A Beginner's Guide To Revit: Everything You Need To Know (2024)

Introduction to Autodesk Revit

What is the software all about?

Revit, by AEC software powerhouse Autodesk, is a BIM software, perhaps one of the most popular of its kind in the AEC industry. Both architects and engineers alike have used Autodesk Revit extensively at all stages of their projects. And truly, Revit’s assets have aided the AEC professionals across all design and construction stages and disciplines.

When, how and why did it emerge?

Revit software originally was not a part of Autodesk which was later acquired in 2002. It was first developed as part of Revit Technology Corporation in 2000 to bring parametric modelling into the industry. After the purchase, Autodesk further researched and developed the software into the Revit we know today. From then on, 3D modelling in Revit allows embedding both geometric and non-geometric information in the model.

Viewports in Revit (Source: https://www.autodesk.com/)

Software overview

With Revit, both parametric and direct (or non-parametric) modelling are possible, giving architects the ability to create unlimited design iterations while establishing efficient design and construction workflows in BIM.

Revit as the prime BIM software today

Autodesk Revit has gone through several iterations and upgrades over the decade to be more inclusive with different disciplines in the industry. All the concerted efforts have paid off as it is now the prime BIM software in the industry used by architects, engineers and contractors. The functions of Revit offer productivity from the very first stage of the design until the operations after construction.

Revit vs BIM

It is a common misconception that Revit is BIM and vice versa. Let us reiterate again that this is absolutely wrong! BIM is a methodology that covers many AEC industrial workflows including designing and documenting. And Revit is one of the software that allows such workflows to happen. In simple terms, Revit is one of the BIM software.

Revit vs CAD

To explain the relation between the two, you should first understand the difference between BIM and CAD. BIM stands for Building information modelling - you create building models with information embedded in them. Meanwhile, CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design which allows you to create 2D and 3D drawings and models. Revit, as a BIM software, allows creating models that are beyond 3D and have valuable data attributes crucial to a project workflow.

Key Features, Benefits & Capabilities of Revit

Key themes of Revit (Source: https://www.autodesk.com/)

BIM Modelling

Best known for BIM, Revit streamlines workflows to create BIM models that are rich in data in a singular and centralised file. It allows all project stakeholders to contribute and make informed decisions. As the model is created with BIM methodology, any modification to it will get reflected in all related parts, components and views. Whether it is parametric or non-parametric, they will still be BIM models regardless.

Designing & Collaborating

It is unacceptable to not include collaboration when we are talking about BIM. No matter what software we use, BIM models contain data meant to be shared and collaborated on. All project information would be established in a single database so that every team member can access and modify their respective data easily. Tools such as BIM 360 are a must-have for collaboration work in Revit.

Beyond Modelling & Collaboration

Throughout the modelling stages, the 3D model may go through analyses to ensure the design is energy-efficient and responsive to user and site conditions. With sustainability in mind, architects can now effectively analyse sustainable elements using Revit, including energy efficiency and heat gain, while also performing facade studies. All the sustainability analysis information can be uploaded to the BIM model to be shared with the project team.

Once the 3D model is complete and the project moves to the next stages, the model will continue to be developed in terms of its embedded data. Not only architects but also contractors and engineers can manage and supervise the project stages both on and off-site, determine cost estimates and scheduling based on this data. We call such classification BIM Dimensions.

Revit for Different Industries

Partial model in Revit (Source: https://www.autodesk.co.uk/)

We can classify Autodesk Revit’s features by different industries - mainly Architecture, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing), Structural and Construction. Despite this classification, all these features come under one software, allowing every professional to work in the same file formats. All AEC professionals, no matter the industry, can utilise this software to produce high-performance buildings and infrastructure.

Revit Architecture

Modelling in Revit is made easy with its vast content libraries and its function to place walls, windows and doors with accuracy. 2D drawings – plans, sections and elevations – can also be generated quickly. What makes it even better? They are accurate, unlike the CAD drawings from Sketchup, as they are generated live from the drawing. Revit Architecture also permits architects to analyse building performance and energy efficiency during the early design stages for an optimised design. Once the design has been finalised and needs to be presented to the client, the software can create photorealistic renderings of the model.

Revit Structure

Structural engineers can detail reinforcement designs and produce shop drawings using Revit. As engineers need to focus more on the details, Revit supports these requirements by design-to-detail workflows. Steel design, detailing and structural analyses necessary in infrastructure projects can easily be provided by the structural engineers.

Revit MEP

Revit MEP was developed to bring MEP engineers into the fold for a complete package for the AEC industry. The functions of architectural modelling in Revit was considered inadequate for MEP engineering and so Revit MEP especially targets electrical, mechanical and plumbing engineering functions together with additional content libraries.

What Professionals is Revit Ideal for?

MEP modelling in Revit (Source: https://www.autodesk.co.uk/)

The efficient interoperability and collaboration provided by Revit assist all AEC professionals with their workflows. For architecture and design professionals –architects, landscape architects and interior designers etc, Revit provides assurance that the later processes can also be handled in the same software. Cost & schedule estimates, prefabrication and visualisations are some benefits Revit can provide for these professionals.

Engineering Professionals

Engineering professionals and project managers nowadays use Revit as one of the main BIM software to design and oversee projects. The nature of their responsibilities, however, means that other software (e.g. Navisworks) might be necessary at some stages. Regardless, Revit offers enough flexibility and capacities to model and document BIM projects (MEP, structural and Civil) of all sizes

Ease of Modelling & Learning in Revit

How easy or tough is it to learn Revit?

Revit, frankly, is not one of the easy software to learn for beginners. Its interface with many ribbons and their functions makes it less intuitive than other modelling software like Sketchup. However, bearing in mind that these tools make the project workflows more efficient, they allow multidisciplinary coordination for streamlined project delivery.

Ease of Modelling, Drafting and Navigation in Revit

When using Revit, one can just focus on creating the 3D model as the 2D drawings are just extracted from it. However, it is a bidirectional relationship; any change in the 2D view can also affect the 3D model. For direct modelling, the process is quite straightforward. On the other hand, for parametric modelling, Revit requires plugins such as Dynamo and Rhino.Inside.Revit.

Many new users find modelling in Revit formidable. Not only are there many functions to comprehend, but one might also need to familiarise with so many buttons. However, it will give a high return on investment value since Revit can efficiently aid in BIM workflows.

How does Revit compare with other popular BIM Software?

Revit vs ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD is known as the first BIM commercial software. It has gone through upgrades and its current functionalities are similar to Revit’s. In fact, it is more popular in some regions than Revit because of its light operating system requirements for streamlined BIM workflows. ArchiCAD creates BIM models that can be used to generate 2D CAD drawings while supporting many file formats – including .dwg and .skp files. From sketches to detailed drawings, ArchiCAD provides features for all design stages.

Revit vs Vectorworks

Vectorworks is similar to Revit wherein architects can use the software for 2D, 3D modelling and BIM. Released by another name from Nemetschek, it comes in four main products – Architect, Landmark, Spotlight and Fundamental – which architects and designers can choose based on their needs. Vectorworks software is made for maximum creativity in and many consider it to be more intuitive and easier to use for modelling than Revit. Users can synchronize and collaborate on their works through cloud services; at the same time, Vectorworks also support openBIM and IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) formats. Vectorworks is more suitable for architects and designers as it offers intuitive and flexible tools for 3D modelling.

Plugins for Revit

Interoperability in Revit with plugins and other tools

The functionality of Revit software is further complemented by various plugins and add-ins for all workflows. These plugins can be either from Autodesk itself or from third-party developers. The list of plugins for Revit is endless. Do you need a tool for parametric modelling? There are Dynamo and Rhino.Inside.Revit. Do you want to render your BIM models? Enscape and Twinmotion are popular options.

Dynamo

Dynamo is undoubtedly one of the most well-known plugins of Revit. Like how Grasshopper goes together with Rhino, Revit with Dynamo allows computational design creation and automation in its interface without needing another software.

pyRevit

Then there is pyRevit to solve the troublesome issues of Revit and enhance your workflow, a plugin that comprises several tools. Many users of this tool find it helpful to work on tasks that would otherwise be inefficient in Revit’s interface.

Rhino.Inside.Revit

Thanks to the availability of Rhino.Inside.Revit plugin, we can now document parametric models for BIM workflows in Autodesk Revit. This plugin delivers the essential integration of Rhino 3D’s interface into Revit’s, along with Grasshopper as part of Rhino 3D. Architects can produce native models with Revit components and Grasshopper scripts for a streamlined workflow of parametric design and BIM. Grasshopper can also run on its own in Revit’s interface, without having Rhino 3D as an intermediator.

There are just three of the most popular plugins for Revit. To find more plugins, you can visit our Popular Revit Plugins for Effective BIM workflows page.

Our Revit plugins list barely scraped the surface of its limitless plugin availability just from Autodesk alone and can give seamless integration with other software or smoothen tedious workflows. Combine it with the tools from third-party developers, you will never run out of plugins to choose!

Rendering with Revit

Rendering Tool Plugins

Revit’s capabilities are not limited to only modelling and documentation with BIM. Architects need to produce rendered images of the model to present to the client. Rendering or visualisation software can generate photorealistic images, thereby letting the client understand how the end product will look.

For creating drawings and renderings, Revit works, as well as any other modelling software if not better. And most visualisation softwares can work integrated into Revit. Each with its own benefits, visualisation tools for Revit include Enscape, Twinmotion and Lumion and more.

Native Rendering in Revit

Rendering in Autodesk Rendering by Ruan Erasmus(Source: https://gallery.autodesk.com/a360rendering)

In addition to these applications, Revit also comes with its own rendering engine, albeit less powerful than the software. Despite the lack of its popularity, Autodesk Raytracer can still deliver high-quality renders in Revit. The other option is the Autodesk Cloud rendering which offers not only high-quality rendering but also batch rendering, solar study renderings and interactive panoramas.

Why Architects Should Use Revit

Nowadays, when you look at a job posting for an architect or a BIM professional, you will not miss Revit as a skill requirement for the job. It has become one of the most in-demand software thanks to its BIM capabilities. Revit offers smooth collaboration between the architect and other stakeholders with its numerous plugins and addons further augmenting the process. By knowing just this tool, architects can conceptualise, finalise, visualise and document design and any related processes till the final product.

Downloading Revit and Cost of Licences

Like most Autodesk products, Revit’s licences are subscription-based. They come in 3 options - $335 monthly or $2675 annually or $7625 for every three years. Students and educators can rejoice; Autodesk provides free and renewable educational access to the software.

Revit can be easily found and downloaded on the Autodesk website. Just make sure to check for the latest version and the system requirements for it before you install it.

How can you learn Revit?

Multidisciplinary workflow (Source: https://www.buildingincloud.net/en/)

It is a known fact that Revit is not an easy software to learn. But think of it as an investment worth learning because you will be enjoying its advantages even before mastering the software. As Revit has such a vast range of functions, learning on your own can be quite a challenge. Consider taking a course to master the software. Some BIM courses and certifications, such as Autodesk Revit software certifications, are recognised by major AEC firms as a testament to your skills

However, in most cases, employers are looking for professionals skilled in different aspects of BIM, meaning knowing Revit is not enough. Hence, learn to use Revit as a means to aid BIM workflows. In such cases, professional courses in BIM will be more effective.

Have you heard of our very own BIM course? Novatr's BIM Professional Course helps learners to:

● Master BIM workflows using Revit and related software

● Familiarise themselves with useful Revit plugins and tools

● Study part-time with both live and recorded sessions for continuous learning

● Explore industry-relevant BIM methodologies and work on RIBA-structured project

● Learn from BIM experts from top AEC firms worldwide

● Begin a career in BIM industry with placement assistance

What we have imparted to you in this article is just the tip of the iceberg! Join us and learn more about Revit and BIM through our BIM Profesional Course. You can also go to our Resources page to learn more about BIM.