Overview
Plan View is a basic 2-dimensional view in Revit that can be found in the project browser and there are 4 different floor plan types. The default views or the views that are created at first are associated with the levels. The level name is displayed in the Associated Level in the Properties. As each view type offers its specific feature, it is important to understand what can be done in different view types.
Floor Plans and Reflected Ceiling Plans
Floor Plans and Reflected Ceiling Plans are the default view type in Revit and they will be created automatically when the level is created (but if you copy the level, it won't create the views). Floor plan is the view looking down from the top, whereas RCP is looking up from the bottom. There are floor plan types that can be created and the view template can be assigned to the types which allow easy setup and automation. Floor plans and RCP can use the room colour scheme. The floor plan views that are created by default will be related to the associated level.
❶ Assign a view template to the Floor Plan type ❷ Assign a view template to the view ❸ Assign the colour scheme to the view
How to create the new plan type?
Edit Type > Duplicate > Ok
In any floor plan view, there is an Edit Type button in Properties.
❶ Click the Edit Type button ❷ Click Duplicate button ❸ Name the new floor plan type ➍ Click Ok ➎ Assign a view template ➏ Click OK ❼ The new Floor Plan Type has been created
Area Plans
Area Plan has a different plan type from the floor plan type. You cannot create/duplicate the area plan type, but you need to create the area scheme first and create the area plan and then assign the view template to the area plan type. It is mainly used to calculate different areas such as GBA, GFA or NLA since the area calculation definition is different from region to region. It is important to understand that you need to create multiple area schemes to have multiple area calculations. Do not create multiple areas in one area plan.
Difference between Area plan and Floor plan
Area plan can display area as well as room, but the room colour scheme cannot be used. Area can only be used in Area plan exclusively. You can only create the floor plan type in the area scheme by adding new. Area plan cannot use the callout from the floor plan.
How to create the new area type?
Architecture > Room & Area > Area and Volume Computations > Area Schemes > New
Re-name the area name and description to suit its purpose, then it will appear when you create the area views.
❶ Go to Room & Area and click Area and Volume Computations ❷ Click New buttom ❸ Name the new area scheme ➍ Go to View tap and select Area Plan ➎ Select the new area scheme ➏ Select the plans that you want to create ❼ Click Ok
Structural Plans
Structural plans can have two views: floor plan and reflected ceiling plan. The view direction parameter is only available in the structural plan type and it can be easily changed.
Difference between Structural plan and Floor plan
The only difference between Structural Plan and Floor Plan is that the structural plan is able to change the view direction up or down in the properties. Otherwise, it is basically the same.
How to change the view direction?
Go to the structural plan and edit type. You will see the view direction parameter.
How to create the plan views?
View > Plan Views > Floor Plan > Select Views > OK
*When you need to create more levels, make sure to draw in elevation/section. Otherwise, you need to create the associated views separately. Copying the existing levels will not create the associated views automatically.
Floor, Structural, and Area plans can share the same view template, whereas RCP has its own view template category.
Summary
Although there are many floor types available in Revit, they have few differences among them. However, there are some unique features that you need to consider when creating a view.
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