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.
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
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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. ...
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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
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18.03.2009
Make the most of cosmetic tools
Don’t underestimate the value of cosmetic editing tools like Paint, Split Face and Edit Cut Profile.Skill Indicative skill level: Basic/Intermediate/Advanced Beginner
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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).
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18.03.2009
Use the Pick tool
Get in the habit of using the PICK tool (on the Options Bar), rather than drawing all your linework on every occasion.
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18.03.2009
Re-using Sketch menu
Any object that is created via a sketch menu can be edited again (Hint: Options Bar or right-click menu).
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18.03.2009
Learn to Offset
Learn to use the offset tool when drawing linework (hint: use the space bar to adjust the direction of your objects while they're in progress).
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18.03.2009
Materials vs. Textures
Material definitions are not the same as texture definitions. A texture is a property of a material.
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18.03.2009
Applying materials to objects
The most efficient way to apply materials is by category. Use the Object Styles dialog to do this. Make maximum use of ‘default …’ materials, as these may change from project to project.
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18.03.2009
Don't dismiss the Save Reminders
Don’t dismiss the save reminders (local or central). Develop the habit of saving each time.
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18.03.2009
Purging Files
When you purge, do so carefully. Uncheck all items before proceeding (as they are all selected by default).
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18.03.2009
Build your Resource List beyond the Help File
The Revit Help file is not yet great, so learn to be resourceful beyond this.
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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...
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18.03.2009
Using Parameters on Void Objects
Don’t forget you can use parameter-driven voids to drive geometry.
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18.03.2009
Metric Door Family Template
Don’t use the Revit metric door template to create your doors. Modify that template first to exclude the frame as the door width.
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18.03.2009
Reference Planes within Profile Families
Set the origin-defining reference planes within profile families (they are not necessarily defined as such within the family template).
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18.03.2009
Nested Families as Parameters
A nested family can be controlled by a parameter. (Hint: create an empty version and call it NONE to permit a ‘NONE’ option from the host family).
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18.03.2009
Object Style Subcategories
When requiring additional Object Style subcategories, create them judiciously and above all, be consistent so as to avoid erroneous duplications.
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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.
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18.03.2009
