18 Revit Best Practices That Will Boost your Project Workflow

Revit is a building information modeling (BIM) software used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals to design, construct, and manage building projects. Revit allows users to create detailed models of buildings, including their geometry, materials, and systems, and to coordinate and collaborate with other members of the project team.

I. Why Revit users don’t Respect “Revit Best Practices”?

There are several reasons why some AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) professionals may not use Revit as effectively as they could. Some of the common reasons include:

• Lack of training: Revit is a complex software with many features and capabilities, and it takes time and training to become proficient in using it. Some users may not have had the opportunity to receive formal training or to practice using the software, which can make it difficult for them to use it effectively.

• Inexperience: For some users, Revit may be the first BIM software they have used, and they may not have the experience or knowledge needed to use it as effectively as more experienced users.

• Resistance to change: Revit is a relatively new technology, and some AEC professionals may be resistant to using it because they are more comfortable with traditional CAD (computer-aided design) software.

• Complex projects: Revit is particularly useful for large and complex projects, but for simple projects, it may not be necessary to use it.

• Lack of standardization: Revit is a powerful tool for collaboration and coordination, but it can only be effective if all team members are using the same best practices and standards. Without standardization, models can become inconsistent and difficult to work with.

By understanding these common challenges and addressing them through training, practice, and the adoption of industry standards, AEC professionals can use Revit more effectively and avoid problems such as slow workflows and large file sizes.

II. Revit Best Practices That Will Boost your Workflow

However, because Revit models can contain a large amount of data, it is important to be mindful of best practices in order to avoid problems such as slow workflows and large file sizes. These issues can lead to increased project costs and delays, as well as frustration for team members who are trying to work with the model. By following best practices and being mindful of common pitfalls, users can ensure that their Revit models are efficient, accurate, and easy to work with.

1. Wisely Link CAD Files in Revit

Linking a CAD file in Revit is a common practice in architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects, as it allows you to bring in external information and integrate it into your Revit model. However, it’s important to follow best practices when linking a CAD file to ensure that your Revit model remains efficient, organized, and accurate.

One of the best practices for linking a CAD file in Revit is to clean up the CAD file prior to linking. This involves duplicating the CAD file, opening the file in CAD software, and then using the EXPLODE command to break all the block references. After that, use the OVERKILL and PURGE commands to clean up any unnecessary data. By cleaning up the CAD file prior to linking, you can reduce the amount of data that is imported into Revit, improving the performance of your model.

The second best practice for linking a CAD file in Revit is to link the CAD file wisely. To do this, start by creating a view in Revit to place the DWG file. Then, make sure the CAD Workset is active if you’re working on a work-sharing model. Next, link the CAD file on the created view and check the “Current View only” option. Finally, leave the colors, layers/levels, and import units unchanged, as these settings can affect the accuracy of the linked CAD file in your Revit model.

By following these best practices for linking a CAD file in Revit, you can ensure that your model remains efficient, organized, and accurate. This can help you save time and avoid potential problems that may arise from an inefficient or messy model. In addition, by maintaining a clean and organized model, you can more easily collaborate with others and deliver your project on time and within budget.

2. Resolving Warnings

In Revit, warnings are messages that alert users to potential issues with their model. They are different from errors, which prevent users from completing a task, while warnings allow users to continue working. Warnings are generated when Revit detects a potential problem with the model, such as overlapping floors, Duplicated values in some parameters, or a duplicate instance in the same location. They can also be generated when a user performs an action that may result in an unintended consequence, such as copy/paste elements in the same location or in the wrong level.

Warnings can be viewed in the “Warnings” dialog box, which can be accessed through the “Manage” tab. The dialog box lists all of the warnings in the model and provides information about the location and cause of each warning. You can use WarChart or Isolate Warnings Plugins to help you Resolve Revit Warnings.

In some cases, Revit users chose to ignore warnings and avoid resolving them instantly and chose to resolve them in bulk after one or two months of modeling which will let your model reaches over 1000 warnings which is a disaster if you are working on a Complex project. Because Revit is checking always if you have resolved warnings in your model, so your Laptop is dedicating resources to checking them which will slow down the model’s performance, which makes you not efficient.

To wrap up, It is important to review and address any warnings that appear in the model, as they can indicate potential issues that may affect the accuracy or integrity of the model. If a warning is ignored and not addressed, it may lead to errors or other problems later on in the project.

5. Print from Detached Files When Working on Large Scale-Project

Many Revit users don’t know that when working on Complex Revit models in a Large Scale-Project, Printing and exporting in General takes longer time compared to a smaller project, due to the size of the model, and also to the number of users opening and syncing the model. And this represents a waste of time for all users.

So to avoid this kind of problem when you have a lot of traffic going on your Revit models, we recommend detaching your model from the central file, so then you won’t have to lose time to get your deliverables ready, also you won’t disturb other users who are working in the same project.

Tip: you can export your model using e-Transmit to purge your model also then export your PDF and DWG from the exported file.

[ e-Transmit is covered in Part 18 ]

6. Always Purge Your Revit Model

Purging a Revit model is the process of removing unnecessary or redundant data from the model, such as unused families, types, materials, or elements. There are several reasons why it’s important to purge a Revit model:

• File size reduction: Revit models can become very large, especially as they load many unused families for months. By purging unnecessary data, the file size can be significantly reduced, which can make it easier to share and work with the model.

• Improved performance: A cluttered and heavy model can cause slow performance and crashes, by purging the model it can improve the speed and stability of the software.

• Better coordination: A model that contains a lot of unnecessary data can make it difficult for team members to find the information they need, and can also create confusion and inconsistencies. By purging unnecessary data, the model is more concise and better coordinated, making it easier for team members to work with.

• Better accuracy: Unused or redundant data can also cause confusion and inaccuracies in the model, by purging the model it can improve the accuracy of the data.

• Better organization: Unused or redundant data can also make the model difficult to navigate, by purging the model it can improve the organization and readability of the data.

Purging a Revit model can be done by using the “Purge Unused” command, which can be found in the “Manage” tab. This command allows you to remove unused families, types, materials, and other elements from the model. It’s important to note that before purging, it’s a good practice to check that you know where you can find your purged families in case you want to re-insert them again in the future.

7. Don’t Over Model, 2D Elements are Just Fine

When it comes to Revit best practices, it’s important to consider the advantages of using both 2D and 3D elements in your model. While 3D modeling is a powerful tool for visualizing and exploring design concepts, it’s not always necessary, especially in the early stages of a project. In fact, using 2D elements in Revit can have several benefits and be a best practice for certain situations.

One advantage of using 2D elements is speed. Creating 2D elements is typically faster than creating 3D elements, particularly for simple or repetitive elements like doors, windows, or fixtures. This can be especially important in the early stages of a project when you’re trying to quickly establish the basic form and layout of a building. By using 2D elements, you can work faster and get more done in less time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the project.

Another reason to use 2D elements is file size. 3D models can be very large and complex, which can slow down your computer and make it difficult to work with the model. By using 2D elements, you can reduce the file size and improve performance, making it easier to work on the project and collaborate with others.

In addition, 2D elements can be a best practice for communication. 2D drawings are often easier to communicate to others, especially if the audience is not familiar with 3D models. 2D drawings can be easily annotated and referenced, making it easier to convey information and instructions. This can be particularly important in the early stages of a project when you’re trying to communicate the basic form and layout of a building to stakeholders and team members.

While using 2D elements in Revit can have several benefits, it’s also important to keep in mind that 3D modeling has its own advantages as well. For example, 3D models are great for exploring design concepts and visualizing the final product. They can also help you identify potential issues or conflicts early on in the design process, allowing you to make adjustments before they become major problems.

In conclusion, the best practices in Revit depend on the specific needs and requirements of your project. By considering the advantages of both 2D and 3D elements, you can make informed decisions about which elements to use and when, helping you to create an efficient, effective, and accurate model that meets the needs of your project.

8. Don’t Over Duplicate/Create Draft Views

Another important best practice in Revit is to be mindful of the number of views you create in your model. While views can be a useful tool for organizing and presenting information, creating too many views can have several negative consequences.

One issue with creating too many views is file size. The more views you have in your model, the larger the file size will be. This can slow down your computer and make it difficult to work with the model, especially if you’re working on a complex or large project. By limiting the number of views you create, you can reduce the file size and improve performance, making it easier to work on the project and collaborate with others.

Another issue with creating too many views is organization. The more views you have, the harder it can be to find the view you need in the project browser especially when there is no naming convention in your Project. This can be especially challenging if there are multiple users working on the same project, as each person may have created their own set of views. By being mindful of the number of views you create, you can help keep the project organized and make it easier to find the information you need.

Finally, creating too many views can make it more difficult to maintain consistency and accuracy in your model. With multiple views, it can be challenging to keep track of which view is being used for what purpose and to ensure that all views are up to date. By limiting the number of views you create, you can reduce the risk of inconsistencies and errors, and make it easier to maintain accuracy in your model.

In conclusion, creating views in Revit can be a powerful tool for organizing and presenting information, but it’s important to be mindful of the number of views you create. By limiting the number of views you create, you can reduce the file size, improve organization, and maintain consistency and accuracy in your model, making it a best practice in Revit.

9. Always Compact your Revit Files 

Revit is a complex software that uses a database file format to store project information. Some users may not realize that this file format is similar to a ZIP file, meaning that the file can be compressed and compacted to reduce its size.

Compacting the Revit file is a simple process that can be done by synchronizing the model and selecting the “Compact” option. It is recommended to compact the file at least once a day, such as during lunch when leaving the office. This will help keep the file size manageable and reduce the risk of performance issues.

By compressing the Revit file regularly, you can improve the performance of the software and ensure that your project information is well-organized and easily accessible. This is another aspect of Revit best practices that can help you work more efficiently and effectively with the software.

10. Compress your Imported Raster Images 

Another important Revit best practice is to compress the imported raster images in your project. Large-sized images can significantly increase the size of your Revit model, making it slower to save, synchronize, and open. To avoid this, it is recommended to compress the images before importing them into Revit. Additionally, it is important to verify the extension of the imported images to ensure that they are compatible with Revit and do not cause any issues with the performance of the software. By following these steps, you can keep your Revit model running smoothly and avoid any potential issues.

11. Always Create a Backup

Creating backups of your Revit models is an important aspect of best practices in using the software. This helps ensure that your project information is safe and secure in the event of any unexpected issues or problems.

For small projects, creating a backup once a month may be sufficient. However, for larger projects with more complex data, it may be necessary to create a backup twice a month to ensure that all project information is captured and protected.

When creating a backup, it is important to choose a secure location to store the file, such as a cloud-based storage solution or an external hard drive. This will help prevent data loss in the event of a hardware failure or other similar issue.

In addition, it is a good idea to regularly test your backups to ensure that they are working properly and that the data is accessible and recoverable in the event of a problem. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your project information is secure and protected.

12. Create New Central File Every Month

Creating a new central file in Revit on a regular basis can help reduce the size of the model and improve its overall performance. This is because the central file is the hub of the Revit project, and it contains all of the information and data that makes up the model.

By creating a new central file each month, you can remove any unnecessary data that has accumulated over time, and help keep the model organized and easy to navigate. This can also help improve the overall speed and performance of the model, making it easier to work with and allowing you to complete your projects more efficiently.

When creating a new central file, it is important to follow best practices in Revit, such as making sure to properly link the necessary files and check the settings for the new file. This will help ensure that all of the data is properly transferred to the new file and that the model continues to function as expected.

In conclusion, creating a new central file in Revit on a regular basis is an important aspect of best practices in using the software. This helps keep the model organized, reduce its size, and improve its overall performance, making it easier to work with and navigate.

13. Verify That CAD and RVT Links are Pinned

Pinning linked Revit and CAD files in a Revit model is an important best practice because it helps ensure that the linked files remain connected and accurate in your model.

When you pin a linked file, it becomes a permanent part of your Revit project and cannot be accidentally deleted or moved. This helps maintain the integrity of your model, especially if there are multiple users working on the same project. If a linked file is not pinned, it may become disconnected or moved, which can cause problems with the accuracy and consistency of your model.

14. Save Locally On a Regular Basis

Saving your work regularly is a crucial aspect of Revit best practices and can help prevent the loss of important data and information. By saving your work every hour, you ensure that you have a recent version of the model that can be used in case of a crash or any other unexpected event. This can help reduce the time and effort required to recover from such an event and minimize the potential impact on your work.

15. Don’t Synchronize With Many Opened Views/Sheets

Another best practice in Revit is to avoid synchronizing with too many opened views or sheets. This is because Revit takes longer to regenerate active views and sheets when there are multiple views open, and this can slow down the performance of the software.

Instead, it is recommended to close any unnecessary views or sheets before synchronizing the model. This helps keep the performance of the software optimized and can speed up the process of synchronizing the model.

16. Use Temporary View When Making Tests

Using the temporary view option in Revit is a best practice to follow when making tests or exploring design options. This option allows you to experiment with different views or settings without affecting the original view or the view template.

When you use a temporary view, you can make changes and test different options without affecting the original view or view template. This is especially useful when exploring different design options or making tests. Once you have finished experimenting, you can simply close the temporary view, and the original view and view template remain unchanged.

Using temporary views also helps avoid confusion for other users of the Revit model. If you were to change the original view or view template, other users may not understand why the view has changed, or why the settings are different from what they are used to. By using a temporary view, you can test and experiment without affecting the original view or view template, and avoid any confusion for other users.

17. Don’t Overload Revit Plugins

One of the best practices in using Revit is to avoid overloading the software with too many plugins. While plugins such as pyRevit and evolveLAB can provide added functionality to Revit, they can also slow down the performance of the software and make it more difficult to navigate.

Instead, it’s recommended to use AppManager from Diroots to selectively choose which plugins to load before opening Revit. This way, you can ensure that only the most essential plugins are loaded, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient experience. By being mindful of the number of plugins used in Revit, you can help to avoid performance issues and ensure a more seamless workflow.

18. Use e-transmit to Send your Revit Model

The eTransmit add-on for Autodesk Revit enables you to copy a Revit model and its related files into a single detached directory for convenient internet transmission.

Common uses for eTransmit for Autodesk Revit:

• Internal archiving
• Sending deliverables to clients
• Model exchange between consultants/partners
• Model cleanup
• Sharing models between disciplines
• Upgrading models

III. Conclusion

This was a list of the Best Practices in Revit that will boost your BIM Workflow and your Revit Model Navigation and use in General. I hope that you find these informations useful, don’t hesitate to share it on LinkedIn or Reddit to spread the knowledge in the AEC and BIM Community.