Knowledgebase
This collection of articles is designed to be an evolving list.
More information will be added over time, and your comments
or questions are welcome. Please feel free to contribute.
Stair Creation
Stairs can be created with a landing at the top or bottom if you turn off the appropriate type parameter. To do so, uncheck 'Begin with Riser' and/or 'End with Riser' type parameters.Skill Indicative skill level:...
Read more...
20.03.2009
Complex Stairs
Don't waste too much time trying to get your stairs looking perfect. Unless it's a simple stair, it likely never will.Skill Indicative skill level: Basic/Intermediate/AdvancedIntermediate
Read more...
20.03.2009
Scheduling non-modelled objects
You can schedule items without them having to be modelled. For example the number of seats within an area could be expressed as area/area per seat. Consider this carefully before rushing into more modelling next time.
Read more...
18.03.2009
Wall loc line
Get to grips with the wall loc line parameter early. Draw the wall in it's correct position first go.Skill Indicative skill level: Basic/Intermediate/AdvancedIntermediate
Read more...
18.03.2009
Column placement
Use Structural Columns in preference to Architectural Columns, particularly where you require to place them at grid intersections (Hint: Check the Options Bar).Skill Indicative skill level:...
Read more...
18.03.2009
External walls
External walls should be full height where possible - not duplicated on each successive level.
Read more...
18.03.2009
Boundary Lines
When you get a message about 'more than one set of boundary lines', it usually means what it says, OR, it makes reference to the boundary lines needing to extend past risers (usually by one tread). There is no substitute for...
Read more...
18.03.2009
How to stop an element from moving
The best method of preventing an element from moving is to lock the element with the pushpin method. This simply fixes its position, rather than adding another constraint to the model.Skill Indicative skill level:...
Read more...
18.03.2009
Scheduling Area and Volume of Mass Objects
Ensure you have a schedule in your template to measure floor area and volume of mass objects. You can quickly establish if your overall project is within an acceptable tolerance of the project brief or cost plan.
Read more...
18.03.2009
Troublesome wall intersections
You won’t always end up satisfied with the way walls intersect in plan. Don’t waste time – use a masking region as a last resort and move on.Skill Indicative skill level: Basic/Intermediate/AdvancedIntermediate
Read more...
18.03.2009
Choose method of Repeating Units carefully
There are a number of ways to duplicate objects. On each occasion, consider your approach. You may be best served by using a Group vs. Family or a Linked File. You might be better off Arraying something instead of copying it. ...
Read more...
18.03.2009
Know when to stop wasting time and move on
You won’t always end up satisfied with the way walls intersect in plan. Don’t waste time – use a masking region and move on.Skill Indicative skill level: Basic/Intermediate/AdvancedBeginner
Read more...
18.03.2009
Other uses for sketch menu
The sketch menu is also used when editing/creating cut profiles, wall profiles, site subregions, split site surfaces, and general modelling (solids/voids).
Read more...
18.03.2009
Families vs. project overhead
Although it would be fair to say that two-dimensional components are less demanding on Revit, three-dimensional components are not something you should avoid simply to save on project overheads.Specifically relating to...
Read more...
18.03.2009
Using Parameters on Void Objects
Don’t forget you can use parameter-driven voids to drive geometry.
Read more...
18.03.2009
Learn to master Solid and Void forms
The better you can get at creating solid and void forms, the better you'll fare when massing objects. You'll also begin a deeper understanding of the way Revit works.
Read more...
18.03.2009
Parameters drive Reference Planes which drive the Geometry
Reference planes should be created first prior to creating model geometry. Test (flex) the family (using the Family Types dialog) until it behaves as desired. THEN add geometry. Dimensions and labels (geometry-driving...
Read more...
18.03.2009
Locking Linework
You generally don't need to lock linework when drawing linework over reference planes. Only constrain (lock) such objects if you find that it is necessary in order to get the geometry to behave.
Read more...
18.03.2009
Defaults for Control (flip) arrows
Control (flip) arrows should reside on the external side of an object (eg. wall, curtain wall, window).Skill Indicative skill level: Basic/Intermediate/AdvancedBeginner
Read more...
18.03.2009
Controlling Object Visibility
You can hide entire categories of objects from a view by selecting the object and using the VH shortcut. You can temporarily hide categories of objects by selecting an example and using the HH shortcut.From Revit Architecture...
Read more...
18.03.2009
Potent Web Design