BIM Software Tip: Revit Elevation Creation Methods
The methods for creating elevations and grids in Revit are quite similar: direct drawing, mouse picking, copying arrays, and so on. Below is a brief overview for your reference. Typically, the template file already includes two levels, so you can quickly create additional levels using editing commands like copy array, which is both convenient and efficient. Some useful tips are shared in the following sections:
1. Direct Drawing: Use the Design Bar’s Basic – Elevation command to specify the start and end points of the elevation. The system automatically aligns with adjacent elevation endpoints and displays spacing measurements. This method is very straightforward, so it will not be explained in detail here.
2. Mouse Picking: While creating elevations, if you have existing elements such as lines, components, or imported DWG files, you can pick these directly to generate a grid. To do this, select the Design Bar’s Basic – Elevation command, click on the Options Bar, and then move your cursor to pick existing lines, elevations in DWG files, or other drawing elements to automatically create an elevation.
This approach is fast; however, if the picked elements vary in length, the resulting elevations will also differ in length and require individual adjustments. This method is especially convenient for creating elevations from imported DWG files.
3. Copy Array: After creating the first elevation line using one of the previous methods, you can use the Copy Array command to quickly generate additional elevations. Here are some tips:
(1) Copy: Select a level, then click on the Copy command in the toolbar. In the options bar, enable Constraint and Multiple. Next, click on the elevation or another reference point, then move your cursor straight up (the cursor will snap to an orthogonal state, ensuring the copied elevation is not offset). Enter the floor height distance, press Enter to copy one elevation, then continue entering distances and pressing Enter to create the remaining elevations. (See Figure 1)
Note: The Constraint feature keeps the cursor aligned orthogonally.
(2) Array: Use the Array command to create multiple elevations with equal spacing and height. Select a level and click the Array command in the toolbar. In the options bar, enable Group and Associate and Constraint. Set the Number of Items, then click on the elevation or another reference point and move the cursor upwards (the cursor will maintain orthogonal alignment, so elevations won’t be offset). Enter the spacing between adjacent axes and press Enter. When prompted, confirm the Number of Items—you can adjust this value either in the prompt or in the options bar. (See Figure 2 below)
Note: Enabling Group and Associate groups all copied objects. This allows you to select any one of them to easily modify the number of copies later.
However, when Group and Associate is enabled, header texts cannot be edited directly; you must enter the group editing mode. Therefore, it is recommended to finalize the number of copies before ungrouping the elevations.
The names of elevations created using these methods will be automatically sorted based on the numbers or letters following their names.
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