3rd Term 2024-2025

School of Architecture

ACADDA2L: CADD 2
Module 1: Introduction to Revit

Module Overview

This module introduces Revit 2024. It tackles the parts, tools, tabs, panels and every icon that
will be found in this software. This module explains the different functions of different parts of Revit,
every tool has its own purpose and uses, and it will be defined on this chapter.

Module Coverage

The module will be covered for a duration of 1 week with 1 work output to be submitted at the end of
the module (see course outline schedule). It is scheduled on the week 2 of the term.

Module Objective

• The module aims to help the student understand the basic user interface and different
functions/tools of Revit Architecture.
• The module aims to help the student to familiarize the drawing tools to be using for 2d and 3d
Architectural Design.
• This module aims to help the student recognize basic components of the Revit Architecture in
creating Architectural Design

Module Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

• Recognize and understand the user interface of REVIT and access the shortcut commands.
• Assemble a final layout of the 2D and 3D drawings in preparation for printing and production
of construction drawings.
• Create both 2D drawings and 3D models of technical drawings through application of the
software commands.
• Demonstrate the REVIT keyboard shortcuts of different commands for designing and drafting
two-dimensional construction drawings as well as modelling the building in three-dimension.

Module Interdependencies

This module serves as an introductory lesson that will be reinforced by Module 2: Structural Elements.

Module Learning Materials

Under this module the students are provided with the following materials:

• Lecture Note:

Title: Module 1: Introduction to Revit

Introduction to Revit 2024 also includes different ways and techniques on how to start a drawing. It is
the chapter that focuses on the basics and familiarization. It also provides step-by-step instructions on
how to do simple drawings that will be eventually useful on the succeeding chapters.

• PowerPoint Presentation: Introduction to Revit

The presentation provided in pdf file are the slides used for the presentation of the mentor.

All learning materials can be found inside the folder “Learning Modules”.

1
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Introduction to Revit Architecture

What is Revit Architecture?

Autodesk Revit Architecture is one example of Building Information Modeling (BIM) where in, it allows users
to design and document a building in a 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional drawing at the same time and it
access the building information from the building model's database. It helps the designer to document a
project efficiently and effectively through defined processes and technology. For bigger projects which
involves other discipline like structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing, Autodesk Revit Architecture
gives you a tool called Work sharing wherein every user enables to work, design, modify/edit with a Central
file. Only one user can access the Central file. Every user has their own assigned work set. Only the
assigned user can modify/edit the elements in a particular work set. This tool is mobile because anywhere,
anytime you can access the central file if you want using the Synchronize with Central Tool. You can
relinquish all work sets or elements, add a comment about the latest changes, and automatically save your
local model during synchronization.

Understanding Revit Terminology

1. Element
a. Category
b. Family
c. Types
Category
is a group of elements that you use to model or document a building design.
Family
are types of elements in a category
There are 3 kinds of Families:
- In-Place Family - creates an In-Place mass that is unique to the project.
- Loadable Family - this can be created on family templates. You can create custom
components to use in projects and can be loaded into a project. You can load also the
default families available.
- System Family - is not available for loading or creating a separate file. This includes
Walls, Floors, Roofs, Ceilings, Levels and Dimensions.

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

REVIT USER INTERFACE 2019

1. APPLICATION MENU
The application menu provides access to common file actions such as New, Open, Save, Save as etc. It
allows you to manage files using different file formats and more advanced tools such as Export and
Publish. It allows you also to customize the User Interface and other tools using Options.

To see choices for each menu item, click the arrow to its right, then click the desired item in the list.

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

> Recent Documents

On the application menu, click the Recent documents button to see a list of recently opened files.
Use the drop-down list to change the sort order of recent documents. Use the push pins to keep
documents on the list, regardless of how recently you opened them.

> Open Documents

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.

2. RIBBON
The Ribbon displays when you create or open a file. It provides all the tools necessary for a project or
family creation.

> The Expanded Panels

An arrow next to a panel title indicates that you can expand the panel to display related tools and
controls.

By default, an extended panel closes automatically when you click outside the panel. To keep a
panel expanded while its ribbon tab is displayed, click the push pin icon in the bottom-left corner of the
expanded panel.

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

> The Dialog Launcher

Some panels allow you to open a dialog to define related settings. A dialog-launcher arrow
on the bottom of a panel opens a dialog.

> Contextual Ribbon Tabs

When you use certain tools or select elements, a contextual tab displays tools that relate to the
context of that tool or element. The tab closes when you exit the tool or clear the selection.

3. QUICK ACCESS TOOLBAR

It contains a set of default tools. You can remove the toolbars that are not being used.

> To move the Quick Access Toolbar:

The Quick access Toolbar can be move below or above the ribbon. To move below the ribbon,
1. Click the Customize Quick Access Toolbar drop-down
2. Click Show Below the Ribbon

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

> To add Tools to the Quick Access Toolbar:

Navigate the Ribbon to display the tool that you want to add.
1. Right-click the tool,
2. Click the Add to Quick Access Toolbar

> To Customize the Quick Access Toolbar:

To make a quick change to the quick Access Toolbar, Right-click a tool on the Quick Access
Toolbar and Select one of the Following options:
1. Remove from Quick Access Toolbar: removes the tool
2. Add Separator: add a separator line to the right of the tool

4. INFO CENTER
Info Center consists of a set of tools on the right side of the title bar that enable you to access many
product-related information sources.

5. TOOLTIPS
Tooltips provide information about a tool in the user interface or an item in the drawing area, or instructions
on what to do next when using a tool.

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

> To adjust or turn-off tooltips:

1. Click Application Menu drop-down
2. On the lower right corner, click Options
3. Click User Interface
4. For Tooltip assistance, select one of the following assistance:
- Minimal: For ribbon tooltips, displays only the brief descriptions, suppressing the display
of additional information. In-canvass tooltips display as usual.
- Normal: (default) For ribbon tooltips, displays a brief description when you move the
cursor over a tool, followed by more information if you leave the cursor in place
for another moment. In-canvass tooltips display as usual.
- High: For ribbon tooltips displays the brief description and more information about the
tool (if available)at the same time, without a delay. In-canvass tooltips display as
usual.
- None: Turns-off ribbon tooltips and in-canvass tooltips so they no longer display.
1
3

6. DRAWING AREA
The drawing area displays views (and sheets and schedules etc) of the current project. Each time you can
open a view in a project, the view displays in the drawing area on top of other open views.

> To invert the background color of the drawing area:

1. Click Application Menu drop-down > On the lower right corner, click Options
2. In the options Dialog box, click the graphics
3. Select of clear the invert background color option
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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

DRAWING AREA

7. PROJECT BROWSER
The Project Browser shows a logical hierarchy for all views, legends, schedule, quantities, sheets and other
parts of the current project. As you expand and collapse each branch, lower-level items display.

> To open the Project Browser, there are options:

1. Through keyboard shortcut
2. Click View Tab > Windows Panel > User Interface drop-down > Project Browser
3. Right click anywhere in the drawing area > Browsers > Project Browser

> To change the location of the Project Browser, drag its title bar
> To change its size, drag an edge. Changes to the size and location of the Project Browser are
saved and restored when the application is restarted.

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

8. OPTIONS BAR
The Options Bar is located below the ribbon. It displays conditional tools dependent on the current tool or
selected element.

> To move the Options Bar to the bottom of the revit window:
1. Right click the Options Bar and click dock at bottom

9. STATUS BAR
The Status Bar provides tips or hints on what to do. When you highlight an element or component, the
status bar displays the name of the family and type. The status Bar is located along the bottom of the
application window.

10. PROPERTIES PALETTE

The Properties Palette is a modeless dialog where you can view and modify the parameters that define the
properties of elements.

> To Open the Properties Palette:

When you start using the Revit Architecture for the first time, the Properties Palette is open and
docked above the project browser on the left side of the drawing area. If you subsequently close
the properties palette, you can re open it using any of the four methods:

- Click Modify tab > Properties Panel > Properties

- Click View tab > Windows Panel > User Interface drop-down > Properties
- Right-click in the drawing area, and click properties
1
- Through keyboard shortcut [type PP]

2
1. Type Selector 3

2. Properties Filter

3. Edit Type Button 4

4. Instance Properties

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Type Selector
When a tool for placing elements is active, or elements of the same type are selected in the
drawing area, the Type Selector displays at the top of the Properties Palette. It identifies the
currently selected family type and provides a drop-down from which you can select a different type.

Properties Filter
Immediately below the Type Selector is a filter that identifies the category of elements a tool will
place, or the category and number of elements selected in the drawing area. If multiple categories
or types are selected, only the instance properties common to all display on the palette. When
multiple categories are selected, use the filters drop-down to view only the properties for a specific
category or for the view itself. Selecting a specific category does not affect the overall selection set.

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Edit type Button

Unless elements of different types are selected, the Edit Type Button accesses a dialog where you
can view and modify the type properties of the selected element.

You can access also the Type Properties for the active tool or currently selected elements by:
1. Clicking Modify Tab
2. On the Properties Panel, click Type Properties
1
2

Instance Properties
In most cases, the properties palette displays both user-editable and read-only instance
properties. A property may be read-only because its value is calculated or assigned automatically
by the software, or because it depends on the setting of another property.

Three options to access Keyboard Shortcut

1. Through keyboard shortcut key [type KS]

2. Click View Tab > Windows Panel > User Interface drop-down > Keyboard Shortcuts

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

3. Click Application Menu drop-down > On the lower right corner, click Options
Options dialog box will appear, click User Interface > click Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize

You can edit, customize or create your own Keyboard shortcut. One keyboard shortcut key can have
multiple keyboard shortcut assigned to it. You can also remove the specified keyboard shortcut key from
the assignments list by double clicking the shortcuts column > and then on the lower left, click Remove. If
you want to assign new key, just type your keyboard shortcut key at the Press new keys field box and then
click Assign.

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Import keyboard shortcuts

You can also import keyboard shortcuts from a text file or an XML file.

To import keyboard shortcuts

1. Click View Tab > Windows Panel >

2. User interface drop-down >
3. Keyboard Shortcuts
1
2

4. In the keyboard shortcuts dialog box, click Import.

5. Go to the desired keyboard shortcuts file, select the file, and click open.
6. If you have an existing keyboard shortcuts file, a message display will appear asking
you whether you want to overwrite the existing keyboard shortcuts with the imported
ones, or merge them together, select the appropriate option.

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 CHAPTER 1: CREATING A PROJECT

CREATING A PROJECT

Once you created a project in Revit, you may

begin to design start your project.

>To create a project using default settings:

1. On the Projects Panel, click New…

2. New Project Dialog will appear. Under the
1
template file, select <None>

3. Under the Create New, select Project

2
4. Click OK

4
3

>To create a project using a template:

There are two methods in creating a project using

a template

1. On the Projects Panel, click New

2. Project Dialog will appear. Under the
template file, you have two options:
2
Option 1:

Select a template from the list

(Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, 4
3
and Construction templates)

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 CHAPTER 1: CREATING A PROJECT

Option 2:
2
Click Browse and the Choose Template
Dialog will appear. Find and choose the
desired template (.RTE file format). Click
4
Open 3

3. Under the Create New, select Project

4. Click OK

>To create a project using project listed

template:

1. On the Projects Panel, click any of the

listed templates

Note: Undefined System of Measurements

Dialog box will automatically appear after
creating a project. Revit wants to know what
type of measurement you will use. Click on
either IMPERIAL (English System) or
METRIC. (Select Metric for this project)

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 CHAPTER 1: CREATING A PROJECT

ESTABLISHING THE PROJECT BASEPOINT

The Project Base point acts as the origin of the

project. In establishing the project basepoint, you
must first open the Visibility/ Graphics tool. It
controls the visibility and graphic display of model
elements, annotations, imported and linked
elements, and work set elements in a view.

>There are two ways in opening the

Visibility/Graphics:

1. Go to View Tab > Graphics Panel, and

click the Visibility/ Graphics tool or

type either of the keyboard shortcuts VV
or VG

Note: Once clicked, the Visibility/ Graphics Dialog

will appear

>To establish the Project Basepoint:

1

1. On the Visibility/ Graphics Dialog > Model

Categories Tab, navigate in the Visibility
column. Select the Site.
2. Under the Site Visibility settings, click the
3
plus (+) sign, and check the Project Base 2

Point
3. Click Apply then click OK.

Note: The project basepoint is represented by a blue

. circle with a letter x inside

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 CHAPTER 1: CREATING A PROJECT

>To Edit the location of the Project Basepoint:

There are two ways in editing the location of

project basepoint. By manual dragging, or by
adjusting the coordinates’ location.

1. Navigate in the Drawing area and click the 1

Project Basepoint. Once clicked,

parameters will appear 2 2

2. Click the Clip to change the state of point.

3. Once the clip is crossed out, you have two
options:
• Option 1: Manual
Click, hold, and drag anywhere
the Project Basepoint symbol
in the drawing area.
• Option 2: Automatic 3

Click the N/S to adjust the

northward or southward, and/or
click the E/S to adjust the
eastward or westward position of
the Project Basepoint. Once
clicked, you may edit the value.

(The Before (left) and After (right)

adjusting the position of the Project
Basepoint)

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 CHAPTER 1: CREATING A PROJECT

>To edit the elevation of the Project Basepoint:

1. Navigate in the Drawing area and click the

Project Basepoint.
2. Click the Elev to adjust the value of the
Project Basepoint’s elevation.

>To edit the angle to True North of the Project

Basepoint:

1. Navigate in the Drawing area and click the

Project Basepoint.
2. Click the Angle to True North, to adjust
the angle of the true north of the Project
Basepoint.

.
Note: You may also edit the True North
Orientation, Location, and Elevation of the
Project Basepoint by using the Properties
Palette.

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 CHAPTER 1: CREATING A PROJECT

EDITING THE PROJECT UNITS

In this topic, you can edit the system of

measurement. The units chosen is Metric – 1

Millimeters.

>To edit the system of measurements, you

have two (2) options: 2

1. On the Manage Tab > Settings Panel,

click Project Units.

OR

1. Type UN for Project Units

2. Project Units dialog will appear. On the
Format column, click the value of Length.

3. Format dialog will appear. Click the Units

drop-down and you can change the
system of measurements. (in this
example, select Meters) 3

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 CHAPTER 1: CREATING A PROJECT

4. On the Rounding options, click the arrow

drop-down to add rounding increment in
the units. (in this example, select 2
decimal places)

5. On the Unit symbol options, click the

arrow drop-down to show the unit
symbol. (in this example, select m)

6. Click OK if finished. Notice that the other

units also changed, relative to Meters.

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 CHAPTER 1: APPLICATION MENU

APPLICATION MENU – OPTIONS

The Application Menu provides actions

to common file actions, such as New, Open, and
Save. It also allows you to manage files using
more advanced tools, such as Export and Publish.

OPTIONS in Application Menu

allows you to manage the save interval of your
project, the appearance of your user interface, and
the symbols or codes that you may use to enter a
command.

OPTIONS is located on the lower right of the

Application Menu drop-down box.

>To access the Options in Application Menu: 1

1. On the Ribbon, click the File Tab. A drop-

down box will appear.
2. On the lower right portion of the drop-
down box, click Options.

>Setting the Save Reminder Interval:

Save Reminder Interval is a pop-up reminder

that reminds you to save your project, but you can
close it if you don’t want your project to be saved
yet.

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 CHAPTER 1: APPLICATION MENU

1. Options > General. On the Notifications

1
Section, select the drop-down box on the 2

Save Reminder Interval.

2. Once the drop-down box appears, six (6)
options will show. You can choose which
time interval you want the save reminder
to appear while doing your project. But, as
default, select 15 minutes.

>To edit the Keyboard Shortcuts:

Keyboard Shortcuts are codes (letter/s or word)

that you will type to access a command.

1. Options > User Interface. On the

Configure Section, under the Tools and
Analyses, Find the Keyboard Shortcuts
1
and then select Customize… You can
also type KS for Keyboard Shortcuts for
easier access.
2. The Keyboard Shortcuts Window will 2

appear. On the Search Box, type any

command you want, but you can also use
the Vertical Scroll Bar to browse on your
desired command.

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 CHAPTER 1: APPLICATION MENU

3. For example, type Align, then the Align

3
with its code AL will appear. Once you
click the code, the Press new keys type
box, +Assign, and the -Remove buttons
will be available.

Now you can type any keyword or letter/s you want

to add to your Align Code (example: ALI). After
entering a command, click +Assign. But, if you
4
want to replace the existing code, simply double-
click the code and click -Remove. Although you
can just add another code, so there will be two
codes in one command.

4. Click OK.

Here are some of the available commands with

existing codes already that an Architect /
Architecture Students usually use:
• WT - Tile Windows
• MD - Modify
• KS - Keyboard Shortcuts
• PP or Ctrl+1 or VP - Properties
• MA - Match Type Properties
• LI - Model Line / Boundary Line / Rebar
• PT - Paint
Line
• SF - Split Face
• CM - Place a Component
• AL - Align
• RP - Reference Plane
• MV - Move
• DI - Aligned Dimension
• OF - Offset
• TX - Text
• CC or CO - Copy
• VG or W - Visibility / Graphics
• MM - Mirror-Pick Axis
• TL - Thin Lines / Thick Lines
• RO - Rotate
• WC - Cascade Windows
• SU – Sun Settings

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 CHAPTER 1: APPLICATION MENU

• DM - Mirror-Draw Axis • UP - Unpin

• TR - Trim / Extend to Corner • PN - Pin
• SL - Split Element • DE - Delete
• AR - Array • CS - Create Similar
• RE - Scale • LL – Level
• SO – Snap Off

>To change the Active Theme:

Active Theme allows you to change the

appearance of your User Interface’s Ribbon color,
it can be dark or light. But the default is light. 1

1. Options > User Interface, on the Visual

Experience Section, Click the drop-down
box of Active Theme. 2

2. Two options will appear, one is dark, the

other is light. The default is light, but you 3

can change it the way you desire. Select

dark. RESULT:

3. Click OK.
4. Go back to Options, then select light.
5. Click OK. 4

(Result)

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 CHAPTER 1: DRAWING TOOLS

DRAWING TOOLS:

Note: The drawing tools can be found in

Architecture Tab > Model Panel and then click
Model Line tool.

LINE

Creates a straight line or a chain of connected

line segments.
You can specify an offset for the sketched lines.
If you want line segments to be connected by
arcs, specify a radius for the fillet.
1 2
>To create a Line
1. On the drawing area, click first to
enter start point.
2. Click again to enter end point.

RECTANGLE

Creates a rectangular chain of lines by picking

two opposite corners.
You can specify an offset for the rectangle. if you
want the corners to be curved, specify a radius
for the fillet. 1

>To create a Rectangle

1. On the drawing area, click first to
enter the starting point of the
2
rectangle.
2. Click again to enter the diagonal
point of the rectangle.

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 CHAPTER 1: DRAWING TOOLS

INSCRIBED POLYGON

Sketches a plane whose vertices are the

specified distance from the center.
On the Options Bar you can specify the number
of sides and an offset or radius for the polygon.

>To create an Inscribed Polygon

1. On the drawing area, click first to
enter the starting point of the
inscribed polygon.
2. Click again to enter the end point of
the polygon.
1 2

CIRCUMSCRIBED POLYGON

Sketches a polygon whose sides are the

specified distance from the center.
On the Options Bar you can specify the number
of sides and an offset or radius for the polygon.

>To create a Circumscribed Polygon

1. On the drawing area, click first to
enter the starting point of the
circumscribed polygon. 1 2
2. Click again to enter the end point of
the circumscribed polygon.

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 CHAPTER 1: DRAWING TOOLS

CIRCLE

Creates a circle by specifying its center point and

the radius.
You can specify an offset for the circle. If you
specify a radius on the options bar, you can
place the circle with one click.

>To create a Circle

1. On the drawing area, click first to
enter circle center.
2. Drag arc radius to desired location.

1 2

START-END-RADIUS ARC

Creates a curve by specifying the start point,

endpoint and arc radius.
If you want to specify the radius first, use the
center-ends Arc tool.

>To create a Start -End- Radius Arc

1. On the drawing area, click first to
enter arc start point.
2. Click again to enter arc end point.
3. Then drag intermediate point to
1 2
define arc.
3

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 CHAPTER 1: DRAWING TOOLS

CENTER-ENDS ARC

Sketches a curve by specifying the center point

of the arc, start point, and endpoint.
Picking the start point also defines the radius. If
you move the cursor so the arc exceeds 180
degrees, the arc flips to the other side.
1

>To create Center-ends Arc

1. On the drawing area, click first to
enter arc center.

Note: Wait for the temporary alignment to

appear before clicking.

2. Drag arc radius to desired location.

3. Connect the first line to the other
2
line.

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 CHAPTER 1: DRAWING TOOLS

TANGENT END ARC

Creates a curve that connects to the end of an

existing line. The start point of the arc snaps to
the end of the existing line. Click to start the arc
at the snap point, then click again to indicate its
end point. The radius of the arc adjusts
automatically.

>To create a Tangent End Arc

1. On the drawing area, click to enter
arc start point.
2. Drag arc end to desired location.
2

FILLET ARC

Rounds a corner created by two intersecting

lines.
Select the lines to fillet. Then move the cursor
and click to define the fillet arc.
The elements are automatically trimmed to the
fillet.
2

>To create Fillet Arc.

1. On the drawing area, select first 3

entity to fillet close to the desired

end. 1

2. Select second entity to fillet close to

the desired end.
3. Drag arc radius to desired location.

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 CHAPTER 1: DRAWING TOOLS

SPLINE

Creates a smooth curve that passes through or

near specified points.
You cannot create a single closed loop with one
spline. However, you can close the loop with a
second spline.

>To create a spline

1. On the drawing area, click first to
enter spline start point.

Note: You can check the chain in the

options bar to continuously create a
spline.
2

2. Then click to enter spline control

point.

ELLIPSE

Creates an ellipse by specifying its center point

and a radius in 2 directions.
You can draw the ellipse or select an existing
ellipse and specify offset.

>To create an Ellipse

3 1
1. On the drawing area, click first to
enter ellipse center.
2. Click again to enter ellipse axis. 2

3. Then click to enter ellipse end point.

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 CHAPTER 1: DRAWING TOOLS

PARTIAL ELLIPSE

Creates half of an ellipse.

You can draw the ellipse or select an existing
ellipse and specify offset.

>To create Partial Ellipse

1. On the drawing area, click first to
1
enter partial ellipse first point.
2. Click again to enter partial ellipse
axis.
3. Then click to enter partial ellipse end
point. 3

PICK LINES
2

Creates a line based on existing wall, line, or

edge selected on the drawing area.

>To use pick lines

1. On the drawing area Select an edge
or a line to be picked.
2. Another line will appear.
1

Note: The offset distance can be changed

in the options bar.

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 CHAPTER 1: MODIFYING TOOLS

MODIFYING TOOL
1

ALIGN (AL)
Align one more elements with a selected element.
You can lock the alignment to make sure that other
model changes do not affect it.

> To Align an element (column)

2
1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel, 3

click Align tool.

2. Select line or point reference for
alignment.
3. Select an entity (wall) to align (it will
move into alignment with the
reference).

OFFSET (OF) 1

Copies or moves a selected element (such as line,

wall or beam) a specified distance perpendicular
to its length.

You can offset a single element or a chain of 2

elements belonging to the same family.

> To Offset a wall:

1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel, 3

click Offset Tool.

2. Specify the Offset distance on the
Options Bar.
3. Select the element (wall) to Offset.

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 CHAPTER 1: MODIFYING TOOLS

1
MIRROR - PICK AXIS (MM)
Reverses the position of selected elements using
an existing line or edge as the mirror axis.

Use the mirror tool to flip selected elements, or to

make a copy of an element and reverse its position
in one step.

2 3
>To use Mirror – Pick Axis on the wall:
1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,
click Mirror – Pick Axis tool.
2. Select the element (wall) that you will
mirror, then press Space bar.
3. Select the axis of reflection.

1
MIRROR – DRAW AXIS (DM)
Draws a temporary line to use as an axis for
mirroring.

Use the mirror tool to flip selected elements, or to

make a copy of an element and reverse its position
4
in one step.

>To use Mirror – Draw Axis on the wall: 2

1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel, 3

click Mirror – Draw Axis tool.
2. Select the element (wall) that you will
mirror, then press Space bar.
3. Pick start point for Axis of Reflection.
4. Pick end point for Axis of Reflection.

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 CHAPTER 1: MODIFYING TOOLS

MOVE (MV)
Moves selected elements to the specified location
in the current view.
You can also move elements by dragging them.
1
However, the move tool offers additional options
and allows more precise placement.

2
>To Move an element (column):
1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,
click Move tool.
2. Select the element (column) that you
will mirror, then press Space bar.
3. Click the snap start point of the
3
column, then click the snap endpoint of
the wall.

COPY (CO/CC)
Copies selected elements and places them in the 1

specified location in the current view.

> To Copy an element (column): 2

1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,

click Copy Tool. 3

2. Select the element (column) that you

will copy, then press Space bar.
RESULT:
3. Click the snap start point of the
column, then click the snap endpoint of
the wall.

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 CHAPTER 1: MODIFYING TOOLS

ROTATE (RO)
Rotates selected elements around an axis.

In floor plan, reflected ceiling plan, elevation, and

section views, elements rotate around a center of 1

rotation axis is perpendicular to the view. In 3D

view, the center of rotation axis is perpendicular to
the work plane of the view.
2

If desired, you can drag or click the center of

rotation control, press space bar, or select “Center
of rotation Place” on the Options Bar to relocate
the center of rotation. Then click to specify the first
4
ray of rotation and click again to specify the
second ray of rotation. 3

> To Rotate an element (column):

1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,
click Rotate tool.
2. Select the element (column) that you
will rotate, then press Space bar.
3. Click to enter rotate start ray or drag
or click the rotation center control.
4. Click to enter rotate end ray.

TRIM / EXTEND TO CORNER (TR)

Trims or extend elements (such as walls or

beams) to form a corner.
1

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 CHAPTER 1: MODIFYING TOOLS

When selected an element to trim, click on the part

2
of the element to retain. 3

> To Trim/Extend to Corner an element (wall):

1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,

click Trim/Extend to Corner tool.
2. Select the first line or wall to
trim/extend. (Click on the part you
want to keep)
3. Select the second line or wall to
trim/extend.

TRIM/EXTEND SINGLE ELEMENT

Trims or extends one element (such as a wall, line,
or beam) to a boundary defined by another
element. 1
1

Select the reference to use as a boundary. Then

select the element to trim or extend. When
selecting an element to trim, click on the part of 2

the element to retain.

> To Trim/Extend Single Element (wall):

1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,
click Trim/Extend Single Element 3

tool.
2. Select a reference as the trim/extend
boundary.

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 CHAPTER 1: MODIFYING TOOLS

3. Select a line or wall to trim/extend

(Click on the part you want to keep).
Ctrl + click to keep trimming to the
current reference.

TRIMS/EXTEND MULTIPLE ELEMENTS

Trims or extends multiple elements (such
as walls, lines, and beams) to a boundary defined
by another element.

Select the reference to use as a boundary. Then 1

use a selection box or individually select the

elements to trim or to extend.

Portions of the elements located on the side of the

2
boundary where you click or to start the selection
box are retained.

> To Trim/Extend Multiple Elements (wall)

1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel, 3

click Trim/Extend Multiple

Elements tool.
2. Select a reference as the trim/extend
boundary.
3. Select multiple lines or walls to
trim/extend.

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 CHAPTER 1: MODIFYING TOOLS

SPLIT ELEMENT (SL) 1

The Split Element cuts an element (such as walls

or lines) at a selected point or removes a segment
between 2 points.

When you split a wall, the resulting parts are

individual walls. You can modify each wall
2
independently of the other.

> To Split Element (wall):

1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,
click Split Element tool.
2. Select two points on the element
(wall) to split.

1
> To make a gap with a specific distance using
split tool:
1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,
click Split Element tool, then on the 2

options bar, check the Delete Inner

Segment.
2. Select first point, then hover your
cursor to select endpoint.

SPLIT WITH GAP

This tool splits a wall into 2 separate walls with a
defined gap between them.

For example, you can use this tool to define pre-

cast panels.

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 CHAPTER 1: MODIFYING TOOLS

> To Split with Gap an element (wall): 1

1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,

click Split with Gap tool.
2. Select an element (wall) to split.

2
ARRAY (AR)
Creates a linear or radial array of selected
RESULT:
elements. Use the array tool to create several
instances of one or more elements and
manipulate them simultaneously. You can specify
the distance between the elements in the array. 1

> To use Array:

Option 1: Linear
1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,
click Array tool.
2. Select an element (wall).

On the Options bar, click the linear , 2

and do the following options:

Number: 4 4

Move to: 2nd

3

Note: Checking the constrain will limit the

movement of an element to horizontal and RESULT:
vertical directions only.

3. Click to enter move start point.

4. Click to enter move end point.

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 CHAPTER 1: MODIFYING TOOLS

Option 2: Radial
1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel, 1

click Array tool.

2. Select an element (wall).

On the Options bar, click the radial ,

and do the following options:
Number: 4
Move to: 2nd
Angle: 90
2
Center of rotation: Place
3. Click to enter rotate start ray, drag, or
click the rotation center control, then
click to enter rotate end ray.

SCALE (RE)
1
Resizes the selected item.
The scale tool is available for lines, walls, images,
DWG and DXF imports, reference planes, and the
position of dimensions. You can scale elements
graphically or numerically.

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 CHAPTER 1: MODIFYING TOOLS

> To use Scale to an element (wall):

1. From the Modify Tab > Modify Panel,
click Scale tool. 3

2. Select the element (wall), then press

2
space bar.
3. Click to enter origin.
4. On the Options bar, select Numerical 4
> Scale: (change the scale value.)

Note: Select numerical for precise scaling, and /or

graphical for manual scaling.

PIN (PN)
DELETE (DE)
Locks a model element in place.
When you pin an element, you cannot move it Removes selected elements from the building

unless the element is set to move with nearby model. Deleted elements are not placed on the

elements or unless the level on which it resides clipboard. To undo the deletion, click Undo or

moves up or down. If you try to delete a pinned press Ctrl+Z.

element, a warning indicates that the element is When you delete a room or area from a plan view
pinned. or a section view, the project retains information
about the room or area so you can place it later.
UNPIN (UP) You can view information about the room or area

Unlocks a model element so it can move. in a schedule.

When you pin an element, you cannot move it

unless the element is set to move with nearby
elements or unless the level on which it resides
moves up or down.

To enable the element to move, unpin it.

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 CHAPTER 1: SNAPS

SNAPS

Specifies snap increments and enables or

disables snap points. 1

Use keyboard shortcuts (or the context menu) to

temporarily override object snap settings.
2
>To activate or deactivate snap in the user
interface

1. On the Manage tab>click the Snaps tool

on the Settings panel 3

2. Snaps dialogue will appear. To activate

or deactivate snaps, check or uncheck
the snaps off box.

3. Endpoint and Vertical Snap will appear if

there are two intersecting lines when
snap is active and will not appear if
deactivated.

4. On the “object snaps”, there are options

to check or uncheck to select location in
the line where to activate the snap box.

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