1. Falling back on AutoCAD
One common mistake—which can lead to very serious consequences—is using AutoCAD to “assist” or intervene in the design process within Revit. When first getting started with Revit, users often fail to take full advantage of the software’s superior detailed design features compared to those in AutoCAD. Learn how to effectively utilize “Detail Components” and “Groups”; you will certainly find that your work in Revit proceeds much faster than it ever could using AutoCAD!
Beyond using it for detailed drafting, many people also incorporate AutoCAD files into various views (via CAD linking). This creates significant challenges for design management; therefore, you should aim to transition entirely (100%) to using Revit.
2. Viewing objects only in 2D
If you use Revit but only view objects in 2D, you are essentially treating Revit as if it were the familiar AutoCAD software. Working in Revit is, in fact, the process of building a model and monitoring its development through a 3D perspective.
Many new Revit users often struggle to visualize what is being displayed on the design screen, which can sometimes lead to confusion during the design process. A helpful solution is to create a 3D view and use the “Tile Windows” command to split your workspace.
3. Not utilizing shortcuts
Every software program offers keyboard shortcuts that help users work more efficiently, save time, and boost productivity—and Revit is no exception.
You can view and download lists of keyboard shortcuts for Revit via the following links:
Revit MEP shortcuts: http://bim.edu.vn/thu-vien/lenh-tat-phan-mem-revit-mep/
Revit Architecture shortcuts: http://bim.edu.vn/thu-vien/lenh-tat-phan-mem-revit-architecture/
Revit Structure shortcuts: http://bim.edu.vn/thu-vien/lenh-tat-phan-mem-revit-structure/
4. Delete/move the wrong object
When you first start using Revit, you might accidentally delete or move objects—for instance, inadvertently shifting a column grid or an elevation level is something you want to avoid. Use the “Pin” tool (found under the Modify tab); once pinned, an object cannot be moved or deleted unless you first “Unpin” it.
When you first start using Revit, you might accidentally delete or move objects—for instance, inadvertently shifting a column grid or an elevation level is something you want to avoid. Use the “Pin” tool (found under the Modify tab); once pinned, an object cannot be moved or deleted unless you first “Unpin” it.
5. Don’t waste time manually setting up every view
Avoid doing this! Revit allows you to create “view templates.” For example, when setting up an initial view, you can use the “View Templates” tool to save those settings as a template; you can then simply apply this template to any other views. Below is an example of how to create a view template for displaying a building elevation:
Then they apply them to each View:
We can edit a template view; this action will automatically update other views:
6. Overuse of 2D elements
At times, employing numerous 2D elements—such as detailing lines or filled regions to represent model components—can be effective for small-scale projects. In most cases, however, this approach creates difficulties for users, particularly when working collaboratively within a BIM workflow.
Take the time to create 3D models and use high-quality Families. While it may be time-consuming at first, this approach will prove highly efficient in the long run.
