Revit 2015 Keyboard Shortcuts

I have added the latest Revit 2015 keyboard shortcuts to the "Content" window on the left. Nothing has changed from the 2014 shortcuts that I noticed. Enjoy!

Revit 2014 Keyboard Shortcuts

I have added the latest Revit 2014 keyboard shortcuts to the "Content" window on the left.  This list is for the Revit Suite Package that contains all disciplines.  Enjoy!

Revit 2013 Keyboard Shortcuts

I have added the latest Revit 2013 keyboard shortcuts to the "Content" window on the left.  This list is for the Revit Suite Package that contains all disciplines.

Revit Structure 2012 Keyboard Shortcuts

I have created a keyboard shortcut list for Revit Structure 2012.  It is now available in my “Content” window on the left side of my blog.  There are a few differences between Architecture and Structure so I figured separate lists would be best for everyone.  Enjoy!

Career Change

It’s been awhile since my last post and I apologize for that.  I have recently switched jobs and now find myself working for a Structural Engineering firm.  I’m very excited about being able to use Revit Structure.  I will be designing and creating new templates and custom content to help this office transition from AutoCAD into Revit.  As I work my way though this I hope to share anything useful with all of you. 

Revit Toposurface

Working with Topo surfaces in Revit can sometimes be a bit challenging.  I have created a sample file “Topo” available on the left, which will help show you how to manipulate topo surfaces.  There are before and after examples of several situations.  You will be able to see the final example and then be allowed to try creating it on your own.

1.       Retaining Walls – Typically I try and hide all the contours within the wall itself.  This is achieved by placing point directly aligned with one another and on opposite faces of the wall.  Throughout these examples it is very important to keep point aligned with one another.  If they are not aligned properly you will most often get undesirable results.

2.       Swales – When creating swales or drainage ditches I typically find it easiest to keep my points aligned with one another (Grid layout is best) and just raise and lower the points to create the swale.  Sometimes the misconception is to start out with a known contour elevation and place lots of points along a path to create the contour.  This typically turns out to be more of a headache when modifying contours later.  My advice is to stick with grid layout and align the points as much as possible.

3.       Foundations – For creating a foundation I recommend using the building pad tool.  When using the building pad tool it will automatically cut out the topo surface.  Afterwards you can place a few points to grade the surface around the foundation walls.

4.       Sidewalks – Sidewalks can be created in one of two ways.  I prefer actually modeling the sidewalks in.  The other is sub regions which will get covered later.  The example provided shows that with a few simple points the topo surface can be modified to align with the sidewalk.  When modeling in the sidewalks, it’s always a good idea to try and keep the grades just slightly below the top of the concrete.  If you align the grade perfectly with the surface it becomes unclear which surface will actually show.  Sometimes this grass will show, others the concrete and sometimes both.  So avoid making them perfectly level.

5.       Split regions – When modifying existing grades the topo surface is constantly trying to interpolate between points.  In some cases (ie, property lines) you do not want to modify the grades beyond that point.  This is ideally when the split region comes into play.  If you split the topo surface right on the property line, any changes you make to the topo surface will not affect anything else beyond that point. 

6.       Subregion – The final example is subregions.  With subregions you can split the topo surface into different areas and apply different materials to each area.  Some examples might be; grass, water, earth, concrete, asphalt, etc..  You can also grade the topo surface however you wish and still maintain an uneven grade.  Parking lots and sidewalks can easily be created with subregions.

Updated Revit 2012 Keyboard Shortcut List

I have updated the keyboard shortcut list with Revit 2012.  It is now available in my "Content" window on the left side of my blog.  I should also mention that Revit 2012 now supports three charator shortcut enties. Very nice.