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A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting New Revit Project

Updated: May 30

Starting a new project can feel overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with the process. But don't worry, we're here to help you navigate through the essential steps in simple language.


Step 1: Start New Revit Project

First things first, create a new project and choose the standard template. If you don't have a standard template, we offer an essential template in our BIM store. This template gives you a blueprint to begin with, making things easier.


start new model in revit


Step 2: Fill in the Details

Next, you'll need to fill in some basic information about your project such as project name, project number, project address, client, and so on. This helps keep everything organized and should be reflected in all sheets.


fill in the project details in revit project information


Step 3: Set the Location

Set the location  where your project is located. This helps with things like figuring out how the sun will shine on your building, which will result in the correct shadow study.


set the location in Revit


Step 4: Add the Survey

Now, you'll want to link* the survey file, which is normally in CAD format. It may require an audit if the elements in CAD behave unexpectedly. One of the main issues would be the lines moving around when zooming. 


Link survey CAD into the Revit model


Step 5: Decide Project Base Point (PBP) and Project North

You'll need to set two important things: where the PBP of your project is and which way is Project North in the model. This helps keep everything lined up properly in documentation. Ideally, PBP and internal origin should be in the same location.


Determine the project base point in Revit


Step 6: Re-locate the Survey file

Once two things are determined in step 5, make sure the survey is relocated and rotated to the position where PBP is located.  


relocate the survey file in Revit


Step 7: Rotate True North

At the moment, True North and Project North are the same. Go to any floor plan and change the orientation to True North. Then use the ‘Rotate True North’ tool to rotate the True North. It will be the opposite rotation to the survey file you did rotate. 


Rotate True North in Revit


Step 8: Specify the Coordinates (if available)

If you have the survey file that has exact coordinates set up for your project, you can get the coordinate of the PBP location from the file, and specify it by using the ‘Specify Coordinates’ tool.


Specify the coordinates in Revit


Step 9: Add Levels

Create the initial levels to start with. It can be changed throughout the process, but make sure all the elements are associated with the appropriate levels. 


Add Levels in Revit


Step 10: Create a scope box and associate with levels and grids (in the future)

Create a scope box to cover the entire site and associate with levels so that they are within the view extent. The grids will be associated with the scope box when they are created.


Create a scope box and associate with levels


Step 11: Set the shared parameter and keynote files

Duplicate the existing shared parameter and keynote files and move to the project folder as the additional parameters/keynotes will be project specific. 


set up the shared parameters and keynotes


Step 12: Create Worksets and associate with the relevant elements

Create Worksets based on the company standard and assign them to appropriate Worksets. This makes it easier to work together with other consultants.


Create worksets in Revit


Step 13: Get Ready to Design

Create working views, floor plan or area plans, to set up the workspace if they haven’t been generated so you can start designing.


Create working views in Revit


Step 14: Set Boundaries and model the surroundings

Draw the site boundary by using the ‘Property Line’ tool to match the survey. It is suggested to pick the lines from the survey although it may be slightly off axis.


Set site boundary in Revit


Step 15: Start Designing

Now that you've got everything set up, it's time to start designing and massing the ideas!



Following these steps will help you get started on your new project, even if you're new to all of this. And remember, it's okay to ask for help along the way!


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