Dynamo For Revit: Everything You Need to Know in (2024)

In this article, we will explore Dynamo for Revit as an open source visual programming platform chosen by architects and designers.

What is Dynamo for Revit

Revit Dynamo is an extremely powerful visual scripting plugin for Autodesk Revit, which allows the everyday user to access the Revit API (Application programming interface) on an unprecedented level. The software works interactively with Revit for computational building information modelling (BIM) and does not function as a standalone product. A major advantage of Dynamo for Revit is that it does not require previous programming experience.

To better understand what is visual programming, check out: Introduction to Visual Programming in Architecture

Revit Dynamo allows you to type lines of code as well as an algorithm that consists of nodes. It has several advantages that help improvise the project design process and its operations. The software has an intuitive interface and many pre-made scripting libraries available as well.

The user interface for Dynamo is organised into five main areas, including:

• Main Menu
• Toolbar
• Library
• Workspace
• Execution bar

System Requirements

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit:
Windows 8 Enterprise, Pro, or Windows 8
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit:
Windows 8.1 Enterprise, Pro, or Windows 8.1Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit:
Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Windows 10

CPU
Single- or Multi-Core Intel® Pentium®, Xeon®, or i-Series processor or AMD® equivalent with SSE2 technology. Highest affordable CPU speed rating recommended.

Memory
4 GB RAM is usually sufficient for a typical editing session, based on internal testing and customer reports. Individual models will vary in use of computer resources and performance characteristics. For higher performance, use 8 GB or 16 GB RAM.

Who can use Dynamo to solve problems for Revit?

Dynamo users are majorly Architects, Engineers, and Construction experts. Dynamo solves issues related to parametric modelling, BIM data analysis, automation of several daily or weekly tasks like documentation, Information Exchange, and Data Management. Let us find out how!

Practical Uses of Dynamo for Revit

Revit Dynamo can be used to the advantage of architects and engineers to model and analyse complex geometries, automate repetitive processes, minimise human error, and export data to Excel files and other file-types not typically supported by Revit, to name a few.

With Dynamo, designers can make the design process more efficient. By integrating Dynamo for Revit workflow concepts into the execution of a project, data entry and repetitive work can be streamlined to improve efficiency and productivity across all disciplines, and through various phases of the project.

1. Automation of Repetitive Tasks

Imagine any task that is tedious and repetitive, like maybe copying a hundred files from one folder to another and renaming with today’s date. By writing a code for it, you could automate these tasks and use that time to work on more interesting and impactful work.

BIM workflow and details require several hours while completing the project and includes a set of tasks that are repetitive and time-consuming. But by undertaking BIM Automation technology, the work is reduced and saves a lot of time and energy.

2. Output Data

One of the important benefits of Dynamo is how it helps generate graphs in a clear and organised fashion to ensure they are intuitive for team members to use. The software helps select all elements of a specific category, report a parameter, and export to Excel with headers. This can be used to manage data output quickly for evaluation use.

These include:

Scope Box Review 
This graph identifies all view plans and exports sheet number, sheet name, and scope box name to an Excel file with headers.

View Range Manager 
This graph identifies all view plans and exports sheet number, sheet name, and scope box name to an Excel file with headers.

Parameter Investigator 
This graph reports all available instances and type parameters of a selected category and writes to Excel.

Workset Reporter 
This graph selects all elements in the active view and creates an Excel file that reports every element and its associated workset.

Span-to-Depth 
This graph provides a QA/QC opportunity to verify that span-to-depth ratios are being met in accordance with structural design criteria.

Sheet Creator 
This graph references a user generated Excel file with a predefined sheet index, allows the user to select a title block family, and inputs a series of parameter values, filters any existing sheets, and creates the remaining list as new sheets in Revit.

Dynamo helps with proper graph generation, automation, and data management. This allows project teams to isolate tasks, facilitate collaboration, and enhance communication to optimise project delivery.

3. Parametric Modelling

In addition to BIM data Management and Automation, Dynamo for Revit is also a strong design tool. With Dynamo, the design really becomes a process as you explicitly describe the generative design rules. It’s possible to generate hundreds of options using these rules.

Interested in parametric modelling? Check out, Top 6 Parametric Modelling Software for Architects and Designers to Learn

4. BIM Analysis

The analysis bit comes in the first phase of a construction project, where Engineers and Architects are meant to evaluate the building performance. Dynamo helps with solar analysis, load analysis, energy consumption analysis, etc.

What is the latest version of Dynamo?

The latest version of Dynamo For Revit is an excellent upgrade for those still using the 2017 - 2019 versions of Revit.

With this update come significant performance improvements. These include:

• The checkboxes of the Analytics UI collection have been updated for clarity and follow users' choices more efficiently.
• Instrumentation is subject to Analytics and cannot be activated unless it is selected in advance to send analysis information.
  

Where to learn Dynamo?

Oneistox offers a one-of-a-kind BIM Professional Course that features a specialised career-relevant curriculum designed and delivered by BIM experts from leading firms. The 6-month offering involves online part-time study and equips learners with a holistic understanding of BIM processes and software knowledge spanning modelling, information management, cloud collaboration, presentation, clash detection, and visual programming. The course also covers Dynamo for Revit and the course can help you learn Dynamo for Revit.

So that’s it! I hope this blog gave you the insight you needed to understand the architectural design process and accelerate your career in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry.

Novatr offers courses on the most in-demand skills in the AEC industry. Our BIM Professional Course is taught by globally renowned industry experts with years of real-world experience working in the industry. You will also understand how BIM increases the efficiency of each of these design phases.

Go to our Resources page for more insights on AEC careers, software & tools, and industry trends.

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