27, Plants and Entourage on page 1139 Open the project, and manually replace each 2008 plant family with a 2009 plant family. Open the 2008 plant family in the Family Editor.
Page 64: Migrating Lighting Fixtures
If a Revit 2008 project makes extensive use of AccuRender definitions, you can edit a text file to map the AccuRender definitions to new render appearances. For instructions, go to the Autodesk Support Knowledge Base and search for the technical solution TS1081106.
Page 65: Migrating Rpc Content
Migrating Light Groups In a Revit 2008 project, you may have created light groups to control light settings (on/off or dimming) in rendered images. When you migrate a Revit 2008 project to Revit Architecture 2009, the light groups are maintained. However their settings (on/off or dimming) are not preserved.
Page 66: Migrating Rendered Images In A Project
those attributes are not retained. Instead, Revit Architecture 2009 provides a more accurate rendering of decals. For more information, see Decals on page 1152. Migrating Rendered Images in a Project Revit Architecture 2009 does not automatically re-render images in a migrated project. To update a rendered image using the new rendering functionality, you must re-render the image.
Page 67: Navigating 2D And 3D Views
Revit 2008 Feature In Revit 2009... For more information AccuRender environment set- When you define render settings, you specify Controlling Lighting in a Rendered Im- tings, sun and sky settings whether the sky is cloudy or hazy (or both), or a on page 1166, Specifying the Back- solid color.
Page 68: Dynamic View Tools In Viewcube And Steeringwheels
ViewCube The ViewCube is a 3D navigation tool that indicates the current orientation of a model and lets you adjust the viewpoint. The ViewCube displays by default when you open a 3D view. You can show or hide the ViewCube using Window menu ViewCube.
Page 69 In Dynamic View In ViewCube/SteeringWheels Scroll In a 2D context, pan scrolls the view. If you are using pan with an active view on a sheet, pan scrolls the sheet view, not the active view on the sheet. NOTE In a 3D context, primarily when you are using 3D SteeringWheels, pan dollies the camera left and right.
Page 70 In Dynamic View In ViewCube/SteeringWheels Orient to a Plane Right-click SteeringWheels, and click Orient to a Plane. Perspective View Navigation Options In Dynamic View In SteeringWheels Walkthrough Tab Options Dolly Forward/Back Full Navigation Wheel: Walk Tour Building Wheel: Forward Turn Look Field of View Tab Options 32 | Chapter 2 What's New in This Release...
Page 71: User Interface
In Dynamic View In SteeringWheels In/Out Right-click SteeringWheels, and click Increase/Decrease Focal Length. Slide Right-click SteeringWheels, and click Move Crop Boundary. Recenter Right-click SteeringWheels, and click Re-center Crop Bound- ary. User Interface This topic describes the new and enhanced features for the user interface in Revit Architecture 2009. Recent Files When you start Revit Architecture, it displays the new Recent Files window in the drawing area instead of opening a default template.
Page 72: Project Settings
If you click the selection count icon, the Filter dialog displays, indicating how many elements are selected in each category. In the Filter dialog, you can select and clear categories to select or deselect those elements. How Many Elements Are Selected? on page 270 and Selecting Elements Using a Filter on page 271.
Page 73: Project Views
You can then use this information to determine the following: The best mix of uses (such as retail, residential, and office space) for the building Rough cost estimates for the exterior of the building, based on linear dimensions or surface area HVAC (heating/ventilation/air conditioning) requirements for different levels of the building Analyzing a Conceptual Design on page 522.
Page 74 Formatting Currency in a Schedule View You can format currency fields with the appropriate currency symbol in a schedule. See Formatting Currency Fields in a Schedule on page 138. Cutting a Plan View by the Back Clip Plane You can cut a plan view at the back clip plane. You activate this feature using the Depth Clipping parameter for the plan view.
Page 75: Families
2 different profiles placed along a 2D path containing an arc or a spline. Creating a Swept Blend on page 387. Families Guide Documentation for family creation has been restructured, revised, and enhanced with more detailed conceptual information and tutorials. Download the Families Guide here: http://www.autodesk.com/revitarchitecture-documentation Families | 37...
Page 76: Project Phasing
Project Phasing This topic describes the new and enhanced features for project phasing in Revit Architecture 2009. Graphic Overrides for Phase Statuses For each phase status, you can now specify new graphic overrides from the Graphic Overrides tab of the Phasing dialog.
Page 77: Room Volume Enhancements
When volume computation is turned on, Revit Architecture shows the actual boundaries used to compute the volume of the room. These boundaries can include sloping elements, such as the walls, ceiling, and roof. Related topics Rooms in Section Views on page 916 Changing the Room Height Graphically on page 931 Room Volume Enhancements...
Page 78: Building Pads Are Room-Bounding
Building Pads Are Room-Bounding When calculating the area or volume of a room, Revit Architecture now considers a building pad to be a room-bounding element. If desired, you can turn off this element parameter. See Room-Bounding Elements on page 917. Room Boundaries in Linked Models In previous releases, when you linked Revit models together, Revit Architecture did not recognized room-bounding elements in the linked model.
Page 79: Unplace And Place Rooms And Areas
Unplace and Place Rooms and Areas You can remove (unplace) a room or area from its current location in a building model. The Revit project retains information about the room or area. The room or area information still appears in schedules. You can then place the room or area in another location in the building.
Page 80: Slope A Building Pad
Slope a Building Pad You can slope building pads using the Slope Arrow command on the Design Bar, if, for example, you want to add drainage for your building. See Sloping a Building Pad on page 904. Beam Cutback The new beam cutback tools apply beam join types and priority. You can use these tools to adjust visible cutback to beams in an end-join relationship.
Page 81: Details And Annotations
Closing an Open Loop You can use the Close snap to close valid open loops when sketching. If there is more than one option to close the loop, you can move the cursor or press Tab to see other snap options. See Closing an Open Loop on page 264.
Page 82 Spot Coordinate Enhancements You can display the elevation of the selected point with spot coordinates. See Reporting North, South, East, and West Spot Coordinates on page 230. You can add supplementary text to spot coordinates. See Adding Supplementary Text to Spot Coordinate Dimensions on page 232.
Page 83: Text Note Styles
Text Note Styles You can now create or modify text note styles using Settings Annotations Text. See Specifying Text Note Styles on page 491. Editing Elements This topic describes the new and enhanced features for editing elements in Revit Architecture 2009. Linework Enhancements You can use the Linework tool to change the line style for selected edges of model elements in a view, including the following:...
Page 84 Defining the Height of a Revision Schedule You can limit the size of a revision schedule on a title block. See Defining the Height of the Revision Schedule on page 990. Building Revision Schedules from the Top Down or Bottom Up Revision schedules can display information in various ways.
Page 85: Printing
Defining an Alphabetic Sequence for Revisions on page 1014 Revisions Listed in the Revision Schedule On sheets, the revision schedule includes information about revisions that are identified by revision clouds and tags. In this release, you can specify that the revision schedule is to include revision information that is not represented by revision clouds and tags in the sheet s views.
Page 86: Interoperability
When you select By Linked View or Custom on the RVT Link Display Settings tab of the Visibility/Graphics dialog, you can select any elevation, section, or 3D views that are available in the linked model. Visibility for Linked Revit Models on page 1218.
Page 87: Worksharing
DWFx The meaning of the term DWF has expanded to include DWFx. DWFx is based on the XML Paper Specification (XPS) from Microsoft, making it easier to share design data with reviewers who do not have Design Review installed. DWF and DWFx files contain the same data (2D and 3D); the only difference is the file format. DWFx files can be opened and printed using the free Microsoft XPS Viewer, which comes pre-installed on ™...
Page 88: Documentation
Families Guide Documentation for family creation has been restructured, revised, and enhanced with more detailed conceptual information and tutorials. Download the Families Guide here: http://www.autodesk.com/revitarchitecture-documentation 50 | Chapter 2 What's New in This Release...
Page 89: Chapter 3 Revit Essentials
Revit Essentials The following topics provide information on what you need to start a project in Revit Architecture. Using the Revit Interface ® Revit Architecture is a powerful CAD product for the Microsoft Windows operating system. Its interface resembles those of other products for Windows: it features menus with commands, toolbars with buttons, dialogs, and windows in which you complete tasks.
Page 90: Starting Revit Architecture
To start Revit Architecture, do one of the following from the Windows desktop: Double-click the Revit icon. Click Start Programs Autodesk Revit Architecture 2009 Revit Architecture 2009. Revit Architecture opens and displays a list of recent files. See Starting a New Project...
Page 91: Toolbars
Toolbars Revit Architecture offers several toolbars, which provide quick access to frequently used functions. Toolbar Includes Tools for... Standard Managing files and editing, such as New, Open, Save, Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, and Redo. View Changing the project view, such as Zoom In, Thin Lines, and Show Mass. Edit Manipulating elements, such as Move, Rotate, Resize, and Group.
Page 92: Design Bar
Design Bar The Design Bar contains tabs that allow you to quickly access Revit Architecture commands. Click a tab in the Design Bar to expand the tab and show its commands. All commands available on the Design Bar are also available from the menus. Not all tabs display by default. You can show or hide tabs as needed.
Page 93: Project Browser
Design Bar Tab Includes Commands for... Structural Structural design, such as structural walls columns, beams, and slabs. Construction Adding site components, creating construction phases, and adding schedules. To change the Design Bar to suit your needs To hide a Design Bar tab, click Window menu Design Bars.
Page 94 To change the size and location of the Project Browser To show the Project Browser, click Window menu Project Browser. To hide the Project Browser, click Window menu Project Browser (to clear its check mark), or click the Close button (the red X) at the top of the Project Browser. To resize the Project Browser, drag one of its borders.
Page 95: Using The Project Browser
If you select multiple family elements of the same type, you can delete the selected items in one operation. For example: Within loaded component family types, you can select and delete elements in multiple categories (such as windows and doors). Within system family types, you can select and delete elements in multiple categories (such as ceilings, floors, and walls).
Page 96 If you want to... then... change properties right-click the view name and click Properties, or click the view and click on the Options Bar. expand or collapse branches in the Project click + to expand, or click – to collapse. Use the arrow keys to navigate between Browser branches.
Page 97 If you want to... then... modify type properties double-click the type name under a family. For example, under the Walls family, double-click Exterior - Brick on CMU. The Type Properties dialog opens, and you can edit values. delete a family type do any one of the following: Select the family type name in the Project Browser, and click (Delete)
Page 98: Drawing Area
If you want to... then... unload or reload a linked Revit model under Revit Links, navigate to the linked model, right-click the link name, and click the desired command to unload or reload the model. See Managing Links on page 1222. Renderings view rendered images under Views...
Page 99: Status Bar
To open a second window for the current view, click Window menu New Window. This command is useful if you want to pan and zoom on certain areas of the design, while also viewing the entire design in another window. (Use the Tile command to see both views at the same time.) Any changes that you make to the project in the new window also appear in other windows of the project.
Page 100: View Control Bar
Autodesk subscription member (available in countries/regions where Autodesk subscriptions are offered). Articles and Tips. Be notified when new articles and tips are available on Autodesk web sites. Product Support Information. Get breaking news from the Product Support team at Autodesk.
Page 101: Content Search
Autodesk compiles statistics using the information sent from Communication Center to monitor how it is being used and how it can be improved. Autodesk will maintain information provided by or collected from you in accordance with the company's published privacy policy, which is available at http://www.autodesk.com/privacy.
Page 102: Navigating The Drawing Area
Navigating the Drawing Area Use the following techniques to navigate the drawing area. Many of these techniques have equivalent commands on the View menu, the View toolbar, and the shortcut menu for the drawing area. Some techniques ® ® require a Microsoft IntelliMouse .
Page 103: Basics For Selecting Elements
Basics for Selecting Elements Use the following techniques to select elements in the drawing area. For more information, see Selecting Elements on page 269. If you want to... Then do this... locate the desired element to select move the cursor over the element in the drawing area. Revit Architecture highlights the element and displays information about it in the status bar and in a tooltip.
Page 104: Getting Hints About What To Do Next
If you want to... Then do this... change the shape or size of an element select the element, and use the drag controls (blue dots) and shape handles to change its shape or size. For more information, see Resizing Elements on page 312 and Controls and Shape Handles...
Page 105: Starting A New Project
Revit Architecture provides several project templates, which reside in either the Metric Templates or Imperial Templates file at: Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\<product name>\ You can use one of these templates or create your own templates as needed to maintain corporate standards or to simplify the setup process for different types of projects.
Page 106: Opening Revit Files
Opening Revit Files When you start Revit Architecture, the Recent Files window displays, listing up to 4 projects and 4 families that you opened most recently. (If you are already working in a Revit session, you can return to the Recent Files window by clicking Window menu Recent Files.) To open a Revit file, use any of the following methods:...
Page 107: Opening Revit Files From Windows Explorer
To open files from the web library 1 Click Window menu Recent Files. NOTE If Recent Files is not available (it has been closed), you can access this page again when you restart Revit Architecture. 2 On the right side of the window, click Revit Web Content Library. The web library opens in a browser window.
Page 108: Saving A File With A Different Name Or Location
If you want to save the current file to a different file name or location, click File menu Save As. If you are working in a project that has worksharing enabled and you want to save your changes to the central file, click File menu Save to Central, or click on the Standard toolbar.
Page 109: Backup And Journal Files
To set save reminders 1 Click Settings menu Options. 2 In the Options dialog, click the General tab. 3 To change how often Revit Architecture reminds you to save an open project, select a time interval for Save Reminder Interval. 4 To turn off the save reminder, for Save Reminder Interval, select No Reminders.
Page 110: Closing Revit Files
The local backup file provides protection in case the network save fails. Revit Architecture saves up to 3 local backup files. It purges older backup files. The local backup file uses the same name as the project file, with a GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) date and time stamp appended to it.
Page 111: What Is A Project
What Is a Project? In Revit Architecture, the project is the single database of information for your design—the building information model. The project file contains all information for a building design, from geometry to construction data. This information includes components used to design the model, views of the project, and drawings of the design.
Page 112: Categories, Families, And Types
There are 2 types of model elements: Hosts (or host elements) are generally built in place at the construction site. Walls and roofs are examples of hosts. Model components are all the other types of elements in the building model. For example, windows, doors, and cabinets are model components.
Page 113: Element Properties Dialog
Element Properties Dialog Use the Element Properties dialog to view and edit properties that affect the appearance and behavior of elements in a project. To access the dialog, click (Element Properties) on the Options Bar, or right-click an element and click Element Properties on the shortcut menu. The content of the Element Properties dialog varies, depending on the type of element.
Page 114 Instance Properties and Type Properties All properties in a family fall into two groups: Type properties are common to many elements in a family. A type property affects all instances (individual elements) of that family in the project and any future instances that you place in the project. Instance properties tend to vary with the location of an element in a building or project.
Page 115 To create a new family type from the Element Properties dialog 1 In the project, select an element and click (Element Properties). 2 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 3 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 4 In the Name dialog, enter a name for the new type and click OK. 5 Set properties for the type, as desired.
Page 116 78 | Chapter 3 Revit Essentials...
Page 117: Chapter 4 Project Views
Project Views This topic covers most project views in Revit Architecture. The following project views are covered in other topics: For information on sheet views, see Preparing Construction Documents on page 967. For information on detail views and drafting views, see Detailing on page 1074.
Page 118: Creating A Plan View
Reflected Ceiling Plan View Most projects include at least one reflected ceiling plan (RCP) view. Reflected ceiling plan views are also created automatically as you add new levels to your project. Creating a Plan View 1 Click View menu Floor Plan, or on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Floor Plan. 2 From the New Plan dialog, select one or more levels for which you want to create a plan view.
Page 119: Cutting A Plan View By The Back Clip Plane
5 Click OK. NOTE If you create duplicate plan views, the duplicate view appears in the Project Browser with the following notation: Level 1(1), where the value in parentheses increases with the number of duplicate views. Cutting a Plan View by the Back Clip Plane You may want to cut a plan view at the back clip plane when you have an element (such as a slanted wall) that spans multiple levels.
Page 120 Plan regions respect the Depth Clipping parameter setting of their parent view, but follow their own View Range settings. Elements that have symbolic representation in certain views (such as structural beams) and non-cuttable families are not affected when you cut a plan view by the back clip plane. They will display and are not cut. This property does affect printing.
Page 121: Plan View Properties
5 Optionally, click View Range and modify the View Depth setting if necessary. The level you select for View Depth is where the view will be clipped when the Depth Clipping property is active. 6 Click OK to exit the Element Properties dialog. Plan View Properties Each plan view has type properties for callout tags and reference labels.
Page 122: Creating A Plan Region
Creating a Plan Region 1 Open a plan view. 2 Click View menu Plan Region, or on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Plan Region. 3 Sketch a closed loop using lines, rectangles, or polygons. For more information, see Sketching on page 251.
Page 123: Elevation Views
Elevation Views Elevation views are part of the default template in Revit Architecture. When you create a project with the default template, 4 elevation views are included: north, south, east, and west. It is in elevation views where you sketch level lines. For each level line that you sketch, a corresponding plan view is created. You can create additional exterior elevation views, and interior elevation views.
Page 124: Displaying An Elevation View
NOTE As you move the cursor, you can press TAB to change the position of the arrowhead. The arrowhead snaps to perpendicular walls. 4 To set different interior elevation views, highlight the square shape of the elevation symbol and click. The elevation symbol displays with check box options for creating views, as the following image shows.
Page 125: Changing The Clip Plane In An Elevation View
Changing the Clip Plane in an Elevation View Clip planes define the boundaries for an elevation view. The end points of clip planes snap and join to walls. You can resize the viewing area of an elevation by resizing the clip planes. 1 In a plan view, select the elevation tag arrowhead.
Page 126: Reference Elevation
Elements that have symbolic representation in certain views (such as structural beams) and non-cuttable families are not affected when you cut an elevation, section, or callout view by the far clip plane. They will display and are not cut. This property does affect printing. To cut by the far clip plane: 1 In the Project Browser, right-click the view you want to cut by the far clip plane, and click Properties.
Page 127: Placing A Reference Elevation
You can place a reference elevation in a plan or callout view. Placing a Reference Elevation 1 Open a plan or callout view. 2 Click View menu Elevation, or on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Elevation. 3 On the Options Bar, select Reference other view. 4 Select a reference view from the adjacent menu.
Page 128: Creating A Framing Elevation View
Creating a Framing Elevation View NOTE You must have a grid in your view before you can add a framing elevation view. See Grids on page 1033 for information on drawing a grid. 1 Click View menu Framing Elevation. 2 Place the framing elevation symbol perpendicular to the selected grid line and in the direction of view to display.
Page 129: Elevation View Properties
Elevation View Properties Each elevation has type properties for elevation tags, callout tags, and reference labels. You can define the look of elevation tags and callout tags using the Settings menu View Tags command. The Reference Label parameter sets the text displayed next to the elevation tag when the elevation is a reference elevation. Modifying Elevation Symbol Properties You can set various parameters to modify the display of the elevation symbols.
Page 130: Creating A Section View
Section views are not available for in-place families. If the section symbol appears without a head, you need to load the section head. See Changing the Section Head on page 97. Creating a Section View 1 Open a plan, section, elevation, or detail view. 2 Click View menu Section, or on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Section.
Page 131: Breaking Section Lines
Related topics View Tags in Dedicated Views for Design Options on page 1254 Breaking Section Lines Breaking section lines is useful when you want to create a section view, but you don t want the section line to appear across the drawing. Breaking a section line has no effect on what appears in the section view. You can break section lines by clicking the break control ( ) and adjusting the length of the section line segments.
Page 132: Segmented Section View
Drag the controls on the crop region to resize the width and the depth of the section view, as necessary. The following image shows the same section as above, but with a resized crop region. Segmented Section View You can split sections into segments that are orthogonal to the view direction. This allows you to vary a section view to show disparate parts of the model without having to create a different section.
Page 133: Segmenting A Section View
Segmenting a Section View 1 Sketch a section in a view, or select an existing section. 2 On the Options Bar, click Split Segment. 3 Place the cursor on the section line at the point it is to be segmented, and click. 4 Move the cursor to the side of the split to move, and move the cursor in a direction orthogonal to the view direction.
Page 134: Merging Segmented Section Views
The new segmented section has several controls on it. Controls for resizing the crop region display as a dashed green line. All segments share the same far clip plane. There are controls for moving the segments of the section line. There is also a break control that divides the section into smaller segments.
Page 135: Hiding The Section Annotation Symbol
You can place reference sections in plan, elevation, section, drafting, and callout views. Reference sections can reference section views, callouts of section views, and drafting views. To create a reference section: 1 Click View menu Section, or on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Section. 2 On the Options Bar, select Reference other view, and select a section, callout of a section, or drafting view name from the drop-down menu next to it.
Page 136: Section View Properties
4 Click Settings menu View Tags Section Tags. 5 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate. 6 Enter a name for the new section head, and click OK. 7 Click in the value box for the Section Head parameter and select the section head family you just loaded.
Page 137: Callout Tag Parts
Callout views accessed from tags in the parent view Callout Tag Parts A callout tag is an annotation element that marks the location of a callout in a parent view. Callouts Overview | 99...
Page 138: Callout Types
The callout tag consists of the following parts: Callout bubble: The line drawn around part of the parent view to define the callout area. Callout head: A symbol that identifies the callout. When you place the callout on a sheet, the callout head displays the corresponding detail number and sheet number by default.
Page 139: Callouts And Sheets
A view callout offers all the same capabilities as its parent view. For example, you can specify another view to use as an underlay, assign a color scheme, and specify a view range. Use properties of the callout view to specify these parameters.
Page 140: Opening A Callout View
Opening a Callout View To open a callout view, use any of the following methods: In the Project Browser, double-click the name of the callout view. In the parent view, double-click the callout head. In the parent view, right-click the callout head, and click Go to View. Modifying a Callout After creating a callout, you can change it in the following ways.
Page 141: Changing The Boundaries Of A Callout
To change the callout tag 1 In the parent view, select the callout bubble. 2 Click 3 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 4 In the Type Properties dialog, for Callout Tag, select the callout tag family to use. If the desired callout tag family is not listed, load it or create it.
Page 142: Callout Tags
A blue elbow control displays in the middle of the line. NOTE You may need to zoom in on the callout bubble to see the blue controls. See Navigating the Drawing Area on page 64. 2 Drag the elbow control to the desired location, or drag the blue control near the callout head. As you move the control, notice that the leader line attaches to different points on the callout bubble.
Page 143 Callout tags that use different callout heads To create a callout head family 1 Click File menu Annotation Symbol. 2 In the Open dialog, select Callout Head.rft or M_Callout Head.rft. 3 On the Design Bar, click Lines, and sketch the shape of the callout head. Sketching Elements on page 252.
Page 144: Creating A Callout Tag Family
Creating a Callout Tag Family When creating a callout tag family, you can specify the following: The type of callout head to use. See Creating a Callout Head on page 104. The radius of the callout bubble. To specify the line weight, color, and style of the callout bubble or leader line, see Changing Display Properties for Callout Tags on page 106.
Page 145: Reference Callouts
Crop region: If a callout tag does not display in the parent view, check whether the callout tag is outside the parent view s crop region. In the parent view, on the View Control Bar, click (Show Crop Region). Expand the crop region to the limits of the drawing to find the callout tag. If needed, adjust the crop region to include the callout tag.
Page 146: Changing The Reference Label
NOTE If the Reference Other View list includes a view on a sheet, the detail number and sheet number display next to the view name. 3 To define the callout area, drag the cursor from the upper-left to the lower-right, creating a callout bubble as shown by the dashed line enclosing the upper-left corner of the grid.
Page 147: Modifying Callout Properties
You can change the way that the reference label displays in the callout tag, or add the referencing detail or sheet numbers to the callout head. To do so, create a callout head family, and add labels that use these parameters.
Page 148: Creating A Perspective 3D View
Creating a Perspective 3D View You can create a perspective 3D view from a plan, section, or elevation view. 1 Open a plan, section, or elevation view. 2 Click View menu Camera, or on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Camera. NOTE If you clear the Perspective option on the Options Bar, the view that is created is an orthographic 3D view and not a perspective view.
Page 149: Using A Section Box In A 3D View
5 Click once in the drawing area to place the camera and click again to place the target point. An unnamed 3D view of the current project opens and displays in the Project Browser. If an unnamed view already exists in the project, the 3D command opens the existing view. You can rename the default 3D view by right-clicking the view name in the Project Browser, and clicking Rename.
Page 150: Rotating A 3D View
The following image shows the section box selected with the blue arrow drag controls visible. The section box extents have been modified to cut into the stair tower. To modify section box extents outside of the 3D view: 1 Enable the section box in a 3D view. 2 Open an associated view, for example a plan or elevation view.
Page 151: Displaying A 3D View
The hollow blue dot is the focal point and the pink dot is the target point. 4 Drag the camera to modify the camera level. Drag the hollow blue dot to modify the focal point around the axis of rotation (the target point). Displaying a 3D View Double-click the 3D view name in the Project Browser.
Page 152 1 Open the perspective 3D view. 2 In the Project Browser, right-click the perspective 3D view name and select Show Camera. The camera is selected in all views where the camera is visible, such as plan, elevation, and other 3D views. Selected camera in plan view Selected camera in 3D view Selected camera in elevation view...
Page 153: Turning Off The Camera In A 3D View
4 Drag the camera to move it. The view updates according to the new camera position. 5 Drag the target to move it. The view updates according to the new target point. 6 Select the perspective view. Drag the handles to vary the field of view (FOV). Turning Off the Camera in a 3D View Turning off the camera in a 3D view is the same as showing or hiding the crop region.
Page 154: Walkthrough Views
Name Description Crop View Applies top, bottom, right, and left clip planes to the model. As you move the clip plane, part of the model is either hidden or shown. Crop Region Visible Turns on or off the visibility of the crop region. Annotation Crop Shows or hides the annotation crop.
Page 155: Creating A Walkthrough Path
By default, walkthroughs are created as a series of perspective views, but you can also create them as orthographic 3D views. Creating a Walkthrough Path 1 Open a view in which to place the walkthrough path. NOTE Typically, the view is a plan view, but you can also make a walkthrough in other views, including 3D, elevation, and section views.
Page 156: Editing A Walkthrough Path
After you finish placing camera key frames, Revit Architecture creates a walkthrough view under the Walkthroughs branch of the Project Browser and assigns it the name Walkthrough 1. A walkthrough path might look something like the following image. The red dots indicate key frames. Editing a Walkthrough Path 1 In the Project Browser, right-click the walkthrough view name, and select Show Camera.
Page 157: Editing Walkthrough Frames
Displaying the Walkthrough View when Editing As you edit a walkthrough path, you may want to see the results of your changes on the actual view. To open the walkthrough view, on the Options Bar, click Open. Editing Walkthrough Frames 1 On the Options Bar, click the Walkthrough frame edit button The Walkthrough Frames dialog has 5 columns that show the frame properties: The Key Frame column displays the total number of key frames in the walkthrough path.
Page 158: Exporting A Walkthrough
Click to move the camera position forward one key frame. Click to move the camera from its current frame to the last frame. To stop play back, click Cancel next to the Progress Bar or press ESC. Click Yes at the prompt. Exporting a Walkthrough You can export a walkthrough to an AVI or image file.
Page 159 Some typical legends include Annotation Legend: Displays sheet annotations such as section heads, level markers, spot elevation marks, elevation symbols, keynote symbol, revision tag, element tags, and other symbols that do not represent model objects. Each symbol has an associated piece of descriptive text. All symbols are shown at printed size.
Page 160: Creating A Legend
Creating a Legend 1 Click View menu Legend. 2 In the New Legend View dialog, enter a name for the legend view and select the view scale. 3 Click OK. The legend view opens and is added to the Project Browser list. 4 Add the desired element symbols to the view using any of the following methods: Drag model and annotation family types from the Project Browser into the legend view.
Page 161: Placing Components From A Legend Into A Project View
Window legend with first window dimensioned Placing Components from a Legend into a Project View You can use legend views as graphical palettes. This means that you can select a component in a legend view and use the Create Similar or Match commands to place the component in another view. For more information on these tools, see Copying Elements with the Create Similar Tool on page 324 and...
Page 162: Schedule Views
Schedule Views A schedule is a tabular display of information, extracted from the properties of elements in a project. A schedule can list every instance of the type of element you are scheduling, or it can collapse multiple instances onto a single row, based on the schedule's grouping criteria. You can create a schedule at any point in the design process.
Page 163: Creating A Schedule Or Quantity
Formatting Schedules You have several choices available for formatting the look of the schedule. You can Specify the order and type of properties to display Create totals Create your own custom properties, which you can then include in the schedule Apply phases to a schedule Schedule Tips Mouse-wheel scrolling is available in schedule views.
Page 164: Creating A Key Schedule
Creating a Key Schedule 1 Click View menu Schedule. 2 In the New Schedule dialog, select the schedule key category. 3 Select Schedule keys. Revit Architecture automatically fills in the Key name. This is the name that appears among the element's instance properties.
Page 165: Material Takeoff Schedules
Material Takeoff Schedules Material takeoff schedules list the sub-components or materials of any Revit Architecture family. Material takeoff schedules have all the functionality and characteristics of other schedule views, but they allow you to show more detail about the assembly of a component. Any material that is placed in a component within Revit Architecture can be scheduled.
Page 166: Specifying Schedule Properties
3 In the New Note Block dialog, for Family, select a generic annotation. 4 For Note Block Name, enter a name for the new note block, if desired. 5 Click OK. 6 In the Note Block Properties dialog, for Available Fields, select the parameters to set, and then click Add to add them to Scheduled Fields list.
Page 167 If you want to... then... create a field that is a percentage of another field click Calculated Value. Enter a name for the field, set its type to percentage, and enter the name of the field to take a percentage of. By default, percentages are calculated based on the total for the entire schedule.
Page 168 NOTE The file name does not include the file path or the file extension. In addition, if there are visible nested links in a linked model, the file name that displays for elements in the nested link is the parent link.
Page 169 If you change the door swing after you place the door, this will not automatically be reflected in the schedule. The schedule retains the data of the initial door placement. Therefore the particular door opening for door 56, always (by default) leads from the hall to the bedroom regardless of the door swing. If you want door 56 to lead from the bedroom to the hall, you can change the door swing in plan view, and then edit the appropriate field in the door schedule.
Page 170: Limiting Data Presented In A Schedule
The door schedule opens. Since To Room and From Room fields do not automatically reflect changes you make to the door swing after you place the door, you can edit these fields by selecting a value from the list. Limiting Data Presented in a Schedule On the Filter tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, you can create filters that limit the display of data in a schedule.
Page 171 If you want to... then select... add footer information below the sort group Footer. When you select Footer, you can select the informa- tion to display. Title, count, and totals: Title shows the header informa- tion. Count shows the number of elements in the group. Both title and count appear left-justified below the group.
Page 172 134 | Chapter 4 Project Views...
Page 173: Adding Grand Totals To A Schedule
Sorted Schedule with Totals Adding Grand Totals to a Schedule 1 In the Project Browser, right-click the schedule name, and select Properties. 2 In the Element Properties dialog, for Sorting/Grouping, click Edit. 3 On the Sorting/Grouping tab, select Grand Totals to display the sum of the elements from all the groups.
Page 174: Formatting A Schedule
Formatting a Schedule On the Formatting and Appearance tabs of the Schedule Properties dialog, you can specify various formatting options, such as column orientation and alignment, grid lines, borders, and font style. Options you select on the Appearance tab display when you add a schedule to a sheet view. Also see Schedule Formatting Samples on page 139.
Page 175 If you want to... then select... this option, but the Grid lines option is still selected, the grid line style is used as the border style. specify the font for the heading text a font from the list, enter a font size, and select bold or italic attributes.
Page 176 b For Rounding, select an appropriate value. If you select Custom, enter a value in the Rounding increment text box. c If applicable, select a Unit symbol. 7 If you selected a Number field, select one of the following formatting options: General: displays values with up to 6 decimal places, and removes trailing zeros.
Page 177 Schedule Formatting Samples The following images illustrate some examples of how you can format a schedule, including field formatting, showing or hiding grid lines, calculating totals, outlines, and underlines. NOTE The grid lines, outlines, and underlines used in these samples are custom line styles. To create your own line styles, see Creating a Line Style on page 485.
Page 178 Schedule with Grid Lines Schedule with Grid Lines and an Outline 140 | Chapter 4 Project Views...
Page 179: Applying A Phase To A Schedule
Schedule with an Outline and Underlines Applying a Phase to a Schedule 1 In the Project Browser, right-click the schedule name, and click Properties. 2 In the Element Properties dialog, enter values for the Phase Filter and Phase parameters. 3 Click OK. For more information on phases, see Project Phasing on page 1263.
Page 180: Grouping Column Headings In A Schedule
To enter carriage returns in a text cell, press CTRL+ENTER. Carriage returns display when you place the schedule on a sheet. For schedules grouped by type, changes to a type are propagated to all instances of that type within the project.
Page 181: Saving Schedule Views To An External Project
Saving Schedule Views to an External Project Use the following procedure to save the format of a schedule view to an external Revit Architecture file for use in another Revit Architecture project. 1 In the Project Browser, right-click the view name, and click Save to New File. 2 In the Save As dialog, enter a name for the file, and click Save.
Page 182: Exporting A Schedule
5 In the Schedule Properties dialog, add the following available fields (in this order) to the Scheduled Fields list: Type, Length, Width, Volume, Count, Comments. 6 Click the Sorting/Grouping tab. 7 Set the first Sort By list to Type. 8 Clear the Itemize every instance option. 9 Click OK.
Page 183 Creating dependent views may be useful in the following scenarios: You are working on a large project with an extensive floor plate, and you want to crop the view into smaller segments so you can place them on sheets. When you make changes to dependent segments of the view, you can quickly see how they effect the view as a whole by looking at the primary view.
Page 184: Creating Dependent Views
Dependent Views and View Properties A dependent view inherits view properties and view-specific elements from the primary view. Synchrony is kept between the primary view and dependent views for the following view properties: View Scale Display model Detail Level Visibility settings Model Graphics Style Advanced Model Graphics Hide at scales coarser than...
Page 185: Adding Matchlines For Dependent Views
NOTE You cannot create a dependent view from another dependent view. 2 Click View menu Duplicate View Duplicate as a Dependent, or right-click the view name, and click Duplicate View Duplicate as a Dependent. The dependent view opens. In the default Project Browser organization, the dependent view displays under the primary view.
Page 186: Modifying A Matchline
Modifying a Matchline To edit the matchline sketch: 1 Open any view in which the matchline is visible, and select the matchline. 2 On the Options Bar, click Edit. 3 Edit the sketch line as necessary. 4 When finished, click Finish Sketch. To override matchline graphic format in a view: 1 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics, or use the keyboard shortcut VG.
Page 187: Propagating Dependent View Configuration
A view reference is a symbol. You can create a view reference family in the Family Editor. View reference families can contain lines, filled regions, text and labels for the view number and sheet number parameter values. To add a view reference: 1 Open the view to which you want to add a reference.
Page 188: Making A Dependent View Independent
2 Click View menu Apply Dependent Views, or right-click the view name, and click Apply Dependent Views. The Select Views dialog opens and displays parallel views of the same scale that do not already have dependent views. 3 Click to select the appropriate views. 4 Click OK.
Page 189: Overriding Visibility And Graphic Display Of Individual Elements
For information on visibility settings for elements in linked Revit models and elements in worksets, see Visibility for Linked Revit Models on page 1218 and Controlling Workset Visibility on page 1203. Creating Views for Specific Purposes Since you can control element visibility and graphic display by view, you can create views for specific purposes.
Page 190: Overriding Graphic Display Of Element Categories
The View-Specific Element Graphics dialog opens and displays the current visibility and graphic display settings for the element. You may need to expand the categories to view setting details. 3 In the View-Specific Element Graphics dialog, make your edits. NOTE For annotation, import, and detail elements, only relevant override options display. Visibility: show or hide the element in the view.
Page 191: Removing Graphic Display Overrides For Element Categories
2 Right-click an element in the drawing area, and click Override Graphics in View By Category. When you use this method, the element s category is already highlighted when the Visibility/Graphics dialog opens. Alternatively, you can click View menu Visibility/Graphics, or use the keyboard shortcut VG or VV.
Page 192: Specifying Element Category Visibility
3 If necessary, click the appropriate tab in the Visibility/Graphics dialog (Model Categories, Annotation Categories, or Imported Categories). If you are editing element categories in a linked Revit model: a Click the Revit Links tab. b Click the button in the Display Settings column. c In the RVT Link Display Settings dialog, click Custom.
Page 193: Applying Transparency To Faces Of Model Element Categories
Click Invert to change the selection of rows between ones that are selected and ones that are not. For example, if 6 rows are selected and you click Invert Selection, those 6 rows are no longer selected and all others are. Click Expand All to expand the entire category tree and make all subcategories visible.
Page 194: Controlling Visibility And Graphic Display Of Elements Using Filters
Controlling Visibility and Graphic Display of Elements Using Filters Filters provide a way to override the graphic display and control the visibility of elements that share common properties in a view. For example, if you need to change the line style and color for 2-hour fire-rated walls, you can create a filter that selects all walls in the view that have the 2-hour value for the Fire Rating parameter.
Page 195 NOTE If you open a Revit project that was created in Revit Structure, you may see in the list of available filters Selection Filters and Rule-based filters. You can modify and apply rule-based filters in Revit Architecture. You can also apply selection filters in Revit Architecture, but selection filters can only be modified in Revit Structure.
Page 196 c Click OK. d If elements are selected in the drawing area, the Parameter Value dialog opens. Specify a parameter value for the selected elements, and click OK. e In the Project Parameters dialog, click OK. f In the Filters dialog, select the parameter from the Filter By list. For more information on creating custom parameters, see Custom Parameters on page 440.
Page 197: Applying A Filter
Does not end with: Excludes a character at the end of a string. If you enter the character H, all attributes that end with H are excluded. 8 Enter a value for the filter, or select a value from the list (available for some parameter types). NOTE If you select the equals operator, the value that you enter must match the search value.
Page 198: Modifying Filter Visibility And Graphics Settings
3 To rename the filter, click . Enter a new name for the filter, and click OK. 4 To delete the filter, click . Click Yes to confirm the deletion. 5 Modify the categories and filter rules, as necessary. 6 Click OK. Modifying Filter Visibility and Graphics Settings 1 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics, or type VV or VG to open the Visibility/Graphics dialog.
Page 199: Temporarily Hiding Or Isolating Elements Or Element Categories
To unhide hidden elements: 2 Select the element. 3 Do one of the following: On the Options Bar, click Unhide Element or Unhide Category. Right-click the element, and click Unhide in View Elements or Category. Click View menu Unhide in View Elements or Category.
Page 200: Overriding Individual Lines In An Element
Isolate Element: isolate only the selected elements. Hide Element: hide only the selected elements. NOTE You can also access these commands using View menu Temporary Hide/Isolate, or you can use the keyboard shortcuts displayed next to the command in the menu. When you temporarily hide an element or element category, the drawing area displays with a blue border, as shown in the following image.
Page 201: Override Cut Line Styles
of differing functions. If both layers are drawn in line styles with the same pen weight, the properties assigned to common edges are used. You can also select from the following core layer clean-up options: Default: This is the current behavior. Use Function: Ignores the material settings (the line is never invisible) and sets the style of the separating line based on the layers' functional priorities.
Page 202 You can show or hide model and annotation crop regions. See Showing or Hiding Crop Regions on page 165. You can also resize a crop region by dragging the blue controls or by explicitly setting the size. See Resizing Crop Regions Graphically on page 165 and Resizing Crop Regions Explicitly on page 166.
Page 203: Cropping A View
Cropping a View 1 If the crop region is not visible, click (Show Crop Region) on the View Control Bar. 2 Resize the crop region as necessary by using the drag control or setting the size explicitly. For more information, see Resizing Crop Regions Graphically on page 165 and Resizing Crop...
Page 204: Resizing Crop Regions Explicitly
2 Move the cursor near a break line control ( As you place the cursor near a break line control, the portion of the view that will be removed is indicated by the X. Highlighted view portion to be removed 3 Click the control to break the view into separate regions.
Page 205: Rotating Views
The Crop Region Size dialog opens. 3 If you are modifying a crop region in a perspective 3D view, select either Field of view or Scale (locked proportions). Examples of these modes are provided at the end of this procedure. 4 Modify the values for width and height.
Page 206: Rotating A Section View Or Scope Box
Rotating a Section View or Scope Box 1 Open the project view that contains the section (callout) or scope box to rotate. 2 Select the section (callout) or scope box. 3 On the toolbar, click Rotate ( 4 Rotate the view. For more information about the Rotate command, see Rotating Elements on page 308.
Page 207: Navigating Views
Navigating Views Use the ViewCube to navigate 3D views. Use SteeringWheels to navigate 2D and 3D views. ViewCube The ViewCube provides visual feedback of the current orientation of a model. You can use the ViewCube to adjust the viewpoint of the model. Overview of the ViewCube The ViewCube is a 3D navigation tool that appears in all 3D views .
Page 208: Viewcube Menu
2 In the ViewCube Options dialog box, under ViewCube Appearance, select an option from the ViewCube Size list. 3 Click OK. To control the inactive opacity of the ViewCube 1 Right-click on the ViewCube and click Options. 2 In the ViewCube Options dialog box, under ViewCube Appearance, select an option from the Inactive Opacity list.
Page 209: Show Or Hide The Viewcube
To display the ViewCube menu Right-click on the compass, Home icon, or the main area of the ViewCube. Show or Hide the ViewCube In a 3D view, click Window menu ViewCube. Alternatively, click Settings menu Options. Click the ViewCube tab, deselect Show the ViewCube, and click OK.
Page 210 Roll a Face View When you view a model from one of the face views, two additional icons are displayed near the ViewCube. These are the roll arrows. You use the roll arrows to roll or rotate the current view 90 degrees in the positive or negative directions around the center of the view.
Page 211 2 Click one of the triangles displayed near the edges of the ViewCube. To roll a face view 1 Activate the ViewCube. NOTE Make sure a face view is current. 2 Click one of the roll arrows displayed above and to the right of the ViewCube. Click the left roll arrow to rotate the view 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction or click the right roll arrow to rotate the view 90 degrees in a clockwise direction.
Page 212 To go to the Home view Use one of the following methods: Click the Home icon ( ) located near the ViewCube. Right-click on the ViewCube and click Go Home. Right-click on the SteeringWheels and click Go Home. Press Home on the keyboard. Examine Individual Objects with the ViewCube You can examine individual objects of a model using the ViewCube.
Page 213: Steeringwheels
To orient a 3D view to another view: 1 In a 3D view, right click the ViewCube. 2 Select Orient to View and then select the view type and name. To orient a 3D view to a direction: 1 In a 3D view, right click the ViewCube. 2 Select Orient to a Direction and then select a direction.
Page 214 SteeringWheels, also known as wheels, can save you time by combining many of the common navigation tools into a single interface. Wheels are specific to the context that a model is being viewed in. Mini View Object Wheel Mini Tour Building Wheel Mini Full Navigation Wheel 2D Steering Wheel...
Page 215 NOTE You can have this dialog display again by clicking Settings menu Options. Click the Steering Wheels tab and select Always Show the Pinned Wheel on Startup. Display and Use Wheels After a wheel is displayed, you can activate one of the available navigation tools by either clicking over one of the wedges on the wheel or clicking and holding down the button on the pointing device.
Page 216: Wheel Menu
3 In the Options dialog box, under Big Steering Wheel Appearance or Mini Wheel Appearance, select an option for Opacity. 4 Click OK. To control the startup placement of the wheels 1 Display a wheel. 2 Right-click on the wheel and click Options. 3 In the SteeringWheels Options dialog box, under Steering Wheel Visibility, click Always Show the Pinned Wheel on Startup.
Page 217: Navigation Wheels
NOTE When you select Fit to Window and the Far Clipping parameter is active (either set to Clip without Line or Clip with Line), it will be disabled. You can use the Rewind tool to return to a view where the Far Clipping parameter was active, or you can enable the property again through the Element Properties dialog for the view.
Page 218 The 2D Navigation wheel is divided into the following wedges: on page 187. Repositions the current view by panning. Zoom on page 191. Adjusts the magnification of the current view. NOTE Pan and Zoom in a 2D steering wheel pan or zoom the page space. In all other wheels, Pan and Zoom moves the camera.
Page 219 To switch to the mini View Objects wheel Right-click on the wheel and click Mini View Object Wheel. Tour Building Wheels The Tour Building wheels are for 3D navigation. Use the Tour Building wheels to navigate within the interior of a model. The big Tour Building wheel is divided into the following wedges: Forward on page 184.
Page 220: Navigation Tools
The big Full Navigation wheel is divided into the following wedges: Zoom on page 191. Adjusts the magnification of the current view. Rewind on page 188. Restores the most recent view. You can move backward or forward through previous views. on page 187.
Page 221 The availability of a navigation tool is dependent on the current wheel mode. Navigation tools include the following: Center Forward Look Orbit Rewind Up/Down Walk Zoom Center Tool The Center tool specifies a point on a model as the center of the current view. It also changes the target point used for some of the navigation tools.
Page 222 2 Click the Center wedge. Hold down the button on your pointing device and drag the cursor over the surface of the model. 3 When the cursor changes to a sphere, release the button on your pointing device. The model is panned until the sphere is centered. 4 Use the Zoom or Orbit tool to reorient the view of the model.
Page 223 Look Tool The Look tool rotates the view horizontally and vertically around a fixed point. With the Look tool, you can rotate the current view vertically and horizontally. When rotating the view, the model is rotated around a fixed point defined by the center of the current view. The Look tool can be compared to you standing in a fixed location, and looking up and down while rotating left to right around a fixed point.
Page 224 6 Click Close to exit the wheel. To invert the vertical axis for the Look tool 1 Display a wheel. 2 Right-click on the wheel and click Options. 3 In the SteeringWheels Options dialog box, click Invert Vertical Axis for Look Tool. Dragging the cursor downward lowers the target point of the view;...
Page 225 To orbit around the center of the view 1 Display a wheel that has the Orbit tool. 2 Click the Orbit wedge. Hold down the button on your pointing device. 3 When the cursor changes to the Orbit cursor, drag the cursor to rotate the model. NOTE Use the Center tool if you need to change the part of the model that is displayed in the center of the view.
Page 226 When the pan tool is active, the cursor changes to a four-sided arrow. As you drag the cursor, the direction you drag moves the model in the same direction. For example, dragging upward moves the model up while dragging the cursor downward moves the model down. In a 3D context, primarily when using 3D SteeringWheels, pan dollies the camera left and right.
Page 227 To restore the previous view 1 Display a wheel. 2 Click the Rewind wedge. 3 Click Close to exit the wheel. To restore a previous view with the Rewind UI 1 Display a wheel. 2 Click on the Rewind wedge. Hold down the button on your pointing device. The Rewind UI is displayed.
Page 228 the current elevation is shown by the bright orange indicator while the previous elevation is shown by the dim orange indicator. To change the elevation of a view 1 Display a wheel that has the Up/Down tool. 2 Click the Up/Down wedge. Hold down the button on your pointing device. 3 When the Vertical Distance indicator is displayed, drag the cursor up or down to change the elevation of the view.
Page 229: Zoom Tool
To change the movement speed for the Walk tool 1 Display a wheel. 2 Right-click on the wheel and click Options. 3 In the SteeringWheels Options dialog box, under Walk Tool, drag the Walk Speed slider to the left to decrease the walking speed or to the right to increase the walking speed.
Page 230 Zoom Constraints When changing the magnification of a model with the Zoom tool, you cannot zoom in any further than the focus point or out past the extents of the model. The direction you can zoom in and out is controlled by the center point set by the Center tool.
Page 231: Saving A 3D View Orientation As A Project View
Saving a 3D View Orientation as a Project View 1 Click View menu Orient Save View. Alternatively: a On the toolbar, click The SteeringWheel displays in the drawing area. b Right-click the SteeringWheel and click Save View. 2 Enter a name for the new 3D view, and click OK. NOTE You are only prompted to enter a name for the view if you are saving the default 3D view (named in the Project Browser {3D}).
Page 232: View Scale
When you activate the Thin Lines command, it affects all views but does not affect printing or print preview. To activate the command, click View menu Thin Lines, or click on the toolbar. View Scale The view scale is the proportional system used to represent objects in a drawing. You can assign a different scale to each view in a project.
Page 233: Detail Levels And Display Of Structural Components
2 In the Custom Scale dialog, enter a value for Ratio. 3 Optionally, select Display Name and enter a custom name for the scale. 4 Click OK. NOTE Custom view scales cannot be applied to other views in the project. Detail Levels and Display of Structural Components The display of structural components differs based on the detail level of the view.
Page 234: Section, Elevation, And Callout View Tag Setup
on all elements that have the Hidden Lines subcategory. The Remove Hidden Lines tool is the inverse of the Show Hidden Lines tool. 1 Click Tools menu Show Hidden Lines, or on the Tools toolbar, click 2 Place the cursor on an element that is hiding another element, and click to select it. For example, select a filled region that is overlapping a wall.
Page 235: Hiding Elevation Tags
To select a callout tag, click the dotted line (bubble) that defines the callout area. To see element properties, right-click the selected view tag, and click Element Properties. Hiding Elevation Tags You can set the view scale at which elevation tags are hidden in project views. Each elevation tag instance can have a different view scale at which it is hidden.
Page 236: Section Tag Properties
Name Description Show View Name Shows the elevation name with the arrowhead. View Name Position Aligns the view name with the elevation view arrowhead. Reference Label Position Aligns the reference label with the elevation view arrowhead. Line Weight Sets the line weight of the elevation symbol. You can change the definition of the line weight value using the Line Weights on page 486 command.
Page 237: Additional View Range Rules
Elements outside the visible range of the view do not display in the view. The exception to this is if you set the view underlay to a level outside the visible range. For more information on the Underlay view property, View Properties on page 210.
Page 238: Modifying The View Range
Walls shorter than 6 feet (approximately 1.83 meters) are not cut, even if they intersect the cut plane. There are a few categories for which an element located above the cut plane but partially below the top clip is shown in plan. These categories include windows, casework, and generic model. These objects are shown as viewed from above.
Page 239: Model Graphic Styles
Model Graphic Styles You can specify many different graphic styles for a project view. Model graphics styles are grouped into models graphics and advanced model graphics. Model graphics options are Wireframe Hidden line Shading Shading with edges Advanced model graphics options are Shadows Silhouette edges Specifying Model Graphic Style...
Page 240 Hidden Line Model Graphics Style The Hidden Line command displays the image with all edges and lines drawn except those obstructed by surfaces. This command affects the current view only. Displaying Intersecting Geometry with Hidden Lines If the model includes intersected geometry (for example, an extrusion passing through a wall surface), Revit Architecture does not create new edges along the lines of the intersection.
Page 241: Setting Up Shadow Studies
Shading Model Graphics Style The Shading command displays the image with all surfaces shaded according to their material color settings and project light locations. A default light source provides illumination for the shaded elements. The number of colors that can appear for shading depend on the number of colors you have configured to display in Windows.
Page 242 2 In the Advanced Model Graphics dialog, under Style, select a graphics value other than <Wireframe>. If you want to control sun intensity, select Shading or Shading with Edges. 3 Under Shadow Properties, select Cast Shadows. 4 If enabled, use the sliders or enter values to vary sun and shadow intensity. Shadow intensity controls the darkness of the shadows.
Page 243: Applying Or Removing A Line Style For A Silhouette Edge
in 2D and 3D views. When you clear Ground Plane at Level, Revit casts shadows on the toposurface. NOTE This option does not affect shadows in rendered images. 6 To test new sun and shadow settings, click Apply. 7 When you are finished with the sun and shadow settings, click OK. Applying or Removing a Line Style for a Silhouette Edge Revit Architecture can automatically apply a line style to silhouette edges.
Page 244: Managing Views
Managing Views The following topics describe different ways to manage project views to simplify your workflow and help to manage your building project. Customizing Project View Organization in the Project Browser You can sort views and sheets in the Project Browser using any of the property values for the view or sheet. For example, the following image shows views in the Project Browser organized by discipline, then by phase, and then by view type.
Page 245: Creating A Project Browser Sort Group
Creating a Project Browser Sort Group 1 Click Settings menu Browser Organization. 2 In the Browser Organization dialog, click the Views tab to create a sort group for project views, or click the Sheets tab to create a sort group for sheets. 3 Click New.
Page 246: Editing A Project Browser Filter
6 Optionally, add 2 additional filters. 7 Click OK. Editing a Project Browser Filter 1 Click Settings menu Browser Organization. 2 In the Browser Organization dialog, click the Views tab to edit a filter that is in a project views sort group, or click the Sheets tab to edit a filter that is in a sheets sort group.
Page 247: Creating A View List
Creating a View List 1 In a project, click View menu View List. 2 On the Fields tab of the View List Properties dialog, select the fields to include in the view list. Selecting Fields for a Schedule on page 128. 3 (Optional) To create user-defined fields, click Add Parameter.
Page 248: View Properties
3 Click OK. View Properties The following properties are common to most view types. Name Description View Scale Changes the scale of the view as it appears on the drawing sheet. Select a scale value from the list. Scale Value Defines a custom scale value.
Page 249 Name Description Underlay Orientation Controls the display of the underlay in Hidden Line mode. If the value is specified as Plan, then the underlay displays as if you are viewing it from above, like a plan view. If the value is specified as Reflected Ceiling Plan, then the underlay displays as if you are viewing it from below, like a reflected ceiling plan.
Page 250 Name Description Annotation Crop Shows or hides the annotation crop when crop regions are visible in the project view. View Range Within the view properties of any plan view, you can set the View Range. With View Range, you can control the specific geometric planes that define the boundaries of each view.
Page 251: Chapter 5 Using Dimensions And Constraints
Using Dimensions and Constraints Dimensions are view-specific elements that show sizes and distances in a project. There are 2 types of dimensions: temporary and permanent. Constraints are non-view specific elements that can function independently of dimensions. Constraint elements appear in all views in which their references are visible; dimensions are view specific. You can modify and delete constraints independently of dimensions or remove them when you delete dimensions.
Page 252: Showing Temporary Dimensions When Multiple Elements Are Selected
dimensions are to the nearest component, so the dimensions you see may be different from the original temporary dimensions. If there are dimensions you want to appear at all times, create permanent dimensions. You can modify temporary dimensions to reference the components you want by moving the witness lines. You can also specify the display and placement of temporary dimensions.
Page 253: Placing Permanent Dimensions
NOTE Dimensions are like other annotation elements; they are view-specific. They do not appear in all other views automatically. Placing Permanent Dimensions The Dimension command lets you place permanent dimensions on components in your project or family. You can choose from aligned, horizontal, vertical, angular, radial, or arc length permanent dimensions. To view a dimension value after placing it, select one of the components that it references.
Page 254 Automatic Aligned Dimensions with Walls With automatic aligned dimensions, you can place a dimension on a wall with one click, eliminating the need to pick all references. You can dimension an entire wall, a wall with intersecting walls, or a wall with openings.
Page 255 5 Place the dimension between the arc wall center and any other component you wish to dimension. Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions Horizontal and vertical dimensions are placed between selected points. The dimensions are aligned to the horizontal or vertical axis of the view. The selected points are endpoints of elements or the intersection of references (for example, the join of 2 walls).
Page 256: Angular Dimensions
7 When you have reached the last reference point, move the cursor away from the last element, and click. The dimension displays. Angular Dimensions Angular dimensions can be placed on multiple reference points sharing a common intersection. You cannot drag the dimension arc to display a full circle. 1 Click Drafting menu Dimension, or on the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Dimension.
Page 257 4 Click again to place the permanent dimension. Changing Radial Dimension References on Arcs You can change the reference of an existing radial dimension from one arc to another, provided the new arc is concentric with the original arc. 1 Select a radial dimension. A blue square drag control appears at the end of the dimension.
Page 258 You can create baseline and ordinate dimensions for linear dimension styles. Linear dimension styles include aligned, horizontal, and vertical dimensions. To create a baseline or ordinate dimension for these linear dimension styles, you need to edit the Dimension String type parameter. Since this is a type parameter, you may want to create a new baseline or ordinate linear dimension style so that any continuous dimensions in the project are not affected when you edit the parameter.
Page 259 10 In the Ordinate Dimension Settings dialog, specify settings for the ordinate dimension. Setting Description Text Orientation Specify where to align the dimension text, with the witness line or the dimension line. This setting is dis- abled when the Read Convention parameter is Hori- zontal.
Page 260: Locking Permanent Dimensions
For more information, see Creating a Baseline Linear Dimension Style on page 220. 4 In the drawing area, select the first point for the dimension. This is the origin. 5 Continue to select the necessary reference points. 6 When you have reached the last reference point, move the cursor away from the last element, and click.
Page 261 Selected dimension with locked and unlocked controls Clicking on the lock switches it between the locked and unlocked state. Once a dimension is locked, you must unlock it to change its value. TIP You can also switch the locked and unlocked state of the lock by right-clicking on it and choosing Toggle from the menu.
Page 262: Overriding Dimension Text
Distinguishing a Dimension Lock s Related Element In large-scale projects with many dimensions and alignments, it can be difficult to distinguish which dimension locks refer to which elements. To determine the element that a lock belongs to: 1 In the drawing area, right-click a dimension lock. 2 Select Show Related from the context menu.
Page 263 You can also replace a dimension value with variations within a class of element, as shown below. You cannot replace a permanent dimension value with a numeric value. You will receive a message if you attempt to do so. To replace permanent dimension values with text: 1 In the drawing area, select the dimension you want to edit.
Page 264: Creating Custom Dimension Units
Creating Custom Dimension Units When you create a project, by default Revit Architecture assigns specific units and accuracy to dimension styles based on the project units settings. See Project Units on page 492. You can create custom dimension types that override these default settings. For each custom dimension type you create, you can define the unit and accuracy settings.
Page 265: Spot Dimensions
5 Set the Wrapping at Inserts property to Both. 6 Click OK twice to exit the Element Properties dialog. 7 On the Design Bar, click Dimension. 8 On the Options Bar, for Prefer, select Faces of Core. 9 Select the outer core boundary as the reference for the dimension. Dimension references for perpendicular insert Dimension references for non-perpendicular insert Spot Dimensions...
Page 266 You can place spot elevations on non-horizontal surfaces and non-planar edges. You can place them in plan, elevation, and 3D views. Spot elevations are typically used to obtain a point of elevation for ramps, roads, toposurfaces, and stair landings. Placing a Spot Elevation Dimension 1 Click Drafting menu Spot Dimension Spot Elevation, or on the Drafting tab of the Design...
Page 267 4 Select an edge of an element, or select a point on a toposurface. When you move the cursor over an element on which you can place the spot elevation, the value of the spot elevation displays in the drawing area. 5 If you are placing a spot elevation: without a leader, click to place it.
Page 268: Reporting North, South, East, And West Spot Coordinates
2 Select it and click (Element Properties). 3 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 4 Specify a value for the Elevation Origin parameter. For more information about the values, see Spot Elevation Type Properties on page 241. 5 If you set the elevation to Relative, click OK, and set the value for the Relative Base instance parameter.
Page 269 Coordinates are reported with respect to the shared coordinate system. See Shared Positioning on page 1230. Spot coordinates can be placed on floors, walls, toposurfaces, and boundary lines. You can also place spot coordinates on non-horizontal surfaces and non-planar edges. When you display the elevation of the selected point in addition to the spot coordinates, you can place the spot coordinate in the same locations you can place a spot elevation.
Page 270 Adding Supplementary Text to Spot Coordinate Dimensions You can add supplementary text to spot dimensions. By editing the type parameters for the spot coordinate, you can add text for the North/South indicator, East/West indicator, and elevation indicator. This text can appear as a suffix or a prefix to the spot coordinate values.
Page 271: Listening Dimensions
Listening Dimensions When you are sketching, you can explicitly enter a value for the sketch line by typing a number after you begin the sketch line. This method is known as listening dimensions. Typically, listening dimensions specify linear dimensions such as length. For example, the length of a line (when drawing a line), length of a chord (when drawing the second point of a 3-point arc), length of a radius (when drawing an arc, circle, or polygon).
Page 272: Moving The Witness Line For Permanent Dimensions
NOTE Modifications to temporary dimension witness lines are not saved. Moving the Witness Line for Permanent Dimensions 1 Select a permanent dimension. 2 Right-click the blue square control in the middle of the witness line, and select Move Witness Line from the context menu. 3 Drag the witness line to the element to reference.
Page 273: Adding Witness Lines To A Permanent Dimension
TIP As you move the element referenced by the dimension line, the distance of the gap remains constant. Adding Witness Lines to a Permanent Dimension 1 Select the dimension. 2 On the Options Bar, click Edit Witness Lines. 3 Click the element for which you want to add a new witness line. 4 When you are finished, click Modify.
Page 274: Changing The Dimension Line Tick Mark
2 Place the cursor on the blue handle below the dimension text. Drag the handle away from the dimension. Revit Architecture moves the text away from the dimension line. If the dimension text crosses the path of one of the witness lines of the dimension, and it does not cross the center of the dimension segment it is on, an arc leader line appears.
Page 275 In addition, multi-segment dimension lines recognize when adjacent segments are too small for arrows to fit. When this occurs, the ends of the short-segment string flip, and the inner witness lines display the interior tick mark type designated in the dimension properties. In the following image, the dimension arrows flip to the exterior of the dimension line and the witness lines display the designated tick mark (diagonal).
Page 276: Dimension Properties
NOTE These parameters are only enabled when the tick mark type parameter is set to an arrow type. 4 Click OK. Dimension Properties You can change many properties of permanent and spot dimensions. NOTE Permanent dimension type properties include properties for witness lines. Modifying Permanent or Spot Dimension Properties 1 In a project view, select a permanent or spot dimension and click (Element Properties).
Page 277 Name Description Tick Mark Line Weight Sets the line weight that designates thickness of the tick mark. You can choose from a list of values defined in Revit Architecture or define your own. Dimension Line Extension Extends the dimension line beyond the intersection of the witness lines to the spe- cified value.
Page 278 Name Description Dimension Line Snap Distance To use this parameter, set the Witness Line Control parameter to Fixed to Dimension Line. With these parameters set, additional snapping is available that aids in stacking linear dimensions at even intervals. This value should be greater than the distance between the text and the dimension line, plus the height of the text.
Page 279: Permanent Dimension Instance Properties
Permanent Dimension Instance Properties Name Description Baseline Offset Specify an offset value for successive baseline dimensions. This parameter is available when the Dimension String Type type parameter is set to Baseline. Equality Display (when a dimension All linear and angular continuous dimensions have an Equality Display property. It has an equality constraint) or Value is set to = by default if there is an equality constraint and to Value by default other- wise.
Page 280 Name Description Text Size Sets the size of the elevation text. Text Offset from Leader Offsets the text from the leader line. Text Offset from Symbol Offsets the text from the symbol. You can use positive or negative values to move the text in the direction you require.
Page 281: Spot Elevation Instance Properties
Name Description Elevation Origin If the origin value is set to project, then the elevation reported is with respect to the project origin. If set to shared, then the elevation reported is with respect to the shared origin. If the base value is set to relative, then the elevation reported is with respect to the level in the Relative Base instance parameter.
Page 282: Spot Coordinate Type Properties
Name Description Top & Bottom Elevation displays the top and bottom elevations of the element. This parameter is enabled when you place a spot elevation in a plan view. Single/Upper Value The actual elevation of the selected point or the upper elevation value. This is a read- only value.
Page 283 Name Description Underline Underlines the spot coordinate value and text. Italic Applies italic formatting to the spot coordinate value and text. Bold Applies bold formatting to the spot coordinate value and text. Text Size Sets the size of the elevation text. Text Offset from Leader Offsets the text from the leader line.
Page 284: Spot Coordinate Instance Properties
Name Description Units Format Click the button to open the Format dialog. Clear the Use Project Settings option, and set the appropriate values. See Setting Project Units on page 492. Text Location Specify the position of the spot coordinate with respect to the leader. Options include Above Leader, Below Leader, or In-line with Leader.
Page 285: Constraints
Name Description Bottom Value Prefix Specify prefix text for the bottom spot coordinate. Bottom Value Suffix Specify suffix text for the bottom spot coordinate. Elevation Value Prefix Specify prefix text for the spot elevation. This parameter is enabled when the Include Elevation type parameter is selected.
Page 286: Applying An Equality Constraint
The EQ symbol represents an equality constraint element applied to the references for this dimension. The references, which are walls in the graphic, remain at equal distances from one another while this constraint is active. If you select one of the walls and move it, all walls move together at a fixed distance. Applying an Equality Constraint 1 Select a multi-segmented permanent dimension.
Page 287: Controlling Visibility Of Constraints
Controlling Visibility of Constraints 1 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics, or use the keyboard shortcut VG. 2 Click the Annotation Categories tab. 3 Find the Constraints category, and deselect the check box to hide constraints in the view. The following image shows the constraint (the green dashed line) visible. The following image shows the constraint hidden.
Page 288: Constraints And Worksets
Constraints and Worksets Constraints belong to the worksets of the elements they constrain. In order to add a constraint, the worksets of all the elements that can be moved by the constraint must be editable. See Making Worksets Editable page 1201. 250 | Chapter 5 Using Dimensions and Constraints...
Page 289: Chapter 6 Sketching
Sketching To create certain elements in Revit Architecture, such as roofs, floors, stairs, and railings, you draw them by sketching. Sketching is also required to define other types of geometry, such as extrusions, openings, and regions. Sketching Terminology There are several terms specific to the sketching process in Revit Architecture: Sketching is a process of drawing elements in Revit Architecture.
Page 290: Sketching Elements
When you select the roof, an Edit option displays on the Options Bar. Clicking the Edit option opens the sketch (the pink lines in the following image) in sketch mode. Here you can edit the individual elements of the sketch using the tools on the Design Bar. The tools that display on the Design Bar in sketch mode vary depending on the type of element you are editing.
Page 291 Use this option Chain connect (chain) line segments when you are sketching so that the last point on the previous line becomes the first point on the next line. You cannot chain closed loops (circles, polygons) or fillets. Offset offset the placement of a sketch line by the value you specify. When you use offset with the Pick Lines option, the element or sketch line is offset from a line specific to an element (for example, the location line in a wall).
Page 292: Sketching A Line
Use this command Set Work Plane specify the sketching work plane. Align Eaves realign the eave heights of different boundary lines of a roof footprint. This option is available when you are sketching a footprint roof. Auto Ceiling place a ceiling above sketched walls. This option is available when you are sketching a ceiling.
Page 293: Sketching A Rectangle
NOTE If you specify a radius, the Offset option is overridden. 3 Click in the drawing area to specify the start point of the line. 4 Move the cursor and click to specify the end point of the line. NOTE You can also use listening dimensions to specify the length of the line. See Listening Dimensions on page 233.
Page 294: Sketching A Polygon
NOTE If you specify a radius, the Offset option is overridden. 3 Click in the drawing area to place the circle. If you have not already specified a radius, move the cursor and click to complete the circle. Sketching a Polygon 1 On the Design Bar, select a tool that allows for a polygon, such as Wall, Lines, or Detail Lines.
Page 295: Sketching An Arc Passing Through Three Points
Tangent arc You can create tangent arcs from the end points of existing walls or lines. Fillet arc Use fillet arcs when you need to create rounded corners. For information on constraining arc sketches, see Using Constraints When Sketching on page 254. Sketching an Arc Passing through Three Points 1 On the Design Bar, select a tool that allows for an arc, such as Lines.
Page 296: Sketching An Arc From The Center And End Points
5 Move the cursor and click to define the arc. Sketching an Arc from the Center and End Points Use this sketching option to create an arc up to 180 degrees. If you move the cursor so the arc exceeds 180 degrees, the arc flips to the other side.
Page 297: Sketching A Tangent Arc
Sketching a Tangent Arc 1 On the Design Bar, select a tool that allows for an arc, such as Lines. 2 On the Options Bar, click (Tangent arc), and place the cursor in the drawing area. 3 Click the endpoint of an existing wall or line to specify the start point for the tangent arc. 4 Move the cursor and click to specify the end point of the arc.
Page 298: Sketching Ellipses
5 Move the cursor and click to define the fillet arc. After you place the fillet, Revit Architecture automatically trims the elements to the fillet. Sketching Ellipses Ellipses are available for model lines, detail lines, beams, and sketch-based elements. Sketching a Full Ellipse 1 On the Design Bar, select a tool that allows for an ellipse, such as Lines.
Page 299: Sketching A Partial Ellipse
NOTE Offset for an ellipse is only available when you select the Pick Lines option. When you create a full ellipse with an offset, the result is a spline. For example, if you create a mass element as a full ellipse with an offset and then attempt to create a wall on the face of the mass element, the ellipse is not considered contiguous, as shown in the following image.
Page 300: Resizing An Ellipse
3 Click in the drawing area. Snapping is enabled for the partial ellipse, and a preview ellipse displays. 4 Move the cursor away from the first point to define the direction and extent of the major axis. 5 Either click when the desired value displays, or type a value and press Enter. 6 Move the cursor to get the desired partial ellipse shape and either click, or type a value and press Enter.
Page 301: Sketching A Spline
Sketching a Spline 1 On the Design Bar, select a tool that allows for a spline, such as Lines. 2 On the Options Bar, click (Spline), and place the cursor in the drawing area. 3 Click to specify the start point for the spline. 4 Move the cursor and click to specify the next control point on the spline.
Page 302: Closing An Open Loop
Closing an Open Loop You can use the Close snap to close valid open loops when sketching. If there is more than one option to close the loop, you can move the cursor or press Tab to see other snap options. To close an open loop: 1 Begin sketching off of the open loop.
Page 303: Modifying Sketched Elements
3 Click to complete the loop. Modifying Sketched Elements 1 On the Design Bar, click Modify. 2 Select a sketched element. 3 If the element was created in sketch mode, on the Options Bar, click Edit. 4 Modify the element: If you want to then move an entire element...
Page 304: Making The Work Plane Visible
2 In the Work Plane dialog, under Specify a new Work Plane, select one of the following options: Name—Choose an available work plane from the list, which contains names of levels, grids, and named reference planes. NOTE The list is active even if you have not selected the Name option. If you choose a name from the list, Revit Architecture automatically selects the Name option.
Page 305: Selecting The Work Plane Grid
Part of a work plane grid Selecting the Work Plane Grid This procedure is useful when you are zoomed in on a view and need to select the work plane without zooming out. 1 If necessary, click (Work Plane Visibility) on the toolbar to make the work plane visible. 2 Click Tools menu Work Plane Select Work Plane Grid.
Page 306: Changing The Work Plane Of An Element
Most elements have a read-only instance parameter called Work Plane, which identifies the current work plane of the element. You can view this property in the Element Properties dialog. You can change the work plane an element is associated with, or you can dissociate an element from a work plane. Some sketch-based elements, such as stairs, floors, footprint roofs, and ceilings, are sketched on a work plane, but that work plane must be a level.
Page 307: Chapter 7 Editing Elements
Editing Elements This topic describes the tools and techniques that you can use to edit elements in the drawing area. Selecting Elements Many of the controls and tools that you use to modify an element in the drawing area are only available when an element is selected.
Page 308: Selecting Multiple Elements
Applicable editing tools are available on the Edit menu. Many of these tools are also available on the element s shortcut menu. selection count on the status bar displays the number of elements selected. (See How Many Elements Are Selected? on page 270.) Wall after selection NOTE You can right-click a highlighted element to select it and display its shortcut menu.
Page 309: Selecting Elements Using A Filter
Click the selection count to display the Filter dialog. The Filter dialog lists the categories of the selected elements. It also indicates the number of selected elements in each category, and the total number of selected elements. You can clear check boxes to deselect categories of elements.
Page 310: Selecting Chains Of Walls And Lines
Selecting Chains of Walls and Lines If multiple elements (such as walls, lines, or both) are joined together in a continuous chain, you can select the entire chain. The chain can include different types of elements. To select a chain of walls or lines 1 Highlight any one of the elements in the chain.
Page 311: Selecting Part Of A Chain
A selected chain of walls with drag controls Selecting Part of a Chain If multiple elements (such as walls, lines, or both) are joined together in a continuous chain, you can select part of the chain. To select part of a chain 1 Select the first desired element in the chain.
Page 312: Modifying A Selected Chain
Highlighted partial chain with cursor near left endpoint of last wall in chain Highlighted partial chain with cursor near right endpoint of last wall in chain Modifying a Selected Chain When a chain of walls or lines is selected, you can use the drag controls that display at the coincident endpoints to perform any of the following edits without unjoining elements in the chain: To change the layout of the chain, drag a control to a new location.
Page 313 Editing a selected chain of walls. To move the entire chain (preserving its layout), while pressing SHIFT, drag one of the controls vertically or horizontally to a new location. Dragging a wall chain to a new location To create and place a copy of the chain, while pressing CTRL, drag one of the controls to the desired location.
Page 314: Selecting Walls Or Lines Joined At A Point
Copying a wall chain in a 3D view Selecting Walls or Lines Joined at a Point When multiple walls or lines are joined at a common point, you can use TAB to select multiple elements, as follows: Place the cursor on or near one wall or line, and click to select it. Press TAB.
Page 315: Selecting Multiple Curtain Elements
Press TAB again to highlight all of the connected walls or lines. Then click to select them. Selecting Multiple Curtain Elements You can select multiple curtain elements on large curtain hosts using selection commands on the shortcut menu. Curtain hosts include curtain walls, sloped glazing, and curtain systems created by face. When selecting multiple elements in a curtain wall, use the status bar and the Filter dialog to ensure that you have selected the intended elements.
Page 316: Restoring A Selection
Select Panels on Face (available for curtain systems created by face only) Select Panels on Host Selecting Mullions The shortcut menu options for selecting multiple mullions vary depending on whether you access them from the curtain host element or a selected mullion. If you right-click a curtain wall and click Select Mullions, the following options are available: Select Mullions on Vertical Grid.
Page 317: Controls And Shape Handles
The selection count on the status bar ( ) updates to display the new number of selected items. (See How Many Elements Are Selected? on page 270.) Controls and Shape Handles When you select an element, various controls and handles appear on or near the element. Use these controls to move the element or modify its size or shape.
Page 318: Flip Controls
Double arrows ( ) display when the shape handles are constrained to move along a line. For example, if you add a labeled dimension to a family and make it an instance parameter, it displays with a double arrow after you load it into a project and select it. TIP You can right-click the wall end controls and use a command of the shortcut menu to allow or disallow wall joins.
Page 319: Rotate Controls
Rotate Controls Use rotate controls to drag an element or text note to a desired degree of rotation around a central axis. For more information, see Rotating Elements on page 308. Rotate control Dimension Text Controls Dimension text controls are blue squares that display on selected dimension elements that you have added to a drawing.
Page 320: Shape Handles
The following general rules apply to using the SPACEBAR to flip multiple elements: When multiple walls are selected, pressing the SPACEBAR flips the orientation of them all. For elements such as doors, which can be flipped in 2 directions relative to their host, press the SPACEBAR multiple times to cycle through the possible positions.
Page 321: Undoing, Redoing, Or Canceling An Action
Shape handle (shown in red) for 3D view Undoing, Redoing, or Canceling an Action While working in Revit Architecture, you can undo past actions, redo past actions, or cancel a current action. Undoing an Action Use the Undo tool to cancel the most recent action or a series of recent actions. To undo a single action: 1 Click Edit menu Undo, or click...
Page 322: Canceling An Action
For example, suppose that you place a door and then cancel the placement with Undo. You then choose to place a window. While the Window command is active, you click Redo. Revit Architecture reinserts the door and then continues the Window command. If the Redo tool is active and you execute a command, the Redo information is lost.
Page 323 Detail groups, which can contain view-specific elements (such as text and filled regions). Attached detail groups, which can contain view-specific elements that are associated with a specific model group (such as door and window tags). A group cannot contain both model and view-specific elements. If you select both types of elements and then try to group them, Revit Architecture creates a model group and places the detail elements into an attached detail group for that model group.
Page 324: Creating Groups
Restrictions on Grouping If elements cannot be copied together, they cannot be grouped together. See Copying Elements to the Clipboard on page 320 for information on copy restrictions. Creating Groups You can create a group by selecting elements in a project view, or you can use the group editor. In the group editor you can add elements from the project view, place additional elements in the view which are then automatically added to the group, remove elements, create attached detail groups (for model groups), and view group properties.
Page 325: Creating An Attached Detail Group
6 When you are finished adding elements to the group, click Creating an Attached Detail Group 1 In the drawing area, do one of the following: Select model elements and detail elements, simultaneously. Click (Group) on the Edit toolbar. Select view-specific elements, tags, or dimensions that are associated with an existing model group, and click on the Edit toolbar.
Page 326: Placing Groups
When you select attached details, detail elements in the file are loaded as attached detail groups. 4 Click Open. The file is loaded as a group, and the group displays in the Project Browser under the Groups branch. You can now place the group in the project or family. See Placing Groups on page 288.
Page 327: Specifying The Position Of A Group By Its Origin
2 Select the model group or multiple instances of the same model group. 3 On the Options Bar, click Place Detail. 4 In the Attached Detail Group Placement dialog, select the desired attached detail group or groups, and click OK. NOTE You do not have to select the detail group that was created when you created the model group.
Page 328: Adding Or Removing Elements In A Group
When you edit a group externally, the group opens as a Revit project file (RVT) or a Revit family file (RFA), depending on the environment from which you open it. Adding or Removing Elements in a Group 1 In the drawing area, select the group to modify. If the group to modify is nested, press TAB until the group is highlighted, and click to select it.
Page 329: Editing A Group Externally
The element is excluded from the group instance, and hosted elements are rehosted as necessary. To move an element from a group instance to the project view: 1 In the drawing area, place the cursor over the element to move. 2 Press TAB to highlight the element, and then click to select it.
Page 330: Swapping Out Group Types
1 In the drawing area, select an attached detail group. 2 On the Options Bar, click Detach. Swapping Out Group Types You can replace one group with another by selecting a group and then choosing a different group name in the Type Selector.
Page 331: Converting Groups To Linked Revit Models
Switching between groups and links may be useful in the following scenarios: Your model contains multiple groups of repeating elements that exist as linked Revit models. As you work in the main model, you can convert the linked models to groups to make edits. This allows you to make edits to linked models in context of the main model.
Page 332: Saving Groups
Click Cancel to cancel the conversion. Saving Groups You can save a group as a Revit project file (RVT) if you are working in a project, or a Revit family file (RFA) if you are working in the Family Editor. 1 Click File menu Save to Library Save Group.
Page 333: Creating An Array
Creating an Array The elements of an array can follow a line (a linear array), or they can follow an arc (a radial array). When creating an array, you specify the distance between elements using either of the following methods: Specify the distance between the first and second elements.
Page 334 4 Select the desired options: Group And Associate: Includes each member of the array in a group. If not selected, Revit Architecture creates the specified number of copies and does not group them. Once placed, each copy acts independently of the others. Number: Specifies the total number of copies (of the selected elements) in the array.
Page 335: Creating A Radial Array
Specifying the number of elements in the array The completed linear array Creating a Radial Array 1 Select one or more elements to be copied in an array. 2 Click Edit menu Array, or click on the Edit toolbar. 3 On the Options Bar, click (Radial).
Page 336 8 Move the cursor to place the second ray of rotation. Another line appears to indicate the ray. A temporary angular dimension appears as you rotate, and a preview image shows the selection rotating. 9 Click to place the second ray and finish the array. If you selected Move To 2nd on the Options Bar, the second ray of rotation defines the location of the second member of the array.
Page 337: Copying An Array
The completed radial array Copying an Array 1 Select all members of the array. 2 While pressing CTRL, click and drag an array member to a new location. Deleting Members from an Array You can delete one or more members of an array. If the array was grouped, deleting a member of the array effectively ungroups the remaining members.
Page 338: Changing An Array
Changing an Array You can modify any dimension associated with array members. If the modified array member is part of a group, the change affects that element and proportionally affects other members of the group, depending on the dimension modified. If the modified array member is not part of a group, the change affects the selected element only.
Page 339: Moving Elements By Dragging
Moving a wall You can move a hosted component from one host to another. For example, you can move a window from one wall to another wall. For instructions, see Rehosting on page 747. You can also move a component that is dimensioned to another element (by distance or angle) by changing the dimension.
Page 340: Moving Elements With The Move Tool
Moving Elements with the Move Tool The Move tool, available on the Edit menu, works similarly to dragging. However, it offers additional functionality on the Options Bar and allows more precise placement. You can create multiple copies of an element when you move it. To move elements with the Move tool: 1 Select the elements to move.
Page 341: Moving Elements With The Offset Tool
Moving Elements with the Offset Tool Use the Offset tool to copy or move a selected model line, detail line, wall, or beam a specified distance perpendicular to its length. You can apply the tool to single elements or to chains of elements belonging to the same family.
Page 342: Moving Elements With Cut-And-Paste
5 Move the cursor as necessary to display the preview line at the desired offset position, and then click to move the element or chain to that position or to place a copy there. Or, if you selected the Graphical option, click to select the highlighted element, and then drag it to the desired distance and click again.
Page 343: Moving Lines And Components With Walls
Only selected joined components move. Unselected components that are part of a join detach from the join when it is moved. The exception to this is braces that are joined to beams. Braces always move with the beams that they are joined to. To move end-joined components: 1 Right-click a member of the join, and click Select Joined Elements.
Page 344: Aligning Elements
If you copy a line or component that is set to move with nearby elements, the copy also moves with the element. If you move the line or component toward another element, it then moves with that new element. For example, suppose that a straight line moves with a wall.
Page 345 Grid line with 4 columns Align columns with grid lines Selected point to align to an element Element and point joined To align elements: 1 Click Tools menu Align, or click on the Tools toolbar. Aligning Elements | 307...
Page 346: Rotating Elements
The cursor appears with the align symbol 2 On the Options Bar, select the desired options: Select Multiple Alignment to align multiple elements with a selected element. (As an alternative, you can press CTRL while selecting multiple elements to align.) When aligning walls, use the Prefer option to indicate how selected walls will be aligned: using Wall Faces, Wall Centerlines, Faces of Core, or Center of Core.
Page 347: Flipping Elements
The Rotate tool is available only after the element is selected. After you rotate the element, Revit Architecture returns to Modify mode. To rotate elements: 1 Select one or more elements to rotate. 2 Click Edit menu Rotate, or click on the Edit toolbar.
Page 348: Mirroring Elements
Mirroring Elements The Mirror tool mirrors (reverses the position of) a selected modelling component, using a line as the mirror axis. For example, if you mirror a wall across a reference plane, the wall flips opposite the original. You can pick the mirror axis or draw a temporary axis.
Page 349: Preventing Elements From Moving
Mirrored (and copied) door Preventing Elements from Moving Use the Pin Position tool to lock a modelling component in place. When you pin a modelling component, it cannot be moved. If you try to delete a pinned component, Revit Architecture warns you that the component is pinned.
Page 350: Resizing Elements
Resizing Elements To modify multiple elements simultaneously, use shape handles or the Resize tool. The Resize tool is available for lines, walls, images, DWG and DXF imports, reference planes, and position of dimensions. You can scale elements graphically or numerically. When resizing elements, consider the following: To resize an element, you define an origin, which is a fixed point from which the elements equally resize.
Page 351: Resizing Graphically
2 Move the cursor over the part of the next element to resize and press TAB until the desired handle is highlighted. While pressing CTRL, click to select it. 3 Repeat Step 2 for the remaining elements, until handles on all desired elements are selected. Remember to press CTRL when you click to select another element.
Page 352 Defining the first scale vector Defining the second scale vector 314 | Chapter 7 Editing Elements...
Page 353: Resizing Numerically
The resized component Resizing Numerically To resize numerically, enter a scale factor and specify the origin of the resize function. To resize elements numerically: 1 Select the elements to resize. Be sure to select only supported elements, such as walls and lines. The Resize tool is unavailable if your entire selection contains just one non-supported element.
Page 354: Trimming And Extending Elements
2 Click the dimension. You may need to zoom in to see the dimension clearly. Revit Architecture displays its value in a text box. 3 Edit the value, entering the desired formula. TIP In formulas, keep units consistent. Do not mix units. You can use constants with no units assigned to them. Valid formula for setting wall length Trimming and Extending Elements Use the Trim/Extend tool to trim or extend one or more elements to a boundary defined by the same element...
Page 355 2 On the Options Bar, select one of the following options: If you want to Then trim or extend 2 selected elements to a corner click (Trim/Extend to Corner). Select each of the elements. When selecting an element that needs to be trimmed to form the corner, make sure you click the part of the element to be retained.
Page 356 Result of Trim/Extend to Corner operation Preview of Trim/Extend Single Element option with horizontal wall selected as the boundary Result of Trim/Extend Single Element operation 318 | Chapter 7 Editing Elements...
Page 357: Copying Elements
Preview of Trim/Extend Multiple Elements option with horizontal wall selected as boundary Result of clicking left-most vertical wall above the boundary, clicking next 2 walls below the boundary, and highlighting the wall on the right Copying Elements Revit Architecture provides several methods for copying one or more selected elements. Select an element and, while pressing the CTRL key, drag the element to copy it.
Page 358: Copying Elements With The Copy Tool
Copying Elements with the Copy Tool The Copy tool copies one or more selected elements and allows you to place copies in the drawing immediately. It activates the Move tool with the Copy and Multiple options selected. The Copy tool is different from the Copy to Clipboard tool. Use the Copy tool when you want to copy a selected element and place it immediately (for example, in the same view).
Page 359: Pasting Elements
You cannot copy some combinations of elements. For example, you cannot copy curtain panels and mullions without copying the entire curtain system. You cannot copy some elements in any context. For example, you cannot copy the Ref. Level in the Family Editor.
Page 360: Editing Pasted Elements
4 Click to place the preview image in the desired location. The pasted elements appear in the drawing area. They are selected so that you can adjust them if needed. 5 Refine placement of the pasted elements, if desired. While the elements are selected, you can modify them as desired. Depending on the type of elements being pasted, you may be able to use the Move, Rotate, and Mirror tools.
Page 361: Pasting Aligned Elements
in the drawing area display in gray, indicating that you cannot modify them during Edit Pasted mode. While in Edit Pasted mode, you can deselect and select specific elements. (Deselected elements display in black; selected elements display in red [or the defined selection color].) This function allows you to move a specific element without moving all pasted elements.
Page 362: Copying Elements With The Create Similar Tool
2 Click Edit menu Paste Aligned. Then click one of the following options: Current View: Pastes the elements to the current view. For example, you can paste elements from a plan view to a callout view. The view must be different from the view where the elements were cut or copied.
Page 363: Modifying Elements With Tools
Modifying Elements with Tools The Tools menu provides tools to manipulate, modify, and otherwise manage the display of elements in the drawing area. Related topics Basics for Changing Elements on page 65 Changing Component Types Using the Match Tool Use the Match tool to convert one or more elements of the same category so that they match another selected type in the same category.
Page 364: Changing The Line Style Of Elements
When changing a wall s type, the Match tool copies Base Offset, Unconnected Height, Top Extension Distance, and Base Extension Distance from the source wall type to the target wall. If the target wall is on the same level as the source wall, then the values for Top Constraint and Top Offset are also copied. Changing the Line Style of Elements Use the Linework tool to quickly change the line style for selected edges of model elements in a view.
Page 365 Blue linework applied to cut edges of a window Edges in imported CAD files Edges in linked Revit files (See Changing Line Styles in a Linked Model on page 328.) NOTE You cannot use the Linework tool to modify the line style of a dimension or any other annotation line. Linework and Cut Edges In addition to using the Linework tool for projection edges, you can use it to apply other line styles to different types of cut edges of the same model element.
Page 366: Using The Linework Tool
Using the Linework Tool 1 Open the view in which you want to change line styles. 2 (Optional) To turn off Thin Lines, click on the View toolbar. 3 Click Tools menu Linework, or click on the Tools toolbar. TIP The keyboard shortcut for the Linework tool is LW. 4 In the Type Selector, select the line style to apply to the edge.
Page 367: Changing The Line Style Of A Projection Edge
Changing the Line Style of a Projection Edge You can change the line style of only a part of a projection edge. When you are changing the line style for a single edge (see Using the Linework Tool on page 328), blue controls display at each end of the edge. You can drag these controls so that the new style is applied only to a segment of the edge.
Page 368: Using Linework For Coincident Edges
To achieve this effect, open the north elevation view, and click View menu Wireframe. Then use the Linework tool to apply the desired line style to the south entrance. (See Using the Linework Tool on page 328.) When you switch the view back to Hidden Line mode (click View menu Hidden Line), the entrance is visible on the north elevation.
Page 369 To edit an element’s cut profile: 1 Click Tools menu Edit Cut Profile, or click on the Tools toolbar. 2 On the Options Bar, for Edit, select Face (to edit the entire boundary around the face) or Boundary Between Faces (to edit the boundary line between faces). 3 Move the cursor over an element in the view (for example, a compound wall).
Page 370: Measuring Elements With The Tape Measure
After the Edit Cut Profile tool When you have 2 adjoining elements and you want to edit the profile as shown below, use the Boundary Between Faces option to achieve the desired effect. Measuring Elements with the Tape Measure The Tape Measure tool provides a quick way to measure and temporarily display the length (and angle from the horizontal, if applicable) of individual walls or lines that you select in plan views.
Page 371 To measure elements: 1 Click Tools menu Tape Measure, or click on the Tools toolbar. 2 On the Options Bar, select a Tape Measure option: If you want to Then display temporary dimensions for an existing wall or line click (Pick Lines).
Page 372: Joining Geometry
Tape measure chain with the total length displaying on the Options Bar Joining Geometry Use the Join Geometry tool to create clean joins between 2 or more host elements that share a common face, such as walls and floors. You can also use the tool to join hosts and in-place families, or hosts and project families.
Page 373: Unjoining Geometry
Structural elements cut host elements (walls, roofs, ceilings, and floors). Floors, ceilings, and roofs cut walls. Gutters, fascias, and slab edges cut other host elements. Cornices do not cut any elements. To join geometry: 1 Click Tools menu Join Geometry, or click on the Tools toolbar.
Page 374: Splitting Walls Horizontally
Splitting wall with Delete Inner Segment option selected 4 With the wall or line split, you can select pieces of it and perform a function on that piece. Splitting Walls Horizontally You can split a wall along a horizontal line in an elevation or a 3D view. After you split a wall, Revit Architecture treats it as 2 separate walls, which means that you can modify one part independently of the other.
Page 375 A wall with a split face (around the window) before painting A wall with a split face (around the window) after painting To split a face: 1 Click Tools menu Split Face, or click on the Tools toolbar. 2 Place the cursor on the element face to highlight it. You may need to press TAB to select the desired face.
Page 376: Applying A Material To An Element
In the following example, the wall around the window is split, so that it can be painted to match the border around the door. 5 Click Finish Sketch in the Design Bar. TIP You can split the face of a column. However, if you plan to have multiple instances of the split-face column in your project, create the column in the Family Editor and apply the split there.
Page 377 More About Painting Surfaces You cannot apply materials to family instances in a project. You must apply the materials to faces in the Family Editor. To remove the paint, activate the Paint tool and choose <By Category> from the Type Selector. Click a face that was painted, and the paint is removed.
Page 378: Deleting Elements
After painting (applying material to) stairs Deleting Elements The Delete tool removes selected elements from the drawing. The Delete tool is available only after selecting elements. It does not paste deleted elements to the clipboard. To delete elements: 1 Select one or more elements in the drawing area. 2 Click Edit menu Delete, click on the Edit toolbar, or press DELETE.
Page 379: Chapter 8 Creating Your Own Components (Families)
You can also access the Revit Architecture Families Guide, which contains restructured, revised, and detailed conceptual information and tutorials. Download the Revit Architecture Families Guide here: http://www.autodesk.com/revitarchitecture-documentation. Family Editor Basics Family A family is a collection of objects, called types. A family groups elements with a common set of parameters, identical use, and similar graphical representation.
Page 380: Family Templates
There are 2 methods for creating a new family: Creating In-Place Families: This method of family creation is for families that are unique to the current project. They are useful for custom families, such as a furniture family for a unique reception area desk. You can design the family in the context of existing geometry of the project.
Page 381: Design Environment For Creating Families
The ceiling-based template is for components inserted into ceilings. Ceiling components can include openings, so that when you place the component on a ceiling, it also cuts an opening in the ceiling. Examples of ceiling-based families include sprinklers and recessed lighting fixtures. The floor-based template is for components inserted into floors.
Page 382: General Rules For Geometry Creation
In the example of a door, there will probably be many different sizes in the family. Plan for this as you create and dimension the geometry. Add reference planes and dimensions to the family to aid in sketching the required geometry. You will need to create the dimensions and label them so they can be modified for the different sizes.
Page 383: Is Reference Values
Is Reference Values Reference planes also have a property called Is Reference. By setting this property, you specify that the reference plane can be dimensioned to when you place a family into a project. Only a reference plane defined as an origin or as Is Reference can be dimensioned to when the family is placed in a project. For example, if you create a table family and want to dimension the edges of the table, create the table by creating reference planes at the table's edges and set the Is Reference property for the reference planes.
Page 384: Reference Lines
Reference Lines You can use reference lines to create a parametric family skeleton that elements of the family can attach to. For example, you would use reference lines to parametrically maintain the angular relationships within a web, or use it to precisely control the angle of a door swing. Angular parameters applied to a reference line also control the elements attached to its face.
Page 385 Example of reference lines sketched as a polygon When selected or highlighted during preselection, the associated planes display according to the active view. Example of reference line chain highlighted during pre-selection in a 3D view To use reference lines and linear dimensions to control model geometry: 3 Align the face of a model element to the reference line and lock it.
Page 386: Creating Family Types
Example of project with loaded door family with angular dimensioned reference line To add and dimension a reference line: 1 In the drawing area, add a reference line with the point of origin located at the point of expected rotation. 2 Add an angular dimension referring to the reference line.
Page 387: Creating Family Types In A Project
Creating Family Types in the Family Editor The Family Types command available in the Family Editor sets up new types. Each new type has a set of properties that include the labeled dimensions and their values. Enter the new values for the labeled dimensions.
Page 388: Families Tips
3 In the Value field for the subcategory property, click once in the box to bring up the arrow for the drop-down menu. Click on the arrow to bring up a listing of the subcategories. Click the appropriate subcategory. 4 Click OK. 5 In your project, define the display for the family in the Object Styles dialog.
Page 389: Modern Medium Family Library
You can view the Modern Medium Library from the Revit Architecture Content Distribution Center: http://revit.autodesk.com/library/html/index. Click the Modern Medium Library link to navigate to the families. Click one of the subcategories under the link to view the families graphically. To download a family, click its preview image.
Page 390: Loading Families
Loading Families The Load from Library, Load Family command loads families into a project. Examples of families that require loading are doors, windows, annotation symbols, and titleblocks. After loading the family, it is saved with the project. Use this command to load families you have created or to load predefined families that are not currently in the project.
Page 391: Saving Loaded Families
4 The Reload Family dialog displays the following: If... Then the dialog informs you... the family already exists within the project and has that the family is already loaded in the project, al- not been used in the building model though it is not currently in use.
Page 392: Reloading Families
TIP You can also right-click the component family within the drawing area or Project Browser and click Edit. 3 A dialog displays asking if you want to open the family for editing; click Yes. The selected family opens within a session of the Family Editor. The original project is still open in the background.
Page 393: Copying Family Types Between Projects
Copying Family Types Between Projects Revit Architecture lets you copy family types from one project into another. If the family does not already exist in the target project, Revit Architecture loads it when you paste the type. See Family Types on page 366.
Page 394: Setting Strong And Weak References
Setting Strong and Weak References This procedure changes references for selected line instances. It does not set reference values for any new lines. 1 On the Family Editor Design Bar, click Lines or Ref Plane and sketch a line or reference plane. 2 Select the line or reference plane and click 3 In the Instance box of the Element Properties dialog, set the value of Reference to Strong Reference.
Page 395 You decide to change the width of the door, but you want the window width to stay the same. You expect its position not to change; however, observe what happens when you increase the width of the door through the Family Types command. See Family Types on page 366.
Page 396: Visibility Of Automatic Sketch Dimensions In The Family Editor
Image legend: 1 Auto sketch dimension to right reference plane. 2 Auto sketch dimension to center reference plane. To achieve the desired results with your geometry, add locked dimensions. For example, you could add a locked dimension to represent the width of the window and a locked dimension from the window to the right reference plane.
Page 397: Dimensioning With Families
Revit Architecture now knows where each line of this geometry exists with respect to reference planes or other sketch lines. As you explicitly add locked dimensions, the automatic sketch dimensions go away in favor of the dimensions. In the next image, explicit dimensions appear with locked padlocks. Dimensioning with Families Families in Revit Architecture are not parametric until you explicitly add labeled dimensions to them.
Page 398: Dimensioning With Families Tips
3 If desired, select Leader to create a leader line for the dimension. Dimensioning with Families Tips You cannot type text as a label when you select a dimension. You can only select from a list of family parameters that are of the correct type, or you can create a new parameter. Labeled dimensions become modifiable parameters for families.
Page 399: Cuttable And Non-Cuttable Family Categories
Detail levels are dependent upon view scale. See Detail Level on page 503 for more information. NOTE The Family Element Visibility Settings dialog is different for profile and detail component families. For these families, you can set only the detail level. 6 Click OK.
Page 400: Non-Cuttable Families
Family Category Option Made Available Floors Not Applicable Generic Models Roofs Not Applicable Site Structural Columns Structural Foundations Structural Framing Topography Walls Not Applicable Windows Non-Cuttable Families The following families are not cuttable and are always shown in projection in views: Balusters Detail Items Electrical Equipment...
Page 401: Visibility Of Imported Geometry
Visibility of Imported Geometry The Visibility command is also available for imported geometry; it functions very similarly to the line visibility command. After importing the geometry, select it and click Visibility on the Options Bar. Specify the views and detail levels in which the imported geometry should appear, for example, plan and 3D views and coarse and medium detail levels.
Page 402: Adding Shape Handles To A Component Family
Adding Shape Handles to a Component Family You can add shape handles to a component family that display when loaded into a project. The shape handles allow you to resize the component in the project, which means you can make many different sized instances in the project without the need to create multiple types beforehand in the Family Editor.
Page 403 2 Select each of the reference lines or reference planes, and click . Verify that the Is Reference parameter is a value other than Not a Reference. 3 Align and lock the reference lines or reference planes to the parallel edges of the component. When loaded into a project, the shape handles will display at this location.
Page 404: Family Types
7 On the Options Bar, select Instance Parameter. NOTE When adding a new parameter, you can select Instance for the type in the Parameter Properties dialog. 8 Save changes and load the family into a project. For information about loading a family, see Loading Families on page 352.
Page 405: Adding A Formula To A Parameter
Adding a Formula to a Parameter 1 In the Family Editor, lay out reference planes. 2 Add dimensions, as required. 3 Label the dimensions. See Labeling Dimensions on page 359. 4 Add the geometry, and lock the geometry to the reference planes. 5 On the Design Bar, click Family Types.
Page 406: Conditional Statements In Formulas
Width = 100m * cos(angle) x = 2*abs(a) + abs(b/2) ArrayNum = Length/Spacing Parameter names in formulas are case sensitive. For example, if a parameter name begins with a capital letter, such as Width, you must enter it in the formula with an initial capital letter. If you enter it in a formula using lower-case letters instead, for example, width * 2, the software will not recognize the formula.
Page 407: Adding A Website Link To Families
Make muntins visible only when the number of window lights is greater than 1. For example, if you have a Lights parameter that you want to use to control the visibility of muntin geometry, you can create a Yes/No parameter like MuntinVis, and assign it to the Visible parameter in the Element Properties dialog of the muntin geometry.
Page 408 6 Select a Discipline: Common or Structural. 7 On the Type of Parameter menu, click the appropriate parameter type. Choices are: Name Description Text Completely customizable. Can be used to collect unique data. Integer A value that is always expressed as an integer. Number Used to collect miscellaneous numeric data.
Page 409: Modifying Family Parameters
Modifying Family Parameters Select the desired parameter and click Modify in the Family Types dialog. You can rename the parameter and change whether it is a type or instance parameter. You can also replace it with a shared parameter. See Adding Shared Parameters to Families on page 444.
Page 410: Loading A Profile Family Into A Project
TIP This setting ensures that only relevant profiles are listed when using profiles within a project. For example, when selecting a mullion profile, stair nosing profiles do not display. 10 Add any dimensions required. Sample profile sketch 11 Save the family. Loading a Profile Family into a Project 1 Click File menu Load From Library...
Page 411: Host Sweep Profiles With Nested Detail Components
5 Click File menu Load from Library Load Family, select the profile family that you created, and click Open. 6 Click Modelling menu Stairs, or on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Stairs. 7 Sketch a run of stairs. 8 Open a 3D view, and select the default railing.
Page 412: Creating Type Catalogs
Example of curtain mullion with nested detail component TIP You can also import a detail, such as a DWG file, and apply the same visibility controls to it. See also Nested Families on page 407. To load a detail component: 1 Open or create a host sweep family.
Page 413: Creating A Type Catalog
Creating a Type Catalog There are several ways to create a comma-delimited TXT file. You can type it in using a text editor like ® Microsoft Notepad, or you can use database or spreadsheet software to automate the process. You can export your project to a database using ODBC and download the element type tables in comma-delimited format.
Page 414: Using Type Catalogs
The example file above would create the following Type Catalog when loading its family: Type Manufacturer Length Width Height MA36x30 Revit 36.5cm 2.75cm 30cm MA40x24 Revit 40.5cm 3.25cm 24cm Using Type Catalogs Type catalogs assist you with the family selection process. You can sort through the catalog and load only the specific family type required within your project.
Page 415: Family Editor Commands
a family type definition ripple through the project and are automatically reflected in every instance of that family or type within the project. This keeps everything coordinated and saves you the time and effort of manually keeping components, and schedules, up to date. The Family Editor is a graphical editing mode in Revit Architecture that allows you to create families to include in your project.
Page 416: Duplicating Parameterized Elements
The Reference Lines command creates a parametric family skeleton that elements of the family can attach to. See Reference Lines on page 346. The Control command lets you place arrows to rotate and mirror the geometry of the family, after you add it to your design.
Page 417 apply the visibility parameter to it, and then copy, array, or mirror the muntin. The visibility parameter of the original muntin is applied to the duplicated muntins. If you copy, array, or group a parameterized element, the parameters that control that element are also copied.
Page 418: Solid Geometry Tools
Arrayed elements adapt to changed parameter values Solid Geometry Tools The Family Editor provides tools for creating solid geometry shapes to build your families. Those tools are solid revolves, solid blends, solid extrusions, solid sweeps, and swept blends. Creating Solid Revolves The Solid Revolve command creates solid geometry that revolves around an axis.
Page 419: Creating Solid Sweeps
8 If necessary, use the ViewCube or SteeringWheels to rotate the component to see it better. See Content Reference to: ViewCube on page 169 and Content reference to: Steering Wheels on page 175. 9 Select the view visibility of the revolved component. See Setting Family Geometry Visibility page 360.
Page 420: Creating A Segmented Sweep
1 In the Family Editor, click Solid Form Solid Sweep on either the Modelling menu or the Family tab of the Design Bar. 2 If the Select a Work Plane dialog opens, choose a work plane to draw the sweep. See Sketching and Work Planes on page 265.
Page 421: Creating Solid Blends
Sample segmented sweep with 30 degree Maximum Segment Angle. TIP You can change a segmented sweep to a non-segmented sweep by clearing the check box for Trajectory Segmentation. Editing the Sweep You can quickly edit either the path or the profile of the sweep from the Options Bar. Click Modify, select the sweep geometry, and then click either of the following: Edit Path to edit the path sketch.
Page 422 1 In the Family Editor, click Solid Form Solid Blend on either the Modelling menu or the Family tab of the Design Bar. 2 If the Select a Work Plane dialog opens, choose a work plane to draw the blend. See Sketching and Work Planes on page 265.
Page 423 Editing Vertex Connections After you complete the top and base sketches, the Vertex connect command becomes enabled on the sketch Design Bar. By editing vertex connections, you control the amount of twist in the blend. You can edit vertex connections in plan or 3D views. 1 Click Vertex connect on the Design Bar.
Page 424: Creating Solid Extrusions
If specified, Revit Architecture does not retain the end point value during creation of the blend. If you need to make multiple blends with the same end point, first sketch the blends, then select them, and then apply the end point. Creating Solid Extrusions Revit Architecture uses extrusions to define 3D geometry for families.
Page 425: Creating A Swept Blend
Extrusion Tips The work plane does not have to be either the start or the end of the extrusion depth. It is only used to sketch on and set the extrusion direction to be perpendicular to the plane. You can set the depth of the geometry before sketching it. In sketch mode, enter a value in the Depth text box on the Options Bar.
Page 426 For information about how to open the Family Editor, see Creating a New Family on page 349. 2 Specify the path for the swept blend. Do one of the following on the Sketch tab of the Design Bar: Click Sketch 2D Path to sketch a new path for the swept blend. Click Pick Path to pick an existing line for the swept blend.
Page 427: Editing A Swept Blend
d Use the X, Y, Angle, and Flip options to adjust the position of the profile. Enter values for X and Y to specify the offset for the profile. Enter a value for Angle to specify the angle of the profile. The angle rotates the profile around the profile origin.
Page 428: Void Geometry Tools
b Click Yes to open the family for editing. c In the Family Editor, select the swept blend in the drawing area again. 3 On the Options Bar, click Edit Swept Blend. 4 To edit the path: a In the drawing area, select the path and click Edit on the Options Bar. b Make the necessary modifications to the path, and click Finish Path.
Page 429: Void Blends
Solid geometry Solid geometry with extrusion cut NOTE If you rest the cursor near the cut, you see the extrusion shape highlight. You can then select the extrusion cut and edit the sketch if necessary. Void Blends You can create a blend to cut through any solid geometry. 1 In the Family Editor, click Void Form Void Blend on either the Modelling menu or the Family tab of the Design Bar.
Page 430: Void Revolves
Solid geometry with blend cut NOTE If you rest the cursor near the cut, you see the blend shape highlight. You can then select the blend cut and edit the sketch if necessary. Void Revolves You can create a revolved shape to cut solid geometry. 1 In the Family Editor, click Void Form Void Revolve on either the Modelling menu or the Family tab of the Design Bar.
Page 431: Void Sweeps
You can then select the revolve cut and edit the sketch if necessary. Void Sweeps You can cut a sweep shape through any solid geometry. 1 In the Family Editor, click Void Form Void Sweep on either the Modelling menu or the Family tab of the Design Bar.
Page 432 2 Create a void through the solid geometry. For more information on creating voids, see Void Geometry Tools on page 390. 3 Create another solid geometry shape and join it to the existing geometry. For more information on joining geometry, see Joining Geometry on page 334.
Page 433: Creating A Subcategory
Don't Cut Geometry 1 Click Tools menu Don't Cut Geometry. 2 Select the void. 3 Select the appropriate solid primitives that you do not want to cut. NOTE If you select all geometry to not be cut, then the void appears at all times in the view. Creating a Subcategory A subcategory is a property of a family that defines its display by setting up the line weight, line color, line pattern, and material.
Page 434: Family Geometry Properties
2 In the drawing area, select the geometry on the family. 3 Click 4 In the Element Properties dialog, click the Subcategory value box and select the subcategory name you just created. Family Geometry Properties Parameter names, values, and descriptions for family geometry: extrusions, lines, sweeps, blends, and revolved geometry.
Page 435: Sweep Properties
Sweep Properties Name Description Visible Sets whether the sweep is visible in a project. If the check box is selected, the sweep is visible. If the check box is cleared, the sweep is not visible. Visibility/Graphics Overrides Overrides the visibility and graphics settings of the sweep family in the project. Subcategory Sets the geometry as a subcategory to a family category.
Page 436: Line Properties
Name Description Profile 1 Sets the first profile family for the swept blend. Profile 2 Sets the second profile family for the swept blend. Line Properties Name Description Visible Sets whether the model line is visible in a project. If the check box is selected, the model line is visible.
Page 437: Using The Shared Parameter
1 Open or create a family component. 2 In the Family Editor, click Settings menu Family Category and Parameters. 3 Under Family Parameters, select Always Vertical. 4 Click OK. RELATED See Creating Vertical Families on page 405. Using the Shared Parameter This parameter is used primarily to control family behavior when nested into another family.
Page 438: Family Category Tips
1 Open or create a non-hosted family component. 2 In the Family Editor, click Settings menu Family Category and Parameters. 3 Select the check box to enable the Work Plane-Based parameter. 4 Click OK. RELATED See Creating Work Plane-based and Face-based Families on page 406.
Page 439: Creating A Door Family
Creating a Door Family You create door families by defining what the door looks like in plan view, elevation view, and 3D view. Before reading this topic, you should already have read Family Editor Basics on page 341. The following graphics depict the system standard door in the different views. Plan view of door Elevation view of door 3D view of door...
Page 440 Mirroring Controls Also, in the plan view you notice there are mirroring controls. They allow you to mirror the 2D and 3D geometry about the origin. Mirroring controls are useful for moving the door from a right-hand to a left-hand door, and for changing the door swing from an inside-out to outside-in.
Page 441: Wall Inserts And Closure Planes
In the Element Properties dialog, select a value for the Subcategory parameter. 7 Set the reference planes and sketch lines properties for Defines Origin and Is Reference properties. 8 Add any additional family types by using the Family Type command on the Settings menu. 9 Click File menu Save to save the family.
Page 442: Starting A Window Family
3D view of window Starting a Window Family When you first start creating the window family, you can open a number of different views, including: a floor plan, 3D, interior elevation, and exterior elevation. The elevation views of a window family display reference planes and a dimension for the sill height and window height.
Page 443: Creating Vertical Families
3D view The following procedure is a general procedure for creating a window family. Your steps may differ based on design intent. 1 Click File menu Family. 2 In the Open dialog, select window.rft from the Templates folder and click Open. 3 In the Floor Plan view, click the tools on the Design Bar to create the geometry for the window.
Page 444: Setting The Always Vertical Parameter
Example of Vertical and Non-Vertical Families; 3 trees are set to Always Vertical, 2 trees are not. Setting the Always Vertical Parameter 1 In the Family Editor, click Settings menu Family Category and Parameters. 2 Select the check box to enable the Always Vertical parameter. 3 Click OK.
Page 445: Creating A Work Plane-Based Family
Creating a Work Plane-based Family 1 Open or create a non-hosted family. IMPORTANT Only non-hosted components can become work plane-based families. Doors and windows, for instance, are hosted by walls and cannot become work plane-based components. 2 In the Family Editor, click Settings menu Family Category and Parameters.
Page 446: Family Loading Restrictions
each sub-component can be tagged and scheduled separately within a project. In the window example shown above, if you nested shared sub-components, the 3 windows would tag and schedule separately even though the nested family would behave has a single component within the building model. RELATED For more information, see Shared Families on page 410.
Page 447: Creating A Nested Family With Interchangeable Subcomponents
Creating a Nested Family with Interchangeable Subcomponents You can create families with interchangeable subcomponents. For example, you can create a window family and nest multiple shutter types within it. By creating and applying the family type parameter to the shutters, you can load the family into a project and select the shutter type as an instance or type parameter depending on the setting you specified within the nested family.
Page 448: Shared Families
NOTE When adding a parameter in the Family Types dialog, click Add Parameter, select Family Type as the Category, and select the category from the Select Category dialog. When you add the parameter using the Options Bar, the parameter is automatically assigned to Family Type and the respective family category is assigned.
Page 449: Creating Shared Families
One of the important features of a shared family is the ability to select a sub-instance once the nested family is loaded into a project. In the example shown below, you can see the nested family (left) pre-selected in a 3D view.
Page 450 In the example below, a ganged window unit is created as a nested, shared family. In this case, the large center window was opened as the host family and the 2 side windows were nested in as shared families. This window is intended to be built on-site using the subcomponents that are purchased as separate units by the builder.
Page 451 Nested, shared families loaded into a project Notice that each window is tagged and scheduled separately. However, notice the ganged window name, Triple Window, is listed with the subcomponents. This window also represents the main window of the 3 window set. In the example shown below, the same triple window family was created, but with a new window family used as the host family and both the fixed window and the double-hung windows loaded as shared families.
Page 452: Loading Shared Families Into A Project
In the example shown above, notice the host family schedules with each of the 3 subcomponent windows. If this is not your design intent, you should follow the previous example, where one of the subcomponents is the host family. As you can see in the examples shown, the first decision you make when designing a nested family comprised of shared subcomponents has many downstream implications for tagging, scheduling, and ODBC information.
Page 453: Scheduling Shared Families
Selecting sub-instances of a shared family If you select a sub-instance, you can do the following: Click and in the Element Properties dialog, modify some instance properties, such as Mark and Comments. Modify type properties. When you do this, all instances of that type also update to reflect the changes. If you select a sub-instance, you cannot do the following: Select and delete a sub-instance.
Page 454: Creating A Curtain Wall Panel Family
Nested family comprised of 2 shared window families loaded into a project If a nested family is comprised of multiple categories, each sub-component will display in its respective schedule and all components will display on a multi-category schedule. How a shared family schedules is dependent on how it was designed in the Family Editor. See Creating Shared Families on page 411 for more information.
Page 455: Starting A Curtain Wall Panel Family
3D view Plan view Starting a Curtain Wall Panel Family When you define the Curtain Wall Panel, you can open a number of views, including a plan view and an interior elevation. In the plan view, Revit Architecture displays vertical reference planes and a horizontal reference plane.
Page 456: Curtain Wall Doors And Windows
6 If desired, you can label any permanent dimensions that you may have added. See Labeling Dimensions on page 359. 7 Save the family by clicking File menu Save. Revit Architecture saves the file with an RFA extension. Curtain Wall Doors and Windows Curtain wall doors and windows are curtain wall panel families you can create to add directly to curtain walls.
Page 457: Placing A Roof Insert
Rendered roof fan created as insert Placing a Roof Insert 1 Sketch a roof by footprint or extrusion. For more information, see Roofs on page 606. 2 Load the roof insert you just created. For information about loading the roof insert, see Loading Families on page 352.
Page 458: Creating An In-Place Family
In a structural model, you may use the in-place family tool to create a thickened slab, or a wall extrusion that conforms to a uniquely shaped architectural wall that it supports. Thickened slab Creating an In-Place Family 1 Click Modelling menu Create, or click Create from the Modelling tab of the Design Bar.
Page 459: Changing The Appearance Of The Detail Component
Changing the Appearance of the Detail Component Detail Components are included as a category you can define using the Object Styles command. See Object Styles on page 484. Linking Family Parameters By linking family parameters, you can control the appearance of families nested inside host families from within a project view.
Page 460: Creating Parameter Links For Model Text
16 Set it to the desired value and click OK. The nested family changes according to the value you entered. Creating Parameter Links for Model Text If you place model text into a family, it acts like a nested family. You can create parameters in the host family to control the text and depth of the model text in the project.
Page 461: Adding A Generic Annotation
Adding a Generic Annotation You can create your own generic annotation family or load one from the available annotation families in the Revit Architecture library. This procedure uses an existing annotation family. See Creating an Annotation Symbol Family on page 1072. NOTE Though this procedure uses specific family files, the steps are common to any generic annotation you may want to add to a model family.
Page 462: Creating Furniture Families
15 In the Associate Family Parameter dialog, select the parameter Label. This is the parameter you created in steps 6-10. 16 Click OK to close the dialog. 17 Click OK to close the Type Properties dialog. 18 If desired, you can set at which detail level the label appears in a project. Click the Edit button next to the Visibility instance parameter.
Page 463: Starting A Furniture Family
Starting a Furniture Family When you start creating a furniture family, you can open a number of views, including a front elevation view with a reference plane (origin) and reference level tag, a plan view with perpendicular reference planes (origins), a right elevation with a reference plane (origin) and a reference level tag, and a 3D view. The starting view does not matter.
Page 464: Creating A Column Family
Creating a Column Family You create column families by defining what the column looks like in plan view, elevation view, and 3D view. Before reading this topic, you should already have read Family Editor Basics on page 341. The following image shows what a column might look like in a 3D view. 3D view of architectural column Starting a Column Family When you start creating a column family, you see one of 3 views: a front elevation view of a lower reference...
Page 465: Specifying How A Column Displays In Plan View
7 Save the family by clicking File menu Save. Revit Architecture saves the file with an RFA extension. Specifying How a Column Displays in Plan View For a column family, you can select the option Show family pre-cut in plan views, in the Family Category and Parameters dialog.
Page 466: Creating A Label
Column family loaded in project with “Show family pre-cut in plan views” not selected. Horizontal line was added to mark the plan view’s cut plane. In the image below, the column family was saved with Show family pre-cut in plan views selected. It was loaded into a project and a horizontal line was added to mark the plan view’s cut plane (same as the image above).
Page 467: Editing Multi-Parameter Labels
6 In the drawing area, click the position the tag: for example, in a generic model tag template, place the cursor at the intersection of the two reference planes. The Edit Label dialog opens. 7 Edit the label parameters. See Editing Multi-parameter Labels on page 429.
Page 468: Label Parameter Options
Add Shared Parameter: You click this button to enter the Parameter Properties dialog to designate shared parameters. See Adding Shared Parameters to Families on page 444. Edit Parameter: You click this button to enter the Parameter Properties dialog to edit a selected shared parameter.
Page 469: Label Type Properties
The Use project settings option is selected by default. This means that the value displays according to the Units setting in the project. See Project Units on page 492. 3 Clear Use project settings. 4 From the Units menu, select an appropriate unit. 5 From the Rounding menu, select a decimal place value.
Page 470: Label Instance Properties
Name Description Tab Size Sets tab spacing in a text note. When you create a text note, you can press TAB anywhere in the text note, and a tab appears at the specified size. Bold Sets the text typeface to bold. Italic Sets the text typeface to italic.
Page 471: Applying The Label To A Titleblock In A Project
5 Select the element that you placed, for example, a window and click 6 Locate the parameter that you chose when creating the label in either the Instance or Type properties. For example, if you defined the label to include the Manufacturer parameter, click Edit/New to open the Type properties.
Page 472: Starting A Section Head Family
Before reading this topic, you should already have read Family Editor Basics on page 341. Starting a Section Head Family When creating a section head family, you define the section head symbol. The section head symbol you create should indicate the viewing direction. You set a viewing direction by sketching an arrow head. The symbol should also include a set of double arrow mirror controls to reverse the viewing direction, if necessary.
Page 473: Tip For Creating A Section Head Family
3 The section head template includes a predefined head. You can use this head or click Lines on the Design Bar to create a different one. 4 If desired, add text to the symbol by clicking Text. 5 If desired, click Label to add text to the symbol for the Detail Number or Sheet Number. To include the view name with the section head, choose the View Name parameter.
Page 474: Automatic Cutouts In Floors And Ceilings
9 Save the family by clicking File menu Save. Revit Architecture saves the file with an RFA extension. Automatic Cutouts in Floors and Ceilings You can define your structural, electrical or plumbing families with openings. When you place the families into a building component in your project, they will automatically create an opening in that component.
Page 475: Chapter 9 Customizing Project Settings
Customizing Project Settings Revit Architecture provides many options for project customization, including creating templates, customizing fill patterns and materials, creating view templates, and much more. Creating a Custom Project Template Project templates provide initial conditions for a project. Several templates are provided with Revit Architecture, or you can create your own.
Page 476: Project Template Settings
2 In the New Project dialog, under Template file, select: None to create your template from a blank project file. Browse to base your template on an existing project template. Navigate to the template location. 3 Under Create new, select Project template. 4 Click OK.
Page 477: Specifying Project Information
You can specify which standards to copy. Any object not explicitly marked for copying yet referenced by a copied object is copied. For example, if you select a wall type and forget to copy the material, Revit Architecture copies it. To transfer project standards: 1 Open both the source and target projects.
Page 478: Custom Parameters
Shading Surfaces - are surfaces that are not adjacent to any space, and include surfaces that create a solar obstruction. Project Phase - specifies the stage of construction (Existing, New Construction). Sliver Space Tolerance - specifies the tolerance for areas that will be considered sliver spaces. To specify gbXML settings: 1 Click Settings menu Project Information.
Page 479: Categories Allowing Shared Parameters
Shared parameters are particularly useful when you want to create a schedule that displays various family categories; without a shared parameter, you cannot do this. If you create a shared parameter and add it to the desired family categories, you can then create a schedule with these categories. This is called creating a multi-category schedule in Revit Architecture.
Page 480: Setting Up Shared Parameter Files
Family Categories Allowing Additional Categories Railings Ramps Roofs Rooms Site Specialty Equipment Stairs Structural Columns Structural Foundations Walls Windows Setting up Shared Parameter Files You can create shared parameters in the project environment or in the Family Editor. Shared parameters are saved in a text file;...
Page 481 6 Enter a name for the parameter group, and click OK. To add parameters: 7 From the Parameter group drop-down menu, select a group. 8 In the Parameters group box, click New. 9 In the Parameter Properties dialog, enter a name, discipline, and type for the parameter. Type specifies the format of the information you can enter for the parameter value.
Page 482: Adding Shared Parameters To Families
Viewing, Moving, and Deleting Shared Parameters After you create shared parameters, you cannot rename them or change their type. You can do the following: View their properties. To view the properties of a parameter, such as its value type, click File menu Shared Parameters.
Page 483: Exporting Shared Parameters To A Shared Parameter File
parameters are specific to one family. You can also replace one shared parameter with another. See Family Types on page 366. Exporting Shared Parameters to a Shared Parameter File You can export shared parameters to a new shared parameter file if the old parameter file is deleted, or if there are shared parameters in a family or a project that are not in the current shared parameter file.
Page 484 8 Click OK. 9 Create the tag using the Lines command and save the file. When you tag instances of the category in the project, the tag label displays a value only if those category instances have the external parameter. For example, you create a door tag with the shared parameter Door Trim Finish.
Page 485: Schedules With Shared Parameters
6 Click to place the tag. TIP You can also use the Tag All Not Tagged command to quickly tag components with the filter parameter. In the Tag All Not Tagged dialog, select the multi-category tag and click OK. Schedules with Shared Parameters You can schedule shared parameters in both single- and multi-category schedules.
Page 486: Creating Project Parameters
Creating Project Parameters 1 Click Settings menu Project Parameters. 2 In the Project Parameters dialog, click Add. 3 In the Parameter Properties dialog, select Project parameter. 4 Enter a name for the project parameter. 5 Select a discipline. 6 Select the Type of Parameter. Parameter Type Description Text...
Page 487: Fill Patterns
2 In the Project Parameters dialog, click Add. 3 In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Type, select Shared parameter, and click Select. 4 In the Shared Parameters dialog, select the appropriate parameter from the appropriate parameter group, and click OK. If you click Edit, the Edit Shared Parameters dialog displays.
Page 488: Creating A Simple Fill Pattern
Drafting Patterns Drafting patterns represent materials in symbolic form; for example, sand is represented by a stipple pattern. The density of drafting patterns is fixed with respect to the drawing sheet. Differences Between Model Patterns and Drafting Patterns The following illustrations show the differences between model and drafting patterns when the view scale changes.
Page 489: Fill Pattern Host Orientation
2 In the Fill Patterns dialog, under Pattern Type, select Drafting or Model. 3 Click New. 4 If you are creating a drafting fill pattern, select how to orient the fill pattern in the host layers. Fill Pattern Host Orientation on page 451 for details.
Page 490: Creating A Custom Fill Pattern
Align with Element. Patterns align with the host and compute a good origin. For information on applying these patterns, see Creating a Simple Fill Pattern on page 450 or Creating a Custom Fill Pattern on page 452. Creating a Custom Fill Pattern 1 Click Settings menu Fill Patterns.
Page 491: Applying A Fill Pattern
Applying a Fill Pattern You can apply fill patterns to the surfaces of components and families using the Materials command or the Paint command. See Applying Materials to Elements on page 461 and Applying a Material to an Element page 338. Deleting a Fill Pattern 1 Click Settings menu Fill Patterns.
Page 492: Creating Dimensions To Model Pattern Lines
4 Drag the shape handle, or use the Move command to move the pattern lines. See Moving Elements on page 300. Pattern lines after dragging shape handle. Note the differences in the pattern lines at the top and bottom of the wall. Creating Dimensions to Model Pattern Lines 1 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Dimension.
Page 493: Aligning Model Pattern Lines To Elements
Floor with model pattern Rotating pattern Floor pattern after rotation Aligning Model Pattern Lines to Elements 1 Click Tools menu Align. 2 Click the line on the element that you want to align with the model pattern line. 3 Place the cursor on the element that has the model pattern. Check the status bar to confirm that you have highlighted a shape handle.
Page 494: Custom Pattern Files
Surface pattern aligning to a window Completed alignment of window to pattern line Custom Pattern Files A pattern file is a text file that contains definitions for model or drafting patterns in a project. The file must be saved with a PAT extension. For information on using a custom pattern file, follow the procedure in Creating a Custom Fill Pattern on page 452.
Page 495 2 On the first line, enter the header in this format: *Concrete Paver. 3 On the next line, enter the type declaration: ;%TYPE=MODEL. The first value for a pattern descriptor is the angle at which the pen line is drawn. For example, a 0 angle indicates the line is horizontally straight;...
Page 496 The pattern is as shown: Because of the 90 angle, the lines are drawn vertically, beginning to create a square pattern. 7 Create the fourth pattern descriptor, using the following values: Angle: 90 Origin: 3.3125, 0 Shift: 5.656, 5.656 Pen down: 3.3125 Pen up: -8 The pattern is as shown: 8 Create the fifth pattern descriptor, using the following values:...
Page 497: Materials
The completed pattern. For information on using a custom pattern file, follow the procedure in Creating a Custom Fill Pattern page 452. Materials Materials define the appearance of elements in the building model. Revit Architecture provides many materials that you can use, or you can create your own materials. To search for materials to apply to model elements, or to change material properties, use the Materials dialog.
Page 498: How Materials Are Stored
The color and pattern that display on the surface of an element The color and fill pattern that display when the element is cut The render appearance that displays in a rendered image Information about the material s description, manufacturer, cost, and keynotes Structural information about the material (for structural analysis) How Materials Are Stored Materials are stored as part of a project file.
Page 499: Applying Materials To Elements
The Materials dialog displays only materials that belong to the selected class. 4 (Optional) Type text in the search field. Entering Search Text on page 484. Revit Architecture searches each material for the specified text, checking the fields on the Identity tab of the Materials dialog.
Page 500: Applying A Material By Family
Applying a Material by Family 1 In the Family Editor, open the family to modify. Family Editor on page 376. 2 Link a family parameter to the object, as follows: a In the drawing area, select the geometry to which you want to apply a material. Selecting Elements on page 269.
Page 501: Changing The Display Properties Of A Material
If the material is a type parameter: Click Edit/New. In the Type Properties dialog, under Materials and Finishes, locate the material parameter to change. Click in the Value column for the parameter. If the material is a structural parameter: (for example, if the element is wall) Click Edit/New. In the Type Properties dialog, for Structure, click Edit.
Page 502: Aligning The Surface Pattern On A Model Element
Click the color swatch. In the Color dialog, select a color. (See Colors on page 514.) Click OK. For Transparency, enter a value between 0% (completely opaque) and 100% (completely transparent), or move the slider to the desired setting. 4 To change how the outer surface of the material displays in views (such as plan views and section views), under Surface Pattern, do the following: To change the surface pattern, click the arrow, and select a pattern from the list.
Page 503: Changing The Render Appearance Of A Material
Surface pattern aligned to upper-left corner of wall You can align the surface pattern for each surface of a model element (not just for the model element as a whole). For example, if you are adjusting the surface pattern of a free-standing stone wall, you can align its surface pattern on each exposed side individually.
Page 504 3 Do the following: If you want to... Then... change the preview of the render For Scene, select the desired scene from the list. Click Update Preview. appearance The preview is a rendered image of the material. Updating the preview takes a moment while Revit Architecture renders the preview scene.
Page 505: Texture Alignment
Texture Alignment Use the Texture Alignment tool to align the texture of the render appearance to the surface pattern of the material (defined on the Graphics tab of the Materials dialog). When you render a 3D view, the rendered image displays the texture, positioned as specified using the Texture Alignment tool. You access the Texture Alignment tool on the Render Appearance tab of the Materials dialog.
Page 506: Render Appearance Properties
3 Click OK. In addition to aligning the rendering texture to the surface pattern, you can also align the surface pattern to faces of the model element, as desired. See Aligning the Surface Pattern on a Model Element on page 464. Render Appearance Properties ®...
Page 507 Property Description Amount Relative height or depth of the bumps only when Finish Bumps is Wavy or Custom. Enter 0 to make the surface flat. Enter higher decimal values (up to 1.0) to increase the depth of the surface irregularities. Bump Pattern An additional bump pattern, superimposed on the Finish Bumps pattern (for example, to define grout lines).
Page 508 Property Description When viewed directly Measurement of how much light the material reflects when the surface is directly facing the camera. Enter a value between 0 (no reflections) and 1 (maximum reflections). When viewed obliquely Measurement of how much light the material reflects when the surface is at an angle to the camera.
Page 509 Property Description Amount Relative height or depth of the specified bump pattern. Enter 0 to make the surface flat. Enter higher decimal values (up to 1.0) to increase the depth of the surface irreg- ularities. Glass Properties You can define the following properties for glass materials on the Render Appearance tab of the Materials dialog.
Page 510 Property Description Sheets of glass Number of sheets of glass in the glazing. Enter a number between 1 and 4. Masonry/CMU Properties You can define the following properties for masonry or CMU materials on the Render Appearance tab the Materials dialog. Property Description Type...
Page 511 Property Description Relief Pattern Scale Relative size of the relief pattern. Enter a value between 0 (smaller) and 5 (larger), or use the slider. Cut-outs/Perforations Shapes cut into the surface of the metal. Select a shape, or select Custom to define cut-outs using a black-and-white image, leaving holes where the black areas occur.
Page 512 Property Description Application The method used to apply the paint to the surface. This value applies a bump map to the paint to define its texture. It affects the render appearance of the surface only for close-up views. The default value varies. Select the desired value: Roller, Brush, or Spray.
Page 513 Water Properties You can define the following properties for water materials on the Render Appearance tab of the Materials dialog. Property Description Type Type of water source. Color Color of the water (available when Type is not Swimming Pool). Select a predefined water color, or select Custom to specify a color.
Page 514: Specifying A Render Appearance Color
Transparency specifies the amount of light that strikes the surface at a 90-degree angle and bounces off. Translucency specifies the amount of light that strikes the surface at a very shallow angle (close to 0 degrees) and bounces off. To determine the amount of light that bounces off the surface at any other angle, Revit Architecture interpolates between these 2 values.
Page 515: Best Practices For Render Appearances
Brightness is a multiplier, so a value of 1.0 makes no change. If you specify 0.5, the brightness of the image is reduced by half. 5 To reverse the image, click Invert. For an image that defines a color, Invert reverses the light and dark colors in the image. For an image that defines a texture, Invert reverses the high and low points of the texture pattern.
Page 516: Changing Material Identity Data
Light bulbs If you want the surface of a light bulb to display in a rendered image, create geometry for it in the lighting fixture family. Then apply a material to it whose render appearance is Glass Light Bulb On. This render appearance models the surface of a light bulb that is turned on.
Page 517: Material Identity Parameters
Material Identity Parameters When you enter search text to find a material, Revit Architecture searches the values of all parameters on the Identity tab of the Materials dialog. (See Searching for a Material on page 460.) Also, you can include most of these parameters in a material takeoff.
Page 518: Creating A Material Physical Parameter Set
Creating a Material Physical Parameter Set 1 In the Materials dialog, select a material. Searching for a Material on page 460. 2 Click the Physical tab. 3 Select a Material Type. Revit Architecture displays an additional category based on the selected material type. 4 Edit parameter values as needed for the new set.
Page 519: Renaming A Material
must perform to define the new material. It also increases the likelihood that the new material will perform as expected in the building model. To create a material 1 In the Materials dialog, select an existing material that is similar to the new material. Searching for a Material on page 460.
Page 520: Render Appearance Library
3 At the bottom of the left pane of the Materials dialog, click (Delete). Or you can right-click a material in the list, and click Delete. 4 At the confirmation prompt, click Yes. Revit Architecture deletes the material from the project. If the material was applied to elements in the building model, Revit Architecture applies a default material to them instead.
Page 521 Render Appearance Library for materials To search for a render appearance 1 (Optional) To specify the type of list to display, at the bottom of the render appearance list, click Show list, Show small icons, or Show large icons. 2 (Optional) For Class, select the desired class of render appearances. The Render Appearance Library displays only render appearances that belong to the selected class.
Page 522: Entering Search Text
Entering Search Text When searching for materials or render appearances, you can enter search text in the box of the dialog. The search is not case-sensitive. Use commas, spaces, or semi-colons as delimiters. Revit Architecture automatically performs an OR search on multiple words. Revit Architecture searches each item for the specified text, checking its description and keywords.
Page 523: Deleting An Object Style
4 Click the color value to set the line color. 5 Select a line pattern. 6 Click the button in the Material field to open the Materials dialog. Select a material for the family category from the Material column. You can override the material for the family by changing its material type property.
Page 524: Deleting A Line Style
5 Click the value for Line Pattern to choose a line pattern. 6 Click OK. The new line style is stored in the project only. Deleting a Line Style You can delete any user-created line styles. 1 Click Settings menu Line Styles.
Page 525: Deleting Scales
2 In the Line Weights dialog, click the Model Line Weights tab, and then click Add. 3 In the Add Scale dialog, select a scale value, and click OK. 4 Click OK to close the Line Weights dialog. Deleting Scales 1 Click Settings menu Line Weights.
Page 526: Deleting A Line Pattern
Deleting a Line Pattern 1 Click Settings menu Line Patterns. 2 In the Line Patterns dialog, select the line pattern. 3 Click Delete. 4 When prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes. Structural Settings For each project, you can control the symbolic representation of structural framing components. You can specify the symbolic cutback distance of beams and columns (see Cutback Default Settings on page 782),...
Page 527 Cutback distance at smaller setting in coarse mode 3 Enter a value for the symbolic column cutback distance. This setting affects the gap between symbolic representations of joined columns in an elevation view. The gap is visible only if the Top Connection Symbol instance property of the bottom column is set to a value other than None.
Page 528 Show brace above 6 Under Brace Symbols, select Show brace above if you want the brace symbols representing the braces above the current view to display. Show brace above 7 For Symbol, select the symbol that represents braces above the current view. NOTE The brace above symbol changes automatically when you change the plan representation from parallel line to angle line.
Page 529: Annotation Styles
Specify moment symbols Connection symbols may appear at either end of the symbol of beams/braces. For each brace and beam, you can specify the symbol that displays for both the moment connection start and the moment connection end. The value of moment connection start/end can be moment frame, cantilever moment, or none.
Page 530: Loading Tag Styles
3 If desired, click Rename to rename the type, or click Duplicate to create a new dimension type. 4 Specify the dimension display properties. See Dimension Properties on page 238 for property descriptions. Loading Tag Styles 1 Click Settings menu Annotations Loaded Tags.
Page 531: Changing Decimal Display And Digit Grouping
4 Specify Units, if necessary. 5 For Rounding, select an appropriate value. If you select Custom, enter a value in the Rounding increment text box. 6 For Unit symbol, select an appropriate option from the list. 7 Optionally select: Suppress trailing 0 s When selected, trailing zeros do not display (for example, 123.400 displays as 123.4).
Page 532: Setting Snap Increments
You can enable or disable object snaps, and specify dimension snap increments. You can also override snap settings using keyboard shortcuts. You set snap settings in the Snaps dialog, and settings are held for the duration of the Revit Architecture session. Snap settings apply to all files open in the session, but are not saved with a project.
Page 533: Snap Points
For example, if you need a one-time snap to the center of an arc, you type SC or select Snap Overrides Centers from the context menu and only arc centers are recognized as a snap option. After you make a pick, snapping returns to the settings specified in the Snaps dialog. To temporarily override snap settings: 1 Choose the component or element you want to place.
Page 534: Object Snaps And Snap Shortcut Key Combinations
Second Point or Whole Line Snapping Only Horizontal or Vertical snap—When sketching a straight line, Revit Architecture snaps the line to be perfectly horizontal or vertical when the cursor approaches horizontal or vertical. Horizontal snap Vertical snap Snap Parallel to Existing Line—Snaps a line parallel to existing geometry. Snap Perpendicular to Existing Line—Snaps a line perpendicular to existing geometry.
Page 535: Specifying Temporary Dimension Settings
Object Snap Shortcut Key Description Midpoints Snaps to the midpoint of an element or component. When placing a wall insert, such as a window, door, or opening, you can use the midpoint override, SM, to snap the insert to the midpoint of the wall segment. Nearest Snaps to the nearest element or component.
Page 536: View Templates
measure from door and window centerlines or door and window openings To specify temporary dimension settings: 1 Click Settings menu Temporary Dimensions. 2 From the Temporary Dimension Properties dialog, select the appropriate settings. 3 Click OK. View Templates A view template is a collection of view properties, such as view scale, discipline, detail level, and visibility settings, that are common for a view type (such as plan or elevation).
Page 537 2 In the View Templates dialog, select a view template type from the Show type list. Each view template type contains a different set of view properties. Select a type that contains the view properties you want for the template you are creating. 3 In the Names list, select a view template.
Page 538: Specifying And Applying A Default View Template
Specifying and Applying a Default View Template Specifying default view templates allows you to apply standardized view properties to multiple views simultaneously. For example, you can use default view templates to ensure that all views have the desired view properties before printing or exporting. When you apply the default view template to multiple views simultaneously, the default template that is specified in each view s properties (which can be different for each view) is applied.
Page 539: Deleting A View Template
When you select Apply Default View Template to All Views, the default view template that is defined in each view s properties is applied and the task is complete. For information on specifying the default view template for a view, see Specifying and Applying a Default View Template on page 500.
Page 540 Name Description V/G Overrides Model Click Edit to view and modify visibility options for model categories. See Visibility and Graphic Display in Project Views on page 150. V/G Overrides Annotation Click Edit to view and modify visibility options for annotation categories. See Visibility and Graphic Display in Project Views on page 150.
Page 541: Detail Level
Name Description Color Scheme Location Specify the display for the color scheme. Foreground colors all elements in the room or area; Background colors only the floor. Depth Clipping Specify depth clip plane settings. See Cutting a Plan View by the Back Clip Plane page 81.
Page 542: Setting Detail Level Scale Values
Setting Detail Level Scale Values 1 Click Settings menu Detail Level. 2 Click to move scale values to the right or click to move detail levels to the left. You cannot select scales individually; they move in sequential order only. 3 To return to the original settings, click Default.
Page 543: General Options
General Options Click the General tab of the Options dialog to set notifications, user names, and journal file cleanup. Notifications Specify a time value for the Save Reminder interval. Specify a time value for the Save to Central Reminder interval. Set the ToolTip Assistance to the desired level.
Page 544: File Location Options
To define a new selection color, click the color button next to Selection Color. This sets the color for items you select in the drawing area, either by clicking on them or using a pick box. To define a different error color, click the color button next to Alert Color. This sets the color for elements that are selected when a warning or error occurs.
Page 545 Additional Render Appearance Paths On the Rendering tab of the Options dialog, specify the locations of files used for render appearances. For example, you can specify paths for the following: Image files used to define a custom color, design, texture, or bump map for a render appearance. See Specifying an Image File for a Render Appearance on page 476.
Page 546: Spelling Options
Complete the fields as follows. For more information, see Configuring Revit Architecture for Local RPC Content on page 1150 or Configuring Revit Architecture for Networked RPC Content on page 1150. Option Description Network Select this option to indicate that the RPC plug-in should connect to the ACM on the network.
Page 547 Option Definition Tool messages always display for Basic Wheels (View Object Wheel and Tour Building Wheel) regardless of this setting. Show Tooltips Show or hide tooltips. Tooltips always display for Basic Wheels (View Object Wheel and Tour Building Wheel) regardless of this setting. Always Show the Pinned Wheel on Startup Always show the First Contact Balloon when you start Revit Architecture and open a 3D view.
Page 548: Viewcube Options
Option Definition Speed As you use the Walk tool to walk or “fly” through a model, you can control the movement speed. The speed of move- ment is controlled by the distance that the cursor is moved from the Center Circle icon. Set the movement speed here. Walk Tool on page 190.
Page 549: Keyboard Shortcuts
Option Definition unless you move the cursor over the ViewCube on-screen position. When Dragging the ViewCube Snap to Closest Orientation When selected, snaps to the closest ViewCube view orienta- tion. A ViewCube view orientation is one of the 26 view op- tions (a face, edge, or corner of the ViewCube).
Page 550: Keyboard Accelerators
At the top of the file you will see several paragraphs with each line preceded by a semi-colon. A list of commands begins after the text. Command lines are not preceded with semi-colons. Command syntax is as follows: "key(s)" menu:"menu-string" Fkey menu:"menu-string For example, in the following command line, "M"...
Page 551 Snapping Action Cycle through different snaps while creating walls and lines, placing components, or moving or pasting elements. SHIFT+TAB Reverse the order in which TAB cycles through different snaps. Pressing SHIFT+TAB once suppresses all snap points. File Management Action CTRL+O Open a project CTRL+P Print a page...
Page 552: Colors
Canceling a Command or Clearing Temporary Dimensions Action Cancel a command before a first click and return to modify mode Cancel the first click of a multi-click command, such as walls or lines. Press ESC again to return to modify mode. Clear temporary dimensions that appear after a single-click command, such as doors, or after the second click of a multi-click command, such as walls.
Page 553: Using The Windows Color Dialog
Using the Windows Color Dialog 1 From the appropriate Revit Architecture dialog, access the Windows Color dialog. For example, in the Materials dialog, on the Graphics tab or the Render Appearance tab, click a color swatch. (See Materials on page 459.) 2 In the Color dialog, select a color using one of the following methods: Basic colors: A table of 48 commonly used colors is available.
Page 555: Chapter 10 Conceptual Design With Massing Studies
Conceptual Design with Massing Studies Massing studies allow you to explore design ideas by using shapes to conceptualize a building model. When your conceptual design is complete, you can add building elements directly to these shapes. The following image shows a sample massing study. Typical Uses of Massing Studies Create in-place or family-based mass instances that are specific to individual options, worksets, and phases.
Page 556: Massing Studies Terminology
Create mass families that represent the forms associated with often-used building volumes. Vary materials, forms, and relations between masses that represent major components of a building or development using design options. Abstractly represent phases of a project. Study zoning compliance, both visually and numerically, by relating a proposed building mass to the zoning envelope and floor area ratio.
Page 557: Creating A Mass Family
(such as roofs, curtain walls, floors, and walls). Building Maker allows for a cumulative understanding of the relationship between expressive and built form as the design develops. Building Maker includes the Mass Editor, which allows you to create mass families. You can use Building Maker commands to create building elements from these mass families.
Page 558: Creating A Mass Family Outside Of A Project
Sample in-place mass family Creating a Mass Family Outside of a Project 1 Click File menu Family. 2 In the New dialog, select the Mass.rft template, and click Open. 3 Create the desired shapes using the Solid Form and Void Form tools on the Mass tab of the Design Bar.
Page 559: Placing A Mass Instance From A Mass Family
Placing a Mass Instance from a Mass Family 1 Click File menu Load from Library Load Family. 2 Navigate to the family file, and click Open. 3 Click Modelling menu Massing Place Mass, or on the Massing tab of the Design Bar, click Place Mass.
Page 560: Mass Instances In Design Options, Phases, And Worksets
When you join masses, the area of the inner wall shared by the masses is deducted from the gross surface area for each mass. If you create mass floors, this inner wall area is also deducted from the exterior surface area for each mass floor.
Page 561: Mass Floors Overview
To perform these types of analysis, you use mass floors to divide a mass based on defined levels. For each mass floor, Revit Architecture calculates the floor area, exterior surface area, volume, and perimeter. This information is stored in the instance properties for mass floors. You can include these values in schedules and tags.
Page 562: Mass Floors At The Top Of A Mass
Perimeter of each mass floor. Use this information to create rough cost estimates based on linear dimensions. Volume of each mass floor, in cubic units. Use this information to estimate HVAC loads. Examples of Conceptual Design Analysis on page 529. Mass Floors at the Top of a Mass When you use mass floors to divide a mass, Revit Architecture creates a visible mass floor at each specified level that intersects the mass, except for any level that coincides with a top face of the mass.
Page 563: Mass Floors At The Bottom Of A Mass
Mass Floors at the Bottom of a Mass To analyze a portion of a mass that occurs below the lowest mass floor, create a level and mass floor at the bottom-most boundary of the mass. Otherwise, Revit Architecture does not include that portion in the surface area or volume calculations for any mass floors.
Page 564: Selecting Mass Floors
You can select the mass in any type of project view, including floor plan, RCP, elevation, section, and 3D views. 3 On the Options Bar, click Mass Floors. 4 In the Mass Floors dialog, select each level that needs a mass floor, and click OK. Initially, if you select a level that the mass does not intersect, Revit Architecture does not create a mass floor for that level.
Page 565: Creating A Mass Floor Schedule
Creating a Mass Floor Schedule After creating mass floors, you can create a schedule for them. Use a mass floor schedule to assign usages or to analyze the design. If you change the shape of the mass, the mass floor schedule updates to reflect the changes.
Page 566: Tagging Mass Floors
Training folder: Mass Floor Tag-Complex.rfa or M_Mass Floor Tag-Complex.rfa. If you use the default installation location for tutorial content, these files reside in the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\<product name and version>\Training\<Imperial or Metric>\Families\Annotations When applying these complex tags to mass floors, you can select a family type to display the desired information, as shown.
Page 567: Assigning A Usage To A Mass Floor
To tag mass floors 1 Open a view in which you can apply tags. You can tag elements in 2D views, including plans, sections, and elevations. You cannot tag elements in 3D views. 2 Apply tags to mass floors. Applying a Tag on page 1066 and Tag All Not Tagged on page 1067.
Page 568: Area Analysis Example
Sample massing study Area Analysis Example In a sample scenario, you have designed masses to explore a conceptual design for a building. (See Examples of Conceptual Design Analysis on page 529.) You want to analyze the most cost-effective or profitable mix of uses for each floor of the building.
Page 569 Creating an Area Analysis Schedule Use the following procedure to create a schedule to perform area analysis of masses in a conceptual design, based on the scenario described in Area Analysis Example on page 530. Specific steps may vary depending on the information that you want to show in the schedule.
Page 570 Next, sort and subtotal the schedule by usage, as follows. 6 Open the view properties for the schedule. (Right-click in the drawing area for the schedule, and click View Properties.) 7 For Sorting/Grouping, click Edit. 8 On the Sorting/Grouping tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, do the following: a For Sort by, select the following: Usage Ascending...
Page 571: Analysis Example For Exterior Surface Area
Analysis Example for Exterior Surface Area In a sample scenario, you have designed masses to explore a conceptual design for a building. (See Examples of Conceptual Design Analysis on page 529.) You want to determine exterior surface areas around the perimeter of each floor.
Page 572 2 Click View menu Schedule/Quantities, or on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. 3 In the New Schedule dialog, do the following: a For Category, click Mass Floor. b For Name, specify the schedule name. c Select Schedule building components. d Click OK.
Page 573 8 On The Sorting/Grouping tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, do the following: a For Sort by, select the following: Comments Ascending Footer Title, count, and totals Blank line b For Then by, select both Usage and Ascending. c At the bottom of the dialog, select the following: Grand totals Title and totals Itemize every instance...
Page 574: Perimeter Analysis Example
Perimeter Analysis Example In a sample scenario, you have designed masses to explore a conceptual design for a building. (See Examples of Conceptual Design Analysis on page 529.) The design contains many angles, and it may be too expensive to build. You want to produce rough cost estimates, based on its linear dimensions, to check construction costs for the project.
Page 575 2 Click View menu Schedule/Quantities, or on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. 3 In the New Schedule dialog, do the following: a For Category, click Mass Floor. b For Name, specify the schedule name. c Select Schedule building components. d Click OK.
Page 576: Volume Analysis Example
Volume Analysis Example In a sample scenario, you have designed masses to explore a conceptual design for a building. (See Examples of Conceptual Design Analysis on page 529.) You want to do the following: Determine which floors of the building require air conditioning. (For example, parking levels are not air conditioned.) Calculate the volume of space to be air conditioned.
Page 577 To create a volume analysis schedule 1 Create mass floors. Creating Mass Floors on page 525. 2 Click View menu Schedule/Quantities, or on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities. 3 In the New Schedule dialog, do the following: a For Category, click Mass Floor.
Page 578: Mass Floor Properties
b For Alignment, select Right. c Select Calculate totals. d (Optional) Specify formatting for Usage, Level, and Mass: Type: under Fields, select a field name. Then for Alignment, select Center. 11 Click OK twice. The schedule shows the volume of each mass floor, volume subtotals by usage, and a grand total for the combined volumes of the mass floors.
Page 579 Parameter Description Floor Perimeter The total linear dimension for the outer boundaries of the mass floor. This value is read only. Floor Area The surface area for the mass floor, in square units. This value is read only. Exterior Surface Area The surface area for the exterior vertical surfaces (walls) from the mass floor perimeter up to the next mass floor, in square units.
Page 580: Troubleshooting Mass Floors And Conceptual Design Analysis
Parameter Description Phasing Phase Created The phase during which the mass floor is created. See Project Phasing on page 1263. Phase Demolished The phase during which the mass floor is demolished. See Project Phasing page 1263. Troubleshooting Mass Floors and Conceptual Design Analysis When using mass floors to analyze a conceptual design, you may encounter the following issues.
Page 581: Exterior Surface Area Is Too Large
Solution: With the cursor over the mass floor, press TAB to change the focus from the mass to the mass floor. (Check the status bar for confirmation.) Then click to select the mass floor or apply the tag to it. Exterior Surface Area Is Too Large Symptom: You used mass floors to divide a mass.
Page 582: Creating Walls From Mass Instances
To create building elements from mass instances, use Building Maker commands. Building elements created with Building Maker commands do not automatically update when the mass face changes. You can remake the element to adjust to the current size and shape of the mass face. For more information, see Remaking Face-Based Host Shapes on page 554.
Page 583 Cursor highlighting planar vertical face Cursor highlighting non-vertical face 5 Click to place the wall. TIP To create a non-rectangular wall on a vertical cylindrical face, use Openings and in-place cuts to adjust its profile. Creating Walls from Mass Instances | 545...
Page 584: Creating Floors From Mass Instances
Placed wall on vertical face Placed wall on non-vertical face Creating Floors from Mass Instances To create floors from a mass instance, use the Floor by Face command or the Floor command. To use the Floor by Face command, you first create mass floors. Mass floors calculate floor areas in a mass instance. For more information on the Floor command, see Floors on page 641.
Page 585: Creating Floors Using The Floor By Face Command
Creating Floors Using the Floor by Face Command 1 Create mass floors for the mass instance. For instructions, see Creating Mass Floors on page 525. 2 On the Massing tab of the Design Bar, click Floor by Face. 3 In the Type Selector, select a floor type. 4 If desired, specify an offset for the floor.
Page 586: Creating Curtain Systems From Mass Instances
Created floors 9 To exit the Floor by Face command, on the Design Bar, click Modify. Floors created from floor faces do not automatically update if you change the mass face. To update the floor, use the Remake command. See Remaking Face-Based Host Shapes on page 554.
Page 587 Use a curtain system type with a curtain grid layout. For more information on specifying a curtain grid layout by type, see Type-Driven Curtain Element Layout on page 705. 3 To select more than one face, select Multiple. Otherwise, clear this option. 4 Place the cursor on a mass face.
Page 588: Curtain Systems On Nurb Surfaces
Created curtain system Curtain Systems on NURB Surfaces You can create curtain systems on NURB (Non-Uniform Rational B-spline) surfaces in generic model families or mass families. When creating a generic model or mass family, you can import a DWG or SAT file containing NURB surfaces.
Page 589: Creating Roofs From Mass Instances
Creating Roofs from Mass Instances Using the Roof by Face command, you can create roofs on any non-vertical faces of a mass. You cannot select faces from different masses for the same roof. The Roof by Face command is available on the Massing tab of the Design Bar or from the Roof command menu on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar.
Page 590 6 Click to select the face. A roof is placed on the face immediately if the Multiple option is cleared. 7 If you selected Multiple, do the following: Continue selecting faces. You can add or remove faces from the selection by clicking them. The cursor indicates whether you are adding (+) or removing (–) a face.
Page 591: Extending The Roof Face
Extending the Roof Face 1 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the roof. When you select the roof face, roof shape handles display. Use these handles to drag the side surfaces. Shape handles are available for all non-horizontal side surfaces. Shape handles are not available for surfaces created by openings placed in roof faces.
Page 592: Updating Face Selections For Roofs And Curtain Systems
NOTE Use open geometry in generic model families rather than mass families. This applies to isolated NURB surfaces, as shown above, as well as other open geometry. For optimal performance in a mass instance, use only geometry that can be recognized by Revit Architecture as oriented 3D geometry. Open geometry in a mass instance can slow processing and generate warnings, but it will provide no additional capabilities beyond those available in the generic model family.
Page 593: Importing Massing Studies From Other Applications
Importing Massing Studies from Other Applications ® ™ ® ® You can use 3D design software (such as Autodesk 3ds Max , Google SketchUp , or Form/Z by AutoDesSys, Inc.) to create large-scale massing studies, and then use Revit Architecture to associate host elements (walls, roofs, and so on) to the mass faces.
Page 594: Best Practices When Importing Masses
fail to produce meaningful host elements and may produce errors. This is a consideration for both mass families and generic model families. Best Practices When Importing Masses Complete the design. Before importing a mass to Revit Architecture, complete as much of the design as required in the design software.
Page 595: Importing A Design As An In-Place Mass
Orient to View Place at Level: Level 1 or Ref. Level Import Options for CAD Formats and Revit Models on page 1312. f Click Open. To see the massing study, you may need to do the following: Switch to a 3D view. Type ZF (Zoom to Fit) to adjust the drawing area to show the entire mass.
Page 596: Example Of Importing A Massing Study
To import a design to an in-place mass 1 Use the design software to create the massing study. 2 In Revit Architecture, open the Revit project in which you want to use the massing study, and open a 3D view. 3 On the Massing tab of the Design Bar, click Create Mass.
Page 597 Building mass created in SketchUp SketchUp file imported into Revit Architecture Example of Importing a Massing Study | 559...
Page 598: Printing Mass Elements
Walls being associated to mass faces in Revit project Printing Mass Elements To print mass elements, be sure that mass category visibility is turned on. Mass elements will not print or export if category visibility is turned off, even if Show Mass is turned on. See Controlling Visibility of Mass Instances on page 554.
Page 599: Chapter 11 Working With Architectural Components
Working with Architectural Components Revit Architecture provides various familiar components for building design. No programming language or coding is required to create these components. Walls Walls can function as interior, exterior, foundation, and retaining. All walls have a structure that can be defined through the type properties of the wall.
Page 600: Adding Interior And Exterior Walls
You create a wall by sketching the location line of the wall in a plan view or a 3D view. Revit Architecture applies the thickness, height, and other properties of the wall around the location line of the wall. The location line is a plane in the wall that does not change, even if the wall type changes.
Page 601: Exterior/Interior Wall Tips
The position of the location line can vary, depending on how you sketch the wall. For example, if you specify the location line as Finish Face: Interior and sketch the wall from left to right, the location line displays on the exterior side of the wall. If you sketch from right to left, the location line displays on the interior side of the wall.
Page 602: Adding Retaining Walls
Window placed at a join between 2 walls When an insert is placed on hosts between hosts of unequal thickness (as shown above), you can resize the thickness of the insert relative to its hosts. Select the insert and, on the Options Bar, click Pick Main Host.
Page 603: Adding Arc Walls
You can place sketched asymmetrical openings on arc walls using in-place families. Adding Arc Walls 1 In a floor plan or 3D view, click Modelling menu Wall, or on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Wall. 2 Click one of the arc tools. 3 Sketch the arc wall.
Page 604: Embedded Walls
3 Sketch square or rectangular openings in the arc wall. 4 When you are finished, on the Design Bar, click Modify. The following image shows an arc wall with several openings. RELATED You can also use the Opening tool on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar. See Openings on page 658.
Page 605: Separating Embedded Walls
If the embedded wall is within the boundary of the host wall, Revit Architecture issues a warning and advises you to use the Cut Geometry tool. 3 Click Tools menu Cut Geometry. IMPORTANT When using the Cut Geometry command, do not select the shorter wall first and then the larger host.
Page 606: Accessing Vertically Compound Wall Commands
Wall layer: constant thickness and extends the height of the wall A region is any shape in the wall that does not meet the criteria of a layer. Regions can have either constant or variable thickness. In a row assigned to a region, if region has a constant thickness, a numeric value appears for it.
Page 607: Sample Height
Notice the commands that display at the bottom right of the dialog under Modify Vertical Structure. NOTE The vertically compound wall commands are available in the section preview only. Use them to modify the wall type only, not an actual wall instance. Sample Height The sample height is the height of the wall in the preview pane only.
Page 608: Split Region Command
To drag wall layers, modify them in section, 3D, and elevation views. To drag wall layers: 1 Place the cursor at the top or bottom of the wall and press TAB until you highlight the shape handle for the extendable layers. Watch the status bar to be sure you are highlighting the shape handle.
Page 609: Merge Region Command
Blue control arrows when border is selected To split a layer or region vertically, highlight and select a horizontal boundary. That boundary can be the outside boundary, or an inside boundary created if you previously split horizontally. Vertical split preview TIP It is helpful to zoom in on the outer horizontal boundary to split it vertically.
Page 610: Layer Assignment Rules
You should familiarize yourself with the layer functions of compound walls. See Applying a Function to a Layer of a Compound Structure on page 749. Also see Layer Assignment Rules on page 572. To assign wall layers: 1 Click a row number to select it. All regions currently assigned to that row appear selected in the preview pane.
Page 611: Sweeps And Reveals Commands
You cannot split a wall horizontally and then move the outside boundary of one of the regions independently of the other. For example, if you select the left outer boundary of the lower region, the left outer boundary of the upper region is also selected. Layer function priorities cannot ascend from the core boundary to the finish face.
Page 612: Vertically Stacked Walls
Wall sweep with Cuttable option selected 12 Click OK. To add a reveal to the wall structure: 1 In the Edit Assembly dialog, click Reveals. 2 In the Reveals dialog, click Add. 3 Select a profile from the list. NOTE There is no material choice for reveals. The material for the reveal is the same as the material it is cutting.
Page 613: Defining The Stacked Wall Structure
Specifying Instance Parameters of Subwalls When you define the structure of the stacked wall type, you indirectly change instance parameters of the individual subwalls that compose the stacked wall. That is, when you specify the height, offset, top, and base of the stacked wall, you are also specifying Unconnected Height, Location Line Offset, Top Extension Distance, and Base Extension Distance, respectively, of the subwalls.
Page 614 3 In the Type Properties dialog, click Preview to open the preview pane. All changes you make to the wall display in the preview pane. The preview pane displays the wall in section view. 4 Click Edit for the Structure parameter. A table shows the different wall types that compose the stacked wall.
Page 615: Breaking Up A Vertically Stacked Wall
12 To flip the subwall about the reference line (Offset) of the main stacked wall, select Flip. 13 To rearrange rows, select a row and click Up or Down. 14 To delete a subwall type, select its row and click Delete. If you delete a subwall with an explicit height, the variable subwall extends to the height of the other subwalls.
Page 616 When you edit the elevation profile of a stacked wall, you edit one main profile. If you break up the stacked wall, each subwall retains its edited profile. When you highlight a vertically stacked wall in the drawing area, the entire wall highlights first. Press TAB to highlight the component subwalls.
Page 617: Attaching Walls To Other Components
Attaching Walls to Other Components Walls do not directly attach to roofs, ceilings, and other modelling components through their properties. Use the Attach option of the Top/Base command to explicitly join walls to other modelling components. When attaching walls, consider the following guidelines: You can attach wall tops to non-vertical reference planes.
Page 618: Detaching Walls
Detaching Walls 1 In the drawing area, select the walls to detach. 2 On the Options Bar, for Top/Base, click Detach. 3 Select the model components to detach from the walls. 4 If you want to detach the selected walls from all components at once, or if you are not sure which components are attached to the walls, on the Options Bar, click Detach All.
Page 619: Editing Wall Joins
Walls squared off at 90 degrees You cannot square off the join of one wall that is joined with the interior of another wall, because there is only one configuration for the join. You can change the visibility of the line separating the 2 walls by cleaning the wall join.
Page 620 Butt join Miter: Creates a miter join between the walls. All wall joins less than 20 are mitered. Miter join Square Off: Squares a wall end to 90. This option is not available for walls already joined at 582 | Chapter 11 Working with Architectural Components...
Page 621: Editing Complex Wall Joins
Squared off join Editing Complex Wall Joins Revit Architecture does not recommend using the Edit Wall Joins command to edit a complex wall join. Complex wall joins are those that, for example, have more than 4 walls, are on many floors, or exist in more than 1 workset.
Page 622: Cleaning Wall Joins
Current wall join Display after changing order Current wall join Display after changing order (note difference in the imaginary lines depicting the wall) ends. Cleaning Wall Joins Cleaning up wall joins affects display in a plan view only. If multiple plan views of the same join are open, the command only affects the plan view in which you issued the command.
Page 623: Joining Parallel Walls That Contain Inserts
To clean wall joins 1 In a plan view, click Tools menu Edit Wall Joins, or on the Tools toolbar, click 2 Move the cursor over the wall join and click. A square encloses the wall join. 3 On the Options Bar, for Display, select one of the following options: Clean Join displays a smooth join.
Page 624: Creating Walls With Mid-End Faces
2 Click Tools menu Join Geometry, or on the Tools toolbar, click 3 Select the walls to join. The inserts cut openings in the joined walls. Any geometry around the insert, such as a frame, does not appear on the joined wall. The following image shows 2 parallel walls in plan view, one with inserts (a door and a window), before the walls are joined.
Page 625: Joining Walls To Mid-End Faces
Notice the mid-end face is created at a vertical segment of the elevation profile to allow other walls to form a corner join. Joining Walls to Mid-End Faces You can join a wall to a mid-end face. As you drag one of the attached walls, the sketch updates and maintains the join.
Page 626: Preventing Wall Ends From Joining
Wall join updates (note the join moves with the preview wall) NOTE Join a wall to another wall with mid-end faces and start to edit the elevation profile of the wall with mid-end faces. The vertical line in the wall's sketch is aligned to the center line of the joined wall, not the actual face of the wall.
Page 627: Preventing A Join On A Mid-End Wall Face
2 horizontal walls with 3/8-inch expansion space between them Disallowing joins is also useful for resolving complex joins. For example, if you add a wall to a complex join and it produces undesired results, you can disallow joins on the added wall and then use Join Geometry to clean the join between this wall and other walls.
Page 628 Profile of a Mid-End Wall To Disallow a Join on a Mid-End Wall Face 1 Select the wall. 2 Click (Disallow Join) above the mid-end wall face, or right click and click Disallow Join from the shortcut menu. Notice changes to The mid-end wall cannot join to the end of another wall.
Page 629: Aligning Walls
You can switch between the allow join or disallow join states by clicking the join icons. Aligning Walls When you sketch 2 collinear walls of different widths, Revit Architecture aligns their centerlines. If you wish to align the side faces of the walls, use the Align command. See Aligning Elements on page 306.
Page 630 TIP As you move and edit the rectangle, datum planes appear to indicate the original shape and size of the wall when you entered sketch mode. If the sketched lines snap to the datum planes, the endpoints of the lines automatically align to the planes, unless you explicitly unlock them. If you unlock the sketched lines, you can modify them independently of the datum planes.
Page 631: Wall Sweeps
Finished wall attached to roof (non-coincidental horizontal lines from sketch did not attach) Wall Sweeps A wall sweep is a horizontal or vertical projection from a wall, often decorative in nature. Examples of wall sweeps include baseboards along the bottom of a wall or crown molding along the top of a wall. You can add a wall sweep to a wall from a 3D or elevation view.
Page 632: Changing The Wall Sweep Profile
5 Place the cursor over the wall to highlight the wall sweep location. Click to place the wall sweep. 6 Add the wall sweep to adjacent walls, if needed. Revit Architecture preselects the wall sweep location on each adjacent wall. If you are in a 3D view, you can add a wall sweep to all exterior walls by using the ViewCube to rotate the view.
Page 633: Changing The Wall Sweep Type
Highlighted wall sweep end 5 Click to apply the new return value. Applied return value In this example, the option Straight Cut becomes available. Select that option, and click the sweep end to apply a straight cut to the sweep. After you change the return, you can drag the end of the sweep or reveal to extend the return.
Page 634: Dimensioning To A Wall Sweep
Dimensioning to a Wall Sweep 1 Place a dimension between the wall sweep end face reference and another reference. Dimension references between wall sweep end face and wall 2 To change the dimension value, drag the wall sweep s shape handle. The dimension value adjusts accordingly.
Page 635: Wall Sweep Properties
Wall Sweep Properties You can modify several properties for wall sweeps, including profiles and offsets. Modifying Wall Sweep Properties 1 In a 3D or elevation view, select a wall sweep and click (Element Properties). 2 In the Element Properties dialog, edit wall sweep instance parameters. 3 Click Edit/New to edit wall sweep type parameters.
Page 636 Name Description Keynote Add or edit the wall sweep keynote. Click in the value box to open the Keynotes dialog. See Keynotes on page 1058. Model The model type of the wall sweep. Manufacturer The manufacturer for the wall sweep’s materials Type Comments Specific building or design comments.
Page 637: Wall Reveals
Name Description Mark A value to designate the particular wall sweep. This value must be unique for each wall sweep in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings command.
Page 638: Changing The Wall Reveal Profile
6 Add the reveal to adjacent walls if needed. Revit Architecture preselects the reveal location on each adjacent wall. 7 To finish placing wall reveals, click in the view away from the wall. Changing the Wall Reveal Profile 1 With the Reveal tool active, click (Element Properties).
Page 639: Modifying Walls
4 When you are finished, click OK. Wall Reveal Type Properties Name Description Constraints Default Setback A length value whose default is 0.0. When set to positive or negative values, the ends of the wall reveal curve pull back or push forward by the designated amount when they are interrupted at an insert.
Page 640: Resizing Walls
Resizing Walls The Resize command moves the position of the wall s location line. It does not change wall height or thickness. Note that the origin point can be on a wall s location line. In this case, the wall s location line remains fixed.
Page 641: Wall Properties
Location line does not move when it is the origin point Wall Properties Walls have properties based on whether they are interior or exterior walls. You can modify the properties of one wall type and set them for all walls of that type. For example, if you set properties for a basic interior wall type, then all interior walls assume those property values.
Page 642: Wall Instance Properties
Name Description Graphics Coarse Scale Fill Pattern Sets a fill pattern for a wall in a coarse-scale view. See View Properties on page 210. Coarse Scale Fill Color Applies a color to the fill pattern for a wall in a coarse-scale view. Identity Data Model Generally, this is not an applicable property for walls.
Page 643 Name Description Base Offset The wall's height from its base constraint. This property is available only when the Base Constraint is set to a level. Base Is Attached Indicates whether the base of the wall is attached to another model component, such as a floor.
Page 644: Roofs
Name Description Mark A label applied to a wall. Usually a numeric value. This value must be unique for each wall in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings command.
Page 645: Adding A Roof By Footprint
Roof by footprint With the Roof by Extrusion method of creating a roof, you sketch the profile of the roof from in an elevation view and then extrude it. You can specify the depth of the extrusion by setting start and end points, or let Revit Architecture calculate the depth based on the size and shape of the sketch.
Page 646 NOTE If you try to add a roof on the lowest level, a dialog prompts you to move it to a higher level. If you choose not to move the roof to a different level, Revit Architecture notifies you later if the roof is too low.
Page 647: Adding A Roof By Extrusion
Adding a Roof by Extrusion You create extruded roofs in relation to a level in a project. You can use a combination of straight lines and arcs to create the profile of the roof. The height of the roof depends on the location where you sketch the profile in the elevation view.
Page 648 Completed extruded roof If you need to attach walls to the roof, use the attach tool in the Options Bar. See Attaching Walls to Other Components on page 579 for more information. After you create a roof by extrusion, you can rehost the roof or edit the work plane of the roof. For more information, see Rehosting Work Plane-based and Face-based Elements and Components on page 747 and...
Page 649: Adding Sloped Glazing
Start and End Points for Extruded Roofs The extrusion of a roof can extend in either direction along the plane perpendicular to the face of a solid component (such as a wall). If the extrusion extends away from the solid, the start and end points are positive values.
Page 650: Joining Roofs
Joining Roofs NOTE This is a general procedure for joining roofs. You may have variations based on design intent. 1 Sketch walls and roofs for your design. Adding Interior and Exterior Walls on page 562 and Adding a Roof on page 606. 2 Sketch a minor roof near your building design, and then use the Roof command to create the roof.
Page 651: Modifying A Roof
You cannot join a roof to more than one top face of another roof. You can join a roof to the top face of another roof and the wall below that roof if you select the wall as the target. The wall must be attached to the target roof and the target roof must be a footprint roof. Roof joined to other roof and wall Modifying a Roof You can modify the appearance of roofs in several ways.
Page 652: Resizing A Roof
3 On the Design Bar, click Finish Roof or Finish Sketch. Resizing a Roof You can resize roofs that were created by footprint or by face using shape handles in elevation or 3D views. To resize a footprint roof using shape handles 1 In an elevation or 3D view, move your cursor over the roof and press TAB to highlight the shape handle.
Page 653: Roof Slope
Reference plane in plan view 2 Select the reference plane, click , and enter a name for the reference plane. 3 Open the 3D view, and click Tools menu Work Plane Set Work Plane. 4 In the Work Plane dialog, select the work plane name you just created in Step 2, and click OK. 5 Use the Align tool to align roof ridges.
Page 654: Roof Slope
Roof Slope You can define different slopes and overhangs for the roof; Revit Architecture warns you if it cannot create the roof geometry based on the specified values for slope and overhang. You can specify a selected footprint line to be slope-defining: Click .
Page 655: Eaves
Resulting hip on gable roof created from slope arrows In this example, Height Offset at Tail is 4 feet, Slope is selected for Specify, and 12 is specified for Slope. NOTE You could obtain the same result by specifying the bottom sketch line as slope-defining, and specifying an appropriate value for Offset From Roof Base.
Page 656: Creating A Plumb Cut,Two-Cut Plumb, Or Two-Cut Square Eave
2-cut square eave Creating a Plumb Cut,Two-Cut Plumb, or Two-Cut Square Eave 1 Select the roof in a project view. 2 Click 3 In the Element Properties dialog, for Rafter Cut value, select Plumb Cut, Two Cut - Plumb, or Two Cut - Square.
Page 657: Aligning Eaves
Aligning Eaves Use the Align Eaves command to realign eave heights of different boundary lines of a roof. 1 If you are not already in sketch mode, select the roof and, on the Options Bar, click Edit. 2 On the Design Bar, click Align Eaves. 3 Click a roof eave to align the others to.
Page 658 Correct placement of cursor for slope arrow Incorrect placement of cursor for slope arrows 6 On the Design Bar, click Slope Arrow again, and sketch a second slope arrow that begins from the other end point of the segment. Properly sketched slope arrows 7 Click Finish Sketch, and open a 3D view to see the results.
Page 659: Creating A Dormer Opening In A Roof
Hip roof with dormer Creating a Dormer Opening in a Roof 1 Start with a building model in which a dormer has been created. 2 Open a plan view or an elevation view in which you can see the dormer roof and the attached walls.
Page 660: Fascia
In this example, side faces of walls and joined faces of the roof were selected. Note that you do not need to trim the sketch lines to have a valid boundary. 6 On the Design Bar, click Finish Boundary. 7 Create a section view through the dormer to see how it cuts the main roof. Revit Architecture makes both vertical and horizontal cuts in the roof.
Page 661: Adding Roof Fascia
You can place fascia in 2D views, such as plan or section views, or 3D views. Adding Roof Fascia 1 Click Modelling menu Host Sweep Roof Fascia, or on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Host Sweep Roof Fascia. 2 Highlight edges of roofs, soffits, other fascia, or model lines, and click to place the fascia.
Page 662: Resizing Or Flipping Roof Fascias
NOTE Fascia profiles miter correctly only around a square cut roof. The roof in this image was created by running a fascia along the edge of a roof with a Two-Cut Square rafter cut. For information on setting this property, see Creating a Plumb Cut, Two-Cut Plumb, or Two-Cut Square Eave on page 618.
Page 663 2 On the Options Bar, click Change Miter Options. 3 On the Options Bar, select a mitering option: Vertical Horizontal Perpendicular to Path 4 Click on the end face of the fascia to change the miter option. Vertical miter Horizontal miter Perpendicular to Path miter Roof fascias can miter between the eave and rake edges of a plumb-cut gable roof.
Page 664: Changing Horizontal And Vertical Offset Of Roof Fascia
Changing Horizontal and Vertical Offset of Roof Fascia You can change the horizontal or vertical offset of a fascia either through its properties or by graphically moving the fascia. To change the offset through properties, see Roof Properties on page 635. Changing Horizontal Offset of Roof Fascia To move a single fascia 1 Select the fascia and drag it horizontally.
Page 665: Adding Roof Soffits
Adding Roof Soffits Design intent for creating roof soffits can vary widely. This procedure creates a soffit from a 2-loop sketch between a wall and a roof. The soffit is associated with the walls and the roof. To create non-associative soffits, use the Lines command while in sketch mode.
Page 666 Wall highlighted for soffit line Sketch lines for soffit after picking walls 5 Use the Trim command to trim the excess sketch lines and close the sketch loop. See Trimming and Extending Elements on page 316. 6 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. To see the soffit better, create a section view through the plan view that shows the wall meeting the roof.
Page 667: Roof Soffit Examples
NOTE The Join Geometry tool was used to join the soffit and the roof in the previous illustration. To complete the image, use the Join Geometry command to join the soffit to the wall, and the wall to the roof. See Joining Geometry on page 334.
Page 668: Adding Roof Gutters
You can place gutters in 2D views, such as plan or section views, or 3D views. Adding Roof Gutters 1 Click Modelling menu Host Sweep Roof Gutter, or on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Host Sweep Roof Gutter. 2 Highlight horizontal edges of roofs, soffits, fascias, or model lines, and click to place the gutter.
Page 669: Resizing Or Flipping Roof Gutters
Resizing or Flipping Roof Gutters To resize roof gutters 1 In the drawing area, select the gutter. If many elements near the gutter make selection difficult, use the filter selection tool to select the gutter. Highlight the area near the gutters using a pick box, and click on the Options Bar.
Page 670: Roof Examples
Moving gutter on the left also moves gutter on the right Vertical Move Select the gutter and drag it up or down. Note that if the gutter is multi-segmented, then all segments move up or down the same distance. Gutter moving vertically in section Roof Examples This topic contains several roof examples.
Page 671: Four-Sided Gable Roof
6 In a 3D view, select both roofs, and click Tools menu Join Geometry. 7 View the 2 roofs in a plan view: You now have a single roof with different eave heights. Here is the finished house with that roof style. Four-Sided Gable Roof A common building scenario is a 4-sided gable roof.
Page 672 1 NOTE The results of this procedure will differ from the finished pictures. Create a square footprint sketch and toggle all sketch lines to be non–slope-defining: 2 On the Design Bar, click Slope Arrow. 3 On the Options Bar, click 4 For the Specify parameter, select Slope.
Page 673: Roof Properties
Following is a completed roof on a model. Roof Properties You can modify several properties for roofs, including slope and structure. You can also modify parameters for roof boundary lines, roof fascia, and roof gutters. Modifying Roof Properties 1 If you are in sketch mode, on the Design Bar, click Roof Properties. If you are in a plan view, select the roof and click 2 In the Element Properties dialog, edit roof instance parameters as desired.
Page 674: Roof Type Properties
Roof Type Properties Name Description Construction Structure Defines the composition of a compound roof. See Compound Structure on page 748. Default Thickness Indicates the thickness of the roof type, which is determined by the cumulative thickness of its layers. This is a read-only property. Graphics Coarse Scale Fill Pattern The fill pattern for a roof displayed at a coarse detail level.
Page 675: Roof Instance Properties
Roof Instance Properties Name Description Constraints Base Level Sets the level for the footprint or extruded roof. Room Bounding If selected, it means the roof is part of a room boundary. If not selected, it means the roof is not part of a room boundary. This property is read-only before creating a roof.
Page 676: Roof Boundary Line Properties
Name Description the effects of this property more clearly, set a value for Plate Offset from Base other than 0. (See Roof Boundary Line Properties on page 638.) This property only affects roofs created by picking walls. Maximum ridge height The maximum height of the top of the roof above the base level of the building.
Page 677: Roof Fascia And Gutter Type Properties
Name Description Plate Offset From Base The height above the base level at which the wall and the roof meet. This height is relative to the base level of the roof. The default value is 0. This parameter is enabled when a roof boundary line is created using the Pick Walls command.
Page 678: Roof Fascia And Gutter Instance Properties
Name Description Description Description of the fascia or gutter. Assembly description Description of the assembly, based on the assembly code selection. Assembly code Uniformat assembly code selected from hierarchical list. Type Mark A value to designate the particular fascia or gutter. This value must be unique for each fascia or gutter in a project.
Page 679: Roof Slope Arrow Properties
Roof Slope Arrow Properties Name Description Constraints Specify Choose between Slope or Height at Tail. If you select Slope, you can enter a value for Slope. If you select Height at Tail, Level at Head and Height Offset at Head are enabled.
Page 680: Adding Floors
Adding Floors 1 Click Modelling menu Floor, or on the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Floor. 2 On the Design Bar, click Pick Walls. TIP Using the Pick Walls command saves time if you want to align the floor to the walls. To sketch the profile of the floor, click Lines, and then on the Options Bar, click Draw or Pick Lines.
Page 681: Editing A Floor Sketch
Editing a Floor Sketch 1 In a plan view, select the floor. Watch the tooltip and the status bar to be sure you select the floor, not another element. If desired, you can use a filter to select the floor. See Selecting Elements Using a Filter on page 271.
Page 682: Creating A Sloped Floor By Setting Parallel Sketch Line Properties
7 If you selected Slope, do the following: a For Level at Tail, specify a level to start the slope arrow at a certain level. For example, the floor sketch is on Level 1. You could choose to start the slope arrow on Level 2. b For Height Offset at Tail, specify how high above the level the slope arrow begins.
Page 683: Resizing Or Flipping Slabs
Slab added to floor Tips You can place slab edges in 2D views (such as plan or section views) or in 3D views. Watch the status bar to look for valid references. For example, if you are placing a slab edge on a floor, the status bar might display: Floors : Basic Floor : Reference.
Page 684: Floor Slab Edge Properties
Vertical Move Select the slab edge, and drag it up or down. If the slab edge is multi-segmented, all segments move up or down the same distance. Slab edge moving vertically in section Floor Slab Edge Properties Parameter names, values, and descriptions for floor slab edges. Floor slab edges are classified under host sweeps.
Page 685: Modifying Floor Properties
Modifying Floor Properties 1 If you are in sketch mode, click Floor Properties on the Design Bar. If you are in a plan view, select the floor, and click 2 In the Element Properties dialog, edit floor instance parameters. 3 Click Edit/New to edit floor type parameters. NOTE Changes made to type parameters affect all floors of this type in the project.
Page 686: Floor Instance Properties
Name Description Manufacturer The manufacturer of the flooring material. Type Comments Comments about the floor type. Link for a manufacturer web page. Description Provides a description of the floor. Assembly description Description of the assembly based on the assembly code selection. Assembly code Uniformat assembly code selected from hierarchical list.
Page 687: Floor Sketch Line Properties
Name Description Perimeter The perimeter of the floor. This is a read-only value. Area The area of the floor. This is a read-only value. Volume The volume of the floor. This is a read-only value. Thickness Indicates the thickness of the floor. This is a read-only value. Identity Data Comments Specific comments related to the floor that are not already covered in the description...
Page 688: Floor Slope Arrow Properties
Name Description Defines slope Sets a floor line to slope-defining. This parameter is enabled when the Defines Constant Height property is turned on. Defines Constant Enables a floor line to have a constant height above the level on which it is sketched. This property is Height for defining slope.
Page 689: Ceilings
Name Description Height Offset at Tail Sets the start height of the slope arrow line. The default value is 0. Level at Head Starts the slope arrow at the designated level. Height Offset at Head Sets the end height of the slope arrow line. Revit Architecture uses both parameters to calculate the rise of the slope line.
Page 690: Sketching A Ceiling
2 Click Modelling menu Ceiling, or on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Ceiling. 3 In the Type Selector, select a ceiling type. 4 Click inside a room to place the ceiling. A ceiling appears is displayed; you can modify it at any time. See Modifying Ceilings on page 654.
Page 691: Sloped Ceilings
3 Click to insert the ceiling. 4 On the Design Bar, click Ceiling Properties. 5 In the Element Properties dialog, designate the type of ceiling and its properties. 6 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch. NOTE You cannot use the Automatic Ceiling command if you have already sketched lines for the ceiling.
Page 692: Modifying Ceilings
Method 2 1 Select 2 parallel sketch lines, and click 2 In the Element Properties dialog, select Defines Constant Height; this enables Offset from Base. 3 Click OK. 4 Select the lines individually, access their properties, and specify a value for Offset from Base for each of them.
Page 693: Editing A Ceiling Sketch
TIP If the desired ceiling material is not available from the list, you can create a new ceiling material. Materials on page 459. Editing a Ceiling Sketch You can modify ceilings by modifying the sketch. You can move the lines by dragging them or by modifying dimensions.
Page 694: Ceiling Instance Properties
Name Description Keynote Add or edit the ceiling keynote. Click in the value box to open the Keynotes dialog. Keynotes on page 1058. Model Specify the model for the materials comprising the ceiling. Manufacturer The manufacturer for the ceiling materials. Type Comments General comments about the ceiling type.
Page 695: Ceiling Sketch Line Properties
Name Description Perimeter The ceiling’s perimeter. This is a read-only parameter. Area The ceiling’s area. This is a read-only parameter. Volume The ceiling’s volume. This is a read-only parameter. Identity Data Comments Specific comments on the ceiling. Mark A user-defined label for the ceiling. This value must be unique for each ceiling in a project.
Page 696: Ceiling Slope Arrow Properties
Name Description Length The length of the sketch-line. This is a read-only parameter. Ceiling Slope Arrow Properties Name Description Specify Indicates the method for determining slope. Level at Tail Starts the slope arrow at the designated level. Height Offset at Tail Sets the start height of the slope arrow line.
Page 697: Cutting Rectangular Openings In Walls
Examples of a roof opening, a dormer cut, and a stairway opening through the floor and ceiling Cutting Rectangular Openings in Walls Use the Opening tool to cut rectangular openings in a straight or curved wall. (For walls, you can create rectangular openings only.
Page 698: Cutting Openings In Floors, Roofs, And Ceilings
Wall elevation view with opening being sketched After you specify the final point of the opening, the opening displays. 5 To modify an opening, click Modify, and select the opening. Modifying a selected opening You can use the drag controls to modify the size and location of the opening. You can also drag it to a new location on the same wall, and add dimension constraints to the opening.
Page 699: Cutting Shaft Openings
Selected face for opening by face Selected element for vertical cut Revit Architecture enters sketch mode, where you can create an opening of any shape. For more information about sketching, see Sketching on page 251. 3 Click Finish Sketch. Cutting Shaft Openings You can cut openings up the entire height of a building using the Shaft option of the Opening tool.
Page 700: Stairs
8 Click OK to close the Element Properties dialog. If you move the shaft on any level, it moves on all levels. The symbolic lines are visible on all levels too. Stairs You create stairs in a plan view by defining the run of the stairs or by sketching riser lines and boundary lines.
Page 701: Creating Stairs By Sketching Boundary And Riser Lines
Click endpoint on right end To create stairs with landings, click inside the rectangle to create a short run; the number of risers created is displayed. You can then click another start point and end point for the remaining stairs. First run of stairs- 9 risers created with 9 remaining Additional run of stairs perpendicular to the original Completed sketch with landing created automatically...
Page 702: Creating A Run Of Stairs
While in stair sketch mode, you can sketch stair boundaries and risers in stead of having Revit Architecture calculate the stair run automatically. On the Design Bar, click Boundary, then click Riser, and connect riser lines between the boundary lines. Stairs sketched using Boundary and Riser commands 3D view of stairs Stairs with Landings...
Page 703: Creating Spiral Staircases
2 Click Modelling menu Stairs, or on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Stairs. 3 Click Set Work Plane on the Design Bar to select a different work plane. See Sketching and Work Planes on page 265. 4 On the Design Bar, click Run, and then click in the drawing area where you want to start the stairs.
Page 704: Creating Arced Landings
Completed spiral staircase The spiral is limited to fewer than 360 degrees. If you overlap spiral runs, a warning is displayed; stringers and railings are not placed accurately. TIP To create a spiral staircase to multiple levels, create one helix for the stairs and then copy that helix to the appropriate levels.
Page 705: Specifying The Railing Type For New Stairs
Finished arc landing Specifying the Railing Type for New Stairs While sketching new stairs, you can specify the railing type to use. On the Design Bar, select Railings Type. This tool is only available while sketching new stairs. When you select Railings Type, you are prompted to select the railing type from a list of existing types in the project.
Page 706: Using The Stair Calculator
Using the Stair Calculator 1 In drawing area, select the stairs, and click 2 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 3 In the Type Properties dialog, under Contruction, click Edit for Calculation Rules. 4 In the Stair Calculator dialog, select Use Stair Calculator for slope calculation. 5 Under Calculation Rule for target slope, enter a value to multiply by Rise.
Page 707 2 To modify the properties of the railing, select the railing, and click 3 To modify the sketch line of the railing, on the Options Bar, click Edit. The railing line is selected, as follows. 4 Edit the selected line as desired. You are in sketch mode, so you can modify the shape of the line to suit your design.
Page 708: Moving Stair Labels
Split the rail line as shown in the picture. Finished result of extending railing Moving Stair Labels You can drag the Up or Down label that appears in plan views with a run of stairs. To move the stair label 1 Place the cursor over the stair text label.
Page 709: Zero Tread Thickness For Monolithic Stairs
2 Click the blue flip control arrows. Zero Tread Thickness for Monolithic Stairs You can set the tread thickness of monolithic stairs to 0. 1 In the Type Properties dialog of the stairs, under Construction, select Monolithic Stairs. 2 Under Risers, clear the End with Riser parameter. 3 For Riser Thickness, enter 0.
Page 710 Name Description Extend Below Base Extends stringers below the base level of the stair. This is useful for cases where the stringer attaches to the face of a floor opening rather than resting on the surface of a floor. To extend the stringer below the floor, enter a negative number. Monolithic Stairs Specifies that the stairs are to be made of one material.
Page 711 Name Description Risers Maximum Riser Height Sets the maximum height of each riser on the staircase. Begin with Riser If selected, Revit Architecture adds a riser to the beginning of the stairs. If you clear the check box, Revit Architecture removes the beginning riser. Note that you may receive a warning about actual number of risers exceeding the desired number of risers if you clear this check box.
Page 712: Stair Instance Properties
Name Description Railings do not change height relative to treads, but balusters extend down to meet the stringer top. This height is measured from the tread end (lower corner) to the bottom side of the stringer, perpendicular to the stringer. Landing Carriage Height Allows stringers to have a different height relationship to landings than they do to sloped runs.
Page 713 Name Description Top Level Sets the top of the stairs. Top Offset Sets the stairs's offset from the top level. Multistory Top Level Sets the top of the stairs in a multi-story building. The advantage to using this parameter (as opposed to sketching individual runs) is that if you change the railing on one run, that railing is changed on all the runs.
Page 714: Ramps
Name Description Comments Specific comments on the staircase. Mark A label created for the stairs. This value must be unique for each stairway in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it.
Page 715: Specifying The Railing Type For New Ramps
Specifying the Railing Type for New Ramps While sketching new ramps, you can specify the railing type to use by selecting Railings Type on the Design Bar. Railings Type is available only while sketching new ramps. When you click Railings Type, a dialog displays listing different railing types.
Page 716: Modifying Ramp Properties
Modifying Ramp Properties 1 If you are in sketch mode, on the Design Bar, click Ramp Properties. If you are in a plan view, select the ramp, and click 2 In the Element Properties dialog, edit ramp instance parameters. Ramp Instance Properties on page 679.
Page 717: Ramp Instance Properties
Name Description Type Comments Ramp comments. Sets applicable URL. Description Ramp description. Assembly description Description of the assembly based on the assembly code selection. Assembly code Uniformat assembly code selected from hierarchical list. Type Mark Sets the ramp type mark. Cost Ramp cost.
Page 718: Railings
Name Description Down label Indicates whether the down text appears. Show Up arrow in all views Indicates whether the up arrow appears in all views. Dimensions Width Width of the ramp. Identity Data Comments Specific comments about the ramp. Mark A unique identifier for the ramp.
Page 719: Adding A Railing
Adding a Railing 1 Click Modelling menu Railing. 2 If you are not in a view where you can sketch a railing, you are prompted to pick a view. Select a view from the list, and click Open View. 3 To set the host for the railing, click Set Host, and place the cursor near the host (for example, a floor or staircase).
Page 720: Modifying Railing Joins
5 To create an additional rail, click Insert. Enter a name for the rail, and the height, offset, profile, and material properties. 6 Click Up or Down to adjust the railing position. 7 When you are finished, click OK. Modifying Railing Joins You can override joins for a railing on a join-by-join basis.
Page 721: Controlling Placement Of Balusters And Posts
Flat means that the railing segment is horizontal, even if the host is sloped. For railings similar to those in the following illustration, you may need to use height correction or edit the railing join to join the railing where the stairs turn. Sloped means that the railing segment is sloped, such that it makes a non-interrupted connection with adjacent segments.
Page 722 3 For Baluster Placement, click Edit. 4 Enter a name for the first part of the baluster pattern. 5 For Baluster Family, do the following: If you want to Then show rails and posts, but no select None. balusters use a baluster family that exists select one of the balusters from the list.
Page 723: Overriding The Main Baluster Pattern For Stairs
13 Specify justification. Refer to the description of Justify in Baluster Pattern Properties on page 685. 14 Select Excess Length Fill if you selected Beginning, End, or Center for Justify. Refer to the description of Excess Length Fill in Baluster Pattern Properties on page 685.
Page 724: Specifying Start, Corner, And End Posts
Property Description Angle A value specifying the angle at which a pattern breaks. This property is available when Angles Greater Than is selected for Break Pattern At. Pattern Length The sum of all values listed in the Dist. From Previous column. Justify Balusters in a pattern are justified along the length of a railing segment.
Page 725: Post Properties
5 Specify a base for each post. 6 Optionally, enter a value for Base offset for each. 7 Specify a top for each. 8 Optionally, enter a value for Top offset. 9 Optionally, enter a value for Space. 10 Optionally, enter a value for Offset. 11 Select the location of corner posts, as follows: If you Then...
Page 726: Deleting Balusters And Posts
Property Description Top offset The negative or positive vertical distance between the top of the post and the top. Space The amount of space you need to move the post left or right from a given position. For example, for a beginning post, you may need to move the post 4 inches to the left to make it flush with the railing.
Page 727: Railing Type Properties
NOTE Changes made to type properties affect all railings of this type in the project. You can click Duplicate to create a new railing type. 4 Click OK. Railing Type Properties Name Description Construction Railing Height The height of the top-most rail in the railing structure. Rail Structure Opens a separate dialog where you set the number of rails, height, offset, material, and profile family (shape) for each rail.
Page 728: Railing Instance Properties
Name Description Identity Data Keynote Add or edit the railing keynote. Click in the value box to open the Keynotes dialog. Keynotes on page 1058. Model Defines the railing model. Manufacturer Defines the railing manufacturer. Type Comments Railing comments. Sets applicable URL. Description Railing description.
Page 729: Architectural Columns
Name Description Phasing Phase Created The phase when the railing was created. See Creating Phases on page 1264. Phase Demolished The phase when the railing was demolished. See Demolishing Elements on page 1270. Architectural Columns This topic describes how to add architectural columns to a project. You can use architectural columns to model column box-outs around structural columns and for decorative applications.
Page 730: Attaching Columns
NOTE You can also change the room-bounding property of a column after placement. See Architectural Column Properties on page 698. 3 Click in the drawing area to place the column. TIP Typically, you align columns when placing them by selecting a grid line or wall. If you randomly placed them and you want to align them, click Edit menu Align, and select the columns to align.
Page 731 Attachment Style: Cut Column Attachment Justification: Maximum Intersection Attachment Style: Cut Column Attachment Justification: Minimum Intersection Offset from Attachment: On Attaching Columns | 693...
Page 732 Attachment Style: Cut Column Attachment Justification: Intersect Column Midline 694 | Chapter 11 Working with Architectural Components...
Page 733: Cut Target Examples
Cut Target Examples Following are examples of the cut target attachment style with different attachment justifications and offsets from attachment. Attachment Style: Cut Target Attachment Justification: Minimum Intersection Attachment Style: Cut Target Attachment Justification: Maximum Intersection Attaching Columns | 695...
Page 734 Attachment Style: Cut Target Attachment Justification: Minimum Intersection Offset from Attachment: On Attachment Style: Cut Target Attachment Justification: Intersect Column Midline 696 | Chapter 11 Working with Architectural Components...
Page 735: Coarse-Scale Cut Patterns
Coarse-Scale Cut Patterns If you join a wall and a column, and the wall has a coarse-scale fill pattern defined, the joined column assumes that pattern. See Curtain Wall Properties on page 720. This behavior is evident in coarse-scale plan and section views.
Page 736: Architectural Column Properties
Architectural Column Properties You can modify several properties for architectural columns, including width, depth, base and top level. Modifying Architectural Column Properties 1 From a plan view, select the architectural column, and click 2 In the Element Properties dialog, edit architectural column instance parameters. Architectural Column Instance Properties on page 699.
Page 737: Architectural Column Instance Properties
Name Description Keynote Add or edit the column keynote. Click in the value box to open the Keynotes dialog. Keynotes on page 1058. Model The model type of the column. Manufacturer The manufacturer for the column materials Type comments Specific building or design comments about the column. Sets a link to a web page.
Page 738: Curtain Elements
Name Description Comments Specific comments for the column instance. Mark Applies a tag to any column for reference purposes. This value must be unique for each column in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it.
Page 739 Curtain wall Curtain Grid Curtain Walls, Curtain Grids, and Mullions | 701...
Page 740: Creating Rectangular Curtain Walls
Curtain Mullions Creating Rectangular Curtain Walls 1 Click Modelling menu Wall, or on the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Wall. 2 In the Type Selector, select a curtain wall type. 3 To create a wall with automatic horizontal and vertical curtain grids, specify the Vertical and Horizontal Layout properties for the wall type.
Page 741: Non-Rectangular Curtain Walls
4 Select a method to create the wall: To draw the wall, click To pick lines, click . Lines can be model lines or edges of elements, such as roofs, curtain panels, and other walls. To select a massing face or a generic model face, click .
Page 742: Curtain Grid Snapping
3 Select a method for creating the wall: To draw the wall, click To pick lines, click . Lines can be model lines or edges of elements, such as roofs, curtain panels, and other walls. To select a massing face or a generic model face, click .
Page 743: Type-Driven Curtain Element Layout
The curtain grid line is displayed in red. 5 Click segments of the curtain grid to exclude them from panels. When you click the segments, they are displayed as dashed lines. 6 When you finish excluding segments, on the Options Bar, click Start Next to place a new curtain grid.
Page 744 Layout Specifies an automatic layout for curtain grid lines along the length of a face on a curtain element. When you specify a value other than None, Revit Architecture automatically adds grid lines to the faces of a curtain element. Fixed Distance indicates that the curtain grids are placed at the exact value specified for the Spacing parameter.
Page 745 Number If Layout (under Vertical Grid Pattern) is set to Fixed Number, enter the number of curtain grids for the curtain instance. The maximum value is 200. Justification Determines the spacing of grids along the curtain element face, when grid spacing does not divide evenly into the face length value. Justification also determines which grid lines are first removed or added when the number of grid lines changes because of parameter changes or changes to the size of the face.
Page 746 Locking the Position of Mullions and Curtain Grids Mullions and curtain grids can be pinned (locked) on a curtain element only if that element has a type-driven curtain grid layout. If the mullion or curtain grid is locked on a curtain element, the type properties of the curtain element define the mullion or curtain grid type.
Page 747: Mullions
You can vary the shape of mullions by loading new mullion profiles into a project. Also, you can create a custom profile. Revit Architecture provides some templates for mullion profile families. By default, these templates reside in the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\<product and release>\<Metric or Imperial> Library\Profiles\Curtain Wall For more information, see Profile Families...
Page 748 For example, you might specify the detail component to display at fine and medium detail levels. When you load the mullion into the project and place it in a plan view with a coarse detail level, the plan view might show only the profile sketch. You could then create a section detail of the mullion and specify its detail level as fine.
Page 749: Changing The Orientation Of Curtain Walls
Changing the Orientation of Curtain Walls As you place a curtain wall or select one in a plan view, control arrows are displayed: . Click the arrows to flip the interior and exterior surfaces of the wall. Curtain wall before flipping Curtain wall after flipping (the black surface line is now on top) Wall Panels in Curtain Walls You can change a curtain wall panel to any type of wall.
Page 750 Inserts in masonry wall panels Split Wall Panels with Curtain Grids You can split wall panels by adding curtain grids to the curtain wall. You can also add mullions to the curtain grids on the panel. Split curtain wall panels Curtain Wall as Wall Panel A curtain wall type can be applied to a wall panel, which has the effect of nesting a curtain wall within a curtain wall.
Page 751: Modifying Curtain Walls
Modifying Curtain Walls You can modify the appearance of curtain walls through their properties. Curtain wall properties are modifiable before or after you sketch the walls. In order to specify curtain wall properties, access the Element Properties dialog in one of several ways: Click Modify, select the wall, and click Click Wall, select a curtain wall type, and click Element Properties Dialog...
Page 752 Default curtain wall installation to face of joined wall To separate the join, select the curtain wall join shape handle; press TAB and watch the status bar to be sure you have selected the handle. Drag the handle to separate the curtain wall from the adjoining wall. This does not break the join between the 2 walls.
Page 753 Reshaping Curtain Wall Panels A curtain wall panel may need an opening in it, such as a vent. You can create an opening by editing the panel as an in-place family. 1 Select a curtain wall panel and, on the Options Bar, click Edit. The In-Place Family Editor opens in Revit Architecture.
Page 754: Curtain Systems
2 Add curtain grids. Creating Rectangular Curtain Walls on page 702. 3 Select a curtain grid. 4 On the Options Bar, click Add or Remove Segments. 5 Click on a curtain grid segment to remove it. As you remove segments, adjacent panels join. 6 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Page 755: Creating A Curtain System By Lines
You cannot create a wall or a roof as a curtain system. Creating a Curtain System by Lines When you create a curtain system by lines, you can select the edges of building components (such as 2 floors), or you can draw model lines and select them. 1 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Lines, and sketch 2 lines near one another.
Page 756: Adding Curtain Grids To A Curtain System
Adding Curtain Grids to a Curtain System NOTE This procedure assumes that you have created a curtain system without automatic grid creation. To use automatic grid creation, see Type-Driven Curtain Element Layout on page 705. 1 Click Modelling menu Curtain Grid, or on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Curtain Grid.
Page 757: Corner Mullion Types
Corner Mullion Types Revit Architecture includes 4 types of corner mullions: L Corner Mullion: Panels of curtain walls or sloped glazing meet the ends of the mullion legs. You can specify the length and thickness of the mullion legs in the type properties of the mullion. See Corner Mullion Type Properties on page 726.
Page 758: Curtain Element Properties
If the 2 segments are equal and the join angle is 90 degrees, the mullion is a square: NOTE The quad corner mullion differs from a rectangular non-corner mullion because the curtain panels join at adjacent sides of the quad corner mullion. TIP The offset for corner mullions is relative to the panels.
Page 759 Name Description wall continuous, or it can make mullions on Grid 1 or Grid 2 continuous on a curtain system or sloped glazing. Vertical/Horizontal Grid Pattern Layout Sets an automatic vertical/horizontal layout for curtain grid lines along the length of a curtain wall. When set to a value other than None, Revit Architecture automatically adds vertical/horizontal grid lines to a curtain wall.
Page 760 Name Description Keynote Add or edit the curtain wall keynote. Click in the value box to open the Keynotes dialog. See Keynotes on page 1058. Model The model type for the curtain wall. May not be applicable. Manufacturer Manufacturer for the stair materials. May not be applicable. Type Comments Specific comments on the curtain wall type.
Page 761 Name Description Top is Attached Indicates whether the curtain wall top is attached to another model component, such as a roof or ceiling. This is a read-only value. Room Bounding If selected, the curtain wall is part of a room boundary. If not selected, the curtain wall is not part of a room boundary.
Page 762: Common Mullion Type Properties
Name Description Comments Specific comments about the curtain wall. Mark Sets a label for the curtain wall. This value must be unique for each curtain wall in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but al- lows you to continue using it.
Page 763: Rectangular Mullion Type Properties
Rectangular Mullion Type Properties Name Description Constraints Angle Rotates the mullion profile. Works as an adjustment to the Position parameter. Offset Sets the offset from the panels. Construction Profile Sets a profile for the mullion. You can create a custom profile family. See Profile Families on page 371.
Page 764: Corner Mullion Type Properties
Name Description Description Mullion description. Assembly Description Description of the assembly based on the assembly code selection. Assembly Code Uniformat assembly code selected from a hierarchical list. Type Mark Sets the mullion type mark. Cost The mullion cost. Corner Mullion Type Properties This topic contains information on the properties for L and V corner, trapezoid corner, and quad corner mullions.
Page 765: Mullion Instance Properties
Quad Corner Mullions Name Description Corner Mullion Sets the mullion to corner mullion. This is a read-only value. Depth 2 Length of second leg of mullion. Depth 1 Length of first leg of mullion. Offset Sets the offset from the panels. Thickness Sets the thickness.
Page 766: Adding Model Text
You can add model text in a project view and in the Family Editor for families that can be represented in 3D, such as walls, doors, windows, and furniture. Model text is not available for families that can only be represented as 2D, such as annotations, detail components, and profiles.
Page 767: Editing Model Text
Editing Model Text NOTE Model text saved with a family and then loaded into a project is not editable in the project view. 1 In the drawing area, select the model text. 2 On the Options Bar, click Edit Text. 3 In the Edit Text dialog, make your changes.
Page 768: Model Text Type Properties
Model Text Type Properties Name Description Text Text Font Sets the model text font. Text Size Sets the text size. Bold Sets the typeface to bold. Italic Sets the typeface to italic. Identity Data Keynote Add or edit the model text keynote. Click in the value box to open the Keynotes dialog.
Page 769: Hosted Components
Name Description Text Click Edit to modify the text. Horizontal Align Sets the justification of the text when there are multiple lines. Lines justify to each other. Materials and Finishes Material Sets the text material. Dimensions Depth Sets the depth of the typeface. Identity Data Comments Specific comments about the model text.
Page 770: Doors
Doors You add doors to walls in a plan, elevation, or 3D view. You can place a door on any type of wall, including arc walls, in-place walls, and face-based walls (for example, a sloped wall). Revit Architecture automatically cuts the opening and places the door in the wall. To add a door to a curtain wall, select a panel of the curtain wall and use the Type Selector to change it to a wall.
Page 771: Adding Doors
Door layout in plan Adding Doors 1 Click Modelling menu Door, or on the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Door. 2 In the Type Selector, select the door type. NOTE At this point you can load additional door types, if necessary. On the Options Bar, click Load, and navigate to the family file.
Page 772: Door Tags
Door Tags Door tags are displayed only if the entire door is visible. If the door is partially obscured, the door tag is not visible. As you place doors of the same type, the door number in the tag increases. This also applies if you copy and paste doors;...
Page 773 4 Click OK. Door Type Properties Name Description Construction Wall Closure The layer wrapping around the door. It overrides any settings in the host. Construction Type The type of construction for the door. Materials and Finishes Door Material The material for the door (for example, metal or wood) Frame Material The material for the door frame.
Page 774 Name Description Sets a link to a manufacturer web page. Description Provides a description for the door. Assembly Description Description of the assembly based on the assembly code selection. Assembly Code Uniformat assembly code selected from hierarchical list. Type Mark A value to designate the particular door.
Page 775: Windows
Name Description Identity Data Comments Specific comments related to the door that are not already covered in the description or type comments. Mark Applies a door number to any door for reference purposes. This value must be unique for each door in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it.
Page 776: Adding Windows
After placement, you can move windows from their current host to another host. For more information, Rehosting on page 747. Adding Windows 1 Click Modelling menu Window, or on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Window. 2 In the Type Selector, select the window type. NOTE At this point you can load additional window types, if necessary.
Page 777: Modifying The Window Position
If the desired window type does not appear in the list, you can load additional window types. On the Options Bar, click Load, and navigate to the family file that contains the desired window type. Modifying the Window Position 1 In a plan view, select the window. 2 Right-click to open the shortcut menu.
Page 778 Name Description Construction Type Materials and Finishes Glass Pane Material The material for the glass panes in the window. Sash Material The material for the window sash. Dimensions Height The height of the opening of the window. Default Sill Height The height of the bottom of the window above the level.
Page 779: Model Lines
Name Description Cost Cost of the window. IFC Parameters Operation The operation of the window, as defined by the current IFC description (for example, single_panel or triple_panel_horizontal). These values are case-insensitive, and un- derscores are optional. (SINGLE_PANEL and SinglePanel are the same.) Window Instance Properties Name Description...
Page 780: Adding Model Lines
You can sketch straight, curved, arc, circular, fillet, and tangent lines. For descriptions of the sketch tools, Sketching on page 251. NOTE If you want to draw lines that exist only in the view that they are drawn, see Detail Lines on page 1094.
Page 781: Modifying Lines
Modifying Lines Revit Architecture allows you to change the look and appearance of lines before or after you sketch them. You set line properties in the Element Properties dialog. See Model Line Properties on page 744. To set properties before creating a line, on the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Lines, and then click To set properties after creating a line, on the Design Bar click Modify, select the line, and click For more information about sketching lines, see Model Lines...
Page 782: Model Line Properties
2 On the Options Bar, click: Add Control to add a control point to the spline. Place the cursor over a spline chord and watch the status bar. When it says Reference, click to place a control. A control point is added to the center of the chord. Delete Control to delete a spline control point.
Page 783 Name Description Identity Data Design Option If design options have been created, this property indicates the design option the element exists in. For more information on design options, see Design Options page 1237. Phasing Phase Created The phase when the line was created. Phase Demolished The phase when the line was demolished.
Page 784: Components
Name Description Phase Demolished The phase when the line was demolished. Components Use the Component command to insert free-standing components, such as furniture, site components, and plumbing supplies, into a project. Several components are already defined. To create more, define them in the Family Editor. See Family Editor Basics on page 341.
Page 785: Work Plane-Based And Face-Based Component Placement Options
NOTE When you select the Moves With Nearby Elements option, the component moves with the element. For example, if you place a bed next to a wall and then move the wall, the bed moves with the wall. Revit Architecture determines which element the component is locked to; you do not have explicit control.
Page 786: Rehosting Level-Based Components
To rehost work plane-based and face-based elements and components 1 Select a work plane-based or face-based element or component. 2 On the Options bar, click Rehost. Alternatively, on the Options Bar, click Edit Work Plane. On the Work Plane dialog, click Pick a New Host.
Page 787: Materials In Compound Geometry
You can represent each layer by setting the layer's material, thickness, and function. You typically see compound geometry in floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, and sections. They display in hidden line and wireframe views. See Hidden Line Model Graphics Style on page 202 and Wireframe Model Graphics Style on page 201.
Page 788 the vertical wall. Note that the insulation in the horizontal wall does not pass through the air space in the vertical wall, because they are both Priority 3 and are outside the core layer. When layers join, the join cleans up if the 2 layers have the same material. If the 2 layers have different materials, a line appears at the join.
Page 789: Inserting Layers Into A Compound Structure
Layer Functions Layers can be assigned the following functions: Structure [1]: Layer that supports the remainder of the wall, floor, or roof. Substrate [2]: Material, such as plywood or gypsum board, which acts as a foundation for another material. Thermal/Air Layer [3]: Provides insulation and prevents air penetration. Membrane Layer: A membrane that commonly prevents water vapor penetration.
Page 790: Setting Layer Wrapping
Exterior wrapping at a wall's end caps Interior wrapping at the end caps Wrapping Around Complex Inserts Layers can wrap around complex inserts, such as windows with non-rectangular shapes. Interior wrapping at window insert Setting Layer Wrapping You can set layer wrapping using the type properties of the wall or by editing its structure. To set layer wrapping using type properties 1 Select a compound wall, and click 2 Click Edit/New.
Page 791: Layers As References
Layers as References You can select a layer to be a reference point for dimensioning or alignment. Place the cursor on the layer line to use as a reference. Press TAB to select the layer. By default, each compound component type has 2 layers called Core Boundary. These layers are not modifiable, and they have no thickness.
Page 792: Uniformat Assembly Codes
Compound wall after flipping (the first and last layers have changed position) position. Uniformat Assembly Codes You can assign a Uniformat assembly code and description in the Type properties of all model elements. When you click the Assembly code value, a button appears. Click it, and a dialog appears containing a hierarchical list of Uniformat codes assigned by R.S.
Page 793: Chapter 12 Working With Structural Components
Working with Structural Components This section contains information about the various structural tools and elements within Revit Architecture. Structural Columns Structural columns are used to model vertical load bearing elements in a building. Although structural columns share many of the same properties as architectural columns, structural columns have additional properties defined by their configuration and industry standards.
Page 794: Creating Structural Columns
Structural elements such as beams, braces, and isolated foundations join to structural columns; they do not join to architectural columns. Creating Structural Columns Typically, drawings or models received from an architect may contain a grid and architectural columns. You create structural columns by manually placing each column or by using the By Grid tool to add a column to selected grid intersections.
Page 795: Placing A Structural Column
Sample grid for placing structural elements The grid lines also provide vertical planes for braces. Add a grid by clicking Grid on the Structural tab of the Design Bar. You can place structural columns that attach to other structural elements. For more information, see Attaching Columns on page 692.
Page 796 7 In the Constraint list to the right of the Height/Depth selection, specify the constraint of the top or base of the column by Level or select Unconnected. If you select Unconnected, enter the Height or Depth measurement in the text box to the right of the Constraint list.
Page 797: Placing Multiple Columns By Grid
Rotating a column Placing Multiple Columns by Grid 1 Click (Grid Intersection) on the Options Bar. 2 Select multiple grid intersections. For more information, see Selecting Elements on page 269. Placing columns by grid NOTE A column will be placed at every intersection of selected grid lines, according to the properties set on the Options Bar.
Page 798: Adding Structural Columns Inside Architectural Columns
Adding Structural Columns inside Architectural Columns To add structural columns inside architectural columns 1 Make sure the Structural Column command is still active. Click (Architecural Column) on the Options Bar. 2 Either select individual architectural columns or drag a pick box over architectural columns in the view to select multiple columns.
Page 799: Modifying Structural Columns
Modifying Structural Columns You can align, move, and copy structural columns using common Revit Architecture tools. Related topics Moving Elements on page 300 Copying Elements on page 319 Modifying Elements with Tools on page 325 Locking Columns to a Grid on page 761 Locking Columns to a Grid You can constrain the current position of the column to a grid.
Page 800: Structural Column Type Properties - Steel
NOTE Changes made to type parameters affect all structural columns of this type in the project. Click Duplicate to create a new structural column type. 4 When you are finished, click OK. Structural Column Type Properties - Steel Properties will vary depending on the column families that are specified during the installation process. The following type properties apply to the steel column families that load during a typical installation: Name Description...
Page 801: Structural Column Type Properties - Concrete
Name Description Description User can enter a description of the column here. Assembly Description Description of the assembly based on the assembly code selection, a read-only parameter. Type Mark A value that designates the particular beam; possibly the shop mark. This value must be unique for each element in a project.
Page 802: Structural Column Instance Properties
Name Description Type Mark A value that designates the particular beam; possibly the shop mark. This value must be unique for each element in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings command.
Page 803 Name Description Rebar Cover - Top Face Applies to concrete columns only. Sets the rebar cover distance from the column top face. Rebar Cover - Bottom Face Applies to concrete columns only. Sets the rebar cover distance from the column bottom face.
Page 804: Openings In A Structural Beam, Brace, Or Structural Column
Name Description Top My Rotational release at the top end of the column along the y-axis. Top Mz Rotational release at the top end of the column along the z-axis. Bottom Release Either fixed, Pinned, Bending Moment or User-Defined. User-Defined allows you to enable/disable each of the bottom release conditions.
Page 805 Two perpendicular planes for openings are provided by each beam, brace, or column. These planes align with the major and minor axis of the member. NOTE Curved beams are not valid hosts for beam openings. To cut an opening in a structural beam, brace, or structural column 1 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Opening Opening by Face.
Page 806: Beams
When you sketch an opening for a structural beam, brace, or structural column using the rectangle option, you can specify a radius, which allows you to sketch rectangles with fillets. This helps to avoid sharp corners on the opening that can concentrate stresses. Beam opening with radius For more information, see Sketching...
Page 807 Sample beams You can attach beams to any structural element, including structural walls, in your project. The beams join to structural bearing walls when the Structural Usage property of the wall is set either to Bearing or to Structural Combined. Beams attached to structural walls To draw beams between two points 1 Click to specify the start point.
Page 808: Structural Usage Of Beams
Beam between points To draw a beam to a specified length 1 Click to specify the start point. 2 Use the mouse to sketch the beam, moving the cursor toward the end point. 3 Type a length. A text box will appear to show your entry. 4 Click to specify the endpoint.
Page 809: Beam Tips
Structural usage can be changed before or after the beam is placed. Use the Object Styles dialog to change the structural usage. For more information, see Object Styles on page 484. THe structural usage parameter can be included in a structural framing schedule, allowing quantity calculation of girders, joists, purlins, and horizontal bracing.
Page 810: Creating Beams
Creating Beams You should add grids and columns before creating beams. When adding a beam to a plan view, you must set the bottom clip plane below the current level; otherwise, the beam is not visible in the view. Add beams using one of the following methods: Sketch individual beams.
Page 811: Using The Grid Tool To Place Beams
Using the Grid Tool to Place Beams You can use the Grid option to select grid lines to place beams automatically between other structural elements (columns, structural walls, and other beams). For example, you might have two structural columns located on a grid line. Beams are also added between columns and structural walls. To place beams using the grid tool 1 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Beam.
Page 812 3 On the Options Bar, click In the image below, you can see assorted columns, a beam, and structural walls in a plan and 3D view. In this case, you can use the Grid tool to add the majority of the beams automatically. 4 Select a grid line along which you want to place a beam.
Page 813: Sketching Beams With The Chain Option
In the image below, notice how the beams were added between all columns, walls, and other supporting beams. The pre-existing beam was not cut by the beam perpendicular to it. When Revit Architecture places beams along a grid line, it uses the following conditions: All the possible supports that intersect the grid line, such as columns, walls, or beams, are scanned.
Page 814: Sloped Beam Modeling
Sketching beams using the chain option Sloped Beam Modeling If your project contains complex sloped members for which you need to add beams, you can match beams to uneven columns, roofs, slabs, or walls using the following procedure. To adjust sloped beams 1 Select a beam that is connected to 2 structural members or warped model objects at different heights.
Page 815: Editing Beams
3 Click any structural element to specify the start point for the beam. NOTE With 3D Snapping enabled, you can choose the exact end point of any structural element regardless of the plane of the end point. 4 Click another structural element to specify the end point for the beam. Editing Beams You can edit any beam after it is placed within a project.
Page 816 NOTE Moving beam handles changes cope length. Beam and column in plan with a beam handle at the column center Columns have an invisible bounding box that controls the beam handle location. The following illustration shows an example of a beam that is not centered on a column. The beam handle of the beam in the illustration remains within a virtual bounding box.
Page 817 However, if the column is moved out of its bounding box, the beam handles are centered on the column center. The following illustration presents a section view of a beam that is attached to a wall. The beam handle is visible at the top center of the wall.
Page 818: Changing Beam Geometry Using Shape Handles
The beam is constrained by level. As a result, beam attachment can be changed in a horizontal direction only. Changing Beam Geometry Using Shape Handles The shape handle of a beam is used to change beam geometry. Shape handles display as small, filled back-to-back triangles at each beam end when the beam is selected in the drawing area.
Page 819 Beam and column in a plan with the shape handles displayed You can adjust the endpoint location of a beam using shape handles. This lengthens or shortens the beam. The other end of the beam remains fixed. Shape handles change geometry along the axis of the component. To move a beam out of its original axis, click and drag the beam into a new position.
Page 820: Beam Cutback
Moment Symbols The moment parameters of a beam (Connection Start or Connection End) enable the display of moment frame or cantilever connection symbols. These parameters refer to the applicable beam endpoint. The available options for these parameters are: None, Moment Frame, or Cantilever Moment. To display a moment symbol 1 Right-click on a beam, and select Properties.
Page 821 The shortest beam in a join extends to the furthest boundary of all joined beams. All other beams cutback. Beam to Beam on page 787. Coarse level of detail (symbolic) Medium/Fine level of detail (physical geometry) Beam into which others are framed Cutback Cutback beam Beam end if cutback...
Page 822: End Join Types
These global parameters adjust the structural symbolic lines used in coarse level of detail views. Changes apply to all beams, trusses, braces, and columns. Instance (Medium/Fine Level of Detail) Cutback Set default cutback settings for beam instances with the Element Properties dialog. 1 On the Design Bar, click Modify.
Page 823: Miter Joins
Square-off Joins In square-off joins, the ends of beams and braces maintain a plane perpendicular to the centerline of the element. The beam into which others frame does not cutback while its connecting beams cutback as warranted. This beam will cutback from a neighboring beam. When cutback, a beam will adjust in a way that prevents it from being closer to any other beam participating in the join by a distance equalling the cutback.
Page 824 Coarse level of detail (symbolic) Medium/Fine level of detail (physical geometry) The two beams must be co-planar to create a miter join. They must also be of the same family type. Any other beams that share the join will cutback accordingly. Beams in a co-planar join share the same plane and have unadjusted cross-sectional rotation parameters.
Page 825: Cutback Instances
Cutback Instances When working with cutbacks in Revit Architecture, there are several instances that have specific requirements and properties. Beam to Beam Setback and cutback apply when connecting beams. Beams connect at their endpoints and multiple beams can connect to one endpoint. An end join connection is achieved when two or more endpoints snap together or when the endpoint of beam is an origin point when you draw another beam.
Page 826 Beam to Column Setback and cutback apply when connecting beams to structural columns. The beams are independent of one another, are only associated with the common column, and will cutback from the column accordingly. The column, including its bounding box, must have overlapping geometry with the beams of the join for the beams to cutback.
Page 827 Beam to Wall Setback and cutback apply when connecting beams to structural walls. The beams are independent of one another, are only associated with the common wall, and will cutback from the wall accordingly. Recessing the beam into a beam pocket is possible by removing the cutback with the beam join editor. Cutback Beam to Wall Join Non-cutback Beam to Wall Join Joining a beam to a wall is achieved by drawing a beam and attaching one of its endpoints to the center of...
Page 828: The Beam Join Editor
The Beam Join Editor With the Beam Join Editor you remove or apply the visible cutback as it displays in your project. Accessing the Beam Join Editor NOTE The longer beam is cutback from the shorter beam by default. 790 | Chapter 12 Working with Structural Components...
Page 829 Launch the beam join editor by clicking on the Tools toolbar (for editing all joins), or selecting Tools Edit Beam Joins (for editing all joins) from the menu, or right clicking an endpoint and selecting Edit Beam Join (for editing the individual join). The editing mode activates showing cutback arrow controls at the end join of beams.
Page 830: Creating A Miter Join
Creating a Miter Join Miter joins are created by removing the cutback from two end joined beams. To create the miter join, click the appropriate arrow controls to remove the cutback from both beams. NOTE Remember, that a miter join is only available to co-planar beams of the same family and type without cross-sectional rotation.
Page 831: Beam Tags
Unlocked miter joins Locked miter joins Beam Tags Beam tagging is an integral part of a structural framing plan. Designing a structure requires labeling from the simple to the complex. Revit Architecture Beam tags provide for this informational labeling. Structural Framing Tag Families The structural framing tag family annotates beams.
Page 832 Rotate with component: When checked, the tag rotates with its beam. When unchecked, the tag orients itself with respect to the view frame. Attachment Point: Defines the initial location of the tag along a beam (start, middle, or end) and is the point the tag tracks as the beam is lengthened and shortened.
Page 833: Beam Annotations Tool
Beam Annotations Tool The Beam Annotations tool allows you to place multiple beam tags, annotations, and spot elevations on selected beams or all beams in the current view. It is only available when working in a structural plan or ceiling plan view. Structural Framing Tags that are set to Rotate with Component must be loaded for the dialog to launch.
Page 834 The Horizontal End Offset and Vertical Offset adjust the distance of tags and spot elevations from their attachment points (see Structural Framing Tag Families on page 793) by the entered measurement. This measurement is representative of the drawing scale and its default is 0" horizontally and 3/8” vertically. Annotation Location and Type The lower section of the Beam Annotations tool defines the annotation types and locations specific to level and sloped beams.
Page 835 Annotation Location: At the center of the tabbed page is an image of a beam surrounded by six text fields. The fields represent the locations of the tags as they appear around the beam. The buttons open the Select Annotation Type dialog which defines and edits the tag. None: Tags do not track any particular point on the beam.
Page 836 Structural Framing Tags Structural Framing Tags This selection enables a pull down menu of available structural family tags specific to the selected location along the beam. Specific family parameters determine which tags display. Qualifying framing tags must have the following parameters (see Structural Framing Tag Families on page 793) to be a viable annotations type: Rotate with component is enabled.
Page 837 Structural framing tags with attachment points of <None> are available to only the Middle location settings provided they rotate with component. These specifications also apply to the <Load Structural Framing Tag> option which opens the Load Family dialog (see Loading Families on page 352).
Page 838 Spot Elevations This tool allows the placement of Spot Elevations when the type parameter Rotate with Component is selected. This is similar to tags in that they are filtered by this parameter. Beam Elevation (Project) calculates elevation from the lowest level of the project. Create/modify types gives you the option of creating a custom spot elevation.
Page 839 Actual (Selected) Elevation NOTE Actual (Selected) Elevation tags the elevation of the location line, not the beam geometry. Bottom Elevation Top & Bottom Elevations Top Elevation The final option available in the Select Annotation Type dialog for spot elevations is a filter for defined elevations.
Page 840: Beam Properties
Checking the box enables a filter which prevents spot elevations from being created if it equals the entered value. The default setting is 0 units as defined by the project. Beam Properties Several properties for beams, including work plane, materials, and angle, are accessible in the Element Properties dialog.
Page 841: Beam Type Properties - Concrete
Name Description Web thickness. Identity Data Assembly Code Uniformat assembly code selected from hierarchical list. Keynote The beam keynote. Add or edit the value. Click in the value box to open the Keynotes dialog. See Keynotes on page 1058. Model The manufacturer internal number.
Page 842: Beam Instance Properties
Name Description Keynote The beam keynote. Add or edit the value. Click in the value box to open the Keynotes dialog. See Keynotes on page 1058. Model The manufacturer internal number. Manufacturer The shape manufacturer. Type Comments A field for entering general comments about the shape type. This information can be included in a schedule.
Page 843 Name Description z-Direction Offset Value The numeric value that offsets the geometry. Lateral Justification The location of the physical geometry (in plan) with respect to the location line. Either Side 1, Side 2 and Center. Read-only when pinned. Orientation The beam orientation to the current plane on which elements are placed. This is a read-only value.
Page 844 Name Description Estimated Reinforcement Volume Specifies the estimated reinforcement volume of the selected element. This is a read-only parameter that only displays when rebar has been placed. Camber Size Applies to steel beams only. The beam camber. Number of Studs Applies to steel beams only.
Page 845: Beam Systems
Name Description Start Mz Rotational release at the start end of the beam along the z-axis. End Release End release conditions. Either Fixed, Pinned, Bending Moment, or User Defined. User Defined allows you to enable/disable each of the end release conditions.
Page 846: Creating A One-Click Beam System
The Option Bar provides the beam system parameters for both creation methods, such as beam type, justification, and layout requirements. For more information, see Beam System Layout Rules and Patterns on page 817. Beam system parameters adapt to changes in the design. If a column is relocated, the beam system parameters adapt to the changes automatically.
Page 847: Creating A Structural Beam System
5 Move your cursor to the structural members where you would like to add the beam system and click to add it. One-click beam system creation NOTE The beam system will align its direction based up the structural member you click nearest. In the example shown above, you should not Add a beam system that spans multiple quadrants.
Page 848: Defining The Boundary Of A Structural Beam System
Defining the Boundary of a Structural Beam System To define the boundary of a structural beam system, you can pick the structural supporting elements that exist on the edge of the proposed beam system, or you can use the drawing tools to sketch the lines. Of the two methods, you should try to use the Pick Supports tool whenever possible.
Page 849 1 Click Modelling menu Structural Beam System, or on the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Beam System. 2 On the Options Bar, click Sketch. 3 On the Design Bar, click Pick Supports. TIP When picking supports, the first support you pick specifies the beam direction. The beams within the beam system will be parallel to this beam.
Page 850 After specifying the beam system boundary, you can Modify the Beam direction if necessary. For more information, see Specifying Beam Direction in a Beam System on page 816. Modify beam system properties if necessary. See Modifying Beam System Properties on page 825.
Page 851 Sketched beam system boundary with lines locked to supports RELATED For more information, see Sketching on page 251. After specifying the beam system boundary, you can Modify the Beam direction if necessary. For more information, see Specifying Beam Direction in a Beam System on page 816.
Page 852 Creating Beam Systems for Non-Identical Boundaries When creating a beam system, if both areas are not identical in shape and supports, then the pasted beam system area may not attach to supports as expected. In such a case, you may need to modify the beam system.
Page 853 To cut an opening in a beam system 1 Select the beam system, and on the Options Bar, click Edit. Sketch mode is active. 2 On the Design Bar, click Lines. Define the boundary of the opening. 3 Using the sketching tools available on the Options Bar, sketch a complete loop within the beam system boundary.
Page 854: Specifying Beam Direction In A Beam System
Specifying Beam Direction in a Beam System When sketching a beam system boundary, you can specify the beam direction within the structural beam system. All beams within the beam system will be parallel to the boundary line you select. NOTE Walls and beams curved in plan view cannot be used to define the direction of a beam system. To specify beam direction: 1 If you are not already in sketch mode for the beam system, select the beam system, and on the Options Bar, click Edit.
Page 855: Beam System Layout Rules And Patterns
Beam System Layout Rules and Patterns You can specify the beam system layout properties: number of beams, justification, beam type, spacing, layout rule, and slope. You can specify these values either when you create the beam system or modify them afterwards.
Page 856: Creating A Cantilevered Beam System
NOTE This is the same list available in the Type Selector. If the beam you require is not listed in the beam system creation tool, load the beam into the project before specifying the beam type within the beam system. Creating a Cantilevered Beam System You can use the beam system family to create various beam systems for bays of varying geometry, including arced, polygonal, and cantilevered.
Page 857: Creating A 3D Beam System
Finished cantilevered beam system Creating a 3D Beam System You can create non-planar beam systems in which the elevation of a beam is defined by its sketch lines. 3D beam system Note that sketched beam lines Can only define slope when they are created using the Pick Supports tool. That have a beam as their support always define slope.
Page 858: Adding A 3D Beam System
The elevation of the end of a beam in a beam system is determined as follows: If the end of the beam connects to a sketch line that defines slope, the beam is connected to the top of the associated support. Define slope If the sketch line does not define slope, then the end of the beam is elevated to a plane defined by the end points of the two nearest sketch lines that do define slope.
Page 859: Tagging Beam Systems
4 Click OK. Tagging Beam Systems You can tag the beam system and place them perpendicular to the beam system. To tag a beam system 1 Load a beam system tag into the project. There is a default beam system tag family called Structural Beam System Tag.rfa that installs with Revit Architecture.
Page 860 Select one of the three following options to tag beam systems on placement. No Tags. Deselect the tag check box to disable tagging on placement. Framing Tags. Select the Tag checkbox. Select Framing from the tag drop down list to display tags on individual beams within the beam system.
Page 861: Resetting Structural Beam Systems
Resetting Structural Beam Systems The Reset Structural Beam System tool recreates a beam system using the original beam system parameters. This tool can be used to undo changes to properties of individual beams in the system. After the beam system is reset, all beams in the system will have uniform parameters and be in the default locations.
Page 862 Beam system with changes Using the Reset Structural Beam System tool 1 In the drawing area, click on the beam system you want to reset. 2 On the Options Bar, click Edit. 3 On the Design Bar, click Reset structural beam system 4 Click Finish Sketch.
Page 863: Modifying A Beam System
Modifying a Beam System To edit a beam system 1 Select the beam system. 2 On the Options Bar, click Edit. 3 Make any necessary changes, and click Finish Sketch. Modifying Beam System Properties You can modify many of the properties for beam systems. To modify beam system properties 1 If you are in sketch mode, on the Design Bar, click Structural Beam System Properties.
Page 864: Beam System Instance Properties
Name Description Type Mark A value that designates the particular beam; possibly the shop mark. This value must be unique for each element in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings command.
Page 865: Braces
Name Description Comments User comments. Mark A label created for the beam system. This value must be unique for each element in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings command.
Page 866: Loading Structural Braces
Typical brace Loading Structural Braces You can load structural braces in several ways: To load braces from the File menu: 1 Click File menu Load from Library Load Family. 2 In the Open dialog, navigate to either the imperial or metric library, and open the Structural Framing folder.
Page 867: Adding Structural Braces
Family dialog box To load braces from the Options Bar: 1 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Brace. 2 On the Options Bar, click Load. 3 In the Open dialog, navigate to either the imperial or metric library, and open the Structural Framing folder.
Page 868 3 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Brace. 4 From the Type Selector, select the appropriate brace. Click to edit the properties of the brace before adding the brace to your model. 5 Place the cursor in the drawing area, and highlight the snapping point where you want to begin the brace, such as on a structural column.
Page 869: Modifying Braces
Modifying Braces Controlling Brace Attachments After adding a brace element, you can modify the brace Properties to control how the brace maintains position along a beam. Each brace endpoint can be maintained positionally with a beam by either a Distance or a length Ratio from the beam end points.
Page 870: Brace Properties
Ratio: If the brace start point is placed on a beam, this value specifies the percentage along the beam where the start point is placed. For example, 0.5 would place the start point half way between each end of the attached beam. After selecting either option, enter a value for Start Attachment Ratio Property.
Page 871 Name Description Shape Defines the shape of the selected type. Applies to HSS family type only. The nominal weight. Dimensions The flange height. Applies to HSS family type only. The flange width. Applies to HSS family type only. The kr distance. Applies to HSS family type only. The flange thickness.
Page 872: Steel Brace Instance Properties (When Attached To A Beam)
Name Description Type Mark A value that specifies the particular brace; possibly the shop mark. This value must be unique for each brace in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings command.
Page 873 Name Description Start Attachment Elevation Distance from, or Ratio (percentage) of separation of brace start end to a designated beam end. Applies to the brace end attached to the beam. End Attachment Type Distance of separation of brace finish end to a designated beam end. Applies to the brace end attached to the beam.
Page 874: Brace Instance Properties
Name Description Start Mx The rotational release at the start end of the brace along the local x-axis. Start My The rotational release at the start end of the brace along the local y-axis. Start Mz The rotational release at the start end of the brace along the local z-axis. End Release Fixed, Pinned, Bending Moment or User Defined.
Page 875 Name Description End Extension The dimension between the edge of the finish end of the brace and the ele- ment to which it is connected. Materials and Finishes Brace Material The user defined structural material. See Material Physical Type Parameters on page 480.
Page 876 Name Description Volume The volume of the selected brace element. This is a read-only value. Identity Data Comments User comments. Mark A label created for the brace. Possible use: shop mark. This value must be unique for each brace in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it.
Page 877: Structural Walls
Name Description End Mx The rotational release at the end of the brace along the local x-axis. End My The rotational release at the end of the brace along the local y-axis. End Mz The rotational release at the end of the brace along the local z-axis. Analyze As Used by external analysis applications to determine whether brace conditions contribute to lateral analysis.
Page 878: Creating A Structural Wall
You can change this parameter at any time by modifying the instance parameters of the Wall Family Type. The Structural Usage options are used for the following: Shear Used for rigid planar surfaces that inherently resist lateral thrusts of shear Bearing Walls that support a vertical load in addition to their own weight Non Bearing...
Page 879: Modifying Structural Walls
Creating a structural wall chain Sketch the wall 6 Sketch the shape of the wall. If the walls do not appear after you draw them, you may need to lower the view depth or create a foundation level to use as an underlay for the current level. See View Range on page 198 and View Properties...
Page 880: Defining Structural Wall Shapes Or Openings
Interior and Exterior Structural Wall Properties The properties of a wall vary, depending on whether it is an interior or an exterior wall. In addition, when you modify type properties, all walls of that type are modified. When you modify instance properties, the properties of a single instance of a wall are modified.
Page 881 Split the existing lines and add arcs. Draw openings or holes. Wall modified TIP As you edit the rectangle, datum planes appear to indicate the original shape and size of the wall. If the lines you sketch snap to the datum planes, the endpoints of the lines automatically align to the planes, unless you explicitly unlock them.
Page 882: Arc Walls
Tips for Defining Structural Wall Shapes or Openings When you define a wall shape on a wall that is not horizontal or vertical in a plan view, you should draw a section parallel to the wall before going in the elevation sketch mode. The Go To View dialog displays. Revit Architecture suggests the section view as the optimal view for editing the sketch.
Page 883: Structural Wall Properties
2 Drag the end controls to change the arc length. 3 To change the arc radius while keeping it concentric, click Changing radius keeps concentric on the Options Bar. Leave this option deselected to retain existing end conditions, such as end point location or tangency to a straight wall.
Page 884: Structural Wall Type Properties
Structural Wall Type Properties Name Description Construction Structure Specifies a wall layer. Select the Edit button to add, change, or delete a wall layer. Wrapping at Inserts Specifies the layer wrapping of walls at inserts. See Layer Wrapping on page 751. Wrapping at Ends Specifies the layer wrapping of wall end caps.
Page 885: Structural Wall Instance Properties
Name Description Description A description of the wall. Assembly Description A description of the assembly based on the assembly code selection. This is a read- only value. Assembly Code A uniformat assembly code selected from a hierarchical list. Type Mark A value that designates the particular wall.
Page 886 Name Description Top is Attached Indicates whether the top of the wall is attached to another component, such as a slab. This is a read-only value. Top Extension Distance Indicates the distance you have moved the top of the layers in a wall. See Compound Structure on page 748.
Page 887: Wall Foundations
Name Description Phase Demolished Indicates in which phase the wall component was demolished. See Project Phasing on page 1263. Analytical Model Enable Analytical Model Toggles the visibility of the wall analytical model. Horizontal Projection The horizontal plane of the wall used for analysis and design. Top Vertical Projection The top vertical plane of the wall used for analysis and design.
Page 888 Select the wall 3 Optionally, use Join Geometry to join wall foundations with isolated foundations or with other wall foundations. For more information about the Join Geometry command, see Joining Geometry on page 334. 4 Optionally, select a foundation, and access its type properties. You can specify Structural Usage (either Retaining or Bearing).
Page 889 Structural usage - bearing Wall foundations prior to use of join geometry Wall foundations after use of join geometry The Bottom Elevation of structural foundations (footings) is reported in a read-only instance parameter called Elevation at Bottom. You can then display this value in a view by tagging the foundation with the Structural Foundation Tag with Elevation tag.
Page 890: Modifying Wall Foundations
Modifying Wall Foundations You can edit the lengths of wall foundations with end controls. They display as small filled circles that indicate where the end of the selected wall foundation is attached. End controls will snap to other visible references. You can also use the end controls to resize the footing beyond its wall when necessary.
Page 891 Drag either end of the foundation as needed. The wall foundation will not scale in length. Only the end being dragged will extend. Extending a footing to accommodate a run of stairs. Modifying Wall Foundations | 853...
Page 892: Default End Extensions
Default End Extensions You can set the default extension length of wall foundations in your project. This is set in the Wall Foundation Type Properties. See Wall Foundation Type Properties - Retaining on page 855 and Wall Foundation Type Properties - Bearing on page 856.
Page 893: Wall Foundation Properties
Wall Foundation Properties There are two types of wall foundations for structural use: bearing and retaining. You can modify the properties for both types, including heel length, toe length, foundation thickness, and width. Modifying Wall Foundation Properties 1 Select the wall foundation, and click 2 In the Element Properties dialog, edit wall foundation instance parameters.
Page 894: Wall Foundation Type Properties - Bearing
Name Description Manufacturer The foundation manufacturer. Type Comments A field for placing general comments about the foundation type. This information can be included in a schedule. A link to a web page that may contain type-specific information. Description Enter an optional description of the wall foundation. Assembly description Describes the assembly, based on the assembly code selection.
Page 895: Wall Foundation Instance Properties - Retaining
Name Description Identity Data Model The manufacturer internal number. Manufacturer The foundation manufacturer. Type Comments A field for entering general comments about the foundation type. This information can be included in a schedule. A link to a web page that may contain type-specific information. Description Enter an optional description of the wall foundation.
Page 896: Wall Foundation Instance Properties - Bearing
Name Description Volume Indicates the volume of the foundation. This is a read-only parameter. Elevation at Bottom Elevation at the bottom of the retaining wall. This is a read-only parameter. Identity Data Comments A field for placing general comments about the foundation type. Mark A label created for the foundation.
Page 897: Isolated Foundations
Name Description Estimated Reinforcement Volume Specifies the estimated reinforcement volume of the selected element. This is a read-only parameter that only displays when rebar has been placed. Dimensions Length Indicates the overall length. This is a read-only parameter. Width Indicates the overall width. This is a read-only parameter. Volume Indicates the Volume of the foundation.
Page 898 Pile caps with multiple piles Rectangular and triangular pile caps 860 | Chapter 12 Working with Structural Components...
Page 899: Adding Isolated Foundations
HP shaped and pipe piles Adding Isolated Foundations You can load isolated foundations. Use the Load from Library Load Family command. Isolated foundations are in the Structural/Foundations folder of the family library. 1 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Foundation Isolated 2 Place the isolated foundation in either a plan or 3D view.
Page 900: Isolated Foundation Properties
Isolated Foundation Properties You can use several standard types of isolated foundations: either Rectangular Footings, Concrete Pile-Caps, or Steel Pipe Piles. Modifying Isolated Foundation Properties You can edit isolated foundation properties, such as those indicating structure, dimension, and identity. To edit isolated foundation properties 1 Select the isolated foundation, and click 2 In the Element Properties dialog, edit isolated foundation instance parameters as required.
Page 901: Isolated Foundation Instance Properties
Name Description A link to a web page that may contain type-specific information. Description Enter an optional description of the wall foundation. Assembly Description Describes the assembly based on the assembly code selection. This is a read-only parameter. Type Mark A value that designates the specific foundation.
Page 902: Structural Slabs
Name Description Elevation at Bottom The elevation at the bottom of the element. Identity Data Comments A field for entering comments about the wall. Mark A label created for the element. This value must be unique for each element in a project.
Page 903: Adding A Slab Or Deck
Typical structural slabs To add a slab, see Floors on page 641. To create or edit ramps, see Sloped Floors on page 643. To create or edit slab edges, thickened slabs, or drop panels, see Slab Edges on page 644 and Ramps page 676.
Page 904 4 Click Pick Walls, and select the walls in your model. 5 Click check Extend into wall if you want the offset to be measured from the wall's core. 6 Specify an offset for the slab edges by clicking in the Offset text box. NOTE Instead of picking walls you can sketch a slab.
Page 905: Cantilevers
Cantilevers The Slab Cantilever property allows the sketch of the slab both to be constrained to its supports and its edge to be extended beyond them. Cantilevers are applied to slabs, either before or after sketching the slab. Cantilevers are created by adjusting two offset parameters that represent the concrete and steel deck of a slab.
Page 906: Applying Cantilevers To An Existing Slab
Applying Cantilevers to an Existing Slab 1 Select a slab in a plan view. 2 On the Options Bar, click Edit. 3 In sketch mode, select the slab edge that will receive the cantilever. 4 On the Options Bar, enter cantilever offset values for both of the concrete slab and metal deck. NOTE The cantilever is applied only to the specified selected sketch line, not the entire slab.
Page 907: Span Direction
5 Repeat steps 1 through 4 for any slab edge that requires a cantilever. 6 Click NOTE The cantilever offset is applied in relation to the direction that the slab edge was created. This is applicable to line sketching, Pick Supports, or Pick Walls slab creation. In instances where the cantilever appears to be inside the slab: enter sketch mode, select the edge, and adjust the cantilever values to negative numbers.
Page 908: Sloped Slabs
2 On the Toolbar, click Rotate. 3 Click a start angle for the rotation of the span direction. 4 Click an end angle to complete the angle of rotation. The deck is rotated by the angle value that you apply to the span direction component. NOTE You may also add a span direction component to a slab that does not have one.
Page 909: Cutting Openings In Slabs
5 Optionally, specify a level for Level at Head to end the slope arrow above a certain level. For example, the floor sketch is on level 1. You could end the slope arrow on level 2. 6 Click OK. For more information about the Slope Arrow, including its properties, see Roof Slope Arrow page 616.
Page 910: Drop Panels
Typical opening in a slab 1 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Opening Opening By Face. 2 Select a slab. 3 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Lines. 4 On the Options Bar, click as necessary to place lines or arcs.
Page 911 2 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Slab. 3 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Lines, and use the sketching tools to complete a sketch of the drop panel (see Sketching on page 251). The sketch must form a closed loop or boundary condition.
Page 912: Modifying Slabs
8 Click OK. 9 Join the geometry of the elements if necessary. See Joining Geometry on page 334. Modifying Slabs You can modify slabs either by editing slab properties or by directly changing slab geometry in the drawing area. To modify a slab before you add it, you must select the slab type in the type selector. When you activate the Slab command to place slabs, you can select different types of slabs in the Type Selector 874 | Chapter 12 Working with Structural Components...
Page 913: Slab Properties
You specify slab properties in the Element Properties dialog. You can open this dialog in several ways, such as to click Modify, select the slab, and click . See Slab Properties on page 875. Slab properties include the slab thickness and elevation of the slab relative to the associated level. Other available modifications include: Edit the sketch.
Page 914 Name Description Identity Data Keynote Add or edit the floor keynote. Click in the value box to open the Keynotes dialog. Keynotes on page 1058. Model The manufacturer internal number. Manufacturer The slab manufacturer. Type Comments A field for placing general comments about the slab type. This information can be included in a schedule.
Page 915 Name Description Rebar Cover - Bottom Face The rebar cover distance from the slab bottom face. Rebar Cover - Other faces. The rebar cover distance from the slab to an adjacent element face. Estimated Reinforcement Volume Specifies the estimated reinforcement volume of the selected element. This is a read-only parameter that only displays when rebar has been placed.
Page 916: Foundation Slabs
Name Description Structural Usage This is a read-only value. Analytical Model Analytical Projection Plane The plane of the slab used for analysis and design. Foundation Slabs The Foundation Slab type has three more foundation-specific values than a regular slab has. These additional values, which are instance parameters displayed in the Element Properties dialog, are: Width, Length, and Elevation at Bottom.
Page 917: Foundation Slab Properties
Foundation Slab Properties You can specify the Structural Usage parameter of a Foundation slab: either Foundation or Slab on Grade. If set to Foundation, the slab will provide support for other elements connected to it. If set to Slab on Grade, the slab will only support itself.
Page 918 Name Description already used but allows you to continue using it. You can see the warning using the Review Warnings command. See Reviewing Warning Messages on page 1334. Cost The pricing of the slab. Foundation Slab Instance Properties Name Description Constraints Level Specifies the level that the slab is constrained to.
Page 919: Shape Editing For Slabs, Roofs And Floors
Name Description Elevation at Bottom indicates the elevation used for tagging the Bottom of Foundation. This is a read- only parameter. Identity Data Comments A field for placing general comments about the slab. Mark A label created for the slab. Possible use: shop mark. This value must be unique for each element in a project.
Page 920 Shape edit examples Use shape editing tools to slope a constant thickness slab or the top surface of a slab with a variable thickness layer, to model the following: A constant thickness slab or roof supported by sloped non-planar framing. A variable thickness material used to slope the surface of a horizontal plane (for example, tapered insulation).
Page 921: Using The Modify Sub-Elements Tool
(Draw Points) (Draw Split Lines) (Pick Supports) (Reset Shape) NOTE Editing the shape of a slab, roof, or floor with these tools does not affect the shape of its analytical model. A single analytical model face, based on the original top face, remains unchanged. Important Considerations Automatic Split Lines - In order to maintain the accuracy of the slab/roof geometry, split lines are sometimes created automatically.
Page 922: Using The Draw Points Tool
NOTE If you place the cursor over the slab, you can press TAB to pick specific sub-elements. Standard selection methods also apply. See Selecting Multiple Elements on page 270. Dragging a blue arrow moves the point vertically. Dragging a red square (shape handle) moves the point horizontally. 4 Click the text control to enter a precise height value for the selected point or edge.
Page 923 2 On the Options Bar, click (Draw Split Lines tool). 3 Select a vertex, edge, face or point anywhere on the slab to start the split line. NOTE Startpoints and endpoints can be added anywhere on the face of the slab. If your cursor is over a vertex or edge, the editor will snap to 3D vertices and edges and present standard snap controls with temporary dimensions along the edges.
Page 924: Using The Pick Supports Tool
Using the Pick Supports Tool You can use the Pick Supports tool to pick beams to define split lines and create constant bearing lines for the slab. 1 Select the slab, roof, or floor you want to modify. 2 On the Options Bar, click the (Pick Supports tool).
Page 925: Using The Reset Shape Tool
Using the Reset Shape Tool To remove slab shape modifications and reset the element geometry to its original state, click the Reset Shape tool on the Options bar. Deleting Shape Modifiers To delete shape edit elements: 1 Select the modified slab. 2 On the Options Bar, click (Modify Sub-Elements tool).
Page 926: Variable Layer Thickness For Roofs And Slabs
Variable Layer Thickness for Roofs and Slabs The variable layer thickness parameter of roofs and slabs affects the shape editing tools in the following ways: When there is no variable thickness layer, the whole roof or slab slopes and maintains constant thickness between parallel top and bottom faces.
Page 927: Structural Component Tags
Structural Component Tags Structural components can be annotated with tag components as needed. Some structural component instances are annotated by default when they are placed. For example, beam size is displayed when you add a beam to your model. Structural framing tag families are available in the Annotations folder of the Library folder. You have a choice of loading a several different tags, depending upon the component.
Page 928: Loading Structural Families
Loading Structural Families 1 On the File menu, click Load from Library Load Family. 2 Navigate to the directory containing the file you wish to open or use the web-based library of Revit Architecture families. See Opening Files from the Web Library on page 68.
Page 929: Chapter 13 Working With Site Components
Working with Site Components Revit Architecture features several tools to help you lay out a site plan. Site Settings You can modify a project's global site settings at any time. You can define contour line intervals, add user-defined contour lines, and select the section cut material. Defining Site Settings 1 Click Settings menu Site Settings.
Page 930: Site Settings Properties
2 To display contour lines in a site plan, do the following: Select At Intervals Of and enter a value for contour line intervals. This value determines the elevation at which contour lines display. For Passing Through Elevation, enter a value to set the starting elevation for contour lines. By default, Passing Through Elevation is set to zero.
Page 931: Toposurfaces
Name Description Passing Through Elevation Contour intervals are based on this value. For example, if you set the contour interval at 10, contour lines display at -20, -10, 0, 10, 20. If the Passing Through Elevation value is set to 5, lines display at -25, -15, -5, 5, 15, 25. Additional Contours Start Sets the elevation where additional contour lines begin.
Page 932: Creating A Toposurface By Picking Points
Sample topographical surface defined by picking points in a site plan view Creating a Toposurface by Picking Points 1 Open a 3D or site plan view. 2 Click Site menu Toposurface, or on the Site tab of the Design Bar, click Toposurface. Revit Architecture enters Sketch mode.
Page 933: Creating A Toposurface From A Points File
3 On the Toposurface tab of the Design Bar, click Use Imported Import Instance. 4 Select the imported 3D contour data in the drawing area. The Add Points from Selected Layers dialog displays. 5 Select the layers to apply elevation points to, and click OK. Revit Architecture analyzes the imported 3D contour data and generates a toposurface based on the elevation points placed along the contour lines.
Page 934: Toposurface Subregions
5 On the Design Bar, click Finish Surface. Toposurface Subregions Toposurface subregions are areas that you sketch inside existing toposurfaces. For example, you can use subregions to draw parking lots on a graded surface, roads, or islands. Creating a subregion does not result in separate surfaces.
Page 935: Merging Toposurfaces
Sample split surface To split a toposurface: 1 Open a site plan or 3D view. 2 Click Site menu Split Surface, or on the Site tab of the Design Bar, click Split Surface. 3 In the drawing area, select the toposurface to split. Revit Architecture enters Sketch mode.
Page 936: Graded Regions
Invalid split surfaces for merging To merge toposurfaces: 1 Click Site menu Merge Surfaces, or on the Site tab of the Design Bar, click Merge Surfaces. 2 If desired, on the Options Bar, clear Remove Points on Common Edges. This option removes excess points that were inserted after a surface was split. The option is selected by default.
Page 937: Toposurface Properties
If you are editing the surface, Revit Architecture enters Sketch mode. You can add or delete points, change the elevation of points, or simplify the surface. 4 When you are finished editing the surface, click Finish Surface. If you drag the new graded region, notice that the original remains. Select the original and click (Element Properties).
Page 938: Sketching Property Lines
Tagging: You can tag property lines that can report square footage or acreage. Load the tags from the Annotations folder of the Revit Architecture family library. The tags are Property Tag - Acres.rfa (acreage), Property Tag - SF.rfa (square footage), and M_Property Tag.rfa (metric). Exporting: You can export property line area information when you export your project to an ODBC database.
Page 939: Reporting Cut And Fill Volumes On A Site
5 To describe a property line as an arc, do the following: For Distance and Bearing, enter values that describe a line segment between 2 points on the arc. For Type, select Arc. For Radius, enter a value. The radius value must be greater than half the length of the line segment. The larger the radius, the larger the circle becomes, resulting in a flatter arc.
Page 940: Cut And Fill In A Schedule
3 Click (Element Properties). 4 In the Element Properties dialog, set Phase Created to a phase earlier than the view's phase. For example, when the view's phase is New Construction, set the Phase Created value to Existing. 5 To create a graded region on the toposurface, do the following: On the Site tab of the Design Bar, click Graded Region.
Page 941: Adding A Building Pad
The following image shows a 3D view of a building pad on a graded toposurface. The following image shows a 3D view of a sloped building pad on a toposurface. You can add a building pad to a toposurface only. It is recommended that you create the building pad within a site plan.
Page 942: Modifying Building Pads
TIP To see the building pad in a Floor Plan view, set the building pad offset to a value higher than Level One, or adjust the view range. Modifying Building Pads 1 Open the site plan that contains the building pad. 2 Select the building pad.
Page 943: Building Pad Properties
2 Select the building pad. NOTE Use the TAB key to cycle through the selection options. Selection options are displayed on the left side of the status bar. 3 On the Options Bar, click Edit. 4 On the Design Bar, click Slope Arrow. 5 Sketch the slope arrow on the building pad.
Page 944: Building Pad Slope Arrow Properties
Name Description Structure Defines the building pad structure. See Modifying the Structure of a Building Pad on page 904. Thickness Displays the total building pad thickness. This is a read-only parameter. Graphics Coarse Scale Fill Pattern Sets a fill pattern for the building pad in coarse-scale view. Click in the value box to open the Fill Patterns dialog.
Page 945: Parking Components
Name Description Slope The building pad slope. This is a read-only parameter. Perimeter The building pad perimeter. This is a read-only parameter. Area The area of the building pad. This is a read-only parameter. Volume The volume of the building pad. This is a read-only parameter. Phasing Phase Created Sets the phase when the building pad is created.
Page 946: Site Components
Site Components Use the Site Component command to place site-specific components (such as trees) into a site plan. The Type Selector lists site-specific components to choose from. If no site components are loaded into your project, an error message indicates that no appropriate families are loaded. See Loading Families on page 352.
Page 947: Modifying The Label Line
4 In the Type Selector, select the appropriate contour label line. TIP You may want to select a line type that places labels only on primary contour lines. The labels will be easier to read. To set the interval at which primary contour lines occur, use the Site Settings command.
Page 948: Contour Label Type Properties
Contour Label Type Properties Name Description Color Sets the color of label text. Text Font Sets the font for label text. Text Size Sets the size of label text. Bold Applies bold to label text. Italic Applies italics to label text. Underline Applies underlining to label text.
Page 949: Chapter 14 Rooms And Areas
Rooms and Areas Architects, designers, and structural engineers use rooms, areas, and color schemes to plan occupancy and usage of a building, and to perform basic analysis of a design. In Revit MEP, mechanical engineers can use room-bounding information as a starting point for defining spaces and zones for heating and cooling loads analysis. Rooms and Areas Overview A room is a subdivision of space within a building model, based on elements such as walls, floors, roofs, and ceilings.
Page 950 A floor plan divided into rooms, such as bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and so on An area is a subdivision of space within a building model, typically on a larger scale than individual rooms. However, areas are not necessarily bounded by model elements. You can draw area boundaries or pick model elements to use as boundaries.
Page 951: Rooms
Rooms You can create rooms using the Room tool or by placing them from a room schedule. To add rooms to a schedule, click New on the Options Bar. This is helpful when creating an early design, before defining walls or other bounding elements in a project.
Page 952: Selecting A Room
To see room-bounding elements, click Show Bounding Elements. Revit Architecture highlights all room-bounding elements in gold, and displays a warning. To see a list of all room-bounding elements in the model, including those that do not display in the current view, click Expand in the warning dialog. To exit the warning and remove the highlighting, click Close.
Page 953: Controlling The Visibility Of Rooms
When you select a room in a section view, you can visually check its upper and lower boundaries and use the grips to adjust them, if needed. See Rooms in Section Views on page 916 and Changing the Room Height Graphically on page 931.
Page 954: Rooms In Section Views
If you need to change the boundaries of a room, change the Room Bounding parameter for model elements, or add room separation lines. See Room-Bounding Elements on page 917 and Room Separation Lines on page 918. If a room has sloped walls, ceilings, or other surfaces, you can check a section view to determine whether Revit Architecture is measuring the room perimeter at the appropriate height.
Page 955: Room-Bounding Elements
Section view of a room when volume computation is turned off When volume computation is turned on When volume computation is turned on, Revit Architecture shows the actual boundaries used to compute the volume of the room. These boundaries include sloping elements, such as the walls, ceiling, and roof. Section view of a room when volume computation is turned on In a section view, you can also check whether Revit Architecture is omitting parts of the room from its volume computations.
Page 956: Making An Element Room Bounding
Columns (architectural, structural with material set to concrete) Curtain systems Room separation lines (see Room Separation Lines on page 918) Building pads NOTE Floors and ceilings are always room-bounding. These elements do not have a room-bounding property that you can turn off. You can indicate whether many elements are room-bounding by changing element properties.
Page 957 Adding Room Separation Lines 1 Open a floor plan view. 2 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Room Separation. 3 Sketch the room separation lines. If the space already contains a room, the room boundaries adjust to the new room separation lines. If the space does not yet contain a room, you can add one.
Page 958: Room Boundaries In Linked Models
Room Boundaries in Linked Models When you link Revit models together, by default Revit Architecture does not recognize room-bounding elements in the linked model. If you try to place a room between walls in the host project and walls (or other elements) in a linked model, Revit Architecture does not automatically recognize the room-bounding elements of the linked model.
Page 959: Rooms Spanning Floors Or Levels
2 Click (Element Properties). 3 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New. 4 In the Type Properties dialog, select Room Bounding. 5 Click OK twice. Now you can place rooms in the plan view, using the boundaries defined by room-bounding elements in the host project and the room-bounding elements in the linked model.
Page 960: Room Tags
Room Tags Rooms and room tags are separate but related Revit Architecture components. Rooms are model elements in Revit Architecture, like walls and doors. Room tags are annotation elements that can be added and displayed in plan views and section views. Room tags can display values for related parameters, such as room number, room name, computed area, and volume.
Page 961: Tagging Rooms On Placement
Vertical: The tag displays vertically in the view. Model: The tag can align with walls and boundary lines in the building model or rotate to a specified angle. (See Rotating a Tag on page 923.) Tagging Rooms on Placement To tag rooms when you create or place rooms in a view, use the Tag on placement option of the Options Bar.
Page 962: Room And Room Tag Relationship
A tag aligned with an angled wall Room and Room Tag Relationship When you create a room, if it is properly bounded by elements (such as walls) and room separation lines, Revit Architecture computes the room area between the boundaries. Revit Architecture displays a warning if the room is not in a properly enclosed region.
Page 963: Room Tag Properties
Room Tag Properties Use room tag properties to control the appearance and behavior of room tags. Related topic Room Properties on page 939 Modifying Room Tag Properties 1 In a plan or section view, select a room tag, and click 2 In the Element Properties dialog, edit room tag instance parameters.
Page 964: Room Area
Room Area To compute the area of a room, Revit Architecture does the following: Finds room boundaries. Many model elements have a Room Bounding parameter. For some elements (such as walls and columns), the Room Bounding parameter is turned on by default. For other elements, you must turn on the Room Bounding parameter.
Page 965 Changing the computation height affects the room perimeter, and thus the room area and volume. For example, the following drawing shows the same room, but the computation height has been moved lower (indicated by the dashed line). The room tag shows the changed room area and volume. The computation height is defined as a parameter of a level family.
Page 966: Changing The Room Area Boundary Location
Changing the Room Area Boundary Location By default, Revit Architecture computes the room area using the wall finish as the boundary. You can change the boundary, specifying the wall center, wall core layer, or wall core center. NOTE You cannot change boundary locations separately for each room. All rooms in the project use the new boundary location.
Page 967: Enabling Volume Computations
Determines the room height. See Defining Room Height on page 930 and Considering Ceilings and Floors in Room Volume Computations on page 932. Uses the room area and the room height to compute the room volume. Situations That Can Affect Room Volume Computations In a few cases, the room volume that Revit Architecture computes may not reflect unique features of a room.
Page 968: Defining Room Height
3 Click OK. Defining Room Height Revit Architecture uses the height of a room to compute its volume. You can specify the height of a room in the following ways: Define room height parameters. In a plan or section view, select the room and edit its properties. The Upper Limit, Limit Offset, Level, and Base Offset parameters define the height of the room.
Page 969 Defining the Lower Boundary of a Room Together, the Level and Base Offset parameters define the lower boundary of a room. In the room properties, the Level parameter is read-only. This parameter reflects the level of the plan view in which you place the room. For example, if you place a room on a Level 2 floor plan, the Level parameter for the room is Level 2.
Page 970 To change the height of a room graphically 1 Open a section view that contains rooms. Rooms in Section Views on page 916. 2 Select the room whose height you want to change. Selecting a Room on page 914. Revit Architecture displays upper and lower grips. 3 To change the upper or lower boundary of the room, pull the corresponding grip up or down.
Page 971: Sharing Room/Space Information Between Revit Architecture And Revit Mep
However, if room-bounding elements occur within the range of the room s defined limits, Revit Architecture uses the space defined by the room-bounding elements when computing the volume. For example, if a ceiling or roof occurs below the specified upper limit of a room, then Revit Architecture computes the volume up to the room-bounding element.
Page 972: How Revit Architecture And Revit Mep Share Information
c Creates desired views and uses Revit MEP tools to develop the design. d Turns on the Room Bounding parameter for the linked model. This step ensures that the Revit MEP project recognizes room-bounding elements in the Revit Architecture project. See Using Room Boundaries in a Linked Model on page 920.
Page 973: Scheduling Phase-Specific Rooms
Rooms become part of the phase as you place them in the view. In the following picture, rooms placed on Level 1 of the model are specific to Phase 0, which represents existing conditions. In the next picture, rooms placed on Level 1 of the model are specific to Phase 1, which represents new construction.
Page 974: Copying Rooms Between Phases
Copying Rooms Between Phases Rooms in Revit Architecture let you specify properties for a region of the building model, such as a Name, Surface Finishes, and Level Offset. After setting these parameters to identify the characteristics of a room in one phase, you may want to use that room specification in another phase.
Page 975: Unplacing Or Moving Rooms
A floor plan containing rooms, and a room schedule Unplacing or Moving Rooms When you add a room to a plan view, the project stores information about the room. This can include information that you add using room properties, such as the room name, surface finishes, occupancy, and so on.
Page 976: Placing An Unplaced Room
Placing an Unplaced Room 1 Open a plan view where you want to place the room. 2 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Room. 3 On the Options Bar, for Room, select the desired room from the list. 4 In the drawing area, click to place the selected room in the desired location.
Page 977: Rooms And Areas As Polylines
4 To delete multiple rooms, do the following: a On the Options Bar, for Not placed/Not enclosed, select Isolate. This option filters the schedule so that it lists only the rooms that are not placed or enclosed. b Drag the cursor across the schedule rows for the rooms to delete. 5 On the Options Bar, click Delete.
Page 978: Modifying Room Properties
Modifying Room Properties 1 In a plan view or section view, select a room and click Selecting a Room on page 914. 2 In the Element Properties dialog, edit room instance parameters. Room Instance Properties on page 940. 3 Click OK. If you have created a room schedule that includes parameters that can be modified, you can change the parameter values in the schedule.
Page 979: Troubleshooting Rooms
Name Description Volume The volume of the room when volume computation is enabled. See Room Volume on page 928. A read-only value. Identity Data Number An assigned room number. This value must be unique for each room in a project. Revit Architecture warns you if the number is already used but allows you to continue using it.
Page 980: Can't Create Any Energy Analysis Surfaces
Can't Create Any Energy Analysis Surfaces Error: Can t create any energy analysis surfaces. There are no room bounding elements defined in the current phase. Please check the Project Information settings. Issue: This warning displays when you attempt to export to gbXML and the building model does not contain any room-bounding elements in the specified phase.
Page 981: Not Computed
One of the rooms displays the correct area and perimeter. The others display Redundant Room so that the space is not counted more than once in schedule totals. When a view displays the rooms using the Interior Fill visibility setting, the rooms that report Redundant Room display in a darker color because the room areas overlap.
Page 982: Room Tag Is Outside Of Its Room
Room Tag Is Outside of Its Room Warning: Room Tag is outside of its Room. Enable Leader or move Room Tag within its Room. Issue: This message displays when you move a room tag outside its room, or when you move a room to a new location but do not move its tag with it.
Page 983: Setting For Areas And Volumes Is Not Checked
Setting for Areas and Volumes Is Not Checked Warning: The setting for Areas and Volumes is not checked. The volumes will be approximate. Please check the Volume Computation settings in Area and Volume Computations. Issue: This warning displays when you attempt to export to gbXML and volume computation is turned off. With volume computation turned off, exported information about room volumes is less accurate.
Page 984: Creating An Area Scheme
Creating an Area Scheme 1 Click Settings menu Area and Volume Computations. 2 In the Area and Volume Computations dialog, click the Area Schemes tab. 3 Click New. 4 For Name, enter a name for the new area scheme. 5 For Description, enter a description of the new area scheme. 6 Click OK.
Page 985: Area Boundaries
3 Select a level for the area plan view. If you select more than one level, Revit Architecture creates a separate area plan for each level and groups them by area scheme in the Project Browser. 4 To create unique area plan views, select Do not duplicate existing views. 5 To create copies of existing area plan views, clear Do not duplicate existing views.
Page 986: Areas And Area Tags
NOTE If you apply area rules, the area boundary position is dependent on the area type parameter of the area tag. You must place an area tag in the boundary to change the area type. 3 Select the boundary defining walls. To draw area boundaries 1 On the Options Bar, select Draw.
Page 987: Adding An Area Tag
5 On the Options Bar, for Area, select New to create a new area, or select an existing area from the list. 6 Click in the area plan to place the area. If you place an area inside area boundaries, it expands to the extents of the boundaries. You can also place an area in a free space or one that is not entirely bounded, and then draw area boundaries later.
Page 988: Area Tag Properties
Name Description Dimensions Area Total area within area boundaries. This is a read-only value. Perimeter The perimeter of the area boundaries. This is a read-only value. Identity Data Number The value for this parameter is automatically generated when you add an area to a project.
Page 989: Removing Areas
Removing Areas After creating areas, you can remove areas from a building model in the following ways: Unplace: Removes the area from its location in the area plan, but the project still contains information about the area. Then you can place the area in another location later during a project redesign. See Unplacing or Moving Areas on page 951.
Page 990: Placing An Unplaced Area
Click Edit menu Delete. The area is removed from its location in the building model. However, the project still contains the information about the area. In an area schedule, the area is listed as Not Placed. If desired, you can place the area in another location.
Page 991: Showing Areas And Area Boundaries In Linked Models
To delete one or more areas 1 If the project does not include an area schedule, create one. Creating a Schedule or Quantity on page 125. 2 Display the area schedule in the drawing area. 3 To delete one area, place the cursor in the schedule row for that area. 4 To delete multiple areas, do the following: a On the Options Bar for the area schedule, for Not placed/Not enclosed, select Isolate.
Page 992: Area Type Rules
Gross Building Area Types Definition and Examples Exterior Area Any area outside the outer face of a building's external walls, for example, an ex- terior courtyard enclosed by 4 walls. Rentable Area Types Definition and Examples Building Common Area Lobbies, atriums, conference rooms, lounges, vending area, security desks, concierge areas, food service facilities, health or fitness centers, day care facilities, locker or shower facilities, and mail rooms.
Page 993 Gross Building Area Scheme Types Area Type Selected Bordering Area Type Measurement Rule Exterior Area Gross Building Area Area Boundary measured from outside surface of building. Rentable Area Scheme Types NOTE Windows in Rentable Area Scheme Types: If you place windows within the exterior walls, Revit Architecture places the area boundary lines according to the following rules based on the height of the windows: If window height is greater than 50% of wall height, area boundary lines go to face of glass.
Page 994: Color Schemes
Rentable Area Scheme Types Area Type Selected Bordering Area Type Measurement Rule Floor Area Floor Area Area Boundary measured from the wall centerline. Major Vertical Penetration Major Vertical Penetration Major Vertical Penetration Area Boundary measured from the wall centerline. Major Vertical Penetration Exterior Area Boundary measured from the wall face border- ing the Major Vertical Penetration area.
Page 995 The next image shows a plan view with a color scheme applied by a range of values (in this example, square footage). NOTE To use color schemes, you must have rooms or areas defined in the project. Color Schemes | 957...
Page 996: Opening The Edit Color Scheme Dialog
Opening the Edit Color Scheme Dialog When working with color schemes, you use the Edit Color Scheme dialog to perform many tasks. Use any of the following methods to access this dialog. Click Settings menu Color Fill Schemes. Open a floor plan view or section view that displays a color scheme legend. Select the legend, and on the Options Bar, click Edit Color Scheme.
Page 997: Adding Values To A Color Scheme Definition
NOTE By Range is not available for all parameters. When you select By Range, the units display format appears next to the Edit Format button. If necessary, click Edit Format to change the format. In the Format dialog, clear Use project settings, and select the appropriate format settings from the menus.
Page 998: Applying A Color Scheme
Applying a Color Scheme 1 In the Project Browser, right-click the floor plan view or section view to apply a color scheme to, and select Properties. 2 In the Element Properties dialog, click in the Color Scheme cell. 3 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, under Schemes, select a color scheme from the list. For information on creating a new color scheme, see Creating a Color Scheme on page 958.
Page 999: Modifying A Color Scheme
Modifying a Color Scheme 1 Click Settings menu Color Fill Schemes, or open the Edit Color Scheme dialog using another method. 2 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, select the color scheme to edit, and make the necessary changes. Creating a Color Scheme on page 958 and Adding Values to a Color Scheme Definition page 959 for details on options.
Page 1000: Removing The Color Scheme Display
2 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, select the option Include Rooms/Areas from linked files, and click OK. 3 Click View menu Visibility/Graphics. 4 Click the Revit Links tab. 5 Select the linked model to apply a color scheme to, and click the button in the Display Settings column.
Page 1001: Adding A Color Scheme Legend
Adding a Color Scheme Legend 1 Open a floor plan view or section view. 2 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Color Scheme Legend. 3 Click in the drawing area to place the color scheme legend. 4 In the Choose Color Scheme dialog, select a color scheme, and click OK. If the color scheme legend that displays does not reflect the color scheme that you want to use, do the following: a In the drawing area, select the legend.
Page 1002: Color Scheme Legend Properties
NOTE When you modify the order of items, all project views that use the color scheme are affected. 4 Click Apply to view your changes. Click OK to exit the Edit Color Scheme dialog. To modify the graphic appearance of legend swatches 1 In the drawing area, select the color scheme legend.
Page 1003 Name Description Background Sets the background of the legend to opaque or transparent. Color Sets the color of the legend text. Show Title Shows or hides the legend title. The legend title is specified in the color scheme definition. Text Font Sets the font of the legend values.

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