Revit File Management
File Management Objectives
Definitions
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Define Building Information Modeling (BIM)
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Define what project templates are and what they are used for.
Project Files
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Identify the file extension of a Project File.
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Identify the file extension of a Template File.
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Identify the file extension of a Revit Family File.
Open existing Revit Project
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Demonstrate how to open a Revit file from various locations on the UI
Create new Revit Project
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Create a new project from the Application menu
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Set up drawing units
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Add project information
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Change System settings
Save Revit Project Files
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Name the three file types that can be saved while in a open drawing
Definitions
BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)
Understand the differences between BIM and Revit – What is BIM? What is Revit? I tried to explain this by saying BIM is to CAD as Revit is to AutoCAD. I really thought that would have cleared it up but, alas, it didn’t. So, first I’ll say that BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is the overall process of creating a three dimensional database, in the form of a model of information that pertains to the design of a building. Notice a few things in that definition: first, I used the words that make up the BIM acronym. Here’s the sentence again: BIM is the overall process of creating a three dimensional database, in the form of a model of information that pertains to the design of a building. Second, notice that I never used the word Revit. Under this BIM umbrella, there are many software applications that lead to an efficient design of space. While Revit just so happens to be one of them, it is just that, one of them. Revit can certainly be considered the main application under the BIM umbrella, but other applications are designed to perform certain functions which Revit either has minimal functionality to do, or, cannot do at all. For example, other BIM applications include Ecotect and Green Building Studio which are designed to test the efficiency of a design with regards to the environments impact on it and it’s impact on the environment. Navisworks, another BIM application, brings building information models from various disciplines together in a single environment to see how the physically interact allowing designers to make necessary adjustments before construction begins. And there are more but, for the moment, see the image below to understand it a bit better.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN REVIT AND BIM?
Analysing the differences between BIM and Revit, it can be said that BIM is an approach to overall design and is not a tool. BIM requires certain technologies in order to implement the design process, development, practically and communication of a project. Revit is a technology or a tool which structural and architectural engineers utilizes to develop virtual models of buildings with efficient representations of the functionalities.
Revit is an effective software tool developed by Autodesk, specifically built for implementing the concepts of building information modelling. An overall building design deals not only with the architectural concept but also with the structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services. Therefore, Autodesk has developed a well-defined set of the Revit software to meet all the above needs of a building design. The set includes the Revit Architecture, Revit MEP and the Revit Structure software.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BIM?
• It positively influences the project workflows of the organizations by developing highly accurate construction documents at every stages of the building design.
• The BIM concept analyses as how an entire building project comes up together in the final stage and thus helps in effective reduction of the amount of design changes during the construction.
• It provides realistic renderings in the construction documents and thus improves the quality of the end product.
All the above benefits outlined above are experienced practically, only by utilizing the tools present in the Revit software. So, it can primarily be said that Revit software results in the above benefits.
Based on the above points discussed, it can now clearly be said that Building information modelling (BIM) is a principle or a strategy that the engineer or the designer follows for designing energy efficient and environment friendly buildings. BIM is like a code of conduct which outlines all the quality and security parameters to be followed in a building design project.
On the other hand, Revit is not a strategy, but a practical tool which is used by engineers to ensure that all the established quality and security parameters are being followed correctly to achieve the maximum results in terms of a competed virtual design.
Project Files
File extension RFA description: Revit Family File > .rfa
Revit model is based on a compilation of items called families. There are two types of families:
System families and Hosted families. A system family can only be found within a Revit model and cannot be stored in a separate location, ie: wall, floor, roof styles etc.
Hosted family is inserted similar to a block (or cell) and is stored in an external directory, ie: doors, windows, furniture etc.
File extension RTE description: Revit Template > .rte
RTE File contains Revit Architecture templates. Template file is used for specifying future projects.
Watch the following tutorial videos on creating a Revit template file:
Revit Creating Template Tutprial Videos
File extension RVT description: Revit Project File> .rvt
The RVT file extension is associated with Revit Architecture. The .rvt files are used for project files.
When creating a project from the Recent Files window, you can choose to use a template or default settings as a starting point for the project.
The Recent Files window displays when you start the software. If you are already working in a Revit session, return to it by clicking >>>View tab>>>Windows panel>>>User Interface drop-down>>>Recent Files.
The Recent Files window can list up to 5 templates under Projects. A project template provides a starting point for a new project, defining settings, styles, and basic information. Templates can simplify project setup, standardize project documentation, and ensure adherence to office standards.
Summary
The differences between RTE, RVT and RFA
RTE (template) files and RVT (project) files are actual Revit® projects. The difference between the two is that the template is used to start a new project. When you click on Save, you will not be allowed to overwrite the template file, but you will be prompted for a new file name and location.
RFA (family) files are family files that can either be loaded into a project or saved externally. Family template files are used to start a new family from scratch and family files are typically used to exchange families between projects.
Open Existing Revit Project
Open a Revit file to work on a project, family, or conceptual mass.
To open a Revit file, use any of the following methods:
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In the Recent Files window, under Projects or Families, click the desired option.
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Press CTRL+O.
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Click (Open).
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Click (Open), and select a file type.
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Click and select a file from the Recent Documents list.
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Click (Open) on the Quick Access toolbar.
Open A Project File
When you open a Revit project file, you can set options to audit the file for corrupt elements, detach the local model from a central workshared model, or create a new local copy of the central model.
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In the Open dialog, navigate to the folder where the Revit project file resides.
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To see only files of a certain type, select that type from the Files of type drop-down list.
Open File From Application Menu
On the application menu click the Open Documents button to see a list of all open views in open files. Select a view from the list to display it in the drawing area.
Open A Recent Revit File
Recent Files lists the models and families that you opened most recently. Click a recent model or family to open it, or use one of the buttons to perform another action. If you are already working in a Revit session, return to the Recent Files window by clicking View tabWindows panelUser Interface drop-downRecent Files.
Create New Revit Project
Application Menu>New>Project Demonstrate how to create a new Revit project folder and file.Creating a Project
Set up Drawing units>>>Change to a metric drawing>>>Project Units
Add project information>>>Add project information to new drawing set>>>Project Information
Change system settings>>>Create new dimension style, change arrows to architectural tick(oblique’s)>>>Temporary Dimension Settings