A.

User Interface

1 File Tab

2 Quick Access Toolbar

3 InfoCenter

4 Options Bar
 5 Type Selector

6 Properties Palette

7 Project Browser

8 Status Bar

9 View Control Bar

10 Drawing Area

11 Ribbon

12 Tabs on the ribbon

13 A contextual tab on the ribbon, providing tools relevant to the selected object or
current action

14 Tools on the current tab of the ribbon

15 Panels on the ribbon

Topics in this section

 Ribbon
The ribbon displays when you create or open a file. It provides all the tools necessary to create a
project or family.
 File Tab
The File tab provides access to common file actions, such as New, Open, and Save. It also
allows you to manage files using more advanced tools, such as Export and Publish.
 Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access toolbar contains a set of default tools. You can customize this toolbar to
display the tools that you use most often.
 Tooltips
Tooltips provide information about a tool in the user interface or an item in the drawing area, or
instructions on what to do next when using a tool.
 Keytips
Keytips provide a way to access the application menu, the Quick Access toolbar, and the ribbon
using the keyboard.
 Project Browser
The Project Browser shows a logical hierarchy for all views, schedules, sheets, groups, and
 other parts of the current project. As you expand and collapse each branch, lower-level items
display.
 Drawing Area
The drawing area displays views (and sheets and schedules) of the current project. Each time
you open a view in a project, the view displays in the drawing area on top of other open views.
 Selecting Elements
Many of the controls and tools that you use to modify an element in the drawing area are only
available when an element is selected.
 Status Bar
The status bar provides tips or hints on what to do. When you highlight an element or
component, the status bar displays the name of the family and type.
 Options Bar
The Options Bar is located below the ribbon. It displays conditional tools dependent on the
current tool or selected element.
 Type Selector
The Type Selector identifies the currently selected family type and provides a drop-down from
which you can select a different type.
 Properties Palette
The Properties palette is a modeless dialog where you can view and modify the parameters that
define the properties of elements.
 View Control Bar
The View Control Bar provides quick access to functions that affect the current view.
 Controls and Shape Handles
When you select an element, various controls and handles appear on or near the element. Use
these controls to move the element or modify its size or shape.
 Search
Enter keywords in the Search field to quickly find the content you need in a long list of options.
 Dockable Windows
Dockable windows can be moved and resized, and either floated or docked to a location.
 Recent Files
Recent Files lists the models and families that you opened most recently. Click a recent model
or family to open it, or use one of the buttons to perform another action.
 InfoCenter
InfoCenter provides a set of tools that enable you to access many product-related information
sources.
 Background Processes
Revit uses background processes to carry out performance intensive tasks so you can continue
working in the model.
 Online Help
Display the online documentation and other resources to assist you in your design.

Related Concepts
 Organizing the Project Browser
 Troubleshooting: Cannot Find a Tool or Feature

Related Tasks
 Use Revit in Other Languages

Related Information
 Options
 Project Settings
 Keyboard Shortcuts
 Customize Revit

B.) Revit Parametric

Introduction
The basics include creating a parametric framework, adding solid geometry, and
creating family types.

Several Steps are needed to create a component family, as follows;

Revit families can be parametric (i.e., controlled by parameters). These parameters are
the framework for creating family elements. They are based on reference planes that
are dimensioned and labelled.

 Revit Structure

The term parametric refers to the relationships among all elements of the model that
enable the coordination and change management that Revit 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: change anything at any time anywhere in the project, and Revit
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.
 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.
 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.

 Rebar is spaced equally across a given element. If the length of the element is
changed, the relationship of equal spacing is maintained. In this case, the parameter
is not a number but a proportional characteristic.
C.) Revit Terms
Most of the terms used to identify objects in Revit are common, industry-standard terms. However,
some terms are unique to Revit. Understanding the following terms is crucial to understanding the
software.

Project

In Revit, 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 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.

Levels in Revit Architecture

The following image shows a Level 2 work plane cutting through the 3D view, and the corresponding
floor plan next to it.
Levels in Revit Structure
Levels in Revit MEP

Element

When creating a project, you add parametric building elements to the design. Revit 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.

Examples
 Categories of model elements: walls, beams

 Categories of model elements: walls, beams

 Categories of model elements: mechanical equipment, air terminals

 Categories of annotation elements: tags, 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.

Examples

 Six-panel colonial doors could be considered one family, although the doors that compose the
family come in different sizes and materials.

 A truss could be considered one family, although the web supports that compose the family
come in different sizes and materials.

 A lighting fixture could be considered one family, although the pendant lights that compose the
family come in different sizes and materials.

Revit uses the following kinds of families:

 Loadable 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 are not available for loading or creating as separate files.
o Revit predefines the set of properties and the graphical representation of system families.
o You can use the predefined types to generate new types that belong to this family within the
project. For example, the behavior of a level is predefined in the system. However, you can
create different types of levels with different compositions.
o System families can be transferred between projects.

Examples
 o Walls, dimensions, ceilings, roofs, floors, and levels

o Slabs, dimensions, roofs, and levels

o Ducts, pipes, and wires

 In-place families define custom elements that you create in the context of a project. Create an
in-place element when your project needs unique geometry that you do not expect to reuse or
geometry that must maintain one or more relationships to other project geometry.

Because in-place elements are intended for limited use in a project, each in-place family
contains only a single type. You can create multiple in-place families in your projects, and you
can place copies of the same in-place element in your projects. Unlike system and standard
component families, you cannot duplicate in-place family types to create multiple types.

Type

Each family can have several types. A type can be a specific size of a family, such as a 30” X 42” or
A0 title block. 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).

D.) Revit Project

Use project templates as a starting point for new models. Use the default templates, or
define custom templates to enforce office standards.

A project template can include view templates, loaded families, defined settings (such
as units, fill patterns, line styles, line weights, view scales, and more), and geometry, if
desired.

Project templates use the file extension RTE.

As installed, Revit provides several templates for different disciplines and types of
building projects. The templates are stored in the following location:
 %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Autodesk\RVT 2019\Templates

You can also create custom templates to address specific needs or to ensure
adherence to office standards.

When creating a model, select the template that best reflects your discipline and intent.
The list of templates is available on the New Project dialog. The list includes the Revit
default templates and your custom templates.

Topics in this section

 Create a Project Template
You can create a custom project template using several methods.
 Add Project Templates to the List
After creating a project template, you can add it to the list that displays on the New
Project dialog. Then when creating a model, you can select a template from the list.
 Project Template Settings
Define project template settings to maintain consistency throughout projects.
 Best Practices: Project Templates
Project templates provide a starting environment and standards for new models.
Consider these recommendations and guidelines when creating custom project
templates.

E.) Revit Level

In addition to creating a level for each story in a building, you can also create reference
levels, such as sill level.

1. Open the section or elevation view to add levels to.

2. On the ribbon, click (Level).
 Architecture tab Datum panel (Level)
 Structure tab Datum panel (Level)
3. Place the cursor in the drawing area and click.
Note: As you place the cursor to create a level, if the cursor aligns to an existing
level line, a temporary vertical dimension displays between the cursor and that level
line.
4. Draw level lines by moving the cursor horizontally.

On the Options Bar, Make Plan View is selected by default. As a result, each level
you create is a story level and has an associated floor plan view and a reflected
ceiling plan view. If you click Plan View Types on the Options Bar, you can choose
to create only the view types that you specify in the Plan View Types dialog. If you
clear Make Plan View, the level is considered to be a non-story level or a reference
level; no associated plan view is created. Walls and other level-based elements can
use reference levels as their top or base constraint.

As you draw level lines, the heads and tails of the lines can align to one another.
When you select a level line that is aligned with others, a lock appears to show the
alignment. If you move the level line horizontally, all aligned level lines move with it.

5. Click when the level line is the correct length.

You can change the name of the level by clicking the number to select it. You can
also change the height of the level by clicking the dimension.
 Revit assigns the label (for example, Level 1) and the level symbol to the new
level. Use the Project Browser to rename the level, if desired. If you rename the
level, you are asked if you would like to re-name the associated floor plan and the
reflected ceiling plan as well.

Parent topic: Levels

F.) Revit Element

Revit uses 3 types of elements in projects: model elements, datum elements, and view-
specific elements. Elements in Revit are also referred to as families. The family contains
the geometric definition of the element and the parameters used by the element. Each
instance of an element is defined and controlled by the family.

Model elements represent the actual 3D geometry of the building. They display in
relevant views of the model.

Examples:

 Walls, windows, doors, and roofs

 Structural walls, slabs, and ramps
 Sinks, boilers, ducts, sprinklers, and electrical panels
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 are view-specific
elements.

Elements for Revit

There are 2 types of model elements:

Hosts (or host elements) are generally built in place at the construction site.
Examples:

 Walls and ceilings

 Structural walls and roofs

Model components are all the other types of elements in the building model.

Examples:

 Windows, doors, and cabinets

 Beams, braces, and structural columns
 Sinks, boilers, ducts, sprinklers, and electrical panels

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 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.

In Revit, 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.

G.) Revit Family Category and Parameters

The Family Category and Parameters tool assigns the properties of a predefined family
category to the component you are creating. The tool is only available within the Family
Editor.
Family parameters define behaviors or Identity Data that apply across all types in that
family. Different categories have different family parameters based on how Revit
expects the component to be used. Some common examples of family parameters that
control how the family behaves include:
 Always vertical: When selected, the family always appears vertical at 90 degrees,
even if it is on a sloping host, such as a floor.
 Work Plane-Based: When selected, the family is hosted by the active work plane.
You can make any non-hosted family a work plane-based family.
 Shared: This parameter is only relevant when the family is nested into another family
and loaded into a project. If the nested family is shared, you can select, tag, and
schedule the nested family separately from the host family. If the nested family is not
shared, then components created by the host family and nested family act as a
single unit.
 Identify Data parameters include Omniclass Number and Omniclass Title which are
based on the Omniclass Table 23 product classification.

To specify family parameters:

1. In the Family Editor, click Create tab (or Modify tab) Properties panel (Family
Category and Parameters).
2. From the dialog, select a family category whose properties you want to import into
the current family.
3. Specify the family parameters.
Note: Family parameter options vary depending on family category.
4. Click OK.

F.) Different Kinds of Families

The 3 kinds of families in Revit are: system families, loadable families, and in-place
families.

Most elements that you create in your projects are system families or loadable families.
Loadable families can be combined to create nested and shared families. Non-standard
or custom elements are created using in-place families.

System Families

System families create basic elements that you would assemble on a construction site.
 Examples:

 Walls, roofs, floors

 Ducts, pipes

System settings, which affect the project environment and include types for levels, grids,
drawing sheets, and viewports, are also system families.

System families are predefined in Revit. You do not load them into your projects from
external files, nor do you save them in locations external to the project.

Loadable Families

Loadable families are families used to create the following:

 Building components that would usually be purchased, delivered, and installed in

and around a building, such as windows, doors, casework, fixtures, furniture, and
planting
 System components that would usually be purchased, delivered, and installed in and
around a building, such as boilers, water heaters, air handlers, and plumbing fixtures
 Some annotation elements that are routinely customized, such as symbols and title
blocks

Because of their highly customizable nature, loadable families are the families that you
most commonly create and modify in Revit. Unlike system families, loadable families
are created in external RFA files and imported, or loaded, in your projects. For loadable
families that contain many types, you can create and use type catalogs, which allow you
load only the types that you need for a project.

In-Place Families

In-place elements are unique elements that you create when you need to create a
unique component that is specific to the current project. You can create in-place
geometry so that it references other project geometry, resizing or adjusting accordingly
if the referenced geometry changes. When you create an in-place element, Revit
creates a family for the in-place element, which contains a single family type.

Creating an in-place element involves many of the same Family Editor tools as creating
a loadable family.
G.) Revit Element Properties
Each element you place in a drawing is an instance of a family type. Elements have 2
sets of properties that control their appearance and behavior: type properties and
instance properties.

Type Properties

The same set of type properties is common to all elements in a family, and each
property has the same value for all instances of a particular family type.

For example, all elements that belong to the Desk family have a Width property, but its
value varies according to family type. Thus every instance of the 60 x 30-inch family
type (1525 x 762 mm) within the Desk family has a Width value of 60 inches (1525 mm),
while every instance of the 72 x 36-inch family type (1830 x 915 mm) has a Width value
of 72 inches (1830 mm).

Changing the value of a type property affects all current and future instances of that
family type.

Instance Properties

A common set of instance properties also applies to all elements that belong to a
particular family type, but the values of these properties may vary according to the
location of an element in a building or project.

For example, the dimensions of a window are type properties, while its elevation from
the level is an instance property. Similarly, cross-sectional dimensions of a beam are
type properties, while beam length is an instance property.

Changing the value of an instance property affects only the elements in your selection
set, or the element that you are about to place. For example, if you select a beam, and
change one of its instance property values on the Properties palette, only that beam is
affected. If you select a tool for placing beams, and change one of its instance property
values, the new value applies to all beams you place with that tool.
H.) Revit Advanced Workflows
Use these workflows to perform complex tasks.

To locate additional workflows, search for Workflows.

Topics in this section

 Workflow: Collaborating in 2D
You can incorporate existing CAD files into a Revit model.

 You can incorporate existing CAD files into a Revit model.

 Use CAD files for reference, 2D drafting views, or to help generate 3D geometry
in Revit. Export to CAD formats for archiving or collaboration with team members
working with 2D applications.


Import CAD

Learn about Use 2D CAD files Control the way Bring CAD files
importing 2D CAD in drafting views CAD files are into the Revit
files as reference for documentation imported into model.
or as purposes. You can Revit.
Import a CAD File
documentation in link callouts in the
Import and Link
the Revit model. Revit model to the
Options
drafting views.
Importing CAD
Files Import a Drafting
View From
Another CAD
Program


Use CAD Files

Manage Use coordinates Send coordinates Hide layers in a

coordinate from a CAD file for of the Revit model linked or imported
systems between positioning in the to a 2D CAD file 2D file.
Revit files and 2D Revit model. for positioning
Hide Layers in
files so their exports.
Acquire CAD Files
geometry aligns
Coordinates Publish
properly.
Coordinates
About Shared
Coordinates

Control how linked

or imported 2D
geometry appears
in a Revit view.

Make View-
Specific Changes
to the Graphic
Display of Layers
 

Export CAD

Revit supports Control which Control the layers Export views of the
several CAD elements are and properties model to 2D files.
formats. Choose exported to the 2D used for 2D
Export to DWG or
the export format file to improve exported files.
DXF
needed for your performance and
Layer Mapping for
workflow. reduce file size.
DWG/DXF Export
Exporting to CAD About Limiting
Formats Model Geometry
Before Exporting

 Workflow: Collaborating for Review

When team members need to review the Revit model, you can use DWF files with
Autodesk Design Review for commenting.

 When team members need to review the Revit model, you can use DWF files
with Autodesk Design Review for commenting.


DWF Import/Export
 To share the model with
team members who
need to review the
project, export to 2D or
3D DWF files.
Export to DWF
Install Autodesk Design Link DWF files with
Review to review and markups back into Revit
comment on DWF files. for review.
Download Design Link DWF Markups
Review

 Parent topic: Advanced Workflows

 Workflow: Collaborating with Revit Models

Revit provides several different ways to collaborate with team members who are
also using the software.

Revit provides several different ways to collaborate with team members who are also
using the software.

 You can link multiple Revit models together, allowing team members to work in
context.
 Through worksharing, users on the same local area network (LAN) can work
together in the same Revit model.
 When collaboration needs to occur among users who are not in the same
geographic location, use Revit Server or Collaboration for Revit.
o Revit Server connects offices who share a network but are not in the same
geographic location.
o Collaboration for Revit is a cloud-based service that allows any Revit users inside
or outside a network to collaborate on a Revit model.
Linking Revit Models

Bring multiple Coordinate Use coordinates Send coordinates

Revit models systems between from another Revit of one Revit model
together to create Revit models can model for to other Revit
a complete be reconciled to positioning. models for correct
building model. align their positioning.
Acquire
geometry.
Link One Model to Coordinates Publish
Another About Shared Coordinates
Coordinates

Control the way Use a linked model Copy linked When using
linked model to place elements elements into your Copy/Monitor with
geometry appears in your model and model. linked models,
in views. track any changes follow these best
Copy/Monitor
to element practices
Visibility of Linked geometry or
Models Best Practices:
positioning.
Copy/Monitor
 Workflow:
Copy/Monitor for
Linked Models

Understand when Use interference

elements from a checking in models
linked model to understand
change and how it where conflicts
affects your model. occur.

Review Warnings Interference

for Monitored Checking
Elements

Local Worksharing

Use worksharing Set up a model for Consider how Learn how to work
on a project in an worksharing. team members will on a team with a
office so that work on the model. workshared model.
multiple team Then decide how
members can to use worksets to
collaborate on one Workflow: Setting manage each part Workflow: Working
model. Up a Workshared of the model and on a Team Project
Project to coordinate the
About Worksharing work of team
members.

About Planning
Worksets

Create a local After you have Understand how to

copy of the made changes to work with a
workshared model the local model, worksharing-
so you can do synchronize your enabled model
work. them to a central when you are not
model so team connected to the
Create a Local members can see network.
Copy of a Central your changes.
Model Work Offsite and
Synchronize with Offline
the Central Model

Revit Server
When offices are Learn the basics Central models on Use Revit Server
in 2 different of Revit Server. Revit Server are Administrator to
geographic managed in a understand the
Video: Revit
locations, consider different way than activity in your
Server - What it
switching to file-based central models and
Does and How it
server-based worksharing. to optimize their
Works
worksharing using performance.
About Revit Server
Revit Server.
Video: Revit Server
File-based Administrator
Worksharing
Versus Server-
based
Worksharing

Collaboration for Revit

Follow these steps Use Collaboration Connect with other Check the status
to set up a Revit for Revit to edit team members and manage your
model on a cloud models, and use using models.
 project and invite Communicator to Communicator for Manage Revit
others to share your Revit. Models in the
collaborate. changes with the Cloud
Use
project team.
Workflow: Get Communicator for
Started with Workflow: Use Revit
Collaboration for Collaboration for
Revit Revit and
Communicator

Parent topic: Advanced Workflows

 Workflow: Collaborating for Construction

You can use Navisworks, BIM 360 Glue, and BIM 360 Field to collaborate with your
team during the construction process.

You can use Navisworks, BIM 360 Glue, and BIM 360 Field to collaborate with your
team during the construction process.

Use Navisworks to combine models and files into one building information model.
Perform interference checking, construction simulations/scheduling, and quantification
on the building information model.

When on-site, use BIM 360 Glue to review the project and create or share markups for
review by the extended team. BIM 360 Field allows you to track issues during the
construction process and share information about installation with the Revit model.

Navisworks
Install this utility to You can open a Use the Clash Use Switchback to
allow Revit to Revit model Detective tool to quickly locate an
export NWC files. directly in find clashes in the element selected
Navisworks. model geometry. in a Navisworks
Navisworks uses model in the
the Revit file corresponding
reader settings Revit model.
when opening the
file.

Use the Use the Timeliner

information in the tool to produce a
combined schedule and
Navisworks model simulate the
to generate a building process
quantity takeoff that will be used
and cost estimates for a project.
for the project.
BIM 360 Glue

Access your BIM Understand the Upload Revit Find clashes while
360 Glue models steps involved in models to BIM 360 working in the
using a mobile collaborating and Glue. field.
device. sharing models on
Video: Uploading Video: Finding and
BIM 360 Glue.
Video: Using the Models Managing Clashes
BIM Glue Mobile Workflow:
Application Collaboration and
Coordination

Create markups
for review and
share them with
other team
members.

Video: Creating
and Sharing
Markups
BIM 360 Field

Use a project Track progress on- Create issues for Synchronize

snapshot to bring site with tasks and the extended information from
together all reports checklists. project team field reports back
and track overall during the to the Revit model
To Create a Task
issues and construction for as-built
progress. administration of a documentation.
project.
About Project To Sync Field
Snapshots To Create Issues Equipment
Properties with
Revit Models

Use BIM 360 Glue

models in field to
make reporting
and logging issues
easier.

About BIM 360

Model Integration
 Workflow: Using Revit and Navisworks
Use interoperability workflows between Revit and Navisworks to see your design in
the context of other models and to check for conflicts.

 Use interoperability workflows between Revit and Navisworks to see your design
in the context of other models and to check for conflicts.

 Coordination Models

 You can open a Navisworks coordination model directly in Revit to coordinate

your design with the work of teams who use different software.

Open a Navisworks Coordination Model in Revit

Learn about the Link a coordination After linking a Reload the

process of linking model from coordination model coordination model
and using a Navisworks and into Revit, use the as needed to see
coordination model use it as a Visibility/Graphics the latest changes,
in a Revit model. reference for the dialog to define its or unload it to
Revit model, visibility and temporarily
Video: Use providing context transparency. remove it from
Coordination
for the design. Revit.
Models

 Navisworks Export Utility

 As an alternative to using a coordination model in Revit, you can use a utility to

export Revit models for use in Navisworks. Install the utility as a stand-alone
exporter, or install it during the Navisworks installation.
 

Utility Install

Install this utility to allow Tools and utilities are

Revit to export NWC files. installed from a Navisworks
installation.
Install the NWC Export
Utility Navisworks Installation

 Prepare a Revit Model for Export

 Before exporting a Revit model, optimize it for use in Navisworks. Prepare Revit
views specifically for exporting the needed elements. Set export options to
control how the Revit model is read at the time of export.

Views
Create a custom 3D Control which elements Learn how to use visibility
view for exporting the are visible in the view and graphics options to
model to Navisworks. for export to control the display of
Navisworks. elements in a view.

Essential Skill Video:

Visibility and Graphics

Project Management

After creating a Learn how to use Before Use shared

custom 3D view for view templates to exporting the positioning to
exporting the apply settings to model to establish a
model to views. Navisworks, common point for
Navisworks, use purge unused all exported
Video: Using View
the view to create objects. models so they
Templates
a view template. align with each
other when
The template can exported to or
be applied to views opened in
later in the project Navisworks.
when additional
exporting is
required.
  Export a Model from Revit

 Navisworks can work with models from Revit in 2 ways: opening a native NWC
file exported from Revit, or opening a Revit model directly.

 Export a Revit Model to NWC

Use settings in the Revit

File Reader to control the
contents of the NWC file
exported from a Revit
model.

Open a Revit Model in Navisworks

You can open a Revit model

directly in Navisworks.
Navisworks uses the Revit
file reader settings when
opening the file.
 Navisworks Options Editor

Additional settings for

Navisworks are controlled in
the Options Editor dialog.

Use Models in Navisworks

View and coordinate multiple files in Navisworks. You can also perform simulations,
quantification, or clash detection.

Navisworks Tools

Navigate within the Select elements in Examine the Use the Clash
Navisworks model. the Navisworks properties of Detective tool to
model. selected find clashes in the
elements. model geometry.
 Learn how to use
Navisworks Manage
to detect clashes in
aggregated models.

Video: Clash
Detection Using
Navisworks Manage

Coordinate with Revit

Use Switchback to quickly

locate an element selected
in a Navisworks model in
the corresponding Revit
model.

 Workflow: Creating Loadable Families

To create a custom element for use in one or more models, create a loadable family.
  To create a custom element for use in one or more models, create a loadable
family.

 Elements in Revit are also referred to as families. The family contains the
geometric definition of the element and the parameters used by the element.
Each instance of an element is defined and controlled by the family. Loadable
families are created in external RFA files and imported, or loaded, in your
projects.

 Plan the Family and Perform Preliminary Work

 Before creating a loadable family, you must plan and make decisions about the
way a family is going to behave in the model. Planning behaviors and listing the
information needed for the family will help you make decisions as you create the
family in the Family Editor.

Plan

Understand the Understand the Plan the geometry, Learn about family
workflow used tools and the detail level, templates and how
when creating a terminology used parameters, and they affect the
family. in the Family behaviors needed behavior of the
Editor. for the family. family in model
Workflow: files.
Loadable Families About the Family Plan a Loadable
Editor Family Video: About
Family Templates
 

Begin Work on the Family

Choose a template The origin of a Sketch more Define priorities for

(RFT) that family defines the reference planes each reference
matches the needs position of the to establish a plane to affect
of the new family. geometry when it framework for the family behavior in
is loaded into a family. the model and how
Create a Family model. Define the the family can be
from a Template Lay Out Reference
family origin at the dimensioned.
Planes
intersection of
Define Priorities for
major reference
Reference Planes
planes.

Define the Family

Origin

 Create Geometry and Parameters

 Create geometry and parameters in the family. As you create parametric

geometry, test and flex the family to eliminate constraint errors. When you test
frequently, it's easier to correct errors discovered during family authoring.

Create and Constrain Geometry

Create a 3D shape Create a 3D shape Create a 3D shape Create a 3D shape
by extruding a 2D that changes along by sweeping a 2D by sweeping a 2D
profile. its length, blending profile around an profile along a
from a starting axis. path.
Video: Create an shape to an ending
Extrusion Video: Create a Video: Create a
shape.
Revolve Sweep
Video: Create a
Blend

Create a swept Use void forms to Apply constraints Learn how

blend by defining 2 cut the geometry to boundaries or automatic
profiles and of other 3D forms faces of 3D forms dimensions and
blending them in the family. to control the constraints are
together along a geometry with applied to preserve
Video: Cut
path. parameters. the design intent of
Geometry the family.
Video: Create a Constrain Family
Swept Blend Geometry About Automatic
Sketch
Dimensions
Flex the
parameters and
constraints to
ensure the
parametric family
geometry behaves
as intended.

Test the Family

Define and Use Parameters

Use parameters to Apply a parameter Use instance Use formulas to

track information to a dimension in parameters to create
associated with the family to store information relationships
the family and to control family about each between
control family geometry. instance of the parameters in a
geometry. family placed in family, to calculate
the project. values, and to
 Create Family Label Dimensions Create Instance control family
Parameters to Create Parameters geometry.
Parameters
Use Formulas in
the Family Editor

Family types hold

preset values for
parameters in the
family. Create
multiple types for
use when loading
the family into the
model.

Create Family
Types

Advanced Family Techniques

Using advanced family techniques, you can nest geometry and build relationships
between family parameters. You can also add parameters or sub-categories to control
the visibility of family geometry.

Nested Families
Learn how you can Create a nested To control the Create families
use nested family by creating scheduling and that feature
families to bring or opening a host tagging behavior of interchangeable
multiple families family, and loading a nested family components.
together and use instances of other when it's loaded
Create a Nested
them as one families into it. into a project, use
Family with
family. the Shared setting.
Create a Family Interchangeable
About Nesting and with Nested Create a Family Components
Sharing Loadable Components with Nested and
Families Shared
Components

To control
geometry, build
connections from
the parameters of
the host family to
the parameters of
the nested family.
Associate Family
Parameters

Control Visibility

Learn how to control and Use parameters to To control the graphics

set the visibility of the control the visibility of of different parts of the
family geometry in each 3D form in the family geometry in
specific views and at family. project views, assign
different detail levels. family geometry to sub-
Set Family Geometry categories.
About Family Visibility Visibility
and Detail Level Assign Family Geometry
to Subcategories

Other
 Use type catalogs Check The Revit Use reference Understand how to
when you do not Clinic blog for tips lines to control work with units in
want to load more to help you when angular formulas.
than 6 types into a creating families. relationships in
Revit Clinic:
project, but instead families.
Revit Clinic: 10 Inconsistent Units
want to specify
Revit Family Tips Control Angular
only the types
Dimensions with
needed for your
Reference Lines
model.

Create a Type
Catalog

Explore some
examples of
loadable families
to better
understand the
process of family
creation.

Examples of
Loadable Families

MEP Families

Families used for MEP workflows have elements not used for other families. Connectors
allow the families to be used in systems and connected to MEP services in the model.
Connectors

When making Place a connector Adjust the position Link connectors in

MEP families, in a family. and direction of a a family to help
place connectors connector. Correct establish a flow
Place a Connector
in the family to orientation is direction.
allow it to be important so MEP
Link Connectors
connected to families can
different systems. correctly connect
to each other.
About Connectors
in Families Orient a Connector

Position the
primary connector
to dictate
connection
behavior. As you
build the family,
you can move and
swap primary
connectors if
needed.

Select a Primary
Connector

Lighting

Place light source elements

in lighting families to define
the behavior of the light
emitted from the fixture.
Associate IES files to the
light source to further refine
the light emittance
properties.

About the Light Source for a

Lighting Family