Revit Architecture User's Guide.Pdf

Revit Architecture 2009
Metric Tutorials
240A1-050000-PM04A April 2008

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Contents
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using the Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Accessing Training Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Understanding the Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Navigating the User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Performing Common Tasks in Revit Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Express Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 2 Express Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Creating Details with Revit Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Create a Detail with Imported DWG Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Model-Based Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Keynoting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Creating Drawing Sheets with Revit Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Project Sheet Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Project Detail Sheet Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Project Title Sheet Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Developing Your Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapter 3 Creating a Building Information Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Creating the Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Adding Project Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Creating a Column Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Adding Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Adding Braces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Creating a Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Changing Structural Member Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
v
Linking the Structural Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Adding Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Adding a Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Adding a Curtain Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Creating an Entrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Creating a Drop Ceiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Creating Multi-Level Stairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Creating a Wall with a Non-Uniform Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Adding Entourage and Site Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Adding a Service Core to the Building Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Modifying a Floor and Adding Railings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Documenting Your Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Chapter 4 Adding Views and Sheets to a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Creating Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Duplicating Plan Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Creating Elevation and Section Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Creating Callout Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Modifying View Tag Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Setting Visibility and Graphics Options in Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Creating a View Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
View Range and Plan Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Using Filters to Control Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Masking Portions of a View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Working with Visual Overrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Creating Drawing Sheets in a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Creating Drawing Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Adding Views to Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Modifying the Building Model from a Sheet View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Creating and Modifying a Title Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Chapter 5 Tagging and Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Tagging Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Sequentially Placing and Tagging Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Tagging Doors and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Tagging Other Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Defining Schedules and Color Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Creating a Window Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Adding Project Parameters to a Window Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Creating a Unit-Based Door Schedule with a Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Creating a Room Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Scheduling Rooms from a Program List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Creating a Room Color Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Creating a Material Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Scheduling Shared Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Creating a Shared Parameter File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Adding Shared Parameters to a Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Placing, Tagging, and Scheduling a Family with Shared Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Scheduling Uniformat Assembly Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Scheduling Uniformat Assembly Codes and Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Exporting Project Information with ODBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Exporting Schedule Information to Microsoft Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Chapter 6 Annotating and Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

Changing the Base Elevation of a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Relocating a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
vi | Contents
Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Creating Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Creating Automatic Wall Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Controlling Witness Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Creating an Office Standard Dimension Type from Existing Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Creating Text Annotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Adding Text Notes to the Floor Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Chapter 7 Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

Creating a Detail from a Building Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Detailing the View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Adding Detail Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Adding Text Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Creating Detail Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Adding Keynotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Creating Line-based Detail Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Modifying a Keynote Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Creating a Drafted Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Importing a Detail into a Drafting View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Creating a Reference Callout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Creating a Detail in a Drafting View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Chapter 8 Finishing the Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

Using Note Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Creating a Note Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Using Drawing Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Creating a Drawing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Using Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Creating a Symbol Legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Creating a Component Legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Using Revision Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Setting Up a Revision Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Sketching Revision Clouds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Tagging Revision Clouds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Working with Revisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Importing from Other Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Importing Image Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Importing Text Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Importing Spreadsheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Chapter 9 Using Dependent Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371

Using Dependent Views in Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Using Dependent Views for Floor Plan Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Using Dependent Views for Elevation Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Viewing and Rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Chapter 10 Rendering Views and Creating Walkthroughs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

Rendering an Exterior View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Applying Materials and Textures to the Building Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Adding Trees to the Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Creating a Perspective View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Creating the Exterior Rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
Rendering an Interior View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
Adding RPC People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
Creating the Interior Perspective View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
Contents | vii
Creating the Interior Rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419
Creating and Recording Walkthroughs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424
Creating a Walkthrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425
Changing the Walkthrough Path and Camera Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428
Recording the Walkthrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Chapter 11 Creating Solar Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

Creating Views for Solar Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
Creating a Solar Study - Courtyard View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
Creating a Solar Study Section Cutaway View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433
Creating a Solar Study Plan Cutaway View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
Saving Solar Study Settings and Previewing Animations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
Creating Solar Studies - Summer and Winter Solstice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438
Previewing Solar Study Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
Exporting Solar Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440
Exporting the Study as AVI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440
Exporting a Study as PNG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
Creating an Internal Plan Solar Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
Creating an Internal Plan Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
Re-orienting the Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447
Mirroring the Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447
Orienting to True North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
Rendering Interior Shadow Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
Rendering an Interior View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
Chapter 12 Presentation Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457

Adding a Floor Plan View to the Analytique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458
Preparing a Floor Plan for the Analytique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
Using Advanced Model Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460
Adding the Floor Plan to a Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 462
Adding an Elevation View to the Analytique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466
Preparing the Elevation Analytique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
Adding the Presentation Elevation View to the Presentation Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469
Adding Section Views to the Analytique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471
Preparing a Section View for the Analytique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472
Adding Shadows and Silhouettes to a Section View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476
Adding the Presentation Section to the Analytique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
Working with a Presentation View Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 481
Working in a Callout Analytique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 484
Creating 3D Cutaways with Section Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491
Creating Cutaway Isometric Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 492
Creating Cutaway Perspective Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 499
Annotating the Analytique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 503
Importing and Exporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505
Chapter 13 Importing SketchUp Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507

Importing a SketchUp Model as a Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 508
Creating a Building from Mass Faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510
Using Advanced Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 523
Chapter 14 Curtain Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525

Flat Curtain System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525
Creating an Entrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525
Adding Mullions to the Curtain System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536
viii | Contents
Curved Curtain System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539
Adding a Curved Curtain System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539
Adding a Custom Curtain Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541
Adding Mullions to the Curved Curtain Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 544
Additional Curtain Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 548
Sloped Glazings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 548
Storefront System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550
Curtain System by Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552
Chapter 15 Roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557

Creating Roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557
Creating an Extruded Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557
Creating a Gable Roof from a Footprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562
Creating a Roof with a Vertical Penetration from a Footprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565
Creating a Hip Roof from a Footprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567
Creating a Shed Roof from a Footprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571
Adding Slope Arrows to a Shed Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572
Aligning Roof Eaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574
Creating a Mansard Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 576
Creating a Low Slope Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 578
Creating Fascia, Gutters, and Soffits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586
Creating Roof Fascia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587
Creating Gutters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 588
Creating Soffits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590
Chapter 16 Area Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 593

Using Area Analysis Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 593
Creating Area Schemes and Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 593
Creating Area Schedules and Color Fill Area Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600
Chapter 17 Massing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603

Using Massing Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603
Adding Massing Elements to a Building Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604
Using Massing Tools to Cut Geometry from the Building Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610
Using Swept Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611
Using Mass Family Files in a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616
Creating New Mass Family Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616
Loading and Placing New Mass Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 618
Joining Mass Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 621
Using Mass Elements with Design Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 624
Mass Elements in Design Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 624
Creating Building Components from Mass Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 627
Creating Walls by Picking Faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 628
Creating Floors by Picking Masses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631
Creating a Mass Study Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 634
Creating Roofs by Picking Faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 638
Creating Curtain Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 640
Editing Elements Created from Massings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 644
Controlling Mass/Shell Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 649
Chapter 18 Grouping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653

Creating, Modifying, and Nesting Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653
Creating and Placing a Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653
Modifying a Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661
Nesting Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 665
Working with Detail Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668
Creating a Detail Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668
Contents | ix
Using Attached Detail Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671
Saving and Loading Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 674
Saving and Loading Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 674
Chapter 19 Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 677

Using Site Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 677
Creating a Toposurface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678
Adding Property Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 684
Modifying Contour Visibility and Site Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 689
Creating Topographic Subregions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 690
Grading the Toposurface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 698
Adding a Building Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703
Adding Site Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706
Tagging Site and Parking Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 710
Creating Parking Space Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713
Chapter 20 Sharing Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717
Using Worksharing in a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 718
Understanding Worksharing Fundamentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 718
Enabling Worksharing and Setting Up Worksets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 722
Working Individually with Worksets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 726
Using Worksets with Multiple Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 729
Borrowing Elements from the Worksets of Other Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734
Chapter 21 Creating Multiple Design Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 739

Creating Multiple Design Options in a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 739
Creating the Structural Design Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740
Creating the Roof System Design Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750
Managing Design Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 757
Chapter 22 Project Phasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 761

Using Phasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 761
Phasing Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 762
Using Phase-Specific Room Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 768
Chapter 23 Linking Building Models and Sharing Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 771

Linking Building Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 772
Linking Building Models from Different Project Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 772
Repositioning Linked Building Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 781
Controlling Linked Building Model Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 784
Managing Linked Building Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 786
Sharing Coordinates Between Building Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 789
Acquiring and Publishing Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 789
Relocating a Project with Shared Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 791
Working with a Linked Building Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 795
Managing Shared Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 796
Scheduling Components of Linked Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 797
Customizing Project Settings and Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801
Chapter 24 Modifying Project and System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 803

Modifying System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 803
Modifying General System Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 803
Specifying File Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805
x | Contents
Specifying Spelling Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 807
Modifying Snap Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 808
Modifying Project Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 811
Creating and Applying Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 811
Creating and Applying Fill Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 815
Controlling Object Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817
Modifying Line Patterns and Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 820
Modifying Annotations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825
Specifying Units of Measurement, Temporary Dimensions, and Detail Level Options . . . . . . 827
Modifying Project Browser Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 828
Creating an Office Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 831
Choosing the Base Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 831
Modifying Project Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832
Loading and Modifying Families and Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 837
Modifying Views and View Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839
Modifying Import/Export Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 842
Setting up Shared and Project Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843
Creating Named Print Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845
Contents | xi
xii
Getting Started
1
2
Introduction
1
This introduction helps you get started with the Revit Architecture 2009 tutorials and presents the fundamental concepts
of the product, including:
■ how Revit Architecture works.

■ the terms used when working with the product.
■ how to navigate the user interface.
■ how to perform some common tasks in the product.
Using the Tutorials

In this lesson, you learn how to use the Revit Architecture tutorials, including where to find the training
files and how to create a new Revit Architecture project from a template file.
3
The Contents tab of the Revit Architecture Tutorials window displays the available tutorial titles. Expand a
title for a list of lessons in the tutorial. Expand a lesson title for a list of exercises in the lesson.
NOTE You may find it helpful to print a tutorial to make it easier to reference the instructions as you work in Revit
Architecture. The tutorials are also available in PDF format by clicking Help menu ➤ Documents on the Web in
Revit Architecture.
Accessing Training Files

Training files are Revit Architecture projects, templates, and families that were created specifically for use
with the tutorials. In this exercise, you learn where the training files are located, as well as how to open and
save them.
Where are the training files located?
Training files, by default, are located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application

Data\Autodesk\RAC 2009\Training. Training files are grouped into 3 folders within the training folder:
■ Common: generic files often used to teach a concept. These files are not dependent on imperial or metric
units. Common file names have a c_ prefix.
■ Imperial: files for users working with imperial units. Imperial file names have an i_ prefix.
■ Metric: files for users working with metric units. Metric file names have an m_ prefix.
NOTE Depending on your installation, your training folder may be in a different location. Contact your CAD
manager for more information.
IMPORTANT Content used in the tutorials, such as templates and families, is located and accessed in the training
files location. Although this content may be installed in other locations on your system, all content used in the
tutorials is included in the training files location to ensure that all audiences access the correct files.
What is a training file?
A training file is a Revit Architecture project that defines a building information model and views of the
model that are used to complete the steps in a tutorial. Many tutorials include a Training File section that
references the training file to be used with the tutorial. In other tutorials, you create a project from a template,
rather than opening an existing training file.
Open a training file
1 Click File menu ➤ Open.

2 In the left pane of the Open dialog, scroll down, and click the Training Files icon.
3 In the right pane, double-click Common, Imperial, or Metric, depending on the type of training
file.
4 | Chapter 1 Introduction
4 Click the training file name, and click Open.
Save a training file
5 To save a training file with a new name, click File menu ➤ Save As.
In many cases, the work you do in a project during a tutorial exercise becomes the starting point
for the next exercise. In many tutorials, you create a project or modify an existing project, save
the changes, and use the saved version of the file to begin the next exercise or lesson.
6 Complete the information in the Save As dialog:

■ For Save in, select the folder in which to save the new file.
You can save the file in the appropriate Training Files folder or in another location. Note
where you save the file so you can open it for additional exercises as required.
■ For File name, enter the new file name.

A good practice is to save the training file with a unique name after you have made changes.
For example, if you open c_settings.rvt and make changes, you should save this file with a
new name such as c_settings_modified.rvt.
■ For Files of type, verify that Project Files (*.rvt) is selected, and then click Save.
Create a project from a template
7 To create a project from a template, rather than using an existing training file, click File
menu ➤ New ➤ Project.
8 In the New Project dialog, under Create new, select Project.

9 Under Template file, verify the second option is selected, and click Browse.
Accessing Training Files | 5

10 In the left pane of the Choose Template dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\Templates.
11 In the Choose Template dialog, review the Revit Architecture templates.
Templates are available for specific building types: commercial, construction, and residential.
Each template contains predefined settings and views appropriate for the corresponding building
type. For most tutorial projects, you will use the default template, and customize the project as
necessary.
12 Select DefaultMetric.rte, and click Open.

13 Click OK.
Understanding the Basics

In this lesson, you learn what Revit Architecture is and how its parametric change engine benefits you and
your work. You begin with the fundamental concepts on which Revit Architecture is built. You learn the
terminology, the hierarchy of elements, how to navigate the user interface, and how to perform some
common tasks in the product.
What is Revit Architecture 2009?
The Revit Architecture platform for building information modelling is a design and documentation system
that supports the design, drawings, and schedules required for a building project. Building information
modelling (BIM) delivers information about project design, scope, quantities, and phases when you need
it.
In the Revit Architecture model, every drawing sheet, 2D and 3D view, and schedule is a presentation of
information from the same underlying building model database. As you work in drawing and schedule
views, Revit Architecture collects information about the building project and coordinates this information
across all other representations of the project. The Revit Architecture parametric change engine automatically
coordinates changes made anywhere—in model views, drawing sheets, schedules, sections, and plans.
What is meant by parametric?
The term parametric refers to the relationships among all elements of the model that enable the coordination
and change management that Revit Architecture provides. These relationships are created either automatically
by the software or by you as you work. In mathematics and mechanical CAD, the numbers or characteristics
that define these kinds of relationships are called parameters; hence, the operation of the software is
parametric. This capability delivers the fundamental coordination and productivity benefits of Revit
Architecture: Change anything at any time anywhere in the project, and Revit Architecture coordinates that
change through the entire project.
The following are examples of these element relationships:
■ The outside of a door frame is a fixed dimension on the hinge side from a perpendicular partition. If you
move the partition, the door retains this relationship to the partition.
■ Windows or pilasters are spaced equally across a given elevation. If the length of the elevation is changed,
the relationship of equal spacing is maintained. In this case, the parameter is not a number but a
proportional characteristic.
■ The edge of a floor or roof is related to the exterior wall such that when the exterior wall is moved, the
floor or roof remains connected. In this case, the parameter is one of association or connection.
How does Revit Architecture 2009 keep things updated?
A fundamental characteristic of a building information modelling application is the ability to coordinate

changes and maintain consistency at all times. You do not have to intervene to update drawings or links.
When you change something, Revit Architecture immediately determines what is affected by the change
and reflects that change to any affected elements.
Revit Architecture uses 2 key concepts that make it especially powerful and easy to use. The first is the
capturing of relationships while the designer works. The second is its approach to propagating building
changes. The result of these concepts is software that works like you do, without requiring entry of data that
is unimportant to your design.
Element behavior in a parametric modeler
In projects, Revit Architecture uses 3 types of elements:
■ Model elements represent the actual 3D geometry of the building. They display in relevant views of the
model. For example, walls, windows, doors, and roofs are model elements.
■ Datum elements help to define project context. For example, grids, levels, and reference planes are datum
elements.
■ View-specific elements display only in the views in which they are placed. They help to describe or
document the model. For example, dimensions, tags, and 2D detail components are view-specific elements.
There are 2 types of model elements:

■ Hosts (or host elements) are generally built in place at the construction site. For example, walls and roofs
are hosts.
■ Model components are all the other types of elements in the building model. For example, windows,
doors, and cabinets are model components.
There are 2 types of view-specific elements:

■ Annotation elements are 2D components that document the model and maintain scale on paper. For
example, dimensions, tags, and keynotes are annotation elements.
■ Details are 2D items that provide details about the building model in a particular view. Examples include
detail lines, filled regions, and 2D detail components.
This implementation provides flexibility for designers. Revit Architecture elements are designed to be created
and modified by you directly; programming is not required. If you can draw, you can define new parametric
elements in Revit Architecture.
Understanding the Basics | 7

In Revit Architecture, the elements determine their behavior largely from their context in the building. The
context is determined by how you draw the component and the constraint relationships that are established
with other components. Often, you do nothing to establish these relationships; they are implied by what
you do and how you draw. In other cases, you can explicitly control them, by locking a dimension or aligning
2 walls, for example.
Understanding Revit Architecture 2009 terms
Most of the terms used to identify objects in Revit Architecture are common, industry-standard terms familiar
to most architects. However, some terms are unique to Revit Architecture. Understanding the following
terms is crucial to understanding the software.
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 the 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. By using a single project file, Revit Architecture makes it easy for you to alter
the design and have changes reflected in all associated areas (plan views, elevation views, section views,
schedules, and so forth). Having only one file to track also makes it easier to manage the project.
Level: Levels are infinite horizontal planes that act as a reference for level-hosted elements, such as roofs,
floors, and ceilings. Most often, you use levels to define a vertical height or story within a building. You
create a level for each known story or other needed reference of the building; for example, first floor, top of
wall, or bottom of foundation. To place levels, you must be in a section or elevation view.
Level 2 work plane cutting through the 3D view with the corresponding floor plan
next to it
Element: When creating a project, you add Revit Architecture parametric building elements to the design.
Revit Architecture classifies elements by categories, families, and types.
Category: A category is a group of elements that you use to model or document a building design. For
example, categories of model elements include walls and beams. Categories of annotation elements include
tags and text notes.
Family: Families are classes of elements in a category. A family groups elements with a common set of
parameters (properties), identical use, and similar graphical representation. Different elements in a family
may have different values for some or all properties, but the set of properties—their names and meaning—is
the same. For example, 6-panel colonial doors could be considered one family, although the doors that
compose the family come in different sizes and materials.
Families are either component families or system families:
■ Component families can be loaded into a project and created from family templates. You can determine
the set of properties and the graphical representation of the family.
■ System families include walls, dimensions, ceilings, roofs, floors, and levels. They are not available for
loading or creating as separate files.
■ Revit Architecture predefines the set of properties and the graphical representation of system families.
■ You can use the predefined types to generate new types that belong to this family within the project.
For example, the behavior of a wall is predefined in the system. However, you can create different
types of walls with different compositions.
■ System families can be transferred between projects.
Type: Each family can have several types. A type can be a specific size of a family, such as a A0 title block
or a 910 x 2110 door. A type can also be a style, such as default aligned or default angular style for dimensions.
Instance: Instances are the actual items (individual elements) that are placed in the project and have specific
locations in the building (model instances) or on a drawing sheet (annotation instances).
Navigating the User Interface

One of the advantages of Revit Architecture is its ease of use, specifically its clear user interface. The Revit
Architecture window is arranged to make navigation easy. Even the toolbar buttons are labeled, making it
easy to understand what each button represents. Revit Architecture uses standard Microsoft® Windows®
conventions. If you have used any other product that follows these conventions, learning Revit Architecture
is much easier.
In the following illustration, the user interface is labeled. In the steps that follow, you navigate and become
familiar with the user interface.
Navigating the User Interface | 9

Start a new project
1 On the Standard toolbar, click (New).

This creates a new project based on the default template.
The Title Bar
2 Place the cursor at the top of the user interface.

The title bar contains the name of the project and the view that is currently open.
By default, new projects are numbered consecutively until saved with a new name. In addition,
the Level 1 floor plan view is the default open view.
TIP The view opened and the view names are dependent on the template on which the project is
based.
The Menu Bar
3 The menu bar across the top of the window includes standard menu names such as File, Edit,
and View. Click View menu ➤ Zoom.
Many of the commands have shortcut keys, which are listed on the menu. For example, the
shortcut key for Zoom in Region is ZR. While working in the drawing area, you type the required
key combination to perform the command.
Another time-saving tool for selecting commands is to place the cursor in the drawing area and
right-click. A shortcut menu displays a list of available commands, depending on the function
you are performing and what is currently selected.
The Toolbar
4 Click Window menu ➤ Toolbar.

There are several toolbars across the top of the window beneath the menu bar. The toolbar
buttons represent common commands. You can control the visibility of the toolbars and turn
the text labels on or off using the Window ➤ Toolbar menu. You can use the toolbar grips to
resize and move each toolbar.
The Options Bar
5 Click Modelling menu ➤ Wall.

The bar beneath the toolbars contains wall design options. The Options Bar is context-sensitive
and varies depending on the tool or selected component.

6 Click Modelling menu ➤ Door.
The design options available on the Options Bar are now applicable to doors. On the left side
of the Options Bar, a door type is specified.
The Type Selector
7 The drop-down list on the left side of the Options Bar is called the Type Selector. Select the
drop-down list to view the list of doors.
The Type Selector is a context-sensitive drop-down list. When you select the Door tool, the Type
Selector displays a list of doors available in the project. The list of elements in the Type Selector
is identical to the elements listed in the Families branch of the Project Browser under the
respective category.
8 Click Modelling menu ➤ Wall.

9 In the Type Selector, select the drop-down list to see the walls that are available.
You can use the Type Selector in 2 ways:
■ You can select an element type before you add the element to the building model. For
example, when you add a door, the door type that displays in the Type Selector is the door
type that will be added to the building model.
■ You can use the Type Selector to change an element type after it has been added to the
building model. In the drawing area, you can select any element and then change its type
using the Type Selector.
The Design Bar
10 Click Window menu ➤ Design Bars.

The Show Design Bars dialog displays.
The Design Bar is located on the left side of the interface, immediately below the Type Selector.
There are 10 tabs in the Design Bar, containing buttons grouped by function. You can control
which tabs display by selecting them in the Show Design Bars dialog.

11 Click OK.
Each tab contains frequently used commands that are also available from the menu bar.
■ Basics tab: commands for creating most basic building model components
■ View tab: commands for creating different views in the project
■ Modelling tab: commands to create model elements
■ Drafting tab: commands for adding annotation symbols and creating sheet details for
construction documents
■ Rendering tab: commands for creating rendered images
■ Site tab: commands for adding site components and producing site plans
■ Massing tab: commands for creating conceptual designs with masses
■ Room and Area tab: commands for making room and area schemes and plans
■ Structural tab: commands for adding structural components to the project
■ Construction tab: commands for creating construction industry information
To access the commands in a tab, click the tab in the Design Bar. The respective commands
display on the Design Bar.
TIP You can control the visibility of each tab by right-clicking on the Design Bar and selecting the
tab from the shortcut menu.
The Project Browser
12 To the right of the Design Bar is the Project Browser. In the Project Browser, select Views (all).
You can use the Project Browser to quickly manage the views, schedules, sheets, reports, families,
and groups of your current project:
■ Right-click in the browser to add, delete, and rename views, families, and groups.
■ The browser is organized by view type (floor plans, elevations, 3D), family category (doors,
walls, windows), and group name. Expand or collapse the browser list by clicking the + or –
next to the name.
■ To open a view, double-click its name.
■ You can also drag and drop from the browser into the drawing area, making it easy to add
a family or group to the project or add a view to a sheet.
■ The browser is dockable, so you can reposition it by dragging the Project Browser title bar
to a new location.
13 In the Type Selector, scroll through the sorting options available for the Project Browser.

14 Click Settings menu ➤ Browser Organization.
You can create and modify Project Browser organization schemes for views and sheets. After
creating a browser organization scheme, you can instantly change the sorting within the Project
Browser by selecting the scheme in the Type Selector.
15 In the Browser Organization dialog, click Cancel.

The Status Bar
16 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Wall.

17 Place the cursor near the center of the drawing area. Do not click.
The cursor displays as a pencil.
In the bottom left corner of the window, the status bar provides information regarding what
you should do next. In this case, it tells you to "Click to enter wall start point."
TIP The tooltip that displays is identical to the note in the status bar.
18 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the Wall command.
You can control the status bar visibility from the Window menu. The status bar also provides
information, in conjunction with tooltips, regarding selected elements in a view. When you
place the cursor over an element, it highlights and the status bar displays the element name.
19 Place the cursor over the elevation symbol arrow on the left side of the drawing area.
The elevation symbol consists of two parts: the main symbol and the elevation directional arrow
(a triangle). Make sure you place the cursor over the elevation directional arrow. It highlights
when the cursor is over it.
In the status bar, notice that the name of the highlighted element is Views : Elevation : West.
20 Press TAB, and notice that the highlighted element switches to the main elevation symbol,
Elevations : Elevation : Elevation 5.
When attempting to select a specific element in a complex or crowded view, you can use the
status bar and TAB to switch between elements and select the desired element.
Revit Architecture 2009 Help
21 Click Help menu ➤ Revit Architecture 2009 Help.

Help is available online at all times during a Revit Architecture session. You can use this tri-pane,
HTML help window to search for information and quickly display it to read or print. There are
several tools that help you find information. You can select a topic on the Contents tab, find a
keyword on the Index tab, search for all instances of a word or phrase on the Search tab, or save
commonly used pages on the Favorites tab.
In addition, context-sensitive help is available for many parts of the user interface. You can
access context-sensitive help in the following ways:
■ Dialogs: Many dialogs include Help buttons. Click the Help button, and the topic specific
to the dialog opens. If no Help button displays, press F1 for context-sensitive help.
■ Windows: From any window, press F1 for help.
■ Toolbar: From the toolbar, click on the Standard toolbar, and then click a specific menu
command or button for help. You can also press SHIFT+F1.
■ Tooltips: To see tooltips, rest the cursor over the Toolbar button until the tooltip displays.
TIP You can control the level of tooltip assistance using Settings menu ➤ Options.
22 Close the Revit Architecture Help window.
Performing Common Tasks in Revit Architecture

In this exercise, you learn to perform some of the common Revit Architecture tasks that are included in the
tutorials. After you are familiar with these tasks, it will be easier to work in Revit Architecture and focus on
the lessons of each tutorial.
Performing Common Tasks in Revit Architecture | 17

Use zoom commands to adjust the view
In the tutorials, you are instructed to use a zoom command to adjust the viewable area in the window. For
example, you may be asked to zoom to a specific region of a view or to zoom to fit the entire building or
floor plan in the view. Understanding how to adjust the view will make it easier to work with the building
model in the window.
There are several ways to access zoom options. In the following steps, you open a training file and practice
adjusting the view with the different zoom commands.

2 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Cohouse.rvt.
The 3D isometric view displays:
3 Click View menu ➤ Zoom to display the zoom menu.

The zoom menu lists the zoom options and their shortcut keys.
4 Click Zoom Out (2x).

In the drawing area, the view zooms out from the building model.
5 On the View toolbar, click the drop-down menu next to the Zoom command to display the
zoom options.
NOTE Clicking the Zoom icon itself activates the Zoom In Region command.
6 Click Zoom To Fit.

The view of the building model is sized to fit the available window.
7 Click in the drawing area, and type the shortcut ZR to zoom in on a region.
The cursor becomes a magnifying glass.
8 Click the upper left corner and lower right corner of the region to magnify; this is referred to
as a crossing selection.
When you release the mouse button, the view zooms in on the selected area.
9 If you use a mouse that has a wheel as the middle button, you can roll the wheel to zoom the
view. Use the wheel mouse to zoom out to see the entire building again.
If you do not have a wheel mouse, use a zoom menu command or the toolbar option to zoom
out.
NOTE As you zoom in and out, Revit Architecture uses the largest snap increment that represents
less than 2mm in the drawing area. To modify or add snap increments, click Settings menu ➤ Snaps.
Zoom is also available using SteeringWheels. SteeringWheels provide 2D and 3D navigation

tools.
10 To display SteeringWheels, on the View toolbar, click .

The Full Navigation wheel displays in the drawing area.
As you move the mouse, the wheel follows the cursor around the drawing area.
11 Move the cursor over the Zoom wedge of the wheel so that it highlights.
12 Click and hold the mouse button.
The cursor displays a pivot point for the Zoom tool.

13 Drag the cursor down or left to zoom out.
14 Drag the cursor up or right to zoom in.
You can change the pivot point by releasing the mouse button, moving the wheel to the desired
location, and then using the Zoom tool again.
For more information about SteeringWheels, click the pull-down menu on the Full Navigation
wheel, and click Help. To define settings for SteeringWheels, click Settings menu ➤ Options,
and click the SteeringWheels tab.
15 To exit the wheel, press ESC.

Resize elements using drag controls
16 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click 2nd Flr. Cnst.
When drawing or modifying a building model, it is important to understand how to adjust the
size of components in the drawing area. Small blue dots, called drag controls, display at the
ends of selected lines and walls in a plan view. Similar controls, referred to as shape handles,
display along the ends, bottoms, and tops of selected walls in elevation views and 3D views.
17 Type ZR, zoom in on the upper-left corner of the floor plan, and select the wall, as shown.
Notice the small blue dots that display at both ends of the wall. These are the drag controls.
18 Click and drag the left control, moving the cursor to the left horizontally, to lengthen the wall.
19 Click in the drawing area to deselect the wall.
Move an element
20 Scroll the view down so you can see the couch and table in the floor plan.
21 Select the Craftsman02 table, and on the Tools toolbar, click (Move).
Some commands, such as Move and Copy, require 2 clicks to complete the command. After
selecting the element to move, for example, click to specify the starting position, and click again
to specify the ending position. In this case, you want to move the table closer to the wall.
22 Click the lower-left endpoint of the table.
23 Click next to the lower wall, as shown.

The table moves down, and the lower-left corner is placed at the move endpoint.

Another way to move an element is to select it and drag it to a new location.
24 Select the plant, and drag it on top of the table.
Undo commands
25 On the Standard toolbar, click the drop-down menu next to (Undo).

All changes you make to a project are tracked. The Undo command allows you to reverse the
effects of one or more commands. In this example, you decide that you prefer the table in its
original position.
26 On the Undo menu, select the second item in the list, Move.
Selecting the second item in the list will undo the last 2 actions. All commands are canceled up
to and including the selected command. The table and plant are returned to their original
locations.
NOTE To quickly undo the previous action, on the Standard toolbar, click the Undo command, or
press CTRL+Z.
End a command
27 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Lines.

Some commands, such as the Lines command, stay active or current until you choose another
command or end the current command.
28 Click in the drawing area to start the line, and click again to end it.
Notice that the Lines command is still active and you could continue to draw lines.
29 To end the command, use one of the following methods:
■ Choose another command.
■ On the Design Bar, click Modify.
■ Press ESC twice.
30 Close the file without saving your changes.

24
Express Workshop
25
26
Express Workshop
2
The Express Workshop tutorials focus on specific areas of functionality, highlighting powerful features that are integral
to the most common architectural workflows. Each tutorial demonstrates tools you can use to complete tasks that are
common to an overall workflow. When you have finished these tutorials, you will have a basic understanding of the
design and documentation tools, as well as some of the best practices that help you efficiently design and develop an
architectural building project.
Creating Details with Revit Architecture

Revit Architecture provides intuitive native tools to create, detail, and annotate building assemblies, illustrating
how building components work together.
In Revit Architecture, details are either based upon the geometry of the building model as a detail view, or
referenced as a drafting view, with parametric tags that automatically track and display detail view and
drawing sheet placement.
NOTE Revit Architecture is available in both imperial and metric versions, but for training purposes, this tutorial
uses imperial units only.
In this tutorial, you will create building assembly details by performing the following tasks:
■ Create a drafting view detail by importing a DWG file.
■ Create a detail callout and reference a drafting view.
■ Insert a Callout and create a model-based detail view.
■ Use detail components to define an assembly.
■ Use keynotes to annotate a detail.
27
Create a Detail with Imported DWG Data
In this exercise, you will create a drafting view, import a DWG detail, create a reference callout, and reference
a drafting view.
Training File
■ Click File menu ➤ Open.
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files.
If necessary, scroll until the folder is displayed.
■ Open Common\Express Workshop\Detailing folder\c_express_workshop_details_start.rvt.
Create a drafting view

1 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Drafting View.
2 In the Drafting View dialog, for Name, enter Window Head Detail.
3 In the Scale list, verify 1 1/2''= 1'-0'' is selected, and click OK.
28 | Chapter 2 Express Workshop

In the Project Browser, located directly to the left of the drawing area, the new drafting view is
listed under Drafting Views(Detail-Sim.).
NOTE The drafting view you have created is a container into which you have not yet added any
graphical information. The drawing area is still blank.
Import a drawing detail
4 Click File menu ➤ Import/Link ➤ CAD Formats.

5 In the left pane of the Import/Link CAD Formats dialog, click Training Files, and navigate to
Express Workshop\Detailing\ew_window_head_detail.dwg.
6 In the Colors field list, select Black and White, and click Open.
7 Type ZE to zoom out to the extents of the model.
The model zooms out, displaying the extents of the detail.
Create a reference callout
8 In the Project Browser, expand Sections (Wall Sections) view heading and double-click Wall
Section 1.
9 Type ZR, which is the keyboard shortcut for the Zoom in Region command.
The cursor displays as a magnifying glass.
10 In the drawing area, drag the cursor to draw a rectangle around the Level 1 section area, as
shown.
Create a Detail with Imported DWG Data | 29

The view displays to the specified area.
11 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Callout.

12 On the Options Bar, in the Type Selector, select Detail View: Detail, and in the Scale list, select
1 1/2” = 1’-0”.
13 Click Reference other view, to activate the view selection list. Select Drafting View: Window
Head Detail.
14 In the drawing area, click 2 points to specify opposite corners of the callout bubble as shown.

The reference callout is created, linked to the Window Head Detail drafting view
15 In the drawing area, double-click the reference callout tag head.
The model view displays the linked Window Head Detail drafting view in the drawing area.
16 Close the Window Head Detail drafting view.

Next you will create a detail view and add detail components.
Model-Based Detailing
In this exercise, you will create a detail view defined by a callout, adjust the detail view display settings, and
then add detail components and detail groups to build a model-based detail assembly.
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, c_express_workshop_details_start.rvt.
Create a detail view

1 On the View tab of the Design Bar, select Callout.
2 On the Options Bar, in the Type Selector, select Detail View: Detail, and in the Scale list, select
1 1/2” = 1’-0”.
3 In the drawing area, click 2 points to specify opposite corners of the callout bubble as shown.
Model-Based Detailing | 31
The new detail view is listed as Detail 0 in the Project Browser, under Detail Views(Detail).
4 Right-click Detail 0, and click Rename.

5 In the Rename View dialog, for Name, enter Wall Base 1, and click OK.
6 In the drawing area, select the Wall Base 1 Callout to expose grips.
7 Drag the grip closest to the Callout Head as shown.
8 On the Design Bar, click Modify to clear the selection.

Adjust display settings
9 In the Project Browser, under Detail Views (Detail), double-click Wall Base 1.

The region you defined with the callout bubble displays in the drawing area, bordered by a solid
line. This is the view crop region.
10 Move the cursor over the boundary of the view crop region to display a dashed line indicating
the boundary of the annotation crop region.
11 Click the boundary of the view crop region to display grips for both regions.
12 Drag the annotation crop region grips as shown.
13 On the View Control Bar, click (Hide Crop Region).

The view and annotation crop regions are no longer visible.
14 In the drawing area, right-click, and click View Properties.

15 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Display Model, select As Underlay, and
click OK.
16 Click OK.
The model elements in the view display as half-tones, allowing you to see the difference between
the model geometry and any added detail components.

Detail components and detail groups
Model based details are created using the model geometry as a background. By including the model geometry
at a medium or fine level of detail, you can accurately place detail components based on the model component
assembly. By grouping detail components, typical details can easily be placed.
17 On the View Control Bar, verify that the view detail level is set to Medium.
18 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Detail Components.

Directly above the drawing area, on the Options Bar, the Type Selector displays the detail
components that are pre-loaded in the model.
19 In the Type Selector, select Gypsum Wallboard-Section : 5/8”.

20 In the drawing area, click the lower-right endpoint of the Basic Wall:Exterior - Brick on Mtl.
Stud.
21 Move the cursor up slightly, type 1' 6'', and press ENTER.
NOTE The detail component is created passing outside of the crop region. If the crop region is
enlarged, the endpoints of the detail components may become visible.
22 Press ESC twice to end the command.
23 Using the same method, add the following detail components as shown.
■ Plywood-Section1 : 3/4"
■ Rigid Insulation-Section : 1''
■ Resilient Flooring-Section
■ Resilient Topset Base-Section: 6''
24 On the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command.

25 In the Project Browser, expand Groups ➤ Detail.
Typical construction details have been saved as assemblies by grouping detail components.
26 Right-click Typical 8" Metal Stud NLB Wall, and click Create Instance.
27 Click the top-left corner of the 12'' concrete foundation wall to place the detail, as shown.

28 Press ESC to end the command.
29 Repeat this process for the following:
NOTE For each detail group, select the same top-left corner of the 12'' concrete foundation wall used
previously.
■ Typical 12" Foundation- 4" Slab detail.
■ Typical Standard Brick Base
30 Type ZE to zoom the view extents.
In the next exercise, you will add and modify keynotes to further develop the detail.
Keynoting
In this exercise you will keynote detail components by element, map keynotes by material, and format
keynote styles.
The Keynoting feature in Revit Architecture provides a simple, consistent means of identifying building
assembly components, special notes, or instructions within a construction documentation package.
Revit Architecture provides a link to a central text file that contains a master list of keynote definitions. You
can customize this list, or create a series of text files specific to a building or project type. The text files can
then be referenced into a Revit Architecture project. For more information about customizing a keynote
database, see Modifying a Keynote Database on page 319.
Continue to work in the Wall Base 1 view of the training file you used in the previous exercise,
c_express_workshop_details_start.rvt.
Keynoting detail components
1 Click File menu ➤ Keynoting, and under Keynote Table, for Full Path, click Browse.
2 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\Express
Workshop\Detailing\c_express_workshop_RevitKeynotes_Imperial_2004.txt.
3 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Keynote ➤ Element.
4 On the Options Bar, in the type selector, select Keynote Tag : Keynote Text, and verify that
Horizontal, Leader, and Free End are selected.

5 In the drawing area, place the cursor over Bricks-Section : Standard - 3/8" Joint to display the
value specified for the keynote parameter in the element’s properties. If no value has been
specified, a question mark displays.
6 Click the brick detail component to place the arrow end of the leader.
7 Click to place the leader arm.
8 Click to place the tag.
9 Press ESC to end the command.
TIP Annotation that intersects or is outside of the annotation crop region will not be visible in the
drawing area. Either move the text inside, or increase the size of the annotation crop region.
If you would like to complete keynoting the detail, use the same method to place the keynotes
as shown.
Keynoting | 39
Map keynotes by material
10 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Keynote ➤ Material.

11 Click the batt insulation component to place the arrow end of the leader.
12 Click to place the leader arm.

14 In the Keynotes dialog, navigate to Division 07_Thermal and Moisture Protection ➤ 07 21
00_Thermal Insulation.
15 Select 07 21 00.A4_R-19 Batt Insulation, and click OK.
Format keynote styles
The keynotes previously inserted were text only. You will now change all keynotes to keys only.
16 In the drawing area, draw a selection box that encloses the entire detail.

All items within the selection display in red.
17 On the Options Bar, click (Filter Selection).

18 In the Filter dialog:
■ Click Check None.
■ Select Keynote Tags.
■ Click OK.
Only the keynotes remain selected.
19 In the Type Selector, select Keynote Tag : Keynote Number - Boxed.

20 Press ESC to clear the selection.
The keynotes show the CSI Masterformat division key values.
You have completed the first Express Workshop lesson, Creating Details with Revit Architecture.
Creating Drawing Sheets with Revit Architecture

Revit Architecture provides the tools you need to develop drawing sheet documents. You can specify title
blocks and place multiple views, legends, and schedules that communicate design requirements and
project-specific information.
Creating Drawing Sheets with Revit Architecture | 41

NOTE Revit Architecture is available in both imperial and metric versions, but for training purposes, this tutorial
uses imperial units only.
In this lesson, you will perform the following tasks:
■ Create a drawing sheet.
■ Update drawing sheet and project information.
■ Add labels to a title block.
■ Add and modify a keynote legend on a drawing sheet.
■ Place views on drawing sheets.
■ Add and modify a drawing list on a drawing sheet.
Project Sheet Layout

The Project Browser displays all sheets added to a Revit project and all sheet views and schedules placed on
specific sheets.
In this exercise, you will create a sheet, update the project information element properties, and modify and
update the project sheet title block.

Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files.
If necessary, scroll until the folder is displayed.
■ Open Common\Express Workshop\Sheet Layout\c_express_workshop_sheet layout_start.rvt.
Create a new sheet
1 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Sheet.

2 In the Select A Title Block dialog, select E1 30 x 42 Horizontal : Working Drawing.
3 Click OK.
In the Project Browser, the new drawing sheet is listed under Sheets(all), and the title block is displayed in
the drawing area.
In Revit Architecture, a title block is a container that includes placeholders for sheet-specific and
project-specific information.
Enter sheet specific information
You can enter sheet-specific information either directly on the sheet, or in the element properties of the
title block. The sheet name and sheet number can also be entered in the Sheet Title dialog, accessed from
the sheet in the Project Browser.
Project Sheet Layout | 43

4 Type ZR, which is the keyboard shortcut for the Zoom in Region command.
The cursor displays as a magnifying glass.
5 In the drawing area, drag the cursor to draw a rectangle, as shown:
The display zooms to the specified area. In this tutorial, when you want to change the area of
the model you are working on, you can enter ZE to zoom out. Then, enter ZR and specify a
zoom region to zoom in.
You can also zoom and pan using the mouse wheel. To zoom in and out, roll the wheel. To pan,
hold down the wheel and drag.
6 In the Title Block, double-click Checker.

7 Enter K. Smith and press ENTER.
8 On the Design Bar, click Modify to clear the selection.
9 In the Project Browser, under Sheets(all), right-click A602 - Unnamed, and click Rename.
10 In the Sheet Title dialog:
■ For Number, enter A602.
■ For Name, enter Sections/Details.
■ Click OK.
NOTE The sheet number and sheet name are automatically updated in the Project Browser and the
title block.
Enter project information
Project-specific information is data common to all project sheets. It can be entered or changed directly on
a sheet, or in the project information Element Properties dialog.

11 Click Settings menu ➤ Project Information.
12 In the Element Properties dialog:
■ For Project Issue Date, enter 4/10/2008.
■ For Project Status, enter Design Development.
■ For Client Name, enter J. Smith.
■ For Project Name, enter Freighthouse Flats.
13 Click OK.
Modify the title block family
14 In the drawing area, select the title block.

15 In the Options Bar, click Edit Family and click Yes to open E1 30 x 42 Horizontal for editing.
The Family Editor opens, displaying the E1 30 x 42 Horizontal title block.
16 Type ZR, and zoom in on the top of the Revision Schedule.
17 On the Design Bar, click Text.
18 On the Options Bar, in the Type Selector, select Text : 1/8'', and verify that (Left) is selected.
19 Position the cursor at the left side of the top row as shown.
20 Click and type Project Status.
Project Sheet Layout | 45

21 On the Design Bar, click Modify to exit the command.
22 Using the same method, enter Project Issue Date below Project Status, as shown.
23 On the Design Bar, click Label.
24 On the Options Bar, in the Type Selector, select Label : 3/16'', and verify that (Left) and
(Top) are selected.
25 Position the cursor in the middle of the row as shown, and click.
26 In the Edit Label dialog, under Category Parameters, select Project Status and click to add
the parameter under Label Parameters.
27 Select Wrap between parameters only, and click OK.
28 Using the same method, add Project Issue Date parameter, as shown.
29 On the Design Bar, click (Load into Project).

30 In the Reload Family dialog, select Override parameter values of existing types, and click Yes.
The title block is updated in the Freighthouse Flats project.
Next you will create, and add a keynote legend and a detail view to a sheet.
Project Detail Sheet Layout

As views and schedules are placed onto a sheet, a viewport displays, representing the view or schedule. The
viewport can be accessed and edited directly from the sheet.
In this exercise, you will create, place and modify a keynote legend, by adding a detail view that contains
keynotes, to a drawing sheet.
Create a keynote legend
1 Click File menu ➤ Keynoting, and under Keynote Table, for Full Path, click Browse.
2 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\Express
Workshop\Sheet Layout \c_express_workshop_RevitKeynotes_Imperial_2004.txt.
3 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Keynote Legend.
4 In the New Keynote Legend dialog, for Name, enter Keynote Legend - Project.
Project Detail Sheet Layout | 47

5 In the Keynote Legend Properties dialog, on the Appearance tab, under Text, clear Show Headers,
and click OK.
6 Expand the column widths to see all of the information.
TIP Double-click the column dividers to expand the columns to fit the text.
Add a keynote legend
7 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A601 - Sections/Details.

The drawing sheet is displayed in the drawing area.
8 In the Project Browser, expand Legends, and drag Keynote Legend - Project to the lower-left
detail area on the drawing sheet, as shown.

The keynote legend is visible, displaying all keys and corresponding text for keynotes contained
within the project.
Modify the keynote legend display
10 Type ZR, and zoom in on the Keynote Legend - Project as shown.
11 Select the keynote schedule on the sheet.

12 Select the left control of the schedule and drag it to the right to expand the left column width
as shown.
13 Expand the right column width as shown and press ESC to clear the selection.
Project Detail Sheet Layout | 49

14 Zoom out and pan to include the keynote legend and the detail box to the right as shown.
15 In the Project Browser, under Legends, right-click Keynote Legend - Project, and click Properties.
16 In the Element Properties dialog, for Filter, click Edit.
17 In the Keynote Legend Properties dialog, at the bottom of the Filter tab, select Filter by sheet,
and click OK.
18 In the Element Properties dialog, for View Name, enter Keynote Legend - Sheet, and click OK.
19 Click OK twice.
The Keynote Legend is now blank. Because no views containing keynotes have been placed in
the drawing sheet, the keynote legend has no keynote text or key values to display.
NOTE The detail components of the Window Head detail contained on this sheet do not appear in
the Keynote Legend because they are annotated with text, not keynotes.
Add a detail view
20 In the Project Browser, expand Detail Views (Detail), and drag Wall Base 1 to the detail area
between the keynote legend and the Window Head detail on the drawing sheet, as shown.

The keynote legend is automatically updated, displaying all keynote text and key values present
on the drawing sheet.
Project Title Sheet Layout

In this exercise, you will add a view without a view title to the Title sheet drawing, and then add and update
a Drawing list.
Add a view without a view title

1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A0 - Title Sheet 1.
The Title sheet is displayed in the drawing area.
2 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) ➤ 3D Views, and drag Title Sheet view to the upper-left
area of the drawing sheet, as shown.
The view remains selected. The view title with line displays below the viewport.
Project Title Sheet Layout | 51

When you place a view on a sheet, by default, Revit Architecture displays a view title. You can
specify text attributes for view titles, define the information to include in a view title, or omit
view titles from sheets. You can also define these attributes for individual view titles on sheets.
3 In the Type Selector, select Viewport : Viewport /no title mark.
The Title Sheet view title is no longer displayed.

Add a drawing list
In Revit Architecture, drawing lists are schedules that display all drawing sheets that have the Appears In
Drawing List parameter selected within the sheet’s element properties. As part of a construction document
set, sheets that are external to Revit Architecture can also be included in the drawing list.
5 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, and drag Drawing List to the upper-right
area on the drawing sheet, as shown.
The drawing list remains selected. Press ESC to clear the selection.
6 Type ZR, and zoom in on the drawing list.

Update the drawing list
7 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), while pressing SHIFT, select A602 - Sections/Details
and select A801 - Ceiling Plans.
NOTE The selected sheets do not have any views placed on them.
8 In the Project Browser, right-click the selected sheets, and click Properties.
9 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, clear Appears In Drawing List, and click
OK.
The drawing list display is updated, including only sheets that contain views.
You have completed the Express Workshop lesson Creating Drawing Sheets with Revit Architecture.
Project Title Sheet Layout | 53

54
Developing Your Designs
55
56
Creating a Building
Information Model 3
In this tutorial, you learn how to design a building information model (BIM) in Revit® Architecture 2009. You create a
retail building that contains 5 floors, a curtain wall, a central service core, and a sloped roof over one corner of the building.
As you develop the building design, you learn how to use parametric design techniques. Parametric design allows you to
incorporate design intent into your model. Dimensions and other positional constraints define relationships between
elements in the model. For example, a wall or a column can be constrained to the grid. If the grid moves, the wall or
column will move with it.
When you constrain Revit Architecture elements to each other, it is good practice to test the constraints, or “flex the
model” by changing parameters. As you complete the exercises in this tutorial, you learn how to constrain elements and
how to test the parametric relationships between them.
Using this Tutorial
In the first 6 exercises of this tutorial, you create a Revit Architecture project from a template provided with the software.
You set up the project and create the structural frame and foundation of the building. This project will serve as the structural
model and will then be linked into an architectural project for further development. After the beginning exercises,
57
subsequent exercises instruct you to open a project training file. In practice, you load any required family type that is not
in your project, such as a door or window, from the product library. The project training files have pre-loaded family types
and represent the correct state for beginning the exercise, so there is no dependency on previously completed exercises.
Creating the Project

In this exercise, you create the project that will store the retail building design and different views of the
building. The project is stored as a single file, with an RVT extension.
To create the project file, you use a template that is provided with the software. The template file has an
RTE extension and provides default project units, views, levels, and settings, but contains no geometry.
Create the project from the default template

1 In the drawing area, under Projects, click New.
2 In the New Project dialog, under Create new, select Project.
3 Under Template file, verify that the second option is selected, and click Browse.
4 In the left pane of the dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\Templates\DefaultMetric.rte.
Revit Architecture templates are available for specific building types: commercial, construction,
and residential. Each template contains predefined settings and views appropriate for the
corresponding building type. For this project, you will use the default template, and customize
the project as necessary.
5 Click OK.
The new project opens. In the drawing area in the right pane, notice four elevation markers.
In views that display elevation markers, you design inside the elevation markers. Each marker
corresponds to an elevation view in the project: North, South, East, West. You can access these
views by double-clicking the elevation marker arrow, or by opening the view in the Project
Browser.
Explore the project with the Project Browser
6 On the left side of the drawing screen, locate the Project Browser.
58 | Chapter 3 Creating a Building Information Model

The Project Browser contains a hierarchical tree structure that you use to navigate the views,
sheets, schedules, and families in your project.
7 If necessary, expand Views (all), then expand Floor Plans, Ceiling Plans, and Elevations (Building
Elevation).
The views that display under each of these branches of the tree are the default floor plan views,
reflected ceiling plan views, and elevation views created in the project by the template. These
views are customizable: you can rename them, change their properties, duplicate them, and
delete them. You can also add views to your project as you develop and document the building
information model.
NOTE If you create a project without a template, only a single floor plan view and a single ceiling
plan view are created.
8 Under Floor Plans, verify that Level 1 displays as bold.

The bold type indicates that the Level 1 Floor Plan view is the current view, the view you see in
the drawing area. Notice that in the top left corner of your screen, the software title bar contains
the name of the software and Project 1- Floor Plan: Level 1 to indicate that the Level 1 Floor
plan view is current.
9 Under Elevations (Building Elevation), double-click South.

Two level lines, created by the template, display in the south elevation. Level lines are finite
horizontal planes that you use to define the levels (stories) of your building information model.
You use levels to position Revit Architecture elements in your building model. You can add,
delete, and duplicate levels, as well as change their names, heights, and other properties.
10 In the Project Browser, notice the Legends, Schedules/Quantities, Sheets (all), Families, Groups,
and Revit Links branches that display at the same level as Views (all).
As you design and document your building model, content and building model reports, such
as schedules and legends, will be accessible from the Project Browser.
Save the project
11 Click File menu ➤ Save As.

12 In the left pane of the Save As dialog, click to scroll down to the bottom of the list, and click
Training Files.
13 In the file window, double-click Metric.
This folder contains the Revit Architecture files that you need to complete all of the Revit
Architecture tutorials.
14 For File name, enter Revit Retail Building.

15 For Save as type, verify that Project Files (*.rvt) is selected.
16 Click Save.
As you complete the exercises in this tutorial, you will want to save your work frequently. You
can control how often the software will prompt you to save your work. Click Settings
menu ➤ Options, and on the General tab, view the Save reminder interval.
Creating the Project | 59

17 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Project Levels on page 60.
Adding Project Levels

In this exercise, you modify the 2 default project levels and add 5 levels to the project to define the 7 vertical
levels of the building model. You change the names of the 2 default levels, as well as the corresponding
floor and ceiling plan views to create foundation and entry levels for the building. You also change the
elevation of the two levels lines to the appropriate heights for the first two stories of the building. After you
modify the two default levels, you add the remaining 5 levels using different techniques.
You learn how the levels are locked, or constrained, to each other, so that when one level moves, the other
levels move and change with it. When you begin designing, you will use the levels to position building
elements such as walls, doors, and windows within the building model.
Modify the two default project levels

1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Elevations (Building Elevation), and
double-click South.
2 Zoom to the level names at the right end of each level line.
3 Double-click the Level 1 text, enter 00 Foundation, and press ENTER.
TIP Because views list alphabetically or sequentially in the Project Browser, it is good practice to
precede the level names with level numbers so the corresponding views will list sequentially in the
Project Browser.

4 Click Yes to rename the corresponding floor and ceiling plan views.
5 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans and Ceiling Plans, notice the Level 1 floor and ceiling
plan views are now named 00 Foundation.
6 Click the 00 Foundation elevation height, enter -1800, and press ENTER.
7 Double-click the Level 2 text, enter 01 Entry Level, and press ENTER.
8 Click Yes to rename the corresponding views.
9 Click the 01 Entry Level elevation height, enter 0, and press ENTER.
Next, you add a level by drawing it above the 01 Entry Level.
Use the Draw option to add a level
10 Zoom out so you can see both levels in the view.
11 On the left side of the Project Browser, view the Design Bar.
The Design Bar provides tabs that provide quick access to many commands. By default, not all
the tabs are visible. The command that you use to add levels is on the Basics tab, which should
display by default. If it does not, place the cursor anywhere on the Design Bar, right-click, and
click Basics.
12 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Level.

Notice that the bar above the drawing area changes to display new tools and settings. This is
the Options Bar. The Options Bar displays appropriate options and settings for every command
that you select on the Design Bar.
13 On the Options Bar, verify that (Draw) and Make Plan View are selected.
14 Click Plan View Types, verify that Ceiling Plan and Floor Plan are selected, and click OK.
When you add the new level, a corresponding ceiling plan and floor plan view will be created.
15 Move the cursor to the left endpoint of the 01 Entry Level line, and then move it up.
As you move the cursor, a temporary dimension displays the height between 01 Entry Level and
the cursor position.
16 Enter 3750, and press ENTER to specify the start point of the new level line, 3750 mm above 01
Entry Level. (You do not have to click to specify the start point.)
17 Move the cursor horizontally until a dashed blue line displays alignment with the two existing
levels, click to specify the endpoint of the level line, and press ESC.
Adding Project Levels | 61

18 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 3, click Rename, and enter 02 Level.
19 Click OK.
20 Click Yes to rename the corresponding level and view.
Notice that the name of the level line changes to 02 Level in the current view.
21 In the Project Browser, verify that you have created an 02 Level ceiling plan view as well.
Next, you add another level, using a different option.
Use the Pick option to add a level
22 On Design Bar, click Level.
23 On the Options Bar, click (Pick Lines), and for Offset, enter 3750.
24 Place the cursor on the 02 Level line, and move it slightly upward.
A dashed blue line indicates where the new level will be drawn, 3750 mm above the 02 Level
line.
25 Click to place the level line.

26 Press ESC, or on the Design Bar, click Modify to end the command.
27 Rename the level 03 Level, and rename the corresponding views.
Add the remaining 3 levels
28 Using either the Draw or Pick option, add 3 levels 3750 mm apart above 03 Level.
Name the levels:
■ 04 Level
■ 05 Roof Garden
■ 06 Roof
NOTE Do not use the Copy command to create the levels. If you create a level by copying it, the
associated floor and ceiling plan views are not created. Copy levels only when you want to use them
for reference.

Display a symbol at the left endpoint of the 06 level line
29 Click the 06 Roof Level line, and zoom to the left endpoint of the line.
30 Select the empty blue box on the left to display a level symbol at the left endpoint of the line,
as shown.
31 Clear the box to redisplay the level symbol on the right side only.
Test the level constraints
32 Select and drag the blue circle to the right or left to shorten or lengthen the level lines.
Notice that by moving the top level, all the levels move. The lock icon that displays indicates
that the levels are vertically constrained. If you select a level and click its lock, the levels are no
longer constrained, and you can move them independently. Verify that the levels are vertically
constrained with locks before you continue on to the next exercise.
33 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Column Grid on page 64.
Adding Project Levels | 63

Creating a Column Grid
In this exercise, you create a structural grid in the 00 Foundation floor plan view of the building model.
When the grid is complete, you place the building columns at the grid line intersections. By using the grid
to control the placement of columns, you ensure a level of accuracy early in your design.
In the following exercise, you constrain the column heights to the roof level, so that if the roof elevation
changes, the column height changes as well. In a later exercise, you change the columns to round hollow
steel columns.
Create vertical column grid lines

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 00 Foundation.
2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Grid.
3 On the Options Bar, select (Draw).

Notice that the status bar prompts you to specify a start point for the grid line.
4 Draw the first vertical grid line:

■ In the lower left corner of the drawing area, specify a start point for the grid line.
■ Move the cursor up, until it is positioned under the top elevation marker, and specify the
grid line endpoint.
The number 1 displays inside the bubble at the endpoint of the completed grid line.

5 Change the grid bubble number to a letter:
■ Double-click 1 inside the grid bubble.
■ Enter A, and press ENTER.

You can change what displays in grid bubbles at any point in your project.
Next, use the Pick option to create another vertical grid line by offsetting it a specific distance
from the existing line.
6 Offset a second vertical grid line from the first grid line:
■ On the Design Bar, click Grid.
■ On the Options Bar, click (Pick Lines), and for Offset, enter 7500 mm.
■ Move the cursor to the right side of the grid line, and then place the cursor on the grid line
to display the location of the second grid line.
■ Click to place the grid line.
7 Add 3 vertical grid lines:

■ On the Options Bar, for Offset, enter 4500 mm.
■ Move the cursor to the right side of grid line B, and click to place the line.
■ Move the cursor to the right side of grid line C, and click to place the line.
■ On the Options Bar, for Offset, enter 7500 mm.
■ Move the cursor to the right side of grid line D, and click to place the line.
Creating a Column Grid | 65

8 Press ESC.
Create horizontal grid lines
9 Draw the first horizontal grid line:

■ On the Design Bar, click Grid.
■ On the Options Bar, click (Draw) and specify an Offset of 0 mm.
■ On the upper left side of the grid, specify a start point for the grid line just below grid line
A.
■ Move the cursor horizontally past the vertical grid line E, and specify the grid line endpoint.
The letter F displays inside the bubble at the endpoint of the completed grid line.
10 Change the grid bubble letter to 1.

11 On the Design Bar, click Grid.
12 Using the Pick option and offsets of 7500 mm and 4500 mm, add horizontal grid lines to
complete the grid, as shown.

Dimension the grid and lock the grid spacing
13 On the Design Bar, click Dimension.
14 On the Options Bar, click (Aligned).

15 Starting with grid line A, select each vertical grid line just under its grid bubble.
16 When you select the last vertical grid line, click the drawing area to the right of the line to place
the dimension.
17 Click all 4 lock icons on the dimension string to lock the grid bay spacing.
The locks ensure that the grid spacing cannot be accidentally changed.

19 Dimension the horizontal grid lines as shown.
20 Click the 4 lock icons to lock the horizontal grid dimensions.

21 Press ESC twice.
22 While pressing CTRL, select grid lines C and 3.

23 Click Edit menu ➤ Pin Position.
Two pins display on the grid lines. By pinning these central grid lines, you ensure that the grid
remains centered and the building will grow out from the center if its grid dimensions are
changed.
24 Press ESC.
The pins are hidden. You must select the grid lines to redisplay the pins.
25 Adjust the grid:

■ On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select grid line A.
■ At the bottom endpoint of the grid line, click and drag the blue circular grip up, until it is
closer to grid line 5, and press ESC.
■ Select grid line 1.
■ At the left endpoint of the grid line, click and drag the blue circular grip to the right, until
it is closer to grid line A, and press ESC.
■ If necessary, adjust the position of the dimension strings by selecting and dragging them.
Create a custom grid family type
In some cases, building geometry requires the need for grid lines to contain breaks or display differently.
The following steps illustrate how to create a grid family type with a gap in the middle of the display.
26 In the drawing area, select grid line 5, and on the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
27 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New.
28 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate.
29 In the Name dialog, enter 6.5mm Bubble with Gap, and click OK.
30 In the Type Properties dialog, click the value for Center Segment, click , and select None.
The Center Segment parameter can be set to not display or to display in a different loaded line
pattern. Additional parameters in this dialog allow you to control the display of the grid line in
both plan and section/elevation views.
31 For End Segments Length, enter 50mm.

32 Click OK twice.
33 On the Design Bar, click Modify.

34 Draw a selection box to select all of the grid lines.
35 In the Type Selector, select Grid : 6.5mm Bubble with Gap.
Select and change all grids to use the newly created family type.
37 Select the grid lines again, and in the Type Selector, select Grid : 6.5mm Bubble, and press ESC.
The original continuous grid lines are restored.
Add columns to the grid
38 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Structural Column.

39 In the Type Selector, select UC-Universal Column : 305x305x97UC.
40 On the Options Bar:
■ Select Height and 05 Roof Garden.
■ For Place By, click (Grid Intersection).
41 While pressing CTRL, select all of the grid lines.

42 Verify that all the grid lines are selected (red), and on the Options Bar, click Finish.

Columns that span from the 00 Foundation level to the 05 Roof Garden level are added at the
grid line intersections of the column grid.
43 Press ESC.
44 Select the dimension string between grid line A and B, and unlock it.
45 While pressing CTRL, select grid line A.
46 On the Options Bar, click Activate Dimensions, and then select the dimension value between
grid lines A and B.
47 Enter 9000, and press ENTER.
The columns move to the new location at the intersection of the grid lines.
48 On the Standard toolbar, click (Undo) twice to restore the original locked grid dimension.
49 Select the dimension string and verify that it is locked. If it is unlocked, lock it.
Next, create a 3D perspective view with a camera in which to better view the columns. You want
to view the columns as if you were walking toward them.
Create a 3D perspective view of the building
50 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 01 Entry Level.

51 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Camera.
52 On the Options Bar, for From, select 01 Entry Level.
53 Place the camera and select its target point:
■ Zoom to the lower right corner of the column grid, and click to specify a point beyond the
last horizontal grid line to place the camera.

■ Move the cursor next to grid bubble A, and click to place the target point of the camera.
The 3D perspective view created by the camera displays. The view frame is highlighted in red
and its grips display.
54 Zoom out and resize the view by moving the frame grips until you can see all of the columns.

55 Name the view:
■ In the Project Browser, under Views (all), expand 3D Views.
The current view, named 3D View 1 by default, displays in bold under 3D Views.
■ Right-click 3D View 1, and click Rename.
■ In the Rename View dialog, enter To Building, and click OK.
56 Save the drawing.

57 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Beams on page 72.
Adding Beams
In this exercise, you add beams to build the structure of the building model. You begin by adding beams to
the 01 Entry Level floor plan, and then copy them to subsequent levels.
When you finish adding beams, you change the height of the columns so they extend to the 06 Roof level.

Add beams to the first level of the building
2 At the bottom left corner of the drawing area, view the icons on the View Control Bar.
The View Control Bar offers graphical shortcuts to view settings and commands.
3 Click the Detail Level icon , the icon on the right side of the scale.
A flyout menu displays the level of detail in which you can display the elements in the current
view. The view is currently set to Coarse, which displays the structural elements in your view
as single lines.
4 Click Medium.
5 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Beam.
6 In the Type Selector, verify that UB-Universal Beam : 305x165x40UB is selected.
7 On the Options Bar, click (Create Beam On Grid).

8 While pressing CTRL, select each grid line.
The selected grid lines display as red.
9 On the Options Bar, click Finish.

10 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click To Building to view all of the beams.
Adding Beams | 73
Copy beams from 01 Entry Level to levels 02 through 06
12 On the View toolbar, click (Default 3D View).

The default 3D view is a southeast isometric view with hidden lines.

14 Select one of the beams, right-click, and click Select All Instances.
All of the beams attached to the columns display as red.
NOTE The default 3D view is not available in a perspective or camera view.
15 Click Edit menu ➤ Copy to Clipboard.

16 Click Edit menu ➤ Paste Aligned ➤ Select Levels by Name.
17 In the Select Levels dialog, select 02 Level, press and hold SHIFT, select 06 Roof, and click OK.
The beams that you copied from the 01 Entry Level are pasted onto each subsequent level of
the building. Notice that top level beams are not connected to the columns, which only extend

to the 5th level. When you created the columns, you specified their height to reach only the
05 Roof Garden level.
Change the height of the columns
18 Select one of the columns, right-click, and click Element Properties.

19 In the Element Properties dialog, under Instance Parameters, view the Top Level parameter.
The parameter is set to 05 Roof Garden. You could change this parameter to 06 Roof in this
dialog to change the height of the column, but it would only change the height of the single
selected column.
20 Click Cancel.
21 With the column selected, right-click, and click Select All Instances.
All of the columns display as red.
22 On the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).

23 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Top Level, select 06 Roof, and click OK.
24 Press ESC.
The columns now extend to the top level of the building, 06 Roof.
25 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click To Building, and if necessary, resize the
view to see the entire structure.
Adding Beams | 75
NOTE If you select the camera to resize the view, press ESC to exit the command before continuing.
View the south elevation of the structure
26 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click South.

You can view the columns and beams in the elevation, but you want to display them in less
detail, as lines only.
27 At the lower left corner of the drawing area, on the View Control Bar:
■ Click Model Graphics Style ➤ Hidden Line.
■ Click Detail Level ➤ Coarse.
The structural elements (columns and beams) display only as lines.

29 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Braces on page 77.
Adding Braces
In this exercise, you add braces to the 4 corners of the building structure. To better add the braces to the
structure, you create 8 framing elevation views.
Create framing elevation views

2 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Framing Elevation.
3 On the Options Bar, verify that Attach to Grid is selected.
4 Click near the outer grid lines to place 8 elevation markers around the outside of the grid as
shown, and press ESC to end the command.
Each elevation marker aligns perpendicularly to the grid.
Adding Braces | 77
Add braces in a framing elevation view
5 On the bottom left side of the grid, double-click the elevation marker arrow.
The associated framing elevation view displays.
6 Select the crop region (if necessary), and use the grips that display to adjust both sides of the
view, so that you can see vertical columns located on grid lines A and B.
7 On the Design Bar, click Brace.
8 In the Type Selector, verify that UB-Universal Beam : 305x165x40UB is selected.
9 Move the cursor to the left endpoint of the beam on 01 Entry Level, and when the endpoint
snap displays, click to specify the start point of the brace.
NOTE Make sure you snap to the endpoints of the beams when adding braces to ensure proper
connectivity in the building model. The endpoints will display when you move the cursor over them,
but when placed the braces are placed, visible offsets between the beam and the brace connection
points displays.
10 Move the cursor diagonally to the right endpoint of the beam on 02 Level, and click to specify
the endpoint of the brace.
11 Using the same technique, add 4 braces on the subsequent levels of the building as shown. After
you add the final brace, press ESC twice.
NOTE Do not copy or array braces. You must place them one by one to establish the proper
connections between elements.

Lower the height of the roof (06 Roof) and the 04 Level to test the connectivity
12 Double-click the 06 Roof level height, enter 18000 mm, and press ENTER.
The height of the roof lowers.
IMPORTANT If the brace does not move with the level, delete it and redraw it. Make sure that you
use the endpoint snap to connect the brace to the beams.
Adding Braces | 79
13 Double-click the 04 Level height, enter 10000 mm, and press ENTER.
14 On the Standard toolbar, click (Undo) twice to restore the original level heights.
Add braces in another framing elevation view

16 On the bottom right side of the grid, double-click the framing elevation marker arrow.
17 Add diagonal braces to the structure, but this time add them from right to left.

Add braces in the remaining views and test the connectivity of the building model structure
18 Add braces to the structure in the remaining framing elevation views, as shown in the 3D view
below.
NOTE As you add braces, periodically open the 3D view to see that the braces are positioned as
expected.

20 Select the dimension string between grid lines A and B, and click the lock that displays to unlock
it.
21 Select grid line A, and on the Options Bar, click Activate Dimensions.
22 Click the dimension value of the first vertical grid bay (the one that you unlocked), enter 12000
mm, and press ENTER.
23 In the Project Browser, open the 3D view and notice the change in the size.
Adding Braces | 81
25 Change the height of the 06 Roof level to 24000 mm.
26 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click {3D}.
Test connectivity of the columns, beams, and braces
27 Select one of the columns in the structure, and drag it away from the structure.
The connected beams and braces resize as the columns move.
28 On the Standard toolbar, click (Undo) 3 times to restore the locked dimension, grid size,
and roof height.

30 Select the dimension string of the first vertical grid bay, and if necessary, lock it.
32 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Foundation on page 82.
Creating a Foundation
In this exercise, you place isolated pile caps under the building columns to create a foundation system that
distributes the building load to the ground.

Before you can add the pile caps, you must load the appropriate pile cap family into the project. You learn
how to access the families that are stored in libraries included with software, and how to load specific families
into a project. After you load the pile cap family, you add the pile caps in the 00 Foundation floor plan view,
where you must adjust the view range before you can see them.
Load a pile cap family

2 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Foundation ➤ Isolated.
3 In the Revit dialog that displays, click Yes to load a new structural foundation family.
4 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open
Metric\Families\Structural\Foundations\M_Pile Cap-Rectangular.rfa.
Verify that the pile cap family is loaded in the project
5 In the Project Browser, expand Families, and expand Structural Foundations.

The M_Pile Cap-Rectangular family displays in the tree.
6 Expand M_Pile Cap-Rectangular to display the available pile cap types (sizes).
7 Select 2000 x 2000 x 900mm, and drag it to the drawing area.
Add the first pile cap
8 At the top left of the grid, click the intersection of grid line A and grid line 1.
A warning displays.
9 Close the warning dialog, and press ESC twice.

The pile cap has been added in the view, but the current depth of the view does not allow you
to view it.
10 Edit the 00 Foundation view range:

■ Right-click in the view, and click View Properties.
■ In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, for View Range, click Edit.
■ In the View Range dialog, under View Depth, for Level, select Unlimited.
■ Click OK twice.
The foundation pile cap now displays.
Creating a Foundation | 83
Add pile caps to complete the foundation
11 Right-click the pile cap, and click Create Similar.

12 Select each grid intersection to add pile caps that form the foundation. When the final pile cap
is placed, press ESC twice.
13 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click {3D} to view the complete foundation.

14 Close the file with or without saving it.
15 Proceed to the next exercise, Changing Structural Member Types on page 85.
Changing Structural Member Types

In this exercise, you change the types of the columns, beams, and braces that you used to create the building
structure. You load new column, beam, and brace families into the project, and learn how to select and
change multiple structural element types to refine the building structure.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_update_structure.rvt.
Change the column type

2 Select one of the columns, right-click, and click Select All Instances.
All columns in the building model display as red.
NOTE The default 3D view is the only 3D view in which the Select All Instances command is available.
It is not available in a perspective or camera view.
Changing Structural Member Types | 85

3 In the Type Selector, select CHS-Circular Hollow Section-Column : 508x12.5CHS.
The building model displays the round hollow columns.
Change the beam type
5 Select one of the beams, right-click, and click Select All Instances.
6 In the Type Selector, select M_HSS-Hollow Structural Section : HSS203.2X101.6X15.9.
7 On the Design Bar, click Modify to view the new beam type in the building model.
Because the braces that you added were actually a beam type, the braces as well as the beams
change. In the following steps, you change the brace type.
Change the brace type
8 On the Structural tab of the Design Bar, click Brace.

9 In the Type Selector, select M_Round Bar : 25mm.
This not the size that you want to use, but it is the only size of its type currently available. You
need to create a new bar type by duplicating the 25mm bar type, and changing its size parameter.

11 In the Element Properties dialog, for Type, click Edit/New.
13 In the Name dialog, enter 75mm, and click OK.
14 In the Type Properties dialog, under Dimensions, for d, enter 75mm, and click OK twice.
15 In the Project Browser, under Elevations (Interior Elevation), double-click Elevation 1-a.
17 While pressing CTRL, select the braces in the elevation one by one.
18 In the Type Selector, select M_Round Bar: 75mm.
The brace type changes, although the framing elevation displays the braces as lines only.
20 Open the other building elevations and change the braces to M_Round Bar: 75mm.
View the building model with the new structural element types

NOTE You may close the project with or without saving it.
22 Proceed to the next exercise, Linking the Structural Model on page 87.
Linking the Structural Model

In this exercise, the structural model created in the previous exercises is linked to an architectural project
containing site information. After the files are linked, the architectural file will be used to further develop
the building information model.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_architectural.rvt.
Link the structural model
1 Click File menu ➤ Import/Link ➤ Revit.

2 In the Import/Link RVT dialog, select m_RRB_structure_complete.rvt.
3 Under Positioning, select Auto - Origin to Origin, and click Open.
Use the Origin to Origin option to ensure proper alignment with the site in the architectural
file.
Linking the Structural Model | 87

5 On the Tools toolbar, click (Copy/Monitor), and click Select Link.

The Copy/Monitor tool allows you to establish and monitor relationships between elements in
a host project and linked projects. In this case, the host project is the architectural file and the
linked project is the structural model. You use the Link option because it is likely that the
structural model will change. The standard workflow when working with outside consultants
is to link in the structural model; however, it is also possible to design the structural components
as part of the architectural model, depending on the project.
6 In the drawing area, select the linked Revit model.

7 On the Copy/Monitor tab of the Design Bar, click Copy.
After the link is established, you use the copy/monitor function to place the correct levels into
the host project. Grids, structural members, and walls could also be copy/monitored.
8 On the Options Bar, select Multiple.

9 In the drawing area, while pressing CTRL, select Levels 00 through 06.

10 On the Options Bar, click Finish.
11 In the Duplicate Types dialog, click OK.
12 Ignore and close any warnings that display.
13 On the Design Bar, click Finish mode.
Create views for each of the new levels
14 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Floor Plan.

15 In the New Plan dialog, for Floor Plan views, while pressing SHIFT, select 06 Roof (selecting all
levels 00 through 06).
16 Click OK.
The 06 Roof floor plan opens.
Delete existing views
17 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 1, and click Delete.
18 Using the same method, delete the Level 2 floor plan.
Turn off visibility of the site elements
To get the plans to display without the site information, you create a view template and assign it to the new
floor plans. First, you turn off the visibility of the site elements from the Foundation view.

20 In the drawing area, select the Topography : Surface, right-click, and click Hide in
view ➤ Category.
21 In the drawing area, select Entourage: Stuart Hall 1 : Stuart Hall 1, right-click, and click Hide in
view ➤ Category.
22 Zoom to fit the drawing in the view.
Create a template from the current view
23 Click View menu ➤ Create View Template from View.

24 In the New View Template dialog, for Name, enter Floor Plans, and click OK.
25 In the View Templates dialog, click OK.

Apply the view template to new views
27 Click View menu ➤ Apply View Template.

28 In the Apply View Template dialog, under Names, select Floor Plans, and click OK.
29 Zoom to fit the plan in the view.
Recreate the To Building camera view
30 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Site.

32 Click in the road intersection at the bottom right corner of the building grid.
33 Click at the upper left of the grid.

34 In the 3D view that displays, adjust the borders so that the entire building is visible.

35 In the Project Browser, expand 3D Views, right-click 3D View 1, and click Rename.
36 In the Rename View dialog, enter To Building, and click OK.
37 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Floors on page 92.
Adding Floors
In this exercise, you add floors to the 01 Entry Level through the 05 Roof Garden level of the building.
To create floors, you must sketch them first in a Sketch Editor. Some other Revit Architecture elements, such
as roofs, stairs, and railings are also created from sketches. In this exercise, you learn some different techniques
that you can use when sketching objects.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_add_floors.rvt.

Add the 01 Entry Level Floor
2 Sketch the floor:
■ On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Floor.
Notice the Design Bar now displays the Sketch tab, and elements in the current view display
as gray. You are now in the Sketch Editor.
■ On the Sketch tab, click Lines.
■ On the Options Bar, click (Rectangle).
■ Using a crossing window, sketch a rectangular floor inside the extents of the grid.
The exact dimensions of the sketched floor are not important because you resize it in the
next steps.
3 Place a dimension between the first horizontal grid line and the left floor edge:
■ On the Design Bar, click Dimension.
■ At the top left corner of the grid, select the top floor line, and then the first horizontal grid
line.
■ Move the cursor to the left, past the first vertical grid line, and click above the first horizontal
grid line to place the dimension.
Leave this dimension unlocked. If the grid changes size, the 01 Entry Level floor will resize
with it.
4 Dimension the space between the left floor edge and the first vertical grid line. Do not lock the
dimension.
Adding Floors | 93
5 Dimension the bottom right corner of the grid. Do not lock the dimensions.
6 Resize the floor sketch by changing its dimensions:

■ At the top left corner of the grid, select the top floor line.
■ Move the cursor to the left dimension, and click the temporary dimension value.
■ Enter 300, press ENTER, and then press ESC.
■ Select the left floor edge and change the top dimension value to 300.
■ Move the cursor to dimensions at the bottom of the grid, and change their values to 300
mm.
■ Select and lock the dimensions.
7 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch to create the floor.

The dimensions are not visible on the finished floor. They display on the floor sketch.

8 Select the floor, and on the Options Bar, click Edit.
The floor sketch and dimensions redisplay. This is how you could modify the floor if you needed
to after creating it.
9 Because you do not need to modify the floor, on the Design Bar, click Quit Sketch.
Next, you will add a floor to the 02 Level of the building model, using a different sketching
technique. You use the Pick option to create a floor from the 01 Entry Level floor geometry.
Add the 02 Level floor
10 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 02 Level.

11 Sketch the floor:
■ On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Floor.
■ On the Sketch tab, click Lines.
■ On the Options Bar, click (Pick Lines), and for Offset, enter 1500mm.
■ Select the right vertical 01 Entry Level floor line, and move the cursor until the dashed blue
line displays in the inside of the 01 Entry Level floor.
■ Select the three remaining floor lines, and press ESC.
IMPORTANT Make sure you select the 01 Entry Level floor lines and not the grid lines.
The 02 Level floor sketch displays.
12 At the top left corner of the grid, dimension the space between the 02 Level floor and the grid
as shown, and lock the dimensions.
Adding Floors | 95
13 At the bottom right corner of the grid, dimension and lock the space between the 02 Level floor
and the grid.
14 On the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch.
The 02 Level floor displays.
Add the 03 Level floor

The 02 Level floor is visible in the view.
16 On the Design Bar, click Floor.

17 On the Sketch tab, click Lines.
18 On the Options Bar, click (Rectangle).

19 Sketch a floor inside the 02 Level floor.
20 On the Tools toolbar, click (Align).

The cursor changes to 2 arrows to indicate that the Align tool is active.
21 Select the top 02 Level floor line, and then select the top line of the 03 Level floor sketch.
The sketched floor line is aligned with the top 03 Level floor line, and a lock icon displays.
22 Click the lock to constrain the 03 Level floor line to the 02 Level floor.
23 Continue to align the remaining 3 floor sketch lines with the 02 Level floor. Click the locks to
constrain the floors.

25 Repeat the previous procedure to create a floor on the 04 Level, and constrain the 04 Level floor
to the 03 Level floor.
Alternatively, you could place the rectangular sketch on the 04 Level, and lock the edges.
Copy and paste the 01 Entry Level floor to the 05 Roof Garden level

27 Select the 01 Entry Level Floor.
30 In the Select Levels dialog, select 05 Roof Garden, and click OK.
31 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 05 Roof Garden.
The 01 Entry Level floor is copied at the same location onto the 05 Roof Garden level.

33 At the top left corner of the grid, dimension the space between the 05 Roof Garden level floor
and the grid. Click the lock icons that display next to the dimensions to constrain the 05 Roof
Garden level floor to the grid.
34 At the bottom right corner of the grid, dimension the space between 05 Roof Garden level floor
and the grid. Lock the dimensions to constrain the floor.
35 On the Sketch tab, click Finish Sketch.
View the floors in the 3D building model
36 In the Project Browser, under Views ➤ 3D Views, double-click {3D}.
Adding Floors | 97
37 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding a Roof on page 98.
Adding a Roof
In this exercise, you add a low slope roof over the roof garden on the building.
To create the roof, you use the Roof by Footprint option in Revit Architecture. You sketch the footprint
(perimeter) of the roof in a plan view.
You shape the flat roof of the roof garden to have a roof drain sloping to the center structural member under
the roof. You edit the section of the roof slab so it stays flat across the bottom of the roof slab.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_add_roof.rvt.
Add the roof

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 06 Roof.
2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Roof ➤ Roof by Footprint.
3 On the Design Bar, click Lines.
■ Clear Defines slope.
■ Click (Pick Lines).
■ For Offset, enter 1800 mm, and press ENTER.
5 Move the cursor over grid line E, and then move the cursor slightly to the right of the grid line.
When a blue dashed line displays, click to place the roof line.

6 Select grid line 5, move the cursor slightly below the grid line, and when the blue dashed line
displays, click to place the roof line.
7 On the Options Bar, for Offset, enter 300 mm.

8 Select grid line C to place another roof line (blue line to the left).
9 Select grid line 3 to place the final roof line (blue line above).
Adding a Roof | 99
10 Press ESC.
11 Trim the rooflines:
■ On the Tools toolbar, click (Trim/Extend).
■ Select the lower portion of the roof line that you created from grid line E (the part you want
to keep), and then select the right portion of the roof line that you created from grid line 5.
■ Continue to trim the lines until you complete the roof as shown.
12 On the Design Bar, click Finish Roof.
Add the roof drain
13 In the drawing area, select the roof.

14 On the Options Bar, click (Add new points to the slab shape).
15 On the Options Bar, for Elevation, enter -100 mm, and press ENTER.
16 Select the intersection of grid lines D and 4.

The result is a roof slab which slopes down to a single point.
Create a section view
18 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Section.

19 Click above the top horizontal line of the roof, on grid D, move the cursor down below the roof,
and click to specify the section.
Adding a Roof | 101

21 Double-click the section head to open the section.
22 Zoom in to the upper left corner of the section.
23 Click Window menu ➤ Close Hidden Windows.

24 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 06 Roof.
25 Click Window menu ➤ Tile.
This command tiles the windows so the roof can be seen in section and plan views. In section,
you see that the roof slab is sloped on both faces (upper and lower). The design intent is to have
the underside of the roof flat rather than sloped.
Modify the roof structure
26 In the plan view, select the roof, and on the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
28 In the Type Properties dialog, under Construction, for Structure, click Edit.
29 In the Edit Assembly dialog, for Structure [1], select Variable.
The variable check box allows the lower face of the roof to stay flat while the upper face follows
the desired slope.
30 Click OK 3 times.

Delete the section view
32 In the floor plan, select the section line, and press DELETE.
33 In the warning dialog, click OK.
34 Maximize the window for the 06 Roof floor plan.
35 Zoom to fit the floor plan in the window.
Add swept fascias

37 If necessary, on the View Control Bar, click Model Graphics Style ➤ Shading with Edges.
38 In the 3D view, zoom in to the roof.

39 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Host Sweep ➤ Roof Fascia.
Host sweeps are profile driven shapes. In this case, the correct profile and fascia have been
defined beforehand. Only the family and the path of the sweep must be defined.
40 In the Type Selector, select Fascia : Fascia - Roof Edge.

You select the upper edge of the roof around the perimeter to define the host sweep path.
41 Starting with the left front edge, moving counter-clockwise, select each edge.
Adding a Roof | 103

View the roof
43 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click To Building.
44 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding a Curtain Wall on page 104.
Adding a Curtain Wall

In this exercise, you add a curtain wall. You constrain the curtain wall to the grid, so if you resize the grid,
the curtain wall resizes with it.

Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_add_curtainwall.rvt.
Add curtain wall segments

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, click 01 Entry Level.
3 In the Type Selector, select Curtain Wall : Storefront, and click (Element Properties).
When you duplicate a type, you copy an existing family type and change its name and parameters
to create a new unique type. The type is saved in the project.
6 In the Name dialog, enter Retail Storefront, and click OK.

7 In the Type Properties dialog:
■ Under Construction, for Join Condition, select Horizontal Grid Continuous.
■ Under Vertical Grid Pattern, for Spacing, enter 2100 mm.
■ Under Horizontal Grid Pattern, for Spacing, enter 1050 mm.
■ Click OK twice.
■ For Level, select 01 Entry Level.
■ For Height, select 05 Roof Garden.
■ For Offset, enter 600 mm.
9 Move the cursor over grid line 1 near its endpoint, and move it slightly toward the building
interior.
10 When a blue dashed line displays, click to place the first curtain wall segment.
Adding a Curtain Wall | 105

11 Select the 3 remaining outermost grid lines to create 3 more curtain wall segments that are offset
600 mm from the grid lines toward the building interior.
Trim the curtain wall segments
12 On the Tools toolbar, click (Trim/Extend), and trim each curtain wall segment.
13 On the Design Bar, click Dimension, dimension both (opposite) corners of the curtain wall to
the grid, and lock the dimensions.
If the grid moves, the locks ensure that the curtain wall moves with it. These dimensions are
not in a sketch, so they remain in the view. If you want to hide them, you can delete the
dimensions, but opt to keep the constraints when prompted.
View the curtain wall

15 On the View Control Bar, verify the view settings:
■ Click Model Graphics Style ➤ Shading with Edges.

16 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating an Entrance on page 107.
Creating an Entrance
In this exercise, you replace 4 curtain wall panels with doors in the front of the building to create the main
building entrance. You also modify the panels around the doors so they are solid rather than glass.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_modify_curtainwall.rvt.
Creating an Entrance | 107

Modify the South elevation view
1 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), expand Elevations (Building Elevation), and double-click
South.
To better work with the curtain wall panels, you want to change the view so only curtain wall
panels and columns display.
2 On the View Control Bar, click Detail Level ➤ Medium.

3 Click View menu ➤ Visibility/Graphics.
4 On the Model Categories tab, under the element list, click All.
All the elements in the list are selected.
5 Under Visibility, clear one element to clear all the elements, and click None.
6 Under Visibility, select Curtain Panels and Structural Columns.
Do not select Columns, as these usually represent internal pilasters.
7 Click OK.
8 Zoom in to the entrance area, in the center of the 01 Entry Level.

10 Select 1 panel, press and hold CTRL, and select the other panels around the entrance as shown.
11 When all 9 panels are selected, click the pin to remove it from each of the panels.
12 With the panels selected, in the Type Selector, select System Panel : Solid.
14 In the Apply View Template dialog, select Architectural Elevation, and click OK.
15 Zoom so you can see the entire drawing.
16 On the View Control Bar, click Detail Level ➤ Medium.
The view template applies a collection of visibility graphics appropriate to the view it is named
for, in this case an architectural elevation. If you select View ➤ Visibility/Graphics, you see that
the visibility of many of the model element categories that you cleared in a previous step are
selected.

18 On the View Control Bar, click Model Graphics Style ➤ Shading with Edges.

20 In the Project Browser, under Elevations (Building Elevation), double-click South.

21 Zoom to the front of the building.
22 Move the cursor over the curtain wall mullion as shown.

23 Press TAB until you are notified that you have selected a grid line, and click to select it.
24 On the Options Bar, click Add or Remove Segments.

25 Select the mullion that you selected previously, select another mullion to the right, and press
ESC to remove the grid lines as shown.
26 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Curtain Grid.

27 On the Options Bar, select One Segment.
28 Select the center of the upper horizontal mullion.
29 Select the center of the upper horizontal mullion to the right.

31 Select the newly created curtain wall panel (press TAB to cycle through selections), and unpin
it.
32 In the Type Selector, select M_Curtain Wall Sgl Glass.

33 Repeat for the next 3 panels.

35 Zoom in to the front of the building, and view the new entrance.
36 Zoom in to the first panel.

37 Move the cursor over the bottom mullion, press TAB until it is selected, select it, and unpin it.

38 Press DELETE.
39 Using the same process, remove the mullions from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th panels.
40 Optionally, open the North elevation, and add an entrance to the north side of the building.
Use the same steps that you used to create the south entrance.
41 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Drop Ceiling on page 113.
Creating a Drop Ceiling

In this exercise, you create a drop ceiling on the 01 Entry Level of the building.
Creating a Drop Ceiling | 113

Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_add_drop_ceiling.rvt.
Display 02 Level as an underlay

2 Zoom in to the lower right corner of the building.
3 Right-click in the view, and click View Properties.

4 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Underlay, select 02 Level.
5 Click OK.

Create a callout

The cursor changes to a pencil, which indicates you must draw the callout.
7 Place the callout:

■ Specify a point above the top left column.
■ Move the cursor horizontally below the bottom right column, and click to complete the
callout.
8 Select the callout, select the grip closest to the callout head, and drag the grip down to position
the callout head below the grid as shown.
9 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Callout of 01 Entry Level, and click Rename.
10 In the Rename View dialog, enter Display Area, and click OK.

Create a section

12 Draw a section line, as shown.
13 Select the section line, right-click, and click Flip Section.

14 Press ESC.
15 Double-click the section marker to view the section.
16 Select the section box, and drag the top grip down to display only 01 Entry Level and 02 Level.

17 In the Project Browser, expand Sections (Building Section), right-click Section 1, and click
Rename.
18 In the Rename View dialog, enter Section Display Area, and click OK.
Draw interior walls

21 In the Type Selector, select Basic Wall : Interior - 135mm Partition (2-hr).
■ Click (Draw).
■ For Loc Line, select Finish Face: Exterior.
■ Click (Rectangle).
23 Select the bottom corner of the overhead floor, and then specify a point near the intersection
of grid lines D and 4 to draw a 5000 x 5000 mm square wall inside the grid lines.
24 On the Tools toolbar, click (Align), and align the exterior faces of the right vertical wall
and the bottom horizontal wall with the 02 Level underlay. Lock both alignments.
25 Press ESC twice.
27 On the Options Bar, for Prefer, select Wall faces.

28 Dimension the space between the exterior face of the left vertical wall and the grid, and lock
the dimension.
29 Dimension the space between the exterior face of the top horizontal wall and the grid, and lock
the dimension.
Add a ceiling
30 In the Project Browser, under Ceiling Plans, double-click 01 Entry Level.

31 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Ceiling.
32 In the Type Selector, select Compound Ceiling : 600 x 600mm Grid.
33 Click inside the newly placed walls to place a ceiling in that space.
34 Press ESC to exit ceiling mode.

35 Align and lock each ceiling line to the interior wall faces. (Press TAB to highlight the ceiling line
or wall face before selecting.)
36 Press ESC twice.

37 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Building Section), double-click Section Display Area.
38 On the View Control Bar, click Model Graphics Style ➤ Wireframe.
Notice that the walls extend to the floor. Next, you modify them to be bulkhead walls.

Make bulkhead walls

40 Move the cursor over one of the walls, press TAB until the chain of walls is selected, and click
to select the walls.

42 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Base Offset, enter 2700 mm, and click
OK.
44 Press TAB to highlight the ceiling, click to select it, and click (Element Properties).
45 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Height Offset From Level, enter 2700
mm, and click OK.
46 Press ESC.
47 In the Project Browser, under Sections, double-click Section Display Area.
48 Attach the walls to the 02 Level floor:

■ Select one of the vertical walls above the ceiling, press TAB until you select the wall chain,
and click to select the walls.
■ On the Options Bar, for Top/Base, click Attach.
■ Select the 02 Level Floor, and press ESC.
The walls attach to the 02 Level floor.

View the ceiling structure
50 Select the ceiling, and click .

52 In the Type Properties dialog, under Construction, for Structure, click Edit.
53 In the Edit Assembly dialog, view the ceiling structure.
54 Click OK.
55 In the Type Properties dialog, click Cancel.
56 In the Element Properties dialog, click Cancel.
Rotate the ceiling grid
57 Select the center ceiling grid line.
58 On the Edit toolbar, click (Rotate).

59 Move the cursor toward the top left corner of the grid.

60 Click, enter 45, and press ENTER.
61 Press ESC.
62 Select and drag the diagonal center grid line until it spans the corners of the ceiling grid.

View the building in 3D with shadows

64 On the View Control Bar, click Shadows On.
65 On the View Control Bar, click Shadows Off.

66 Optionally, copy the drop ceiling to the other building levels.
67 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Multi-Level Stairs on page 123.

Creating Multi-Level Stairs
In this exercise, you create multi-level stairs and a stairwell that span the levels of the building. You create
a flight of stairs and stairwell on the 01 Entry Level of the building, and copy it to the 05 Level. You then
cut an opening through the floors on each level.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_add_stair.rvt.
Create the stair

2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Ref Plane.
3 On the Options Bar, click (Pick Lines), and for Offset, enter 1500 mm.
4 Draw 2 reference planes that you will use to locate the flight of stairs:
■ Move the cursor over grid line C, and click to create a reference plane to the left.
■ Move the cursor over grid line B, and click to create a reference plane to the right.
Creating Multi-Level Stairs | 123

6 Select the left reference plane, and drag the model ends so the reference plane only displays
between grid lines 2 and 3.
You will create the stair in the area between grid lines B, C, 2, and 3.
7 Using the same method, shorten the right reference plane.
8 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Stairs.

9 Sketch the stair:
■ Select the bottom endpoint of the right reference plane.
■ Move the cursor vertically along the reference plane until the text below the stair flight
displays an equal number of risers created and risers remaining, and specify a point to create
first stair flight.

■ Move the cursor horizontally to the left, and select the 2nd reference plane.
■ Move the cursor down, beyond the end of the stair, and specify a point.
The complete stair displays, with a message that 20 risers have been created and 0 remain.
10 On the Options Bar, click Finish Sketch to create the complete stair, including its handrails.
Draw walls around the stair
11 On the Design Bar, click Wall.

12 In the Type Selector, select Basic Wall : Generic - 225mm Masonry.
■ For Loc Line, select Finish Face: Interior.
14 Draw walls around the stair.

15 On the Tools toolbar, click Align.
16 Move the cursor over the top horizontal outside edge of the stair, press TAB until the stair edge
is selected, and click to select it.
Make sure you select the stair and not the railing.
17 Select the interior face of the top horizontal wall, and lock the alignment.
18 Using the same technique, align the 2 vertical side edges of the stair with the 2 vertical walls
and lock the alignments.
19 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Dimension.

20 Dimension the distance from the bottom of the stair to the interior face of the bottom horizontal
wall:
■ On the Options Bar, for Prefer, select Wall faces.
■ Select the bottom of the stair.
■ Select the interior face of the wall, and specify a point away from the wall.
■ Click Modify.
■ Select the wall, select the dimension value, enter 1200 mm, and press ENTER.
■ Lock the dimension.

21 Select the dimension, and press DELETE.
Because the dimension is constrained, a warning displays.
22 Click OK to delete the dimension, but leave the stair and wall constrained to each other.
23 Select the stair, and drag it to the left to test the stair and wall constraints.
The stair and walls move to the left.
24 On the Standard toolbar, click (Undo).

25 While pressing CTRL, select both reference planes, and press DELETE.
Add a door to the stairwell
26 On the Design Bar, click Door.

27 In the Type Selector, select M_Single-Flush : 0915 x 2134mm.
28 On the Options Bar, clear Tag on Placement.
29 Select the right side of the lower horizontal wall to place the door.
TIP To flip the door swing, press the SPACEBAR before you place the door.

Span the height of the building
31 While pressing CTRL, select all 4 walls, and click (Element Properties).
■ Under Constraints, for Base Constraint, select 00 Foundation.
■ For Top Constraint, verify that Up to level: 05 Roof Garden is selected.
■ Click OK.
33 Select the stair, and click (Element Properties).

■ Under Constraints, for Multistory Top Level, select 05 Roof Garden.
■ Click OK.
36 On the View toolbar, click (SteeringWheels).

37 Press and hold the Orbit button, and move the cursor to spin the building model.
You can see that the walls and stairs span the vertical height of the building, but if you view
the top level of the building, you can see that the stair railings penetrate the floors. You must
cut an opening through the building to accommodate the multi-level stairs.
38 Press ESC to close the SteeringWheels.

Create a shaft opening

40 Zoom in to the stairs.
41 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Opening ➤ Shaft Opening.
■ Click (Draw).
43 Draw a rectangular shaft opening around the stairs.

44 On the Tools toolbar, click Align.
45 Align the top horizontal shaft sketch line with the top horizontal interior wall face and lock the
alignment.

46 Align the 2 vertical shaft sketch lines with the interior face of the 2 vertical walls, and lock the
alignments.
47 Align the bottom horizontal shaft sketch line with the bottom tread of the stair, and lock the
alignment.
48 Click Finish Sketch to complete the shaft.

Copy the door to multiple levels
49 Select the door.

52 In the Select Levels dialog, select 02 Level through 05 Roof Garden, and click OK.
View the shaft and stair
54 If necessary, on the View toolbar, click (SteeringWheels), and spin the building so you can
see the roof.
Look at the top of building and notice that the shaft is not cutting an opening.

56 Select the shaft, and click (Element Properties).

■ Under Constraints, for Base Offset, enter 300 mm.
The shaft opening will cut through any level it touches. By offsetting the base, you prevent
it from cutting through the 01 Entry Level floor.
■ For Top Constraint, select Up to Level: 06 Roof, and click OK.

60 Spin the building so that you can see the shaft opening.
61 Click View menu ➤ Orient ➤ Southwest.
62 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Wall with a Non-Uniform Height on page 130.
Creating a Wall with a Non-Uniform Height

In this exercise, you create a wall on the 05 Roof Garden level. You learn how to access and modify the
profile and height of the wall to create a decorative wall that extends past the height of the 06 Roof level.

Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_wall_profile.rvt.
Add a basic wall to the 05 Roof Garden level

2 Right-click in the view, and click View Properties.
3 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Underlay, select 06 Roof, and click OK.
Creating a Wall with a Non-Uniform Height | 131

5 In the Type Selector, select Basic Wall : Generic - 225mm Masonry.
6 Draw the wall above the edge of the roof shown in the underlay. The exact placement is not
important. You must draw the wall from left to right to position it on the correct side of grid
line 3.

8 Select the floor on the right side of the wall, and then select the right face of the wall.
9 Click the lock that displays to constrain the 2 elements.
Modify the profile of the wall
10 Select the wall, and on the Options Bar, click Edit Profile.
11 In the Go To View dialog, select Elevation: South, and click Open View.
12 Zoom in to the top right area between the C and E grid lines.
13 Select the top sketch line for the wall.
14 Select the 3750 mm vertical dimension value, enter 9750, and press ENTER.
15 In the error dialog, click Remove Constraints.
17 On the Options Bar, click , and click (Fillet arc).

18 In the upper right corner of the profile, select a point on the profile to the left of the corner,
select a point on the vertical sketch line below the corner, and select a third point within the
corner to create a rounded corner, as shown:
19 On the Options Bar, click , and click (Circle).

20 Draw a circle with a 1200 mm radius just below the fillet arc, as shown:

23 Click View menu ➤ Orient ➤ Northwest.
Creating a Wall with a Non-Uniform Height | 133

24 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Entourage and Site Components on page 134.
Adding Entourage and Site Components

In this exercise, you place planters on the 05 Roof Garden level to create a roof garden, create a sidewalk on
2 sides of the building, and place people and a car on and next to the sidewalk. You learn how to place and
adjust these components in project views.

Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_host.rvt.
Create the roof garden

2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Component.
3 In the Type Selector, select Planter : 1220 x 1220.
4 Add 3 planters on the inside of the floor and grid line 5, between grid lines C and D, as shown.
TIP After you place the 1st planter, move the cursor over the planter and move it to the right to
display a dashed blue line that helps you to place the next planter.
5 On the Basics tab, click Component.

6 In the Type Selector, select M_RPC Tree - Deciduous : Japanese Cherry - 4.5 Meters.
7 Click to place a tree in the center of each planter, and press ESC twice.
Adding Entourage and Site Components | 135

9 Click and hold the left mouse button on the ViewCube, and move the mouse to orient the view
to the Southwest, as shown.
View the roof, and notice that the trees that you placed in the planters protrude through the
roof.
11 Select one of the trees, and on the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
14 In the Name dialog, enter Japanese Cherry 1.5 Meters, and click OK.
15 In the Type Properties dialog, under Dimensions, for Height, enter 1500 mm.
16 Click Apply, and then click OK twice.
17 While pressing CTRL, select the 2 remaining trees, and in the Type Selector, select M_RPC Tree
- Deciduous : Japanese Cherry 1.5 Meters.
The height of the trees no longer extends past the roof.
Create a sidewalk outside of the building

20 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Floor.

23 Move the cursor over grid line 5 between grid lines A and B.
24 Press TAB until a line that is offset 2400 mm below grid line 5 displays between grid lines A and
B, and click to place the line.
25 Using the same method, sketch a line between grid lines 4 and 5.
26 On the Options Bar, for Offset, enter 0 mm.

27 Select the bottom horizontal floor line, and click to sketch a line.
28 Select the right vertical floor line, and click to sketch a line.
29 On the Options Bar, click (Draw).

30 On the Options Bar, clear Chain.
31 Select the top endpoint of the right vertical line, move the cursor to the right approximately
1200 mm, and click to finish the line.
32 Press ESC.
33 Select the left endpoint of the line between grid lines A and B, move the cursor up 900 mm,
and click to finish the line.
34 On the Tools toolbar, click (Trim/Extend).

35 Select the line that you just drew, and then select the line that you sketched along the bottom
horizontal line of the floor.
36 Select the line between grid lines A and B, and then select the line that you sketched between
grid lines 4 and 5.
37 Select the line that you sketched between grid lines 4 and 5, and then select the horizontal line
near grid line 1.

The completed sidewalk displays.
Next, create a new type for the sidewalk element because it is currently a floor element.
39 Select the sidewalk, and on the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
42 In the Name dialog, enter Sidewalk.
43 Click OK twice.
44 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Height Offset from Level, enter -250
mm.
45 Click OK.
Place 2 people on the sidewalk
46 Zoom to the lower right corner of the sidewalk.

48 In the Type Selector, select M_RPC Male : Alex.
49 On the Options Bar, select Rotate after placement.
50 Click to place Alex on the sidewalk, near Column E5.
In plan view, RPC people are represented by a tear drop shape. The pointed end of the shape
indicates the person’s line of sight. Placeholders for RPC content display in 2D and 3D views
only. When you render an image, a photorealistic image displays.
51 Move the cursor to rotate approximately 150 degrees, and click so he is facing the column, as
shown:

NOTE If necessary, you can use the Rotate tool to further adjust the component placement.
52 In the Type Selector, select M_RPC Female : Cathy, and click to place her on the sidewalk.
53 Move the cursor clockwise, about 30 degrees, and click to place Cathy so she is facing Alex.
54 In the Type Selector, select M_RPC Beetle.

55 Press the spacebar to rotate it until it is facing away from Alex, and place it along the sidewalk
behind him.
56 Press ESC twice.
57 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Camera, and place it in the corner of the scene as
shown.
58 In the camera view (3D View 1), click the car, and click (Element Properties).

59 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Offset, enter -300 mm, and click OK.
60 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click West.
61 Zoom in to the area where Alex and Cathy are standing.
Next, you select the sidewalk as a host for both the Alex and Cathy RPC components. When
you select a host for a component, you ensure that the components remain on the same plane
as the host.
Select a host for the RPC components
62 Select Cathy, and on the Options Bar, click Pick Host.

63 Click the sidewalk.
64 Select Alex, and on the Options Bar, click Pick Host.
65 Click the sidewalk.
If the sidewalk changes height, both Cathy and Alex will move with it.
66 Using the same method, pick the sidewalk as the host for the car.
View the front of the building

68 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding a Service Core to the Building Project on page 142.
Adding a Service Core to the Building Project

In this exercise, you remove the multi-level stairs and stairwell that you created in a previous exercise from
the building, and replace them with a service core.
The service core is contained in an external file that you bring into the current project as a group. After the
service core is positioned, the elements will be ungrouped in the project.

Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_RRB_add_service_core.rvt.
Remove the stairwell from the building model

2 Zoom in to the stairwell.
3 Select the entire stairwell, including the stairs, walls, and shaft opening.
4 Press DELETE.
6 On the View toolbar, click (SteeringWheels), and use the Orbit tool to spin the building.
Notice that there is no longer a stairwell in the building. By deleting the stairwell from the 05
Roof Garden, you delete the entire stairwell.
Adding a Service Core to the Building Project | 143

Add the service core as a group
7 Click File menu ➤ Load from Library ➤ Load File as Group.

8 In the left pane of the Load File as Group dialog, click Training Files, and open
Metric\m_RRB_core.rvt.
Ignore and close any warnings that are displayed as the file is imported as a group.
10 In the Project Browser, expand Groups, expand Model, and notice that the linked file is listed.
Create an instance of the group
12 In the Project Browser, right-click m_RRB_core, and click Create Instance.

13 In the drawing area, click to place an instance of the service core between grid lines B and D
and 1 and 2, and on the Design Bar, click Modify.
14 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 01 Entry Level, and zoom in to the linked
instance.
Position and align the group

16 Align the core:
■ Click the inner top horizontal floor line.
■ Click the exterior face of the top horizontal wall of the core.
■ Click grid line C.
■ Press TAB to select the wall centerline of the wall between the top 2 rooms, and click to align
the center.

18 Select the core, and on the Options Bar, click Ungroup.
NOTE This step is not required and may not be recommended if there is more than one instance of
the group, or if the group layout is expected to change.
21 On the View toolbar, click (SteeringWheels), and spin the building to see the inserted group
(top down view).
Shaft openings were included as part of the group geometry and are created automatically as
the group is placed.
Adding a Service Core to the Building Project | 145

22 Proceed to the final exercise, Modifying a Floor and Adding Railings on page 146.
Modifying a Floor and Adding Railings

In this exercise, you cut away a portion of the floor on the 02 Level of the building. After you modify it, you
add glass railings around the floor edges.
You copy the railing type into your project from another project, where it is hosted within a railing family.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open
Metric\m_RRB_modify_floor_add_railings_.rvt.

Open a different project and view a rendering of the building lounge

2 In the left pane of the dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Conference.rvt.
3 In the Conference project, in the Project Browser, expand Renderings, and double-click Lounge
Perspective.
The rendering displays. Notice the glass railing in the foreground. This is the railing that you
want to add to your model.
Copy the railing types into the retail building project
4 In the Project Browser, expand Families, and expand Railings.

5 Expand Railing, press and hold CTRL, and select Glass, Handrail only, and Parapet.
7 Click Window menu ➤ m_RRB_modify_floor_add_railings.rvt.
9 Click Edit menu ➤ Paste from Clipboard.
11 Close the warning dialog that displays.
Modify the 02 Level floor

The floor sketch displays.
13 On the Tools toolbar, click (Split).

14 Select the bottom horizontal floor 700 mm to the left of grid line C, and click to split the floor.
Modifying a Floor and Adding Railings | 147

16 Select the left endpoint of the floor where you split it, and drag to the left until it intersects with
grid line B.
17 Select the right endpoint of the floor where you split it, and drag it to the right until it intersects
with grid line D.
18 On the Design Bar, click Lines, and on the Options Bar, verify that Chain is not selected.
19 Select the left endpoint of the floor, move the cursor vertically until the line is 1500 mm long,
and click to place it.
20 Click to create a line starting from the endpoint of the line that you just drew, move the cursor
horizontally to the right 1500 mm, and click to draw another line.
21 Sketch the same lines in the opposite direction on the right side of the floor sketch.
22 Select the endpoint of the right horizontal line that you just sketched, move the cursor vertically
1500 mm, and click to draw another line.
23 Complete the sketch as shown.

25 Select grid line B, select the left vertical sketch line along grid line B, and click the lock to lock
the alignment.

26 Select grid line D, select the right vertical sketch line along grid line D, and click the lock to lock
the alignment.

28 Align the horizontal sketch lines with each other as shown, and lock the alignment.
29 On the Design Bar, click Dimension, and dimension the floor sketch lines as shown. Lock the
dimensions.

31 In the Revit dialog, click Yes to attach the top of the walls on 01 Entry Level to the bottom of
the 02 Level floor.
Add railings around the floor
32 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Railing.

33 On the Design Bar, click Railing Properties.
34 In the Element Properties dialog, for Type, select Glass, and click OK.
This is the railing type that you copied from the Conference.rvt project.
36 Select the floor lines to sketch the railing around the inside of the floor line as shown.

38 Dimension the railing sketch to the edge of the floor and lock the dimension.
39 Click Finish Sketch.

View the floor and railings

41 Place the camera and camera target as shown.

A new 3D view of the interior of the 02 Level displays. You can view the railing that you just
added.
42 On the View Control Bar:

■ Click (Hide Crop Region) to hide the frame around the view.

43 Close all project drawings.

Documenting Your
Projects
In this section of the tutorials, you learn to create construction documentation in Revit Architecture 2009. We wish to
thank BNIM Architects, a Kansas City-based architectural firm for providing their Freighthouse Flats renovation project
to use for the tutorial training files in this section.
Located in Kansas City’s popular Crossroads Arts District, the Freighthouse Flats project is an exciting renovation of an
historic three-story warehouse into new urban luxury loft living spaces. BNIM Architects was selected to convert the
existing building into a 22-unit condominium featuring concrete floors, lofty ceilings, balconies, and a roof garden. As
the building is slated to receive historic tax credits, the existing building shell will be maintained and restored. The
additional 4th floor and non-historic north facade will be modernized to include a 4th floor penthouse, exterior fire stairs,
and north facing balconies for the 2nd and 3rd floor units.
NOTE For training purposes, slight modifications to the building design have been made.
153
154
Adding Views and Sheets
to a Project 4
In this tutorial, you begin the construction documentation for the Freighthouse Flats project. You learn to:
■ Create new project views, including plan, elevation, section, and detail views
■ Modify the appearance of tags and other annotation on plans
■ Set visibility and graphic controls in views to produce different presentation effects
■ Create projects sheets that contain project views
Creating Views
In this lesson, you learn how to create views from a building model. You learn how to create new views
from existing views, how to create section and elevation views, and how to create views from callouts that
you place in other views.
Duplicating Plan Views

In this exercise, you create new plan views of the building model by copying existing views and then
modifying the copied views. You duplicate the Level 1 and Level 2 floor plans to create Level 1 and Level 2
furniture plans. You also duplicate the project site plan to create a vicinity plan.
155
Level 1 Furniture Plan created from the Level 1 floor plan
Vicinity Plan created from the Site plan
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating
Views.rvt.
Duplicate the Level 1 floor plan to create a Level 1 furniture plan
1 In the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and right-click Level 1 ➤ Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate.
156 | Chapter 4 Adding Views and Sheets to a Project

2 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Copy of Level 1 ➤ Rename.
3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Level 1 Furniture Plan, and click OK.
4 In the Project Browser, double-click Level 1 Furniture Plan.
Use an alternate method of view duplication to create a Level 2 furniture plan
5 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, select Level 2.

6 Click View menu ➤ Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate.
7 In the Project Browser, right-click Copy of Level 2 ➤ Rename.
8 In the Rename View dialog, enter Level 2 Furniture Plan, and click OK.
9 In the Project Browser, double-click Level 2 Furniture Plan.
Duplicating Plan Views | 157

Duplicate a view and change the scale as required
10 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Site ➤ Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate.
11 Under Floor Plans, right-click Copy of Site ➤ Rename.
12 In the Rename View dialog, enter Vicinity Plan, and click OK.
13 In the Project Browser, double-click Vicinity Plan.
14 On the View Control Bar, click the current scale, and click 1: 1000.
Next, hide the display of the elevation markers in the view.

15 Select the body of the south elevation marker.
16 Right-click, and click Hide in view ➤ Category.

All of the elevation markers on the plan are hidden.

18 Save the file as Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating Views_in_progress.rvt.
Creating Elevation and Section Views

In this exercise, you create an additional section and elevation view of the building model.
Creating Elevation and Section Views | 159

South East elevation view
Section view
Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating
Views_in_progress.rvt.
Add an elevation marker to the Level 1 floor plan

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1.
2 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Elevation.
3 In the Type Selector, select Elevation: Building Elevation.
4 On the Options Bar, for Scale, select 1:100.
5 Specify a point in the drawing in front of the angular wall to place an elevation marker.
NOTE Elevation markers are context sensitive and will automatically try to align parallel to model
geometry.

Modify the elevation extents
6 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the head of the elevation marker that you just placed.
7 Select and drag the upper horizontal line of the elevation until it extends past the upper-left
corner of the building.

Rename and view the new elevation
9 In the Project Browser, under Elevations (Building Elevation), right-click Elevation 1-a ➤ Rename.
10 In the Rename View dialog, enter South East, and click OK.
11 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click South East.
Draw a section line on the Level 1 floor plan
12 In the Project Browser, under Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1.
14 In the Type Selector, select Section: Building Section.
16 Draw a section line through the building:
■ Specify a point above the top wall of the building between grid lines 2 and 3.
■ Move the cursor down, and specify the section line endpoint between the endpoints of grid
lines 2 and 3.

Modify the section line
17 Click the blue arrows below the section line head to reverse the direction in which the section
is cut through the building.
18 Select the blue triangular grips on the left side of the section extents, and move them to just
outside of the left side of the building.

19 Click the blue arrows below the section tail twice to cycle through the section tail options and
add a section head to the section line endpoint.
20 Add a jog to the section line:

■ On the Options Bar, click Split Segment.
■ Click the midpoint of the section line, drag it to the right (keeping it below the split) until
it cuts through the stair, and click to place it.

View the new section
22 In the Project Browser, expand Sections (Building Section), and double-click Section 1.
23 On the View Control Bar, click Detail Level: Coarse ➤ Medium.
24 Select gridline F, select the blue break mark that displays under the grid bubble, and drag the
top segment of gridline F to the right, using the blue circular drag grip.

26 Click File menu ➤ Save.
Creating Callout Views

In this exercise, you create new views: an enlarged stair plan view and a detail view. To create each view,
you draw a callout around the geometry in another view to specify the contents of each new callout view.
Stair callout on the Level 1 floor plan

Resulting callout view - Enlarged Stair Plan
Training File
Create a floor plan callout

3 In the Type Selector, select Floor Plan.
5 Draw the callout around the large stairs in the center of the plan:
■ Click to specify a point to the upper-right of the stair.
■ Move the cursor to the lower-left of the stair, and click to specify a point to complete the
callout.
Creating Callout Views | 167

6 Modify the callout leader:
■ On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the callout boundary.
■ Select the grip on the leader line that is closest to the callout head, and move it to the left
side of the callout boundary.
■ Select the middle grip, and drag it down slightly to create a jog in the leader line.

8 In the Project Browser under Floor Plans, right-click Callout of Level 1 ➤ Rename.
9 In the Rename View dialog, enter Enlarged Stair Plan, and click OK.
Open the callout view
10 Double-click the callout head.

The Enlarged Stair Plan view displays.
Create a detail view callout
11 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Building Sections), double-click Section 1.

13 In the Type Selector, select Detail View: Detail.
15 Create the callout:
■ Zoom in to the upper-left corner of the building, and click to specify a point above and to
the right of the roof overhang.

■ Move the cursor diagonally down, and click to specify a point to the left and below the roof
overhang.
16 Modify the callout leader as shown.

17 In the Project Browser, expand Detail Views (Details), and right-click Detail 0 ➤ Rename.
18 In the Rename View dialog, enter Roof Overhang Detail, and click OK.
Open the detail callout view
19 In the Project Browser, under Detail Views (Details), double-click Roof Overhang Detail.

Modifying View Tag Appearance
In this exercise, you modify the appearance of tags in a view so that they conform to office CAD standards.
You change the appearance of the section mark head, the elevation markers, and the callout head and
boundary that you placed in previous exercises.
Existing stair callout head and boundary
Modified stair callout head and boundary
Training File
Modify the section mark head

3 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, open Metric\Families\Annotations,
select Custom-Section Head.rfa, and click Open.

The new section mark head that you want to apply to either endpoint of the section line displays.
4 On the Design Bar, click Load into Project.

5 In the Load into Projects dialog, select the current project, clear any others, and click OK.
The Custom-Section Head family is now loaded in the project, and can be applied to the section
line.
6 Click Settings menu ➤ View Tags ➤ Section Tags.

8 In the Name dialog, enter Section Head – Custom, Section Tail – Filled, and click OK.
9 In the Type Properties dialog, for Section Head, select Custom-Section Head: Section Head –
Open, and click OK.
10 On the floor plan, select the section line, and click .

12 For Section Tag, select Section Head - Custom, Section Tail - Filled, and click OK twice.
Modify the line weight of the section line and mark
13 Click Settings menu ➤ Object Styles.

14 In the Object Styles dialog, click the Annotation Objects tab.
15 Under Category, scroll to Section Line.
16 Click in the Line Weight/Projection field, and select 3.
17 Under Category, scroll to Section Marks.
19 Click OK.
On the floor plan, notice the updated section marks that display at each endpoint of the section
line.
Modify the shape and weight of the elevation markers
20 Click Settings menu ➤ View Tags ➤ Elevation Tags.

22 In the Name dialog, enter 12.5mm Square, and click OK.
Modifying View Tag Appearance | 173

23 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics:
■ For Shape, select Square.
■ For Line Weight, select 3.
■ For Dimensions ➤ Width, enter 12.5 mm.
■ Click OK.
24 Select an elevation marker in the drawing, and on the Options Bar, click .
26 In the Type Properties dialog, for Elevation Tag, select 12.5mm Square.
27 Click OK twice.
On the floor plan, notice the square elevation markers that display.
Modify the callout head

29 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, open Metric\Families\Annotations,
select Custom-Callout Head.rfa, and click Open.
The new callout head that you want to apply to the callout displays.
30 On the Design Bar, click Load into Project.

31 In the Load into Projects dialog, select the current project, clear all others, and click OK.
32 Click Settings menu ➤ View Tags ➤ Callout Tags.
34 In the Name dialog, enter Custom – Callout Head w/ 6mm Corner Radius, and click OK.
■ For Callout Head, select Custom – Callout Head: Callout Head.
■ For Corner Radius, enter 6 mm.
■ Click OK.
36 In the drawing, select the callout, and on the Options Bar, click .
38 In the Type Properties dialog, for Callout Tag, select Custom – Callout Head w/ 6mm Corner
Radius.
39 Click OK twice.
40 Press ESC.
The custom callout head displays on the floor plan.

Modify the callout boundary

42 In the Objects Styles dialog, click the Annotation Objects tab.
43 Under Category, scroll down to Callout Boundary.
45 For Line Pattern, select Dash.
46 Under Category, expand Callout Boundary.
47 Select Callout Leader Line.
49 Click OK.
The new callout boundary displays on the floor plan.
Setting Visibility and Graphics Options in Views

In this lesson, you learn how to control the visibility and graphic characteristics of elements in views. You
learn to create view templates, view regions, filters, masking regions, and visual overrides.
Setting Visibility and Graphics Options in Views | 175

Creating a View Template
In this exercise, you create presentation views that feature elevations of the building. To accomplish this,
you create a view template containing specific presentation quality visibility settings, and apply it to multiple
elevation views. View templates provide an easy way to transfer visibility settings to multiple drawings.
Presentation view
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-VG.rvt.
Set a crop region for the view

1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, and double-click East.
2 On the View Control Bar, click (Show Crop Region).

3 Select the outer crop region that displays around the view.
The crop region displays as red, and features blue triangular grips and break marks.
4 Select and move the blue triangular grips to resize the crop region as shown.

6 On the View Toolbar, click Zoom to Fit.

Create and apply a view template to an elevation drawing
7 On the View Control bar, click Detail Level: Coarse ➤ Medium.

9 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, under Visibility, clear Entourage.
10 Click the Annotation Categories tab.
11 Under Visibility, clear:
■ Callouts
■ Elevations
■ Grids
■ Levels
■ Sections
12 Click OK.
Callouts, elevation markers, grids, levels, and section lines are now hidden in the view.
13 On the View Control bar, click Shadows Off ➤ Shadows On.
Creating a View Template | 177

14 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, right-click East, and click Create View Template From
View.
15 In the New View Template dialog, enter Black and White Presentation Elevation, and click OK.
17 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click North.
18 In the Project Browser, right-click North, and click Apply View Template.
19 In the Select View Template dialog, select Black and White Presentation Elevation, click Apply,
and click OK.
20 Using the same method, edit the crop region as before.
The settings in the view template create a presentation-quality elevation view.

22 Save the file as Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-VG_in_progress.rvt.

View Range and Plan Regions
In this exercise, you modify the view range and create view plan regions to adjust the display of elements
in the building Penthouse and Roof Plan. You want to display the exterior roof terraces from Level 4 on the
penthouse and roof plan, and the exterior area on the south side of the building, as this structure has not
yet been documented in any of the views.
Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson,
Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-VG_in_progress.rvt.
Adjust the view range of the Penthouse plan

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Penthouse.
2 In the Project Browser, select Penthouse, right-click, and click Properties.

3 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, for View Range, click Edit.
4 In the View Range dialog:
■ Under Primary Range, for Bottom, select Level Below (Level 4).
■ Under View Depth, for Level, select Level Below (Level 4).
■ Click OK twice.
NOTE The Penthouse plan now shows the level below to provide additional context to the view.
View Range and Plan Regions | 179

Adjust the view range of the Roof plan
5 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Roof Plan.
6 In the Project Browser, select Roof Plan, right-click, and click Properties.
■ Under Primary Range, for Bottom, select Level 4.
■ Under View Depth, for Level, select Level 4.
■ Click OK twice.

Create a plan region to show exterior space on the south side of the building
9 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Plan Region.
NOTE A Plan Region allows you to modify the view range of a specified area defined by the extents
of the Plan Region.

12 Sketch a plan region:
■ In the left corner of the building, select the left endpoint of the outer wall.
■ Move you cursor diagonally, and select the endpoint the gridline shown below.
13 On the Design Bar, click Region Properties.

■ Under Primary Range, for Bottom, select Unlimited.
■ Under View Depth, for Level, select Unlimited.
■ Click OK twice.
View Range and Plan Regions | 181

Using Filters to Control Visibility

In this exercise, you visually audit the drawing to make sure the fire-rated walls are placed correctly. You
use a filter to quickly apply visual changes to the walls based on defined parameters, in this case, the fire
rating of the walls. After you apply the filter, the fire-rated walls on the floor plan display with a solid red
fill.
Training File
3 In the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click the Filters tab.

4 At the bottom of the Visibility/Graphics dialog, click Edit/New.
5 In the Filters dialog, under Filters, click (New).

6 In the Filter Name dialog, enter Rated Walls, and click OK.
7 In the Filters dialog, under Categories, select Walls.
8 Under Filter Rules:
■ For Filter by, select Fire Rating.
■ Select contains.
■ Enter Hr.
9 Click OK.
10 On the Filter tab, click Add.
11 Select Rated Walls, and click OK.
12 On the Filter tab, for Rated Walls, under Projection/Surface, click Override under Patterns.
13 In the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog, for Color, click <No Override>.
You click the current color value to open the Color dialog, and apply a color.
14 In the Color dialog, under Basic colors, select the red color, and click OK.
15 In the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog, for Pattern, select Solid Fill.
16 Click OK.
17 Using the same method, apply the red solid fill override to Cut Patterns as well.
18 In the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog, click OK.
19 Remove the filter:

■ Click View menu ➤ Visibility/Graphics.
■ On the Filters tab of the Visibility Graphics dialog, click Remove, and click OK.
The fire-rated walls now display without the solid red fill. The Rated Walls filter can be reapplied
to the drawing at any time, but the overrides associated with the filter must be reapplied as well.
Using Filters to Control Visibility | 183

Masking Portions of a View

In this exercise, you obscure geometry in portions of a view. To accomplish this, you use masking regions
that you sketch over the areas that you want to hide.
Masking regions sketched over the upper corners of a view
Unit plan view with upper corners masked

Training File
1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 1 ➤ Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate.
2 Select Copy of Level 1, right-click, and click Rename.
3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Unit 18 Plan – Level 1, and click OK.
4 On the View Control Bar, click Show Crop Region.
5 On the View menu, click Zoom ➤ Zoom to Fit.
6 Modify the crop region to get close to the desired view at the bottom left, as shown.
7 On the View menu, click Zoom ➤ Zoom to Fit.

8 Select the crop region, and adjust the view again until it displays as shown.
9 On the View Control Bar, click Show Crop Region ➤ Hide Crop Region.
Use a masking region to hide additional model geometry that does not need to be shown
10 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Masking Region.

11 In the Type Selector, select Invisible lines.
NOTE This specifies the line type for the border of the masking region.
Masking Portions of a View | 185

13 Sketch 2 masking regions as shown.

15 View the effects of the masking regions on the floor plan.

Working with Visual Overrides
In this exercise, you create a presentation plan of one of the residential units on the Level 1 floor plan, and
apply different visual overrides to create presentation effects. You create poche for the walls and you hide
and modify the display of certain elements on the presentation plan.
Training File
1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 1, and click Duplicate
View ➤ Duplicate with Detailing.
NOTE Duplicate with Detailing is selected so that the masking regions are retained in the new view.
2 Select the Copy of Unit 18 Plan – Level 1, right-click, and click Rename.
3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Presentation Unit 18 Plan – Level 1, and click OK.
4 On the View Control Bar, click the current scale, and click 1: 50.
Create poche for walls
5 Select the diagonal bottom wall, right-click, and click Override Graphics in View ➤ By Category.
6 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, under Visibility, select Walls.
7 Under Cut, click in the Patterns field, and click Override.
8 In the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog, under Pattern Overrides, for Color, click <No Override> to
apply a color.
9 On the left side of the Color dialog, click black, and click OK.
10 In the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog, for Pattern, select Solid fill.
11 Click OK twice.
Working with Visual Overrides | 187

Set the visibility and graphics of other categories in the view

14 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, under Visibility, clear Floors.
15 Click the Annotation Categories tab.
16 Under Visibility, clear Grids, and click OK.
Hide elements in the view by category
17 Select the lamp on the table on the floor plan as shown.

18 Right-click, and click Hide in View ➤ Category.
19 Select 1 of the chairs around the long table on the floor plan as shown.

20 Right-click, and click Override Graphics in View ➤ By Category.
By using the previous method to make the selection, the Visibility/Graphics dialog opens to the
category of the object (Furniture) selected by default.
21 Under Projection/Surface, under Lines, click Override.

22 In the Line Graphics dialog, for Color, click <No Override> to apply a color.
23 In the Color dialog, click a purple color, and click OK.
24 In the Line Graphics dialog, for Pattern, select Dash.
25 Click OK twice.
Modify visibility and graphics by element
26 On the floor plan, select the sofa, right-click, and click Override Graphics in View ➤ By Element.
27 In the View-Specific Element Graphics dialog, click Projection Lines.

28 For Color, click By Category Override.
29 In the Color dialog, select a bright green color, and click OK twice.
Reveal hidden elements in a view
31 On the View Control Bar, click .

The lighting fixtures and grid lines that you hid previously display in a dark red color.
32 Select one of the lamps, right-click, and click Unhide in view ➤ Category.

33 On the View Control Bar, click .
Creating Drawing Sheets in a Project

In this lesson, you learn how to create sheets within a Revit Architecture project, how to add views to the
sheets, and how to make changes to the building model from a view on a sheet.
Creating Drawing Sheets

In this exercise, you create project drawing sheets that report the project information in the sheet titleblocks.
Training File

■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats- Creating
Sheets.rvt.
Create a project sheet

1 On View tab of the Design Bar, click Sheet.
TIP If the View tab is not displayed in the Design Bar, right-click, and click View.
2 In the Select a Titleblock dialog, select A0 metric, and click OK.

A title block and drawing borders are displayed on the drawing sheet.
The title block that you selected is a family that has already been loaded into the project. The
text fields in the titleblock family (shown below) contain labels that associate the project
information parameters with the appropriate text fields.
Creating Drawing Sheets | 193

NOTE The vertical time and date stamp in the lower-right corner of the sheet view automatically
updates every time the project file is saved.
3 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets (all).

The new sheet is displayed in the Project Browser with the name A102 - Unnamed.
Change the sheet name and number
4 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the title block.
5 When the title block highlights, on the Options Bar, click (Properties).
6 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data:
■ For Sheet Name, enter Site Plan.
■ For Sheet Number, enter A101.
■ Click OK.

8 Zoom in to the lower-right corner of the title block.
Site Plan displays in the title block as the sheet name and is appended to the sheet name in the
Project Browser. The Sheet Number has been updated to display A101.

Display additional project information in the sheet title block
9 Click Settings menu ➤ Project Information.

10 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Project Address, click Edit.
11 In the Edit Text dialog, enter the following address:
■ 123 Main Street
■ Anytown, MA 12345
12 Click OK.
13 In the Element Properties dialog, continue to add project information:
■ For Project Issue Date, enter 15 May, 2009.
■ For Project Status, enter For Approval.
■ For Client Name, enter J. Smith.
■ For Project Name, enter Freighthouse Flats.
■ For Project Number, enter 2009-1.
14 Click OK.
The new project information displays in the titleblock.
NOTE Text size is determined within the sheet family.
Creating Drawing Sheets | 195

Create a floor plan sheet
15 In the Project Browser, right-click Sheets (all) ➤ New Sheet.

17 In the Project Browser, select the new sheet name, right-click, and click Rename.
18 In the Sheet Title dialog, for Name, enter Floor Plan, and click OK.
Create additional sheets
19 Using the same method as you did in the previous steps, create the following new project sheets:
■ A103 - Layout Plan
■ A104 - Elevations
■ A107 - Sections
■ A108 - Stairs
In the following exercise, you add views to these sheets.

21 Save the file as Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating Sheets_in_progress.rvt, and click Save.
Adding Views to Sheets

In this exercise, you add views to the sheets that you created in the previous exercise.

Training File
■ Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Creating
Sheets_in_progress.rvt.
Drag the Level 1 floor plan onto a sheet to create a floor plan
1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A102 - Floor Plan.
2 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, select Level 1, and drag it to the sheet.
3 Move the cursor to position the lower-right corner of the view in the lower-right corner of the
sheet, and click to place the view.
The border of the view displays as red to indicate that you can reposition it on the sheet.

The red border around the view no longer displays.
Add elevation views to the A104-Elevation sheet
5 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A104 - Elevations.

6 In the Project Browser, under Elevations (Building Elevation), drag East to the upper-right corner
of the sheet, and click to place it.
Adding Views to Sheets | 197

7 Drag the North elevation to the lower-right corner of the sheet, align it with the East elevation,
Add the Building Section view to the A107-Sections sheet
9 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A107 - Sections.

10 Under Sections (Building Sections), drag Building Section to the upper-right corner of the sheet,
11 Under Detail Views (Detail), drag Roof Overhang Detail to the left of the Building Section view
on the sheet, and click to place it.

Change the scale of the detail view
13 Select the Roof Overhang Detail on the sheet, and on the Options Bar, click .
14 In the Element Properties dialog, for View Scale, select 1:5, and click OK.
15 Drag the view to reposition it next to the Building Section view.
Notice the title bar also needs to be resized.
16 Select title bar, and use the blue endpoint grips to resize it so that it spans the length of the
view.
NOTE If you find it difficult to select the left grip on the title bar, zoom in to the grip, move the
cursor over it, and press TAB until it highlights.
Adding Views to Sheets | 199

Create a sheet with stair and stair detail views
17 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A108 - Stairs.

18 Under Floor Plans, drag Enlarged Stair Plan to the upper-right corner of the sheet, and click to
place it.
View updated annotation on referenced views

21 Zoom to the stair callout.
Notice that the callout tag has been automatically updated to reference the correct sheet.
22 Zoom in to the section line heads and the east and north elevation markers, and notice they
also reference the correct sheet numbers.

Modifying the Building Model from a Sheet View
In this exercise, you learn how to modify a building model directly from the drawing sheets that you created
from its views. In order to do this, you must first activate the view on the sheet, and then make changes
and deactivate the view.
Training File
Change the roof elevation

1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A107 - Sections.
2 Select the building section view, right-click, and click Activate View.
3 At the right end of the Roof level line, zoom in to the name and elevation of the level.
4 Double-click the Roof elevation height, enter 16700 mm, and press ENTER.
Modifying the Building Model from a Sheet View | 201

6 Right-click, and click Deactivate View.
7 In the Project Browser, under Elevations (Building Elevation), double-click North.
Notice that the Roof Plan elevation has been updated.
Creating and Modifying a Title Sheet

In this exercise, you create a title sheet for your drawing set. After you create the sheet, you create a perspective
view of the building and place it on the sheet. You modify the view to hide the view title, as it is not necessary
to display it on the title sheet.
Training File

Create a new sheet
1 In the Project Browser, right-click Sheets (all) ➤ New Sheet.

3 In the Project Browser, select the new sheet name, right-click, and click Properties.
■ For Sheet Number, enter T.
■ For Sheet Name, enter Title Sheet.
■ Click OK.
Create a view of the building to place on the title sheet

7 Place the camera as shown.
The camera view displays.
Creating and Modifying a Title Sheet | 203

8 On the Options Bar, click .
■ Under Extents, select Far Clip Active.
■ For Far Clip Offset, enter 100000 mm.
■ Under Camera, for Eye Elevation, enter 18000 mm.
■ For Target Elevation, enter 1500 mm.
■ Click OK.
10 Select the crop region and adjust the view to fit the building.
11 On the View Control Bar, click Shadows off ➤ Shadows on.
12 On the View Control Bar, click Show Crop Region ➤ Hide Crop Region.
13 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click T - Title Sheet.

14 Under 3D Views, drag 3D View 1 onto the sheet, and click to place it in the center of the sheet.

15 With the view selected, on the Options Bar, click Size.
16 In the Crop Region Size dialog:
■ Under Change, select Scale (locked proportions).
■ Under Model Crop Size, for Height, enter 635 mm.
■ Click Apply, and then click OK.
17 Reposition the view on the title sheet.

Remove the title bar on the view
19 Select the view on the sheet, and on the Options Bar, click .
22 In the Name dialog, enter Viewport/no title mark, and click OK.
23 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Show title, select No.
24 Click OK twice.
The title bar no longer displays on the sheet.
Creating and Modifying a Title Sheet | 205

26 Click File menu ➤ Save, and close the exercise file.

Tagging and Scheduling
5
In this tutorial, you learn how to tag rooms and other components of floor plans, such as doors and windows. You also
learn to create different types of schedules, such as room and window schedules, in your Revit Architecture 2009 projects.
Tagging Objects
In this lesson, you learn how to use some of the annotation features included in Revit Architecture. You
learn how to
■ Sequentially tag rooms on a floor plan
■ Tag doors and windows
■ Modify tag placement and mark text
■ Tag other objects, such as furniture
Sequentially Placing and Tagging Rooms

In this exercise, you sequentially place and tag the rooms on the floor plan. Because of the open style floor
plan, you need to create room separation lines to define the rooms to be tagged. The Room command with
the Tag on placement option selected allows you to place and tag rooms with one command.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Tagging
Objects.rvt.
Add room separations

1 In the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 1.
207
2 Zoom in to the upper area of the floor plan.
3 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Room Separation.
Adding room separation lines breaks up an open space to make it easier to add rooms.
NOTE If the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar is not active, right-click in the Design Bar, and
click Room and Area.
4 Click the endpoint of the short horizontal wall on the left, move the cursor to the right, and
click the opposite wall to create a horizontal room separation dividing the kitchen from the
dining area (top area of the drawing), as shown:
5 Using the same method, create a vertical separation to divide the kitchen from the entry area
on the right, as shown:
208 | Chapter 5 Tagging and Scheduling

6 Using the same method, create a horizontal separation above the stair to divide the dining area
from the living area.
Load room tag annotation family
8 Click Settings menu ➤ Annotations ➤ Loaded Tags.

9 In the Tags dialog, click Load.
Sequentially Placing and Tagging Rooms | 209

10 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, and open
Metric\Families\Annotations\M_Room Tag.rfa.
11 In the Tags dialog, click OK.
Tag rooms sequentially
12 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Room.
13 On the Options Bar, verify that Tag on placement is selected.
14 For Offset, type 2400 mm.
15 Move the cursor to the room at the upper right of the plan view, and click to place the room
and tag.
The crosshair graphic represents the room area being tagged, and the rectangle contains the
room tag.
16 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the room tag.
The room tag number displays in blue, indicating that it can be edited.
17 Zoom in on the tag number, click it, type U18-1, and press ENTER.

18 Click the room text label, type Entry, and press ENTER.

20 Place another room and tag:
■ On the Design Bar, click Room.
■ Move the cursor into the room to the left of the one previously tagged.
■ Align the tags by moving the cursor until a dashed green line displays between the placed
tag and the one that displays at the tip of the cursor.
■ Click to place the new room and tag.
NOTE The second tag that you place displays the sequential number U18-2. Sequential letters
are also supported.

22 Click the room text label, type Kitchen, and press ENTER.
23 Using the same method, place rooms and tags, and edit the tags as shown (Toilet, Dining, and
Living):
Sequentially Placing and Tagging Rooms | 211

Hide the room separations

25 In the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog, on the Model Categories tab, expand Lines, clear
Room Separation, and click OK.
Tag rooms on upper level
26 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 2.
27 On the Design Bar, click Room Tag.
The rooms are already placed, but they need to be tagged.
28 Starting with the Balcony (area near the stair), and moving clockwise, click to place a room tag
in each of the 5 rooms.

31 Save the file as Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Tagging Objects_in_progress.rvt.
Tagging Doors and Windows

In this exercise, you learn how to place door and window tags. You learn how to add tags to the floor plan
and how to simultaneously tag multiple untagged doors and windows.
Training File
Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Tagging
Objects_in_progress.rvt.
Tag Level 1 doors

1 If necessary, in the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level
1.
2 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Tag ➤ By Category.
3 On the Options Bar, clear Leader.
4 Select 5 doors in the upper area of the floor plan:
■ Entry door
■ Kitchen pantry door
■ Pocket door in toilet
■ Closet door in dining room
Tagging Doors and Windows | 213

■ Closet door in living room

6 Click the door tag for the entry door, type U18-1, and press ENTER.
NOTE The tag symbol and text size are determined by the tag family.
7 Select the kitchen pantry door to the left, and on the Options Bar, click (Element
Properties).
8 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identify Data, for Mark, type U18-2, and click OK.

9 Using one of the methods you just learned, rename the other 3 door tags to match the
corresponding room tags.
10 Select the tag for the pocket door on the right, and drag it down to center it in the doorway.
11 Select the tag for the closet door and move it to the right of the door.
Tagging Doors and Windows | 215

Tag Level 2 doors
12 In the Project Browser, double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 2.

13 On the Design Bar, click Tag All Not Tagged.
14 In the Tag All Not Tagged dialog, verify that All objects in current view is selected.
15 Under Category, select Door Tags, and click OK.
16 Move the door tags to center them in the doorway.
17 Edit the numbers of the door tags as shown:
Place window tags
18 In the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1.
19 Click Settings menu ➤ Annotations ➤ Loaded Tags.

20 In the Tags dialog, click Load.
21 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, and open
Metric\Families\Annotations\M_Window Tag.rfa.
22 In the Tags dialog, click OK.
23 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Tag All Not Tagged.
24 In the Tag All Not Tagged dialog, select Window Tags, and click OK.

25 Zoom to the lower-right area of the drawing to view the window tags.
26 Under Floor Plans, double-click Level 2.

27 Zoom to the drawing extents.
28 Using the same method, tag all untagged windows.
29 Save the file.
Tagging Other Objects

In this exercise, you learn how to tag furniture objects, and modify the tag placement and display.
Training File
Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Tagging
Objects_in_progress.rvt.
Add furniture tags

3 On the Options Bar, select Leader.
4 Select a dining room chair.
5 At the confirmation prompt, click Yes to load a tag.
Metric\Families\Annotations\M_Furniture Tag.rfa.
7 Select each of the chairs and the table to place tags; select the edge to which the leader connects.
Tagging Other Objects | 217

8 Select the furniture in the living room.
9 Click Modify.
Modify tag placement
10 Zoom to the dining table.

Notice that the chair and table tags overlap.
11 Select the tag for the table, and drag it above the chair tag.

12 Click the elbow control, and drag it up to form an angled leader.
13 Optionally, modify the position of the chair tags to move them closer to the chairs.
14 Click Modify.
15 Select the tag for the table (TBL-1), and on the Options Bar, clear Leader.
16 Drag the table tag to the center of the table, and on the Design Bar, click Modify.
Tag furniture on Level 2
17 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Unit 18 Plan - Level 2.
18 On the Design Bar, click Tag All Not Tagged, select M_Furniture Tag : Standard, and click OK.
All furniture in the floor plan is tagged.
Tagging Other Objects | 219

Change tag style
19 Draw a selection box around the top area of the drawing to select the furniture.

21 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Furniture Tags, and click OK.
22 In the Type Selector, select Furniture Tag: Boxed, and click Modify.
23 Save the file.
Defining Schedules and Color Diagrams

In this lesson, you learn to add schedules. You also learn to add schedule keys to a project by creating a
room schedule and room color diagram. Schedule keys allow you to define common items that can be used
by multiple objects within a schedule.

Creating a Window Schedule
In this exercise, you create a window schedule for the building model shown below.
You begin by creating a window instance schedule; that is, a schedule that lists every window in the building.
Creating a Window Schedule | 221

You then select a window in the instance schedule and use the Show command to locate it in a view of the
building model.
Next, you group and sort the windows in the instance schedule. Finally, you change the window instance
schedule to a type schedule, in which windows are listed by window type.
Training File
Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color Diagrams.rvt.
Create a window schedule

1 In the Project Browser, expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1.
2 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Schedule/Quantities.
TIP If the View tab of the Design Bar is not active, right-click in the Design Bar, and click View.
3 In the New Schedule dialog, under Category, select Windows.

4 For Name, type Building Window Schedule, and click OK.
Define the fields to display as columns in the window schedule
5 In the Schedule Properties dialog, click the Fields tab.

6 Under Available fields, select Comments and click Add.
The Comments field is moved under Scheduled fields.
7 Using the same method, add the following fields to the schedule:
■ Count
■ Height
■ Level
■ Type Mark

■ Width
8 Under Scheduled fields, order the fields as shown in the following illustration by selecting them
and clicking Move Up or Move Down.
9 Click OK.
A schedule is created that contains every window in the building model.
Select a window in the schedule and locate it in the building model
10 Select a cell in the window schedule with the C14 Type Mark, and on the Options Bar, click
Show.
If no open view shows the selected element, you are prompted to open one that does.
11 If the confirmation dialog displays, click OK to search through relevant views of the building
model.

The window that corresponds to the information in the schedule row is displayed in a relevant
view of the building model.
12 In the Show Element(s) in View dialog, click Close.
NOTE By clicking Show, you can display other views of the building model that include the selected
window. However, in large building models with many views, this can be a time-consuming process.
13 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, and double-click Building Window Schedule
to redisplay the window instance schedule.
Group and sort the window schedule by type mark
14 In the drawing area, right-click the schedule, and click View Properties.
15 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Sorting/Grouping, click Edit.
16 On the Sorting/Grouping tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, for Sort by, select Type Mark
17 Click OK twice.
The window schedule is displayed, sorted by type mark.
Change type mark from the schedule
18 In the window schedule, change the Type Mark in the first row from 19 to A, and press ENTER.
19 Click OK to confirm that you want to change the type mark for all windows of this type.

The type mark is changed to A and the schedule is resorted.
Change the schedule from an instance schedule to a type schedule
20 Right-click on the schedule, and click View Properties.

21 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Sorting/Grouping, click Edit.
22 In the Schedule Properties dialog, clear Itemize every instance.
23 Click OK twice.
The window type schedule is displayed.
24 Change the Type Mark for the other window types, so that the types are sequentially named
from A to H, as shown:

26 Zoom to the lower area of the floor plan to see that the window tags have changed.
27 Click File menu ➤ Save As, and save the exercise file as m_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color
Diagrams_in_progress.rvt.

Adding Project Parameters to a Window Schedule
In this lesson, you add schedule columns for parameters that are not standard for the scheduled object. In
this case, you want to add columns to the window schedule to describe the detail where head, jamb, and
sill conditions for a window can be found. These parameters cannot be shared with other projects and,
unlike shared parameters, you cannot use them to tag objects.
Training File
Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, m_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Color
Create project parameters

1 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, and double-click Building Window Schedule.
2 Click Settings menu ➤ Project Parameters.
3 In the Project Parameters dialog, click Add to create the new parameter.
4 In the Parameter Properties dialog:
■ Under Categories, select Windows to associate the parameter with the Windows category.
■ Under Parameter Data, for Name, type Head Detail.
■ For Group parameter under, select Construction.
■ Select Type.
5 Click OK.
The new project parameter Head Detail is displayed in the Project Parameters dialog.
6 Using the same method, create 2 more window parameters: Jamb Detail and Sill Detail.
7 In the Project Parameter dialog, click OK.
Add project parameters to the schedule
8 In the Project Browser, right-click Building Window Schedule, and click Properties.
9 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Fields, click Edit.
10 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available fields, select the following
fields, and click Add to add them to the schedule in order:
■ Head Detail
■ Jamb Detail
■ Sill Detail
11 Use the Move Up control to move the new parameters up in the list, so that they are listed before
Comments.

12 Click OK twice.
Group headers in the schedule
13 In the schedule, select Head Detail, Jamb Detail, and Sill Detail.
TIP To select all 3 headers, click in the Head Detail header, and without releasing the left mouse
button, move the cursor over the Jamb Detail and Sill Detail headers.
14 On the Options Bar, click Group.

15 In the grouping field above the detail headers in the schedule, type Window Details.
16 You can add values for the new project parameters directly in the schedule. For example, under
Type Mark A, for Head Detail, type 1/A107; for Jamb Detail, type 2/A107; and for Sill Detail,
type 3/A107.
17 Save the file.
Adding Project Parameters to a Window Schedule | 227

Creating a Unit-Based Door Schedule with a Filter
In this exercise, you create a unit-based door schedule and use a filter to limit the selection of doors to a
single unit. You then hide the column used for the filter, and place the unit-based door schedule on a sheet
with the unit plans.
Training File
View Level 1 of the building

Create a new door schedule for Unit 18

3 In the New Schedule dialog:
■ Under Category, select Doors.
■ Under Name, type Unit 18 - Door Schedule.
■ Verify that Schedule building components is selected.
■ For Phase, verify that Phase 1 is selected.
4 Click OK.
6 Under Available fields, select the following fields, and click Add to add them to the schedule in
order:
■ Count
■ Family and Type
■ Head Height
■ Sill Height
■ Width
■ Mark
7 Click the Filter tab, and specify the following values for Filter by:
■ Select Mark in the first field.
■ Select contains in the second field.
■ Type U18 in the third field.
This filter checks each door in the project to see which unit it is associated with, and produces
a schedule that includes only the doors in Unit 18.
8 Click the Sorting/Grouping tab, and specify the following options:

■ For Sort by, select Family and Type.
■ Clear Itemize every instance (to group the like door types into one row).
9 Click the Formatting tab.

10 Under Fields, select Mark.
11 Under Field formatting, select Hidden field, and click OK.

The schedule includes the count and type for doors in Unit 18 only. The Mark field is used to
filter the entries in the schedule, but is not included as a column in the schedule.
Place the schedule on a sheet
12 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets (all), and double-click A102 - Unit 18.
13 In the Project Browser, click Unit 18 - Door Schedule, and drag it to the sheet.
14 Click to place the schedule in the upper left corner of the sheet.
16 Zoom in to see the details of the door schedule.
Modify the width of a schedule column on the sheet
17 Select the door schedule on the sheet.

18 Select the control at the top of the schedule for the Family and Type column and drag it to the
right to expand the column width.
The wider column makes it easier to read the door descriptions.
Creating a Unit-Based Door Schedule with a Filter | 229

20 Save the file.
Creating a Room Schedule

In this exercise, you create a room schedule for the first floor plan. You also add programmed rooms to the
schedule for the public spaces in the building.
NOTE In some cases in this tutorial, partial schedules are shown for illustration purposes.
Training File
Create a room schedule

Notice that several rooms have been defined in the floor plan.
TIP If the View tab of the Design Bar is not active, right-click in the Design Bar, and click View.
3 In the New Schedule dialog, under Category, select Rooms, and click OK.
Select the fields to display as columns in the room schedule
4 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available fields, select Number, and
click Add.
The Number field is moved under Scheduled fields.
5 Using the same method, add the following fields to the schedule in order:
■ Name
■ Level
■ Area
6 Click the Appearance tab.

7 Under Text, to the right of Header text, select Bold.
8 Click OK.
NOTE The Appearance settings only take effect when the schedule is placed on a drawing sheet.
The bold header is not noticeable until you place the schedule on a drawing sheet.

Add new rooms to the schedule
9 On the Options Bar, next to Rows, click New.

A new row is displayed at the bottom of the schedule. The room Number is U17-46, and the
Level and Area values are displayed as Not Placed because the room is not placed in the floor
plan.
10 Edit the number to be 101.

11 Using the same method, add 5 more rooms.
The rooms are displayed at the bottom of the list and numbered sequentially, 101-106.
12 Edit the room names in the schedule:

■ In the schedule, for room 101, for Name, type Building Entry, and press ENTER.
■ For 102, type Storage, and press ENTER.
■ For 103, type Corridor, and press ENTER.
■ For 104, select Corridor.
■ For 105, select Storage.
Creating a Room Schedule | 231

■ For 106, type Stair, and press ENTER.
13 Save the file.
Scheduling Rooms from a Program List

In this exercise, you add room separation lines, place rooms from a program list, and modify room names.
You also change the bounding behavior of walls in the storage areas of the plan.
Training File
Specify style for room separation lines

3 Change the display of room separation lines:
■ On the Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics dialog, under Visibility, expand Lines.
■ For Room Separation, under Projection/Surface, click the Lines field.
■ In the Lines field, click Override.
■ In the Line Graphics dialog, click the Color field.
■ Under Custom colors, click the bright green swatch, and click OK.
■ For Weight, select 9.
4 Click OK twice.

Add room separation lines
5 Zoom in to the center of the building.

6 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Room Separation.
7 Click to add 2 room separation lines in the corridor at the right side of the drawing. First, draw
the horizontal line.
8 Draw a vertical separation line from the wall endpoint to the new corridor separation line.

Place rooms from a program list
10 On the Design Bar, click Room.
Scheduling Rooms from a Program List | 233

Placed rooms are indicated with a crosshair graphic in the drawing.
11 On the Options Bar, for Room, select 101 Building Entry.

12 Click to place the room in the newly defined entry area (lower right).
13 On the Options Bar, for Room, select 102 Storage.

14 For Offset, type 2400 mm.

15 Click to place the room in the area to the left of Building Entry.
16 Using the same method, place the following rooms, as shown:
■ Place 103 in the space above room 101.
■ Place 104 in the space to the left of 103.
■ Place 105 in the lower space to the left of the kitchen.
■ Place 106 in the space with the stairs (to the left of room 105).

Change the room bounding behavior of walls
18 In the Project Browser, under Schedules/Quantities, double-click Room Schedule.

Notice the area values for the Storage rooms in the schedule. These values will change after you
change the room bounding behavior of walls in the storage areas.
19 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 1, and zoom in to the Corridor.
20 While pressing CTRL, select the 3 small walls (in or adjacent to the storage areas), as shown:

22 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, clear Room Bounding, and click OK.
24 Open the Room Schedule.
Notice that the area for the storage rooms has increased as a result of the change in the room
bounding behavior of the walls.
Create key schedule

26 In the New Schedule dialog, under Category, select Rooms.
27 Select Schedule keys, and click OK.
28 In the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available fields, while pressing CTRL, select Base Finish,
Floor Finish, and Wall Finish, and click Add.
29 Click OK to create the new room style schedule.
The Room Style Schedule displays without data.
30 On the Options Bar, for Rows, click New.

31 For Key Name, type Units, and for all 3 finishes, type As Selected.

32 Using the same method, add 2 more key names: Service and Public.
33 In the Project Browser, under Schedules/Quantities, right-click Room Schedule, and click
Properties.
35 In the Schedule Properties dialog, for Available fields, select Room Style, and click Add.
36 Click OK twice.
The Room Style column is added to the Room Schedule.
38 Under U17-8, for Room Style, select Units.

Specify the Room Style for Level 1 rooms

41 Draw a selection box around floor plan.

43 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Rooms, and click OK.
All rooms are selected in the floor plan.

45 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Room Style, select Units, and click
OK.

Notice that the Room Style is Units for all rooms on Level 1.
47 Edit the Room Style for rooms 101 through 106:

■ For rooms 101, 103, 104, and 106, select Public.
■ For rooms 102 and 105, select Service.
All rooms on Level 1 now have the room style defined. The Room Style specification will be
used later to determine color fill in a room color diagram.
48 Save the file.
Creating a Room Color Diagram

In this exercise, you create a room color scheme (based on the type of the rooms in the floor plan), and
apply it to the Level 1 view. You also edit the colors used in the color scheme and modify the properties of
the color scheme legend.
Training File
Create a room color scheme

2 Click Settings menu ➤ Color Fill Schemes.
3 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, click (Duplicate).

4 In the New color scheme dialog, for Name, type Room Type, and click OK.
5 For Title, type Room Type.
6 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, for Color, select Room Style.
7 Because you are creating a new color scheme, at the warning prompt, click OK.
8 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, click OK.
9 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 1, and click Properties.
10 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, click the Color Scheme field.

11 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, under Schemes, select Room Type, and click OK.
12 In the Element Properties dialog, for Visibility/Graphics Overrides, click Edit.
13 In the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog, under Visibility, expand Lines, and clear Room
Separation.
14 Click OK twice.
Add a color scheme legend
15 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Color Scheme Legend.
When you move the cursor over the drawing area, a legend displays at the tip of the cursor.
16 Click in the lower right of the drawing area to place the legend.
Change the fill colors applied to the rooms
18 In the drawing area, select the color legend.

19 On the Options Bar, click Edit Color Scheme.
20 In the Edit Color Scheme dialog, in the first row of the Scheme Definition table (none), clear
Visible.
21 In the second row of the table (Public), click the value in the Color column.
Creating a Room Color Diagram | 239

22 In the Color dialog, under Custom color, select blue, and click OK.
23 Using the same method, change the colors for Service and Units to cyan and gray, respectively.
24 Click OK.
Specify properties for the legend colors and title
25 With the legend still selected, on the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
27 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Swatch Width, type 25 mm.
28 Under Title Text, for Size, type 5 mm.
29 Click OK twice.

Create a section color diagram
31 In the Project Browser, under Sections, double-click Building Section.
NOTE In order for color fills to be displayed in section, volume computations must be enabled from
Settings menu ➤ Area and Volume Computations. Calculation of room volumes can affect project
performance.
Turn on the visibility of rooms in the building section view
32 In the Project Browser, under Sections, right-click Building Section, and select Properties.
33 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Visibility/Graphics Overrides, click Edit.
34 On the Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, under Visibility, select
Rooms.
35 Click OK twice.
Place the color scheme legend on the section
36 On the Room and Area tab of the Design Bar, click Color Scheme Legend.
As you move the cursor over the drawing area, the legend displays at the tip of the cursor.
37 Click to place the legend on the drawing.

38 In the Choose Space Type and Color Scheme dialog, for Color Scheme, select Room Type, and
click OK.
39 Using the grip at the bottom of the legend, position the legend horizontally across the bottom
of the section view.

40 Draw a selection box around the entire drawing.

42 In the Filter dialog, click Check None, select Rooms, and click OK.
Assign all rooms the Units room style

44 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Room Style, select Units, and click
OK.
45 While pressing CTRL, select all the rooms in the stairwell, and the room to the right of the stair
on level 1 (Corridor 104).
46 Click .
47 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Room Style, select Public, and click
OK.

Assign the penthouse room the service room style
48 Select the penthouse, and click .

49 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Room Style, select Service, and click
OK.
Add suites as a new room style in the Room Style Schedule
50 In the Project Browser, under Schedules/Quantities, double-click Room Style Schedule.

51 On the Options Bar, for Rows, click New.
52 In the Room Style Schedule, under Key Name for the new row, type Suites.
Assign the Suites room style to all rooms on levels 3 and 4
53 Open the Building Section.

54 While pressing CTRL, select all the rooms on levels 3 and 4, excluding the stairwell spaces.
TIP You may need to use TAB to select the room in the upper right with the entertainment center.

55 Click .
56 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Room Style, select Suites, and click
OK.
A new Suites key is added to the color scheme legend.
Use volume calculations to control color fills
57 Click Settings menu ➤ Area and Volume Computations.

58 In the Area and Volume Computations dialog, under Volume Computations, select Areas and
Volumes.
59 Under Room Area Computation, verify that At wall finish is selected, and click OK.
The color fill will extend to the roof, but not beyond it.
Change room heights
60 In the drawing area, select the room on the left side of the top floor.
61 Drag the top Control grip above the bounding roof.
The color fill extends to the roof.
62 Repeat this process for all rooms that are bounded by the sloping roof: the remaining suites and
the public stairs on the top floor.

Assign the correct heights to the rooms on the first level
63 On the first level, select the stairwell room, and click .

64 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Upper Limit, select Loft.
65 For Limit Offset, type 0.0.
66 Click OK.
67 On the first level, select the public room next to the stairs (Corridor 104), the dining room, and
the living room.
68 Click .
69 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Upper Limit, select Level 2.
70 For Limit Offset, type -254 mm.
71 Click OK.

73 Save the file.
Creating a Material Takeoff

In this exercise, you have already determined the roof configuration for the building. You learn to change
the roof family type and create a material takeoff schedule for the roofing materials. You then add formulas
to the material takeoff to produce cost estimates.
Training File
Create a material takeoff


2 Zoom in to the roof area of the building.
3 While pressing CTRL, select the roof of the building and the smaller roof for the elevator
penthouse.
4 In the Type Selector, select Basic Roof : Wood Joist - Insulation on Plywood Deck - EPDM.
6 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Material Takeoff.
7 In the New Material Takeoff dialog, under Category, select Roofs, and click OK.
8 On the Fields tab of the Material Takeoff Properties dialog, under Available fields, click Family
and Type, and click Add.
9 Using the same method, add Material: Description and Material: Area to the Scheduled fields.
10 On the Sorting/Grouping tab:
■ For Sort by, select Family and Type.
■ For Then by, select Material: Description.
■ Select Grand totals.
■ Clear Itemize every instance.
Creating a Material Takeoff | 247

11 On the Formatting tab:
■ Under Fields, select Material: Area.
■ Under Field formatting, select Calculate totals.
12 Click OK.
The Roof Material Takeoff Schedule displays.
13 Expand the column widths to see all of the information.
TIP Double-click the column dividers to expand the columns to fit the text.
Add cost information and a formula to calculate estimated cost
14 In the Project Browser, right-click Roof Material Takeoff, and click Properties.
16 In the Material Takeoff Properties dialog, under Available fields, select Material: Cost, and click
Add.
17 Click Calculated Value.
18 In the Calculated Value dialog, for Name, type Estimated Cost.
19 For Type, select Currency.
20 For Formula, type Material: Area*Material: Cost /(1000mm^2).
The /(1000mm^2) is required to remove the formatting of the fields so that the cost estimate
value can be calculated.
21 Click OK.
22 In the Material Takeoff Properties dialog, click the Formatting tab, and under Fields, click
Estimated Cost.
23 For Field formatting, select Calculate totals, and click OK twice.
24 In the Roof Material Takeoff, for Material: Cost, type the following values:
Material: Description Material: Cost
EPDM 16
Plywood 13.40
Rigid Insulation 50.80

Material: Description Material: Cost
Wood Joist 5.35
The Estimated cost is calculated.
Add currency formatting to the schedule
25 Click Settings menu ➤ Project Units.

26 In the Project Units dialog, for Currency, click the Format value.
27 In the Format dialog, for Rounding, verify that 2 decimal places is selected.
28 For Unit symbol, select $.
29 Select Use digit grouping.
Digit grouping, which inserts commas after every three digits, can be used for any number-based
parameter, not just for currency.
30 Click OK twice.
The cost fields are formatted correctly.
31 Save the file.
Scheduling Shared Parameters

In this lesson, you learn how to use shared parameters to define additional parameters that are not included
in predefined instance and type parameters, either within family components or within the project template.
These shared parameters can be added to any family, regardless of category, and are defined and stored in
an external file, ensuring consistency across families and projects. Their values may also be aggregated and
reported within Revit Architecture multi-category schedules.
An example of the use of shared parameters is the need to add specific parameters to a family component
for scheduling and tagging when those parameters are not present by default. This lesson demonstrates the
solution for this situation and covers the process of setting up shared parameters, adding the shared parameters
to a family, creating a generic tag to tag the family, and reporting the shared parameters.
In this lesson, you create an exiting plan for the building. You draw a travel path line, tag the line, and
schedule the total distance of each path. Adding shared parameters to a family allows you to create a tag
and schedule to track this specific information.
Creating a Shared Parameter File

In this exercise, you create a shared parameter file.
Scheduling Shared Parameters | 249

Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Shared
Parameters.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Exiting Plan-Level 1.
2 Click File menu ➤ Shared Parameters.

3 In the Edit Shared Parameters dialog, click Create.
4 In the left pane of the Create Shared Parameter File dialog, click Training Files, for File name,
type OfficeStandardsParameters.txt, and click Save.
NOTE Shared parameter files are typically stored at a network location for use in all projects.
5 In the Edit Shared Parameters dialog, under Groups, click New.

6 In the New Parameter Group dialog, for Name, type Exiting, and click OK.
7 Under Parameters, click New.
8 In the Parameter Properties dialog, for Name, type Path ID, and click OK.
9 Under Parameters, click New.
10 In the Parameter Properties dialog, for Name, type Travel Distance, for Type of Parameter, select
Length.
11 Click OK twice.
12 Click File menu ➤ Save As, and save the exercise file as m_Freighthouse_Flats-Shared
Parameters_in_progress.rvt.

Adding Shared Parameters to a Family
In this exercise, you add the shared parameters you created to a family file. You then create a generic tag to
tag the family.
Training File
Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, m_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Shared

2 In the Left pane of the Open dialog, Click Training Files, and open
Metric\Families\Annotations\M_Travel Line.rfa.
3 On the Design Bar, click Family Types.

The Family Types dialog displays the parameters that are currently available for this family
category.
4 In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add.

5 In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Type, select Shared parameter, and click
Select.
6 In the Shared Parameters dialog, verify that Parameter group is Exiting and that Path ID is
selected, and click OK.
7 In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Data, for Group parameter under, select
Constraints.
8 Select Instance, and click OK.
9 In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add.
10 Using the same method, add Travel Distance as a shared parameter, group it under Dimensions,
and select Instance.
11 Click OK.
12 In the Family Types dialog, under Dimensions, for Travel Distance Formula, following the equals
symbol (=), type Length.
13 Click Apply, and click OK.
14 On the Design Bar, click Load into Projects.
If you have multiple projects open, the Load into Projects dialog displays for you to select the
project, otherwise the family loads into the current project.
15 If necessary, in the Load into Projects dialog, select m_Freighthouse_Flats-Shared

Parameters_in_progress.rvt, and click OK.
Create a tag using shared parameters
16 Click File menu ➤ New ➤ Annotation Symbol.
Adding Shared Parameters to a Family | 251

17 In the left pane of the New Annotation Symbol dialog, click Training Files, and open
Metric\Templates\M_Generic Tag.rft.
18 Zoom in to the intersection of the reference planes.

20 Click the intersection of the reference planes.
21 In the Edit Label dialog, click (Add Parameter).

22 In the Parameter Properties dialog, click Select.
23 In the Shared Parameters dialog, under Parameters, select Travel Distance.
24 Click OK twice.
25 In the Edit Label dialog, under Category Parameters, select Travel Distance, click (Add
parameter(s) to label), and click OK.

27 Click above the intersection of the reference planes, and use the same method to select the Path
ID parameter.

29 In the drawing window, select Path ID, and move it down, so that it is positioned just above
Travel Distance.
30 Select the Note in the upper left area of the drawing window, and press DELETE.
31 Click File ➤ Save As.

32 In the Save As dialog, for File Name, type M_Travel Distance Tag.rfa, and click Save.
34 On the Load into Projects dialog, verify that m_Freighthouse_Flats-Shared
Parameters_in_Progress.rvt is selected, and click OK.
35 Save the file.
Adding Shared Parameters to a Family | 253

Placing,Tagging, and Scheduling a Family with Shared Parameters
In this exercise, you place the travel line family in the Level 1 and Level 2 exiting plans. You then tag the
travel lines and give them a path ID. After the lines are tagged, you create a schedule that totals the travel
distances in each exiting plan for each path ID.
Training File
Continue using the training file you saved in the previous exercise, m_Freighthouse_Flats-Schedules-Shared
Create Level 1 exiting travel path

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Exiting Plan - Level 1.
2 Zoom in to the corridor.

4 On the Options Bar, select Chain.
5 Specify a start point for the path at the left end of the corridor as shown.
6 Move the cursor to the right, and click in the center of the corridor, above the exterior door as
shown.

7 Move the cursor down, through the door, and click outside of the building.

10 On the Options Bar, clear Leader.
11 Select each of the travel path lines.
13 While pressing CTRL, select the 2 dashed travel lines, and click (Element Properties).
14 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Path ID, type 1-1, and click OK.
Create Level 2 exiting travel path
15 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double click Exiting Plan - Level 2.
17 On the Options Bar, verify that Chain is selected.
18 Click in the horizontal corridor below the door on the right side of the floor plan, move the
cursor near the right corner, and click to specify the first segment of the path as shown.
Placing,Tagging, and Scheduling a Family with Shared Parameters | 255

19 Move the cursor up through the door, and click.

21 On the Design Bar, click Component.
22 Click at the starting point of the previous path, move the cursor to the left, and click above the
door to the stair.
23 Move the cursor down, and click in the stair.

26 Select each of the travel path lines.
28 While pressing CTRL, select the 2 dashed travel lines for the left exit path, and click .
29 In the Element Properties dialog, under Constraints, for Path ID, type 2-1, and click OK.
30 Using the same method, specify the Path ID for the right exit path to 2-2.
Create a schedule to total the paths on each plan
31 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Schedule/Quantities.

32 In the New Schedule dialog, under Category, verify that <Multi-Category> is selected.
33 For Name, type Level 1 Exit Distance, and click OK.
Placing,Tagging, and Scheduling a Family with Shared Parameters | 257

34 On the Fields tab of the Schedule Properties dialog, under Available fields, while pressing CTRL,
select Path ID and Travel Distance, and click Add.
35 Click the Filter tab.
36 For Filter by, in the first field, select Path ID; in the second field, select contains; and in the third
field, type 1-.
37 Click the Sorting/Grouping tab.
38 For Sort by, select Path ID.
39 Clear Itemize every instance.
40 Click the Formatting tab.
41 Under Fields, select Travel Distance, and under Field formatting, select Calculate totals.
42 Click OK.
The Level 1 Exit Distance schedule displays.
43 In the Project Browser, under Schedules/Quantities, right-click Level 1 Exit Distance, and click
Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate.
44 In the Project Browser, right-click Copy of Level 1 Exit Distance, and click Rename.
45 In the Rename View dialog, type Level 2 Exit Distance, and click OK.
46 In the Project Browser, right-click Level 2 Exit Distance, and click Properties.
47 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Filter, click Edit.
48 In the Schedule Properties dialog, for Filter by, in the third field, type 2-.
49 Click OK twice.
The Level 2 Exit Distance schedule displays.
50 Save the file.
Scheduling Uniformat Assembly Codes

In this lesson, you schedule Uniformat Assembly Codes as they are applied to Revit Architecture components.
Scheduling Uniformat Assembly Codes and Descriptions

In this exercise, you create a wall schedule that includes columns for the Uniformat Assembly Codes and
assembly descriptions of the scheduled walls.
Training File
Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Uni-Format.rvt.

Create a wall schedule
TIP If the View tab of the Design Bar is not active, right-click the Design Bar, and click View.
2 In the New Schedule dialog, under Categories, select Walls, and click OK.
4 Under Available fields, select the following fields, and click Add to add them to the schedule in
order:
■ Area
■ Volume
■ Width
■ Length
■ Assembly Code
■ Assembly Description
5 Click OK to complete the schedule.
Assign an assembly code to a wall type in the project
6 In the Project Browser, expand Families ➤ Walls ➤ Basic Wall, right-click Generic - 152 mm,
and click Properties.
7 In the Type Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Assembly Code, click the Value field, and
click .
8 In the Choose Assembly Code dialog, expand C - Interiors ➤ C10 - Interior Construction ➤ C1010
- Partitions ➤ C1010100 - Fixed Partitions, and select C1010145 - Partitions - Drywall w/ Metal
Stud.
9 Click OK twice.
10 In the schedule, expand the Assembly Description column to see the description.
Scheduling Uniformat Assembly Codes and Descriptions | 259

11 Close the exercise file.
Exporting Project Information with ODBC

In this lesson, you learn how to export project information to an ODBC (Open DataBase Connectivity)
compatible database.
Exporting Schedule Information to Microsoft Access

In this exercise, you learn how to export project information into a Microsoft® Access 2000 database. The
process that you use to export the database is similar for any other ODBC-compliant database.
Training File
Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Uni-Format.rvt.
1 On the File menu, click Export ➤ ODBC Database.

2 In the Select Data Source dialog, click the File Data Source tab.
3 Click New.
4 In the Create New Data Source dialog, select the Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb), and click Next.
5 Type RevitDSN for the name of the file data source, and click Next.
6 Click Finish.
7 In the ODBC Microsoft Access Setup dialog, under Database, click Create.
8 In the New Database dialog, for Database Name, type Revit_Project.mdb.
9 Under Directories, select a location for the database file, and click OK to create the database.
10 When the confirmation dialog displays, click OK.
12 Open the database in Microsoft Access.
NOTE Depending on your version of Microsoft Access, the database display may be different than
that shown.

Revit Architecture creates 2 tables for the following categories of elements (see below): one that
lists all of the element instances in a project and one that lists all of the element types in a
project. Additionally, tables that list instances only are created for levels and rooms because
these categories do not have types.
A unique element ID is used to identify exported elements, so that each table of elements includes
an Id column. Elements IDs are also used to establish relationships between elements in different
tables. For example, instance tables include a TypeId column containing the ID of the instance’s
type, and some instance tables include a RoomId column containing the ID of the room that
the instance is in.
In addition to the tables for instances and types in a category, a table is also created for each
key schedule in a project, as long as the category is one of the categories that Revit Architecture
exports. The exported columns are the same as the columns in the key schedule, in addition to
the Id column. Each key schedule gives elements in its category a new parameter, which is used
for choosing one of the keys from the key schedule. These parameters are also exported and
contain the ID of the key element.
One final table is also exported: Assembly Codes. This table contains one row for each Uniformat
Assembly Code. The columns of the table are Assembly Code and Assembly Description. The
table of types includes an Assembly Code column that references the Assembly Codes table.
13 Close the exercise file.
Exporting Schedule Information to Microsoft Access | 261

262
Annotating and
Dimensioning 6
In this tutorial, you learn how to change the base elevation of a project, and how to annotate and dimension your Revit
Architecture 2009 projects.
Changing the Base Elevation of a Project

In this lesson, you learn how to relocate the base elevation of a project, as the base elevation of most projects
is rarely at 0 mm. You can change the base elevation without changing the elevation value of every other
level in the project, or you can change the base elevation and add its value to the levels above it. You
accomplish this in Revit Architecture by defining levels as either project or shared levels.
263
Project levels report elevation relative to other levels in the project
264 | Chapter 6 Annotating and Dimensioning

Shared levels report elevation relative to the base height
Relocating a Project
In this exercise, you relocate the base elevation of a building from 0 m to 10000 m. After you define the
building levels as shared and relocate the project, the height of the elevations above Level 1 report height
relative to Level 1.
Relocating a Project | 265

Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open m_Freighthouse_Flats-Anno_Dim.rvt.
Define Level 1 as a shared level

1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Elevations (Building Elevation), and
double-click South.
Level 1 displays an elevation value of 0 mm. The levels in the project are not shared, so changing
the height Level 1 would change it only in relation to the other levels in the project.

2 Select the Level 1 line to display it as red.

In order for the levels to report height relative to the new base elevation after the project is
relocated, you must set the Elevation Base parameter to Shared. If you did that now, the parameter
for all the levels in the project would change. However, to better demonstrate how shared levels
work, only the Elevation Base parameter of Level 1 is shared at this time, and you create a new
shared level type for only Level 1.

■ Click Duplicate.
■ In the Name dialog, type 8 mm Head - Shared Elevation, and click OK.
■ Under Constraints, for Elevation Base, select Shared.
6 Click OK twice.
Relocate the project
7 Click Tools menu ➤ Project Position/Orientation ➤ Relocate this Project.

8 Select the Level 1 line.
By selecting the Level 1 line, you specify the point (0 mm) from which you want to relocate the
project.
9 Move the cursor above the elevation line, type 10000 mm, and press ENTER.
By typing 10000 mm in this step, you specify the new location of the project.
10 On the View menu, click Zoom ➤ Zoom All To Fit.

The south elevation is displayed. The base elevation now reads 10000 mm. The elevation of the
other levels remains the same.

Define the remaining project levels as shared
11 Select the Loft level line.

12 In the Type Selector, select Level : 8 mm Head - Shared Elevation.
The reported value of the Loft level changes to take the new base elevation value into
consideration.
14 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click North.

The changes in elevation have propagated to this view, as well as other views of the building
model.

15 Define the remaining levels as shared:
■ While pressing CTRL, select Levels 2-4, the Penthouse level, and the Roof Plan level.
■ In the Type Selector, select Level : 8 mm Head - Shared Elevation.

All the building levels now report elevations relative to the base elevation.

16 If you want to save your changes, click File menu ➤ Save As, and save the exercise file with a
unique name.
17 Proceed to the next lesson, Dimensioning on page 270.
Dimensioning
In this lesson, you learn how to create permanent dimensions to control and document your building
models. In Revit Architecture, there are 2 types of dimensions: temporary and permanent. Temporary
dimensions display automatically when you create and insert components. Permanent dimensions must be
explicitly created, except when you sketch profiles to complete families. In this case, permanent dimensions
are created automatically, although you must turn on their visibility to view them.
Creating Dimensions
In this exercise, you learn how to use dimensioning tools and constraints in Revit Architecture to dimension
and space planter boxes on the north side of the building. You place linear, multi-segmented, radial, and
angular dimensions, and learn to work with dimensioning constraints to control placement of elements in
the model.

Linear and multi-segmented dimensions
Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise,
Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Anno_Dim.rvt
Place an overall linear dimension

1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Level 1.

The default dimensioning options display on the Options Bar. By default, dimensions are aligned,
snap to wall centerlines, and are created by selecting individual reference points.
3 Move the cursor over the curtain wall on the top left side of the view, and when a blue dashed
line displays along the left side of the curtain wall, select it.
Creating Dimensions | 271

4 Move the cursor over the curtain wall on the top right side of the view, and when a blue dashed
line displays along the right side of the curtain wall, select it.
5 Move the cursor above the view, and click to place the dimension.

6 Click the lock that displays on the dimension string to lock the dimension.
The lock displays as locked, indicating that you cannot change the distance between the curtain
walls without first unlocking the dimension. Only aligned and angular permanent dimensions
can be constrained in this way.

Place a multi-segmented dimension

9 Select the left side of the left curtain wall as you did in a previous step, and move the cursor
over the left endpoint of the first planter to the right.
10 Press TAB until the left endpoint of the planter displays, and select it.
11 Using the same method, select the right endpoint of the planter.

12 On the Options Bar, for Prefer, select Wall Faces.
13 Move the cursor to the planter on the right, and select its left exterior face.
14 Move the cursor to the right, and continue to select the endpoints and faces of the planters.
15 After you select the reference points on the final planter, select the right side of the curtain wall.
16 Move the cursor up, above the plan view of the building, but below the first dimension that
you placed, and click to place the multi-segmented dimension.
Make the dimension segments equal to space the planters at equal distances
17 With the multi-segmented dimension selected, click to make all the dimension segments
equal and reposition the planters equal distances apart from one another.
18 On the Basics tab, click Modify.

Create a baseline dimension style
19 Select the dimension string, and on the Options Bar, click .

22 In the Name dialog, enter Linear - 2.5 mm Arial - Baseline, and click OK.
23 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Dimension String Type, select Baseline.
Create an ordinate dimension style

25 In the Name dialog, enter Linear - 2.5 mm Arial - Ordinate, and click OK.
26 In the Type Properties dialog, for Dimension String Type, select Ordinate.
27 Click OK twice.
View and apply the new dimension styles
28 Zoom in to the dimension string.

The dimensions start from 0 mm and increase moving away from the origin.
29 Select the dimension string, and in the Type Selector, select Linear - 2.5 mm Arial - Baseline.
The dimensions are stacked and measure from the same baseline.

30 In the Type Selector, select Linear - 2.5 mm Arial to return to the original dimension style.
Add text below a permanent dimension
You can add supplemental text above, below, to the left, or to the right of a permanent dimension value.
31 Click the dimension value to which you want to add text, for example . The Dimension
Text dialog displays.
32 In the Dimension Text dialog, under Dimension Value, verify that Use Actual Value is selected.
33 Under Text Fields, for Below, enter Planter.
34 Click OK.

Place a radial dimension with a Typ. suffix
36 Zoom to the planter between grid lines 3 and 4.

■ Click (Radial).
■ For Prefer, select Wall faces.
39 Move the cursor over the left exterior curved face of the planter until it highlights, and select
it.
40 Move the cursor outside the wall, and specify a point to place the dimension.
41 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Modify.
42 Select the radial dimension.

43 Select the blue square grip that displays under the dimension value and drag it slightly up and
to the right.
44 With the dimension still selected, click the dimension text.

45 In the Dimension Text dialog, for Suffix, type Typ., and click OK.

Place an angular dimension
47 Zoom to the planter near grid line 5.

■ Click (Angular).
■ For Prefer, verify that Wall faces is selected.
50 Select the horizontal line.

This line is the edge of a mass that represents the neighboring building.

51 Select the left exterior face of the planter.
52 Move the cursor to the left to resize the dimension arc, and click to place the dimension.
54 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Automatic Wall Dimensions on page 279.
Creating Automatic Wall Dimensions

In this exercise, you learn to automatically dimension a linear wall and its openings (windows) on the Level
3 floor plan of the building. When you dimension the wall, you select only the wall, instead of the wall and
each individual opening reference point. This automatic dimensioning option provides a convenient way
to quickly dimension walls with multiple openings.
Creating Automatic Wall Dimensions | 279

Automatic wall dimension
Training File
Open the Level 3 floor plan view

You will dimension the short bottom horizontal wall that includes 3 windows.
Select automatic dimensioning options

■ For Prefer, select Wall centerlines.
■ For Pick, select Entire Walls.
■ Click Options.
4 In the Auto Dimension Options dialog:

■ Under Select references, select Openings, and select Widths.

■ Click OK.
These options ensure that the wall dimension includes the openings, and that the opening
widths are referenced in the overall dimension string.
Place the dimension
5 Select the bottom exterior wall.
6 Move the cursor down below the plan view, and click to place the automatic dimension string.
8 Proceed to the next exercise, Controlling Witness Lines on page 281.
Controlling Witness Lines

In this exercise, you learn to override dimension witness line settings as you place dimensions, and learn
how to change the location of witness lines after you place dimensions.
When you place dimensions, you specify their origin on the Options Bar. However, in some cases, you may
need to override their settings on an instance basis. For example, for a multi-segmented dimension, you
may want to locate the two outermost witness lines on the exterior face of each wall, where the witness lines
referring to interior walls would be located on the centerline of each wall.
Training File
Controlling Witness Lines | 281

Override default dimension witness lines

2 Zoom to the planter on which you placed a radial dimension.

■ For Prefer, verify Wall centerlines is selected.
■ For Pick, select Individual References.
5 Move the cursor over the left side of the planter.
6 Press TAB to cycle through the selection options until the left face of the planter highlights, and
select it.

7 Using the same method, select the right edge of the planter, move the cursor down, and click
to place the dimension.
8 Move the cursor over the bottom of the planter on which you placed the angular dimension.
9 Press TAB until the bottom left endpoint is highlighted, and select it.
10 Using the same method, select the bottom right endpoint.

11 Move the cursor down, and specify a point to place the dimension.

Dimension the partition walls to centerlines
12 On the Basics tab, click Dimension.

13 On the Options Bar, for Prefer, select Wall centerlines.
14 Move the cursor over the left partition wall in the top left corner of the plan, and when the wall
centerline highlights, select it.

15 Moving the cursor to the right, select the centerline of each of the 6 remaining partition walls,
and click to place the dimension.
Adjust the witness line location on the end dimensions to align them to the faces of wall
17 Select the dimension that you just placed, and zoom in on the right end of the dimension.
18 While pressing SHIFT, select the green grip that displays in the middle of the tick mark, and drag
the dimension down the wall.

19 Release SHIFT, select the top blue grip and drag it up to create a witness line gap.
20 Click the blue middle grip, drag it to the right, and press TAB until the dimension aligns with
the outer face of the partition wall.
21 Zoom to the partition wall on the left side of the plan, and using the same methods, create a
witness line gap and align the dimension to the outer left face of the wall.
23 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating an Office Standard Dimension Type from Existing
Dimensions on page 286.
Creating an Office Standard Dimension Type from Existing Dimensions

In this exercise, you learn how to duplicate the dimension family type of dimension on the floor plan and
then modify its parameters to create an office standard dimension style. After you create the new family
type, you change the dimension tick mark, text font, and text size parameters to create dimensions that
better conform to your office standards.

Angular and linear dimensions with office standard
text and arrows
Training File
Duplicate an existing dimension type

1 On the Level 1 floor plan, zoom to the planter between grid lines 3 and 4, and select the lower
dimension.
2 Click (Element Properties).

5 In the Name dialog, type Office Standard, and click OK.
Modify the parameters of the new Office Standard type

■ Under Graphics, for Tick Mark, select Arrow 30 Degree.
■ Under Text, for Text Size, type 3.2 mm.
Creating an Office Standard Dimension Type from Existing Dimensions | 287

■ For Text Font, select CityBlueprint.
NOTE Fonts that are available in this list are the Windows fonts installed on your system. If
CityBlueprint does not display in the list, select another font.
■ Click OK twice.

The dimension that you selected previously now displays the new Office Standard family type.
8 Move the cursor to the planter on the right, and select the bottom dimension.
9 In the Type Selector, select Linear Dimension Style: Office Standard.


11 Using the same method, select the angular dimension on the planter, create a new angular
dimension type, and modify it to use the office standard parameters.
12 Proceed to the next lesson, Creating Text Annotation on page 289.
Creating Text Annotation

In this lesson, you add text notes on the Level 1 floor plan of the building. You create a new office standard
text note type by duplicating the family type of a note on the floor plan. You learn how to change the text
font and size of text notes, and how to add leaders to the text notes.
Creating Text Annotation | 289

Adding Text Notes to the Floor Plan
In this exercise, you add text notes to the Level 1 floor plan.
Training File
Add a text note

1 On the Level 1 floor plan, zoom to the planter near grid line 5.
2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Text.
3 On the Options Bar, for Leader, click (None).

4 Move the cursor above grid line 4, but below the upper dimension string, and click and drag to
create a text box.

5 In the text box, type EXISTING BUILDING.
Create a new text note family type by duplicating the existing type
7 Select the text box, and click .

8 In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New.
10 In the Name dialog box, type 6 mm Arial Notes, and click OK.
11 Under Text, for Text Size, type 6 mm, and click OK.
12 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, select Arc Leaders, and click OK.
Adding Text Notes to the Floor Plan | 291

You may have to move the text box to avoid overlapping other elements on the floor plan. If
so, select and drag the top left blue symbol to relocate the text box.
Create a text box with leaders

14 Create another text box to the right of grid line 4, and type Planting Bed.
16 Select the Planting Bed text box.

■ Click (Add Right Arc Leader).

A downward pointing leader displays on the right side of the Planting Bed text box.
■ Click (Add Left Arc Leader).

Another leader displays on the left side of the Planting Bed text box.
Reposition the leaders
18 Select the blue grip at the end of the right leader, and drag it down to point to the bottom of
the planter.
19 Select the blue grip at the end of the left leader, and drag it down to point to the bottom of the
planter.
21 Select the Planting Bed text box to select both the text and leaders, and click .
■ Click Rename.
■ In the Rename dialog, for New, type Standard Notes, and click OK.
■ Under Text, for Text Font, select CityBlueprint.
■ Under Graphics, for Leader Arrowhead, select Arrow 30 Degree.
■ Click OK twice.

Add another note using the Standard Note type

26 In the Type Selector, select Text: Standard Notes.
27 On the Options Bar, for Leader, click (Arc).

28 Click the inside bottom face of the rounded planter near grid line 3.
29 Move the cursor up and to the right, over the Planting Bed text.
30 When blue dashed lines that indicate it is aligned with the Planting Bed text, click to place the
text box.

31 Click in the text box, and type 457 mm Conc. Wall, and click Modify.
32 If you want to save your changes, click File menu ➤ Save As, and save the exercise file with a
unique name.
33 Close the exercise file without saving your changes.

296
Detailing
7
In this tutorial, you learn how to create details in Revit Architecture 2009. You can detail directly in a view of the building
information model, using detail components to represent materials like lumber, plywood, and metal studs. These
components display at the required scale. For a detail that you do not want to associate with the model, like a standard
door header condition, you use a separate drafting view in which to create the detail. The "drafted" detail that you create
is not parametrically linked to the building model.
Creating a Detail from a Building Model

In this lesson, you detail the roof overhang of a project building.
In order to detail from the building model, you must define the view in which you want to create a detail.
You define that view by creating a callout view within a section view. In the callout view, you trace over
the building model geometry, add detail components, and then complete the detail by adding break lines
and text notes.
297
Detailing the View
In this exercise, you detail the view of the roof edge. You load detail components, and use the model as an
underlay for the detail. After you add components, you add notes and dimensions to the detail view.
The detail components that you add to the view are two-dimensional family objects. They are also view
specific, which means that all detail components, as well as detail lines, region objects, and insulation objects,
that you add to the view are visible only in this view.
Training File
Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt.
Display a detail view

1 In the upper left corner of the building model, double-click the detail callout head.
The roof overhang detail displays.
2 Click View menu ➤ View Properties.

3 In the Element Properties dialog, for Graphics ➤ Display Model, select As underlay, and click
OK.
Load and place a detail component
4 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Detail Component.

5 In the alert dialog, click Yes to load a Detail Items family.
6 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, navigate to
Metric\Families\m_Corrugated Metal.rfa, and click Open.
7 In the drawing area, click in the space below the roof overhang to place the component. Exact
location is not important.
298 | Chapter 7 Detailing

8 Delete the component.
You load and place the component so that it is in the project to use in a repeating detail.
Place a repeating detail
9 On the Design Bar, click Repeating Detail.

13 In the Name dialog, enter Corrugated Metal Siding, and click OK.
14 In the Type Properties dialog, for Pattern ➤ Detail, select Corrugated Metal.
15 For Spacing, enter 406.5mm.
16 Click OK twice.
17 In the drawing area, click the bottom of the exterior wall to select the start point.
18 Move the cursor up to generate the graphics for the repeating detail. Specify a point high enough
so the siding reaches the underside of the roof overhang.
NOTE The detail component endpoint may not coincide with the geometry extents.
Detailing the View | 299

20 Move the component end point:
■ Select the corrugated metal component, and on the Edit toolbar, click (Move).
■ Select the endpoint of the geometry of the corrugated metal component as the move start
point.
■ Select the bottom edge of the roof joist as the move end point.
■ Click Modify.
Add lumber detail components
21 On the Design Bar, click Detail Component.

22 On the Options Bar, click Load.
23 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Metric\Families\Detail
Components\Div 06-Wood and Plastic\06100-Rough
Carpentry\06160-Sheathing\M_Plywood-Section.rfa, and click Open.
24 In the Type Selector, verify that M_Plywood-Section 19mm is selected.
25 Place the plywood component to the right of the metal component as shown in the following
illustration.
TIP You may need to use the Move command to adjust the position of the plywood.

Because you still have several components to load, you load them as a group from a single file.
Load components as a group
26 Click File menu ➤ Load from Library ➤ Load File as Group.

27 In the left pane of the Load File as Group dialog, click Training Files, navigate to
Metric\Families\Detail Components\m_Roof Edge Components.rvt, and click Open.
30 In the Type Selector, select M_Nominal Cut Lumber-Section : 50 x 150mm Nominal.
31 To properly orient the component, press SPACEBAR 3 times.
32 Click the top right corner of the plywood to select the insertion point.
33 In the Type Selector, select M_Nominal Cut Lumber-Section : 50 x 200mm Nominal, and place
it in the detail view as shown.

Add wallboard detail component
34 In the Type Selector, select M_Gypsum Wallboard-Section : 16mm.

36 Place the wallboard component as shown.
37 Click Modify.
38 Select the horizontal segment, click the Flip instance arrows, and click Modify.
The wallboard segment is now on the underside of the roof joist.
NOTE You can also press SPACEBAR as you place the component to flip the justification.

Add insulation
39 On the Design Bar, click Insulation.

■ For Width, enter 140mm.
■ For Offset, select to near side.
41 Place 2 segments of insulation, as shown.
42 Click Modify.
43 Move the upper segment:
■ Select the upper segment of insulation, and on the Edit toolbar, click (Move).
■ Select the left midpoint of the 50 x 200mm component as the move start point.
■ Select the right midpoint of the 50 x 200mm component as the move end point.
■ Click Modify.
Add lumber components

46 Click to place the component at the lower left corner of the roof overhang as shown.
47 In the Type Selector, select M_Plywood-Section : 19mm.

48 Place the component directly above the 50 x 200mm component, as shown.
Add rigid insulation
49 In the Type Selector, select M_Rigid Insulation-Section : 63mm.

50 Add the insulation above the plywood you just placed, and lock the component.
51 Click Modify.
52 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Detail Lines on page 304.
Adding Detail Lines

In this exercise, you add lines to your detail. Like detail components, they are view specific, meaning they
display only in this view.
Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, m_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt.
Add detail lines

1 On the Design Bar, click Detail Lines.
2 In the Type Selector, select Thin Lines.
3 Sketch a detail line from the lower right corner of the 50 x 300mm component to the lower left
corner of the 50 x 200mm component.

4 Click Modify.
5 Select the vertical plywood component; drag the endpoint up to the top of the 50 x 200mm
component.
Add offset lines

■ For Offset, enter 10mm, and press ENTER.
9 Select the lines at the top of the 50 x 300mm component and the roof joist, as shown.
Trim and extend the lines as necessary to get the desired result.

11 In the Type Selector, select Medium Lines.
13 Add detail lines around the 50 x 300mm component, as shown.
Adding Detail Lines | 305

Draw detail lines
14 On the Options Bar, click (Draw), and clear Chain.

15 Draw a small diagonal line at the bottom left corner of the 50 x 300mm component, as shown.
16 On the Options Bar, select Chain, and draw the detail lines as shown.
17 Draw a horizontal line as shown.

19 Zoom in to the area where the roof joist and the corrugated metal component abut; draw the
detail lines as shown.
20 Move the top horizontal line down so that it overlays the Penthouse level line.
Modify display properties
21 In the drawing area, select the Penthouse level line, right-click, and click Hide in view ➤ Elements.
22 In the Project Browser, under Views ➤ Detail Views (Detail), right-click Roof Overhang Detail,
and click Properties.
23 In the Element Properties dialog, for Graphics ➤ Display Model, select Do not display, and click
OK.
When you turn the display model off, the model elements such as walls and floors no longer
display in this view. What remains are the detail components and lines that you added.
24 On the View Control Bar, click ➤ Hide Crop Region.

Add a vapor barrier

26 In the Type Selector, select Vapor Barrier.
28 Select the interior edge of the vertical segment of gypsum wallboard, and then select the interior
edge of the horizontal segment.
Adding Detail Lines | 307

30 In the Type Selector, select M_Break Line.
31 Add break lines at the bottom and the right of the detail.
TIP To rotate the break line as you place it, press SPACEBAR as necessary.
32 Click Modify.
33 If a break line does not completely mask the portion of the detail that it is intended to mask,
select the break line and use the shape handle grips to modify it.
34 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Text Notes on page 308.
Adding Text Notes

In this exercise, you add text notes to complete the detail.
Training File

Add text notes to the detail

1 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Text.
2 On the Options Bar, click (Arc) to create an arced leader.

3 Add the leaders and notes as shown:
■ Click in the detail to specify the location of the arrow.
■ Click again to specify the location of the text box.
■ Enter the text.
■ Click in the drawing area to end the text insertion command.
Add a dimension to the detail

5 Click the left outer edge of the 50 x 300mm component, click the left edge of the corrugated
metal component, and click to place the dimension.
6 Click Modify.
Adding Text Notes | 309

7 Select the dimension line, and click the dimension text.
8 In the Dimension Text dialog, under Text Fields, for Suffix, enter Typ., and click OK.
9 Click File menu ➤ Save, and save the exercise file.

10 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Detail Components on page 310.
Creating Detail Components

In this exercise, you modify the previously drawn detail so that you can annotate it with keynotes rather
than text notes.
Training File
Create a duplicate drawing
1 In the Project Browser, under Views (all) ➤ Detail Views (Detail), click Roof Overhang Detail,
right-click, and click Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate with Detailing.
2 Select Copy of Roof Overhang Detail, right-click, and click Rename.
3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Roof Overhang Detail - Keynotes, and click OK.
Remove text notes
4 In the drawing area, select a text note, right-click, click Select All Instances, and press DELETE.
Convert detail lines to components
5 Use a window to select the entire roof detail; on the Options Bar, click (Filter Selection).
6 In the Filter dialog, clear Detail Items and Dimensions, and click OK.
The selected lines need to be replaced with detail components in order for them to accept a
keynote.

7 Click Modify.
8 Zoom in to the metal coping; while pressing CTRL, select all the coping linework.
You can also select all the linework by highlighting a segment, pressing TAB, and selecting the
chain.

10 Click File menu ➤ New ➤ Family.
11 In the left pane of the New Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to
Metric\Templates\Metric Detail Component.rft, and click Open.
12 Click Edit menu ➤ Paste from Clipboard.
13 Click the intersection of the reference planes to place the linework.
14 Click Modify.
15 Use a window to select all linework; in the Type Selector, select Medium Lines.
16 Click Modify.
Creating Detail Components | 311

18 In the Save As dialog, navigate to your preferred location; for File name, enter Roof Edge, and
click Save.
Add components to the detail
19 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Load into Projects.
The component family is now part of the roof overhang detail, and the component can be
placed in the detail.
NOTE If the Roof Overhang Detail - Keynotes view is not the open view, double-click it in the Project
Browser.

21 To place the component, click the bottom left endpoint of the metal coping.
22 Click Modify.
23 Using a window, select the coping.
While pressing SHIFT, deselect any extraneous lines that are also selected.

25 In the Filter dialog, clear Detail Items, and click OK.
The original linework remains selected.
26 Press DELETE.
The underlying linework is deleted and the detail component remains in the drawing.

29 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, navigate to Metric\Families\Detail
Components\m_Metal Fascia w_Drip Edge.rfa, and click Open.
30 In the drawing area, click on the upper end point of the drip edge to place the component.
31 Using the same method used previously, delete the underlying linework.
32 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Keynotes on page 312.
Adding Keynotes
In this exercise, you place keynotes on objects, and add keynote data to components that do not have data
associated with them.
Training File

Add keynotes to components
1 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Keynote ➤ Element.

2 In the alert dialog, click Yes to load a Keynote Tag family to the project.
3 In the left pane of the Load Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to
Metric\Families\Annotations\M_Keynote Tag.rfa, and click Open.
4 Add the tag:
■ In the drawing area, select the rigid insulation as the object to tag.
■ Click to place the leader arm.
■ Click the rigid insulation on the roof to place the tag.
■ In the Keynotes dialog, navigate to 07000 ➤ 07200 ➤ 07210 ➤ 07210.B5, 63mm Rigid
Insulation, and click OK.
5 Tag additional components:

■ For the plywood decking, use keynote 06160.D11, 19mm Plywood.
■ For the metal coping, use keynote 07645.C1, Roof Edge4.
6 Click Modify.
Assign keynote parameter to a component
7 In the drawing area, select the metal fascia with drip edge, and click (Element Properties).
Adding Keynotes | 313

9 In the Type Properties dialog, for Identity Data ➤ Keynote, click in the Value column, and click
.
10 In the Keynotes dialog, navigate to 07645.F1, FasciaProfile_1.
12 On the Design Bar, click Keynote ➤ Element.
13 Tag components:
■ Tag the metal fascia with drip edge.
Because you defined the keynote parameter as part of the component properties, the keynote
is automatically read when you place the tag.
■ For the 50 x 300, use keynote 06110.I1.
■ For the 50 x 200, use keynote 06110.G1.
■ For the 50 x 150, use keynote 06110.F1.
■ For the 19mm Plywood Siding, use keynote 06160.D11.
■ For the 2 instances of the 16mm Gypsum Wallboard, use keynote 09250.D1.

15 In the Type Selector, select Corrugated Metal.
16 Place an instance of the component directly on top of the bottom segment of the corrugated
metal repeating component.
You do this in order to keynote the component; a repeating detail cannot be keynoted.
17 Keynote the component, using keynote 07460.A8, 22mm Corrugated Steel - 20 Ga.
18 Save the file.
19 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating Line-based Detail Components on page 314.
Creating Line-based Detail Components

In this exercise, you convert detail lines to detail components so that you can add keynotes to them.

Training File
Create a detail component

2 In the left pane of the New Family dialog, click Training Files, navigate to
Metric\Templates\Metric Detail Component line based.rft, and click Open.
3 On the Family tab of the Design Bar, click Lines.
5 In the drawing area, select the left end point of the reference line, and select the right end point.
6 Lock the line, and click Modify.
8 In the Save As dialog, navigate to your preferred location; for File name, enter m_Medium Line
Detail Component, and click Save.
Convert detail lines to components
10 In the drawing area, select the horizontal line under the roof overhang as shown.
11 Press DELETE.
The deleted line needs to be replaced with a detail component in order for it to accept a keynote.
13 In the Type Selector, select Medium Line Detail Component.

14 Add the component in the location of the previously deleted horizontal line.
15 Click Modify.
16 Select the component, and click (Element Properties).

19 In the Name dialog, enter Prefinished Metal Soffit Panel.
Load line-based detail components

Components.
24 While pressing CTRL, select m_Hidden Line Detail Component, m_Invisible Line Detail
Component, and m_Light Line Detail Component, and click Open.
Creating Line-based Detail Components | 315

25 Next, you create line-based detail components for other line weights (light, invisible, and hidden)
used in the view. You add the components to the project and keynote them.
Add light line components
26 Zoom to the roof overhang.

28 In the Type Selector, select m_Light Line Detail Component.
29 In the drawing area, click the end points of the long detail line above the roof.
30 Click Modify.
31 Select the component, and click .

34 In the Name dialog, enter EPDM Membrane, and click OK.
35 In the Type Properties dialog, for Identity Data ➤ Keynote, click in the Value column, and click
.
36 In the Keynotes dialog, navigate to 07000 ➤ 07500 ➤ 07530 ➤ 07530.A1, Single-Ply Membrane
Roofing.
39 Add the Light Line Detail Component to the underside of the overhang.
40 Click Modify.
41 Select the component just added, and click .

42 Using the same method used previously, name the component 50 x 200 Framing, and assign it
keynote 06110.G1.
43 Zoom to the repeating component.
45 Click the upper end of the repeating detail, and click the lower end at the break line.
46 Click Modify.

48 Using the same method used previously, name the component Air Barrier, and assign it keynote
07260.A5.
49 With the component selected, on the Edit toolbar, click (Move).

50 Move the air barrier to the right, against the 19mm plywood.

Add a vapor barrier component

52 In the Type Selector, select m_Hidden Line Detail Component.
54 Create the component by drawing over the vertical and horizontal dashed detail lines that
represent the vapor barrier.
55 Click Modify.
56 Delete both dashed detail lines, leaving the detail component lines.
57 Select the vertical hidden line component, and click .
Creating Line-based Detail Components | 317

58 Using the method used previously, name the component Vapor Barrier, and assign it keynote
07260.A4.
Add keynotes

61 In the drawing area, add keynotes for the EPDM Membrane, Air Barrier, 50 x 200 Framing, and
Vapor Barrier.
Create an invisible line component
62 Click Window menu ➤ m_Medium Line Detail Component.rfa.

63 In the drawing area, select the component; in the Type Selector, select Invisible Lines.
64 Save the file as m_Invisible Line Detail Component.rfa.
67 In the Type Selector, select m_Invisible Line Detail Component.
68 In the drawing area, draw a line in the center of the large vertical segment of insulation.

70 Using the method used previously, name the component Batt Insul., and assign it keynote
07210.A4.
71 In the drawing area, add a keynote for the component.
72 Save the file.
73 Proceed to the next exercise, Modifying a Keynote Database on page 319.
Modifying a Keynote Database

In this exercise, you add keynote information for a detail component to the database text file. You are then
able to assign the keynote to the component in the drawing.
Training File
Add information to the text file

1 In Windows Explorer, navigate to Documents and Settings\All Users\Application
Data\Autodesk\RAC 2008\Training\Metric, and double-click m_Example_RevitKeynotes.txt.
The database file opens in a text editor.
2 Add keynote information for the metal soffit:

■ Position the cursor at the end of the line that begins with 07460.A9, and press ENTER.
■ Enter 07463.A1, and press TAB.
■ Enter Pre-Finished Metal Soffit, and press TAB.
■ Enter 07460.
3 In the text editor, click File menu ➤ Save, and close the text editor.
Update keynote settings
4 In Revit Architecture, click Settings menu ➤ Keynoting.

5 In the Keynoting Settings dialog, under Keynote Table, click Browse.
Modifying a Keynote Database | 319

6 In the Browse for Keynote File dialog, navigate to m_Example_RevitKeynotes.txt, and click Open.
7 In the Keynoting Settings dialog, under Path Type, select Absolute, and click OK.
Work with keynotes

9 In the drawing area, select the metal soffit (horizontal line under the overhang); click to place
the leader, and click to place the note.
10 In the Keynotes dialog, navigate to 07463.A1, and click OK.
11 Click Modify.
12 Apply various keynote styles:
■ In the drawing area, select all the keynotes.
■ In the Type Selector, select M_Keynote Tag : Keynote Number.

Each keynote displays as a simple number.
■ Select Keynote Tag : Keynote Text.

The descriptive text for each keynote displays.
■ Change the keynote style back to the boxed number type.
13 Click Modify.
14 Save the file.
Creating a Drafted Detail

In this lesson, you learn how to create a drafted detail. Drafted details are created in drafting views and are
not directly based on building model geometry. These details do not update with changes to the building
model, as there is no parametric linkage to any building model components.
You can create details in drafting views when you do not need to create callout views from the building
model. You can create drafted details using the drafting tools in Revit Architecture or by importing details
from an existing detail library. After you create a drafting view, you can reference it within the model and
place it on a sheet.

Importing a Detail into a Drafting View
In this exercise, you place an existing detail in a new drafting view to create a drafted detail. The detail that
you import is in DWG format.
Training File
Use the training file you used in a previous exercise, m_Freighthouse_Flats-Detailing.rvt.
Create a new drafting view
1 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Drafting View.

2 In the New Drafting View dialog, for Scale, select 1 : 5, and click OK.
Import a complete detail in DWG format

4 In the Import/Link CAD Formats dialog:
■ In the left pane, click Training Files.
■ Navigate to Metric\m_Roof Edge Detail.dwg.
■ For Colors, select Black and White.
■ For Positioning, verify that Auto - Center to Center is selected.
■ Click Open.
5 Enter zf to zoom to the detail.

The detail is imported as an import symbol.
6 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) ➤ Drafting Views (Detail), right-click Drafting 1, and
click Rename.
7 In the Rename View dialog, enter EPDM Metal Coping, and click OK.
8 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Reference Callout on page 321.
Creating a Reference Callout

In this exercise, you create a callout in the section view of the building model to reference the metal coping
detail that you previously imported.
Training File
Importing a Detail into a Drafting View | 321

Create the callout view
1 In the Project Browser, under Views (all) ➤ Detail Views (Detail), double-click Roof Overhang
Detail to open it in the drawing area.
3 On the Options Bar, select Reference other view, and select Drafting View: EPDM Metal Coping.
4 Add the callout bubble by dragging a rectangular bubble around the metal coping.
5 Click Modify.
6 Select the callout, and use the callout grips to move the callout head.
Modify detail view properties
7 In the Project Browser, right-click EPDM Metal Coping, and click Properties.
9 In the Type Properties dialog, click Rename.
10 In the Rename dialog, for New, enter Detail - No Reference, and click OK.
11 In the Type Properties dialog, for Graphics ➤ Reference Label, delete the existing value.
12 Click OK twice.
The callout head no longer displays a reference label.

Display the reference view
13 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and double-click the callout.

The metal coping detail that you imported previously displays.
Add the drafting view to a sheet
14 In the Project Browser, under Views (all) ➤ Sheets (all), double-click A105 - Elev./Sect./Det.
15 Under Drafting Views (Detail - No Reference), drag EPDM Metal Coping onto the sheet.
16 Click on the sheet above the Roof Overhang Detail to place the drafting view.
17 Click Window menu ➤ Detail View: Roof Overhang Detail.
The callout is updated with the sheet information.
18 Save the file.

19 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Detail in a Drafting View on page 323
Creating a Detail in a Drafting View

In this exercise, you create a door head condition in the new drafting view. There is no existing DWG file
for this door detail. Modeling elements at this level of detail may be time consuming and can reduce the
overall performance of the product, so you use Revit Architecture tools to draft the detail.
Creating a Detail in a Drafting View | 323

Training File
Create a drafting view
1 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Drafting View.

2 In the New Drafting View dialog, for Name, enter Header @ Sliding Door, and click OK.
3 On the View Control Bar, verify that the scale is 1 : 5.
Add a detail component

6 Click in the drawing area to place 2 instances as shown.
Press SPACEBAR to rotate the component as you place it.
Create a filled region
7 On the Design Bar, click Filled Region.

You sketch filled regions to represent gypsum wall board.
8 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Region Properties.

11 In the Name dialog, enter Gyp. Board, and click OK.
12 In the Type Properties dialog, for Graphics ➤ Fill Pattern, click .

13 In the Fill Patterns dialog, for Name, select Gypsum-Plaster.

15 Draw the region:
■ On the Options Bar, click .
■ Select the lower left corner of the 50 x 150 lumber as the start point.
■ Draw a rectangle as shown.
16 Select the left edge of the region, select the width dimension, and enter 20.5mm.
17 Click Modify.
18 While pressing CTRL, select the left and bottom edges of the region.
19 In the Type Selector, select Wide Lines.
Mirror the region
21 Select the filled region, and on the Edit toolbar, click (Mirror).
22 On the Options Bar, click (Draw).

23 Draw the mirror line:
■ Select the midpoint of the upper 50 x 150 as the start point.
■ Move the cursor up, and click above the top of the region as the end point.
24 Select the mirrored region, and drag the bottom up to just below the top of the upper 50 x 150.
25 Click Modify.
Add wood filled regions

27 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Region Properties.
30 In the Name dialog, enter Wood - Finish, and click OK.
31 In the Type Properties dialog, for Graphics ➤ Fill Pattern, click .

32 In the Fill Patterns dialog, for Name, select Wood - Finish.

34 Draw the region:
■ On the Options Bar, click (Rectangle).
■ Select the lower left corner of the left gypsum board region as the start point.
■ Draw a rectangle as shown; verify that the thickness is 19mm.
35 Select all the linework for the wood region; in the Type Selector, select Medium Lines.
36 Align the wood region to the 50 x 150:
■ On the Tools toolbar, click (Align).
■ Select the right edge of the lower 50 x 150, and select the right edge of the wood region.


41 Beginning at the lower right of the wood region, sketch the new region as shown; verify that
the width is 19mm and the height is 63.5mm.

Add a reference plane
43 On the Design Bar, click Ref Plane.

45 Select the top of the vertical wood region to place the reference plane above it.
You use the reference plane as an alignment reference for the gypsum board region above it.

47 Click the reference plane, and click the bottom of the gypsum board region.
48 Click Modify.
Add a door panel

51 Select the left edge of the horizontal wood region.

■ Click (Draw).
■ For Offset, enter 0, and press ENTER.
■ Select Chain.
53 Draw the door panel outline:

■ Click the top endpoint of the offset line.
■ Move the cursor left 25mm, and click to select the point.
■ Move the cursor down 305mm, and click to select the point.
■ Move the cursor right 25mm, and click to select the point.
54 On the Tools toolbar, click (Trim/Extend).

55 Select the small vertical line of the door panel sketch, and select the bottom horizontal line.

Add detail lines for mounting/sliding hardware

60 Select the left, top, and right edges of the door panel region.
61 Click Modify.
62 Select the left detail line, select the height dimension, enter 76.2mm, and press ENTER.
63 Repeat for the right detail line.
Add mounting/sliding hardware

Components\Div 05-Metals\05090-Metal Fastenings\M_A307 Bolts-Side.rfa, and click Open.
67 Add the bolt to the right side of the lower wood region as shown.
TIP Press the SPACEBAR as necessary to rotate the bolt to the correct orientation.
68 Click Modify.
69 Select the bolt; drag the left shape handle until the nut is against the detail line.

Components\Div 05-Metals\05090-Metal Fastenings\M_Expansion Bolts-Side.rfa, and click
Open.
73 Add the component to the left side of the lower 50 x 150.
NOTE Exact sizes and positioning are not critical when creating the remainder of the detail; use the
images as a guide.
74 Select the expansion bolt; drag the right shape handle until the bolt end is just past the midpoint
of the 50 x 150.
Add detail lines

76 In the Type Selector, select Wide Lines.
77 Draw a line at the base of the bolt head as shown.


81 Draw the rectangle to the left of the wide line as shown.
82 Select the rectangle, and on the Edit toolbar, click (Mirror).

83 Select the wide detail line as the axis of reflection.

86 Draw a small rectangle between the mirrored rectangles as shown.
87 Click Modify.

88 Select the detail line to the left of the lower wood region; drag the top end above the mirrored
rectangles as shown.

91 Draw a small line from the midpoint of the left mirrored rectangle to the left, as shown.
Do not extend the line to the vertical detail line.
92 Select the line, and on the Edit toolbar, click (Mirror).

93 Select the wide detail line as the axis of reflection.

94 Select the mirrored line on the right, select the length dimension, enter 3mm, and press ENTER.
96 Beginning at the end of the 3mm line, draw a line up to the height of the other detail line.

98 Click the end of the detail line on the left, and click to place the arc as shown.
99 Click Modify.
Add two break lines

102 In the Type Selector, select M_Break Line.
103 Add two break lines as shown.
TIP Rotate and move the break lines as necessary to adjust the masking elements.

Add dimensions

105 In the drawing area, select the left edge of the horizontal wood region, and select the right edge
of the adjoining vertical region.
106 Click to place the dimension, and click Modify.

108 In the Type Selector, select Linear Dimension Style : Linear 2.5mm Arial.
109 Add a multi-segment dimension line as shown, and click Modify.
110 Select the dimension line; using the Drag Text grip, drag the text for the smaller dimension.

Add dimension overrides to represent different wall types
111 Select the wall dimension, and then click the dimension text.
112 In the Dimension Text dialog, under Dimension Value, select Replace With Text, and enter
Varies.
113 Under Text Fields, for Below, enter See Schedule.
114 Click OK.
Add dimension strings based on the wall type

116 In the Type Selector select Linear Dimension Style: Detail Linear - 2.5mmArial.
117 Click to place additional dimensions on the wall as shown.
118 Select Modify to end the command.

Add dimension overrides to represent different wall types.
119 Select the topmost of the 3 wall dimensions, and click the dimension text.
120 In the Dimension Text dialog, under Dimension Value, select Replace With Text, and enter 175
mm @ Type A.

121 Click OK.
122 Repeat this process for the next 2 dimensions:
■ Enter 200 mm @ Type B.
■ Enter 225 mm @ Type C.
123 Click OK.
Add text notes to complete the detail
125 In the Options Bar, click to create an arced leader.

126 In the drawing area, select the gypsum board region on the left, and click to place the text.
127 Enter Gyp. Board, and click Modify.
128 Select the note, and on the Options Bar, click (Add Right Arc Leader).
129 Drag the end of the new leader to the other gypsum board region.
130 Add leaders and text notes to the detail as shown.

132 Save the file.

Finishing the Sheets
8
In this tutorial, you perform tasks to provide finishing touches on your project documentation, including:
■ Creating a note block that contains typical construction notes

■ Creating a drawing list that is automatically populated based on filter selections
■ Creating the 2 most common types of legends produced for construction: annotation legends and building component
legends
■ Tracking and documenting revisions in the project
■ Importing resources (images and text) from other applications into project sheets
Using Note Blocks

In this lesson, you create a typical note block to annotate repairs and renovations to the exterior of the
building.
Creating a Note Block

In this exercise, you add typical construction notes to sheets and then create a note block to expose the note
text. The note block can be used to schedule parameters assigned to a generic annotation family.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-
Finishing-Sheets.rvt.
Load a generic annotation family

1 In the Project Browser, expand Elevations (Building Elevation), and double-click East.
339
2 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Symbol.
3 Click Yes to load a generic annotation family into the project.
Metric\Families\Annotations\Sheet Keynote - Hexagon.rfa.
5 On the Options Bar, for Number of Leaders, type 1.
6 Click in the drawing area to the right of the building to place a hexagon tag.

8 Select the keynote, and drag the endpoint of the leader to position it on the right front door.
340 | Chapter 8 Finishing the Sheets

9 Drag the midpoint of the leader to position it as shown:
Create annotation marks for items requiring notes
10 With the tag selected, on the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
11 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Text, type Seal existing doors and
insulate, and click OK.
12 On the Edit toolbar, click (Copy).

13 Select the tag, and click above the tag to place the copy.
Creating a Note Block | 341

14 With the copy selected, on the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
15 For Text, type Repair existing door surround. Contact Historic Preservation District official for
specific requirements.
16 For Tag, type B.
17 Click OK.
18 Using the same method, make another copy of the tag and place it on the left side of the building.
19 With the tag selected, on the Edit toolbar, click (Mirror), and on the Options Bar, clear
Copy.
20 To create a vertical mirror image of the tag so the leader points toward the building, position
the cursor over the hexagon tag until a vertical bar displays, and click.

22 Optionally, using the table as a reference, and moving counter-clockwise, continue tagging the
building as shown in the following illustration:
Tag Text
A Seal existing doors and insulate.
B Repair existing door surround. Contact Histor-

ic Preservation District official for specific re-
quirements.
C Clean and repair stone parapet cap as re-

quired.
D Clean and repair existing stone trim as re-

quired.
E Remove all existing windows. Clean opening

and repair as required for new window install-
ation.
F Clean exterior brick wall. Tuckpoint as re-

quired.
G Clean existing concrete loading dock. Repair

as required.
Creating a Note Block | 343

Tag Text
H Saw cut existing brick wall. Clean cut and

repair wall as required.
Create, format, and place a note block on a sheet
23 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Note Block.

24 In the New Note Block dialog, for Note block name, type Exterior Construction Notes, and click
OK.
25 Specify values in the Note Block Properties dialog:
■ On the Fields tab, under Available fields, select Tag, and click Add.
■ Select Text, and click Add.
■ On the Sorting/Grouping tab, for Sort by, select Tag.
■ On the Formatting tab, for Heading, type Mark, and for Alignment, select Center.
■ On the Appearance tab, for Header text, verify that Arial is selected, for the value, type 6
mm, and select Bold.
26 Click OK.
The Exterior Construction Notes block displays.
27 In the column header (text), type Description.

28 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets (all), and double-click A103 - Elevations.
29 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, select Exterior Construction Notes, and
drag it to the sheet.
30 Click to place the block in the upper left corner of the sheet, and drag the right column control
to expand the column to display the note text.

32 Zoom in to see the note block.
33 Save the file as Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt.
Using Drawing Lists

In this lesson, you quickly create a drawing list that is automatically generated from the drawings available
in the project.
Creating a Drawing List

In this exercise, you create an automatically populated drawing list for placement on the title sheet of the
project.
Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-
Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt.
Using Drawing Lists | 345

2 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Drawing List.
3 Specify values in the Drawing List Properties dialog:
■ On the Fields tab, under Available fields, select Sheet Number, and click Add.
■ Select Sheet Name, and click Add.
■ On the Filter tab, for Filter by, in the first field, select Sheet Number, in the second field,
select does not equal, and in the third field, type T.
■ On the Sorting/Grouping tab, for Sort by, select Sheet Number.
4 Click OK.
The drawing list displays.
5 In the list title field, change Drawing List to Sheet Index.

7 In the Project Browser, expand Schedules/Quantities, select Sheet Index, and drag it to the sheet.
8 Click to place it on the sheet in the lower right corner, and expand the right column to
accommodate the text.

10 Zoom in to the drawing list.
11 Save the file.
Using Legends
Legends provide a way to display a list of the various building components and annotations used in a project.
The two most common types of legends produced for construction documents are annotation legends and
building component legends.
Annotation legends are made up of components (such as section markers and door tags) that are paired with
text that identifies them. On construction documents, annotation legends are often referred to as symbol
legends.
Building component legends list and identify components such as walls, windows, doors, and door frames.
On construction documents, building component legends are often called schedules (wall type schedule,
door frame schedule, and so on).
NOTE A component that is placed in a legend does not count as an additional instance of the component in the
Revit Architecture building model, and thus is not added to the number of instances of that component listed on
a schedule or note block.
Creating a Symbol Legend

In this exercise, you create a legend view and add symbols and text to it. For the text, you use a text type
you create by duplicating an existing text type and modifying the type properties. Finally, you add the
completed symbol legend to multiple sheets for easy reference.
Training File
Using Legends | 347

Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson, Metric\m_Freighthouse_Flats-
Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt.
Create a legend view
1 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Legend.

2 In the New Legend View dialog, for Name, type Typical Symbol Legend, and click OK.
Add symbols to the legend
3 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Symbol.

4 Add the following symbols to the legend view, selecting each from the Type Selector and placing
it in the legend as shown.
■ Custom-Section Head: Section Head - Open
■ Level Head - Circle
■ M_Door Tag
■ M_Window Tag
■ Sheet Keynote - Hexagon : Tag
Create a text type

Because the text size for the symbol legend is not available in the Type Selector, you create a
text type with the necessary size. You do this by duplicating the standard text type and modifying
the type properties.

8 In the Type Properties dialog, click Duplicate, for Name, type Legend Text, and click OK.
9 For Text Font, select Arial.
10 For Text Size, type 3mm, and click OK twice.

Add text to the legend
11 In the Type Selector, verify that Text : Legend Text is selected, and for Leader, verify that
is selected.
12 Click to the right of the first symbol to specify the text start point.
13 Type Detail Callout for the text note.
14 Working from the top down, type the following text for the remaining symbols in the legend:
■ Level Indicator
■ Door Tag
■ Window Tag
■ Sheet Keynote
Place the symbol legend on a sheet
15 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets (all), and double-click A101 - Site Plan/Floor Plan.
16 In the Project Browser, expand Legends, click Typical Symbol Legend, drag it to the lower right
corner of the sheet, and click to place it.
Creating a Symbol Legend | 349

17 In the Type Selector, select Viewport : No Titlemark.
The symbol legend is added to the project sheet.
19 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, double-click A102 - Unit 18.

20 Drag Typical Symbol Legend to the lower right corner of the sheet, and click to place it.
21 In the Type Selector, select Viewport : No Titlemark.

A legend view is unlike any other view and can be placed onto multiple sheets for reference
where required.
23 Save the file.

Creating a Component Legend
In this exercise, you create a building component legend for the wall types in the building model. You use
the text type that you created in a previous exercise to create annotations that identify the material used in
each wall component. You then add the completed legend to a project sheet.
Training File
m_Freighthouse_Flats-Finishing-Sheets_in_progress.rvt.
Create a legend view
1 Click View menu ➤ New ➤ Legend.

2 In the New Legend View dialog, for Name, type 4th Floor Wall Types.
3 For Scale, select 1 : 50, and click OK.
Add components to the legend
4 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Legend Component.

5 On the View Control Bar, select Medium for Detail Level.
■ For Family, select Walls: Basic Wall: 4th Floor Balcony Divider.
■ For View, select Section.
■ For Host length, type 900 mm, and press ENTER.
7 Click near the top left of the drawing area to specify the insertion point for the wall.
8 Click directly below the first wall to place a second wall.
Creating a Component Legend | 351

10 Select the second wall, and on the Options Bar, for Family, select Walls : Basic wall : 4th Floor
Exterior.
Add titles to the legend components

12 In the Type Selector, verify that Text : Legend Text is selected.
13 On the Options Bar, for Leader, click to add text without a leader.
14 Click below the upper wall component to specify the start point for the text, and type Wall Type
1 Patio Divider.
NOTE Press ENTER to force the text to start on the next line, for example to force a line break between
''Wall Type 1'' and ''Patio Divider.''
15 Click below the lower wall and type Wall Type 2 Exterior Wall.

Add text to the legend
16 On the Options Bar, click to add text with a single-segment leader.

17 Click the right side of the Wall Type 1 component to specify the leader start point.
18 Click to the right of the wall to end the leader and specify the text start point.
19 Type the following text, pressing ENTER between component descriptions, and click Modify on
the Design Bar: 33mm Decking 50x100 Stud 33mm Decking.
The text note with leader is added to the legend.
20 Use the following illustration as a guide for entering the text annotations on the lower wall
component.
Place the legend on a sheet
21 In the Project Browser, right-click Sheets (all), and click New Sheet.
22 In the Select a Titleblock dialog, click OK to accept the default titleblock.
23 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, select Level 4, and drag it to the new sheet.
24 Click to place the floor plan on the right side of the sheet.

25 In the Project Browser, under Legends, select 4th Floor Wall Types, drag it onto the sheet, and
click to place it in the upper left corner of the sheet.

The floor plan and legend are added to the new sheet.
Tile views in the drawing window
27 In the Project Browser, double-click 4th Floor Wall Types.

The open drawings are both visible, allowing you to select a component type in one drawing
and then apply the type in the second drawing.

Match a component type
31 On the Tools toolbar, click (Match Type).

32 In the 4th Floor Wall Types Legend view, select the Wall Type 2 component.
Notice that the eyedropper changes to filled, indicating that it captured the wall type properties.
33 In the floor plan view, zoom to the lower right area of the floor plan including the patio divider
wall.
34 Select the patio divider wall.

35 On the View Control Bar, select Detail Level: Medium.
Changing the detail level displays the hatching for each material of the wall component. The
wall type in the floor plan matches wall type 2 from the Wall Type Legend.

36 Optionally, click if you do not want to save the change to the wall type.
37 Save the file.
Using Revision Tracking

Revit Architecture provides tools that enable you to track revisions to your project. You can create a sequence
of revisions, and you can draw revision clouds around elements in your project that have changed. You can
use revision tags to notate the revision clouds, and can then display the revisions in schedules that appear
in the titleblock of each project sheet.
Setting Up a Revision Table

There are likely to be changes to your construction documents after you have issued the original set of
documents for bid or after you have received a signed contract. These changes can be due to owner requests,
contractor inquiries, unanticipated changes in construction conditions, or changes in building material
availability. In this exercise, you open a revision table in which you can add rows that represent a sequence
of revisions. Using the table, you can specify the numbering method for revisions in a project, and you can
add data such as release date and description to each revision.
Training File
Specify a revision numbering method


2 Click Settings menu ➤ Revisions.
3 On the right side of the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog, for Numbering, verify that Per Project is
selected.
When you use this option, the revisions are numbered according to the sequence of revisions
in the Revisions dialog. For example, if the active revision is number 1, all tags and schedules
display the numeral 1. If you select Per Sheet, the revisions are numbered according to the
sequence in which they are added to a sheet.
Add a revision to the project
4 For Date, type a date.

This is the date the revisions are sent out for review.
5 For Description, type Relocate 4th floor partition dividing walls.

In general, revision descriptions should be comprehensive, yet as concise as possible.
6 Verify that Issued is cleared.

When Issued is selected, the revision is locked and issued to the field.
7 Under Show, verify that Cloud and Tag is selected.

If Visible is not selected, any revision cloud you draw to indicate this particular revision is not
visible in the view in which you create it. In most instances, you would turn off visibility only
after a revision was issued.
Setting Up a Revision Table | 357

8 Click OK.
9 Save the file.
Sketching Revision Clouds

In this exercise, you make changes to the project floor plan, and then indicate the changes graphically with
a revision cloud. Revision clouds have read-only properties, including revision number and revision date,
which are inherited from the revision table you created for the project.
You can sketch revision clouds in all views except 3D views, but each cloud is visible only in the view in
which it is sketched. You can draw multiple revision clouds for each revision.
Training File
Modify a wall
2 Zoom in to the left area of the drawing to see the 4th Floor Balcony Divider.
3 Select the divider.
4 On the Edit toolbar, click (Move).

5 Select the divider, move the cursor up, and click to reposition the divider closer to the upper
wall.

Add a revision cloud
7 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Revision Cloud.

Revit Architecture is now in sketch mode.
NOTE To turn off snaps when drawing a revision cloud, click Settings menu ➤ Snaps. In the Snaps
dialog, select Snaps Off, and click OK.
8 In the drawing area, click near the partition you moved, and move the cursor clockwise to create
a segment of the revision cloud.
9 Click to end that segment and begin a new segment.

10 Continue adding segments until the cloud encompasses the area that you changed.
The revision cloud is displayed around the modified partition.
Sketching Revision Clouds | 359

Modify revision cloud style
12 Select the revision cloud.

15 Under the Revision Clouds category, for Line Weight, select 6.
16 Click OK.
17 Save the file.
Tagging Revision Clouds

In this exercise, you load a revision tag into the project, and then apply the tag to the revision cloud in the
current drawing. The tag number that is displayed in the drawing is based on the numbering method you
specified when you set up the revision table in a previous exercise.
Training File

Load a revision tag

2 Zoom in to the area with the revision cloud.
4 On the Options Bar, click Tags.
5 In the Tags dialog, scroll down to Revision Clouds.
Because there are no tags loaded for revision clouds, you need to add one.
6 Click Load.
7 In the left pane of the dialog, click Training Files, and open
Metric\Families\Annotations\M_Revision Tag.rfa.
8 In the Tags dialog, notice that M_Revision Tag is the loaded tag for Revision Clouds; click OK.
Tag a revision cloud
9 On the Options Bar, select Leader.

10 In the drawing area, position the cursor just outside the revision cloud to the left.
If the cursor is just inside the cloud, the tag is displayed inside the cloud.

The tag displays the revision number of the cloud. The number is based on the numbering
method you specified when you set up the revision table. Because you chose to number by
project, and because the revision is the first in the project, the cloud is tagged as number 1.
12 Save the file.
Working with Revisions

In this exercise, you view a sheet on which you place a revised view. You then issue a revision, which creates
a record of the revision and locks it from further changes. Because a real-world project can undergo several
revisions before it is completed, you create additional revisions in the revision table.
Training File
Working with Revisions | 361

View the revision schedule on a sheet

1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, double-click A107 - Unnamed.
2 Zoom to the revision schedule in the sheet titleblock.
The information you added to the revision table in a previous exercise is displayed in the revision
schedule.
After you make the necessary changes to the project and add the revised views to a sheet, you
prevent further changes to the revision. You do this by issuing the revision.
Issue a revision

4 For the Sequence 1 revision, select Issued, and click OK.
NOTE After you issue a revision, you can no longer modify it. You cannot add revision clouds to the
revision in the drawing area, nor can you edit the sketch of the existing clouds.
Create additional revisions

Your project may have several revisions before it is completed. You can continue to add revisions.
6 In the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog, click Add.

A new row is added below the existing rows in the revision table.
7 For Description, type Modify Paving Area, and enter a date for the revision.
8 Add another revision row, with the description Relocate Door, and enter a date.
9 Click OK.

Change revision scheme from numeric to alphabetic
You place the new revisions on a sheet, and then specify the revision table sequence to alphabetic.
11 On the Drafting tab, select Revision Cloud.
12 In the drawing area, click to add a revision clouds.
13 Click Finish Sketch.

Apply revisions to revision clouds
14 In the drawing area, select the revision cloud.

15 On the Options Bar, for Revision, select Seq. 2 - Modify Paving Area.
16 Add another revision cloud as shown.
17 Using the same method learned previously, apply Seq. 3 - Relocate Door to the revision cloud.
Tag the revision clouds
18 On the Drafting tab, select Tag ➤ By Category.

19 To add tags, in the drawing area, click outside each of the two revision clouds you just drew.
20 On the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A107 - Unnamed.
21 Zoom in to the revision schedule in the titleblock.
Information for all tagged revisions displays in the schedule.

Change the sequencing of revision to use alpha characters

23 In the Sheet Issues/Revisions dialog:
■ For Sequence 1, clear Issued.
You do this so that the revision can be changed. You want to change the numbering value
from numeric to alphabetic for all sequences.
■ For each revision, for Numbering, select Alphabetic.
■ Click Options.
You can modify the sequence of characters used for the alphabetic numbering scheme.
24 In the Sequence Options dialog, for Sequence, delete the first 3 characters.
25 Click OK twice.
The revision schedule now uses alphabetic characters, beginning with "D".
Edit the titleblock family
The revision schedule is part of the titleblock family. In order to make formatting changes (appearance,
height, and rotation) to the revision schedule, you edit the titleblock family.
26 In the drawing area, select the titleblock.

27 On the Options Bar, click Edit Family.
28 In the alert dialog, click Yes, and then zoom in to the revision schedule.
Modify the revision schedule properties
29 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) ➤ Schedules, right-click Revision Schedule, and click
Properties.
30 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Appearance, click Edit.
31 In the Revision Properties dialog, on the Appearance tab:
■ Under Graphics, for Build Schedule, select Bottom-up.
■ Select Grid lines.

Grid lines will now be dynamically added as the revision schedule is built.
■ Select Outline, and select Wide Lines for the outline type.
■ Clear Blank row before data.
32 Click OK twice.
Relocate revision schedule
You relocate the revision schedule to the bottom of the revision area, and delete the schedule lines because
the table will be dynamically built.
33 Select the schedule header, and drag it above the schedule area.

35 Select the existing schedule lines, and press DELETE.
36 Drag the header to the bottom of the revision schedule area.
Reload the titleblock family into the project
Because you changed the titleblock family, all sheets that use this titleblock in the project will be affected.
38 In the Reload Family dialog, click Yes.

The revision schedule is now shown in a bottom-up format.
Rotate revision schedule to display it vertically
39 Using the same method learned previously, open the titleblock family for editing.
40 Select the revision schedule header, and on the Options Bar, for Rotation on Sheet, select 90°
Counterclockwise.
41 Drag the header to the right side of the titleblock.
Modify the properties of the revision schedule
42 In the Project Browser, right-click Revision Schedule, and click Properties.

43 In the Element Properties dialog, under Other, for Formatting, click Edit.
44 On the Formatting tab of the Revision Properties dialog, for Heading, enter Rev..
45 On the Appearance tab, for Height, select User defined.
When the height property is variable, the schedule continues to add rows as revisions are created.
With a user-defined height, the schedule is restricted to a specific size, and the most current
revisions display in the available rows.
46 Click OK twice.
Use grip editing to resize the revision schedule
47 In the drawing area, select the revision schedule.

48 Click the circular grip and drag it so that the schedule fills the revision area.

Load revised schedule into the project
50 In the Reload Family dialog, click Yes.
The modified revision schedule displays on the project sheet.
51 Save the file.
Importing from Other Applications

In this lesson, you learn to import information (such as images, text, and spreadsheets) from other applications
into a project.
Importing from Other Applications | 367

Importing Image Files
In this exercise, you import a logo image in JPG format into a project, and place it on a sheet.
Training File
1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, double-click T - Title Sheet.
2 Click File menu ➤ Import/Link ➤ Image.
3 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\Freighthouse
Logo.JPG.
4 Click in the upper right area of the sheet to place the logo.
Importing Text Documents

In this exercise, you import text from another application using a cut and paste function to populate a text
object on a sheet.
Training File
Create a text element on the title sheet

1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, double-click T - Title Sheet.
2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Text.
3 On the Options Bar, for Leader, click to add text without a leader.
4 Click and drag to place a text box on the right side of the sheet.

Copy the text
5 Open the Training Files\Common\Bidding Statement.doc text file in another window.

6 Select the text.
7 Click Edit menu ➤ Copy.
Paste the text on the sheet
8 In the Revit Architecture window, with the new text box still selected, click Edit menu ➤ Paste
from Clipboard.
The text is pasted into the new text box on the sheet.

10 Zoom in to view the pasted text.
NOTE Some formatting may be required after the text is placed in Revit Architecture.
11 Save the file.
Importing Spreadsheets
In this exercise, you have existing information in a spreadsheet format and would like to use it in the project.
The only way to do this is to convert the spreadsheet file to a raster format (JPG or BMP) and import it as
an image.
Training File
Importing Spreadsheets | 369

1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, double-click A102 - Unit 18.

2 Open the Microsoft Excel worksheet, Training Files\Common\Lighting Fixtures.xls.
NOTE You need to print/export the spreadsheet to a raster format. This process may vary from system
to system. This exercise demonstrates a common method.
3 In Microsoft Excel, click File menu ➤ Print.

4 Under Printer, for Name, select the document writer.
5 Click OK.
6 In the left pane of the Save the file as dialog, click Desktop, for File name, type Fixture
Schedule.mdi, and click Save.
Now that you have the worksheet in a raster format, you could use a screen capture utility to
save the worksheet in BMP or JPG format. This step has been completed for you, and saved as
Fixture Schedule.JPG.
7 In the Revit Architecture window, click File menu ➤ Import/Link ➤ Image.

8 In the left pane of the Import Image dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\Fixture
Schedule.JPG.
9 Click to place the image on the sheet.
11 Zoom in to see the Fixture Schedule.
12 Save the file.

Using Dependent Views
9
In this tutorial, you work with a large project for a bird sanctuary.
The drawings include the aviary and observation area of the site, as well as a large lab building.
The large floor plan, or footprint, for the sanctuary will not fit onto a plotted sheet as one plan. To effectively document
this project, you break up the plan into sections, called dependent views.
371
Dependent view of lab building
Dependent view of aviary and observation platforms
Dependent views can be placed on sheets for documentation purposes.
372 | Chapter 9 Using Dependent Views

Using Dependent Views in Documentation
In this lesson, you
■ Create split dependent views of a large floor plan and elevation
■ Annotate the primary view to indicate where the view is split and to provide links to the dependent
views
■ Apply the specifications of the dependent views to other views in the project
■ Add dependent views to sheets for documentation
Using Dependent Views for Floor Plan Views

In this exercise, you
■ Create split dependent views of a large floor plan view
■ Add a matchline to the primary view to indicate where the view is split
■ Place dependent views on sheets
■ Add view references to the primary view to link to dependent views
■ Apply dependent view specifications to other views
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Dependent_Views.rvt
Using Dependent Views in Documentation | 373

Create dependent views
2 In the Project Browser, right-click Level 2, and click Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate as a Dependent.
The dependent view opens.
3 In the Project Browser, under Level 2, right-click Dependent on Level 2, and click Rename.
4 In the Rename View dialog, for Name, enter Level 2 - Aviary, and click OK.
5 Click in the drawing area, and on the Zoom flyout of the View toolbar, click Zoom To Fit.
6 In the drawing area, select the crop region.
The following image shows a plan view with the model and annotation crop regions visible.
The annotation crop is the exterior crop region, and the model crop is the interior crop region.
7 Select the inside (model crop) control on the right and drag it toward the center of the view to
crop out the lab building.

8 Click the inside control on the bottom and drag it up, confining the view to the upper-left area
of the drawing (the aviary).
Using Dependent Views for Floor Plan Views | 375

10 Click in the drawing area, and on the Zoom flyout, click Zoom To Fit.
11 In the Project Browser, right-click Level 2, and click Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate as a Dependent.
12 In the Project Browser, right-click Dependent on Level 2, and click Rename.
13 In the Rename View dialog, for Name, enter Level 2 - Labs, and click OK.
15 Select the crop region.
16 Use the inside controls to crop the view to the lower-right building (the labs).
17 Select the outside control on the left and drag it to the left to reveal the notes.

The outside controls adjust the annotation crop region.
Add matchline to indicate split view

22 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Matchline.
Matchlines are annotation lines that you add to a view to indicate where a view is split for
dependent views.
23 Draw the matchline by specifying the following points:

■ Click above and to the right of the intersection of the lab building and the aviary. (Align
with the second column of lab cubicles.)

■ Move the cursor down and click just above the lab building.
■ Click above the left corner of the lab building.
■ Click just below the lower intersection of the lab building and the aviary.
■ Move the cursor left about 4800 mm, and click.

27 Under Matchline, for Line Weight, select 9.
28 For Line Pattern, select Double Dash, and click OK.
Create sheets and place dependent views

31 In the Project Browser, expand Sheets, right-click A101 - Unnamed, and click Rename.
32 In the Sheet Title dialog, for Name, enter Level 2 Aviary, and click OK.
33 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, click Level 2 - Aviary, and drag it onto the sheet.
34 Click to place the view in the center of the sheet.

36 Use the same method to create another sheet, rename the sheet Level 2 Labs, and place the Level
2 - Labs dependent view on the sheet.
Add reference annotations to sheets

38 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click View Reference.
You add view references near the matchline to annotate and link to the dependent views.
39 On the Options Bar, for Target view, verify that Floor Plan: Level 2 - Aviary is selected.
40 Click to the left of the top of the matchline.

The Sheet number of the dependent view displays to the left of the matchline.
41 On the Options Bar, for Target view, select Floor Plan: Level 2 - Labs.
42 Click to the right of the top of the matchline.
43 Use the same method to add View References above (A101) and below (A102) the lower-left end
of the matchline.
NOTE Double-clicking a view reference opens the dependent view that it references.

45 On the Zoom flyout, click Zoom To Fit.

46 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Level 2 - Aviary.

48 Select the crop region, click the far right control, and drag it slightly to the right to expand the
annotation region so you can see the view reference.
NOTE View references display in all views except for the view that it is referencing. Notice that the
view reference for the aviary does not display in the aviary dependent view.
49 If, after modifying the annotation crop region, the tags for Cubicles 3 and 14 display, select the
room tag for Cubicle 3 (upper-right room tag) in the annotation area, right-click, and click Hide
in view ➤ Elements.

50 Use the same method to hide Cubicle 14 (directly below Cubicle 3), leaving 4 rooms visible in
the view.

Apply dependent view settings to other plans
52 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Level 2, and click Apply Dependent Views.
After you have set up dependent view configuration for one view, you can apply the view and
crop region specifications to parallel views of the same scale.
53 In the Select Views dialog, select all views in the list, and click OK.
New dependent views display in the Project Browser under the primary view, but are not placed
on sheets.
54 In the Project Browser, expand Level 1, and double-click Dependent (2) on Level 1.
Notice that the matchline and crop regions from Level 2 are applied to Level 1.
56 Double-click Dependent on Level 1.

Using Dependent Views for Elevation Views

In this exercise, you
■ Create dependent split views of an elevation view
■ Annotate the primary view to indicate where the view is split
■ Place dependent views on a sheet
■ Add view references to the primary view to link to dependent views
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Dependent_Views.rvt
Create dependent views

1 In the Project Browser, expand Elevations (Building Elevation), and double-click South Elevation.
The matchline is already placed in the view.
2 In the Project Browser, right-click South Elevation, and click Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate as a
Dependent.

The dependent view opens.
3 In the Project Browser, expand South Elevation, right-click Dependent on South Elevation, and
click Rename.
4 In the Rename View dialog, for Name, enter South Elevation - Left, and click OK.
5 In the drawing area, select the Crop Region.
6 Select the inside crop region control on the right, and drag it toward the center of the view,
cropping the view to the aviary.

8 In the Project Browser, right-click South Elevation, and click Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate as a
Dependent.
9 In the Project Browser, right-click Dependent on South Elevation, and click Rename.
10 In the Rename View dialog, for Name, enter South Elevation - Right, and click OK.
12 Select the inside crop region control on the left, and drag it toward the center of the drawing,
cropping the view to the lab building.
Using Dependent Views for Elevation Views | 385

Create a sheet and place both dependent views on the sheet

16 In the Project Browser, under Sheets, right-click A103 Unnamed, and click Rename.
17 In the Sheet Title dialog, for Name, enter South Elevation, and click OK.
18 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, click South Elevation - Left, and drag it onto the sheet.
19 Click to place the elevation view at the top of the sheet.
20 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, click South Elevation - Right, and drag it onto the
sheet.
21 Click to place the elevation view at the bottom of the sheet.

23 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click South Elevation.
24 On the Views tab of the Design Bar, click View Reference.
25 On the Options Bar, for Target view, verify that Elevation: South Elevation - Left is selected.
26 Click to the left of the top of the matchline at the center of the elevation.
27 Click to the left of the bottom of the matchline.
28 On the Options Bar, for Target view, select Elevation: South Elevation - Right.
29 Click to the right of the top and the bottom of the matchline.
Using Dependent Views for Elevation Views | 387

31 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A103 - South Elevation.
NOTE If the view references are not visible, you can modify the annotation region for the dependent
view from the sheet. Right-click the view, and click Activate View. Select the crop region, and use the
annotation crop controls to modify it.

Viewing and Rendering
389
390
Rendering Views and
Creating Walkthroughs 10
In this tutorial, you learn to use the rendering features in Revit Architecture 2009 to create rendered interior and exterior
views of a building information model. You also learn how to create and record animated walkthroughs of a model.
Rendering an Exterior View

In this lesson, you learn how to create an exterior perspective view of a pool house building model and
create rendered images for daytime and nighttime lighting.
Daytime rendering of the pool house
391
Nighttime rendering of the pool house
You learn to create and apply materials to the building model, add trees to the building site, and create the
perspective view that you want to render. After you create the perspective view, you specify options that
define the model environment, and then render a final exterior view.
Applying Materials and Textures to the Building Model

In this exercise, you learn how to view and modify the material that is applied to a building component in
a building model. You also learn how to create a new material and apply it to a building component. You
work with a building model that already has materials applied to it.
In this exercise, you:
■ change the render appearance of the wood material applied to the exterior screen wall of the pool house.
■ change the material of the pad of the pool house from the default material to concrete.
■ define a new black anodized aluminum material and apply it to the curtain wall mullions of the pool
house wall.
When you complete these changes, you render a region of the building that includes the exterior wall, the
pad, and the curtain wall to view and verify the material and texture changes.
392 | Chapter 10 Rendering Views and Creating Walkthroughs

Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\c_Pool_House.rvt.
View the finish material of the screen wall

1 Verify that the 3D view of the pool house is displayed.
2 Zoom in to the wall of the house near the pool.
Applying Materials and Textures to the Building Model | 393

3 In the drawing area, select the wooden screen wall, and on the Options Bar, click (Element
Properties).
You check the construction of the screen walls to determine the material assigned to the wall,
so you can change the render appearance for the material.

5 Under Construction, for Structure, click Edit.
6 In the Edit Assembly dialog, verify that the material for Structure [1] is Wood - Teak, Solid.
7 Click OK 3 times.
Change the render appearance of the wood material
8 Click Settings menu ➤ Materials.

The Wood - Teak, Solid material is currently a light stained teak. The design calls for the use of
a dark stained, satin-finished teak.
9 In the Materials dialog, for Materials, select Wood - Teak, Solid.

10 On the Render Appearance tab, click Replace.

11 In the Render Appearance Library dialog, click Wood Teak Stained Dark Medium Gloss, and
click OK.
You do not want the medium gloss finish, but it is the closest material to what you want. You
make modifications to the settings for this material to more closely match the desired finish.
12 On the Render Appearance tab of the Materials dialog, for Finish, select Satin Varnish.
13 Click Update Preview, and click OK.
The Update Preview option provides a real time rendering of the changes to the material. It can
be used for visual feedback to see if the setting produces the desired results.
Change the material of the pad from the default material to concrete
14 In the drawing area, select the pad, and on the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
The material assignment for the pad is currently set to By Category, which is using a default
material. You change the material assignment to use a concrete with a straight broom finish.

16 Under Construction, for Structure, click Edit.
17 In the Edit Assembly dialog, for the Structure [1] Material value, click <By Category>, and click
.
18 In the Materials dialog, select Concrete - Cast-in-Place Concrete.
19 On the Render Appearance tab, for Finish, select Broom Straight, and click Update Preview.
20 Click the Graphics tab, and review the material patterns.

Define a new material and apply it to the mullions
23 Zoom in to view the curtain wall mullions.
24 Click Settings menu ➤ Materials.

You create a black anodized aluminum material, and apply it to the mullions of the pool house
wall.
25 In the Materials dialog, select Metal - Aluminum.

You use an existing material as a template to create the black anodized aluminum material.
26 At the bottom left corner of the Materials dialog, click (Duplicate).

27 In the Duplicate Revit Material dialog, for Name, enter Metal - Aluminum, Anodized - Black,
and click OK.
28 On the Graphics tab of the Materials dialog, select Use Render Appearance for Shading.
By selecting this option, the color used for this material in shaded views is an average color
defined by the render appearance.
29 On the Render Appearance tab, click Replace.

30 In the Render Appearance Library, click Aluminum Anodized Black, and click OK.
31 On the Graphics tab of the Materials dialog, review the material appearance (color and pattern),
and click OK.

The mullions and frame for the wall are defined as By Category. You change the material used
by the curtain wall mullion category.
33 In the Object Styles dialog, for Curtain Wall Mullions, select the Material value, and click .
34 In the Materials dialog, select Metal - Aluminum, Anodized - Black.
35 Click OK twice.
Render a region of the model to view the material changes
37 On the View Control Bar, click (Show Rendering Dialog).

38 At the top of the Rendering dialog, select Region.
39 Select the rendering crop boundary.

40 Adjust the extents of the region by dragging the borders in tight around the areas where the
materials changed (pool house screen, mullions, and pad).
NOTE The smaller the region, the faster the image renders. It is a good practice to define a precise
render region until you are ready to create the final rendered image.
41 Zoom in to the region in order to see the results of the rendering test more clearly.

42 Specify options in the Rendering dialog:
■ Under Quality, for Setting, select Medium.
Several quality settings are available. The higher the quality, the longer the rendering process
will take. Refer to the Revit Architecture Online Help for best practices for optimizing quality
and output settings.
■ Under Lighting, for Scheme, select Exterior: Sun only.
■ For Sun, select Sunlight from top left.
43 Click Render.
The Rendering Progress dialog displays, providing information on the status and duration of
the rendering process.
44 To display the building model, after the rendering process completes, on the Rendering dialog,
under Display, click Show the model.
45 Close the Rendering dialog.
46 Click File menu ➤ Save, and save the project as c_Pool_House_in_progress.rvt.
47 Proceed to the next exercise, Adding Trees to the Site on page 399.
Adding Trees to the Site

In this exercise, you place trees and shrubs on the building site in order to provide a more realistic context
for rendering the project.
Adding Trees to the Site | 399

In a later exercise, when you render an exterior view of the model, the RPC model is used in the rendering.
NOTE For simplicity, imperial components and units are used in this lesson. Specific types and sizes of trees are
referenced in the steps, but any type and size can be used.
Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, c_Pool_House_in_progress.rvt.
Add shrubs and trees to the site

1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click Site.
2 Zoom in so you can easily view the area surrounding the pool house and walkway.

3 On the Site tab of the Design Bar, click Site Component.
TIP If the Site tab is not displayed, right-click in the Design Bar, and click Site.
4 In the Type Selector, select RPC Shrub : Yew 2'-4''.
NOTE If planting families are not loaded into a project, they can be loaded from the Content Library.
See Loading Families in the Revit Architecture 2009 Online Help.
5 Place 4 shrubs to the right of the patio, near the walkway, as shown. (Exact placement is not
important.)
6 In the Type Selector, select RPC Tree - Deciduous : Red Maple - 30', and place 2 trees in the
project, similar to the locations shown.
Adding Trees to the Site | 401

7 In the Type Selector, select RPC Tree - Deciduous : Scarlet Oak - 42', and place a tree to the left
of the pool house between the 2 maple trees.
Create a tree type and add it to the site
8 In the Type Selector, select RPC Tree - Deciduous : Honey Locust - 25', and on the Options Bar,
click (Element Properties).

You change the size of the existing Honey Locust tree family.
10 In the Type Properties dialog, click Rename.

11 In the Rename dialog, for New, enter Honey Locust - 18', and click OK.
12 In the Type Properties dialog, for Height, enter 18'.
13 Click OK twice.
14 Click in the drawing area to the right of the pool house to place the tree.


17 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Perspective View on page 403.
Creating a Perspective View

In this exercise, you define the exterior perspective view of the building model that you want to render.
Creating a Perspective View | 403

Training File
Place a camera in the site view

1 With the Site view open, on the View tab of the Design Bar, click Camera.
2 Add the camera to the view by specifying points for the camera position and the camera target
point:
■ Specify the first point along the curve of the walkway facing the pool house to position the
camera.
■ Specify the second point in the upper left corner of the pool house to define the target point
of the camera.
Exact placement is not important because you modify the view as required.
The perspective view displays.

3 Zoom out, and select the crop boundary.
4 Adjust the crop boundary to display the entire building and some of the pool in the foreground,
as shown.
Depending on camera placement, the back wall of the yard may be cut off.
Adjust the field of vision and back clipping plane
5 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Site, and adjust the field of vision, as
necessary.
If the camera is not shown in the view, in the Project Browser, right-click 3D View 1, and click
Show Camera. With the camera shown, the triangle that represents the field of vision can be
adjusted. Adjust the back clipping plane so that it is beyond the wall in the yard. The camera
can also be moved along the walkway to get the desired perspective view.
Creating a Perspective View | 405

6 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click 3D View 1, and click Rename.
7 In the Rename View dialog, enter Exterior - Day, and click OK.
8 In the Project Browser, double-click Exterior - Day to open the view, and make any final
adjustments to the crop boundary to improve image composition.
9 Zoom to fit the perspective view in the window.
10 Save the file.

11 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Exterior Rendering on page 407.

Creating the Exterior Rendering
In this exercise, you specify the time and location settings for the rendering, and render a daytime view of
the exterior.
You then duplicate the view, modify render settings, and create lighting groups for a nighttime view of the
exterior.
Training File
Display the perspective view

1 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click Exterior - Day.
Creating the Exterior Rendering | 407

Specify rendering settings for a daytime view

You create a location and time for the rendering. For information on how the rendering/sun
relates to the location settings, see Re-orienting the Project on page 447.
3 In the Rendering dialog, under Lighting, for Sun, select Edit/New.

4 On the Still tab of the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, select Spring Equinox, and click Rename.
5 In the Rename dialog, for New, enter Spring Equinox - Santa Monica, 3pm.
6 Click OK twice.
7 In the Rendering dialog, under Background, select Sky: Cloudy.
You adjust cloud settings as required. In this case, the sky will be a procedural sky based on
cloud settings and time of day.
NOTE If a background image is required, export the resulting image in PNG or TIFF format. The PNG
and TIFF formats place the chosen background on an alpha channel for easier manipulation during
photoediting.
8 Under Quality, for Setting, select Medium, and click Render.

9 In the Rendering dialog, click Show the model.
After the image is rendered, you can switch between the rendered view and the model view as
long as the Revit Architecture session is open.
10 In the Rendering dialog, click Show the rendering.

Export the rendered image to an external file
11 In the Rendering dialog, click Export.

12 In the Save Image dialog:
■ In the left pane, click Desktop.
■ For Files of type, select Portable Network Graphics (*.png).
■ Click Save.
The image file is saved to the Desktop for later reference.
Creating the Exterior Rendering | 409

Specify rendering settings for a nighttime view
14 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click Exterior - Day, and click Duplicate
View ➤ Duplicate.
To create a similar view using different rendering settings, you duplicate the view and change
the settings.
15 Rename the Copy of Exterior - Day view to Exterior - Night.
16 With the Exterior - Night view open, on the View Control Bar, click (Show Rendering
Dialog).
17 In the Rendering dialog, under Lighting, for Scheme, select Exterior: Artificial only, and click
Artificial Lights.
You change the rendering settings to create a nighttime rendering of the same view.
Create lighting groups
18 In the Artificial Lights - Exterior - Night, dialog, under Group Options, click New.
Lighting groups allow greater control over lighting schemes used in renderings.
19 In the New Light Group dialog, for Name, enter Pool Lights, and click OK.
20 In the Artificial Lights dialog, under Ungrouped Lights, highlight 9 :Sconce Light - Flat Round
: 60W - 120V through 14 :Sconce Light - Flat Round : 60W - 120V, and click Move to Group.
To select a sequential list, select the first light, press and hold SHIFT, and select the last light.
21 In the Light Groups dialog, verify that Pool Lights is selected, and click OK.
22 Using the same method, add 30 :Sconce Light - Flat Round : 60W - 120V through 35 :Sconce
Light - Flat Round : 60W - 120V to the Pool Lights group.
23 In the Artificial Lights dialog, under Group Options, click New.
24 In the New Light Group dialog, for Name, enter Pool House Lights, and click OK.
25 Using the same method, under Ungrouped Lights, add 16 :Light Fixture through 29 :Light Fixture
to the Pool House Lights group.
26 In the Artificial Lights dialog, click OK.
27 In the Rendering dialog, click Render.

Adjust the exposure
28 In the Rendering dialog, under Image, click Adjust Exposure.

After the image is rendered, the exposure can be modified to improve the output. In this example,
you change the brightness of the exposure, but the other settings can be modified as well to
control the final rendering. Settings can be changed at any time within the Revit Architecture
session.
29 In the Exposure Control dialog, for Exposure Value, enter 4, and click OK.
30 In the Rendering dialog, click Show the model, and then switch between the views by clicking
Show the rendering.
32 Save the file.
33 Proceed to the next lesson, Rendering an Interior View on page 411.
Rendering an Interior View

In this lesson, you create a nighttime and a daytime rendering of the interior view of the building model
that you worked with in the previous lesson.
Rendering an Interior View | 411

Draft nighttime rendering of the interior
High quality daytime rendering of the interior
To create the rendered view, you add ArchVision® realpeople (RPC content) to the interior of the pool house,
define the perspective view and rendering settings, and finally, render the views.
Adding RPC People

In this exercise, you add an RPC person to the interior view that you render in a later exercise. RPC people
are represented by a 2D symbol in plan view and resemble real people only when rendered in a 3D view.
Training File

Add an RPC figure to the view
2 Zoom in to the pool house.
3 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Component.

4 In the Type Selector, select RPC Female : YinYin, and place the component inside the pool
house.
Exact placement is not important, but place the figure close to the front of the vanity so that
her reflection displays in the mirror after the scene is rendered.
6 Select the figure, and on the Edit toolbar, click (Rotate).

7 Rotate the figure:
The pointed portion of the symbol represents the front of the figure, the person’s line of sight.
■ Click to set the rotate start point at the line of sight.
Adding RPC People | 413

■ Rotate clockwise about 20 degrees, and click so that the figure is angled toward the vanity.
Enable reflective properties for RPC content
8 With the RPC figure selected, on the Options Bar, click (Element Properties).
In order to see the figure’s reflection, the reflective properties must be turned on for the family
type. By default, the reflection of RPC content is turned off in order to enhance rendering
performance. If reflections of RPC content are important to the rendering, you can enable this
option.

10 In the Type Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Render Appearance Properties, click Edit.
11 In the Render Appearance Properties dialog, under Parameters, select Cast Reflections.
14 Save the file.

15 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Interior Perspective View on page 415.
Creating the Interior Perspective View

In this exercise, you create the interior perspective view that you will render in the final exercise in this
lesson. You define the interior perspective by placing a camera, and using a section box to limit the geometry
included in the rendering process.
Training File
Add a camera
You place a camera into the view to create an interior perspective. Exact placement is not
important because you will adjust the crop boundary of the view in later steps.
2 Add the camera to the view by specifying points for the camera position and target point:
■ Click inside the lower right corner of the pool house to place the camera.
■ Click outside of the pool house to the left to place the target point.
Creating the Interior Perspective View | 415

The perspective view displays.
Add a section box to limit the extents of the rendered view
3 Zoom to fit the view in the window.

4 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click 3D View 1, and click Properties.
You can use a section box to limit the geometry included in a rendering.
5 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, select Section Box, and click OK.
6 Zoom out so that you can see the selection box.

In order to accurately adjust the section box, you display an elevation/section view and a plan
view, in addition to the 3D view.

9 In the Project Browser, under Elevations (Building Elevations), double-click South.
11 In the 3D view, select the section box.
Creating the Interior Perspective View | 417

12 In the floor plan view, size the box as shown.
13 In the South Elevation view, size the box as shown.
14 In the 3D view, select the section box, right-click, and click Hide in view ➤ Category.

15 Maximize the 3D view, and adjust the crop boundary to match the illustration.
16 Zoom to fit the view in the window.

17 Save the file.
18 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating the Interior Rendering on page 419.
Creating the Interior Rendering

In this exercise, you define artificial lighting and render a nighttime view of the interior. To create a daytime
view, you define daylight portals for the glazed panels of the curtain wall, and render the interior view.
Daylight portals improve the quality of light that shines through windows, doors that contain windows or
glass, and curtain walls.
Training File
Creating the Interior Rendering | 419

Define lighting for a nighttime view

1 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click 3D View 1, and click Rename.
2 In the Rename View dialog, enter Interior - Night, and click OK.

4 In the Rendering dialog, under Lighting, for Scheme, select Interior: Artificial only.
The Interior: Artificial only option defines a baseline for the exposure and other settings for an
interior rendering without daylight. These settings can be adjusted after the rendering is complete
using the Adjust Exposure option.
5 Click Artificial Lights.

6 In the Artificial Lights dialog, clear Pool Lights, and click OK.
Because the exterior pool lights will not have an effect on this rendering, you turn them off for
this scene. Using light controls and lighting groups can help to define multiple lighting conditions
for views.
7 Under Quality, for Setting, select Draft.

You can specify a lower quality, and render the view to check lighting levels and material
selections. After these settings are established, the view can be rendered at a higher quality level.

Create an interior day view
10 In the Project Browser, right-click Interior - Night, and click Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate.
You create a view for the interior during the day. You can duplicate the view for each lighting
condition/time of day you want to render.
11 Rename the copied view to Interior - Day.

Specify rendering settings

13 In the Rendering dialog, for Scheme, select Interior: Sun only.
14 For Setting, select Edit.
15 In the Render Quality Settings dialog, click Copy To Custom.
The preset schemes are read-only. You have to copy a preset scheme to your custom settings in
order to make changes. In this case, in order to turn on daylight portals, you must create a
custom setting.
NOTE The custom setting is only applied to this view. This process must be repeated if you want to
use custom settings in other views.
16 Scroll to the bottom of the dialog; for Daylight Portal Options, select Curtain Walls, and click
OK.
For sunlit interiors, the daylight portals can be turned on. By default they are turned off, but
the space will receive standard daylighting. The daylight portals help to further refine this
daylight into a more realistic rendered effect. For more information on daylight portals, see the
Revit Architecture Online Help.
IMPORTANT Enabling daylight portals can drastically increase rendering times.
17 In the Rendering dialog, for Sun, select Spring Equinox - Santa Monica, 3pm, select Region, and
click Render.

18 In the Rendering dialog, under Image, click Adjust Exposure.
19 In the Exposure Control dialog:
■ For Exposure Value, enter 10.
■ For Saturation, enter 1.
■ Click OK.
Notice that the speckling on the wooden column in the foreground is reflecting too much light.
In the next steps, you adjust the material of the column to improve the effect.
20 In the Rendering dialog, click Show the model, and close the Rendering dialog.
Modify the column material
21 In the drawing area, select the column on the right, and on the Options Bar, click (Element
Properties).
View the properties of the column and note that the assigned material is Wood.

22 In the Element Properties dialog, click OK.
23 With the column still selected, click Settings menu ➤ Materials.
24 In the Materials dialog, select Wood.
25 Specify options on the Render Appearance tab:
■ For Finish, select Unfinished.
■ For Bump, select Based on wood grain.
■ For Amount, move the slider to the right until the value is approximately 5.6.
■ For Rotate, enter 90.
You change the varnish setting, add a bump map to create texture, and rotate the material so
that the grain of the wood runs vertically along the column.
26 Click Update Preview, and click OK.

Create a print quality rendering

After you use the test renderings to verify that you made the correct lighting and material
selection, you can define the output and quality settings for final output. The rendered output
can be set to a printed ratio and the printed size of the output as well as the DPI for the image
can be controlled. As size and DPI are increased, the render time increases significantly.
28 In the Rendering dialog, clear Region.

29 In the Rendering dialog, under Output Settings, for Resolution, select Printer.
30 In the drawing area, select the crop boundary, and on the Options Bar, click the dimensions for
Size.
31 In the Crop Region Size dialog:
■ Under Change, select Scale (locked proportions).
■ For Width, enter 5''.
■ Click OK.
32 In the Rendering dialog, for Setting, select High, and click Render.

The rendered image displays. The file can now be exported or saved to the Revit project.
33 Close the exercise file with or without saving.

By completing the two rendering lessons included in this tutorial, you rendered an exterior and an interior
view. You learned to create perspective views suitable for rendering and to modify rendering options in
order to optimize the final output.
Creating and Recording Walkthroughs

In this lesson, you learn how to create and record animated walkthroughs of your building models in Revit
Architecture 2009. A walkthrough is created in a 3D perspective view by default, but you can also create it
in a 3D orthographic view.
Creating and Editing a Walkthrough
The first step in creating a walkthrough is to define the walkthrough path, which is the path that a camera
will follow through the building model. Usually, you define the walkthrough path in a plan view, but you
can also define it in a 3D, elevation, or section view. The walkthrough path is a spline, and you create it by
specifying points that create the spline. Each point becomes a key frame in the walkthrough. Additional
frames that comprise the walkthrough are created between the key frames. You can edit the walkthrough
path by selecting and moving the key frames. In a plan view, you can also specify the height of the camera
along the walkthrough path.
Recording a Walkthrough
After you create a walkthrough, you can record it by exporting it to an AVI file that you can play with any
available video player, independent of the Revit Architecture software. When you export your walkthrough
to an AVI, you can select one of the following display options for the building model in your walkthrough:
■ Wireframe
■ Hidden Line (wireframe view with hidden lines)
■ Shading

■ Shading with Edges
■ Rendering
Creating a Walkthrough
In this exercise, you learn how to create and edit a walkthrough of the first floor of a townhouse.
You create a walkthrough that begins in the breakfast room of the townhouse, proceeds through the dining
room, and ends in the far corner of the living room.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\c_Townhouse.rvt.
NOTE Some imperial values are used by default in this exercise. If you prefer to use metric values, click
Settings ➤ Project Units, and change unit formats as desired.
Create a walkthrough of the first floor of the building model

1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click 1st Floor.
2 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Walkthrough.
TIP If the tab that you need does not display in the Design Bar, right-click in the Design Bar, and
click the tab in the context menu.
3 To create the walkthrough in a 3D perspective view, on the Options Bar, verify that Perspective
is selected.
4 Move the cursor under the text label in the Breakfast room, and click to specify the start point
(the first key frame) of the walkthrough.
5 Specify 4 additional points to define key frame positions on the walkthrough path as shown.
Creating a Walkthrough | 425

6 After you specify the final point of the walkthrough path in the Living room, on the Options
Bar, click Finish.
Edit and play the walkthrough
7 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) ➤ Walkthroughs, and double-click Walkthrough 1.
The last frame of the walkthrough is displayed, surrounded by a crop boundary with grips as
shown. Your frame may look a bit different from the frame in the illustration because the
walkthrough path is not precisely the same.

8 Verify that the crop boundary of the walkthrough frame is selected and is displayed as red with
blue grips. If it is not, select the crop boundary.
Two options are displayed on the Options Bar: Edit Walkthrough and Size.
9 To change the size of the walkthrough frame crop region, on the Options Bar, click the
dimensions for Size.
10 In the Crop Region Size dialog, for Width, enter 16'', and for Height, enter 9''.
11 Under Change, verify that Field of view is selected, and click OK.
12 On the View menu, click Zoom ➤ Zoom Out (2x), and select the crop boundary.
13 On the Options Bar, click Edit Walkthrough.

The walkthrough controls are displayed on the Options Bar. The frame that is displayed is frame
300 of a total of 300 frames.
14 Click .
15 In the Walkthrough Frames dialog, enter 60 to reduce the total number of frames in the
walkthrough from 300 to 60, and click OK.
16 On the Options Bar, for Frame, enter 1, and press ENTER to set the walkthrough to play from
the beginning (the key frame).
17 Click .
Creating a Walkthrough | 427

The walkthrough plays. The current display is wireframe with hidden lines.
NOTE To stop playing the walkthrough at any time, press ESC.
18 When the walkthrough stops playing, proceed to the next exercise, Changing the Walkthrough
Path and Camera Position on page 428.
Changing the Walkthrough Path and Camera Position

In this exercise, you learn how to edit the walkthrough path and change the camera position in the
walkthrough that you created in the previous exercise.
Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, c_Townhouse.rvt.
Change the properties of the camera

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 1st Floor.
The walkthrough path is displayed in the floor plan of the first floor.

3 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, clear Far Clip Active, and click OK.
Clearing this option disables the far clipping plane of the camera.
Edit the walkthrough path
4 On the Options Bar, click Edit Walkthrough.

The camera is displayed at the first key frame position on the walkthrough path in the breakfast
room.

5 Select the target point of the camera (the magenta grip), and adjust it to view the kitchen as
shown.
Your walkthrough path may vary from the one in the illustration, so do not be concerned if the
camera displays at a slightly different location.
6 On the Options Bar, for Controls, select Path.

Blue grips are displayed at each key frame. You can move any camera target or key frame position.
7 Click the third key frame position, and drag it to the location shown.
Changing the Walkthrough Path and Camera Position | 429

Play the walkthrough to view the changes that you made
8 In the Project Browser, under Walkthroughs, double-click Walkthrough 1.
9 To play the walkthrough, on the Options Bar, click Edit Walkthrough, and then click .
10 Proceed to the next exercise, Recording the Walkthrough on page 430.
Recording the Walkthrough

In this exercise, you record the walkthrough that you created in the previous exercise by exporting it to an
AVI file. When you export the walkthrough, you can select to display the walkthrough in wireframe, hidden
line, shading, shading with edges, or rendering.
Training File
Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise, c_Townhouse.rvt.
1 Click File menu ➤ Export ➤ Walkthrough.

2 In the Length/Format dialog, under Output Length, for Frames/sec, enter 15.
3 Under Format, for Model Graphics Style, select <Shading>, and click OK.
4 In the Export Walkthrough dialog, specify a path and a file name for the AVI, and click Save.
5 In the Video Compression dialog, for Compressor, select any codec (compression/decompression)
that is available on your system, and click OK.
NOTE The available Compressor options are specific to your current computer system. If you are
unsure of what option to use, the Full Frames (Uncompressed) option is available to all users. It
produces files that are larger than compressed files, but that do not suffer loss due to compression
quality.
The walkthrough is recorded.
6 Double-click the AVI file to play the walkthrough from the location that you specified previously,
without opening Revit Architecture 2009.
7 Try creating other walkthroughs, specifying the number of frames, reducing the size of the
image, perhaps to 6'' wide x 4'' height, and with a frame rate of from 15-30 frames per second.
If you had 150 frames and a frame rate of 15 seconds, then you are moving from the breakfast
area to the living room window in 10 seconds. Reducing the size of the output images and
managing the frame rate lets you create realistic and smooth movement.
8 If you want to save this exercise, click File menu ➤ Save As, and save the exercise file with a
unique name.
9 Close the exercise file without saving your changes.

Creating Solar Studies
11
The ability to create solar studies for a specific project and site can be very valuable for creating sustainable designs. Exterior
solar studies can show the impact of shadows on a site by the terrain and the surrounding buildings. Interior solar studies
can illustrate how effectively natural light penetrates inside a building during specific times of the day and year.
In this tutorial, you create interior and exterior views of a building information model to be used in solar studies that you
define. You specify settings for summer and winter solstice solar studies and export one solar study as a video and the
other as a series of images.
More specifically, you learn how a solar study of different perspective views of a building can support passive solar design
by showing where shadows fall during the warmest time of the day and at different times throughout the year.
Creating Views for Solar Studies

In this lesson, you learn to create three 3D views of a building information model for use with solar studies.
■ A courtyard perspective view illustrates how shadows impact the site and buildings.
■ A cut section view enables you to see the effect of shadows and light on the interior of a building.
■ A plan view provides information on how sunlight and shadows play on the floor of a building.
431
Creating a Solar Study - Courtyard View
In this exercise, you customize a 3D external view of the building to enhance Solar Study analysis.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Common\c_Solar_Study.rvt.
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand Floor Plans, and double-click 01 Entry.
3 Click in the lower right corner of the drawing area outside of the courtyard to place the camera
and click in the upper left corner above the courtyard to place the camera target point, as shown.
A 3D view is created. The view you create may differ slightly from the illustrations in the exercises
because of minor variations in camera placement.
4 On the View toolbar, click (SteeringWheels), and use the Orbit tool to adjust the view, as
shown.
432 | Chapter 11 Creating Solar Studies

6 Click the view boundary to select it, and drag the blue circular controls to see more of the
perspective view, if necessary.
7 In the Project Browser, expand 3D Views, right-click 3D View 1, and click Rename.
8 In the Rename View dialog, enter Solar Study - Courtyard View, and click OK.
9 On the File menu, click Save As, and save the exercise file with a unique name.
10 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Solar Study Section Cutaway View on page 433.
Creating a Solar Study Section Cutaway View

In this exercise, you create a section cutaway view.
Training File
Continue to use the c_Solar_Study.rvt training file you saved in the previous exercise.
Create section
1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 01 Entry.
2 Enter ZR to zoom in on the house, as shown.
3 On the Design Bar, click Section.

4 Click to the right of reference plane 9 between A and B and, and then click to the left outside
of the house to sketch the horizontal section line shown in the following illustration.
Creating a Solar Study Section Cutaway View | 433

6 To view the section, double-click the section head.
7 In the Project Browser, expand Sections, right-click Section 1, and click Rename.
8 In the Rename View dialog, enter Section for Solar Study Cutaway, and click OK.
Create 3D section view
9 On the View toolbar, click .

11 On the SteeringWheel, click the pull-down arrow to display the Wheel menu, and click Orient
to View ➤ Section: Section for Solar Study Cutaway.
12 Use the Orbit tool to adjust the view down and to the right, as shown.

14 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click {3D}, and click Rename.
15 In the Rename View dialog, enter Solar Study Section Cutaway, and click OK.
16 On the View Control Bar, click Detail Level ➤ Coarse, then select Medium, then Fine.
NOTE With the detail level set to Coarse, some structural elements are shown as a single line rather
than solid and do not cast a shadow. In some cases, changing to Medium or Fine provides a better
view for a shadow study.
17 To hide the section box, click View menu ➤ Visibility/Graphics. On the Annotation Categories
tab, clear Section Boxes, and click OK.
18 On the File menu, click Save.
19 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Solar Study Plan Cutaway View on page 435.
Creating a Solar Study Plan Cutaway View

In this exercise, you create a plan cutaway view.
NOTE A plan view of a shadow study should be created in a 3D view with top orientation. Typical plan views,
such as floor plans and ceiling plans, do not display many elements in 3D, so no shadows will be cast from these
elements.
Training File
Create callout
3 Click in the upper left corner and lower right corner to sketch a selection around the site,
including the house, as shown.
4 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click Callout of 01 Entry.

5 In the Project Browser, right-click Callout of 01 Entry, and click Rename.
6 In the Rename View dialog, enter Solar Study Callout for Plan Cutaway, and click OK.
Create 3D Plan View
Creating a Solar Study Plan Cutaway View | 435

9 On the SteeringWheel, click the pull-down arrow to display the Wheel menu, and click Orient
to View ➤ Floor Plan: Solar Study Callout for Plan Cutaway.
10 Use the Orbit tool to adjust the view to the right and back to view the front side, as shown.

12 Select the section box in the drawing area.
13 Select the blue down arrow control at the bottom of the model and drag down to expose the
full first level of the model.
14 Select the blue up arrow control in the center of the model and drag up to expose the second
floor of the building, as shown.
15 Select the Roof.

16 On the View Control Bar, click Temporary Hide/Isolate ➤ Hide Category, so you can see into
the building from the top.

17 On the View Control Bar, click Temporary Hide/Isolate ➤ Reset Temporary Hide/Isolate.
18 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click {3D}, and click Rename.
19 In the Rename View dialog, enter Solar Study Plan Cutaway, and click OK.
20 On the View Control Bar, click Detail Level ➤ Fine.
Display study views
22 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click each of the sun study 3D views that you
created in this lesson:
■ Solar Study - Courtyard View
■ Solar Study Plan Cutaway
■ Solar Study Section Cutaway
These views will be used in additional lessons in this tutorial.
Saving Solar Study Settings and Previewing Animations

In this lesson, you create a solar study for winter and summer solstice, and preview the effects of each study
as an animation. The animations of solar activity at a particular place and time allow you to study the impact
of natural light and shadows on the buildings and site.
Saving Solar Study Settings and Previewing Animations | 437

Creating Solar Studies - Summer and Winter Solstice
In this exercise, you create a single-day solar study for the summer solstice.
Training File
Continue to use the customized c_solar_study.rvt training file you used in the previous lesson.
Create summer solstice study

1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all), expand 3D Views, and double-click Solar Study -
Courtyard View.
2 On the View Control Bar, click Shadows ➤ Advanced Model Graphics.
3 Select Cast Shadows.
You can change the intensity of the shadows by dragging the slider in the Shadow field. For
this study, leave the slider at 50.
4 For Sun Position, click .

The Sun and Shadows Settings dialog displays. You can create a still, single-day, or multi-day
solar study.
5 Click the Single-Day tab.

For the Single-Day solar study, you specify the location, date, and time range, as well as a time
interval for the frames of the solar animation.
6 Click the Multi-Day tab.

For the Multi-Day solar study, you specify the location, date range, and time, as well as a time
interval for the frames of the solar animation.
7 Create a Single-Day study from an existing study. Click the Single-Day tab.
8 Confirm that One Day Solar Study - Boston, MA, USA is selected, and click Duplicate.
9 In the Name dialog, enter Summer Solstice, Los Angeles, and click OK.
10 Under Place, click .
11 In the Manage Place and Locations dialog, for City, click , select Los Angeles, CA, USA, and
click OK.
Changing the place in this dialog changes the setting defined for the project.

12 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog:
■ For Date, select June 22, 2008.
■ For Time Range, verify that Sunrise to sunset is selected.
NOTE If you clear Sunrise to sunset, you can specify the start and stop times for the solar study.
■ For Time Interval, verify that the value is set to 15 minutes.
13 Select Ground Plane at Level.

Notice that 01 Entry is selected as the level. You can select the level to be used for shadow
display.
14 In this case, you want to see how the shadows fall on the terrain and not for a specific level.
Clear Ground Plane at Level.
Create winter solstice study
15 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, confirm that Summer Solstice, Los Angeles is selected,
and click Duplicate.
16 In the Name dialog, enter Winter Solstice, Los Angeles, and click OK.
17 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, for Date, select December 22, 2008, and click OK.
18 In the Advanced Model Graphics Settings dialog, click OK.
20 Proceed to the next exercise, Previewing Solar Study Animation on page 439.
Previewing Solar Study Animation

In this exercise, you preview the solar studies you created in the previous exercise.
Training File
Preview winter solstice animation

1 Confirm that the 3D View Solar Study - Courtyard View is currently displayed.
3 In the Advanced Model Graphics Settings dialog, for Sun Position, click .
4 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, on the Single-Day tab, select Winter Solstice, Los Angeles,
and click OK.
6 On the View Control Bar, click Shadows ➤ Preview Solar Study.
7 On the Options Bar, under Frame, you can specify to go to a specific frame in the solar study
animation:
■ Under Frame, enter 10 and press ENTER.
■ Under Frame, enter 20 and press ENTER.
8 On the Options Bar, click the control buttons to preview the animation:
■ To display the previous key frame, click .
Previewing Solar Study Animation | 439

■ To display the next key frame, click .
■ To display the previous sequential frame, click .
■ To display the next sequential frame, click .
■ To play the animation from start to finish, click .
NOTE You can stop viewing the animation at any time by clicking Cancel in the Status Bar.
Preview summer solstice animation
11 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, on the Single-Day tab, select Summer Solstice, Los
Angeles, and click OK.
13 On the View Control Bar, click Shadows ➤ Preview Solar Study.

The solar study animation plays, showing the progression at 15-minute intervals for the location
and date specified.
Exporting Solar Studies

In this lesson, you export the summer solstice solar study as an AVI file. AVI files are standalone video files
that can be easily distributed and viewed by colleagues or clients. You also export the winter solstice solar
study as a series of PNG format images. Each PNG is a still image of a sequential frame in the animation.
PNG format images can be easily displayed on a web site or sent via e-mail.
Exporting the Study as AVI

In this exercise, you annotate a floor plan to identify different activities for the building and export a solar
study for a cutaway view as an AVI video file.
Training File
Continue to use the c_Solar_Study.rvt training file you saved in the previous lesson.
Annotate view for solar study

2 Enter ZR and zoom in on the house.
3 Label areas in the house:
■ On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Text.
■ Click in the drawing area and enter Living Area, approximately as shown.

■ Click outside of the text box to end the command.
■ Click and enter Dining, approximately as shown.
4 Sketch rooms:
■ On the Design Bar, click Lines.
■ On the Options Bar, click .
■ Click in the drawing area and sketch a rectangle around the living area, as shown.
■ Click in the drawing area and sketch around the Dining area, as shown.
NOTE The building is a shell and you are considering alternative layouts for the interior space.
Sketching the living and dining room areas in the house and using a solar study to determine where
direct light is in the floor plan helps to determine the best layout.
5 In the Project Browser, expand 3D Views, and double-click Solar Study Section Cutaway.
7 In the Advanced Model Graphics Settings dialog, verify that Cast Shadows is selected.
Exporting the Study as AVI | 441

9 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, on the Single-Day tab, select Summer Solstice, Los
11 To display the section box, click View menu ➤ Visibility/Graphics. On the Annotation Categories
tab, select Section Boxes, and click OK.
12 In the drawing area, select the section box.
13 Click the right blue control and drag the right edge of the section box to reveal the roof overhang,
as shown.
NOTE ZR for Zoom To Region to make it easier to select the control.
14 Click outside of the section box, and enter ZF to zoom to fit the building to the drawing area,
if necessary.
Export as AVI
16 Click File menu ➤ Export ➤ Animated Solar Study.

17 Specify the export options:
■ In the Length/Format dialog, under Output Length, select Frame Range, and enter 5 to 50.
NOTE The first and last few frames (sunrise and sunset) show large triangular shadows from the
terrain. Limiting the range from 5 to 50 omits these frames.
■ For Frames per second, verify that the value is set to 15.

■ Under Format, for Model Graphics Style, verify that Hidden Line is selected.
■ For Dimensions, enter 450 in the first field (width), and click in the second field (height) to
see the value dynamically changed.
To maintain the proportions of the frame, you only enter one dimension and the other one
is calculated automatically. The equivalent zoom percentage is also set if you specify frame
dimensions.
■ Click OK.
■ In the Export Animated Solar Study dialog, click the Desktop icon on the left to save the file
to the computer Desktop.
■ For File Name, enter Summer Solar Study Section Cutaway - Los Angeles.
■ For Files of Type, select AVI Files.
18 Click Save.
19 In the Video Compression dialog, for Compressor, verify that Full Frames (Uncompressed) is
The animation plays as the AVI file is saved to the Desktop.
NOTE Uncompressed AVI files can be zipped to reduce the file size. The AVI can then typically be
played from within the zip file.

21 Proceed to the next exercise, Exporting a Study as PNG on page 443.
Exporting a Study as PNG

In this lesson, you export the Winter Solstice Solar Study to create a solar animation that is output as
individual ping (PNG format) graphics. To view the animation, you open each image, or frame, of the
animation separately.
Training File
Export as PNG
1 Confirm that the 3D View Solar Study Section Cutaway is displayed.

4 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, on the Single-Day tab, select Winter Solstice, Los Angeles,
and click OK.
6 Click File menu ➤ Export ➤ Animated Solar Study.
7 Specify the export options:
■ In the Length/Format dialog, under Output Length, select Frame Range, and enter 5 to 10.
■ For Frames per second, verify that the value is set to 15.
■ Under Format, for Model Graphics Style, verify that Hidden Line is selected.
Exporting a Study as PNG | 443

■ For Dimensions, enter 450 in the first field (width), and click in the second field (height) to
see the value dynamically changed.
■ Click OK.
■ In the Export Animated Solar Study dialog, click the Desktop icon.
■ For File name, enter Winter Solar Study Section Cutaway - Los Angeles.
■ For Files of Type, select PNG.
NOTE When you export to PNG, or any single-frame format, such as JPEG, TIFF, BMP, or GIF, it is
recommended that you first create a folder to export to because the export process creates several
files, depending on the Frame Range. In this example, the Frame Range was set to just 5 files to avoid
cluttering the Desktop.
8 Click Save.
The animation plays as the files are saved to the Desktop. The resulting PNG images are date
and time stamped, as shown:
Creating an Internal Plan Solar Study

In this lesson, you create a 3D view of a plan and create a solar study to animate the effects of natural light
on the inside of the building.
Creating an Internal Plan Study

In this exercise, you create an internal solar study for a plan to determine where shadows fall inside the
building during the warmest part of the day.
Training File
Continue to use the c_Solar_Study.rvt training file you saved in the previous lesson.
Create plan interior view

1 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click Solar Study Plan Cutaway.

2 Select the section box in the drawing area.
NOTE Enter ZF for Zoom To Fit if necessary to see the entire building on the screen.
3 Select the blue left arrow control and drag it to the left to expose the roof overhang and posts,
as shown.
Creating an Internal Plan Study | 445

4 Click View menu ➤ Orient ➤ Top.
5 Select the roof, and on the View Control Bar, click Temporary Hide/Isolate ➤ Hide Category.
Hiding the roof allows you to see how shadows fall on the interior floor of the building.
Create multi-day solar study
7 Adjust settings on the View Control Bar:
■ Click Shadows ➤ Shadows On.
■ Click Detail Level ➤ Fine.
10 On the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, click the Multi-Day tab.
11 Select Multi Day Solar Study - Boston, MA, USA, and click Duplicate.
12 In the Name dialog, for File name enter 2pm - Los Angeles - Week Interval, and click OK.
13 Specify values for the multi-day study:
■ For Time, specify 2:00 pm.
■ For Time Interval, select One week.
■ Clear Ground Plane at Level so that the shadows fall on the terrain, and click OK.

Notice that the dining area receives full sun during the warmest part of the day.

15 Export the animation:
■ Click File menu ➤ Export ➤ Animated Solar Study.
■ In the Length/Format dialog, click OK.
■ In the Export Animated Solar Study dialog, for File Name, enter 2pm Los Angeles Plan
Cutaway.
■ Click the Desktop icon, and click Save.
16 In the Video Compression dialog, for Compressor, select Full Frames (Uncompressed), and click
OK.
The animation plays as the AVI file is saved to the desktop.
17 On the View Control Bar, click Shadows ➤ Solar Study Off.

Re-orienting the Project

In this lesson, you re-orient a building information model by creating an exact mirror of the project along
an axis, such as East - West or North - South. You also re-orient the project to True North and compare how
shadows display when the project is oriented to Project North and when it is changed to True North.
Mirroring the Project

In this exercise, you use the Mirror Project feature to create a mirror of the project along an axis. When you
mirror a project, you mirror all model elements, model views, and annotations in non-drafting views.
Training File
Mirror the project

Re-orienting the Project | 447

3 Click Tools menu ➤ Project Position/Orientation ➤ Mirror Project.
4 In the Mirror Project dialog, select East - West, and click OK.
NOTE Some elements may have to be checked manually for proper placement after the mirror
process. For additional information, see Revit Architecture 2009 Online Help.
5 In the warning dialog, click OK.

The project is mirrored along the East - West axis.
6 On the Standard toolbar, click (Undo) to restore the project to its original configuration.
Orienting to True North

Drafting convention is that Project North is the top of the view. In this exercise, you create still solar studies
and observe that the shadows extend straight up when the project is set to the default orientation of Project
North. Then, you change the orientation to True North to see how the change in orientation can impact
solar study accuracy.
Training File
View still solar studies

2 In the drawing area, select the roof, right-click, and click Hide in view ➤ Elements.

4 In the Advanced Model Graphics Settings dialog, select Cast Shadows.

6 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, click the Still tab, and select Winter Solstice, and click
OK.
7 In the Advanced Model Graphics Settings dialog, click Apply.
Notice that the shadows display in an upward direction in the cutaway view.

9 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, on the Still tab, select Summer Solstice.
10 Under Date and Time, specify 11:00 AM for time, and click OK.
NOTE Solar Studies do not have a Daylight Savings setting, so you may need to make your own
adjustment for specific studies. For example, to see the sun at its highest point on June 22, you would
set the time to 1:00 PM rather than 12:00 PM.

12 Under Date and Time, change the time back to 12:00 PM, and click OK.
Orienting to True North | 449


16 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, click the Still tab, and select Winter Solstice, and click
OK.
Rotate project to True North
True North and Project North can have different values for rotation. Plan views are defined to use Project
North or True North for the representation. In order to rotate True North so it is not coincident with Project
North, the view settings must be set for True North.
19 In the Project Browser, right click 01 Entry, and click Properties.
20 In the Element Properties dialog, for Orientation, select True North, and click OK.
Notice that the drawing did not change when you changed the orientation from True North to
Project North. When a project is started, the Project North and True North are coincident and
pointing toward the top of the computer monitor (in most cases).
IMPORTANT After you toggle the views, make sure to click in the view and zoom slightly in and out.
This process establishes the view setting to True North.
21 Click Tools menu ➤ Project Position/Orientation ➤ Rotate True North.

22 Re-orient the project:
■ To relocate the rotation center point, click at the intersection of the arrows that have been
draw in the project representing True North and Project North.
NOTE When rotating True North it is often helpful to draw lines representing the relationship
between Project North and True North.

■ To establish the True North direction, click above the end of the magenta line representing
True North.
■ To establish the new direction of True North, click toward the top of the screen, as shown.
The floor plan rotates in the view.

23 In the Project Browser, right-click 01 Entry, and click Element Properties.
24 In the Element Properties dialog, for Orientation, select Project North, and click OK.
25 In the Project Browser, right-click 01 Entry, right-click, and click Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate.
26 Right-click Copy of 01 Entry, and click Rename.
27 In the Rename View dialog, enter True North Orientation, and click OK.
28 In the Project Browser, select True North Orientation, right-click, and click Properties.
29 In the Element Properties dialog, for Orientation, select True North, and click OK.
Notice that the view now displays the plan in the correct orientation for True North.
View the solar study with the Project North orientation
31 Click View menu ➤ Refresh.
Notice that the shadows lengthen now that the project is oriented to True North.

34 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, click the Still tab, select Summer Solstice, and click
Apply.

35 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, click the Single-Day tab, click Summer Solstice, Los
Export animated solar study
37 Export the animation:

■ Click File menu ➤ Export ➤ Animated Solar Study.
■ In the Length/Format dialog, under Format, for Dimensions, enter 600 in the first field, and
click in the second dimension field to see the value calculated automatically.
■ Click OK.
■ In the Export Animated Solar Study dialog, click the Desktop icon.
■ For File Name, enter True North Summer Solstice Plan Cutaway.
■ For Files of Type, verify that AVI Files is selected.
■ Click Save.
38 In the Video Compression dialog, for Compressor, verify that Full Frames (Uncompressed) is
The animation plays as the AVI file is saved to the desktop.
NOTE Retain the 45° value for the Angle from project to True North to maintain accuracy in shadow
display for this project.

Rendering Interior Shadow Views
In this lesson, you render an interior view to observe how sunlight and shadows play in a specific room.
Since a rendered image is temporary, you also save the image to the project and export it as a JPEG file for
future use. JPEG format images can be easily displayed on a web site or sent via e-mail.
Rendering an Interior View

Shadow calculations are not reliable for camera views in which a shadow would fall onto the camera’s
location in the view. This would include some exterior views and most interior views. Rendered views do
not have this limitation. Rendered views will also show shade from plants and seasonal foliage. Refer to
Rendering Views and Creating Walkthroughs on page 391 for additional information on rendering.
In this exercise, you confirm that the winter solstice has sunlight in the living room by creating one rendering,
capturing it, and exporting it as a JPEG image.
Training File
2 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click each of the following views to review the
available views for rendering:
■ to house from SW
■ to west facade of house
■ living area
This view most accurately shows the interior of the living room.

4 Specify rendering options:
■ In the Rendering dialog, under Quality, for Setting, select Medium.
■ Under Lighting, for Scheme, select Interior: Sun only.
■ For Sun, select Edit/New.
■ On the Still tab of the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, select Winter Solstice, and click
Duplicate.
■ In the Name dialog, enter Winter Solstice 2pm Los Angeles, and click OK.
■ In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, under Settings, for Date and Time, select 12/22, and
2:00 PM, and click OK.

The scene is rendered in full color at medium quality.

6 In the Rendering dialog, click Save to Project.
NOTE Rendered views are temporary, so use the Save to Project option to save the view in the project.
7 In the Save To Project dialog, enter living area_winter solstice, and click OK.
The rendered image is saved under the Renderings folder in the Project Browser.
8 Export the image as a JPEG:

■ In the Rendering dialog, click Export.
■ In the left pane of the Save Image dialog, click Desktop.
■ For Files of type, verify that JPEG Files is selected, and click Save.
Rendering an Interior View | 455

456
Presentation Views
12
In this tutorial, you learn various methods of communicating your design intent by creating presentation views.
Whether the audience is the general contractor, a consultant, an outside reviewer, or the client, tailoring the presentation
is just as important as the accuracy of the content. Many tools in Revit Architecture 2009 describe number, length, type,
and other quantifiable elements in construction documents. Other tools in the software, however, help to explain the
subjective complexity of the work, transcending the building process to recognize the architecture of the project.
Revit Architecture provides several options for expressing the architecture. They include rendering, advanced model
graphics, linework, and section boxes. When organizing presentation graphics, you can choose between realism and
stylistics. In this series of exercises, you explore the stylistic approach. For the realistic approach, use the tutorials for the
rendering features of Revit Architecture, Rendering Views and Creating Walkthroughs on page 391.
In this tutorial, you learn several graphic techniques using various tools to create an analytique. The analytique is a classic
Beaux Arts method of representing a work of architecture for analysis by graphically showing the relationship among
plans, sections, elevations, and details. You can use the analytique to graphically compare the organization and forms of
a particular building or space by superimposing and overlapping measured drawings at multiple scales. Using the pre-built
building model, Co-house, you organize an analytique by creating and modifying several views.
457
Adding a Floor Plan View to the Analytique
In this lesson, you create a presentation floor plan. To fit the floor plan into the analytique, you create a
copy of the plan, change the visibility settings to remove unwanted documentation, and place the plan on
a dark background for contrast.
458 | Chapter 12 Presentation Views

Preparing a Floor Plan for the Analytique
In this exercise, you create a copy of a floor plan in preparation for the analytique.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Cohouse.rvt.
Copy the floor plan
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) ➤ Floor Plans, right-click 2nd Flr. Cnst, and click
Duplicate View ➤ Duplicate.
A copy of the floor plan is created and opened.
2 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, right-click Copy of 2nd Flr. Cnst, and click Rename.
3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Presentation Second Floor Plan, and click OK.
Modify visibility/graphics
TIP If the Visibility/Graphics option is not active, exit the menu, click in the drawing area, and click
View menu ➤ Visibility/Graphics again.
Preparing a Floor Plan for the Analytique | 459

5 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, click the Annotation Categories tab, and clear Show
annotation categories in this view.
This turns off the visibility of all tags, dimensions, sections, elevations, and other annotations
in this view.
6 Click the Model Categories tab.

7 Under Visibility, expand the Stairs category, and clear DOWN Text, Down Arrow, UP Text, and
Up Arrow.
NOTE Stair text is considered part of a stair component rather than an annotation.
8 Click OK.
No annotations display in the view.
Modify the view scale
9 On the View Control Bar at the bottom of the drawing area, click the Scale control and select
1:100.
Notice the immediate change in the line weights; this represents the view getting smaller.

11 In the Save As directory, navigate to the folder of your choice, name the project
m_Cohouse_Presentation_Views.rvt, and click Save.
12 Proceed with the next exercise, Using Advanced Model Graphics on page 460.
Using Advanced Model Graphics

In this exercise, you use advanced model graphics to cast shadows and add a sense of texture to the new
floor plan view.

Training File
Continue to use the training file you saved in the previous exercise, m_Cohouse_Presentation_Views.rvt.
Modify advanced model graphics settings

1 If the Floor Plan: Presentation Second Floor Plan is not the active view, double-click it in the
Project Browser.
2 On the View Control Bar, click Model Graphics Style ➤ Hidden Line.
3 On the View Control Bar, click (Shadows Off), and click Advanced Model Graphics.
Changes made in the Advanced Model Graphics Settings dialog apply only to the active view.
4 In the Advanced Model Graphics Settings dialog, specify the following:

■ Under Shadow, select Cast Shadows.
NOTE Shadows can display in all view styles except Wireframe.
■ For Contrast, specify 35.

The shadow contrast dictates the darkness of the shadow display. The higher the number,
the darker the shadows.
■ For Sun Position, click .

The sun and shadow settings can also be used when rendering a 3D view.
5 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, on the Still tab, select Sun and Shadow Settings.
6 Under Settings, select By Date, Time and Place.
7 For Place, click .
Within a project, you can specify one place where the project resides in the world. At that place,
you can create, modify, and delete multiple locations to analyze a single prototype.
8 In the Manage Place and Locations dialog, click the Place tab.
9 For City, select Boston, MA, and click OK.
NOTE For this step, you can select any city. If you select a different city, however, most of the images
in the remainder of this tutorial may differ from those on your screen.
10 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, for Date and Time, specify 10/27, 1:00 PM.
11 Select Ground Plane at Level, and select 1st Flr. Cnst.
This is the level the shadow will be cast upon.
12 Click OK.
Using Advanced Model Graphics | 461

Notice the series of shadows based on the specified sun angles. This gives the plan depth and
creates a sensation of space beyond what you can normally express in a plan view.
Turn off the ground plane shadows
14 On the View Control Bar, click (Shadows On), and click Advanced Model Graphics.
16 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, under Settings, clear Ground Plane at Level, and click
OK.
This turns off the shadows cast on the ground.
This plan view is now ready to be added to a sheet.

19 Proceed with the next exercise, Adding the Floor Plan to a Sheet on page 462.
Adding the Floor Plan to a Sheet

In this exercise, you add the floor plan to a sheet and modify the view to enhance the contrast.

Create a new sheet
1 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Sheet.
TIP If the View tab is not available, right-click the Design Bar, and click View.
2 In the Select a Titleblock dialog, select Arch Portrait, and click OK.
The blank D-sized sheet is portrait oriented.
3 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Add View.

4 In the Views dialog, select Floor Plan: Presentation Second Floor Plan, and click Add View to
Sheet.
The viewport displays at the cursor.
5 Move the cursor to the center of the sheet as shown, and click to place it.

7 Zoom in around the viewport, and notice the view title.
Adding the Floor Plan to a Sheet | 463

Because the view title needs to be removed for the analytique, you need to create a new viewport
type that does not display the view title.
Create a new viewport type
8 Select the viewport in the center of the sheet.

12 In the Name dialog, enter Presentation, and click OK.
13 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Show Title, select No, and click OK.
The viewport no longer displays a view title.
For this analytique, you need to create a base of contrast for the centered plan. To accomplish
this, you will create a dark filled region for the floor plan view.
Create a solid fill background for contrast
15 Right-click the viewport, and click Activate View.

This activates the Presentation Second Floor Plan within the context of the sheet.
16 On the Drafting tab of the Design Bar, click Filled Region.

You enter sketch mode where you define the line type, fill properties, and the boundary of the
region.
17 In the Type Selector, select Invisible lines.

19 Draw a rectangle around the view as shown. The space between the perimeter of the building
model and each line should be equidistant.
Now that you have defined the outer perimeter of the filled region, you must define the inner
perimeter by drawing a chain of lines around the perimeter of the building model.
20 On the Options Bar, click , and select Chain.

21 Starting at the upper-left corner of the building model, draw a chain of lines around the exterior
face of the building model as shown. The lines shown below are enhanced for training purposes.
TIP Use care when sketching this chain. You may want to zoom in while sketching some details, and
you should take advantage of endpoint snapping when available. If necessary, use the Trim tool to
clean up gaps or overlapping intersections.
TIP If you have difficulty sketching with invisible lines, create the interior chain of lines using Medium
or Wide lines. When you finish drawing the chain, select the entire chain (use Tab) and change the
line type back to Invisible lines by selecting it from the Type Selector.

Adding the Floor Plan to a Sheet | 465

25 In the Name dialog, enter Solid Black, and click OK.
26 In the Type Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Fill Pattern, click .
27 In the Fill Patterns dialog, under Name, scroll down, select Solid fill, and click OK.
28 In the Type Properties dialog, verify that the Background is Opaque and the Color is Black, and
click OK.
Notice how the filled region enhances the view contrast.
Name the sheet
31 Right-click anywhere on the sheet, and click Deactivate View.

32 Right-click the edge of the sheet, and click View Properties.
33 In the Element Properties dialog, under Identity Data, for Sheet Name, enter Presentation, and
click OK.
35 Proceed with the next lesson, Adding an Elevation View to the Analytique on page 466.
Adding an Elevation View to the Analytique

In this lesson, you create an elevation and add it to the presentation sheet that you created in the first
exercise.

Preparing the Elevation Analytique
In this exercise, you copy an elevation view and use advanced model graphics to cast shadows on the view.
Training File
Copy and rename the elevation view
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) ➤ Elevations, right-click South, and click Duplicate
View ➤ Duplicate.
A copy of the south elevation view becomes the active view.
Preparing the Elevation Analytique | 467

2 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, right-click Copy of South, and click Rename.
3 In the Rename View dialog, enter Presentation South Elevation, and click OK.
Modify visibility/graphic overrides
TIP If the Visibility/Graphics option is not active, exit the menu, click in the drawing area, and click
View menu ➤ Visibility/Graphics again.
5 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, on the Model Categories tab, under Visibility, click
in the Walls row. In the Projection/Surface Patterns column for Walls, click Override.
6 In the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog, under Pattern Overrides, clear Visible, and click OK.
This turns off the visibility of all wall surface patterns in this view.
7 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, under Visibility, scroll up, expand the Doors category,
and clear Elevation Swing.
8 Click the Annotation Categories tab, and clear Show annotation categories in this view.
This turns off the visibility of all annotations in this view.
9 Click OK.
Apply advanced model graphics
Changes made in the Advanced Model Graphics Settings dialog apply only to the active view.
12 Under Shadow, select Cast Shadows.

13 For Contrast, specify 35.

15 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, click Duplicate.
16 In the Name dialog, enter Sun and Shadow Settings Elevation, and click OK.
17 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, under Settings, select By Date, Time and Place.
18 For Time, specify 2:30 PM, and click OK.
By changing the angle of the sun, you can create more interesting shadows on the elevation
view.

21 Proceed with the next exercise, Adding the Presentation Elevation View to the Presentation
Sheet on page 469.
Adding the Presentation Elevation View to the Presentation Sheet

In this exercise, you add the Presentation South Elevation view to the Presentation sheet.
Training File
Add a view to the sheet
1 In the Project Browser, under Views (all) ➤ Sheets (all), double-click A105 - Presentation.
3 In the Views dialog, select Elevation: Presentation South Elevation, and click Add View to Sheet.
4 Center the viewport above the presentation plan view as shown.
TIP Use the snap feature to snap the viewport to the center reference plane.
Adding the Presentation Elevation View to the Presentation Sheet | 469

The viewport displays a view title.
5 In the Type Selector, select Viewport : Presentation.

The view title no longer displays.

6 Drag the Presentation South Elevation viewport downward until it shares an edge with the
presentation floor plan.

9 Proceed with the next lesson, Adding Section Views to the Analytique on page 471.
Adding Section Views to the Analytique

In this lesson, you create section and callout views and place them in the analytique. You add silhouette
edges and filled regions to the views. You also create a view template for presentation views and apply it to
other views.
Adding Section Views to the Analytique | 471

Preparing a Section View for the Analytique
In this exercise, you create and modify the section view that you later add to the analytique.
Training File
Add a section in a plan view

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 1st Flr. Cnst.
2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Section.
3 On the Options Bar, for Scale, select 1: 100.
TIP You can also change the scale of the section view after you create it.
4 Add the section shown below.

The section should cut through the center of the building model and extend past the front of
the building (lower wall). Adjust the controls to modify the extents, and use the flip arrows if
necessary.

Section 2 is added to the building model.
Create a callout of the section view
5 In the Project Browser, expand Sections (Callout 1), and double-click Section 2.
To fit correctly in the analytique, this view needs to be rotated 180°. To accomplish this, you
will create a callout around the building model in the section view.

7 On the Options Bar, for Scale, select 1 : 100.
8 Draw a callout around the building model in the section view, as shown.
Use the controls to adjust the precise location of the boundary and to move the callout head
so you can see it easily.
Preparing a Section View for the Analytique | 473

Rename the callout

10 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Callout 1), right-click Callout of Section 2, and click
Rename.
11 In the Rename View dialog, enter Presentation Section 2, and click OK.
12 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Callout 1), double-click Presentation Section 2.
Modify visibility/graphic overrides

14 In the Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog, click the Model Categories tab.
15 Under Visibility, click in the Walls row. In the Projection/Surface Patterns column for Walls,
click Override.
16 In the Fill Pattern Graphics dialog, under Pattern Overrides, clear Visible, and click OK.
This turns off the visibility of all wall surface patterns in this view.
17 Under Visibility, scroll up, expand the Doors category, and clear Elevation Swing.
18 Turn off the visibility of the following model categories:
■ Casework
■ Ceilings

■ Furniture
■ Lighting Fixtures
■ Specialty Equipment
19 Click the Annotation Categories tab, and clear Show annotation categories in this view.
This turns off the visibility of all annotations in this view.
20 Click OK.
Hide the crop region

When you select the crop region, Revit Architecture displays 2 boundaries. The inner boundary
shows the crop region for model elements. The outer boundary (indicated with dashed lines)
shows the crop region for annotation elements.

The crop regions no longer display.

24 Proceed with the next exercise, Adding Shadows and Silhouettes to a Section View on page 476.
Preparing a Section View for the Analytique | 475

Adding Shadows and Silhouettes to a Section View
In this exercise, you use advanced model graphics to cast shadows on the section view. In addition, you
apply silhouette edges to contrast the edges of the view.
Training File
Add shadows to the section view

1 If Presentation Section 2 is not the active view, in the Project Browser, under Sections (Callout
1), double-click Presentation Section 2.
■ Click Apply.
The shadows do not offer much contrast.
TIP You may need to move the dialog to see the view.
In the steps that follow, you create new sun and shadow settings to add contrast to the
presentation view.

6 In the Name dialog, enter Sun and Shadow Settings Section, and click OK.

7 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, do the following:
■ Under Settings, select Directly.
■ For Azimuth, specify 135°.
■ For Altitude, specify 70°.
■ Select Relative to View.
■ Click OK.

The shadows now provide more contrast and a sense of depth.
TIP The current view of your model may vary from the illustrations in the tutorial based on the
placement of the section line in the previous exercise.
Apply silhouette edges
9 On the View Control Bar, click (Shadows On), and click Advanced Model Graphics.
10 In the Advanced Model Graphics Settings dialog, for Silhouette style, select Silhouette Edges,
and click OK.
NOTE The line style, Silhouette Edges, was added to this training file for training purposes. You can
modify this line style by clicking Settings menu ➤ Line Styles.
Notice the application of heavy line weights to the edges of the building model.
TIP You can also use the Linework tool to emphasize individual surface edges.

12 Proceed with the next exercise, Adding the Presentation Section to the Analytique on page 478.
Adding Shadows and Silhouettes to a Section View | 477

Adding the Presentation Section to the Analytique
In this exercise, you add the Presentation Section 2 view to the analytique and rotate the view 180°.
Training File
Add the view to the presentation sheet

1 In the Project Browser, under Sheets (all), double-click A105 - Presentation.
3 In the Views dialog, select Section: Presentation Section 2, and click Add View to Sheet.
4 Move the cursor under the centered plan view as shown, and click to place the selected view.

The view title no longer displays.
The section needs to be rotated 180°. In the steps that follow, you accomplish this by rotating
the callout in the section view.
Rotate the callout
7 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Callout 1), double-click Section 2.

8 Select the callout that you added previously.
9 On the Edit toolbar, click (Rotate).

To rotate an object, you click to specify the start radius, move the cursor in the direction of the
rotation, and enter the degrees of rotation or click to specify the end radius.
10 Specify the start radius to the right of the callout. Using a clock as a reference, specify 3 o’clock
as the rotation start point.
11 Move the cursor a slight distance counter-clockwise, enter 180 to specify the degrees of rotation,
and press Enter.
Adding the Presentation Section to the Analytique | 479

The callout rotates 180°. Its boundaries need to be adjusted to fit around the edges of the building
model.
12 Drag the callout boundaries until they extend just past the perimeter of the edges of the building
model as shown.
Reposition the viewport

The Presentation Section 2 view has rotated 180° and needs to be repositioned.

14 Select the Presentation Section 2 viewport, and drag it up and to the left as shown.

17 Proceed with the next exercise, Working with a Presentation View Template on page 481.
Working with a Presentation View Template

In this exercise, you create a view template for presentation views to reduce repetitive work when creating
subsequent views. After applying the view template to a new section view, you add the modified view to
the presentation sheet.
Working with a Presentation View Template | 481

Training File
Create a presentation view template

1 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Callout 1), double-click Presentation Section 2.
2 Click View menu ➤ Create View Template from View.
3 In the New View Template dialog, enter Presentation, and click OK.
Create a new presentation view
5 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Type 1), right-click Section 1, and click Duplicate
View ➤ Duplicate.
6 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Type 1), right-click Copy of Section 1, and click Rename.
7 In the Rename View dialog, enter Presentation Section 1, and click OK.
Rather than repeat numerous steps to prepare this view for the analytique, you can simply apply
the presentation view template.
Apply the presentation view template

9 In the Apply View Template dialog, under Names, select Presentation, and click OK.
The furniture, lighting fixtures, annotations, and elevation swings no longer display.

12 In the Views dialog, select Section: Presentation Section 1, and click Add View to Sheet.
13 Place it to the left of the plan view.
15 Right-click the viewport, and click Activate View.
Rather than use a callout to rotate this view after it is added to a sheet, you can use a view
property to accomplish the same thing.

17 In the Element Properties dialog, under Graphics, for Rotation on Sheet, select 90°
Counterclockwise, and click OK.
18 Right-click the viewport, and click Deactivate View.
19 Move the view so the walls line up similar to the image shown.
Working with a Presentation View Template | 483

21 Proceed with the next exercise, Working in a Callout Analytique on page 484.
Working in a Callout Analytique

Typically, traditional analytiques contain a detail, such as a tracery window or a column capital. In this
exercise, you create a wall section and add it to the right side of the analytique.

Training File
Create a callout
1 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Type 1), double-click Section 1.
3 Draw a callout around the front balcony as shown.
After you add the callout, click Modify, select the callout, and modify its boundaries and the
location of the callout head, as shown.
4 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Callout 1), right-click Callout of Section 1, and click
Rename.
Working in a Callout Analytique | 485

5 In the Rename View dialog, enter Presentation Callout, and click OK.
6 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Callout 1), double-click Presentation Callout.
7 Select the crop region, and adjust the bottom to create a small gap, as shown.
This gap is used later in the exercise to place a fill region.
8 Right-click, and click View Properties.

9 In the Element Properties dialog, under Extents, clear Crop Region Visible, clear Annotation
Crop, and click OK.

Add the callout to the presentation sheet

12 In the Views dialog, select Section: Presentation Callout, and click Add View to Sheet.
13 Place it on the right side of the presentation sheet.
Modify the presentation callout on the sheet
16 Right-click the Presentation Callout viewport, and click Activate View.

18 In the Element Properties dialog, do the following:
■ For View Scale, select Custom.
■ For Scale Value 1, specify 22.
■ Click OK.

19 Right-click the callout presentation view, and click Deactivate View.
20 Select the callout presentation viewport, and move it to the position shown below.
NOTE If the presentation callout view does not fit properly on the sheet, activate the viewport, turn
on the crop region from the view properties dialog, and make adjustments as necessary. When
finished, hide the crop region and deactivate the viewport.
The composition set for the analytique is now complete. In the steps that follow, you add a
heavy base to the floors and a poche to the base. Although you can use several methods to create
these areas of contrast, the easiest method is to apply filled regions to the presentation callout.
Apply filled regions to the presentation callout
21 In the Project Browser, under Sections (Callout 1), double-click Presentation Callout.

25 In the Type Properties dialog, for Fill Pattern, click .
26 In the Fill Patterns dialog, select Solid fill, and click OK 3 times.
27 Using the drawing tools on the Options Bar, sketch the filled regions on the floors and roof
shown below. When you are finished, on the Design Bar, click Finish Sketch.
You can sketch one filled region at a time or all of them at once. You do not have to replicate
the image exactly. The intent of the analytique is not so much a measured construction document
as a stylized representation of the architectural forms.
Add a poche region


31 On the Options Bar, click , and sketch the rectangle shown below.

The entire poche region does not display because the crop region does not encompass the new
filled region.

34 Select the crop region, and drag the left and bottom boundaries until the entire poche region
displays.

36 Right-click the Presentation Callout viewport, and click Deactivate View.

38 Proceed with the next lesson, Creating 3D Cutaways with Section Boxes on page 491.
Creating 3D Cutaways with Section Boxes

In this lesson, you create isometric 3D views and use section boxes to create cutaways with shadows. You
then add perspective views to the presentation and annotate the sheet.
Creating 3D Cutaways with Section Boxes | 491

Creating Cutaway Isometric Views
In this exercise, you create 3 similar isometric views with different cutaways, and apply shadows to the views.
You then add each view to the presentation sheet.
Training File
Create a southwest isometric view

1 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click Isometric.
2 Click View menu ➤ Orient ➤ Southwest.

3 On the View Control Bar, click the Scale control, and click 1 : 200.
Apply advanced model graphics


8 In the Name dialog, enter Sun and Shadow Settings Isometric, and click OK.
9 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, do the following:
■ Under Settings, select Directly.
■ For Azimuth, specify 135°.
■ For Altitude, specify 45°.
■ Select Relative to View.
■ Select Ground Plane at Level.
■ Select 1st Flr. Cnst. in the list.
■ Click OK.
and click OK.
Rename and duplicate isometric views
11 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click Isometric, and click Rename.
12 In the Rename View dialog, enter Isometric 1, and click OK.
13 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click Isometric 1, and click Duplicate
View ➤ Duplicate.
14 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click Copy of Isometric 1, and click Rename.
Add a section box to Isometric 2
16 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click Isometric 2.

A section box displays around the building model.
Creating Cutaway Isometric Views | 493

19 Select the section box.
Grips display on each face of the section box. These grips allow you to modify the boundaries
of the section box.
TIP Notice the rotation symbol. You can use this to rotate the section box.
20 Select the grip for the top plane of the section box, and drag the plane downward until it cuts
halfway through the third floor, as shown.
When you are finished, click Modify on the Design Bar.

Before turning off the visibility of the section box, make a copy of the view.
21 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click Isometric 2, and click Duplicate
View ➤ Duplicate.
22 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, right-click Copy of Isometric 2, and click Rename.
The section box no longer displays.
Modify the section box of Isometric 3

28 Select the grip for the top plane of the section box, and drag the plane downward until it cuts
halfway through the first floor as shown.
When you are finished, click Modify on the Design Bar.
NOTE Depending on the precise location of the top plane of the section box, the stairs and railings
may display. If desired, you can adjust the plane location, or turn off the visibility of railings and stairs
using the Visibility/Graphics dialog.
Next, you stack the 3 isometric views in a vertical column on the presentation sheet to show
the continual erosion of the structure.
Add isometric views to the presentation sheet

31 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, drag Isometric 3 under the left section view as shown.
In the Type Selector, select Viewport : Presentation.

32 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, drag Isometric 2 under Isometric 3 as shown. In the
Type Selector, select Viewport : Presentation.
33 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, drag Isometric 1 under Isometric 2 as shown. In the
Type Selector, select Viewport : Presentation.
The filled region partially covers the view. You resolve this problem in the steps that follow.

Modify filled region boundaries

35 Select the poche filled region. On the Options Bar, click Edit.
38 In the Type Properties dialog, for Fill Patterns, select Concrete.
39 For Background, select Transparent.
40 Click OK twice.
This will make it easier to draw lines. You change the fill pattern back to solid fill when you are
done.

42 Using the drawing tools, redraw the portion of the filled region so it follows the boundary of
Isometric 1. You may need to use the Split tool and the Trim tool to modify lines during this
process. The image below shows the redrawn lines.

45 In the Type Properties dialog, for Fill Pattern, select Solid fill.
46 Click OK twice.
48 Right-click the Presentation Callout viewport, and click Deactivate View.

50 Proceed with the next exercise, Creating Cutaway Perspective Views on page 499.

Creating Cutaway Perspective Views
In this exercise, you create the final view for the analytique, a cutaway perspective view. After adding shadows
and silhouette edges to the view, you add it to the presentation sheet.
Training File
Create a perspective view

1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click 1st Flr. Cnst.
Adding a camera is a 2-click process: first you specify the eye location, then you specify the eye
direction and range.
3 Place the camera in the southwest corner of the view as shown, and specify the range and
direction just outside the upper right corner of the building model.
The view opens immediately.
Creating Cutaway Perspective Views | 499

4 Adjust the crop region so the entire building model fits in it.
Add shadows and silhouette edges
8 In the Sun and Shadows Settings dialog, for Name, select Sun and Shadow Settings Isometric,
and click OK.
and click OK.

Add a section box

A section box now cuts through the building model.

Grips display on each plane of the section box.
13 Use the section grips to modify the location of each plane until your view resembles the following
image. You may need to adjust the location of the crop region as well.
Creating Cutaway Perspective Views | 501

15 On the Options Bar, click Size.
Because scale does not apply to perspective views, you must specify the actual size of the image.
16 In the Crop Region Size dialog, under Change, select Scale (locked proportions).
17 Under Model Crop Size, for Width, enter 165 mm, and click OK.


21 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, drag 3D View 1 onto the presentation sheet, and place
it in the upper-left corner as shown. In the Type Selector, select Viewport : Presentation.

23 Proceed with the next exercise, Annotating the Analytique on page 503.
Annotating the Analytique

In this exercise, you complete the analytique by adding text to the presentation sheet.
Training File
Create new text types

1 If the Sheets: A105 - Presentation sheet is not the active view, double-click it in the Project
Browser.

6 In the Name dialog, enter Title, and click OK.
7 In the Type Properties dialog, under Text, specify a text size of 40 mm, select a font, and click
OK.
10 In the Name dialog, enter Description, and click OK.
11 In the Type Properties dialog, under Text, specify a text size of 6 mm, select the same font as
the title, and click OK.
Add a title and description
13 In the Type Selector, select Text : Title.

14 Add a title to the analytique as shown.
Annotating the Analytique | 503

15 Click in the drawing window to complete the title text.
16 In the Type Selector, select Text : Description.
17 Add a description of your choosing and add it to the analytique as shown.

This completes the Presentation Views tutorial.

Importing and Exporting
505
506
Importing SketchUp Files
13
The ability to import SketchUp® files directly into Revit Architecture allows you to quickly integrate sketch concepts into
the Revit environment and reuse the SketchUp model without having to manually rework it. Once the model has been
imported, you can easily add detail with Revit components.
In this tutorial, you import a SketchUp file into a Revit Architecture project as an in-place mass family.
After you import the SketchUp model, you create a small building from the front mass form. You use the mass faces of
the mass form to create Revit elements, such as walls, curtain walls, and roofs, that compose the building.
507
Importing a SketchUp Model as a Mass
In this exercise, you create a Revit Architecture project, and import a SketchUp model into the project as an
in-place mass family. The in-place mass family is saved only in context of the project, and not in the library.
Create a Revit project
1 Click File menu ➤ New ➤ Project.

2 In the New Project dialog, under Template file, click Browse.
3 In the left pane of the Choose Template dialog, click Training Files, and open
Metric\Templates\DefaultMetric.rte.
4 In the New Project dialog, click OK.
6 In the Save As dialog, for File name, enter Import SketchUp, and click Save.
Import a SketchUp model
7 On the Design Bar, click the Massing tab.
TIP If the Massing tab does not display in the Design Bar, right-click in the Design Bar, and click
Massing on the context menu that displays.
8 On the Massing tab of the Design Bar, click Create Mass.

9 In the informational dialog, click OK.
10 In the Name dialog, enter SketchUp Model, and click OK.
12 In the Import/Link dialog:
■ Click the Training Files icon.
■ Double-click the Common folder.
■ For Files of type, select SketchUp Files.
■ Click the Sketchup file, buildings.skp.
■ For Colors, select Preserve.
■ For Layers, select All.

This option allows you to select what to import: all elements, visible elements, or select from
a list.
■ For Import units, select Auto-Detect.
508 | Chapter 13 Importing SketchUp Files

You can have Revit automatically detect and convert incoming units to project units
(Auto-Detect) or you can specify the units for the SketchUp drawing if you know that
information.
■ For Positioning, select Manual - Center.
■ For Place at level, select Level 1.

In a new project, Level 1 is the only choice. An existing project may have options for many
levels to choose from, depending on the complexity of the project.
■ Click Open.
The model displays in the view on the Level 1 floor plan.
13 Click to place the lower right building inside of the elevation markers.

15 Enter ZR to zoom in on the lower right building.
16 On the Design Bar, click Finish Mass.
NOTE A warning message displays because the mass contains only mesh geometry. The mesh
geometry (faces) will be used in another exercise to create Revit elements, such as walls, curtain walls,
and roofs.
17 In the warning dialog, click the Close button.
Importing a SketchUp Model as a Mass | 509

18 Proceed to the next exercise, Creating a Building from Mass Faces on page 510.
Creating a Building from Mass Faces

In this exercise, you use the faces of the front mass form to create Revit Architecture elements, such as walls,
curtain walls, and roofs, that compose the building. The mass faces are not converted to Revit elements:
they remain in the project. You turn their visibility off to view only the building.
After you create the building from the mass faces, you modify the roofs and add doors to complete the
design.
Create roofs from mass faces

1 Zoom in to the front mass form, and on the View Control Bar, click Model Graphics
Style ➤ Shading with Edges.
2 On the Massing tab of the Design Bar, click Roof by Face.

3 In the Type Selector, verify Basic Roof: Generic - 400mm displays.
4 On the Options Bar, for Level, verify Level 2 is selected.
5 Move your cursor over the top face of the left mass, and when the cursor displays a plus sign,
select the face so that it highlights in red.

The cursor displays a plus or a minus sign, indicating that you are adding or subtracting faces
to and from the selection.
6 On the Options Bar, click Create Roof.

A roof is created from the mass face. (It is difficult to see the roof in the current view. To see the
new roof, on the View toolbar, click to turn off mass visibility in the view. Click again
to display masses.)
7 With the Roof by Face command still active, on the Options Bar, verify that Select Multiple is
selected.
This option enables you to select more than 1 face when you create a roof.
8 Select the top 3 faces of the mass on the right.

10 Adjust the view:
■ On the View toolbar, click SteeringWheels to display the Full Navigation Wheel.
Creating a Building from Mass Faces | 511

■ Click the Orbit section of the Full Navigation Wheel and drag your cursor
to rotate your viewpoint as shown so you can see the front of the mass form.
11 Close the Full Navigation Wheel.

12 On the Design Bar, click Roof by Face.
13 Select the top 4 faces of the mass.

16 On the View toolbar, click to turn off the mass visibility in the view, and display only the
roofs that you created.
17 Click again to redisplay the masses.

Create walls from mass faces
18 On the View toolbar, click SteeringWheels to display the Full Navigation Wheel.
19 Click the Orbit section of the Full Navigation Wheel and drag your cursor to
rotate your viewpoint as shown so you can see the front of the mass form.

21 On the Design Bar, click Wall by Face.
22 In the Type Selector, verify Basic Wall: Generic - 200mm displays.
23 On the Options Bar, for Loc Line, select Core Face: Exterior.
This option lets you create the walls on the inside of the mass.

24 Select the 4 mass faces that have been highlighted in red below.
25 On the View toolbar, click to view only the walls and roofs.
26 Click to redisplay the masses.

Create curtain systems from mass faces
27 On the Design Bar, click Curtain System by Face.

28 In the Type Selector, verify Curtain System: 1500 x 3000mm displays.
29 Select the left face of the left mass.

30 On the Options Bar, click Create System.
31 Using the same technique, create the 2 curtain systems shown below.
rotate your viewpoint as shown so you can see the back of the mass forms.
Create walls from mass faces

35 On the Design Bar, click Wall by Face.
36 Select the 5 walls highlighted below.
TIP If you have difficulty selecting a wall that shares an edge with another wall, select the other wall,
press TAB until the desired wall highlights, and select it.
Create a roof from a mass face
37 On the Design Bar, click Roof by Face.

38 Select the mass face shown below, and on the Options Bar, click Create Roof.
Create additional curtain systems from mass faces
39 On the Design Bar, click Curtain System.

40 Select the 4 mass faces shown below, and on the Options Bar, click Create System.

Create the final wall
41 On the Design Bar, click Wall by Face, and select the mass face shown below.
42 On the View toolbar, click to view the building that you have created.
43 Click to redisplay the masses.

Create a 3D perspective view of the building with a camera

45 Zoom out beyond the drawing extents.
46 Place the camera and its target:
■ On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Camera.
■ Below the right corner of the view, specify a point to place the camera.

■ In the far left corner of the building that you created, specify a point for the camera target,
as shown.
The perspective view created by the camera displays. The view frame is highlighted in red
and its grips display.
47 Resize the view by moving the frame grips until you can see the building, and click in the
drawing area to hide the grips.
48 On the View toolbar, click to view only the walls, roofs, and curtain systems that make up
your building in the view.
You may need to resize the view again. Click the frame to display its grips.

Change the justification of the curtain systems
49 On the Design Bar, click Modify, and select the left curtain system in the view.

■ Under Grid 1 Pattern, for Justification, select Center.
■ Under Grid 2 Pattern, for Justification, select Center.
■ Click OK.
52 Repeat the preceding steps to change the justifications of the 2 other curtain systems in the
view.
Modify the roofs
53 On the Views toolbar, click .

54 Select each roof to display its grips, and move the roof edges as shown below.
55 Right-click, and click Cancel to end the command.

56 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click 3D View 1.
57 On the View Control Bar:
Add doors to the building
rotate your viewpoint as shown so you can see the front of the building.
62 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Door.
63 In the Type Selector, verify M_Single-Flush: 0915 x 2134mm displays.

64 Add doors to the building as shown below.
65 Save and close the drawing.

522
Using Advanced Features
523
524
Curtain Systems
14
Curtain systems are not walls, and they are not windows. Like walls, they can define space and separate the exterior from
the interior. They are typically not load-bearing and are not cut for doors or windows. Like windows, they can usually
include mullions and have glazed panels. Unlike windows, curtain systems are usually assembled on site as a single unit.
A typical curtain system comprises a wall, panel, grid lines, and mullions, and you can change these elements individually.
This affects the entire curtain system. For example, to resize the system, you need to change the length of the wall. To
switch panel types, you need to select a panel. To change grids, you select the grid.
You can add curtain systems with the wall command, or you can use a specific curtain system command.
Flat Curtain System

In this lesson, you further develop the building information model by creating a flat curtain system at the
entrance of the model.
Creating an Entrance
In this exercise, you create a curtain system using the wall command. This type of curtain system is also
referred to as a curtain wall.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Curtain_Walls.rvt.
525
1 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) ➤ Floor Plans, and double-click Ground Floor.
2 Zoom in to Grid F where it meets the arc in the floor.
This floor edge will be the entrance to the building.
Creating a curtain system using the wall command
3 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Wall.

4 In the Type Selector, select Curtain Wall : Curtain Wall 1.
5 Start the curtain system where shown.
6 Move the cursor down along the edge of the floor, and finish at the outside face of the exterior
wall as shown.
526 | Chapter 14 Curtain Systems

7 Zoom in to the join between the curtain system and the exterior wall.
8 In the Project Browser, expand Views (all) ➤ 3D Views, and double-click Southeast Isometric.
9 Click View menu ➤ Orient ➤ Northeast.
10 Zoom in to the curtain system you just added.

11 Select the curtain system, and click (Properties).
Note that a curtain system created from the wall command has similar properties to other walls:
base constraint, top constraint, top and base attachments, and room bounding.
You want the curtain system to attach to the roof.

■ For Constraints ➤ Top Constraint, select Up to level: TOP OF ROOF.
■ For Top Offset, enter 1200.
■ Click OK.
The curtain system is now at the same height as the other existing curtain systems.
13 The curtain system is a single glazed panel; you are going to subdivide the panel into several
smaller panels, using curtain grids.

Adding curtain grids
14 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click GROUND FLOOR.

15 On the View tab of the Design Bar, click Elevation.
16 Place the elevation symbol in front of the curtain wall and click Modify on the Design Bar.
17 Click the elevation arrow to display the crop boundary, and resize the crop boundary as shown.
18 In the Project Browser, right-click Elevation 1 - a, and click Rename.

19 Enter Entrance Elevation, and click OK.
20 In the drawing area, double-click the elevation symbol arrow to open the new elevation view.
22 Move the cursor along the edge of the wall, and click to place a horizontal curtain grid 1200
mm above the ground floor level line.
23 Place another grid 1500 mm above the first grid.
24 Place another grid so that it snaps to the SECOND FLOOR level line.

26 While pressing CTRL, select the 3 grid lines you just placed.
27 Click Edit menu ➤ Copy to Clipboard, or press CTRL + C on the keyboard.
29 In the Select Levels dialog, while pressing CTRL, select SECOND FLOOR, THIRD FLOOR, FOURTH
FLOOR, FIFTH FLOOR, SIXTH FLOOR, and SEVENTH FLOOR, and click OK.
The selected grid lines are now at each of these levels.

31 Place the cursor on grid 2 so that it highlights. Click to create a vertical grid.
This divides the curtain wall vertically into 2 panels, one larger than the other.
32 Move the cursor along the GROUND FLOOR level (left of the vertical grid line) until it snaps to
the midpoint of the larger vertical panel. Click to place another grid line.
TIP To be sure that the curtain grid is at the midpoint of the panel, watch the tooltips and the Status
Bar.

Next, you add a doorway to the curtain system. Instead of using the Door command, you set
up a doorway on a curtain panel, and then you replace that panel with a curtain system door
panel.
Adding the doorway
34 Zoom in to the ground floor level in the Entrance Elevation view.

35 Select the left vertical grid line, and on the Options Bar, click Add or Remove Segments.
You enter an editor that lets you select segments of the grid line to remove them.
36 Select the lowest segment of the left grid line, and then select the segment above it.
The segment line style changes to dashed.
37 Click in any white space to exit the editor.

The two segments are removed.

38 Using the same method, remove the horizontal segment that intersects the vertical segment
removed in the previous step.
39 On the Design Bar, click Curtain Grid.

40 On the Options Bar, select One Segment.
41 Place 4 vertical grid lines as shown.
42 Place dimensions as shown, and lock them.

TIP You may need to adjust your zoom settings to view the dimensions.
43 Delete the dimensions.

44 When the warning about locked dimensions being deleted displays, click OK to leave the curtain
grids constrained.
You now have two 1800 mm wide panels between smaller rectangular panels.
45 Select the horizontal grid line that is 1200 mm above the ground floor.
46 Click Add or Remove Segments on the Options Bar.
You are going to add more segments to an existing curtain grid.
47 Click the horizontal grid line between the smaller panels. The line style changes from dashed
to solid to indicate a grid segment has been added. Do not click between the 1800 mm panels.
Use the following image as a guide.
TIP The middle grid lines are centered between the long vertical grid above them. To get the horizontal
grid to display between the vertical grids, click once to the right of the long grid and then click once
to the left of it.
48 When the grids are placed (line style have changed to solid), click in any white space to exit the
editor.

Next, you replace the 2 larger 1800 mm panels with curtain system doors.
49 Click File menu ➤ Load From Library ➤ Load Family.

Metric\Families\Doors\M_Curtain Wall-Store Front-Dbl.rfa.
51 Select the left 1800 mm panel. You will have to press TAB to highlight it. Watch the Status Bar
to be sure you are highlighting the panel.
52 On the Type Selector, click M_Curtain Wall-Store Front-Dbl: Store Front Double Door.
The panel changes to a double door.
53 Use the same method to replace the other panel with a double door.
These panels schedule as doors, not as curtain panels. They are part of the curtain panel category.
55 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click GROUND FLOOR to see the plan view
door swings of the curtain wall doors.
Now, on the new curtain system you added, you replace some of the transparent panels with
solid ones.
56 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Entrance Elevation.
57 On the View Control Bar, click , and click Wireframe. This changes the graphics style of the
view.
Next, you change panels in front of ceilings from glazed to solid.
Changing panels
58 Zoom in to the FIFTH FLOOR level.

59 Select one of the panels below the FIFTH FLOOR level line.

60 On the Type Selector, click System Panel : Solid.
The glazed panel is changed to a solid panel.
61 With the panel still selected, click .

62 In the Element Properties dialog, click Edit/New to open the Type Properties of the panel.
The Offset property specifies the distance from the centerline of the curtain wall. Thickness
specifies the depth of the panel, and Material specifies the shading and patterning.
63 Click OK twice.
64 Replace the two adjacent glazed panels with solid panels.
The glazed panels display in blue, and the solid panels display in white.
66 Change the graphics style back to Wireframe.

67 Change the remaining glazed panels in front of ceilings to solid panels.

68 On the File menu, click Save As. Name the file m_Curtain_Walls-in_progress.rvt.
This completes the exercise for creating an entrance.
Adding Mullions to the Curtain System

In this exercise, you place mullions on curtain panel grids.
Training File
■ Continue to use the training file you used in the previous exercise.
1 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Mullion.

2 On the Options Bar, select Grid Line Segment.
3 Place a mullion on the grid segment at the ground floor immediately to the right of the right
set of doors.
4 On the Options Bar, select Entire Grid Line.

5 Place a mullion on the horizontal grid that is 1200 mm above the ground floor.

6 On the Options Bar, select All Empty Segments.
7 Place the cursor on any empty grid segment on the curtain system and click.
Now all empty grid segments have mullions on them; however, there are a few that you do not
want, so you remove them next. The two mullions below the doors are not necessary, because
their width reduces the size of the doors.
Removing mullions
8 Zoom in to the set of doors.

9 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, clickModify.
10 Delete the mullions below them.
Mullions can change their joins to other mullions. You are going to change some mullion joins.
Changing mullion joins
12 Select the vertical mullion above and between the set of double doors.
Adding Mullions to the Curtain System | 537

Two mullion join controls display.
13 Click the lower mullion join control.

The bottom of the mullion meets the top of the horizontal mullion.
14 Click the top mullion control.
The top of the vertical mullion now meets the bottom of the horizontal mullion above.
TIP After selecting the vertical mullion, you can also right-click, and click Join Conditions ➤ Break at
Join to break the mullion at both joins.

16 In the Project Browser, double-click Southeast Isometric.
17 Save the file.
This completes the exercise for adding mullions.
This also completes the lesson on creating a flat curtain system. You learned how to create a basic curtain
wall system and how to subdivide it with grids. You also learned how to modify grids and change panels.
Finally, you learned how to add mullions and change their joins.

Curved Curtain System
In this lesson, you create a curved curtain system near the entrance of the model that was just completed.
You also create a custom curtain panel for the system. Finally, you add both predefined and custom mullions
to the system.
Adding a Curved Curtain System

In this exercise, you add a curtain system using the wall command. The curtain wall is sketched as an arc.
Training File
■ Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson.

2 Zoom in to the circular space above the entrance that was just completed.
4 In the Type Selector, select Curtain Wall : Curtain Wall 1.
5 Click .
■ Under Constraints, for Top Constraint, specify Up to level: FIFTH FLOOR.
■ For Top Offset, enter 1200.
■ Click OK.
7 On the Options Bar, click (Arc passing through three points).

8 Start the wall by clicking at the left edge of the circle at the centerline of the intersecting wall.
9 Place the second point at the lower right side.
Curved Curtain System | 539

10 Finish the wall by clicking at the top of the arc.
The curtain wall displays as one flat panel between the first and second points placed. Next,
you place grids on the system. The curtain grid command snaps only to the curved arc. You are
going to use one of these snaps points.

12 Snap the cursor to the midpoint of the curved arc and click. Watch the Status Bar to ensure you
are at the midpoint.
13 Continue to place more grids by using the snap points on the arc. Divide the halves into quarters,
eighths, and then sixteenths.
14 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click East.

15 Zoom in to the cylinder, and snap the cursor to each level line and click to add horizontal curtain
grids. Do not add a grid on the GROUND FLOOR level.

Next, you change some panels in the system.
Using walls as panels
17 Using a selection box, select the bottom layer of panels. Remember to click to filter out all
other elements from the selection except Curtain Panels.
18 In the Type Selector, select Basic Wall: Generic - 300mm.
19 Save the file.

This completes the first exercise for creating a curved system. Next you create a custom panel and add it to
the system.
Adding a Custom Curtain Panel

In this exercise, you create a custom curtain panel and place it into the curved curtain system.
Adding a Custom Curtain Panel | 541

Training File

2 In the left pane of the New dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\Templates\Metric
Curtain Wall Panel.rft.
3 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click Exterior.
4 On the Design Bar, click Solid Form ➤ Solid Extrusion.
5 On the Design Bar, click Lines, and on the Options Bar, for Depth, enter 100.

7 Start the sketch at the upper left reference line intersection and finish at the lower right reference
line intersection.
9 Select the extrusion, and click .

10 In the Element Properties dialog, for Identity Data ➤ Subcategory, select Glass, and click OK.
11 On the Design Bar, click Model Lines.
12 On the Options Bar, clear Chain, and click .

13 Sketch 2 lines that crisscross the extrusion.

15 Click File menu ➤ Save As, and save the family as Curtain Panel - Pattern.rfa.
16 Click File menu ➤ Close, and return to the project file.
17 Click File menu ➤ Load from Library ➤ Load Family.
18 Load the Curtain Panel - Pattern.rfa family.
19 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click FOURTH FLOOR.
20 Press TAB until a panel in the arc is highlighted, right-click, and click Select Panels ➤ Along
Horizontal Grid.
All fourth floor panels are selected.
21 In the Type Selector, select Curtain Panel - Pattern.

All the panels change to the custom panel you created.
22 Select the curved arc curtain wall.

23 Right-click, and click Change Walls Orientation.

26 Spin the model so that you can see the curved curtain system.
Adding a Custom Curtain Panel | 543

The structure of the curved curtain system now matches that of the main part of the building.
27 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click FIFTH FLOOR.

28 Highlight a panel in the arc, right-click, and click Select Panels ➤ Along Horizontal Grid.
All fifth floor panels are selected.
29 In the Type Selector, select System Panel - Solid.

All the panels change to the solid panel.
The finished arc wall should look like the following image.
30 Save the file.

This completes the exercise for adding a custom curtain panel.
Adding Mullions to the Curved Curtain Panel

In this exercise, you add both custom and predefined mullions to the curved curtain panel.

Training File
1 In the Project Browser, under Elevations, double-click East.

3 Select each horizontal grid line on the curved curtain panel, except at the GROUND FLOOR
level.
For vertical mullions, you use the Family Editor to create a custom mullion.
Creating a custom mullion in the Family Editor

5 In the left pane of the New dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\Templates\Metric
Profile.rft.
6 Click Settings menu ➤ Family Category and Parameters.
7 In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, for Profile Usage, select Mullion, and click OK.
■ Click (Polygon).
If Polygon does not display on the Options Bar, click , and select it.
■ For Sides, enter 8.
■ Select Radius, and enter 50 mm for the radius.
10 Place the cursor at the intersection of the reference planes and click to enter the octagon starting
point. Click again to specify the ending point. Notice that both the starting and ending points
are in the same location.
Adding Mullions to the Curved Curtain Panel | 545

12 Select the lines in the octagon.
13 On the Options Bar, click Visibility.
14 In the Family element visibility settings dialog, clear Fine, and click OK.
This controls the detail level at which the mullion profile displays.

16 In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\Families\Detail
Components\m_Cylinder Mullion - detail.rfa.
18 Place the detail component so that it snaps to the mullion profile as shown.

20 Select the detail component, and click Visibility.
21 In the Family element visibility settings dialog, clear Coarse and Medium, and click OK.
The detail component becomes the true representation in plan view.

23 Save the family as Cylinder Mullion.rfa.
24 Click File menu ➤ Close, and return to the project file.
26 Load the Cylinder Mullion.rfa family.
After the new profile is loaded, it can be added as a mullion type.
27 In the Project Browser, under 3D Views, double-click Southeast Isometric.

29 Spin the model so that you can see the curved curtain system.
31 Click .

32 In the Element Properties dialog, select Circular Mullion for Family.
33 Click Edit/New.
35 Enter Cylinder Mullion for Name, and click OK.
36 Under Construction, for Profile, select Cylinder Mullion : Cylinder Mullion.
37 Click OK twice.
39 Click on any grid line in the entry cylinder.
You have placed more mullions than you want, so you remove the unwanted ones.

42 Highlight a mullion in the arc, right-click, and click Select Mullions ➤ On Gridline.
43 Press DELETE.
44 Save the file.
Adding Mullions to the Curved Curtain Panel | 547

This completes the exercise for adding mullions, as well as the lesson on creating a curved curtain system.
In this lesson, you learned to create a curved curtain system, make custom curtain panels and mullions, and
then apply those custom elements to the system.
Additional Curtain Systems

In this lesson, you create additional types of curtain systems: a sloped glazing system, a storefront system,
and a ruled curtain system.
Sloped Glazings
Sloped glazings are useful when you are creating skylights and other glazed roofing systems.
Training File
■ Continue to use the training file you used in the previous lesson.
1 In the Project Browser, under Floor Plans, double-click TOP OF ROOF.

2 Zoom in to the skylight at the center of the building between Grids 2 and 3 and D and E.
3 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Roof ➤ Roof by Footprint.
4 On the Design Bar, click Pick Walls.
5 On the Options Bar, select Defines slope.
6 Select the inside faces of the base walls.
TIP To chain select all the walls, place the cursor on the inside face of one of the walls, and press
TAB. All the inside faces highlight, and you can click to select them all.

7 On the Design Bar, click Roof Properties.
■ For Family, select System Family: Sloped Glazing.
■ For Constraints ➤ Base Offset From Level, enter 600.
■ Click OK.
9 On the Design Bar, click Finish Roof.

12 Zoom in to the skylight.

14 On the Options Bar, select Entire Grid Line.
15 Select the grid lines that define the edges of each panel in the sloped glazing.
18 Save the file.

This completes the exercise for creating a sloped glazing system.
Sloped Glazings | 549

Storefront System
In this exercise, you embed curtain walls into other walls to create a storefront system.
Training File

2 Zoom in to the wall at the right of the model.
You are going to place a storefront system in this wall. You can place the curtain wall right
inside this wall.

4 In the Type Selector, select Curtain Wall : Storefront.
5 On the Options Bar, select Unconnected for Height, and enter 2400.
6 Start the wall 1200 mm from one end of the wall on the wall centerline.

7 Sketch a curtain wall along the wall centerline to the approximate length shown.
The curtain wall cuts the original wall.
8 Click the temporary dimension, enter 10200 mm, and press ENTER.
This specifies an exact length for the wall.

11 Zoom in to the new storefront wall.
The storefront wall already has a curtain grid layout, which is specified in the type. To see how
the grid layout is defined, you can look at the properties of the storefront wall.
12 Select the storefront wall, and click .

The type parameters under the Vertical Grid Pattern and Horizontal Grid Pattern headings create
the predefined layout. For this wall, the Layout (Vertical Grid Pattern) is set to Maximum Spacing,
and the Spacing (Vertical Grid Pattern) is set to 1524 mm. This indicates that the curtain grids
are placed at even intervals along the length of the curtain wall at a distance up to 1524 mm.
The Layout (Horizontal Grid Pattern) is set to Fixed Distance, and the Spacing (Horizontal Grid
Pattern) is set to 2400 mm. This means that the panel heights will be exactly 2400 mm, even if
the wall height changes.
14 After you have looked at the Vertical Grid Pattern and Horizontal Grid Pattern parameters, click
OK to close the Type Properties dialog and return to the Element Properties dialog that displays
the instance parameters.
Storefront System | 551

The Instance Parameters list includes additional parameters that define the curtain grid layout.
Under the Vertical Grid Pattern heading, you find Number, Justification, Angle, and Offset. You
see these same parameters for Horizontal Grid Pattern. Under Vertical Grid Pattern, the Number
is the number of vertical curtain grids you want on the curtain instance. The Justification specifies
the vertical spacing at the beginning, center, or end. By setting the Angle value, you are rotating
the grid lines to an angle on the face of the panel. The Offset is the distance the spacing starts
from the justification point. The Horizontal Grid Pattern counterparts are the same but for the
perpendicular direction. For more information about these curtain wall parameters, see the Revit
Architecture help.
15 To see how these parameters can affect the wall, for Vertical Grid Pattern ➤ Angle, enter 45 and
for Horizontal Grid Pattern ➤ Angle, enter 15.
16 Click OK.

19 Select a curtain grid.
20 Save the file.

This completes the exercise on creating a storefront. In this exercise, you learned how to embed a curtain
wall and set up a grid layout.
Curtain System by Lines

In this exercise, you create a curtain wall based on 2 lines that have been sketched at different elevations
on the model. This type of curtain system is known as a ruled curtain system.
Training File

2 Orient the view to the storefront wall you added in the last exercise.

4 On the Modelling tab of the Design Bar, click Curtain System ➤ Curtain System by Lines.
5 Place the cursor at the top edge of the SECOND FLOOR slab, making sure Lines : Model Lines :
Line is highlighted.
Watch the Status Bar and Tooltips to be sure you are highlighting the model line. Press TAB to
select the line if it does not immediately highlight.
6 Click the highlighted line.

7 Place the cursor at the top edge of the TOP OF ROOF level, and highlight the model line.
Curtain System by Lines | 553

8 Select the highlighted line.
A panel between the 2 lines is created.
A ruled curtain system does not have all the properties of a curtain wall.
10 Select the panel, and click .

Notice there are very few properties for the ruled curtain system.
11 Click OK.
Next, you subdivide the ruled curtain system using curtain grids.
NOTE The next few steps are intended as a guide to finish the system, but now that you have created
a ruled curtain system, you can vary the steps to style the system the way you want.

13 Using the midpoint curtain grid snaps, place horizontal grids that divide the panel into halves,
quarters, and then eighths.
This is similar to placing the grids on the curved curtain system.
14 Place vertical grids that snap to the midpoints on the panel and divide the panel into halves,
quarters, and then eighths.
Finally, you replace some of the glazed panels in front of the ceilings with solid panels.
15 Highlight a top level glazed panel, right-click, and click Select Panels ➤ Along Grid 2.
16 In the Type Selector, select System Panel : Solid.
17 Change the THIRD FLOOR level panels to solid.
18 Save the file.

This completes the exercise for creating a ruled curtain system, and the lesson on creating additional curtain
systems. In this lesson you learned to create a sloped glazing system, embed a curtain system inside another
wall, and define a ruled curtain system.
Curtain System by Lines | 555

556
Roofs
15
In this tutorial, you learn how to create different types of roofs in Revit Architecture 2009. In addition, you learn how to
add fascia, gutters, and soffits to the roofs that you create.
Creating Roofs
In this lesson, you learn to create several different types of roofs, including hip, gable, shed, mansard, and
low sloped roofs. In this lesson, you create roofs from footprints and by extrusion.
Creating an Extruded Roof

In this exercise, you create an extruded roof over a breezeway between a house and a garage.
You create the roof by sketching the top roof profile and extruding it over the length of the breezeway.
Before you can sketch the roof profile, you need to select a work plane to use as a sketching guide. You do
not need to create the work plane; a work plane named Breezeway exists for the purpose of this exercise.
Training File
■ In the left pane of the Open dialog, click Training Files, and open Metric\m_Roofs.rvt.
557
2 On the Basics tab of the Design Bar, click Roof ➤ Roof by Extrusion.
3 In the Work Plane dialog, select Name, and then select Reference Plane : Breezeway.
4 Click OK.
5 In the Go To View dialog, verify that Section: Section1 is selected, and then click Open View to
select a section view parallel to the work plane in which to sketch the roof.
6 In the Roof Reference Level and Offset dialog, verify Level 3 is selected for Level, and click OK.
The section view is automatically cropped around the area where you want to sketch the roof.
Before you can sketch the profile of the roof, you need to define four reference planes to help
determine key points on the profile sketch.
7 On the Sketch tab of the Design Bar, click Ref Plane.

8 Sketch the first reference plane 450 mm to the left of the left exterior breezeway wall face.
TIP Instead of trying to place the reference plane in its exact location initially, you can place it in the
general location and then zoom in and use temporary dimensions. This helps ensure that the plane
is measured from the face of the wall rather than from the wall centerline. To change where the

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Revit Architecture 2009

240A1-050000-PM04A April 2008

Third Party Software Program Credits

Chapter 2 Express Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Developing Your Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Chapter 3 Creating a Building Information Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Documenting Your Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Chapter 4 Adding Views and Sheets to a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Chapter 5 Tagging and Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Chapter 6 Annotating and Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

Chapter 7 Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

Chapter 8 Finishing the Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

Chapter 9 Using Dependent Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371

Viewing and Rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389

Chapter 10 Rendering Views and Creating Walkthroughs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

Chapter 11 Creating Solar Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

Chapter 12 Presentation Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457

Importing and Exporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505

Chapter 13 Importing SketchUp Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507

Using Advanced Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 523

Chapter 14 Curtain Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525

Chapter 15 Roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557

Chapter 16 Area Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 593

Chapter 17 Massing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603

Chapter 18 Grouping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653

Chapter 19 Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 677

Chapter 20 Sharing Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 717

Chapter 21 Creating Multiple Design Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 739

Chapter 22 Project Phasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 761

Chapter 23 Linking Building Models and Sharing Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 771

Customizing Project Settings and Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801

Chapter 24 Modifying Project and System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 803

■ how Revit Architecture works.

Using the Tutorials

Accessing Training Files

Where are the training files located?

Training files, by default, are located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application

What is a training file?

Open a training file

1 Click File menu ➤ Open.

6 Complete the information in the Save As dialog:

■ For File name, enter the new file name.

Create a project from a template

8 In the New Project dialog, under Create new, select Project.

Accessing Training Files | 5

12 Select DefaultMetric.rte, and click Open.

Understanding the Basics

What is Revit Architecture 2009?

What is meant by parametric?

How does Revit Architecture 2009 keep things updated?

A fundamental characteristic of a building information modelling application is the ability to coordinate

Element behavior in a parametric modeler

In projects, Revit Architecture uses 3 types of elements:

There are 2 types of model elements:

There are 2 types of view-specific elements:

Understanding the Basics | 7

Understanding Revit Architecture 2009 terms

■ System families can be transferred between projects.