My 10 Golden Rules for working in Revit!

I've received a few questions and requests for what I see to be Revit best practices. I've put together a list of what I see to be the top 10 'golden rules' for working in Revit, based on the past 8 years of my career (for which I've used Revit).
I hope you enjoy the session and learn something new! Feel free to comment any feedback/questions below, or follow my channel if you enjoyed this.
Software used;
Google Remote Desktop: remotedesktop.google.com/access/
Flashback Express: www.flashbackrecorder.com/exp...
Hardware used;
Webcam: support.logitech.com/en_us/pr...
Laptop: laptopmedia.com/laptop-specs/...
Microphone: www.rode.com/microphones/nt-usb
Intro/Outro Music: www.purple-planet.com/

[@Tilestone002]

i think i laughed way too hard about that revision cloud in the ceiling :D

[@AussieBIMGuru]

It's a classic! I always liked this one too; encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcScVm9hVU53gnvOYgj0fIP2o4zkzrZQ4_4Xl4nHxhoHqGyerZKK

[@intsan4080]

Very very useful video, especially for the BIM manager. Thanks a lot Gavin!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome!

[@ArchAhmadWaheed]

Nice "Precise" Rules. Thanks for sharing.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome!

[@xefolin4622]

Great video Gavin! this is a must watch for everyone involved in a Revit project

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Thanks Jose, I'm glad you found it useful! Many of these rules I've had from my very first project so they've done some long yards for sure

[@jawidabdulrazzaq4598]

I appreciate your contribution regarding the fundamental guidelines for operating within the Revit platform.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@beto008]

Thank you. Very helpful !! It has validated certain practices I wasn’t 100% sure would be best, and taught me other ones ! I appreciate your content a lot.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome!

[@SuperbD2009]

Wow. Great tips! Thanks

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome!

[@MyGodisGreater]

Making the transition again from AutoCAD back to Revit for a new gig so thanks for these videos man they help!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome. hope it goes smoothly!

[@saugatabhattacharya5084]

Great Gavin, Keep it coming..

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Thanks Saugata!

[@crankdogs]

nicely done

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Thanks!

[@AliJax]

Good video Gavin, for those starting back at work in 2020 heed this advice and follow your BIM Managers leed.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Cheers Ali!

[@vladyslavkolomiiets]

Thanks!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome Vlad!

[@BIMGenie]

#7. I could not agree more with all your comments. Thank you. Recommend a protocol that ensures no CAD files are imported or Linked directly to a WIP model. Depending on the nature of the CAD file, intent, purpose. Unfortunately, working with some consultants still in CAD it is paramount that we create a protocol included in the process. Use Family or Project as a Container always.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome Dylan - glad to meet others of similar mindset born of the same challenge. Good point on container families - forgot about those!

[@christiangerdes7606]

Good points Gavin. Regarding linking of dwg files: I keep them all in a separate Revit file which only has one level. I copy the floor plan view as often as required and link the various dwgs with "visible in current view only". Once the views are named correctly (i.e. YYMMDD Level 1) I link that Revit file to my project and use the "by linked view" option. Clean and easy.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Brilliant point! I actually do this on large projects also - I typically call them 'container' or 'link' files. So much easier than managing custom view settings view by view or template by template. It's brilliant to be able to call out the site plan at any level too.

[@Matamjid68]

it was useful thank you

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome Mohamad!

[@jlumley]

Syncing before going to lunch is a must but, closing the session may not be feasible with gigantic models due to lost productivity waiting for it to open upon return.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Yes you could leave Revit open over lunch, I just find people still will fail to relinquish/sync in this sort of event as it encourages them to be a bit more absent minded/lax. If the model is slow to open back into it, it's likely a sign there is a bigger issue at hand to solve too.

[@unitedreddevils7832]

Great video! Now if there was only an easy way to get the "team" to listen and follow through.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

That's the hard part! Maybe check out 'Guardian' for Revit - if they need tougher love; www.iconicbim.com/guardian

[@danielsellam-kazoula9970]

Hi Guru ! ;) Two questions : - What's the best way to archive models ? Save as ? Copy the central model file ? eTransmit ? - Why not use the Lineworks Tool ? and especially - without this tool, how do you show the projected void above a level ?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Linework tool is OK in that case, but bad where filters, object styles or VG settings get the job done as they're manually controlled. I follow this process: - everyone leave central/locals - copy model and backup folder to archive - detach central copy, save as over top of old central with compact ticked on - sync, relinquish and close

[@memyadventures2730]

Amazing 🤩 do you have videos on learning about families and how to create them in correct way. 😊

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Indeed I do! I keep most of my family tutorials in a playlist on my channel. My later videos tend to be a bit more well produced but the older ones relate to family creation best practices; kzbin.info/aero/PLBKwx9iS-LulgrFUYhNddwYLdbG8fjJrt

[@memyadventures2730]

@@AussieBIMGuru really appreciate your help 😊👌🏻❤️

[@52thephotoshop]

Even better inherit a 20% implemented revit transition as an architecture grad after a bunch of people left an amazing way of working.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Yep partial implementation is far too common these days. Many firms switched over to BIM to compete, but didnt bring an innovative mindset to the table to compliment it. My advice to grads in these types of firms is get some XP on your CV and hunt down the real deal from there. Don't try to teach new tricks to old dogs, waste of time generally in my experience.

[@3-body-problem]

Thanks for this, really helpful tips that are never explained in a classroom setting. #9 Don't use hide. What's the best approach for occluding detail in a view that goes across multiple categories. (I.e cant be controlled by VG)

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Typically I'd try to use view filters where possible, finding commonality between elements cross category where possible. If hiding is required, it's OK - just avoid it where a more manageable approach is possible.

[@pavillon9365]

I use Filters too. Try to find a name convention. I name my filter to what I am filtering ( Category,Type Mark,Comments e.g. Walls_XX.00_1stFloor). Most common mistake is Hide in view and Apply hide to View (Never do so)

[@drh490]

Reference to #3 Electrical annotative symbols produces tricky scenarios when trying to maintain quality modeling but drawings that can be read and understood. Basically many electrical wall devices are very small at standard drawing scales and thus create issues when trying to model them in the correct locations while also trying to utilize different symbols to indicate the different devices. All in all, Good list! 👍

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Yes there is certainly exceptions to the rules! I know its often much easier to draw up connections as arcs and symbols cant always be in families.

[@saugatabhattacharya5084]

Hi Gavin, One problem with the view separation is that 2D element like Wiring will not show in documentation view if you update that in working view🙁

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Yes working view should only be for 3d working/sketches ideally. Documentation in documentation view, and if you need to work on annotations in those it is ok

[@m.a.7005]

Hi BIM Guru, Thank you for sharing your Revit Golden Rules. I hope you can enlighten me with #9 View Filters: As I preferred to override my link models using view filter so I can easily differentiate which discipline I am looking at but I'm having problem with e.g. I set my structural generic model/floor into color red and my architectural generic models/floor will turn red as well or I set my mechanical  pipes into color blue then my hydraulic pipes will turn blue. Is there a way of fixing this?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

I would add criteria to the filters that results in only your elements matching the filter rules. An example would be checking for a parameter value or naming rule that only applies to your floors.

[@m.a.7005]

Thank you

[@francisbergeron9779]

Maybe it is a crap rule, but for less experienced workers, I think it is important to think about how will you do you project before you do it. Set up an idea about how you will work it out so you avoid time consuming mistakes that will be expansive, just for lack of experience. Also, do you advice locking concrete column to axes? I made a project and the engineer kept changing the axes , if it wasn't lock, it was time consuming to replace everything! but since you advice to reduce constraint, locking it would be using constraint in many elements right?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Great advice - I recommend this to anyone using software in AEC, context is key. Column 'move with grids' is probably OK to use, I just suggest reducing reliance on constraintd where possible due to performance and the fact users can't see them.

[@nicholastsagkos290]

About avoiding picking lines in linked DWG, that's a problem Autodesk should solve, because pick lines is a very handy tool, it's much faster than tracing over the lines. When you link DWG, do you reckon visible in all views is better? Also, what do you think about the ghost method? Like linking all DWG in one RVT file and then link this RVT file into the project?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Yes it's a shame, a lot of it comes down to Revit's limited degree of precision which causes all sorts of problems. I doubt Autodesk will ever change or address this problem unfortunately - it's deeply wired into Revit. I usually use visible in all views for linked CAD as it's easily lost in the model otherwise. I do a single view only if the CAD file is task specific and likely not to be retained for very long in the model. Ghosting is a method I use on large projects, in this case I usually call it a 'CAD rig', which can be used to set up various linked views to use in other models rather than customizing settings each time in the host model. It also means all the DWG garbage line patterns and materials (render materials) don't pollute the main working models.

[@christopherhorner6602]

Hi Gavin, thanks for your content, it's reassuring to know you're of the same mindset and there's nothing obvious I'm missing! As a quick question, I spotted in your file naming example you used the convention outlined in BS EN ISO 19650... do you use that same convention in your company in Australia? I've just moved down under myself from the UK and am struggling to find any common/agreed approach to basic things like file and object naming, or even preference of classification systems. How do you justify the British method to your team and clients for onboarding?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Brilliant question, I was hoping a keen set of eyes might spot my example! Whilst I have been forced to work with a myriad of systems at various companies, when I have the chance to 'invent' my default is always to the most tried/tested and proven formula. To me BS/PAS1192 is the best I've seen. I've only been able to use it with an advanced BIM team on a transport project, the builder was from the UK and encouraged its use (as well as other PAS1192 terminology like MIDP/EIR). I would always justify it on merit of usage and future proofing for inevitable mandation. History shows us in Australia that we typically adopt the UK or most proven system in many cases when it comes to law and regulations. Until we have mandation (at least from a systematic perspective) on BIM in Australia it will be a pretty mixed bag, but the major contractors (CIMIC, Laing O'Rourke etc.) are definitely working on forcing ISO 19650 into the market before then if not.

[@christopherhorner6602]

@@AussieBIMGuru OK thanks, that's good to know, if a little daunting! I miss the creature comforts of everyone being on the same page! I've entered a survey company here and was hoping to build a standard "one-size-fits-all" sort of template, though now I'm thinking I may just have to broaden the variety of things within it and delete/adjust accordingly based on client demands as they pop up... its a rather sizeable amount of work to be doing when survey tends to deal with dozens, if not hundreds of projects a year, if all clients are wanting it their own special way! How the end deliverables' file naming formats then fit into a methodology that suits our own internal system is just a quandary I'll have to have a long think about...!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@christopherhorner6602 yes it can be quite onerous. If you're in a bind always draw on whatever system is in already in place I'd say, then over time guide it to a more futureproof position if it suits. Only so many hours in the working day! Don't be afraid to query client methodology also, sometimes even they don't know which system they should or are using!

[@christopherhorner6602]

@@AussieBIMGuru Hahah, yes, I've already had a poke at one or two clients in my pursuit of understanding the methods (or madness) over here!... I obviously have a bias towards the system back home and would be keen to advocate it, but I'm cautious to appearing stereotypically colonial and imposing Britishness in these foreign lands! It does not help that where survey fits in the chain of events is typically an after-thought to the design process, and often will have little to no input to how projects are first planned out. Alas, 'such is life' as Aussie icon Mr Kelly once said...

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@christopherhorner6602 haha when it comes to BIM we could probably use another re-colonization down under!

[@dragomir8192]

My one major reason for hitting the line work button is to cover up those pesky lines that show the top/bottom of air barriers in sections through walls. Say if you have brickwork only wall that extends above or below a brick skinned wall type and you join the brick but there’s no air barrier to join 😅 to the rescue. Or do you know a way that I can control air barrier cut lines globally in walls? Greetings from Sydney!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Every now and then the evil of the linework becomes necessary, I'd say thats one of them! Thanks, I'm in Adelaide these days but hope Sydney is going well.

[@jorgbo3909]

Hi, great video, is there a video on how to clean DWG files? Thanks

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Hi Jorg, I mostly relate to cleaning DWG for Revit in these videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZSuiICjf8-eodU kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5CpZ4yInL5pl6s

[@jorgbo3909]

@@AussieBIMGuru thank you very much , sir. you are doing an incredible job. I have never used autocad. thought, maybe there might have been a different solution. Have a great day, and thanks for your engagement.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@jorgbo3909 you're welcome! There are other programs out there that can read and process DWG files I think, although the key is to clean it somewhere before it reaches Revit itself and messes the model up.

[@mahefareboza2090]

Nice video, can you recommend sites that we can buy quality parametric families from?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Hi Mahefa, many BIM consultants sell their content (including myself) to their own bespoke systems. Some examples of companies include BIM Guru (mine), Xrev and Parallax. Some websites out there provide free manufaturer content as well but it's usually not a consistent system. For reference I sell a template and content in packages over here: courses.bimguru.education/ It can be used for projects and education, but not resold by other vendors.

[@zoeliu2477]

Thanks for sharing the vedio. Just one question. If you are only working on small Resi or commercial projects(less than $3m , is it still wise to model everything (based on only if you know how to model everything!) ? I was told the beginning when i started Revit back in 2014, dont model everything unless you have to, it creates big file. What r ur thoughts?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

It depends on whether it will assist the design and coordination process,as well as achieve the deliverables that have been commited to. With the right client, putting extra effort in sometimes pays off, but sometimes not - need to read them to see if they will care.

[@zoeliu2477]

@@AussieBIMGuru I suppose it really depends on the project. Most of projects I have been worked on arent required to that details nor data information. But for sure the more you do the better you get. Thanks.

[@youssefibrahim6782]

thank you for this outstanding video, but For point number 7, How can I make Linked CAD files off by default?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

The easiest way to make links off by default is to put them on worksets with the 'visible' property disabled. Unfortunately it isn't possible to load links in as 'off' in all views or templates.

[@sujanmaharjan9182]

Hey Gavin what do you think about having a single workset for all the links instead of multiple worksets? I believe that was what meant to be done after update from Revit 2017 which have option to unload for single or multiple user.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

I prefer to at least keep link worksets broken down by discipline - loading many linked files can be quite timely and sometimes unnecessary. It's up to the team if they prefer one workset I guess; the only major benefit is that people don't have the 'Oh I had the workset closed' excuse I guess!

[@sujanmaharjan9182]

@@AussieBIMGuru we have broken down our Worksets per discipline as well for the same purpose. I am just thinking 💭 😅

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@@sujanmaharjan9182 great minds think alike!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@Pierre Venter precisely, although they are a handy way to quickly turn on/off links as opposed to unload for me i find.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

@Pierre Venter i guess... most users I tend to see/use worksets like layers in my experience. Old habits die hard!

[@3-body-problem]

9:30 Captain Covid on the sidelines there?

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Haha yeah my partners to the side trying her hardest not to exist!

[@oscarjensenmusic]

thank you *clapping*

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome!

I agree, funny and annoying experiences

[@AussieBIMGuru]

I'm sure we all learnt the hard way :)

[@Nicholas.Tsagkos]

Good video, however i don't agree with all of the rules, for example Line work is an excellent tool, it is there for a reason, to use it, it's great for details when Revit doesn't work as it supposed to work.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

As for any rule there will always be exceptions, I just use it as a last resort instead of a first/lazy way out when there may be a more cover-all approach like view filters. I actually use it religiously when I show roof lines overhead.

[@Nicholas.Tsagkos]

@@AussieBIMGuru Sure, shouldn't be the first choice when something can be solved elsehow.

[@klementkr1986]

LOL just made the same presentation (more or less) in my company. Defriend country same problems. Learn to make families, and don`t be affraid of it.

[@AussieBIMGuru]

Nice one! Yep these habits definitely transcend culture, borders and languages.

[@yuriikuran1838]

Thanks!

[@AussieBIMGuru]

You're welcome!